East Anglian Collie Association Championship Show 4th August 2019

ROUGH COLLIE BITCHES

It was such an honour to be invited to judge both Rough and Smooth Collies at EACA, and to award CCs in our breed - something of a 'dream come true' (and one to tick off the 'bucket list!'). My thanks to all the hard-working committee, my two 'super stewards'; Betty and Jim Peach, who kept things moving quickly, as I'd expressed my concerns about exhibits in the heat, and to the exhibitors who brought their girls to the show with its renowned 'garden party atmosphere'. 
In some classes, I was really spoilt for choice. There were, however, many exhibits lacking under jaw and a good, firm chin when viewed side-on, some also had round, light eyes and/or receding skulls. On the whole, the quality was excellent and movement was very sound. Some of the girls were impeded by being overweight and a number of exhibits had steep upper arms - which seriously affected their forward reach and was reflected in their placings. 
I was very happy with my class winners and delighted to have my Bitch CC winner declared Best of Breed (in agreement with my fellow judge, Ros Macdonald). She was ultimately awarded Best In Show by judge Miranda Blake.  I was pleased to see my choice for Best of Breed in Smooth Collies was also awarded Reserve Best In Show.


Veteran Bitch (5 entered:1 Absent)
1st: Hull's Lizmark Gold Nugget
8 year old tricolour, in super coat and hard condition, whom I first judged a good few years ago. Flat skull, well-placed dark, almond-shape eye giving a very feminine expression, slight stop, well-filled rounded fore face, good under jaw, chin and nicely balanced head. Ample length of neck, back and loin, good shoulder and upper arm. Super bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved soundly, holding a firm topline throughout. 
Best Veteran Bitch.

2nd: McGrath's Churchoak Truly For Seryphina
7 year old tri with a 'truly' feminine expression, Well placed and shaped dark eye, flat skull, ears on top and used to advantage, nicely rounded muzzle and head a nicely proportioned blunt wedge. She has a pleasing, balanced, profile when standing, with a fabulous reach of neck, back and loin. Her front extension on the move was impressive, but her rear movement was affected by a few extra pounds, which resulted in her moving quite wide at the back.

3rd: Ross' Danfrebek Bella Devine

Minor Puppy Bitch
No entries

Puppy Bitch (4:1)
1st Jackson's Sassari Sparkles
Well-made blue merle, almost 12 months old, with a super, well-proportioned, balanced outline. Darker coat colour than the others in the class, but just that touch more maturity. Nicely balanced, refined head, good ear-carriage, almond-shaped eye, skull not too deep, but would have preferred a little more under jaw. Good length of neck, back and loin, good bend of stifle and powerful hocks, which were evident on the move. Best Puppy Bitch & Reserve Best Puppy In Show.

2nd Tipper's Tiganlea Twinkling Star
11 month old silvery blue youngster, immaculately presented, in good coat, with plenty of bone. Very feminine expression, dark eye, well-proportioned head, but I would have preferred her skull slightly less deep in profile with a little more under jaw. Nicely proportioned body, good length of back and loin, but she was slightly straighter in the shoulder than class winner - which should drop with maturity. Moved well, confident and I'm sure she'll gain even more admirers as she matures, for her colour is sublime.

3rd Barron & Jenkins' Tiganlea Twinkling Saphire At Rannaleroch

Junior Bitch (6)
1st: Welsh's Thistlewing Harp String
Wow! This youngster ticked every box for me. Stunning s/w 17 months old, in full bloom, presented in immaculate condition and groomed to perfection. Super overall balanced outline, well proportioned head, flat skull - maybe a touch strong, but with a lovely rounded muzzle, ample chin and under jaw, giving that blunt wedge. Dark, almond-shaped, obliquely set eye gave an ultra-feminine expression, which really appealed. Super crest and length of neck, good shoulders, length of back, slight rise over loin and rounded croup with a low-set tail. She powered effortlessly around the large ring, wasn't phased by a different handler in the challenge, and just stole the show. I was honoured to award her first CC, Best of Breed and see her go on to win Best in Show. Congratulations!

