RICHMOND – ROUGH COLLIES 10th SEPT 2022
SHOW RESULTS HERE

First and fore-most I would like to thank the Society for the invitation to judge RC at this well established show, albeit this appointment was a long time coming round what with the Covid outbreak and lockdown periods intervening. Then unbelievably the day before the show, the country heard of the awful news that Queen Elizabeth ll has sadly passed away. It was enduring of the society to continue with the show, as I’m sure HRH being a dog lover would have still wanted it to go ahead. Okay, so I won’t go on too much about entries, as we have all discussed the various reasons as to why this is now occurring in most breeds at shows all over the country. I am very appreciative of the exhibitors who paid the large entry fees to exhibit their dogs under me to obtain my opinion. Despite the damp and muggy weather, the day started off well, but judging was suspended just before the dog challenge due to an exhibitor having fallen ill in the adjacent ring. He was treated immediately by qualified medics, before being taken to hospital. We heard later that the gentleman in question was feeling much better. I’m sure we would all like to wish him well on his recovery. Also, I must convey a big thank you to my two capable stewards, Vicky & Linda who kept the ring in order throughout the day. So, now back to the Collies. A mixed bunch in places. Some of the younger stock are not going to make the grade as big winners when adults. Many exhibits appear to have lost the ‘correct position and carriage’ of ears. Fronts are always a subject of discussion, with straight upper arms, and shortness of necks. Not many short tails, but a few flyers! Presentation was very good on the whole, but I do wonder about the handling of some exhibits, even by people who have been in the breed a number of years! A lot of stringing up, and not enough loose leads and allowing them to stand naturally. I can only judge the dogs on the day, and as the saying goes ‘every dog has its day’, some performing better than others, hence as mentioned in my report a couple did not quite get their act together on the move, and if I can see this, so can others observing from the ringside. However, I was more than honoured to have some of the best quality Collies to cast my eye over today, and the feeling of great enjoyment watching the main winners circle the ring on their lap of honour at the end of the judging.

VD: No Entries

MPD: (2-0) Two very nice puppies to start the day with. Both just under 8 months in age, and very much at the same stage of development and both showing promise for the future.
1ST: Mrs V. Cronk – CHELBORN GAMBLING LIST Loved the make and shape of this puppy. He just had the edge on head, expression and movement to second. He has a flat skull with a medium sized dark almond eye, and ears which are correctly placed and carried semi erect. He has good body angulations both front and rear with correct bend of stifles, and well let down hocks. His movement was steady showing sufficient cover of the ground. I’m sure he will go on to do as well as his sire in the future. BPD & BPIB

2ND: Mr J. & C. Tipper – AMALUNAQUE ARCTURIS WIND at TIGANLEA Another nice tricolour who will no doubt change places with one often. On comparing heads, he has an obliquely set dark eye, with a well filled foreface, but his ears need to be set a little closer together on top of his skull. He has a good length of body, but just needs to drop at the rear and develop in stifle. He is well off for bone, but is taller in hock than one, and moved slightly closer from behind.

PD: No Entries

JD: (2-1 who was present but unfortunately missed the class)
1ST: Messer’s Howard, Newton & Patterson – LADNAR DREAMCHASER Blue dog of 15 months, who is very strongly built, to the extent that he is rather overdone in bone. He has a long wedged shaped head and conveys an ‘all male’ expression, but would benefit a larger eye. His ears are well placed, but lightly tipped. His body is strongly made and correct in ratio, with a deep chest and firm back. He has strong legs and feet, and strides out well on the gait, but likes to fly his tail, and his colour needs to clear.

YD: (1-0)
1ST: Mr N. Marley & Ms J. Milligan – ALFSDEN HE LIVES IN YOU Another blue dog of 15 months who carries a dense coat of harsh texture and good colouring. His head is developing well, is of good length and well balanced. His has a dark well placed eye with correct stop and flat skull. He wasn’t keen on using his correctly placed ears today, but that’s not always a ‘must do’. I would prefer a little more reach of neck, and a better upper arm and shoulder, but he moved ok, albeit a bit loose around the elbows, and with a bit of a body roll, but will hopefully loose this as he matures.

