English Shetland Sheepdog Club

English Shetland Sheepdog Club Open Show
19.04.2026
Reidun Monsholm

It was a great honour to receive the invitation to judge the ESSC Open Show, and I would like to sincerely thank the committee for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to extend my thanks to the committee members and my excellent ring personnel for the warm welcome, kindness and hospitality shown throughout the day, all of which made the appointment such an enjoyable occasion.

Having studied and admired English Shetland Sheepdogs since the 1980s, I was particularly pleased to see so many quality exhibits present on the day. For a number of years, front construction has been an area of concern within the breed and, whilst I did encounter some unsatisfactory fronts here too, I was nevertheless encouraged to observe signs of improvement. I was also pleased to find several exhibits with balanced outlines, pleasing heads and expressions, and good breed character. Movement in general was sound, with a number of dogs showing true and efficient action both coming and going.

There were a few exhibits carrying more weight than I would ideally like to see, something which inevitably affects both outline and movement, and also some that could have cleaner teeth, but on the whole I was very satisfied with the overall quality of the entry. Depth of quality in several classes made for some difficult decisions, particularly where exhibits differed in virtues and shortcomings, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to judge these lovely dogs.

Baby puppy bitch (2 1)

1. Winfield, Mrs V - Oakcroft Copacabana NAF
A nice young puppy bitch, 4 months old, full of personality and charm. She has a nice expression and presents a pleasing overall picture. Dark, expressive eyes, neat ears, and an excellent underjaw. Very good bone for her age and a promising coat coming through. Nice reach of neck. Nicely angulated front and rear, standing well and moving soundly. A promising youngster for the future. BBPIS

2. Revill. Mrs D D - Mosardi Dare To Dream
A charming 4 month old blue merle puppy with a pleasing overall outline. Well grown for age, with a good coat and colour displaying attractive, well-broken merling. Nice head properties with correct parallel planes. Eyes are nicely set and angulated, though a touch rounded. Neat, well-set ears, typical blue merle sizing. Long, well-carried tail. Enough bone for her age with good angulation both front and rear. Good neck and level topline. Movement is understandably a little immature at present, but carried out with great enthusiasm.

Minor puppy dog (1 0)

1. Bray, Mrs G - Lianbray Launcelot
Very sweet and charming 8 months old golden sable puppy of good breed type, presenting a pleasing outline for his age. Well-proportioned, wedge-shaped head with correct parallel planes and a good underjaw already developing well. Dark, expressive eyes. Neat, well-set ears, a little heavy. Nice size. Very good bone and substance. A bit narrow in front at present. Firm topline for his age, though I would prefer a little more neck and length of body which I hope develops more over time. Coat of good texture and pretty colour. Still understandably a little immature in movement, but already demonstrating good reach in front and a developing drive behind. Well handled and presented. A promising youngster.

Puppy dog (4 1)

1. Miles, Mrs. J - Milesend Musician
A beautiful 10 month old puppy of excellent type, who immediately catches the eye. He possesses a beautifully moulded head with parallel planes and a good stop. Well-set ears, nicely tipped. Pleasing dark almond shaped eyes, obliquely set. Attractive coat with excellent colour. At present a little inexperienced and inclined to stand under himself, but this will undoubtedly improve with maturity and training. Good size. Nice sweep over the loin. Adequately angulated front and well angulated in rear. Moves soundly coming and going. Happy temperament. Very promising indeed—one I would happily take home! BPIS

2. Walker, Mrs. S - Cuilshelties Touch of Class With Grandgenes
Handsome 11 month old blue merle youngster who immediately catches the eye with his presence and overall balance. Excellent coat quality and a well-broken blue merle colour, complemented by nice tan markings. He is on the taller side, though maintaining enough refinement and not appearing coarse. Head is well shaped with correct wedge proportions, well defined stop and pleasing eye placement, giving a typical expression. Ears typically sized for merles, well set and used effectively. Good neck and body proportions, with a firm topline. Front still developing. Well angulated rear. Moves soundly with excellent reach and drive, covering the ground efficiently. Well presented and shown to advantage.

