Breed Notes
20th August

Apologies to both Midland Collie and to judge, Shelley Skinner, as I missed out the SAC classes at the recent Ch show this was all down to deadline pressure  and other matters. Shelley has the Nikal affix and is well known by many in the show ring, with her tricolours, now both in Veteran and winning well. She had a nice entry over the 3 classes of 17 and found her winners in Corydon Krug for Miranda Blake; Shirley Daley with Rahlissa Charmaine with Melayla and Eleri Bluck and Salsina Sharing Secrets. Another correction to MCC, thanks to owner Norma Larkin, who let me know that her Rahlissa Toffee Cake for Denora (bred by Val Tame, sired by Ch Born To Be Quite Famous Lynmead out of Riverside Song Xtra Sweet at Rahlissa Imp Rom) had a good day, as she 2nd in Puppy and also won Maiden Bitch. Not as I reported. Norma is obviously thrilled with this as she actually ended the day Reserve Best Puppy Bitch which was quite a tonic for Norma who has not been 100% recently and is also grateful to Sally Humprey for moving her on the day.

Now to Paignton, held at the WestPoint Arena, near Exeter but on a Monday, which makes attendance difficult for those with work commitments. Looking at the overall entries, our breed was 4th highest in the Pastoral Group only behind Bearded Collies, Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs.

There were benches provided by Danco and they were of a good size with In/Out rings for the breeds, however, during the morning there were showers but it was mainly dry so dogs could be assessed easily, albeit the ring was on a slope.
Centre stage, on his first Ch show appointment for our breed, was Mr. Gary Clarke, well known for his Claygar Border Collies and piloting the late Ch/Aus Ch Danari De Beers to his many group and BIS wins

Gary’s choice for the DCC was Alison Grainger and her sable, Samhaven Ballahana Banjo, winning his first CC. He is a sable, sired by Ch Samhaven Sound Track out of Samhaven From The Top Draw and bred by Liam Kelly from N Ireland and he won Limit. As Alison had bred both the sire and dam, it is quite in order to add your kennel name to the front of the original registered name for those wishing to know.

Taking Open for John Congdon was Jive, better known as Ch/Fr Ch Jugband Blues du Clos de Sea-Wind via Aaronwell and he helped celebrate John’s birthday by taking home another Reserve CC

Best Puppy dog went to Christine and Noel Collins and their sable boy, Triburle Chance of Passion who won the first class of the day, MPD. He is sired Fridens Xtra Chance for Salsina (Imp Russia) out of Salsina Share The Passion with Triburle. Whilst Louise Rae’s Antoc Soul Mate, handled by “mum” Sue won Veteran.

Bitches were headed by Ch “Nellie” who was winning her 4th CC from Limit. I am sure you all know her details but she is sired by Ch Ingledene Spirits Arise out of Saganan Lady True Blue. She is bred by her other co-owner, Kate Arrowsmith and if you recall, along with her siblings was virtually hand-raised by Gwen Beadon from birth and came to live with Gwen later

Taking Open, at her first show since the start of the pandemic was Ch Antoc Soul Diva, by Ch Jopium Touch of Soul at Triburle out of the late Francheska from Antoc and she headed a class of 12 lovely ladies, for Carole & Jim Smedley and took home the reserve CC and she also won Veteran.

BOB went to Ch Saganan Blue Diamond JW (Nellie), Best Puppy to Christine and Noel and BVIB went to Ch Antoc Soul Diva better known to her friends as the Houdini Hound as she can still escape and go walkabout when she wishes! We would have hoped with maturity she would have given up the practice.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)