East Anglian Collie Association 1st August 2021. BEST IN SHOW AWARDS

My thanks to the EACA for the invitation to judge the ‘In Show’ awards at their championship show for 2021. It has been a while since I have assessed any Collies, and I was quite eager at the prospect, albeit for these awards, it would only be a selection of dogs, but non the less, what was sent through for me to appraise was very pleasing, the quality and standard very commendable.

BEST MINOR PUPPY ROUGH. I was called upon to decide BMPR. What I note here is to be recognised in many minor puppies at this age. Two very raw youngsters, who have much developing and growing up to do. Either could have taken this award albeit for slightly different reasons.

Milligan/Marleys – ALFSDEN HE LIVES IN YOU (d) This blue boy is a lovely size, has good bone and substance with good length of back. His coat is a good colour and well marked. He needs time to develop in body as he is rather shelly, and his movement rather narrow. J

ones/Blackburns – ERJON EBONY JEWELS (b) This tri girl is very sweet with a pretty head and expression. She has a lovely reach of neck, and level topline. On movement she was more lithe in action than her contender, but needs to straighten up a little when going round. BEST PUPPY IN SHOW - Jones/Blackburns – ERJON EBONY JEWELS RES. BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Howards – SHANDLMAINS SOFISTIKATE Another pretty tri (smooth), of just over 9 months who also appeals for her sweetness in head, and who pushed EJ hard for the main award. With a lovely temperament, she shows much promise, and potential. One to keep an eye on for the future. RBPIS.

BEST IN SHOW & RES BEST IN SHOW Two lovely examples of Rough & Smooth Collies.

Cronks – Int. Ch. SKABONA THE GAMBLER at CHELBORN (Imp Swed). Tri male who takes the eye, as soon as he enters the ring. He presents a lovely outline, completely balanced in conformation, and so well made that he can only stand correctly. His head is masculine without coarseness, flat skull, well placed stop, and full muzzle. Dark almond eye, and correct ears, all combining to produce a true Collie expression. Strong muscled neck, and well laid back broad shoulders, deep chest of good width, and well sprung ribs. Strong loins, and good angulation of hindquarters, with muscular thighs, well bent stifles, and short let down hocks. His movement was so sound, his side gait showed plenty of forward reach, and powerful drive from the rear, and with a correctly carried tail he just flowed along showing very little effort. A stunning dog, who at 5 years old, must be at his best, and I fully predict a crowning (UK) title within the near future. BEST IN SHOW.

Beaden/Arrowsmiths – SAGANAN BLUE DIAMOND - JWW This lovely feminine blue had the pleasure of gaining her title today, and so well deserved it is too. She has always had so much going for her, right from the start of her puppy career. She is of good breed type, her shape and outline is stunning, everything just flows in the right directions. She is in excellent condition with a fitting coat, which is clear silvery blue in colour, correctly marbled, and all enhanced by a lovely white shawl collar. Her head is lean with an exquisite eye, and correctly set ears, although a little lightly tipped. Well arched neck, and excellent front angulation. Good depth of ribcage, level back, and strong well angulated hindquarters. Her movement was a pleasure to watch, very streamlined, and easy flowing, with very little effort required. RES. BEST IN SHOW.

Smiths - Gib Ch, Esp Ch, Port Ch, WINTER IS COMING TO TENTOLA. Competing against some lovely quality Rough’s, this lovely marked blue dog always makes me smile when I see him. His owner speaks to him very quietly, telling him to be mindful whilst in the ring, but his attitude says ‘you can say what you like, but I’m going to do as I please anyway’! He is all male, and again at 5 years old has come to his best. His head is wedge shaped, of good length with flat skull full muzzle and ample underjaw. He sports a nice outline, excels in neck, with a good depth of chest, and length of upper arm, well developed in ribs, and lovely strong rear quarters. His movement is powerful, but does tend to be a bit a little erratic at times, but this is just how he is, enjoying himself no matter what!

BEST VETERAN/RES BV IN SHOW Burrows – Ch. TIGANLEA TINKERBELL at REVDVICKI It doesn’t seem possible that this S/W bitch has now reached her veteran years. She is full of Collie charm, and presents a lovely overall picture being in such good overall condition, and presented to perfection. She has a lovely head pattern, smooth in outline, with correct eye, good ear set and well placed stop, rounded muzzle, and plenty of under-jaw. Super reach of neck with well laid back shoulders, ideal length of body, and well angulated rear quarters. She moved very positively, on strong legs and feet holding her top-line well. A quality collie who has fully deserved her title.

BVIS. Bentons – OAKESTELLE VENUS DE MILO Another 8 year old who I think has improved with age. She always holds herself well in the ring, which is the result of being so well schooled by her owner. Her head is lean and balanced, with well placed stop, smooth cheeks, and flat skull. Sufficient length of neck with well laid back shoulders and deep chest. I would prefer a little more turn of stifle, and closer rear movement, but I’m sure as she is doing so well, will go on to follow in her dam’s footsteps to the upper house. RBVIS.

JUDGE: Lisa Pettitt