3. Morrison, Mrs R - Milesend Dancing Master at Ketim

4. Norris, Mrs V - Ferngrove’s Onyx

Junior dog (1 0)

1. Naulls, Mr B - Wynele Final Impact
A charming 17 month old golden sable dog of nice type. Stylish in outline with a well-carried neck. Head well balanced with correct parallel planes, good stop, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a good strong underjaw. Ears could show a more refined tip, but are correctly placed. Coat of correct texture, with lovely colour and a stylish big white collar. Adequately angulated in front and rear. He is a little narrow in ribcage at present, but that will hopefully improve with age. Moves cleanly from all sides, covering the ground well. Nicely presented.

Novice dog (4 1)

1. Morrison, Mrs R - Milesend Dancing Master at Ketim
A beautiful 10 month old sable male presenting a most pleasing overall outline and balance. Well-shaped wedge head with parallel planes and a well defined stop. Dark, almond-shaped eyes and neat, well-set ears. Tail well set, on the shorter side. Chest still developing, though he is well developed in rear with good angulation. Good length of neck. Excellent coat with good structure and very nice colour. Moves very well from all angles with nice reach and drive, though needs to firm up a little in pasterns. Presented to advantage and shown well.

2. Naulls, Mr B - Wynele Final Impact
See junior dog

3. Bray, Mrs G - Lianbray Launcelot

4. Norris, Mrs V - Ferngrove’s Onyx

Graduate Dog (6 3)

1. Robinson, Mrs S - Dippersmoor Starmaker for Lavika
Very attractive 13 month old golden sable youngster with a pleasing, balanced outline and correct proportions throughout. Lovely wedge-shaped head with parallel planes and a soft, appealing expression. Eyes well shaped and obliquely set. Neat ears with correct tip, enhancing expression. Lovely length of neck leading into a well-balanced body. Level topline. Ribcage developing appropriately for age. Well laid shoulder and good return of upper arm, combined with well-angulated hindquarters. Moves freely with good stride length and coordination for his age. Coat of nice quality with an attractive golden colour. Very well presented.

2. Norris, Mrs V - Ferngrove’s Code Blue JW
A nice 2 years old blue merle male, heavier in type than some, yet balanced and retaining good breed character. Attractive head with well-defined wedge shape, dark almond-shaped eyes and excellent tan markings adding richness to expression. Ears neat and well carried. Strong neck and good body proportions. Well angulated in the rear, providing great power on the move, with adequate angulation in front. Good length of tail, carried correctly. Moves soundly, covering the ground with reach and drive, maintaining a steady topline. Coat a bit heavy, but of excellent texture and density. A clearer and lighter blue colour would enhance overall presentation.

3. Rutterford, MS J - Myter Black Tarquin at Stormhead JW

4. Winfield, Mrs. V - Iskander Bohemia Classic For Oakcroft JW

5. Keighley, Mr J - Fenstyle Fire Wizard

Post Graduate dog (3 2)

1. Winfield, Mrs. V - Oakcroft The Mandalorian JW.
A very masculine sable dog, 3 years old, on the larger side but well proportioned with an attractive outline. Good coat and colour. Nice wedge-shaped head with good parallel planes. A little deep in skull, but he has good balance between skull and muzzle. I would prefer a little more finish to muzzle and underjaw. Dark almond-shaped eyes, well set. Ears very well tipped and carried. Stands correctly on his feet. Nicely balanced with good bone and substance. Good length of neck. Nice short hocks with good strength. Well angulated front and rear, moving with good reach and ground coverage.

