20th March 2026

The latest BRS (October – December 2025) gives a rather depressing outlook for all Pedigree dogs registered at the RKC as from an overall figure of 14,245 in 2016 to 9,263 for 2025 shows a massive decrease in all registrations.

Collies Rough had 668 recorded in 2016 and ended 2025 with a figure of 345 which is probably the lowest ever recorded number and this may well have repercussions for our breed!

Whatever you think, the decline in dogs has affected all breeds with a figure of just 81 Roughs recorded for the last period. Maybe this downward turn could be related to the current financial constraints, lack of newcomers within the breed, time and space to keep more than 1 dog.

A breakdown of this last quarter comprises of just 18 new litters, bred by 15 owners. Some are established show breeders; the remainder include a few owners without a recognised kennel affix and others using the RKC affix and finally another breeding 3 litters within 14 days of each other resulting in a total of 17 pups. Looking a little closer at these figures show the dams have produced 47 pups and some are listed as this latest litter being a 3rd litter.

Imports continue to be steady at a total of 6, 3 from Serbia and Hungary, Portugal and Belgium 1 each. However, there are listed 52 transfer of ownerships. 2 Exported collies. 11 gaining a KCSB along with a list of 6 new champions, some of whom have gained their titles under the “new Ch system”.
3 youngsters won Junior Warrants, 1 gained a Show Certificate of Excellence and finally listed is a new Obedience Excellence Certificate.

With fewer  registrations, Health checks are down but under testing for CEA/RPED and GPRA, we have 5 un-affected collies and 1 affected. There were 5 roughs Hip Scored with numbers from 6 through to 23. A few more Roughs were tested by DNA for CEA/CH with 1 Carrier, 3 Affected and 3 holding clear results. 4 collies have also been DNA tested for DM who are all clear and we now have 2 Clear and 3 Affected results for MDR1. Finally, the test for PRA rcd2 includes 4 new clear names.

News in from Denis Beardsworth who along with Wife Mary (who are both Committee Members of this popular society) had a good day at the recent Oswestry & District KA Open show on 15th March
Under Judge Felicity Snook from an entry of 10, their Wicani Dulcibella Gyda Maysinder took not only the Junior class but BOB and PG4 as well. Congratulations

Lastly some sad news from Jo Williams who has just lost Ch Mejola Fate & Fortune ShCEx– known as Odin. Sired by Ch Corydon Once in a Blue Moon x Corydon Femme Fatale for Mejola JW Born 28/06/2016-18/03/2026. Jo writes, Odin was her second homebred champion. Such an easy dog to show and he always gave his best, really coming into his own as a veteran. Sadly, missing his Junior Warrant by 1 point and had only needed 1 point for his Veteran Warrant. His key wins are below. I can honestly say we had fun. He owed me nothing. I am sure we can all relate to her loss.

As a youngster, gained a RCC at just 13 months, a total of 4CC’s, concluding in a 9th RCC at 9 years. Other notable wins included 2018 – EACA COTY Puppy of the Year and Supreme winner. 12 Best Veteran Dog class wins at champ shows, 5 with BVIB. 6 Best Veteran dog classes s at club shows, 5 with BVIB. Maybe one for the record books, as he was the first rough collie to gain the Show Certificate of Excellence.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com