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Bearded Collie Club Championship Show - 5th July 2025
Judges ' Critiques
Dogs
Wow ! what a Day I had. What an honour to have been appointed to Judge the Dogs at this Milestone in The Bearded Collie Club Platinum Jubilee Calander Year. I was greeted with a warm welcome from the Committee, as is always the case. As always, a well-run Show with the best of hospitality. I want to give a massive thank you to my 2 Stewards, my goodness they do such great work, and they are often the unsung heroes, everything ran like clockwork. Thank you also to all those Exhibitors that had confidence in giving me an entry, what a pleasure it was to meet so many lovely Beardies and their owners. Quality in my entry was outstanding. I really had such hard work on my Hands and Cards were at a premium, so be proud of your Beardies , maybe you missed out on a top award! but the competition was strong. I enjoyed every minute and the Beardies looked Happy too.Thank you so very much.
Shelagh Needham.
Veteran Dog (6, 2)
1st. Salmon's CH Potterdale Piper.. Presenting a balanced and confident outline. Correct height length ratio. Head handled well, being broad and flat. Good dark eye, Excellent clean dentition, strength in neck and is slightly arched. A well laid shoulder, down to a well sprung rib. Good substance. Nothing course . Correct length of back with tight loin. Correct slope to croup. Moving out with purpose. A good forward reach on his go around. Quality Coat. Great Ring presence. Much to like. Well presented.
2nd. Gibb's CH Snikkles Bluebeard at Pirateer. JW ShCM ShCEx VW. I have Judged this Lad before and he never disappoints. Pleased he gained his Crown as he was slow to mature. Standing proud in his Quality Coat. Head broad and flat. Eye, toned to Coat, that still has a twinkle. Good Dentition. Arched Neck into a Well laid Shoulder. Rib well down and of good depth. Balanced 5/4 in Profile. Moved out with a good length of stride. Pushy Hocks driving him round. A treat to see this Lad in super condition, that belied his Year. Well presented and handled.
3rd. Hinchliffe's Pretty Bear Beautiful Bill at Croftdale VW (Imp Deu). A Brown to please. Enjoying his Day. Head handled well and in exact proportion to size. Presenting a pleasing outline in Stand. Good Dentition and good Eye to Coat. excellent Pigment. A well laid Shoulder into a good depth of Rib. Strong level Top line, and correct slope to Croup. Moved out with confidence on his go around just not quite the reach of 1 and 2. Presented in good fit condition. Lots that I liked.
Minor Puppy Dog (2, 0)
1st. Lewis's Potterdale Prime Legacy. So, in he came and what an entrance he made. A dream outline, of Balance and type. Full of Fun as all M/Puppy should be, look at me was his Mantra. Head of good width and size. excellent Dentition. Darkest of Eye with a soft expression. correct length of Neck and back being exactly 5/4 Shoulder laid well. Good depth of Chest for one so young. Short tight Loin nothing loose. Correct Slope of Croup. On the go around I saw flashes of length in stride. Excellent Pigment. This Puppy stole my Heart and stole the Class, for his quality and is one to seriously watch. I predict a very bright future for this Young Lad. Beautifully presented. Everything I like to see in a Beardie Puppy. A good job dognapping is a crime!
2nd. Obone's Potterdale Prime Edition. Litter Brother to 1st Unknown to me. So alike. This Super Lad presented so well. Head of quality that handled well. Darkest of Eye, that was full of Mischief. Good Pigment. Excellent Dentition. Correct length to Neck into a well-placed Shoulder. Rib again well down. Correct Length of Back with a slightly longer Loin. Not the substance yet of 1st but this comes with maturity. Moved well on his go around I saw flashes of forward reach. He clearly enjoyed his Day. A Joy to go over. I will watch his progress with great interest. Beautifully presented and handled. So much to like.
