I was so impressed with the organisation of this fantastic show, my stewards for the day Mr Keith Rose and Mrs Bruno kept the ring running smoothly all day.

The presentation and handling of the exhibits was excellent and I had a hard task as I was spoilt for choice in some of my classes and many could and will change places many times.

Movement on most was exceptionally good but I did notice a few dogs steep in the upper arm. This did affect the front movement. Something that needs to be watched is eye shape and colour. I found quite a few who did not have the desired open almond eye and some were very light in eye. All dogs were clean and well presented and all had excellent temperaments. I would like to say thank you to all of the exhibitors who accepted my placings in a sporting manner, I have written a short critique on my first 3 dogs in all classes.

BEST IN SHOW / INTERMEDIATE IN SHOW was the Rough Coated Collie, Number 63. Ch Lyntree Mr Cat Power came from the Intermediate Class, sired by Ch Cathkin Thblubyu Guess Who and the Dam was NZ/Aust Ch Love to Shine at Lyntree. A very striking blue merle and although his blue could have been a touch lighter in colour he excelled in all other departments. He has a beautiful outline, masculine yet not overdone in anyway. Lovely head and desired expression, neat ears, superb neck and shoulder placement, good front, deep chest and well sprung ribs giving him plenty of heart room which is most important in this breed. He has excellent angulation throughout and strong hindquarters which are well muscled, good turn of stifle and strong hocks with well padded feet allowed him to power round the ring giving good ground coverage. Head of the desired length, clean through with the correct amount of stop, well rounded muzzle and good underjaw with tight lip line. A dog who I would be proud to own.

RESERVE IN SHOW / OPPOSITE SEX IN SHOW / OPEN IN SHOW was the lovely elegant Smooth Collie, Number 39. Ch Foxbell Fine Cotton, sired by Ch Foxbell Once Again and Dam Ch Foxbell Gold Ziggy. A sable bitch who oozes quality, and has such elegant refinement with her beautiful head and lovely expression. I was captivated. She has the most beautiful outline, good front, well sprung ribs and correct hind angulation. Moved effortlessly holding a good top line and well carried tail. Could grace my home any day.

BABY PUPPY IN SHOW was Number 97. Ochaye Grand Portrait, sired by Ch Ochaye The Empire Builder ex Ch Ochaye from Outothe Blue. Very sweet tricolour bitch who has the most exquisite expression. Lovely head and the right amount of bone for this stage in her development, well let down hocks, good feet, nice and tight with good pads. Lovely angulation and moves so very well for her age. A stunning baby who should do well.

MINOR PUPPY IN SHOW was Number 44, Jambarlas Uno Who. He is sired by Ch Cathkin Thblubyu Guess Who ex Ch Cathkin Razzle Dazzle Em. This puppy is very exceptional, his head is so clean and well balanced with lovely expression, good muzzle and underjaw, good ears. Correct lay back of shoulder, excellent front with good ribs and he moves exceptionally well. I think he will turn out to be a lovely dog.

PUPPY IN SHOW was Rough Collie dog Number 49 Albermayne River Dance. Sired by Ch Cathkin Kith & Kin ex Albermayne Shadow Gold. A young tricolour that impressed with good overall balance, well off for bone and excellent angulation in hind quarters and well let down hocks. Head of the desired length and lovely dark expressive eyes, giving a kind yet intelligent expression. He has good neck and shoulder placement. In superb coat of good texture, correct length to height ratio with lovely steep over the loin, immaculate presentation with coat of the correct texture. A very healthy specimen that can only be good for the breed awarded him Reserve Challenge Dog for his overall balance and movement.

JUNIOR IN SHOW was Number 58, Shanelg Special Package. Lovely dog, considered him in the Challenge as he pleased me with his beautiful head and most dreamy expression and such charming showmanship. Never put a foot wrong at any time and he was so attentive to his handler. Deep chest, good ribs with plenty of heart room, superb bone, excellent feet. Moved well.

AUSTRALIAN BRED IN SHOW was Number 13, Ch Seaview Inth Nickof Time. Absolutely gleaming tricolour and in such superb condition. Has a very nice head shape, good eye, correct ears, well arched neck and good lay back of shoulder, strong hind quarters. Moved well.

VETERAN IN SHOW (7-10 years) was Number 93 Ch Sunnyhurst Silk Touch (UK Imp). I see from my catalogue this is the dog that the late Pauline Hayden sent out. She would have been so proud to have seen him standing in all his glory this day. I see sired by the illustrious Eng Ch Rum & Black who has left his mark for generations to come. This dog like his father carries all the good points that I like to see in a collie. Stunning head pattern with the most beautiful dark eyes and well set ears that he used to advantage to give me the so desired expression one looks for in this breed, I was captivated by his presence and in awe of his beauty. At 9 years old he retains firm muscle tone and carries a harsh well fitting jacket that is so black and gleaming.

