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Border Collie A smart, athletic and nimble breed with innate herding skills and versatility in many activities
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Ag Ch Chikaramor Kynda Amazyng with Alan Wildman competing in the European Open Agility Championships in 2022, Belgium. See page 34 for more canine activities at which the Border Collie excels. Simon Peachey/The Kennel Club©
Contents September 2023
CHAIRMAN: Tony Allcock OBE VICE CHAIRMAN: Paul Eardley CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Mark Beazley CUSTOMER SERVICES: 01296 318540 PETLOG MAIN NUMBER: 01296 336579 PETLOG LOST & FOUND: 01296 737600 INSURANCE ENQUIRIES: 0333 030 5030 EDITOR: Carrie Thomas HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Sara Wilde EDITORIAL PANEL: Bill Moores (Chair), Stuart Band, Terrie Cousins-Brown, Dr Ian Gabriel, Philippa Gilbert, Del Richards, Gay Robertson
Opinion
Health matters
A record-breaking gathering at the birthplace of the Golden Retriever, a new exhibition in the art gallery, highlights from two Kennel Club events, the latest political updates and more
The work of the breed health co-ordinators that go above and beyond for their breeds
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: kennel.gazette@thekennelclub.org.uk The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB
07 Over to you
SUBSCRIPTIONS: 020 7518 1016 publications.mailbox@thekennelclub.org.uk Designed and produced for The Kennel Club by:
NEWHALL PUBLISHING LTD New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ 0151 632 3232/newhallpublishing.com WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THE KENNEL GAZETTE? Call Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email gary.turner@newhallpublishing.com COVER IMAGE: Breed and bitch Challenge Certificate (CC) record holder, Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, ‘Tempt’, winner of 49 CCs. Tempt was one of five puppies that included Sh Ch Fayken The Devil In Me JW and Fayken Striptease, CC and Reserve CC winner. Sired by Sh Ch Arrodare It’s Now Or Never JW ex Sh Ch Fayken Indecent Proposal JW. Ross Green©
04 Kennel Club news
Features
10 Pushing health to the forefront
Judges’ choice
20 Border Collie
Members share their thoughts on belonging to our great organisation devoted to dogs
12 A worldwide influence
Discover the origins of this versatile breed, an update on breed health, other activities Border Collies enjoy and their important potential for search and rescue. Plus, nine judges choose their three favourite Border Collies they have judged in the show ring
The winners of the International Canine Health Awards and their future ambitions
14 Moving on up
Bill Moores reports on The Kennel Club’s annual general meeting
17 Collector’s corner
Kennel Club member and Crufts 2016 Best in Show judge Derek Smith shares his collection of Rough Collie memorabilia
Search dog Jupiter. See page 38. Mark Bentley©
The paper used for this publication is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and elemental or total chlorine-free bleached pulp. This magazine can be recycled either through your kerbside collection, or at a local recycling point. Log on to recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find the nearest sites. Kennel Gazette is the monthly publication of The Kennel Club. Views and opinions expressed within the Kennel Gazette are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Kennel Club. The contents of this magazine are owned by The Kennel Club and may not be reproduced without permission. ©The Kennel Club 2023.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
NEWS
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Kennel Club News
The latest developments to help make the most of owning a dog.
Goldens gather at Guisachan Earlier this year, Guisachan House in Glen Affric, where the Golden Retriever originated from, hosted 466 Goldens for a UK record-breaking gathering. The last one was in 2018, which attracted 360 Goldens to commemorate 150 years since the birth of the first litter of Golden Retrievers. Carol Henry, Secretary of the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland, organisers of the event, said, “The aim was to keep the history and knowledge of the breed alive. We want to hold on to the confidence, biddability, companionship and loyalty – all the things the Golden Retriever was built on.” The gathering was part of five days of events that attracted enthusiasts from around the world, one being a torchlight procession, where dogs and owners were greeted with a whisky or Irn-Bru and a piper piping. It culminated in the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland Championship Show, where exhibitors were welcomed from Czech Republic and Croatia and the Best in Show winner was a dog from Wexford, Ireland. For further details about the history of the breed, see the September 2019 edition of the Kennel Gazette, in which the breed was the Judges’ Choice, and goldenretrieverclubofscotland.com for news and events.
KIPPS copyright, framed prints available from lynn@kipps.co.uk
Celebrating 100 years
New exhibition
Sue Connolly (left), Chairman of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club (WSSC), cuts the centenary cake at the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed celebration lunch at The Kennel Club in May, pictured with Honorary Secretary Peter Barnaby and Gillian Coffin, daughter of WSSC President Anne Walton. Events begin on 2 September with the williammoores.com© WSSC Championship Show and Open Show at Ryton-on-Dunsmore. This vulnerable breed will also have a presence at the Welsh Game Fair on 9 September. There will be a Working Assessment Test on 24 September at Rickneys Gundog Training Ground, Hertfordshire, and several Welshie walks organised for the beginning of October. For more information on the events, including a special weekend where six national WSS clubs from around the world are coming together, please see wssc.org.uk Regular updates will also be posted on facebook.com/welshspringerspanielclub
The Kennel Club Art Gallery is delighted to present a capsule exhibition of 37 porcelain dogs from the Royal Crown Derby Museum collection. The exhibition Commemorative Queen Elizabeth II was proposed by the Diamond Jubilee Corgi, fine bone well-known artist Deirdre china with 22ct gold leaf. Royal Crown Derby© Ashdown, and her support in curating the exhibition is much appreciated. The exhibition will run until 10 January 2024 and contains many commemorative pieces, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Corgi, in addition to examples from Royal Crown Derby’s National Dog Collection and many beautifully observed white models from the King Street factory made between 1848 and 1935.
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
NEWS
READ ALL ABOUT IT
DIARY DATES
Political Progress
SEPTEMBER 31 August 3 September City of Birmingham Canine Association 31 Working and Pastoral 1 Hound and Toy 2 Utility and Terrier 3 Gundog
by Helen Kenward
MSPs and their canine companions
strong bond with David. Second place was Kura, a Flat Coated Retriever, owned by Tess White MSP, while third place was awarded to Oakley, a Dogs
The much-loved
Trust rescue dog, accompanied by Alison
competition
Johnstone MSP. There was also a public vote,
Holyrood Dog of
which was won by Joy, a Greyhound,
the Year returned
accompanied by Mark Ruskell MSP.
in June, run in
Breed celebration lunch
Dogs Trust. This
Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Orders
German Shepherd Dog
year the event was
We are continuing to campaign for and advocate
6
Christine Grahame
5
Breed celebration lunch
conjunction with
on behalf of dogs and their owners to protect
sponsored by Euan Cherry/PA Wire©
the rights of dogs and dog owners. Local
MSP, who returned
authorities across England and Wales are required
Beagle
as a guest judge, as she won in 2022. The theme
by law to renew their dog control Public Spaces
8-10
of this year’s event was the cost of living and the
Protection Orders every three years. We call on
importance of the human canine bond. The
local authorities to seek the least restrictive
competition provided a platform to raise the issue
approach to achieve their desired outcome, and
with both the MSPs attending, and through the
so far in 2023, we have responded to numerous
media coverage that the event generated. We
separate local authority consultations on these
were thrilled with the fantastic response from
orders. We’ve recently made submissions to East
the MSPs and Scottish press. Buster, a Golden
Suffolk Council, Waverley Borough Council,
Retriever, was crowned the winner with David
Cambridge City Council, Lambeth Council,
15 Gundog and Toy
Torrance MSP (pictured). Buster impressed the
Wolverhampton Council and Durham County
16 Utility and Hound
judges with his lovable character, as well as his
Council, to name but a few.
Richmond Dog Show Society 8 Terrier and Gundog 9 Toy and Utility 10 Hound, Pastoral and Working
15-17
Darlington Dog Show Society
17 Working, Pastoral and Terrier The Kennel Club Roadshow stand will be attending.
19
Breed celebration lunch Irish Setter
23-24
Belfast Dog Show Society 23 Hound, Terrier and Gundog 24 Utility, Toy, Pastoral and Working
30 September - 1 October Scottish Kennel Club
30 Toy, Utility, Working and Pastoral 1 Gundog, Hound and Terrier
A glowing result for our future stars The Young Kennel Club Agility Team GB made history by winning five gold, five silver and two bronze medals at the Junior Open Agility World Championships held from 14-16 July – the team’s highest success to date! Congratulations to everyone involved.