Puppy Dog (1, 0)
1st. Mogfod's Monarkshyre Autumnal Guild. . A strong standing profile of balance and strength. Nothing course but all Male. Correct in his 5/4 Ratio He stood alone but that did not distract from his Quality. A most pleasing Head that handled well, being of correct proportion. Excellent Dentition. Darkest of Eye, with a mischievous expression. Good Pigment. A well laid Shoulder and into a good depth of Rib. Short Loin giving Strength of top line on the move, that he held with ease. A flowing easy Gait of confidence. A most pleasing Lad and again one to watch.
Junior Dog (4, 2)
1st. Collins' Full of the Dickens Winner Takes It All For Kingswud. Have admired this Lad from a distance. A standing Profile of all Male that you can’t deny his place. Full of quality and Mischief a great Beardie combination, Head of Quality proportions, being broad and flat. Dark Eye tones with his Darkest of Quality Coat. A perfect 5/4 Ratio. Excellent Dentition and Pigment. A well laid-back Shoulder to a well down Rib. Correct Length of Back and a short Loin holding his level top line on his go around. A most purposeful Gait with long fluid stride. I liked his Ring presence with that look at me , I am here attitude. Lots that I like. Beautifully presented and handled.
2nd. Reynolds' Beabeardies Blue Velvet. . A good Standing Profile presenting a correct outline. Head of good Width and in proportion to Heigh/length. Eye to Coat at present. Excellent Dentition. Good Pigment. A quality Coat coming. Shoulder well placed onto a good depth of Chest. A slightly longer Loin than 1st place. A good and solid go around displaying subtle and Fluid Gait. Much to like, Tough meeting 1st placed today. Well presented.
Yearling Dog (3, 0)
1st. Tomlinson, Miller & Fletcher's Memorylane Flirt with Every Skirt. (Imp Fin) . An all-Male Brown of good Quality and type. I liked his Ring presence on entry. Excellent in Stand and gives a most pleasing outline of good Balance. Head handled well and of good proportions. Good Eye to Coat and a sparkle to match. Good Dentition, Nicely Arched Neck into a good Lay of Shoulder. A Rib that is well let down. Correct length of Back with a good Tight Loin. The go around did not disappoint. A good length of stride, smooth and subtle and confident. Beautifully presented. In fit condition.
2nd. Collins' Full of the Dickens Winner Takes It All for Kingswud .. See Junior Dog.
3rd. Bowden's Subessen The Wonder of You. . A good confident Standing profile. A type that I like. Balanced throughout and exhibits Breed quality. Coat is in change at present. Head handled well, being Broad and flat. Good Eye Tone to Coat. Excellent Dentition. Arched Neck into a well laid Shoulder. A good depth of Rib and correct Lenth of Back. Slower to mature that 1st and 2nd. Not as focused on his go around but still showing good reach. Lots of promise and just a little more Time required for this Lad to Body up. Lots of Quality. I will watch progress with interest. Well presented.
Maiden Dog (1, 0)
1st. Reynolds' Beabeardies Blue Velvet. See Junior Dog.
Novice Dog (2, 1)
1st. Collins' ull of the Dickens Winner Takes It All for Kingswud. See JNR Dog. Critique.
Debutant Dog - No entries
Graduate Dog (3, 1)
1st. Gibb & Dungavell's Debbeacol Devil in Disguise at Pirateer. A clean-cut Profile. Balanced in his 5/4 proportions. Head handled well. Darkest of Eye with a most soft expression, toning well with his Dark Coat of good texture. Good Dentition. A well laid-back Shoulder onto a good well sprung Rib. Correct length to back and a tight Loin. Plenty of Drive on his go around that displaying good reach and a fluid Gait. Very well presented. Lots for me to like here in this Young Lad.