2nd: Flower's Serenlas Heaven In Blu
Very feminine 15 month old b/m with a lovely clean head, blunt wedge, nicely shaped and placed dark eye, refined skull, ears well placed and used to advantage, finishing off her soft expression nicely. Good length of neck, back and loin, A little upright in upper arm, but that should drop with age - certainly had enough front extension on the day. Moved with drive, covered the ground easily, with a good bend of stifle and flexion in the hocks. Not carrying a full coat, but beautifully presented and a quality girl nonetheless.

3rd: Muir's Rayawna Show Girl

Novice Bitch (3)
1st: Welsh's Thistlewing Octavia
Another quality youngster from this kennel. I was surprised and delighted to find she was the litter sister of my CC winner! Very similar in type with subtle differences. This girl didn't have quite the maturity and bloom of her sister, but she did have a very similar outline. Slightly lighter s/w, very feminine expression, very well placed and shaped dark eye, flat skull, refined head, not quite as deep when viewed from the side, good under jaw and chin, giving a nice blunt wedge. Super length of neck, back and loin. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. Plenty of bone and substance, covered the ground with ease, good bend of stifle and moved with drive.

2nd: Barron & Jenkins' Tiganlea Twinkling Saphire At Rannaleroch
11 month old b/m youngster, Very feminine expression, dark eye, would have preferred a little more under jaw and depth of muzzle, but she's got a long way to go yet before she matures. Her litter sister appeared slightly more mature in the puppy class. Well-placed ears, very attentive to handler. Ample length of neck and back, leading to a good bend of stifle and strong hocks. However, she is carrying a little too much weight, which impacted on her movement, giving her quite a 'roll' and an unsteady rear gait on the move. Full marks for presentation; her silvery-flecked coat sparkled in the sunshine.

3rd: Clark's Mertisa Black Orchid with Stavods

Graduate Bitch (5:2)
1st: Vogan's Lenosann Black Cherry
Superb 3 year old tri bitch in presented in immaculate condition; glossy jet black, ice white and rich tan markings - lacking coat but oozing quality. Very feminine expression, beautifully placed almond-shaped dark eye, flat skull, well-placed ears, correct wedge-shaped refined head, lovely tight lip line with a correct length of under jaw. Excellent length of neck, back and muscular loin, correct shoulder proportions with all angles just right. Good depth and spring of rib, superb bend of stifle, well let down hocks and the most sublime movement; a fabulous front extension, excellent reach and drive from the rear. This girl is a joy to watch on the move. Simply effortless. Her topline never faltered, she held it firm with every step and showed none stop. Delighted to award her Reserve CC. I really was splitting hairs between her and the CC winner - they could so easily change places.

2nd: Lister's Ladnar Quick Step at Newarp
B/m almost 3 years old, in good profuse coat and condition. Nicely balanced wedge-shaped head, but I would have preferred slightly more under jaw. Good size, shape and placement of eyes giving a feminine expression, Good length and crest of neck, back and loin. Ample bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Unfortunately, her movement was affected by a carrying a little too much weight, I preferred the lightness and firmness of the class winner.

3rd: Clark's Mertisa Black Orchid with Stavods

Post Graduate Bitch (10:2)
1st: White's Mejola Physical Attraction
Super tricolour 19 months old - classic make and shape, growing a new fitted coat and just my cup of tea. Excellent shape and placement of a very dark eye, feminine expression, flat skull, nicely balanced head, correct length of under jaw, chin, blunt wedge, with ears right on top. When standing, she gave a false impression of length of neck, but on handling, it is the correct length and leads nicely on to a superb shoulder placement, correct length of upper arm, deep chest, correct length of back and muscular loin. Ribs well sprung, muscular loin, super bend of stifle and powerful hocks. Good bone throughout. Excelled on the move; powerful, effortless, held a firm topline, super reach and used every inch of the ring. Presented in immaculate condition, showed her socks off and was very seriously considered for higher awards. Narrowly lost out on maturity - this time.

2nd: Jones' Erjon Exclusively Special
Nicely balanced 3 year old b/m with a super overall outline. Impressive length and crest of neck, back and loin, good shoulder placement, upper arm and amount of bone. Blunt, wedge-shaped head, with a good under jaw and tight lip line. Flat skull, neat ears used to advantage - very responsive to handler. Super bend of stifle with flexible, muscular hocks making her very sound on the move, plenty of forward reach with powerful drive from the rear - covered the ground easily. Presented in superb condition, her clear blue coat, flecked with silver, glinted in the sunshine.