Simon Peachey/The Kennel Club©
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
NEWS
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Stepping down from duties On 8 June, Frank Kane chaired his last Breed Standards and Stud Book Committee as he retires as a committee member. Frank said, “It has been a great pleasure to be a part of this committee and an honour to have been its chairman for the past 17 years. I have been a Board member and a member of other subcommittees at The Kennel Club during that time, but this is, without doubt, the one that has given me the greatest sense of achievement, as everything we do in our meetings is about dogs and our work in looking at breed standards. We are guardians of our breeds and the standards provide the core for breeders and judges.” Frank has been involved in the dog show world since he was a schoolboy, showing his first Cocker Spaniel in 1960. In 1970, he acquired his first American Cocker and produced a string of champions. He became a championship show judge in 1974 and has progressed to become one of the UK’s top judges. Frank finished by saying, “I have plenty to do in my retirement and a bucket list to work through, but I will be seeing you all at shows. Thank you all for your contributions and for your friendship.”
150th anniversary
On Frank’s retirement, he was presented with a gift and this mouth-watering lemon cake! Heidi Hudson/ The Kennel Club©
In preparation for the 150th exhibition, the late Glenway Dymock shared this scouts badge from his own collection. He said, “They were awarded to scouts between 1991 and 2001. The Kennel Club Junior Organisation sponsored the Animal Lover proficiency badge, which is why they have The Kennel Club name on them.” The exhibition is open to the public at The Kennel Club Art Gallery, 10 Clarges Street, Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm, until 19 January 2024. To book your visit, please email artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 020 7518 1064. More information on The Kennel Club’s history and 150-year anniversary, including a video about the organisation and its impact, from its beginnings to today, and plans for the future, is available at thekennelclub. org.uk/150years
Working dogs compete in idyllic countryside The Kennel Club’s Gundog Working Test was held from 14-18 June at Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire. The event, which was sponsored by Skinner’s Pet Foods, was a great success, with a number of expertly set tests that replicated scenarios found in the shooting field to challenge the dogs and handlers. This year featured a very special 150th anniversary competition, whereby teams of two retrievers, two spaniels and one hunt, point and retrieve breed all worked together to show off their hunting, marking and retrieving skills as a team. The home nation teams had been invited to compete and the event was eagerly watched by judges, competitors and spectators alike. An event of this style has never been undertaken before and was heralded as a credit to The Kennel Club. Following the event, spaniel judge Peter Avery said, “It was a pleasure and an honour to be asked to judge the spaniels at this prestigious event. The Gundog Working Test Working Party and organisers of the event, through hard work and a lifetime of experience, had got it spot on. The format resulted in, certainly for the spaniels, the dogs being lifted into believing this was a proper shooting day, which rarely happens at working tests. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the various breeds working together. A spectacular backdrop, and although the weather was warm, the retrieves in the water ensured all dogs were cool and loving their work.”
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
From left to right: Donnie Leitch (captain), George Buchan with FT Ch Fendawood Pioneer of Springfell, Alan Clouston with Meikleburn Dark Island, Darryl Elliot with Islasbraw Ash, Ben Skinner (Skinner’s Pet Foods), Darren Allison with Craiwarn Sarabi and Roddy Forbes with Millbuies Gilbert of Carnochway. WetDog Photography/The Kennel Club©
This exciting event was won by the team from Scotland (pictured above), captained by Donnie Leitch, with Top Dog of the event going to Darryl Elliot with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Islasbraw Ash. More information on The Kennel Club Gundog Working Tests can be found in the summer edition of the Field Trials Newsletter. Full results and score sheets are available on the field trials pages of The Kennel Club website: thekennelclub.org.uk/gundogworkingtests
FEATURE
150 YEARS OF THE KENNEL CLUB
Over to you Our series continues of Kennel Club members sharing their memories of being part of the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training.
Roger French (Member from 1995)
I was introduced to the world of dogs by a consultancy who nominated me for interview as Chief Executive/Secretary of The Kennel Club. The interviews were successful, and I commenced work at Clarges Street in 1995. I was privileged to serve under two chairmen, initially with John MacDougall and then Peter James. David Paton/The Kennel Club© My tenure involved some major restructuring of the Club’s activities. In conjunction with Pannell Kerr Forster’s consultants, a distributed network system was implemented over the course of my first year. This coincided with relocating most of The Kennel Club’s commercial activities to Aylesbury, freeing up much needed space in the old Clarges Street offices. I was working with the Finance and General Purposes Committee on strategic issues, such as extending the Club’s mission statement to include all dogs, working with the Government on dog identification, the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act and removing the limitation on Club membership. I guess the most lasting memory of my term took place at Sandringham in November 1998. The then chairman and I were invited to the International Gundog League Retriever Championship. The Head Keeper, Bill Meldrum, allowed us to join the line, and part way through the day, HM The Queen arrived in the field. Peter James and I were about to be introduced to her when I slipped into a ditch up to my waist in water. The Queen was most amused, and following a soggy introduction, I was taken to a keeper’s cottage to dry out in front of a roaring fire. During the evening reception in the ballroom, I was reintroduced to The Queen and Prince Philip and with much amusement was asked if I had dried out. While my family never showed dogs, we are a doggy family. Our main breed was Giant Schnauzers, but in retirement, we enjoy two Chihuahuas. I thoroughly enjoyed my seven years with The Kennel Club and was always impressed with the dedication and commitment of its then General Committee, members of which, like the present Board of Directors, are all volunteers. I was honoured to be made an honorary life member in 2002.
Elina Haapaniemi (Member from 2003)
I got my first dog at the age of 12. My heart was set on a golden Cocker, but fate and influence from a highly regarded breed person decided otherwise and a Rottweiler puppy joined the family. A year later, I was enjoying a lot of success at shows with this dog, and as you can imagine, I was smitten. The breed club, realising my enthusiasm and willingness to absorb as much knowledge as possible, took me under its wing. I am forever grateful for its support. A few years later, my brother got very interested in Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, which were barely known in Finland in the early 1970s, and in brief, our first Pyrenean was imported from England in 1972. I thought the breed was absolutely fascinating and spent all my hard-earned teenager’s pennies travelling around learning more about the breed. The late Brenda Judson of Carabrae fame became a good friend and mentor – both in Pyrenean Mountain Dogs as well as the finer points of the English language! At home, my greatest mentor was the late Hans Lehtinen. I was often his scribe at shows and he could see my keen interest and taught me so much. I first became a judge at the age of 24 and am currently passed for 50 Challenge Certificate breeds in the Hound, Pastoral, Utility, Toy and Working groups. I judge all breeds in FCI groups 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10 and have the majority of breeds in groups 3, 7 and 8. My first introduction to Crufts was in my teens when my mother treated me on a trip to the show. I could never have imagined then that I would later in life have the honour and pleasure of judging many times at this show. I have so many happy memories of some lovely dogs, many kind people and an excellent organisation. I am so grateful to my proposer Meg Purnell-Carpenter and seconder Annette Oliver for helping me become a member of Elina with Pyrenean Mountain Dog puppy Varjomäen Nelli. Tapani Koivusalo© The Kennel Club.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
150 YEARS OF THE KENNEL CLUB
Peter Green (Member from 2006)
I first became involved with dogs as a young boy in South Wales. My uncle was Harold Snow, the famous breeder of the Felstead Welsh Terriers. My involvement was quite by accident, as one day on my way to school, my grandmother came and asked if I could please help clean the kennel after school as everyone in the house was ill with the flu. I did the kennel chores for the next week, and when the household was well, my uncle took me to my first dog show. I never looked back and I have been devoted to the breed ever since. I have shown and bred Welsh Terriers for over 60 years and I am the longest-serving member of the American Welsh Terrier Club. I also continue to be a member of the Welsh Terrier Club. I attended my first Crufts the year of King George’s death and remember being very worried that they would cancel the show in mourning for the King. The show went on and I have tried to attend every Crufts since. I became a member of The Kennel Club after retiring as a professional handler. I was very honoured to become a part of an organisation I hold in such high esteem. I love visiting and seeing all the art treasures the Club has, including the bronze of Coco, Ch/Am Ch Cracknor Cause Celebre, the Crufts Best in Show Norfolk Terrier, bred by Elisabeth Matell, that I showed. Winning Best in Show at Crufts in 2005 was one of the highlights of my career. Four years later, I was to receive the highest honour, to judge Best in Show in 2009. I remember that when I got the invitation, I was perplexed because I immediately looked to see the breeds I was invited to judge; when I realised it was an invite to do Best in Show I was overwhelmed. It was fitting that I awarded Best in Show to a Sealyham Terrier, one of my favourite breeds, the great dog Am/Can Ch Efbe’s Hidalgo at Goodspice.