2nd. Bowden's Subessen the Wonder of You. See Yearling Dog
Post Graduate Dog (1, 0)
1st. Butcher's Sylvabrae Newtons Law. . A most balanced Profile and displaying that 5/4 proportion I look for. Good Head, being broad and flat. Excellent Dentition. A Good dark Eye with lovely soft sparkle. Nicely Arched Neck into a good lay of Shoulder. A well down Rib with good spring. Correct in length of Back. A short tight Loin was a plus. Lots of substance without coarseness and presented in Fit condition with good Muscle tone. A fluid and steady Gait on the go around. Confident and enjoying his Day. Well presented and handled.Mid Limit Dog (3, 1)
1st. Glasspool & Gray's Ungaro de Chester (Imp Fra) TAF. I looked, and I looked again. Instantly I knew something Special was in my Ring. A perfect outline in profile. I was eager to see what was about this Dog. I found so many qualities. Head of excellent proportion, being broad and flat, lots of Brain room here. The darkest of Eye with a trusting expression. Good Dentition, with large Teeth. Strength of Neck into a Very well Laid Shoulder and into a Deep Rib. Excellent Length of Back. Loin short and tight and gave an Iron Top line . Excelled in his go around. Long reaching Gait of the most fluid subtle stride. Well handled. So very much to like. Presented in immaculate and fit condition. Thrilled to hear later that Subject to KC approval A new Champion was made. Easily my CC Winner and went on to Best in Show in unanimous agreement with our Referee.
2nd. Ayrton's Aoibh Drummer Boy JW.. Lots to like in this Young Lad. A well-proportioned Head in unison to overall Height length. Eye tone to Coat. Excellent Dentition. Good Pigment. A good Lay back of Shoulder, into a well down Rib of good spring. Correct length of Back with a slightly longer Loin. Not the substance of 1st. but in good lean Condition. Moved out with purpose and drive. Well presented and handled.
Limit Dog (3, 0)
1st. Dumbrell's Brodaty Limited Edition at Bethlyntee. A standing profile of an all-male Lad. I was drawn to his demeanour. Confident in his stand. A good size with lots I like. Head handled well. Good Eye tone to his quality Brown Coat, of good texture. Good clean Dentition. Strength in Neck. A good lay back of Shoulder. Rib well down. Correct length to Back and a tight Loin. Good top line held. Nothing loose On the go around he was confident in stride. Good reach, and a fluid Gait. A very honest Dog with no exaggeration. Presented in good hard and fit condition. Much to like. In the Challenge he was not as focused as in his first go around.
2nd. Lewis's Potterdale Platinum Jubilee. . Standing profile that is typical of this Breeding. Exactly 5/4 in proportions. Head handled well, being broad and flat. Good Eye with a soft expression that toned to his Slate Coat of good Quality and texture. Good clean Dentition. Slight Arch to Neck. A well laid-back Shoulder with a well down and deep Rib. Correct length to back. A short tight loin. On the go around a level top line was held tight. Gaiting out in smooth Fluid, and purposeful stride. Just not quite as focused as 1st. Beautifully presented and handled. Much that I liked. and Yet another that must be watched .
3rd. Moir's Winaria Wellington JW. .A confident profile stand. Dark Slate with darkest of Eye, with a melting expression Head handled well in exact proportion to size. Excellent clean Dentition. Arched Neck into a good Lay of Shoulder. Rib was well down and nicely sprung. Slightly longer in Loin and not the overall substance of 1st and 2nd. Correct slope to Croup. On his go around I saw good reach and a steady purposeful Gait. A flowing movement. Much to like of this young Lad. Well presented and handled.
Open Dog (8, 2)
1st. Garrity & Tibbett's CH Potterdale Gorgeous George. . No mistaking this Lad is all Male and stood in a proud Profile. I wanted to know more and I found it. Head of excellent proportion with overall size. Darkest of Eye and a soft expression. Correct Arch to Neck. A well laid-back Shoulder, deepest of Rib. Correct 5/4 in Height Length. Solid Topline. Correct slope to Croup. The go around was a joy to watch, being Long reaching, fluid and effortless. Great Ring presence with so much to like. Beautifully presented. I was delighted to award my Reserve CC to a most deserving Exhibit. Reserve CC.