 VETERAN IN SHOW (Over 10 years) was Number 172 Ch Keamaree Kaleesha. At 12 years old this tricolour was still in beautiful bloom for age and still retains head quality and expression. Although a little weak on the pasterns which is to be expected at this age she moved remarkably well.

SMOOTH COLLIES - I felt the Smooth Collies overall were very mixed, hard to get a line up of similar dogs. Coats were on the whole quite good although some were rather soft and open around the neck and shoulder. Vast diversity in head type and only a few had the desired expression.

SMOOTH COLLIE DOG CLASSES

Baby Puppy Dog

1st Knox's, Collegiate Hail Ariel. Very smart sable dog coming along nicely, he is going to have good head shape with correct almond eyes. Ears a bit heavy at the moment but they are set well.

2nd Knox's, Collegiate Hail Titania. Brother to above and very similar. Has beautiful dark almond eyes, coat of lovely colour and texture, very sweet puppy.

3rd Stoney's, Eridor Im Mr Blue. Lovely colour blue, coat a bit open at the moment but this should change with the first moult. Lovely expression and good ear placement.

Junior Dog

1st Moffat's, Ellyar Breath O Heaven. Sable dog who is rather strong in back skull, but he has good body shape and sound hindquarters. Coat texture rather soft.

Intermediate Dog

1st Stoney's, Ch Milabard Mischievous. Upstanding blue merle who has a lovely expression, strong front. Deep chest and well sprung ribs. Strong hind angulation, although tail could be a touch longer he carried it well. One who moved exceedingly well and covered the ground with good reach and strong hind action.

2nd Jeffery's, Seaview Xtra Speshl. Sable of good colour and coat texture. Pleasing head and eye, strong neck and shoulder, moved well.

3rd Doyle's, Talcott Cascade Stout. Tricolour with gleaming black coat. Nice dog but I would have liked to see a darker eye, although the shape was good. Good bone, neat feet but felt he could have been more positive on the move.

Australian Bred Dog

1st Jeffery's, Ch Seaview Inth Nickof Time. AUSTRALIAN BRED IN SHOW

2nd Adam's, Ch Foxbell Guy Fawkes. Tricolour, head not balanced and would like to see a darker eye. Lacks hind angulation and movement needs to be more positive.

Open Dog

1st Stoney's, Ch Newarp Midnight Odyssey. Fine upstanding blue merle dog, excellent bone and substance throughout, strong neck and shoulder, good top line and excellent on the move. Well muscled hind quarters with good second thigh, strong hocks and well padded feet, moved with purpose and drive to take Challenge Dog . Surprised to see almost eight years old in fantastic condition.

2nd Mossop's, Ch Talcott Mackason. Reserve Challenge Dog. Very nice outline on this dog. Head planes not quite what I was looking for, but he excelled in all other aspects having deep chest and well sprung ribs, good length in body and very well muscled hind quarters, strong hocks and tight well padded feet. A soundly balanced dog both standing and on the move.

3rd Woodrow & Manson's, Ch Kilsabel Blue Spruce. Blue merle, lovely head and sweet expression, nice ears and good body lines, overall quite a well balanced dog but felt that movement could have been more positive from behind.

Veteran Dog (7–10years)

1st McLeod's, Ch Talcott Captain Hook CD. Blue with good body lines, in excellent condition, has strong bone, good neck and shoulders, well muscled hindquarters. Moved well.

2nd Cook's, Ch Foxbell Once Again. At 9 years old still in excellent condition and gleaming with health. Good bone, nice hindquarters, head a little fine in back skull but overall a very nice dog.

BEST DOG - Ch Newarp Midnight Odyssey. RESERVE DOG - Ch Talcott Mackason

SMOOTH COLLIE BITCH CLASSES

Baby Puppy Bitch

1st Dally & Ford's, Jedford Surrender. Such a very pretty tricolour who is so feminine. Has lovely outline already, nice head type with correct ear set, lovely expression. Well off for bone and excellent angulation. She covered the ground well.

2nd Stoney's, Eridor Out Ov TheBlu. A very pretty blue merle, although coat a little dark, it is of good texture. She has a lovely shape and standing shows a lovely outline, needs to settle in movement but she has the makings of a very nice well balanced bitch.

