East Anglian Collie Association Ch Show 04/08/2024
Best In Show critique by judge Miranda Blake

I would like to thank the committee for the honour of being invited to officiate at my favourite collie club show, and what a treat it was! Such outstanding quality was on offer mainly down to the exhibitors supporting the only Champion classes held by a UK Rough Collie club show. I did some research, and there were more UK champions present at this show than were present at Crufts this year.

I was also invited to be Referee, but due to the two judges agreeing on every decision, I was happily not needed.

Best In Show: I was totally spoiled for choice with these two BOB winners. The Smooth was Benton’s CH Oakestelle Venus De Milo Vw Shcex, and the rough was Newman’s Ch Phreelancer Phormal Dress (subject to KC confirmation). It was such a pleasure to watch two outstanding specimens of their breeds move efficiently and effortlessly round the large grass ring. Both ladies showing excellent breed type, balance and femininity. I did award the smooth her crowning CC 3 years ago, and I feel she has improved in body condition and spring of rib since then.
The rough girl won her fourth CC on the day – her second CC in 2 days, what a fantastic achievement. She instantly “appealed as a dog of great beauty.” She was so balanced in outline with a perfect shoulder angulation giving her plenty of forward reach on the move. This was matched by her correct rear angulation, so there was no hint of rolling on the move, and my cup of tea would not spill if it sat on her back whilst she was moving! She, like the smooth, could go all day – both totally fit for function.
For me, the rough girl edged it with her more filled, velvety foreface. She had such a correct clean head with flat skull, slight stop and no ugly depth in back skull. It was a joy to handle. Her coat fitted her outline as it should and was presented to perfection. She created a harmonious picture with her smart handler. Thus, she won BIS. The smooth won RBIS, but also BVIS, as I have not mentioned that this beautiful lady is now 11 years young! What a credit to her breeder/owner.
The rough dog CC winner (his fourth) was Milligan & Marley’s Ch Alfsden He Lives in You (subject to KC confirmation) was BOSIS. I loved the length and cleanliness of his head, and when he used his ears, he gave a very noble expression. His blue colouring was superb, a beautiful example of the breed standard’s “clear silvery blue, splashed and marbled with black”. And what fabulous, immaculate presentation – he really glowed. I also loved his size and masculinity. He pushed the smooth veteran hard for RBIS, but I felt she was sounder on the move.

Best Puppy In Show: Both very promising 9 month old boys. The smooth was Howard & Fort’s  SHULUNE IMPERIAL INKHEART WITH CASATENTOLA. The rough was Lockyers’ Gataj Lewis Capaldi.  I liked the sable rough’s length and cleanliness of head, with no depth in back skull. This meant he also had the correct ear set and had a pleasing expression. His skull needs to flatten, but he has time on his side. He was beautifully presented and well-schooled. I would like a bit more of him, more masculinity in head, more spring of rib and more filling of foreface, but he is still only a baby. I felt the blue smooth, although not a perfect colour, just seemed more masculine to me. Both boys need more front angulation, but the smooth had a more masculine head and a good spring of rib and width and depth of chest. I felt he moved out a little more freely than the rough, so he won BPIS, and the rough was Reserve.

Best Veteran In Show: what a dilemma this was…. The exceptional rough bitch and Crufts BOB winner this year, and dam of the BIS winner today – Newman’s Ch Phreelancer Phaith Hill versus Benton’s CH Oakestelle Venus De Milo Vw Shcex. Again, both classic collies and exceptional examples of their breeds, and it was such an honour to go over them. The rough was a well-balanced shape, her tricolour coat jet black, fitting and so well groomed. Her head was clean with no depth and her dark eyes and correct ears gave her a lovely expression. I felt she could have been a tad lighter in body, and although at 8 she was giving the smooth 3 years, the smooth moved out more freely. So I awarded the smooth BVIS and the rough RBVIS.