2. Linford, Miss D J - Hillhenry In Your Honour
Very stylish and eye-catching 4 year old tricolour male with a lovely coat and colour. Presents a pleasing overall picture. Head well proportioned with correct parallel planes. Eyes nicely positioned though a touch full. Ears with correct tip. Lovely neck and outline. Adequate angulation in front, well angulated in rear. Good bone and substance, excellent coat and condition. Tends to stand a bit weak in hind quarters, which affected his overall picture in the challenge. Moves well with good reach and drive. Very nice coat and colour, with a flashy white collar. Very well presented and shown with confidence.

3. Revill, Mrs D D - Mosardi Don’t Stop

Open dog (1 0)

1. Robinson, Miss K - Ch. Lavika Deep Blue Ocean
An outstanding 6 year old male who impressed greatly on the day, combining quality, balance and presence. Lovely outline and overall balance. Beautifully proportioned head with correct parallel planes, well-placed stop and lovely blue eyes enhancing expression. Good underjaw. Ears well set and carried. Excellent neck and carriage leading into a well-balanced body with correct proportions. Nice short hocks. Good depth of chest and excellent firm topline. Well angulated both front and rear, giving effortless, ground-covering movement with excellent drive. Coat of high quality and correct colour. Presented and handled to perfection. BD RBIS

Special Open Sable and white dog (2 2)

1. Mettan-Ure, Miss L - Oakcrofts Venturer Avec Savendie
A very attractive 6 years old shaded sable dog on the shorter side, with a very pleasing outline. Excellent coat and colour. Fairly flat scull, dark almond-shaped eyes, good stop, soft expression and good underjaw. Adequately angulated in front and well angulated behind. Level top line with a nice sweep over the croup into a well set tail. Nice short hocks. Good substance and bone, carrying a good coat. Moves with good reach and drive. Presents a balanced and harmonious picture.

2. Norris, Mrs V - Ferngrove’s Valentino JW
Attractive 4 year old sable male with nice overall balance. On the larger side, with pleasing type and proportions. Coat of good texture and excellent colour. Well proportioned head with parallel planes, a nice flat skull and a well defined stop, and good underjaw. Almond shaped eyes, obliquely set. Ears well set and used effectively to enhance expression. Neck of excellent length with good layback of shoulder and nice length of body with a reasonably firm topline. Adequate depth of chest. Nicely angulated front and rear. Well set tail, on the shorter side. Moves with purpose and drive, maintaining nice balance on the move. Well presented.

Special open blue merle dog (3 0)

1. Walker, Mrs. S - Cuilshelties Touch of Class With Grandgenes
See Puppy Dog

2. Forster Parish, Miss M R - Lowick Blueberry
A 5 year old masculine blue merle male of pleasing type and overall shape. Attractive head with parallel planes, good underjaw and neat ears, although I would prefer slightly higher ear carriage. Well-shaped blue eyes, correctly obliquely set, giving a pleasing expression. Not in full coat today, but what is present is of good texture. Well angulated fore and aft with good layback of shoulder. Tends to stand slightly underneath himself behind, which detracts somewhat from his overall outline. Good bone and correct tail set. Moved well with good drive.

3. Stock, Mrs S - Shelmist Summertime Blue’s

Veteran dog (2 2)

1. Hull, Mrs G - Mohnesee’s Dream Date of Lizmark
A delightful 8 years old gentleman whom I have had the pleasure of following over many years. A dog of beautiful type and presented in a lovely golden sable coat. Possesses a well-proportioned wedge-shaped head, with dark almond-shaped eyes, good parallel planes and a well-defined stop, giving a typical and soft expression. Neat, well-set ears complete the picture. Slight weakness in pasterns, which is forgiven considering his age. Well-angled both in front and rear. Moved soundly with nice flow and correct daisy-cutting movement. Well set tail. Excellent presentation. Really a veteran to be proud of. He is litter brother to my BISV, and they are both of excellent quality. BVD RBD

2. Riding, Mrs S - Achor’s Surprise Percy Polaris For Torinska
Very pleasing 11 ½ years old veteran blue merle male who clearly enjoys his time in the ring. Maintains a balanced and typical outline. Head well proportioned with parallel planes and a good stop. Dark eyes and nicely tipped ears, used well. Good length of neck and overall outline. Nice size and level top line. Front angulation sufficient, while his rear remains sound for his age. Moves with good reach and enthusiasm, holding his outline well. Nice colour for his age. A credit to his years.