3rd Lawrence's, Eridor Sway Me Smooth. Pretty bitch in shape but coat not a good colour. Good bone, nice feet, sound in movement.

Minor Puppy Bitch

1st Adam's, Seaview Smooth Delight. Tricolour with nice outline, pleasing head and nice kind expression, good ears. Coat rather soft and open at the neck. Movement could have been better but overall a nicely balanced bitch, just needs more time.

Puppy Bitch

1st Bennett's, Talcott Bombay Sapphire. Blue merle, who is not such a good colour, but she has a very nice outline with sweet head and nice expression. Was impressed with the way she moved very positive with good drive.

2nd Cook's, Foxbell Just Fine. Loved this very elegant sable bitch most beautiful head and dark expressive eyes, good stop and well placed ears, she is so feminine. But rather nervous when being handled, hope she grows out of this problem.

Intermediate Bitch

1st Knox's, Collegiate Little Rhea. Beautiful kind intelligent expression on this lovely bitch. Right amount of bone, lovely rib cage, good front and deep chest, good angulation and in excellent coat not only in colour but of correct texture. Covered the ground well.

2nd Stoney's, Talcott Mi Olde China . Very dark blue merle, rather high on the leg for me but nice outline, clean head and good ears. Sound on the move.

3rd Witt's, Seaview Shes My Baby. Tricolour, nice little bitch but carrying far too much weight around the middle. Not the balance of head or body and coat rather thick. Rather overloaded on the shoulder and this affected her movement.

Australian Bred Bitch

1st Knox's, Ch Jedford Military Miss. Lovely sable bitch of quality, with lovely head and sweet expression, good ears and used constantly, very alert to her handler. Well arched neck and good layback of shoulder, strong back with good topline, well sprung ribs and lovely sweep over the loin. Reserve Challenge Bitch.

2nd Moffat's, Ch Jedford Espirit De Corps. I see full litter sister to my winner, another very nice bitch, she has a lovely body shape and sound hindquarters and moved very well. She has a lovely head and correct ear set, but eyes a little light in colour.

3rd Flanagan's, Ch Kellscott Blue Yvette. Rather strong for a bitch, and rather heavy ears spoilt the overall picture, but she has good angulation, correct coat of good texture. And very sound in movement.

Open Bitch

1st Cook's, Ch Foxbell Fine Cotton. Challenge Bitch & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW.

2nd Dally's, Ch Jedford Armistice. Sable white with lovely head type and dreamy expression correct ears well used. Elegant neck and good lay back of shoulder, good coat texture. Although sound throughout not so positive in hind movement as my winner.

3rd Smith's, Jedford Call To Duty also a sable. Very feminine. Good front, deep chest, good hind angulation, head not so pleasing as my winners but overall very nice bitch.

BEST BITCH - Ch Foxbell Fine Cotton. RESERVE BITCH - Ch Jedford Military Miss.

ROUGH COLLIE DOG CLASSES

Baby Puppy Dog

1st Thomas's, Ochaye Ground Force. Tricolour who already has a very good body shape, good bone and developing along good lines. Good head planes, lovely expression and is going to have a good coat. Moved so well for his age.

2nd Dally/Ford's, Jedford Reveille. Very nice tricolour, clean head with good ears and lovely expression, good bone, neat feet, has good angulation.

3rd Jackson's, Jodivale Dare To Dance. Rather a heavy puppy who is rather strong in head, but he has a very sweet expression, good ears, rather roly poly at the moment.

Minor Puppy Dog

1st Bowden's, Jambarlas Uno Who. MINOR PUPPY IN SHOW.

2nd Fallows', Ilyke Choc Chip. Rather strong but nicely balanced. Has clean head but would like to see a little more stop and flatter back skull. Otherwise nice dog who moves well.

Puppy Dog (Excellent class of quality dogs)

1st Worthington 's, Albermayne River Dance. Reserve Challenge Dog & PUPPY IN SHOW.

2nd Mulcahy's, Kazjs Patchwork Warrior. Blue merle in superb coat and colour, has such a lovely body shape with excellent turn of stifle and strong hocks. Excellent bone, good feet well padded, and moves with good reach and strong hind action. Head needs to flatten in back skull at this moment in time but he is still only young.

3rd Kemp's, Highclere One Step Ahead. Very sound young tricolour dog who excels in movement. Loved his quality head and lovely kind expression, deep chest, well sprung ribs, in superb coat and so well presented.

Junior Dog

1st Jeffrey's, Shanelg Special Package. JUNIOR IN SHOW.