2nd. Harcourt-Brown's CH Orora’s Himself. .Brown. A good solid Stand in profile, confident and with an Air about him. Head of good proportion, in line with his Size. A good Eye tone to his Quality Coat of correct texture. Good Cleen Dentition. A well laid-back Shoulder, into a deep well sprung Rib. Correct length of Back, slightly longer in Loin. Not the substance of 1st On his go around he was exemplary. Showing a good reach, and fluid Gait. Clearly enjoying his Day. Well presented and handled. Much that I liked.
3rd. Wood's Pepperjay Bartholomew JW. . A most pleasing outline in Stand. I have Judged this Lad before and he stands his placement well. Head handled well, being broad and flat. A Good Eye that toned to Coat. Excellent clean Dentition. Slight Arch to Neck, onto a Good Depth of Rib. Correct length to back. Nicely sloped Croup. The go around was steady and fluid, and with purpose, I do think he would benefit from a quicker paced Run out. Always well presented in good Fit condition. Lots to like.
Shelagh Needham (Judge)
Bitches
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Bearded Collie Club for inviting me to judge this very Special Platinum Jubilee Championship Show celebrating 70 years of the Bearded Collie Club. I would also like to thank my efficient stewards. Mostly though I would like to thank our wonderful breed for their enthusiasm, quality, beauty and soundness.
Sue O'Brien
VETERAN BITCH (8, 2)
1st. Bowden's Ch Subessen Blaze Of Fire VW. Feminine dark slate eleven years young and a favourite of mine. Lovely head, darkest of eyes with gentle expression. Excellent pigment and correct bite. Ideal lay of shoulders and correct upper arm. She still has a long level topline which she holds on the move. She has a correct free, ground covering movement with good head carriage. She was shown in excellent hard condition and super coat. Shown to perfection and so in tune with her handler. She always looks like she is enjoying herself. A credit to her owner/breeder.
2nd. Wood's Ch Pipadene Visionary Spirit For Pepperjay JW Another favourite of mine. A glorious veteran who belies her 12 years. Presented in excellent coat and condition and oozing breed type. Dark slate with matching eyes and soft expression. Correct overall balance standing over plenty of ground. A sound mover and really enjoying her day out.
3rd. Brooks & Grundy's Ch Heleview Heartbreaker Brown bitch of lovely Breed type ten years old. She has a pleasing head, eye and expression. Super balanced construction. A sound free mover. Very well presented and shown.
1st. Lewis & Moreland's Potterdale Prime Rose TAF This lovely baby 6 months on the day, stood alone. A black and white puppy bitch who cuts a striking outline, both standing and moving. Nicely made and balanced throughout with correct angles fore and aft. Good length to height proportions, strong topline and well-set hocks. Good eye colour, pigment and correct bite the sweetest of expressions. So very steady and together on the move for her age. Well presented and shown.
PUPPY BITCH (3, 0)
1st. Peirson's Kiltondale Miley Cyrus This delightful puppy I wanted to put her in my handbag and take her home. She was just lovely and just my type. Dark slate of super breed type. Lovely head eye and expression. Good pigment and correct bite. Correct forehand construction and good ribcage. Ideal length to height and strong topline. Her rear is balanced with her forehand with short strong hocks. Quality coat coming through. A lovely workmanlike mover. Definitely one to watch for the future.
2nd. Sewell's Victime D'Amour De Chester with Kemelstowe NAF TAF. Slate Quality puppy of 11 months with lovely feminine qualities. Super head correct bite and very good pigment. She has a good eye colour and sweet expression. Correct overall balance and level topline and well angulated rear. She is a reliable mover and moved confidently here today. Unlucky to meet number 1.
3rd. Mogford's Monarkshyre Autumnal Glory Impressive ten month old dark slate bitch with good pigment and correct bite. Her eyes just need to darken to match her coat and give her a softer expression. Soundly constructed throughout with correct lay of shoulder and upper arm placement. Sound free mover from all directions.