ND: No Entries

GD: (1)
1ST: Mrs J. James – DEANJAN DAMBUSTER Tricolour dog of just 3 years old. This boy did not seem happy with his surroundings today, and appeared to have an anxious look about him. His head is lean and smooth in outline with rounded muzzle and a well placed dark eye, but his ears were carried thrown back in repose. He is well developed in body, has a nice front, deep chest and well sprung ribs, but his rear movement is very unsound being rather close with one leg turning outwards from the hock.
PGD: (3-2)
1ST: Mrs J. White – CAMANNA CHASING CLOUDS OVER MEJOLA Yet another merle who’s blue colouring is bright and clear. This boy stands tall with a racy looking outline. His head is a little strong, being broad in skull, and a little deep through. He has a muscular well arched neck which feeds down into well laid back shoulders, firm back, and strong loins. His hind legs are rather long in thigh and hock, and need to drop with more bend in stifle, but at 3 years old, there is still time for this to happen, and when fully matured and coated up will look more the part for top awards.

LD: (2-1)
1ST: Miss G. Beaden – MARVALAN SPIRIT of ROCK (Imp Pol) An attractive tricolour approaching three years old, who has been coming on in leaps and bounds this year. He is developing well, is nice for size, and has good depth and length of body. His front is still a bit narrow at present, and his elbows need to tighten in front movement, but his rear is nicely made, very muscular and he has good onset and carriage of tail. I would prefer his head more wedged in shape with more chin and stronger underjaw. He carries a nicely groomed jet black coat and is very glamorous in white collar and rich tan markings. I’m sure he will continue to do well.

OD: (10-1) A lovely class of males, with good breed type and quality all through.
1ST: Mrs V. Cronk – CHELBORN STORY TELLER Tricolour of just 6 years old, who is a typical example of good ‘breed type’. He so exemplifies other lovely tri’s that this exhibitor has bred and shown. Practically everything about him appeals from head to tail. Ideal for size, bone and substance, a really well constructed Collie. His head is balanced in length, with correct stop, rounded muzzle, and strong underjaw. Medium dark eye, and correct placement and carriage of ears, all helping to produce an intelligent expression. Fair length of neck, and sloping shoulders with straight front, and rounded bone. Super body with ideal angulations front and rear, good ribbing and firm loins. He has a good bend of stifle, with short hocks, and his movement was powerful and straight coming and going with plenty of drive viewed from behind. He carries a double coat which was well presented. Worthy of the CC award, which I was told afterwards was his third. Well done on making another champion in the breed. BOS.
2ND: Mrs N. Skalin & Mrs I. Teslovica – Int Ch, Dk Ch, Lit Lat Est Ch, SKABONA KISS FROM HEAVEN Gosh! When this dog entered the ring, I thought he was going to be my first prize winner, but on going over him, he had to give way to one on head properties, and rear movement. His head is all male and he sports a masculine expression, but compared to one I would prefer a little more moulding and refinement. He has a lovely outline enhanced by a good length of neck, firm back, and rise over the loin. His chest is deep, with well sprung ribcage and tight elbows. His rear is also nicely angulated, and he was also very powerful on the move, albeit slightly closer going away than one. On bringing him back into the ring, I thought him worthy of awarding the RCC. Thank you for bringing him long distance to show under me, and good luck for the future in pursuing his UK title.
3RD: Miss M. Benton & Mr N. & A. Smith – Ch. BROOKLYNSON EL DORADO Shaded Sable male approaching 6 years old. I have watched this dog develop from a puppy. He is now at his best, and more than worthy of his title. He has a clean well balanced head with the flattest of skulls, being smooth in outline, with ideal eye and suitable ear placement. His body is strong, and well made. His movement is very lithe, and effortless. No disgrace to be stood behind two super examples of the breed today.