Minor puppy bitch (4 1)

1. Hateley, Mrs K E - Mohnesee Ria’ly A Dream
A delightful 8 months old golden sable bitch puppy of lovely overall type and expression. Presents a beautifully balanced wedge-shaped head with dark almond-shaped eyes, flat scull, good underjaw and neat, well-used ears. Slightly immature in front and topline at this stage, but she has a good shoulder and is well angulated behind. Good length of neck and elegant shape. Nice short hocks. A puppy who immediately catches the eye and shows great promise for the future. Side gait has excellent reach and drive, covering the ground well. Lovely temperament. Very well handled and presented. BPB

2. Stock, Mrs S - Sapphire Moon For Shemist
A very nice 10-month-old blue merle bitch with an excellent overall outline and pleasing balance. Coat of attractive colour and texture. Feminine, well-shaped wedge head with parallel planes, stop could be more defined, but complemented by good tan markings. Ears a little large and somewhat heavy at present. Lovely silhouette with a long, well-carried tail. Good neck flowing into a firm topline. Very well angulated behind, whilst the forehand is still developing, as expected for her age. Moved freely and soundly, covering the ground well. Well presented throughout.

3. Mettan-Ure, Miss L - Savendie Highland Lullaby

4. James, Mr J & Mrs V - Valmay Serenade

Puppy Bitch (3 1)

1. Hateley, Mrs K E - Mohnesee Ria’ly A Dream
See minor puppy bitch

2. Stock, Mrs S - Sapphire Moon For Shelmist
See minor puppy bitch

3. Mottram, Mr K F & Mrs J - Grandgenes Designed In Gold For Locharen

Junior bitch (4 1)

1. Lambert, Mr D & Mrs M - Blenmerrow Musetta
A feminine 15-month-old sable bitch presented with a lovely golden coat. Well balanced throughout with pleasing proportions and an attractive overall outline. Head pleasing with parallel planes, a well rounded muzzle and good underjaw, though a slightly more defined stop would further enhance her expression. Dark, almond-shaped eyes, well placed, and neat ears used effectively. Soundly constructed in front with good spring of rib and well-angulated hindquarters. Bone appropriate to her size. Lovely topline and silhouette. Moved very well with balance and ease, particularly in profile, demonstrating her sound construction and excellent movement. She was in a strong class, and she won due to her excellent movement and construction. Well presented throughout.

2. Miles, Mrs J - Milesend Rich Blend
A beautiful 1 year old golden sable bitch of excellent overall quality, presenting a most charming and feminine expression. Displays good parallelism between skull and muzzle, with a well-defined stop. Lovely dark eyes with excellent shape and position, though I would prefer them slightly more obliquely set. Neat ears, correctly set, a touch heavy in tip. Good strength of underjaw. Well-balanced throughout with pleasing substance for her age. Front and rear angulation is balanced and harmonious, with a well laid back shoulder and elegant neck contributing to her attractive outline. Shown in a most attractive golden sable coat of excellent colour and texture. Sound on the move. A promising young exhibit with much to admire and a bright future ahead. She was a hard competitor for 1st place in class.