3rd: Collino's Imaginist Willow Wren

Mid Limit Bitch (7:1)
1st: Quince's Karafaye Black Beauty
Quality 4 year old tri bitch, whom I last judged as a puppy. She's matured into a lovely girl, with a nicely balanced head, good ear set, flat skull, super under jaw, blunt wedge and nicely rounded muzzle. I would have preferred a darker eye colour, however, the placement and shape were just right, giving a feminine expression. Good crest and length of neck, back and loin. Superb, firm topline which she held on the move. Correct shoulder angles, upper arm, depth and spring of rib. Good bone and substance, but light on the move. Presented immaculately; luxurious glossy black coat, gleaming whites and rich tan markings.

2nd: Flower's Serenlas Keeping Faith
Pleasing tri bitch, coming up 5 years old, with a very feminine expression. Refined skull, nicely balanced, although I would have preferred a little more length to under jaw. Very nicely placed and shaped dark eye, neat ears, good length of neck, back and loin. Good depth and spring of rib, good bone and substance, ample bend of stifle and strong, flexible hocks. She maintained a good topline on the move, just not quite as firm as class winner. She covered the ground well, but would have preferred a touch more forward reach. Excellent presentation.

3rd: Wray's Beldones Pandora

Limit Bitch (6)
1st: Randall's Fata Tuchina Ladnar Di Cambiano (imp)
Well-known, nicely broken up, b/m presented in excellent, immaculate condition. Fit and ready to go! Very nicely balanced profile, good length of neck, back and loin, ample bone, depth and spring of rib, bend of stifle and hocks well let down.
Ultra feminine expression, nice placement of almond-shaped eye, neat ears, tight lip line and flat skull, but again, I'd prefer slightly more under jaw. Upper arm was a little shorter than I expected, but she managed a good length of forward reach, driving well from the rear and held a super, firm topline throughout.

2nd: Whitaker's Aniesh Misty Blue Moon of Siluto
Another b/m, darker in colour, with plenty of bone and substance. She had a lovely clean head, balanced skull, good depth, dark eye, good placement and ear set. Pleasing, feminine expression, ample length of neck, back and loin. Preferred the firmer topline of class winner, but she had an excellent forward reach and moved with confidence.

3rd: Skinner's Samhaven Time Is Money With Nikal

Open Bitch (9:1)
1st: Geddes' Ingledene Spirit Of Ecstacy
Immaculate tri almost 3 years old, presented in good, hard condition. Good size with a striking outline, not to be missed. Head handled well, not too deep, with a good fore face, under jaw and chin, however, I would have preferred a sweeter eye. Nice, neat, well-placed ears, good length of neck, back and muscular loin with a low tail set. Good depth and width of chest and spring of rib. Super bend of stifle, muscular with plenty of drive from the rear, she held a firm topline throughout, but not the forward reach I was hoping for. 

2nd: White's Corydon Femme Fatale For Mejola JW
Quality 5 year old tricolour, growing a new fitted coat. Presented in superb condition, just a bit too much of her. Fit, muscular and ready to work. Superb forward reach, but her rear movement was affected by carrying those extra few pounds. Feminine expression, fabulous well placed dark almond-shaped dark eye, flat skull, ears bang on top and used well. Excellent under jaw and chin, giving that classic, correct, blunt wedge. Good length of neck, superb shoulder placement and length of upper arm, good depth and width of chest, spring of rib, bend of stifle and powerful hocks. Top line not quite so firm on the move as class winner, nevertheless, I've always had a soft spot for this girl - I just love her shape, bone, substance and that long, long tail!