JUNIOR BITCH (3, 0)
1st. Cooper's Tybury's Origin Of Hope. Ultra feminine 15 months blue girl with lovely breed type. Pleasing head and expression her eyes matching her attractive blue coat, good pigment, correct bite. She took my eye on the first circuit with her ground covering movement. So nice to go over with good lay of shoulder correct rib and good rear angulation. She needs to concentrate on her handler to make the most of her lovely qualities.
2nd. Cox's Marrox Manhattan Sunshine I liked everything about this 13 month old lady. Pleasing head and expression. Correct shoulder placement, good length of back and a sound well angulated rear. Her coat is of good texture and quantity. What I liked most was her movement easy graceful and very sound.
3rd. Mitchell's Beabeardies Grace Kelly. Dark slate baby just over a year old. The sweetest head and expression good reach of neck and level topline. Good lay of shoulder and well angulated rear. She oozes femininity. She was super on the move and just needs to gain some more ring experience.
YEARLING BITCH (4, 0)
1st. Skinner's Valkyrie De Chester at Tamjenta (Imp Fra) JW. A fabulous bitch she caught my eye as she entered the ring she has the WOW factor. She is so feminine with lovely head and soft expression, super arched neck and correct lay of shoulder and correct rib. I loved her overall balance as well as her elegance. She was the best mover in this class. Definitely one to watch.
2nd. Horne's Potterdale Solitaire of Mintaria. Another quality bitch this time a dark slate. Delightful feminine head and soft enquiring expression. She has correct proportions a very good lay of shoulder and a correctly angulated rear. She oozes femininity and was well presented here today. A positive mover with plenty of scope. I predict a bright future for her. Two outstanding bitches in this class.
3rd. Cox's Marrox Manhattan Sunshine Seen dog 2nd Junior Bitch
MAIDEN BITCH (4, 0)
1st. Peirson's Kiltondale Miley Cyrus Seen dog 1st Puppy Bitch
2nd. Sewell's Victime D'Amour De Chester with Kemelstowe NAF TAF. Seen dog 2nd Puppy Bitch
3rd. Mitchell's Beabeardies Grace Kelly. Seen 3rd Junior Bitch
NOVICE BITCH (5, 1)
1st. Peirson's Kiltondale Miley Cyrus Seen dog 1st Puppy Bitch
2nd. Sewell's Victime D'Amour De Chester with Kemelstowe NAF TAF. Seen dog 2nd Puppy Bitch
3rd. Mitchell's Beabeardies Grace Kelly. Seen 3rd Junior Bitch
DEBUTANT BITCH (3, 1)
1st. Sewell's Victime D'Amour De Chester with Kemelstowe NAF TAF. Seen dog 2nd Puppy Bitch
2nd. Bevis's Beabeardies Blue Monday Attractive blue bitch with good conformation a lovely type. Unfortunately, she was very unsettled, and it was not possible to assess her movement.
GRADUATE BITCH (5, 3)
1st. Harcourt-Brown's Orora's Pearly Princess. Quality slate bitch two years old of correct proportions. Feminine head good pigmentation correct bite and soft expression. Correct lay of shoulder and well angulated rear correct rib shape. I liked height to length ratio. Lovely bitch who is still maturing. Super breed type. She was a little unsettled on the move, but this will come with time.
2nd. Gilbert's Bryonyhill Secret Saturn. Another quality bitch with correct proportions. Again, very correct in conformation a joy to go over. I liked her height to length proportions good lay of shoulder, correct rib and good rear. She just needs to mature in coat to complete the picture.
POST GRADUATE BITCH (2, 0)
1st. Richards' Wildan's Dark Sky at Elemark. Appealing dark slate bitch 3 plus years, sweet and feminine of lovely breed type. Pleasing head and enquiring expression. Correct proportions with good lay of shoulder and well angulated rear. She oozes femininity and nicely presented here today. She moved with reach and drive.