Peter Green with Ch/Am Ch Cracknor Cause Celebre, Crufts Best in Show winner, 2005. Also pictured is Best in Show judge, Jean Lanning, and former Chairman of The Kennel Club, Ronnie Irving. The Kennel Club©
Richard Kebble (Member from 2010)
Although I didn’t become a Kennel Club member until 2010, my involvement in dogs began in the mid-1970s when my wife, on the advice of my mother, took our dog to obedience training classes. I was fascinated by the whole thing and would spend many hours observing the advanced classes. As a result, we acquired a German Shepherd Dog for me to train and we both quickly got more and more involved with the training club. I have always had a particular fascination with nosework and felt that I should try working trials as well as obedience, but my work got in the way and I had to choose one or the other. Obedience has therefore been my life since the early 1980s. I began judging in 1981 and had the honour of judging the Crufts Obedience Championships in 2007. I also judged the InterRegional Obedience Competition at Crufts in 2002. I qualified a German Shepherd to work Championship Class and then my first Border Collie (Tanamerye Shannon) achieved two Obedience Certificates, competing at Crufts 1997 and 1999. More recently, I have been a member of the Crufts Committee, acting as Crufts Chief Obedience Steward since 2016, a role that I love. I am also a member of The Kennel Club Activities Committee, as well as the Activities Judges Sub-Group, and since 2003, I have Relaxing at home with Bodie (Tanamerye Shannon OW), Richard’s first Border Collie. Roy Page©
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
been a Kennel Club Accredited Judges Trainer for Obedience.
FEATURE
150 YEARS OF THE KENNEL CLUB
Anne Greeves (Member from 2011)
My introduction to gundogs began in the 1970s when I married John Greeves, a former Norfolk Gamekeeper, then working as an MOD police officer at RAF Sculthorpe. We met through the amateur theatre, John with his Norfolk dialect humour and myself as a pianist and conductor. I became a good dummy thrower and whacker of tennis balls helping him with the training of his many Labradors! This led to me handling his dogs, picking up on Norfolk shoots and joining him when he was invited to pick up elsewhere – in the Yorkshire Dales and beyond. During this time, John was a Kennel Club field trial judge and I joined him on many of his judging roles in the UK and abroad. One day, as Chairman of the Norfolk Gundog Club, John said they needed a new secretary and asked if I would take this on. Apart from music, I had a very full-time job in further education. After many appeals, I eventually capitulated and absolutely loved the role, involving not only the paperwork but running the working tests, field trials and gundog team events at country fairs where John commentated. This continued until 1996, when, at Norfolk College, I received a call from The Kennel Club. “Oh, dear,” I thought. “What have I done wrong?” However, it was the personnel department, inviting me to interview for field trials administrator! Quite shocked, I discussed it with John and he said, “Go for it.” He was so proud that I had been asked. And that, as you say, was that. I was tasked with developing the field trial department using my experience within the field, not only as Field Trial Committee Secretary but taking a Kennel Club stand to UK Game Fairs, the European Spaniel Congress and BASC conferences, thereby meeting and talking to our customers. I enjoyed every minute, plus driving a Transit van out of Clarges Street! In 2003, Rosemary Hall, Kennel Club Field Trial Secretary, retired and I stepped into this role knowing it was time to work from home running The Kennel Club’s trials and working tests and the Chatsworth gundog event, which expanded into several days. I took great pride in this role, forging better links with Northern Ireland and travelling to areas of the UK that others never see and being privileged to meet the owners of our great estates, their gamekeepers and estate workers. When I retired in 2009, I was very proud to join my husband as a Kennel Club member and, with The Kennel Club being based in central London, combined with my Kennel Club work experience, I was able to share a love of dogs and the theatre with John until he died in 2014 – what more can one ask?
Above: John Greeves (right) with Windwood Mist, winner of The Kennel Club Novice in October 1995. Also pictured is Richard Webb, one of the judges, and Rosemary Hall, then Kennel Club Field Trial Secretary. Top: Anne and John on the Scottish moors. Photos courtesy of Anne Greeves
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
HEALTH MATTERS
Pushing health to the forefront Awarding health professionals for their outstanding contributions to canine medical research. On 12 July, winners of the 2023 International Canine Health Awards (ICHA) were announced via a special virtual ceremony. Organised by The Kennel Club
Below: Dr Maura Lyons with nine-month-old Irish Wolfhound puppy Lichen. Steven Ritchie©
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Charitable Trust and underwritten by a major gift from the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation, the worldwide awards are the largest in the veterinary field, inspiring scientific innovation and recognising excellence in canine research, health and welfare. The Kennel Club’s Breed Health Co-ordinator Award, with a prize of £5,000, was awarded to Dr Maura Lyons for her vital role in the Irish Wolfhound Health Group (IWHG), which she has been a member of since 2014, having owned the breed for nearly 30 years.
The group has been focusing on two health issues – pneumonia and heart disease, both of which Irish Wolfhounds present different symptoms of to other breeds. Dr Lyons worked with researchers to produce treatment guidelines and raise awareness of early warning signs of pneumonia to vets and owners, and continually works to develop and increase awareness and accessibility of heart screening. With the ICHA funding, Dr Lyons and the IWGH hope to continue to collate pneumonia case studies and guidelines, use data collected from heart screening to create a risk assessment for the breed and expand a health webinar series that has proved popular among the community.
FEATURE
HEALTH MATTERS
For the love of the breed By Terrie Cousins-Brown
Dr Samantha Goldberg BVSc MRCVS started in the role of Breed Health Co-ordinator (BHC) for Beagles unofficially in the late 1980s, before becoming the BHC for the Northern and Midland Counties Beagle Club. The past 18 years have seen her become BHC for all nine breed clubs. She received the £5,000 Breed Health Co-ordinator Award in 2021 and this has allowed her to push forward with Beagle health projects. The prize money has been partially allocated to research on steroid responsive meningitis (SRM) by Canine Genetic Testing (CGT), based at Cambridge University. In June, CGT announced an exciting new extension to the idiopathic epilepsy (IE) project, which Beagles will be involved with. A grant application is in progress to fund this, but if this is unsuccessful, the remaining BHC award money will be used along with a pledge from Beagle Welfare for the rest. Idiopathic epilepsy has been documented in Beagles for many years, with much work done by The Phyllis Croft Foundation. It was started over 60 years ago when Dr Croft was concerned about her family’s Beagle pups having fits and it aims to educate people about the condition. Dr Croft was inducted into the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1950. “This was my first knowledge of IE in the breed, and over the years, I have continued to note reports of the condition so that we know a lot more about how to manage cases but nothing about how to avoid it occurring in the Beagles we breed. The only advice I can currently give people is not to breed from a dog known to have seizures. There is much talk about epilepsy ‘risk’ lines, and often, sires are said to produce it. However, we have no idea whether both parents need to be ‘risky’ or just one can be the producer.”
Alongside the genetic research projects, Samantha’s mission is to provide all Beagle owners with information on the health of their dogs. As a numerically strong breed, the ‘pet owners’ are a huge audience. Samantha engages on social media with owners’ groups and on Beagle pages, passing on information and advice. She says, “There is much achieved in supporting owners in all spheres with queries and questions and making health tests available to all.” Breeders are encouraged to include a health sheet, published by Beagle Welfare, in their puppy packs, and the Beagle health website is packed with articles on genetic diseases and general health concerns such as neutering and ear care. Owners can submit their DNA test results to the health database for free. Some of Samantha’s key challenges are keeping all ten breed clubs engaged, overcoming stigma among breeders when health problems occur and encouraging fundraising for research. Samantha said, “Keeping breeders onboard is so important, as is reassuring them that any health discussion is not a personal attack, but for the good of the breed. It has taken me a long time to get them to believe conversations are confidential, unless the person owning the Beagle specifically states they want them publicised. Even then, I would never name a breeder publicly. It’s important to get breeders – and potential owners – to understand carrier status for the DNA tests we have available. The tests we currently use are all recessive and carriers are unaffected, but the stigma seems to be there for people misunderstanding genetics. Hopefully, we will get a screening test of some sort for SRM and IE soon, as these two continue
to plague our breed and we can’t seem to get numbers down.” Samantha has some positive advice for other BHCs who may face the same or similar challenges: “Keep at it. The BHCs are very undervalued by some, as I don’t think all breeders and exhibitors realise how much personal time is spent dedicated to their breed. At times, it can seem very depressing when you get negative comments or little support when trying to tackle a health issue, whether it is old, emerging or freshly mentioned. We do this ‘job’ for the love of our breed and I feel very pleased that we have reduced several problems by getting health testing going. The BHCs are a bridge between breeders, owners, pet and show, and The Kennel Club. Making litters safe by DNA testing is a big relief and well worth the effort and the knocks along the way.”