3rd: Benton's Brooklynson Jane Russell Of Oakestelle

Champion Bitch (2:1)
1st: Davies' Ch. Tiganlea Silver Trinket at Sabiha
So nice to see Belle and her owner back in the ring again and both looking so well! 6 years old, nicely broken up b/m in tip-top condition, with a profuse coat, groomed to perfection and thoroughly enjoying being back in the ring. Nicely balanced head, dark eye, just a little too much stop, a little too deep and not enough under jaw for me. Good length and reach of neck, back and loin, leading to a good bend of stifle. She has gained a little weight during her absence, which affected her topline and ultimately, her movement. Nevertheless, she is a much-loved champion and well deserving of her crown. Welcome back Belle!
Judge: Maxine Mellish



SMOOTH COLLIES
Veteran Dog or Bitch (2:1)
1st: Benton's Ch. Alopex Marionette Of Oakestelle
Reserve Best Bitch, Best Veteran In Breed, Best Veteran In Show.
Well, it's no secret that I've always admired this girl since her very first show, as a very raw puppy. Now 10.5 years old and I don't think anyone has told her! She certainly doesn't show her age when she's on the move. She's always maintained a firm topline, she covers the ground so effortlessly with her impressive forward reach, trademark low tail wag, who puts many much younger dogs to shame. Well placed, almond-shaped sweet dark eye, feminine expression, good under jaw, head hasn't deepened too much over the years, flat skull, those fabulous ears - bang on top, excellent reach of neck, length of back and loin and muscle that you could bounce a house brick off! Super shoulder placement, length and angle of upper arm and well-padded, neat feet. Good bend of stifle, powerful hocks and still a pleasure to watch on the move. 
Pleased to award her Reserve Best Bitch (to her granddaughter), Best Veteran in Breed and thrilled to see her awarded Best Veteran in Show, over the handsome Champion Rough, judged by Miranda Blake.

Junior Dog or Bitch
No entries

Graduate Dog or Bitch (1)
1st: Howard & Trundley's Jack Mack's Va Buidhinn Of Shandlmain (imp).
Tri boy 18 months old, who I've watched since is debut. He's maturing nicely, developing a very promising overall outline, super length and reach of neck, good shoulder placement, good length of back and loin, super bone and substance, good depth of chest, ribs and tuck up. Needs to drop a little more at the croup when more mature, but developing a good bend of stifle and drive through the hocks for his age. Moved very well today, super reach at the front, more collected at the rear and with much more confidence.
Very masculine expression, nicely balanced flat skull, good ear set, lovely dark eye, well-placed and nicely set. Ample under jaw, flat cheeks, blunt wedge all finished off with a lovely, firm chin and a nice smooth outline down to his chest. Presented in immaculate condition, in good coat and showed well. Very pleased to award him Best Dog and Best Opposite Sex In Breed.

Limit Dog or Bitch
No entries

Open Dog (1)
1st: Benton & Wood's Ch. Oakestelle Vivaldi
Extremely fit and sound 6 year old tri boy, with a super overall outline, plenty of bone and substance and well constructed. Masculine head and expression, good eye shape, flat skull, blunt wedge, flat cheeks, with ample under jaw and a tight lip line. Ears nicely tipped, well placed and used non stop. Good length, crest and reach of muscular neck, super lay of shoulder, upper arm, depth and width of chest, ribs, tuck up and bend of stifle. Well padded feet, which hardly seemed to touch the floor on the move, and a firm topline held throughout. Not quite the bloom of the best male and blowing his coat on the day. Reserve Best Dog.

Open Bitch (1)
1st: Benton's Oakestelle Artemis
Granddaughter of the veteran winner and straight out of the same mould. I'd like a little more of her, but she's very well balanced, with a fabulous overall outline and such sound movement.
Even though her colour is not her fortune, she has plenty of qualities to offer. Such a feminine head and expression, nicely balanced flat skull, super ear set, flat cheeks, sweet dark almond-shaped eye, I'd like a tad more under jaw and chin, but she's very much improved since I last judged her and maturing nicely. Super length and crest of muscular neck, good lay of shoulder, upper arm - enabling a fabulous forward reach, good depth and width of chest, ribs well sprung, tight tuck up. muscular loin, nicely rounded croup and low set tail. Everything in proportion, just a bit smaller. Nicely balanced throughout and I could watch her move all day. Her topline was sublime, her movement effortless and she really could do a day's work. 
Delighted to award her Best Bitch, Best of Breed and watch her also go on to take Reserve Best In Show under Miranda.

Judge: Maxine Mellish

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