2nd. Lee Finglas's Braemoors Quite The Catch for Richeath (Imp Nld) NAF. Another nice slate bitch, so pretty and feminine, lovely head, pigment and eye colour. Very good depth of rib. Correct rear. Moved soundly, but a bit lethargic due to carrying too much weight.
MID LIMIT BITCH (5, 1)
I feel certain these 3 quality bitches will frequently change places. So much to like about them all.
1st. Harcourt-Brown's Farmarens Imperial Highness. Quality three plus year dark slate bitch with correct head proportions and bite. Very pleasing feminine expression and eye toning to coat. She has a good lay of shoulder and well angulated rear. I liked her quality breed type and substance. With maturity I think she will come into her own. Well presented and shown to every advantage. I liked her movement which was easy graceful and totally sound.
2nd. O'Connell's Potterdale Royal Sapphire of Atherleigh. Quality three year old dark blue bitch who fills the eye and oozes breed type. So pretty and appealing with strong pigment dark eyes and sweetest expression. I really liked her overall balance and proportions. She has a good lay of shoulder and balanced rear. She holds her topline on the stand and the move. Shown to perfection today and really in tune with her owner handler.
3rd. Waldron & Gray's There's Something About De Chester at Snowmead. Another quality bitch two years old, slate with really good pigment, expressive eyes and correct bite. I like this girl’s length and strong topline. She is nicely balanced throughout with good lay of shoulders and balanced rear. Perfect breed type. She moved with reach and drive. I just felt she was carrying too much weight at the moment. Otherwise, a super Beardie.
LIMIT BITCH (5, 0)
1st. Stead's Clovabrae Villanelle. Charisma, charisma, charisma, is the illusive quality that this beautiful bitch epitomises. She is absolutely stunning and oozes quality, breed type and is so very correct in her construction. She looks so balanced on the stand and moves with such power and freedom. Her movement is exceptional and there was not another bitch here today to touch her quality of movement. Nothing overdone with this bitch no flashy markings etc just pure quality of movement. I make no secret of the fact that this bitch is a favourite of mine and felt honoured to award her the CC. I believe that now makes her a Champion subject to RKC approval.
2nd. Jay's Talraz Song Of Summer Another quality bitch, four years old, slate with expressive eyes, very good pigment and correct bite. I liked this girl’s length and strong topline. She is nicely balanced throughout with arched neck good lay of shoulders and balanced rear. She comes into her own on the move and is a superb moving Beardie. Just unlucky to meet the competition here today. Her day will come.
3rd. Brooks & Grundy's Fraglestone Familiarity. This five-year-old beautifully presented slate bitch in exceptional coat had everything to offer here today. Pleasing head, correct bite and soft expression from her dark eyes. Very feminine throughout. Excellent shoulder and well angulated rear. She had excellent muscle tone, and this showed in her level topline and ground covering movement.
OPEN BITCH (6, 3)
1st. Harcourt-Brown's Ch Orora's Oriana. Striking dark slate three year old bitch another of exceptional quality I have always admired. Pleasing head and expression, correct bite and good pigment. Good reach of neck and good lay of shoulders and balanced well angulated rear. I love her overall elegant outline. She is exceptional on the move with long reaching effortless strides. A quality bitch expertly shown. Res CC.
2nd. Rivers' Ch Orora's French Silk at Merrimak JW ShCEx OSW. Impressive bitch I have always liked and was not disappointed going over her. So pretty and feminine and looking every inch a show dog. Very appealing head and expression. Dark eyes and good pigment correct bite. She has a lovely outline and is well made throughout. Good lay of shoulder and correct length to height and lovely topline which she holds on the move. I just preferred the movement of the winner.
3rd. Bowden's Subessen Heart Of Hearts. Ultra feminine mid slate bitch six years old, again of lovely breed type. Sweet head and expression, correct bite and good pigment and eye colour. She is soundly constructed, balanced and has good length. Expertly shown both on the stand and on the move.
Sue O'Brien (Judge)