Dr Samantha Goldberg with Beagle Dormouse. SCW©
Nomination process The Breed Health Co-ordinator Award is presented to an individual who currently holds a Breed Health Co-ordinator role in the UK and who has been shown to have made an outstanding contribution to their breed in a volunteer capacity. The prize fund is intended to finance future breed health projects, subsidise health testing for the breed or contribute to health research. There are four judges
who are asked to review and critically appraise the entries and the nominators’ proposals. A score and commentary for each candidate is provided and the one with the highest marks is announced the winner of the award. More information about the annual awards is available at kennelclubcharitabletrust.org/ dog-health/icha
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
THE KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST
A worldwide influence BY AMY STEVENS
Highlights from the other winners of the International Canine Health Awards. This year, applications were judged by an eminent international panel and the awards aimed to make a global impact with more focus on the One Health concept and the advancement of canine medicine in developing nations.
Dr Douglas Thamm from Colorado State University was awarded $100,000 as recipient of the Alan Kelly International Achievement Award. As one of the world’s leading clinical oncologists and a dedicated teacher, Dr Thamm’s clinical trials, including pioneering work into B-cell lymphoma, and the quality of his research over many years are widely recognised and have proved to be hugely beneficial in canine and human medicine. The International Achievement Award has been renamed in tribute to Dr Alan Kelly, Dean Emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania World Vet Awards. Dr Kelly was the first chair of the International Canine Health Awards judging panel when it began in 2012. The trustees of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust are indebted to his leadership and integrity in getting the awards off the ground and evolving them into the prestigious awards of today. Professor Franck Forterre of the University of Bern, Switzerland, was awarded $50,000 as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Professor Forterre is a renowned clinician, teacher and neurosurgeon. He also founded a charitable project to provide veterinary care for the dogs of the vulnerable and homeless.
Supporting colleagues in Ukraine
Courageous teams at three clinics in three cities in Ukraine that face the turmoil and fear of working in a war-torn country, often with no electricity or water and limited medical supplies. FOUR PAWS/USAVA©
Dr Maurice Karani from Kenya was awarded $20,000 as recipient of the Postgraduate Student Inspiration Award. Dr Karani is undertaking a PhD at the University of Liverpool and is a graduate fellow at the BMZ-funded One Health Centre in Africa led by the International Livestock Research Institute. He is passionate about increasing education and knowledge about rabies control for those living in marginalised communities. Alice Diana was awarded $10,000 as recipient of the Undergraduate Student Inspiration Award. Alice is studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Padua, Italy. The judges were impressed by her dedication and interest in One Health and how human health is intimately connected with the health of animals and the environment. Alice plans to use the money to study antimicrobial misuse in canine breeding and produce protocols to address growing antimicrobial resistance.
Following on from the Trust’s £270,000 support to dogs and their owners in Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022, there were also three special additional awards this year. Three veterinary clinics in Ukraine in the cities of Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia were awarded $20,000 each in recognition of the lifesaving work they are doing for the country’s dogs, despite devastating conditions. The three clinics are representative of many veterinarians in the war-torn country that have fought to continue to provide services to domestic dogs and many stray dogs arising from the war. The clinics were nominated by FOUR PAWS UK and the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association. Andrey Ponomarenko, director of Sviy Likar clinic in Zaporizhzhia, said: “Receiving this award is a beacon of hope for homeless animals who suffer daily due to the war.” A bright future for canine health
Dr Andrew Higgins, Chairman of the International Canine Health Awards panel and Trustee of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: “This has been a special year for the awards, with increased prize money thanks to the generosity of Vernon and Shirley Hill, and we are delighted to have made a special award to recognise the extraordinary work of the veterinary profession in Ukraine. “All the winners should feel proud of the positive changes they are making to improve dog and often human health globally. They have shown incredible dedication and we look forward to seeing more from them in future.”
To learn more about the Trust’s wider work, visit kennelclubcharitabletrust.org
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
A new era for pâtés
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FEATURE AGM
Getting down to business. From left to right: Paul Eardley, Vice Chairman, Tony Allcock OBE, Chairman, Mark Beazley, Chief Executive, and Linda Branwhite, Governance and Legal Executive. Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club©
Moving on up Bill Moores reports on The Kennel Club’s AGM. If nothing else, this year’s June AGM saw a few changes for those members attending and those joining for the first time by a Zoom webinar facility. An
audio-visual presentation, which preceded events on the dot of 11.30am, offered a positive view of the progress made by The Kennel Club in the immediate postpandemic period when trading conditions have been challenging. Reflecting on these achievements in his opening address, the Chairman, Tony Allcock OBE, highlighted the success of entry levels at Crufts, the granting of the Royal Prefix to the Club’s name and the Buckingham Palace Garden Party held in the spring. It was these, along with evolution and change, underpinned by extensive research and engagement with members, that were the overriding themes throughout this AGM. This was re-emphasised by Chief Executive 14
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Mark Beazley in his report to members. With the proposed increases in registration fees, he said, “The Kennel Club would be able to return to financial stability and avoid dipping into its reserves to fund what really should be covered by annual income.” Last year, members defeated two proposals to increase fees for registrations and transfers. Another proposal to allow the Board to fix all fees also failed to gain the necessary twothirds majority, the latter attracting a 45% vote against. Mindful of this and a prediction that it would result in an operating loss, the Board once more came to the AGM with a proposed £3 increase on puppy registrations, Activity Register and transfers, which members approved. At this early point in the meeting, the Chairman asked members to join him in paying tribute to the Events and Youth Development Executive Vanessa McAlpine,
who retired in June after 45 years with the Club. Members applauded her commitment to Crufts and she was made an honorary life member in appreciation of her work and loyalty to the Club. Moving on to financial matters, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Tim Hutchings, brought the present challenges to members’ attention in the shape of a 40-year high level of inflation; the decrease in demand for puppies down from an all-time high of 354,000 in 2021; and the consequential losses incurred by the Club as running costs increase. Speaking to the audited accounts, the Interim Finance Executive, Tom Kelman, spelt out that the prudent increase in fees was needed to offset the operating loss of £1m, a stark contrast to the profit of £5.7m in 2021 – a pandemic year most people would be happy to forget.
FEATURE AGM
Membership The current Kennel Club membership levels include: 1,362 ordinary members 116 overseas members 24 honorary members 55 honorary life members 193 associate members 835 affiliate members
Elections In the elections, six Board members offering themselves for re-election were returned to office. New to the Board of Directors are Alison Scutcher, Graham Partridge for a term of three years, and Jon Bailey and Angela White for one year Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club©
Receiving the report on strategy and future direction from Interim Strategy & Implementation Executive Mark Bermingham, the members were reminded of our purpose and the need for the Club to remain relevant in a changing world; for the need to ensure its financial stability; and for it to adopt an objective framework to help it to make choices and future decisions about its range of products and services. Lastly, all the foregoing must be used to make a tangible and positive difference for dogs and owners alike. The Kennel Club Strategy Group, as I write, has already delivered one of its two reports to
Mark Beazley thanks Vanessa McAlpine for all her hard work and dedication to the Club. Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©
the Board and is issuing a final report to the Board in July. The recommendations in the reports and the benefits they will bring will be shared at an SGM planned for November. Towards the end of the agenda, some interesting items kept the members engaged, and potentially, they could have a profound effect on future direction, income and the thorny question of The Kennel Club recognition and registration of non-standard colours across the breeds. One was that the Board be given the general authority and mandate to make necessary changes to the use of ancillary office space on the third and fourth floors of 10 Clarges Street to allow the re-purposing or letting of such space. Concern was expressed from the floor, but assurances were given that any physical changes to the property would not impinge on members’ areas and the Club rooms. lt was also pointed out that these floors would be accessed from Bolton Street. The Board also sought general authority and mandate to explore the realisation potential of the Emblehope and Burngrange moorland estate in Northumberland with the aim of bringing back to the members any proposals, including consideration of the investment of any such realisation. The Kennel Club bought the 7,550-acre estate in 2016 for £4.5m.
Lastly, and with great candour, retiring Board member Frank Kane delivered a report from the Non-Breed Standard Colours Working Party that he had been Chairman of since its inception two years ago. After chairing The Kennel Club Breed Standards and Stud Book Committee for the last 17 years, he shared the frustration of breeders who saw commercial kennels cashing in on the demand for non-standard colour ‘sold’ to a gullible public, often on rarity value and at greatly inflated prices. With so many different avenues and different breeds affected, he said the group had opened “a can of worms”, the issues from which were “more complex and diverse” than ever imagined. The whole exercise had also been conducted at a difficult time during the pandemic, when even staff availability for online meetings was challenging. That the working party managed to hold 25 meetings within a 14-month period is remarkable in itself given these challenges. Its recommendations were published in the dog press last March. The Chairman closed the meeting after two hours and 50 minutes and for the last time at the Curzon Cinema, as a total site redevelopment is planned for next year. 15
September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
ART REVIEW
Collector’s corner Kennel Club member and Crufts 2016 Best in Show judge Derek Smith (Clickam) talks to Emma Salisbury about his collection of Rough Collie memorabilia. It was a warm spring evening when Derek welcomed me to his cosy home in the leafy suburb of Poynton, near Stockport.
