6th February 2026

Being surrounded by water, both inside and outside, made getting anywhere somewhat difficult and manning pumps, supplied I may add by our “Wonderful Environment Agency  supplied FOC I feel for those in a similar position. Also, the mud and ground water are never-ending so dogs all have webbed feet and require constant grooming. One day the rain will stop and we will have other issues to complain about!
However, this has given me time to read and digest some of the more recent press releases which actually concern many breeds, ours included.
If you have not had time to read, may I ask, on behalf of our breed that you actually do, as there are issues within these publications concerning the future of breeding and also breeding with possible colour restrictions.
These publications are: A New Future for Dog Breeding along with the Breeding For Health Framework, both items issued by our RKC. The second publication is a more stringent issue, and much has been commentated upon via Social Media and involves a more restrictive way forward for dog-dom. Known as the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) draws conclusions that the majority of ALL dogs are bred to enhance defects which subsequently affects size, breathing, colour etc.
Please, for the sake of ALL dogs, especially ours where the colour Blue Merle has been and accepted colour for generations. Whilst the majority of those who are involved in “Blues” are well aware that certain restrictions, although not compulsory are in force, this new group is advocating no more dogs with Blue Merle colouring
The Rough Collie Breed Council will be meeting shortly to try and discuss some of these issues, along with other breeds also affected by Merle breeding, Smooth Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs , Welsh Corgi Cardigan, to name just a few that spring to mind.
Whilst no governing body is perfect, and there are areas in which many feel the current RKC should improve by accepting ALL Health Tests from all Accredited Laboratories, adding these results to all RKC records, helping and not hindering those who genuinely have the breed at heart, and finally as the RKC to only accept registrations from PEDIGREE animals, and although prolific, any Cockerpoo, Labradoodle etc is just what it is a CROSSBRED MONGREL.
If you care about dogs, care about breeding as close to the breed standard as possible and care for the future of all our dogs, please do something!
With a change of Judge for the forthcoming Ch show of Midland Collie, as Derek Smith is unwell. The Committee decided to invite Trevor Hayward, as his replacement. I hope to be able to report, in full, next week on the show.
Finally a note from Josh Blackburn, N & D Collie Club that unfortunately due to a lack of support, the club have regretfully had to make the decision to cancel their open show which was due to be held on Saturday 21st February 2026 at Trimdon Village Hall.   Fosse Data will be in touch with exhibitors who have entered to refund you.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com