West of England Collie Society
Open Show September 2025 - Best in Show

Thank you to the committee of West Of England Collie Society for their invitation to act as referee for their Autumn Open Show.  I have waited a long time to judge for my parent club and was delighted to be promoted to BIS judge when a technical hitch meant the BOB judge for roughs could not judge the finale.

Those people who know me well will know I have a preference for the Rough Collie but today the Smooths just blew me away.  I am not going to critique each dog I went over - that is the breed judges job - but rather explain my choices.

Best In Show:
Benton & Bemelman's Blamorder Double Or Quits of Oakestelle.
16 month blue merle Smooth female.  To me she is the epitome of the breed standard.  Stood four square and showed off her many virtues.  Her head is well balanced and she has a soft expression with perfect ear set and eye shape.  Where she excelled was in her movement which made for a light, effortless gait.  She powered around the ring defying me to give the top honours to anyone else.  I understand she has two tickets - good luck with the third.

Reserve Best In Show:
Geddes' Ingledene Absolute Legend.
21 month tri-colour dog.  no denying this boy's sex.  Presented in fine form with the most glorious deep rich tan markings.  For me his head is balanced but I would prefer a larger eye and a more defined stop.  Well toned and muscular but could not match the drive and extension of the Smooth.  

Best Puppy In Show:
Wensley's Blamorder Starstruck.
8 month sable and white Smooth female.  No Roughs entered so she stood alone but well deserved placing.  Is maturing along the right lines but doesn't need to grow any taller.  As with the rest of her breed, her moving around the ring was positive with a driving energy, good extension front and aft.  Well done.

Best Veteran In Show:
Two venerable old ladies.  This was the most difficult decision of the day.
Smooth - Lusty's CH Blamorder Ice Cream Dream VW.