2nd Worthington 's, Albermayne Mid Winter. Very elegant blue merle, excellent colour and tan markings. Well arched neck and good shoulder placement, pleasing head and expression good angulation and moving very well.

3rd Rixon's, Rixown Atoucho Sunnyhurst. Lovely sable white dog, so beautiful but he is so lazy ... looked like he would rather have been somewhere else on the day, but a very sound dog who pleased for his overall balance.

Intermediate Dog (This was a superb class and I was really spoilt for choice)

1st Brooks/Irwin's, Ch Lyntree Mrcat Power. Challenge Dog & BEST IN SHOW

2nd Thomas', Ch Ochaye Empire Builder. Strong tricolour dog, excellent make and shape. Lovely head and desired expression coming from correct ear placement and eye shape. Well angulated throughout with strong hocks and good feet. This dog can really power round the ring so handler should not give him too much lead.

3rd Kemp's, Highclere Touch Ovfrost as the name suggests, blue merle of good construction, liked his head and expression, good set of ears, very alert. Sound well muscled hindquarter giving good ground coverage.

Australian Bred Dog

1st Jones', Ch Cathkin Kith N Kin. This dog has classic body lines. Beautiful head pattern and dreamy expression, correct ear carriage and very alert. Steady show dog with good front and deep chest, well sprung ribs, in immaculate condition and presented so well. Movement free and effortless with good reach and strong hind action.

2nd Phillips', Craeburn Midnight Fury. Tricolour also has excellent body lines, nice head and good expression, well arched neck and good lay back of shoulder, not so positive on the move as my winner.

3rd Thomas', Grand Ch Ochaye My Blue Heaven. Blue merle, excellent body lines and in excellent coat and condition, clean head with good stop and well filled muzzle. Well muscled throughout with correct turn of stifle and strong hocks, well padded feet.

Open Dog

1st Jones', Ch Cathkin Thblubyu GuessWho. Exquisite merle of stunning colour with huge shawl collar which emphasised his well arched neck and correct lay back of shoulder. Good face markings and rich tan coupled with the most dreamy expression won me over and he just had to be my winner in this strong class of quality dogs. Excellent front and deep chest, good spring of rib and lovely sweep over the loin gave a superb outline both standing and on the move which showed good reach and easy gait. Must be a pleasure to own.

2nd Blake/Hall/Bester's, Corydon Black Zerxes (UK Imp) see he is sired by one of my favourite dogs in the UK . This tricolour was gleaming with vitality, has a clean head with good stop and well filled muzzle, lovely dark intelligent eyes and correct ear carriage. Shows good angulation throughout and although giving good ground cover not so positive in hind action as my winner, but an absolutely lovely dog.

3rd Morris/Ryan's, Ch Vedamea I Spy My Fantasy. Sable dog in excellent coat that is correct texture, harsh and waterproof and groomed to perfection. Has good body lines strong neck and good lay back of shoulder. Pleasing head and lovely expression, neat ears well used. Good hind angulation, strong and well muscled.

Veteran Dog (7-10years)

1st Jones', Ch Sunnyhurst Silk Touch ( UK Imp). VETERAN IN SHOW (7-10years).

2nd Migliaccio/Cook's, Ch Letchworth Balintore Fern. Sable 8 years old and still looking good. In beautiful coat and condition, carries clean head and good expression. Nice bone, still has strong well padded feet and strode out well on the move.

3rd Young's, Ch Corydon Outlawed To Oz (UK Imp). Nice type, in good condition for his age, would have liked more hind angulation and he was not so positive in movement as my winners.

Veteran Dog (Over 10years)

1st Armatys', Ch Keamaree Karbon Kopy. Good coat and condition on this dog, moving well and still in good shape. Head still clean with bright expression and very alert with ears set well and used.

2nd Van Mosseveld's, Ch Trefoilian Concerto (AI). Tricolour dog not so positive on the move, but he is an elegant dog and overall well balanced, head did not please.

BEST DOG - Ch Lyntree MrCat Power. RESERVE DOG - Albermayne River Dance

ROUGH COLLIE BITCH CLASSES

Baby Puppy Bitch

1st Thomas', Ochaye Grand Portrait.I see she is the sister to the dog baby puppy who won his class. BABY IN SHOW.

Minor Puppy Bitch

1st Grant, Burdekin Before Sunrise . Very nice young lady, coming along well she has good body lines, super neck and shoulder, well sprung rib and good hind angulation. Head a little strong for me but she has a lovely expression and moved very well.

Puppy Bitch

1st Worthington 's, Albermayne Let Dance.