My mission was to find out more about his collection of Rough Collie models and memorabilia, and knowing of my visit, he had prepared a beautiful assortment of treasures. As we settled into our armchairs, I glanced at the list that featured names such as Royal Doulton, Beswick and Lenham. “People have been very kind to me over the years,” said
Derek. “Some of these items have been gifts from other breed enthusiasts, some from overseas.” These include a bronze of a shepherd with two Collies; a judging gift from Sweden; a walking stick topped with the head of a Collie by the Griffiths brothers; a gold-plated porcelain model, a gift from American friends; and a handmade model from the estate of the late Pamela Cross Stern. Despite the depth of quality in his cabinets, it was two simple plaques, gifts from his
parents, that he treasured most. “What else do you give a child who was mad about Lassie?!” he said with a wry smile. “It was that enthusiasm which led me to admire the breed I loved so much.” And it was that enthusiasm that led to him being a much sought-after international judge and ultimately judge at Crufts many times before judging Best in Show in 2016. The following is a small amount of Derek’s extensive collection.
Above: Royal Copenhagen model of a Rough Collie, gifted to Derek by Trevor and Birgit Hayward. Two small plaques Derek’s parents bought him when he was a small boy – his favourite items. At the time he was captivated by the Lassie films.
Top: Beswick model and miniature of Ch Lochinvar of Ladypark, born in 1947. Cornerstone and a leading sire of the breed.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
ART REVIEW
Above: Royal Doulton model of Ch Anfield Model, bred by Hugh Gault and a famous champion of his day.
Above: Handmade model and a judging gift to the late Pamela Cross Stern. On her death Tom Mather very kindly passed it to Derek.
Top: Model of two blue-merle Rough Collies, the colour for which Derek was most famous. Commissioned by Victor and Tim Griffiths and awarded to Derek by the British Collie Club as a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Top: Porcelain box commissioned by Windsor Dog Show, painted by James Skerrett. It was gifted to Derek on his appointment as Best in Show judge in 2002 and features one of his favourites, Ch Brooklynson Golden Fashion.
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
FEATURE
ART REVIEW
Above: Gold-plated porcelain model from an estate in the USA. A gift from dear friends Mike and Bobbi Kaslow. Top left: Royal Doulton Rough Collie gifted to Derek many years ago by his dear friend Di Stirling. Far left: A beautiful vase etched with five of Derek’s beautiful champion Rough Collies. Commissioned as a gift by Tan Nagrecha. Left: A rare blue-merle Rough Collie model by Lenham Pottery that Derek bought at Crufts many years ago.
All photos: Emma Salisbury©
Fears for future of Rough Collie Sadly, it was announced earlier in the year that the Rough Collie faces an uncertain future following a steep decline in puppy registrations over 75 years. At the height of the breed’s popularity in 1979, four years after the long-running television series Lassie had ended, there were over 8,000 annual puppy registrations, placing them in the top ten breeds in the UK. However, in 2022, with fewer than 500 Rough Collie puppies born, a 25% decrease since 2021 and a steep 94% decline since their heyday, the breed is now close to being classed as ‘at risk’ by The Kennel Club. If the decline continues, they will be placed on The
Kennel Club’s ‘at watch’ list, which monitors breeds with between 300-450 puppy registrations a year. Those with fewer than 300 registrations are recorded on the vulnerable native British and Irish breeds list, created to highlight those British and Irish native breeds that could be at risk of disappearing altogether. The Kennel Club encourages the public to find out more about these forgotten breeds and to visit Crufts, where they can meet all 222 breeds in the Discover Dogs area, so that they can talk to the experts and find the right breed for them.
Readers are invited to share their breed collectables – please get in touch with the editor, details on page three.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED STANDARD
Border Collie Naturally active and intelligent herding specialist and all-round worker. The Border Collie is still seen performing the task for which it was bred, working sheep (and cattle), and its fitness for function is seen in its speed, its innate herding instinct and its stealthy gait and carriage.
The name derives from the border regions of England, Scotland and Wales where he originally showed his worth, working sheep in the hills and mountains. His intelligence, speed and versatility have brought the Border Collie success in many canine activities such as obedience, agility and as a sniffer dog for detecting explosives and drugs. In relatively recent times, the breed has become highly popular in the show ring. The natural activity and intelligence of the Border Collie means that he needs to be engaged to lead a fulfilled life. BREED STANDARD GENERAL APPEARANCE Well-proportioned, smooth outline showing quality, gracefulness and perfect balance, combined with sufficient substance to give impression of endurance. Any tendency to coarseness or weediness undesirable.
EYES
Tenacious, hard-working sheepdog, of great tractability.
Set wide apart, oval-shaped, of moderate size, brown in colour except in merles where one or both or part of one or both may be blue. Expression mild, keen, alert and intelligent.
TEMPERAMENT
EARS
Keen, alert, responsive and intelligent. Neither nervous nor aggressive.
Medium size and texture, set well apart. Carried erect or semi-erect and sensitive in use.
HEAD AND SKULL
MOUTH
Skull fairly broad, occiput not pronounced. Cheeks not full or rounded. Muzzle, tapering to nose, moderately short and strong. Skull and
Teeth and jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
CHARACTERISTICS
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foreface approximately equal in length. Stop very distinct. Nose black, except in brown or chocolate colour when it may be brown. In blues nose should be slate colour. Nostrils well developed.
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
NECK Of good length, strong and muscular, slightly arched and broadening to shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS Front legs parallel when viewed from front, pasterns slightly sloping when viewed from side. Bone strong but not heavy. Shoulders well laid back, elbows close to body.
BODY Athletic in appearance, ribs well sprung, chest deep and rather broad, loins deep and muscular, but not tucked up. Body slightly longer than height at shoulder.
THIS MONTH
BREED STANDARD
Left: Breed and bitch Challenge Certificate (CC) record holder, Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, ‘Tempt’, winner of 49 CCs, 22 with Best of Breed and 20 Reserve CCs. Tempt won her first Reserve CC at just seven months old from Carolyn Ward; her first CC at 13 months from Steve Atkinson; second CC at 15 months from Pete Simmons; and crowning CC at two years from Jackie Bromwich. She has won the Pastoral group 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as multiple breed club Best in Shows (BISs) at championship level. Despite the long Covid break, she recently took her 46th CC at Birmingham National in May 2023 under Mark Johnson and then Pastoral group 2 under Howard Ogden. Bred by Ross Green and co-owned by Ross Green and Joanne Ratcliffe. Far left: Dog CC record holder, Sh Ch Tonkory Palmerston at Fayken JW, ‘Taz’, winner of 45 CCs, 34 with Best of Breed and 26 Reserve CCs. Taz won BIS at Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland Championship Show in 2000, judged by Clare Coxall and three championship show Pastoral group 1s, Border Collie of the Year Contest of Champions winner on three of the four times entered, runner-up on the fourth. He has sired 12 show champions and multiple overseas champions, including Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, his great granddaughter, and the second top winning male Sh Ch Fayken I Am Legend JW, his grandson. Taz was bred by Judith Gregory, co-owned by Ross and Vickie Green. Photos: Ross Green©
HINDQUARTERS
GAIT/MOVEMENT
SIZE
Broad, muscular, in profile sloping gracefully to set on of tail. Thighs long, deep and muscular with well turned stifles and strong well let down hocks. From hock to ground, hindlegs well boned and parallel when viewed from rear.
Free, smooth and tireless, with minimum lift of feet, conveying impression of ability to move with great stealth and speed.
Ideal height: dogs: 53 cms (21 ins); bitches slightly less.
COAT
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
FEET Oval, pads deep, strong and sound, toes arched and close together. Nails short and strong.
TAIL Moderately long, the bone reaching at least to hock, set on low, well furnished and with an upward swirl towards the end, completing graceful contour and balance of dog. Tail may be raised in excitement, never carried over back.
Two varieties: 1) Moderately long; 2) Smooth. In both, topcoat dense and medium textured, undercoat soft and dense giving good weather resistance. In moderately long-coated variety, abundant coat forms mane, breeching and brush. On face, ears, forelegs (except for feather), hindlegs from hock to ground, hair should be short and smooth.
