London & Provincial Collie Club

Show – London & Provincial Collie Club

SHOW 2 – BEST IN SHOW

Date – 16th Aug 2026

Judge – Lynda Nicholas (Nickarlyn)

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge BIS at Show 2 of their double open show. It was a summer garden party atmosphere, lovely large outside rings though a little bit warmer than the forecast suggested. Thank you to both breed judges for sending forward some lovely dogs. Somehow today turned into a smooth blue day…………..

BEST IN SHOW – Smooth collie

Benton – CH Blamorder Double or Quits of Oakstelle JW

Smart bitch turned out in excellent order, soundly constructed showing balance throughout. Femininity, size and substance all in one package. Her colour is excellent – silvery blue splashed and marbled – not only took BIS, easily snatched the prize for best coloured blue I judged today. Good length to head, clean wedge from all angles, nicely rounded muzzle, tight lip line, good stop and parallel planes. Almond oblique eye, and whilst she is blue, I would prefer them a shade darker brown to further enhance an already sweet expression. Shapely arch to neck and with some extra maturity has settled into front assembly. Good topline held on the move with a long well set/carried tail. Low set parallel hocks used to advantage. I asked for a slower speed out and back as she tends to think she is a sprinter rather than an endurance athlete, and she showed precise movement at both speeds.

RESERVE BEST IN SHOW – Smooth collie

Howard,Howard & Fort – Shulune Imperial Inkheart with Casatentola

I last saw him as a puppy and was pleased to have the opportunity to assess him again - he is young and still has oodles of time to mature further. I believe the best is yet to come. Good expression, all male without any coarseness. Head markings can be a little deceiving; head is balanced with a well-placed stop. Well set, dark almond eye. Rounded muzzle though would prefer a tad more length to headpiece. Arch to neck leading into well laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm with good depth to brisket. Nice rib reaching well back and strong loin. Today felt his silhouette could benefit for a little more length to height ratio. Good core body strength and well-toned rear quarters. Bone to compliment his size. Attentive to his handler and moved with purpose with accurate footfall.

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW – Rough collie

Wray – Ramsden – Takhisis Lady is a Tramp

At just 8 months this tri lady displays a lovely silhouette even carrying a wealth of puppy coat. She did not quite have the energy and enthusiasm on the move as the smooth – but I forgave her on such a long hot day – she did more enough to show that she can move as her angles suggest. The most feminine of heads, lovely balanced proportions, a clean wedge for all angles, dark almond shaped oblique eyes and excellent ears made for a beautiful expression. Well set long tail carried well. She has a fair bit of growing on, maturing and tightening up to come – but what an exciting prospect.

BEST VETERAN IN SHOW - Smooth collie

Benton – CH Oakestelle Artemis ShCEx VW

Feminine blue of 9 yrs in great body condition with a balanced outline. Clean wedge-shaped head with correct stop dark almond eye with good pigment, clean through the cheeks, flat backskull and lightly tipped ears giving alert expression. Excellent dentition for age, tight lip line with just enough underjaw. Would ideally like more of her all over - though everything in proportion and balanced. Out moved her rough counterpart today showing more drive - covering the ground well. Even at 9 yrs - no denying her ability to do a hard day’s work. Handled to advantage.