4TH: Mr J. & Mrs V. Geddes – INGLEDENE FANTASY OF BLUE Another blue from this well known kennel, but smaller in size, and slightly heavier marked than the ideal. Again, head wise I would prefer a little more moulding to enhance his expression. He moves very soundly. A quality Collie, but he just lacked the sparkle and animation others had today.

5TH: Mr J. & Mrs C. Tipper – TIGANLEA TASK MASTER at TRENIC Blue dog of nearly three years old. Striking in colour. Another who has been doing well recently. Moved out well. Just needs to settle more in the ring.

SBD: No Entries

VB: (3-0)
1ST: Miss M. Benton – Ch. BROOKLYNSON JANE RUSSELL OF OAKESTELLE Sable & white who at 7.5 years won this class on her movement. I am not a fan of her head, which appears rather old style, and lacks expression. Have seen her in better coat, and her front is not her forte, but having said this, she still manages to stride out well on the move and cover the ground well. Her owner certainly knows how to get the best out of her charges. Well done on gaining third place in the PVG.
2ND: Miss S. Skinner – SAMHAVEN TIME IS MONEY with NIKAL When entering the ring I thought this girl was going to be my winner. At eight years old, she is in the best form I’ve seen her for a while. Her coat is in lovely condition and was nicely presented. Her head is pleasing and well balanced with nice position of eye, and correct placement and carriage of ears. She is nicely made, has good shoulder angulation, but laboured a bit on the move. Maybe a little less weight around her front would help counteract this.
3RD: Mrs H. Lyall – SANTALOLYS SKY AMIDALAS Gold sable & white of 7 years old. Coat just on the return, and was presented to perfection. Again, movement let her down going around. Difficult I know, but another who’s weight will have to be watched. Lovely disposition, one who must be a joy to own.

MPB (2-1)
1ST: Mrs V. Cronk – CHELBORN GAMBLERS WISH Sable and white puppy of 7.5 months in good coat for her age. Pretty head, with nicely placed eye, good ear carriage and sweet expression, but I would prefer a little more underjaw. Good angulations and bend of stifle. Needs to be a little more collected on the move which was the deciding factor for BP when meeting with her brother in the challenge, but I’m sure she will go on to do well. BPB

PB: (3-2)
1ST: Mrs A. Swain – A TOUCH OF BLAZE for LEXCOL Tri bitch of 10 months just missing MP by a few days. Another with a pretty head and expression, and by her face markings, I think I can guess where she got her name from! She is rather small in frame and fine in bone. She has sufficient length of neck, and her front construction is decent, but she needs more angulation at the rear, and was rather erratic on the move.

JB: (4-1) A very mixed class.
1ST: Mrs J. White – MEJOLA MAIN EVENT Fifteen months old sable and white who has had a good puppy career. She has a clean head, with smooth cheeks, and correct almond shaped eye but she needs to develop a little more in stop which would enhance a sweeter expression. She has a decent length of neck, with broad well laid back shoulders, straight front, and a level back. She is soundly made at the rear and has sufficient bone and substance for her size. Moved out well.
2ND: Mr R. Blaikie – KOURIKA DRESSED TO THRILL Another tri who I thought might be my class winner. She has a lot to like about her, especially her shape and outline, and she is a fairly decent mover, but compared to one, I found her to be a little on the small side, and short on the leg. Her head is rather fine and ears wide set. Her coat is a dense black. I just wish there was more of her.
3RD: Mrs C. Grove – ONLY MY LADY IN GOLD DELLA VERDE SCOZIA (Imp Ita)