COLOUR
FAULTS
NOTE Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Variety of colours permissible. White should never predominate.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED ORIGINS
A breed that lives to work BY HEATHER TURNER
The iconic Border Collie, the master of herding sheep, can be as successful in the show ring as it is in the field. The Border Collie originated, as its name suggests, in the border counties between Scotland and England. This working collie
line was developed and refined into what we know as the Border Collie, this name being used after the 1900s. Before this they were known as working sheepdogs. The first recorded sheepdog trial took place in 1873 in Bala, North Wales, and there is still an annual sheepdog trial at Bala. There were early sheepdog trials being held in the Border counties and in North Wales, and these grew in popularity until the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was formed in July 1906. The society’s intention was to stimulate the interest of the shepherd, and to secure better management of stock, by improving the shepherd’s dog. They also organised the first ISDS trial, which took place in 1906. The society set up a Stud Book, with the first entry being ‘Old Maid’, and to this day this remains an invaluable list of working sheepdogs and their progeny. There are more than 300,000 entries in the ISDS Stud Books, and this is still growing each year. Most modern Border Collies can trace their heritage back to Old Maid and to ‘Old Hemp’, bred by Adam Telfer, from Morpeth, Northumberland, who was an outstanding working dog of his time (as featured in the February 2023 edition). Currently, the ISDS register has around 6,000 Border Collie puppies each year. Due to the limited travel in those early days, and the difference in the terrain, Border Collies were bred to suit the type of 22
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Old Maid, the number one entry in the ISDS Stud Book.
ground they were being asked to work on. In the Scottish Highland where I live, which is mountainous, Border Collies tended to be small and light, so they were agile on the high grounds, and the Scottish Blackface sheep they were working were fast and active too. Whereas in the lowland areas, the dogs would perhaps be working sheep in parks and so both the dogs and sheep would be of a heavier build. Also, you can add to the equation personal preference, as some shepherds liked long-coated dogs, some liked short-coated dogs, or ‘bareskins’, as they are still commonly called in Scotland. In the 1960s, there were a couple of very well-known males – Wiston Cap, owned by Jock Richardson, and Bosworth Coon, owned by Llyr Evans – and they were used prolifically at stud, and are behind a lot of our current show dogs. The ISDS Stud Book was a blueprint on the dog’s ability to do the
job it was bred for, and I believe if I went to a big ISDS trial today I would find some dogs competing who could also win at breed championship show level, if groomed and trained the right way. Structure and movement go hand in hand with fitness for function in this breed. The Border Collie Club of GB held its inaugural meeting in 1975 and set about forming a breed standard and this, together with a request for recognition, was sent to The Kennel Club. A huge amount of tact and understanding to satisfy both sides was needed, as the idea caused a flurry of opposition from the sheep working side, who believed it would be the end of their working breed, and eventually a compromise was reached. It was not until June 1976 that The Kennel Club gave their permission and printed a statement in the Kennel Gazette, summarised below. The Kennel Club issued a directive which stated registration would only be permitted to dogs already themselves ISDS registered or dogs whose parents are already ISDS registered or Kennel Club registered. Applications were allowed to be made from 1 August 1976. The decision was made that Border Collies, like gundogs, would gain the title of Show Champion on being awarded three Challenge Certificates (CCs) and the title of Champion would only he given if the said dog passed a working test. This test was set up, after discussion with the ISDS, and was to be the equivalent of a small sheepdog trial course, finishing with penning, omitting the shed. The Border Collie joined
THIS MONTH
BREED ORIGINS
the already large and competitive Working group (which split into two groups in 1999, Working and Pastoral, Border Collie falling into Pastoral). Judge Harry Glover did a lot to bring the breed into the show ring. He was rightly very proud of his achievement and he was given the honour of awarding the first set of CCs in 1982. Very sadly he was too ill to officiate and died later that year. His place was taken by Catherine Sutton and breed history was made with the first CC being awarded to Felix Cosme and Tilehouse Cassius of Beagold, and with the first bitch CC being awarded to Eric Broadhurst and Tracelyn Gal. In the mid-20th century, the breed was taken to Australia and New Zealand and was developed as a show dog. Later, forwardthinking UK breeders David and Jean Hoare of Merrybrook kennels in Cumbria used these lines to breed with their own dogs and brought them back to the UK. In 1989, Clan Abby Blue Aberdoone was imported by Bruce and Sheena Kilsby, followed by his son Silver Kiwi, and subsequently by a number of other imports from New Zealand and Australia. These imported dogs were bred to our English bitches of first generation and arguably produced some of the best Border Collies we’ve ever seen in the UK. They improved the things that had been lacking in our dogs, without us losing the virtues we already had. However, the imports caused huge consternation and division in the breed and this split would last for more than a decade. Fortunately, the breed is now more united, with most lines having some Australasian influence and with most breeders happy to work with each other for the good of the breed. The breed’s first full champion was crowned in 1995, Ch Locheil Look North, bred, trained and handled by myself, and I was honoured to be asked to attend the International Sheep Dog Trial that year to be presented with an award from Norman Seamark, the then President of the ISDS and judge of the working test that day. Twenty years later, the working test was discontinued and the new Show Border Collie Herding Test was introduced, which was hoped to make it more attainable. In
Left: First Challenge Certificates for the breed were awarded by Catherine Sutton at Crufts in 1982. Left: Felix Cosme with Tilehouse Cassius of Beagold and Eric Broadhurst with Tracelyn Gal, both later show champions. Frank Garwood for Dog World Below: Ch Locheil Look North. Courtesy of Heather Turner
2013, Ch Littlethorn Colt at Tobermory JW passed, and became a full champion, bred by Bob and Alison Tunnicliff and trained and handled by Rachel Spencer. The Border Collie can be trained to do anything you want, including being good gundogs! Although at the start there was so much opposition to the Border Collie being registered by The Kennel Club, it hasn’t ruined the breed. In fact, I would say that 47 years on it has made no difference at all to the ISDS – they still have their own registry and run their own events, and are going from strength to strength. Like most breeds, entries at our Kennel Club shows have dropped over the past few years due to many factors, but Border Collies are still often topping the Pastoral group numbers-wise at championship shows. So both organisations can function well, with very little overlap,
but no bad feeling, which is a very positive result for the breed. We must never forget the original purpose of this breed, and anybody considering judging or already judging should, in my opinion, go to a big sheepdog trial and sit and watch the dogs working. Then you can see why they need good angulation front and rear, why they need to move fluently and stealthily. It should be mandatory, as it gives such an insight into the breed and our breed standard. And sheepdog trials teach you that you can have different sizes and shapes of Border Collie but they all must have the essential ‘breed type’ that stands them apart from any other breed. From a distance you should be able to tell a Border Collie simply because of the way it carries itself and moves. This is the very essence of a Border Collie. 23
September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Judges’ Choice
We asked a number of breed-specialist and all-rounder judges to pick their three favourite Border Collies from those they have judged in the show ring.
BCCGB©
JUDITH GREGORY TONKORY
I’ve owned Border Collies for almost 70 years, began showing them in 1978, was top breeder for ten years and have bred 27 show champions, including the male breed record holder, Sh Ch Tonkory Palmerston at Fayken JW. My proudest achievement is winning the breeder stakes at Crufts (2009 and 2010). I first awarded CCs in 1990 and have judged all over the world, including the Australian Specialty. I’ve combined English and Australasian lines in my breeding programme.
De Cree/Schevenels©
BCCGB©
Alan V Walker©
1 INT CH EYES OF THE WORLD TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART I gave this bitch the CC at Manchester 2023. She’s a combination of both Australasian and British lines without exaggeration. Compact, feminine, well-molded head, dark, well-shaped eyes, well-placed ears, presented in good coat and firm condition. Excellent conformation, well balanced overall with nicely arched neck. Sound movement with economic side gait.
2 SH CH BEESTING TWIGLETTE I gave him the CC at NWBCC in 2014. He was quintessentially English in type and had the most impressive pedigree of British kennels behind him, including Altricia, Melodor, Reakasso and Mizanne. His stunning outline filled my eye. Excellent front assembly, beautiful sloping croup and low-set, long tail. He had a breathtaking ground-covering, stealthy gait. Just my sort of Border Collie.
3 SH CH/AUST CH DANARI DE BEERS ShCM (IMP) This Australian-bred dog is very different in type to my second choice. I awarded him the dog CC at NWBCC in 2011, on the basis of his most beautiful head, kind expression, dense weatherproof coat and extreme soundness coming and going. This very impressive show dog made an enormous contribution to the breed in the UK by passing these qualities, with the addition of a very sound temperament, on to his progeny.
TRACEY WILKINSON ALTRICIA
BCCGB Year Book©
DE Photo©
Ross Green©
1 SH CH DYKEBAR FUTURE GLORY I judged her at WELKS in 1993, winner of 39 CCs, BC of the Year 1995 and RBIS at Crufts 1994. She had a balanced head with the sweetest expression. Her shape flowed, with correct conformation and effortless movement. She was the ultimate showgirl, graceful, pure quality and attentive to her handler just like her grandfather, Sh Ch Melodor Flint at Dykebar.
