London & Provincial Collie Club’s Championship Show– 20th Nov 2016 - BIS

I was delighted to have been asked to referee and judge BIS at this friendly and well run show- thank you to Diana and her team! All three judges sent some super Rough and Smooth Collie winners forward to challenge for BIS.

However, before I comment further, I should just like to make mention of eye size. Whilst the eyes of the winning dogs were correctly almond-shaped, obliquely set and of correct colour, they were all what I consider to be a little on the small side. Please bear in mind that the Rough Collie Standard states the eyes should be of ‘medium size (never very small)….’  Care must be taken to avoid small eyes because these are most often associated with eye diseases such as CEA and the KC’s ‘Breed Watch’ reminds judges to check for specific breed faults, one of which is small eyes.

The two Rough Collie judges were unable to agree on their choices of RBOB, BOSIB & BPIB so I, as referee, stepped in to make the final decisions.

RBOB – The challengers were the b/m Demelewis Catchmydrift (Dog CC winner) and the tri Ingledene Frost At Night (RBCC winner). Two quality exhibits, and a close decision. I just preferred the tighter ear carriage and overall balance and ring presence of the dog. Catchmydrift was therefore awarded RBOB & BOSIB.

BPIB – This time the challengers were the 8month b/m bitch Fata Turchina Ladnar di Cambiano and the 11 month s/w dog Brooklynson Arizona. Both worthy winners, I just preferred the sweetness of expression and balance of head of the Ladnar bitch and was happy to award her Best Puppy in breed.

Best In Show - In the challenge for BIS were the two BOB winners – Randall’s tricolour Rough Collie bitch Ladnar Inkheart JW and Peacock’s tricolour Smooth Collie Blamorder Back To The Start For Saraneth. Two superb Collies in excellent condition and so similar in type. They were both elegant, well balanced and dignified, and matched one another almost point for point. It was a most difficult decision but I felt the Rough had the slightly sweeter expression. I was therefore delighted to award Ladnar Inkheart BIS.

Res BIS - The Smooth Blamorder bitch then challenged the BOS Rough dog, Demelewis Catchmydrift. Again, a close decision but I felt the Rough showed a tad more elegance on the move, holding his topline and tail well. Catchmydrift was therefore awarded RBIS and BOSIS.

BPIS – Best Puppy Rough, b/m Fata Turchina Ladnar di Cambiano (imp Ita) challenged the s/w male Smooth puppy, Natalain Star Lord At Willowhurst NAF, TAF (imp Rus). Whilst the Rough Pup stood and showed like a veteran – so well proportioned with lovely colour, sweetest of expressions and good movement, the Smooth boy, although developing along the right lines, is still very raw and appeared a little overawed by the proceedings. Delighted to award the Rough puppy BPIS.

BVIS – Sadly there was no BVIS challenge because the 9 year old BV Rough Collie, tri male Damos Diamond Legend, was absent and there was no Smooth veteran challenger. The award therefore went automatically to the Rough dog, despite his absence.

Pat Hutchinson (BIS Judge)