YB: (5-1)
1ST: Mrs J. White – MEJOLA MAIN EVENT
2ND: Ms N. Larkin – RAHLISSA TOFFEE CAKE for DENORA I have seen this well presented Collie from the ringside and quite admired her, and today I wanted her to be my class winner but when it came to her movement she would persist in putting her nose to the ground, and moved a bit erratically. She has good rear angulation and really drives from behind. I also preferred her head to one, as she is sweeter in expression, but today she was so lively and full of pep, (which is lovely to see) it threw out her movement on the gait. However, I’m sure she will continue to do well despite this glitch today.
3RD: Mr T. & Mrs B. Perrott – GATAJ ONE MOMENT IN TIME GSW of 21 months. She is up to size, and just coating up again. She was very well presented and handled, but not quite so free in movement as 1 & 2.
4TH: Mrs C. Grove - ONLY MY LADY IN GOLD D.V.S (Imp Ita)

NB: (3-1) - 1 over qualified for the class)
1ST: Mrs C. Grove – ONLY MY LADY IN GOLD D.V.S (Imp Ita)

GB: (1-0)
1ST: Mrs D. Bellamy & Mrs V. Murray – STARLENGA SHE’S ALL THAT for BELOREEN And she certainly is ‘all that’ when it comes to the correct colour of clear silvery blue, splashed and marbled with black. She has a lovely outline, showing a good reach of neck, sloping shoulders, straight legs, flexible pasterns and decent rear angulation. Head wise, she has a lovely dark eye, and well used ears, although is rather deep in stop. Her movement is good, and she covers the ground well in profile, but tends to roll a little over her back. I did however consider her for further honours in the challenge.

PGB: (6-1) This class was also varied in type.
1ST: Miss D. Collino – IMAGINIST PERFECT PITCH Topping a very mixed class, this three year old shaded sable does not immediately take the eye, and needs to be assessed to realise her virtues. Body wise her construction is balanced with good length to height with level back good ribbing and strength to her hindquarters. Her head could be a little more refined in places, and her ears more tipped to aid her expression. Being moved a little quicker would give her a better length of stride and front reach.
2ND: Mrs S. Wray-Ramsden – TAKHISIS LADY of ILLUSIONS Another sable of 2.5 years, who again is soundly built, standing naturally on good legs and feet. She could also be a little more refined in head, and sweeter in expression, but it is a well blunt wedge, smooth in outline with flat skull and parallel planes. She has a well arched neck, firm back and strong loins. She moved okay and was at one with her handler.
3RD: Mr S. Clark – STARLENGA MADAM CYN at DERBYPARK Tri of just two years old. Different in type to one and two. Shape and outline very nice, and movement quite sound, but another who would benefit a better ear set and carriage to aid her expression.
4TH: Messer’s Howard, Newton & Patterson – BELDONES HALLE BERRY Approaching four years, this golden sable was excellently presented. She has a nice head and expression, and is shapely in body. Not quite the freeness in movement as others today.
5TH: Miss M. Wells – AMALIE JUST ANNIE at TERELIMON Shaded sable of three years old.

LB: (7-1 + 1 WD)
1ST: Mrs J. White – MEJOLA SPECIAL RESERVE Another sable just turned three who is half sister to Main Event, and so similar in type. Her head properties are very alike with clean head planes, smooth cheeks, a medium sized dark almond eye and correct position and carriage of ears. Her expression is a little sweeter being slightly better developed in stop. Her body ratios are ideal, and she has a good reach of neck, and sloping shoulders, and a well angulated rear. She stood naturally and showed well, and was quite sound on the move.
2ND: Mr J. & Mrs C. Tipper – TIGANLEA TWINKLING STAR Blue bitch of 4 years who nearly pipped one to the post! She is a nice colour, although her black could be a bit more defined. She also has nice head markings for a blue, which aids a soft and gentle expression. She is nice for size, and has a good length of body with ideal angulations, good spring of rib, and firm loins. Movement was active, and she covered the ground well. In outline, I felt she just needed a little more reach of neck compared to one to complete the picture. I’m sure she will go on to do well.
3RD: Mr J. & Mrs V. Geddes – INGLEDENE LACE ‘N’ GRACE Golden sable of six years, who is very sound in construction and movement. Would just prefer her a bit more feminine all over.
4TH: Mrs V. Brown – MERTRISA COOL LOVE Tricolour of 4 years. In super coat. Moved okay, but would prefer a little taller in height.
5TH: Mrs J. James – OLD GOLDEN GATES FIFTY FIFTY at DEANJAN Blue Merle of 5 years carrying a wealth of coat, which obscured her outline.