2 SH CH LITTLETHORN SAPPHIRE I judged her at East of England in 2007 (RCC), then gave her crowning CC at SBCC in 2009. She won eight CCs and was BC of the Year 2007. A quality type, balanced throughout. She had a super neck that flowed into the correct body shape. Super head with a sweet expression. She moved with drive like she could work all day. She also has Flint in her pedigree.
3 SH CH ARRODARE IT’S NOW OR NEVER JW I judged him at WELKS in 2022 as a veteran. Winner of 14 CCs and Border Collie of the Year 2017. He has a free-flowing outline standing and on the move which is outstanding. He moves freely and tirelessly. His head is balanced and has a super expression. He oozes type, quality and also has Flint way back in his pedigree.
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
My mum, Pat Wilkinson, founder of Altricia, gave me the affix in 2006. It has 28 show champions, 27 home-bred. I have awarded CCs 15 times, my first in 1993 at WELKS. In 2013, I judged at Crufts and the BCSA National. It was hard to choose three dogs from the many I have judged, including Sh Ch Miraje Soul Encounter, Sh Ch Laceway Lone Ranger JW and Int Borderline Country Champagne. I look for balance, type and movement, which my top three excel in.
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
I started showing in 1982 and titled Sh Ch Tilehouse Tipp in 1986. I bred my first litter in 2007, previously choosing to take puppies from my stud dogs. With my partner, Jo, we have established Fayken and Arrodare. I have been fortunate to have owned/handled many of the all-time top winners. Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, who recently became the breed record holder, and younger sister, Sh Ch Fayken I Am Here JW, are in my opinion, the closest to perfection. I’ve awarded 11 sets of CCs since 1999, including Crufts and the Australian National.
I have owned the breed since 1985, showing and breeding under the Grandver affix with my mother, breeding several UK and overseas champions. In 2011, I established Arrodare and have bred nine UK champions and several overseas champions. I am proud co-owner of the Fayken dogs with my partner Ross Green. I have awarded nine sets of CCs, including Crufts and many overseas appointments. I must mention our group 1 winning sisters, Sh Ch Fayken I Am Here JW and Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, the new breed record holder, both excellent in type, construction and movement.
ROSS GREEN FAYKEN/ARRODARE
JO RATCLIFFE ARRODARE/FAYKEN/GRANDVER
Ross Green©
SH CH MOSHANTA MOVIN ON UP JW ShCM I gave her BP at Three Counties in 2006 and her third CC and BOB at SKC 2008. She was very much my competition in the ring then – her virtues were her super head and eye, correct angulation and balance, substance and style. Her outline standing and moving showing the correct graceful flowing outline, with long and low stride in front and rear. There was none of the incorrect lift in rear feet that has crept into the breed. 1
I awarded this bitch her first CC and BOB at Three Counties in 2006. She typifies what I seek in a Border Collie, with correct bone and substance, super front with correct return of upper arm, good rear angulation with correct croup and low-set tail. Her movement was a joy, low and long with a topline that you could rest a glass of water on without spilling, maintaining the correct characteristic shape, appearing to float across the ground.
Selene Falvretto©
SH CH/IT CH JUMPINGRIVER I gave this male the dog CC at Crufts in 2014. If I had the choice of any dog to use as a model for body construction, it would be him. He has a great front assembly, super rib cage, correct short loin and good hind angulation with correct croup, tail set and well-let-down hocks. His substance and balance is perfect for a male and movement when relaxed was simply breathtaking. 3
Ross Green© 2 SH CH ACULSIA CONTINENTAL DIVA JW
Yulia Titovets©/The Kennel Club© 1 SH CH CALEYKIZ SMOKE ON THE WATER I awarded this blue and white male his first CC as a junior and his second CC at Crufts in 2015. He has beautifully balanced angulation front and rear, with the correct outline – nothing overdone, his beauty being in his correctness. His movement is really breathtaking, always keeping his balance at any speed with the required long and low stride and no unnecessary lift in the front or kick up – the economical movement that is so important for our breed.
Ross Green© 2 SH CH MOSHANTA MOVIN ON UP JW ShCM
I judged her twice, awarding her BP at NWPB in 2006 and a second time out of coat at Scottish BCC in 2007 where she won the RCC. I didn’t ever get the chance to judge her again but she remains one of my all-time favourites. I loved her elegance, style, correct construction, breed type, correct outline and long, low movement. She also had a beautiful head and correct eye, giving the desired intelligent expression.
Ross Green© 3 SH CH SIANWORTH MAGICAL SPELL OVER GLENFOUND This tricolour male was always one of my favourites, and although he was another that I only awarded a RCC (BCC of GB in 2013), his exuberance in the ring always seemed to get the better of him. Excellent angulation, moderate type with correct balance and outline combined with his breed type; simply outstanding. I loved his reach and drive, which was always long and low even at full extension.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
HEATHER TURNER LOCHEIL
I have bred Border Collies under the Locheil affix since 1987, and I bred, trained and owned the breed’s first full champion, Ch Locheil Look North, made up in 1995. I’ve bred and/or owned 14 UK show champions and many overseas. I’m in partnership with Julia Alexander and have provided the foundation stock for other kennels. Sh Ch Pikkupaimenen Great Pretender at Locheil (Imp Fin) was co-owned with Sari Solanti from Finland, and he sired ten UK title holders and many overseas champions. I’ve been lucky enough to have judged the breed worldwide, something I truly enjoy.
Craig Fynmore-Beljekali©
Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©
Kristen Hughes©
1 AUST GRAND CH ETHERIAL CHASE THE ACE I gave this masculine dog best male and Best in Show at the first Australian Border Collie National in 2006 from an outstanding entry of almost 400. Beautiful head and expression, very correctly constructed with a strong topline and he covered the ground so fluently and smoothly. He was a joy to watch move round the large ring. Such quality and excellent breed type, he showed so well to top the fabulous entry, and still looked great as a veteran.
2 MULTI CH ETCHED IN SAND BY THE LAKE I awarded her the CC at Crufts 2023 in a high-quality entry, and she went Best of Breed on the referee’s decision, then group 2. The ultimate showgirl, always on her toes and so ‘at one’ with her handler, feminine, and with correct substance. A lovely head and expression, well balanced, with strong topline, moving so well, effortlessly powering around the ring, a joy to watch. She’s now coming into her best, and I’m sure will continue winning all around the world.
3 AUST CH INNISMAN ALL SAID N DONE I judged him at the Australian National in 2006 where he was my junior male winner. He was still quite a raw junior, but I could see he would develop into a world-class male. In 2009, he won the Australian National under Ross Green. A lovely head and expression with correct eye shape. Well-angulated front and rear, with good height-to-length ratio, appealing for overall breed type, very typical movement, which was smooth, easy and ground-covering.
JOHN RITCHIE DYKEBAR
Dylan Edgar©
Booth Show Photography©
Selene Falvretto©
1 AUST CH GLENTRESS ANASTACIA I gave this bitch BIS at the Australian Border Collie National in 2014. She came into the ring in the last class and literally blew me away – she was certainly in a league of her own and she couldn’t fail to impress. Her construction, type and movement were textbook, completely feminine and totally balanced – harmonious in every aspect and such a great showgirl who really had to give her all in such great company to take the top spot.
2 AM GCH CH AVATAR BAYSHORE DARE EWE TO BE A HOT SHOT I judged him at the BCSA National Specialty in 2015. He caught my eye for his correct breed proportions, fabulous balanced head, correct stop, well-shaped dark eye, ideal ear set and carriage, excellent neck, ideal front and hind angles, short hocks, super tail set and carriage, on the move showing the desired minimum lift of legs with maximum power and extension, outstanding handling. The perfect package and one I would have loved to have had in my own kennel.
3 SH CH/IT CH JUMPINGRIVER I judged him a number of times throughout his show career – including BOB at the World Dog Show in Austria in 2014 and awarded his third CC at Blackpool in 2017. He is fabulous, great for size, type and so well put together. His movement is breed typical, with minimum lift but with maximum extension. He couldn’t move wrongly as he was so balanced and well made. I was honoured to be part of his illustrious show career.
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
With my wife Lorraine, we have bred, owned, shown and judged Border Collies since the early 1980s, our first Border being Sh Ch Melodor Flint at Dykebar, who was the foundation and template for our kennel – a standard that we try to maintain even to this day. We have produced numerous champions – the most famous was Sh Ch Dykebar Future Glory, who won RBIS at Crufts in 1994 and the first Border to win BIS at an all-breeds championship show. More recently, we have imported some top-quality Borders from the worldfamous Sashdan kennels in Australia.
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Border Collies have always been a big part of my life. When I was born, we had two bitches who were mother and daughter, and growing up in a small country village, these were my friends. I first awarded Challenge Certificates to the breed at Windsor in 1994, and since then I have awarded CCs 14 times, including Crufts 2011.