3. Jackson, Miss M D -Kishdigra An Irish Blessing For Clairavelle

4. Sutherland, Mrs D & Mr I - Holamber Gold Blonde Diva

Novice bitch (4 2)

1. Hateley, Mrs K E - Mohnesee Ria’ly A Dream
See minor puppy bitch

2. Stock, Mrs S - Sapphire Moon For Shelmist
See minor puppy bitch

3. Powell, Ms G - Truly Alula At Kimgilee

4. Robson, Mrs D - Saxonoak Rose Of Cimarron

Graduate bitch (7 4)

1. Hayhurst, Mrs S - Keycharm Samba
Very appealing 4-year-old sable bitch with a stylish outline and correct stance. She stands well on her feet at all times, giving the impression of a soundly constructed and balanced exhibit. Feminine head with good proportions between skull and muzzle, correct stop and pleasing eyes contributing to a sweet expression. Nicely almond-shaped eyes, although a shade light. Ears slightly heavy, though well set and used effectively, and lighter in carriage today than when I last saw her. Excellent length of neck flowing into well-balanced body proportions and a firm topline. Good angulation front and rear, with good bone and substance throughout. Presented in a lovely sable coat of rich colour which enhances her overall appearance. Moved well with balance and coordination, maintaining her outline on the move and covering the ground with ease. A quality bitch shown in excellent condition.

2. Lambert, Mr D & Mrs M - Blenmerrow Lullaby
Very nice almost 3-year-old sable bitch with excellent balance. Feminine, well-proportioned wedge-shaped head with parallel planes, a well-defined stop and good underjaw. Almond-shaped eyes giving a typical expression. Ears well set, though slightly heavy. Good length of neck flowing into a well-balanced body of correct proportions. Ribcage well developed with well-laid shoulders and balanced angulation throughout. Good bone. Soundly constructed and moving well from all angles with balance, coordination and good reach and drive. Tail of correct length and carriage. Coat of good quality and correct sable colouring. Presented in excellent condition and shown to advantage.

3. Winfield, Mrs V - Oakcroft Amazing Star

4. Bray, Mrs G - Lianbray Lucy Locket JW

5. Gruszka, Mr S & Mrs D - Achor’s Surprise Himalaya Over Samphrey

Post graduate bitch (5 0)

1. Thomas, Mrs M - Myter Lunar Eclipse
An attractive 3-year-old tricolour bitch of sound construction, presented in beautiful coat and colour. Feminine wedge-shaped head with a very sound underjaw and well-set ears, although slightly wide in carriage. Rich tan markings and dark almond eyes complete the pleasing expression. Excellent front construction, superior to most seen today, combined with well-angulated hindquarters and nice short hocks. Balanced and harmonious throughout, with a strong yet feminine overall outline. Moved with lovely, effortless, ground-covering action, maintaining her balance and topline at all times. Presented to a very high standard.

2. Miles, Mrs J - Milesend Black Ribbon
A lovely 2,5 year old bitch of high quality and excellent type. Feminine head with pleasing almond-shaped eyes, correct parallel planes and a well-defined stop. Well angulated fore and aft, presenting a stylish and balanced outline. Moved very well with balance and ease, covering the ground soundly and maintaining her outline on the move. Coat of good texture and excellent colour, with a flashy white collar. In very close competition for first place, as she possesses beautiful breed type, but the class winner had really excellent front construction on the day, which ultimately decided the placing.

3. Johnson, Jacobs & Johnson, Mr R, Miss G & Miss W - Willowthorn’s Roulette JW

4. Riding, Mrs S - Achor’s Surprise Jolly Blonde Teazle For Torinska

Limit bitch (7 2)

1. Hayhurst, Mrs S - Keycharm Sweet Candy
A lovely 3-year-old sable bitch of excellent type and balance, super feminine and presenting a very pleasing overall picture. Head well proportioned with parallel planes and a good stop. Soft, typical expression with almond-shaped eyes, although a shade light. Ears well set and used effectively. Consistently stands correctly, reflecting her sound and well-balanced construction. Nice short hocks. Good length of neck flowing into a firm topline. Decently angulated in front with very good rear angulation, enabling her to move freely and in balanced fashion with good coordination. Nice bone throughout. Presented in a beautiful coat of lovely colour and texture. Well presented and shown to advantage.