OB: (7-1) Absolutely stunning class. Thank you for bringing your lovely girls for me to assess. They were all worthy of being awarded a red card.
1ST: Ms C. Arrowsmith & Miss G. Beaden - Ch. SAGANAN BLUE DIAMOND (JW) WOW! This lovely merle Collie pulled out all the stops to be noticed in the ring today, and what an impression she made, not just to me as the judge, but to all who was observing her form the ringside. She represents a Collie at it’s best, and at nearly 5 years old, has reached her prime. She won well as a puppy, and has continued to impress many judges. Her head is very feminine, and she has a lovely dark obliquely set eye, and correctly positioned ears, although they are lightly tipped, and I would prefer a little more filling to her foreface, and more underjaw. She is symmetrical in outline, and so correctly balanced. Her well arched neck flows into sloping shoulders, with a level back, firm loins and ideal angulations front and rear. Her well rounded bone is strong, but not overdone, and her pasterns flexible, with well let down hocks. Today, she just coasted round the ring, showing good forward reach, and good drive in profile gait, leaving her handler trying to catch up behind her. She was immaculately presented with the correct amount coat, her blue colouring just glistened in the sun. I was pleased to award her the CC, and BOB, and she was short-listed in the PG at the end of the day. Well done!

2ND: Mr P. & Mrs M. Shipp – GILLYFLOWER DELLA BUCA DELLE FATE (Imp Ita) Richly coloured sable bitch of 5 years old, who has also reached the prime of her show career. Her head is very well balanced, wedge in shape, smooth in outline, with well rounded muzzle, medium sized obliquely set eye, correct stop, and position and carriage of ears, all combining to produce that sweet and intelligent expression. Her construction is also flawless, her outline showing a lovely reach of neck, correct shoulders, good length of ribs, and ideal rear angulations with good bend of stifle, and short strong hocks. Her movement was also a joy to watch, as she powered around the ring. It was really challenging to have to decide who was going to be the winner of the red card here as she is also a lovely example of the breed. RCC. I’m sure it won’t be long before she gains her well deserved title.

3RD: Mr S. & Mrs H. Walder – Ch. BELDONES LA VITA BELLA for HANVALE (JW) Very glamorous golden sable bitch of just 6 years old. Another who has a lovely outline showing off her virtues and also has a lovely head and melting expression. Moved well, but not quite the lightness of foot as the first two. Another worthy of her title.

4TH: Mr J. & Mrs V. Geddes - Ch. INGLEDENE SPIRIT of ECSTACY Tricolour approaching 6 years. Jet black coat, with glamorous white collar, and rich tan markings. Another from this kennel who is very well made, and sound on the move.
5TH: Mrs V. Cronk: CHELBORN WISH LIST Sable & White of 4.5 years. Dam to the two minor puppies. She is certainly proving her worth as a brood, and no disgrace to be placed fifth here.

SBB: (2 – 1 WD)
1ST: Mrs C. Grove - ONLY MY LADY IN GOLD D.V.S (Imp Ita) This very well presented golden sable and white was placed 3rd in Junior, 4th in Yearling and 1st in Novice. She is very feminine, but at 14 months she has completely cast her coat. She has a lovely reach of neck, and level back, but needs to strengthen in pastern, develop more in stifle and firm up in rear movement. Her owner is new to showing but I’m sure she will have fun at some of the open shows with her.

JUDGE: Lisa Pettitt