2nd Rixon's, Albermayne Song N Dance. I see sisters to my puppy dog winner, this must have been a lovely litter of puppies, they are all so alike and credit must go to the purple blood lines they carry. Lovely head type and most beautiful dreamy expressions. All have good substance and strong hindquarters. Neat well let down hocks finished the picture followed by movement that was effortless and easy, should make up well.

3rd Green's, Wintersett Tay L Made F Tandie. Very pretty sable bitch, but head too short for me, although she has a nice expression and overall very very feminine.

Junior Bitch

1st Morris & Ryan's, Swinbrad Just Do It. Blue merle nice body shape, has good angulation and very sound in movement. Good coat. She has a lovely arched neck and good lay back of shoulder with well sprung ribs. Head a trifle strong for me but very sound in all other departments to win this class.

2nd Worthington 's, Albermayne Stella Artois . I really like this bitch, rather restless and very difficult to assess properly but her overall beauty and movement won her this place. She has a superb outline, excellent hindquarters and when settled moved very well.

3rd Woodrow & Manson's, Cathkin Juicey Lucey. Another tricolour who is such a beautiful shape, she has a really nice head and expression, correct for size, good turn of stifle but not quite the movement of my winners.

Intermediate Bitch

1st Dewley's, Kollylock Blue Belinda. Very feminine blue merle of outstanding colour. Pretty head and lovely expression, good ears well used, excellent front and well sprung rib. Well angulated bitch with lovely sweep over the loin who impressed on the move.

2nd Hardy's, Stormypine Celtic Dancer. Tricolour bitch who is so feminine and shown in superb coat and condition. Good head type with pleasing expression and good ear set. Covered the ground well.

3rd Mulachy's, Ch Barjena Lady Blue Boots. Rather heavy bitch but lovely colour blue. Pleasing head but ears rather heavy which rather spoilt the expression, but overall a very sound bitch who moved well.

Australian Bred Bitch (What a class ... superb quality)

1st Bowden's Cathkin Razzle Dazzle Em. I found this blue bitch exquisite in fact all I like to see in a Collie. Head of correct proportions with the right amount of stop and the most beautiful expression, well arched neck and correct lay back of shoulder, good front and well sprung ribs, good topline with lovely sweep over the loin. Correct hind angulation with good turn of stifle and strong hocks, lovely reaching front movement and strong hind action giving good ground coverage. Headed a fabulous class of lovely bitches' to take Reserve Bitch.

2nd Yeomans', Ch Sheordren Walkin On Ice. Another beautiful blue bitch who excelled in head and expression, neatest of ears well used, lovely neck and shoulder and good ribs. Bred on similar lines to winner and I was impressed with her movement, a very sound and elegant bitch.

3rd Power's, Seaview Dress To Impress. Very feminine and elegant bitch, lovely body lines and she was in good coat and condition. Correct head shape and good dark eyes, moved well.

Open Bitch (Another fantastic class)

1st Jones & Power's, Ch Cathkin Clingn Toa Cloud. I just fell in love with this beautiful blue bitch, most gorgeous colour, white shawl collar enhanced her well arched neck and correct shoulder placement. Good front, deep chest and good spring of rib, correct turn of stifle and well let down hocks completed the picture. Head of good length with right amount of stop, well filled muzzle, most dreamy of expressions and lovely ear carriage, but for me the highlight was to see her move with purpose and drive. I was pleased to award her Challenge Bitch .

2nd Bowden's, Ch Cathkin Witchey Woman. Again similarly bred, a tricolour bitch who oozes quality throughout, little finer in head but so elegant overall. Hard to take your eyes from her as she has such a beautiful body shape with excellent topline, of good substance and moving out well.

3rd Dewley's, Ch Kollylock Xtc In Black. Elegant tricolour who makes the best of herself in ring, showing off her many virtues with panache. Lovely head and expression with good neck and shoulders, good bone, nice feet, and very sound on the move.

Veteran Bitch (7-10 years) No Notes on 1 st or 2 nd in this Class. Sorry.

Veteran Bitch (Over 10years)

1st Armatys', Ch Keamaree Kaleesha. VETERAN IN SHOW (Over 10years).

2nd Armatys', Ch Keamaree Kahilla. Sable of 10 half years who has a lovely head and expression. In good coat and condition but carrying rather too much weight today which affected her front movement.

BEST BITCH - Ch Cathkin Clingn Toa Cloud. RESERVE BITCH - Ch Cathkin Razzle Dazzle Em.

JUDGE - STELLA CLARK (ASTRELLITA) UK .