2. Robinson, Mrs S - Dippersmoor Dazzling Star JW
Attractive 2,5 year old shaded sable bitch with a refined and feminine outline. Elegant throughout with a very pleasing silhouette. Lovely head, well shaped with an excellent foreface, slightly pronounced stop, compensated by a very sweet expression and lovely almond-shaped eyes. Neat ears used well. Nice length of neck and overall balance. Well angulated front and rear. A touch high over the loin, but elegant none the less. Nice short hocks. Lovely coat and colour. Moves freely with good drive and coordination. Very well presented and handled.

3. Lambert, Mr D & Mrs M - Blenmerrow Daisychain

4. Hateley, Mrs K - Mohnesee’s Meliya JW

5. Winfield, Ms V - Oakcroft Graceful Star Over Savendie JW

Open bitch (1 1)

1. Bruijn, Mrs A M - SWISS/SLO Ch Erin Queen Of Clubs V ‘T Maartenshuis
A 5-year-old tricolour bitch of good size, presented in a well-maintained coat of pleasing colour. Feminine wedge-shaped head with parallel planes and an appropriate stop. Eyes of correct almond shape, contributing to a pleasing expression, though could be a touch darker in colour. Neat ears, well set and used effectively. Presents a stylish overall outline with good length of neck and well-laid shoulders, although a little straighter in upper arm than ideal. Well angulated behind and balanced in profile. Finished with a long, well-carried tail. Moved soundly and with sufficient drive.

Special open Sable and white bitch (4 1)

1. Robinson, Mrs S - Ch. Lavika Lateca
An outstanding 4-year-old bitch who immediately caught my eye upon entering the ring. Beautifully balanced throughout with a superb outline, presenting a most striking overall picture. Shown in excellent coat of rich golden sable colour and lovely texture. Feminine head, beautifully sculpted with correct proportions, parallel planes, well-placed stop and strong underjaw. Although slightly light in eye, this in no way detracts from her lovely expression. Ears well set and used to perfection. Excellent length of neck flowing smoothly into a well-balanced body with correct proportions, firm topline and harmonious construction throughout. Well angulated fore and aft, enabling effortless, ground-covering movement with style, reach and drive. Excellent bone without any coarseness. Impeccably presented and expertly handled. A bitch of true top quality and a most worthy Best in Show winner. BIS

2. James, Mr J & Mrs V - Valmay In Vogue JW
An attractive 5-year-old sable bitch with a pleasing overall outline, good length of neck and a firm, level topline. Refined wedge-shaped head with parallel planes, a good stop and neat ears, well set and used effectively. Eyes could be a little more obliquely set to complete the expression. Presented in a well-maintained coat of correct texture and pleasing sable colour. Good bone and sound angulation both front and rear, giving her a balanced appearance. Moved well with good coordination and balance, carrying herself confidently and showing to advantage throughout. Well presented.

3. Riding, Mrs S - Achor’s Surprise Orisa For Torinska

4. Jackson, Miss M D - Kishdigra An Irish Blessing For Clairavelle

Special open tricolour bitch (1 1)

1. Robson, Mrs D - Tachnamadra The Way You Look
A sweet 4-year-old tricolour bitch with very good tan markings. Nice size and shape with a feminine and refined overall appearance. Pleasing expression with neat ears and a good underjaw. Head could show a little more refinement in skull and stop. Good reach of neck and overall proportions. Adequately angulated front and rear, though a little loose in pasterns. Presented in a nice coat of good colour and texture. Moved soundly, although I would prefer a little more lightness on the move as she was carrying a little extra weight today. Very nice temperament.

Special open blue merle bitch (3 0)

1. Bruijn, Mrs A M - INT GER SWISS SLO CH Evie Ace Of Hearts V ‘T Maartenshuis
Pleasant 5-year-old blue merle bitch with a balanced outline, presenting an attractive overall picture. Feminine wedge-shaped head with pleasing eyes and a typical expression, complemented by rich tan markings. Ears well set and used effectively, enhancing her expression. Nice reach of neck flowing into a balanced body with correct proportions and a firm topline. Sufficiently angulated in front and well angulated behind, giving her a sound and coordinated appearance both standing and on the move. Moved freely with good stride length, balance and steady action. Presented in nice coat of good texture.

