Breed Notes - 19th November 2021

Now we appear to be returning to some form of normality regarding shows and events, those of you who are well organised and have your 2022 diaries to hand, please mark Sunday 9th January as the EACA Rough Collie of The Year Competion down. This annual event is open to all Best Puppy in Breed, Best of Breed, Reserve BOB, Best Opp Sex in Breed and BOB as a Veteran at any of the East Anglian Regional Shows and to those winning 1st/2nd or 3rd at the EACA Ch Shows or 1st/2nd at the EACA Open shows that were held during 2021. The two judges have been selected but will NOT be announced until show day. Judging will be at 10.30am at the usual venue of Littleport Leisure Centre, Camel Road, Littleport, Nr Ely Cambs CB6 1EW. The day will end with a lunch party and the fiendish annual Quiz. Due to some restrictions, there will not be the normal celebration lunch but the “Food Van” has been booked and is available for Hot Food on the day.
If you wish to attend, please contact Miranda Blake, Pinfold Close, Fenton, Newark, Notts. NG23 5DE or by e mail to mirandacorydon@gmail.com.  For a booking form. The cost for this will be £10 per dog per contest and you will receive a free colour commemorative catalogue and a special rosette with your Collie’s name on. All entries MUST be received by 24th December 2021.

Following my notes concerning Roughs in Agility, I have been contacted by quite a few owners/breeders, including Angela Harvey. She has let me know of 2 of her breeding, Wicani Butterfly, known as Florence, who has reached Grade 7 back in 2020 for owner/trainer Pamela Kane and Wicani Revered Spirit (Rush) for Nicola Garrett who gained Grade 6 this year at the age of 7 years young. Another most interesting piece of information regarding Agility comes from Finland, where the sport is accepted easily over there. A blue bitch became an Agility Champion in Finland and then rose to Agility Champion rated number 14 in the world. This was a blue Corydon Bred bitch, which also gained awards in breed classes but was often not placed as she was livelier and did not carry too much weight but it does go to show what can be achieved within our breed as often a good Rough will be faster through the course than the average Border Collie!
It would appear that some collies take to Agility like “ducks to water” whilst others, including mine, do something once, look at me, then question as to reasoning to repeat the exercise! I am told that owners/handlers are quite fit and everyone enjoys the exercise.  Keep up the good work and do keep me posted if you to have an “Agility Rough”

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)