2. Gruszka, Mr S & Mrs D - Achor’s Surprise Himalaya Over Samphrey
A sweet 2,5 year old blue merle bitch presenting a pleasing and balanced outline. Coat in good condition with correct texture and attractive colour, complemented by pleasing tan markings. Feminine head, well proportioned with correct parallel planes and an adequate stop. Gentle, typical expression. Ears slightly on the larger side, though well set and carried appropriately. Good neck and overall body proportions, maintaining balance and breed type throughout. Sufficient angulation both front and rear. Tends to stand and move a little higher behind than ideal, and pasterns could be firmer. Nevertheless, she moved steadily and with dignity, holding her outline well in profile. Well presented.

3. Robson, Mrs D - Saxonoak Rose Of Cimarron

Veteran bitch (4 5)

1. Hateley, Mrs K - Ch Mohnesee Sweet Dreams JW VW
A bitch I have admired over many years and one of my personal favourites. A truly delightful 8 year old veteran golden sable bitch. Not in full coat today, yet still presents a beautiful and balanced overall picture. Possesses a well-sculpted head with lovely almond-shaped eyes, neat ears which she uses well, and good parallel planes with an excellent stop. Excellent muzzle and nice strength of underjaw. Well angulated both front and rear, with good depth of chest. Moves with the effortless, ground-covering action of a seasoned winner. Beautifully presented and a great credit to her owner. BVIS RBB

2. Whittington, Mrs L K - Tighness The Tide Is High JW
A beautiful 11,5 year old golden sable bitch of excellent type, presenting a most stylish and elegant overall picture. Feminine, well-shaped head with a lovely expression, slightly marred by watering eyes. Very neat ears, well set and used to advantage. Excellent length of neck flowing into a firm topline, giving her a graceful and balanced outline. Presented in an outstanding coat of excellent length, texture and rich golden sable colour, particularly admirable for her age. Adequately angulated front and rear, allowing her to move soundly and with good coordination. Beautifully presented throughout and a true credit to her devoted owner.

3. Mettan-Ure, Miss L - Valdosta Dare To Dream Of Savendie

4. Riding, Mrs S - Achor’s Surprise Blackberry Way For Torinska

Special Beginners Bitch (4 1)

1. Diviney, Mrs H - Divinecroi’s Bonny Ailbhe
A pleasant 4,5 year old sable bitch presenting a correct and composed outline. Stands consistently well on all four legs, reflecting her sound construction and overall balance. Head well proportioned with correct wedge shape, though her expression is somewhat strong for my preference. Neat, well-set ears used to advantage, good underjaw and a clearly defined stop. Good length of neck leading into a balanced body of correct proportions. Well constructed throughout with balanced angulation. Ribcage of adequate depth and spring, and a firm topline maintained both standing and on the move. Nice short hocks. Bone appropriate to size. Moves well with balance and coordination, covering the ground efficiently. Coat of good quality and correct colour. Well presented.

2. Jackson, Miss M - Kishdigra An Irish Blessing For Clairavelle
A 1,5 year old sable bitch of good overall quality. On the larger side, but presenting a feminine outline. Wedge-shaped head with correct parallel planes and a well-placed stop, complemented by a good underjaw and well-set ears that she used effectively. Pleasing expression. Good length of neck flowing into a balanced body with correct proportions. Sufficient angulation both fore and aft, with good bone appropriate to her size. Not in full coat today, but has nice texture and a pleasing golden sable colour. Moved well around the ring with steady action, holding her outline nicely on the move. Well presented.

3. Sutherland, Mrs D & Mr I - Holamber Gold Caramel Candy

4. Jackson, Miss M D - Grandgenes Look At Me At Tooralie

Judge: Reidun Monsholm