I’ve been involved with Border Collies for 20 years and fell in love with them when working on a local farm. I’ve been involved in the dog show world from an early age, with my parents showing Dobermanns and Rottweilers. I came third in the first ever JHA finals in 1970. Our main winner was Sh Ch Janbell Jamieson JW, who won 23 CCs and, in my opinion, against quality opposition. Two dogs I would like to have judged were Sh Ch/Aust Ch Danari De Beers ShCM and Sh Ch Wizaland Cool Nifty Fifty JW.
DEREK SMITH CLICKAM dominated that day, so sound in movement, so well balanced and full of quality. He won the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed and I was not surprised he became a breed record holder.
PETE SIMMONS SIMMOVON
Alan V Walker© 1 SH CH LACEWAY LONE RANGER JW I judged this dog at Leeds in 2017. He won the veteran class and this CC and Best of Breed made him up. I was surprised that it had taken him so long to gain his title. He was a true Border Collie of beautiful type, with a quality head and expression, excellent construction and wonderful movement. He won the group and Best in Show that day, which was well deserved. An honour for the breed and for me.
Mercédesz Horn© Jason Higgins©
SH CH ALTRICIA FANCY FREE OF TUDORHURST I judged this lovely bitch at Birmingham National in 2009 in an entry of over 200 and awarded her Best of Breed. By Sh Ch Tonkory Palmerston at Fayken JW, she had inherited her sire’s outstanding movement, feminine yet with substance and such a lovely head, eye and ears. It was a pleasure to judge her. Dogs two and three were bred by two doyennes of the breed, Judith Gregory (Tonkory) and Pat Wilkinson (Altricia) – a credit to these ladies. 3
1 MULTI CH ETCHED IN SAND BY THE LAKE I gave her the CC at Crufts in 2022. She’s the perfect showgirl of the highest quality, exactly everything I was looking for. Fit for function, but with beauty also, quality head and eye giving a kind but alert expression, so well balanced in profile, superb angulation front and rear, excels in movement with good reach and rear drive, covering the ground with minimum effort, turned out in superb condition and always at one with her handler.
Carol Ann Johnson© 2 SH CH TONKORY PALMERSTON AT FAYKEN JW I judged this lovely dog at Southern Counties in 2000. There were big entries in those days and he just
2 Ross Green©
2 SH CH FAYKEN I AM LOVE JW I gave this bitch her second CC from junior at NWPB in 2017. Another quality bitch fit for function, so well balanced in profile with stunning head and good eye shape. Superb front and rear angulation, with good bone, moved with reach and drive. Turned out in superb condition in coat and muscle tone. At one with her handler and pleased to see she recently became the top winning Border Collie of all time.
Alan V Walker© 3 SH CH LACEWAY PHOTO FINISH I gave this male the CC at North West BCC in 2015. Watched this boy from puppy and knew he would mature into a stunning male. Another Border fit for function, proper male of good size and bone, masculine head so well balanced to body. Superb in profile with good front assembly and rear angulation, excelled in ring presence, moved with reach and drive. This boy could work all day, turned out in superb condition, amazing bond with the handler.
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
Carol Ann Johnson©
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Best of the Best
I am best known for my Shetland Sheepdogs, Ch Sharval The Delinquent, the long-time breed Challenge Certificate record holder, and his son Ch Sandpiper of Sharval, the first Sheltie to win Best in Show at an all-breeds UK general championship show. To date I have awarded 15 sets of CCs in Border Collies, including Crufts, and my first judging appointment in the breed was at Blackpool in 1988. I am Kennel Club approved to award CCs in more than 90 breeds and I have completed engagements on all five continents overseas.
1986
SH CH MELODOR ROBBIE
1987
SH CH LETHANS HOPEFUL FLAME
1988
SH CH MUIREND BORDER DREAM
1989
SH CH MUIREND BORDER DREAM
1990
SH CH WIZALAND MCINTOSH
1991
SH CH/NZL CH CLAN-ABBY BLUE ABERDOONE (IMP)
1992
SH CH FIELDBANK INDEPENDENCE
1993
SH CH/LUX CH CLAN ABBY SILVER KIWI AT BEAGOLD (IMP NZL)
1994
SH CH DYKEBAR FUTURE GLORY
1995
SH CH ALTRICIA ROSKO OF TERVERLEY
1996
SH CH AIRDSMOSS ADAM
1997
CH LOCHEIL LOOK NORTH
1998
SH CH DYKEBAR FUTURE GLORY
1999
SH CH DYKEBAR SEARCH FOR A STAR
2000
SH CH DYKEBAR BRIGADOON
2001
TAMARSH MAGGIE MAY AT TOLAROCK
2002
SH CH/LUX/NED/AUST/AM CH BORDERFAME HEART N SOUL (IMP BEL)
2003
SH CH SHELTYSHAM CHIC CHANDON AVEC CARISTAN
2004
ROSEHURST DIRTY DEN
2005
SH CH TONKORY PALMERSTON AT FAYKEN
2006
IT/SPAN CH GLENTRESS LORD OTHE CHAT
2007
PIKKUPAIMENEN FRONT PAGE NEWS
2008
SH CH TONKORY ILLUSION
2009
SH CH/IR CH TONKORY MOVE OVER TO HUNTLY
Carol Ann Johnson©
2010
SH CH/AM CH BAYSHORE'S BRITISH CONNECTION AVATAR (IMP USA)
SH CH TONKORY PALMERSTON AT FAYKEN JW I gave this stunning dog the CC and BOB at WPB of Scotland in 2000 – his head and expression were faultless, aided by exquisite, expressive eyes. He showed a flowing outline, superb head carriage, jacket always flawless and he floated as effortlessly as a hovercraft, feet seemingly not to touch the ground and keeping his shape while cruising to the top awards. Recalling him makes me smile – a great character as well as a great dog.
2011
SH CH GOYTRE VALENTINE PROMISE
2012
SH CH/AUST CH DANARI DE BEERS (IMP AUS)
2013
EYES OF THE WORLD FAIRYTALE
2014
SH CH CALEYKIZ RHYTHM IN BLACK
2015
SH CH CALEYKIZ SMOKE ON THE WATER
2016
GER CH SIMARO COLD AS ICE
2017
SH CH GOYTRE DADDY'S SAUCIE GIRL
2018
SH CH/IR CH NAHROF BLURRED LINES AT HUNTLY (IKC)
2019
SH CH TONKORY GOLD DIGGER AT HUNTLY
2020
DALGUISE HOPES AND DREAMS
2022
MULTI CH ETCHED IN SAND BY THE LAKE
2023
MULTI CH ETCHED IN SAND BY THE LAKE
ALBERT WIGHT SHARVAL
Marc Henrie/The Kennel Club©
SH CH DYKEBAR FUTURE GLORY She was a superstar, way ahead of her time for sheer quality. I gave her the group at Crufts in 1994 (pictured) and the competition was phenomenal. I could write lyrically about her – suffice to say, she enchanted almost everyone lucky enough to see her. Not only did she go on to RBIS at Crufts that year under Ken Bullock, but she also went BOB at Crufts in 1998. That is some achievement. 1
BCCGB Year Book© 2 SH CH MUIREND BORDER DREAM My earliest recollection of an example of the breed that
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
BORDER COLLIE CRUFTS BEST OF BREED WINNERS
demonstrated outstanding show quality was this bitch who I made BPIS in a large entry at a general Scottish open show, and I later judged her at Blackpool in 1988 where she won the CC and BOB. She was the first show champion bitch in the breed and won BOB at Crufts in 1988 and 1989, she was an example to everyone just how classy the breed should be.
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THIS MONTH
BREED SERVICES
BREED SERVICES Breed clubs take the welfare of their breeds very seriously and work tirelessly to provide help, support and homes for dogs in need.
The ten Border Collie breed clubs offer a range of events, including shows, judges training days and educational seminars, plus advice on the breed to people looking for a puppy or rehoming an older dog. The clubs can also provide owners with advice and help with training, grooming and breeding from their Border Collie. There is a well-established link between the breed and The Kennel Club on matters of health. Please contact a club secretary for more information.
Midlands Border Collie Club
West of England Border Collie Club
Mrs Hilary Kerr
Mrs Ali Stenhouse
Tel: 07970 264341
Tel: 07710 695692
bardingley@googlemail.com
secretary.woebcc@outlook.com
midlandsbordercollieclub.com
westofenglandbordercollieclub.co.uk
MidlandsBorderCollieClub
West of England Border Collie Club
North East Border Collie Club
Border Collie Trust GB
Mrs Jan Grant
Mr Ben Wilkes
Tel: 01325 378252
Tel: 01889 577058
northeastbordercollieclub@gmail.com
info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk
northeastbordercol.wixsite.com/nebcc
bordercollietrustgb.org.uk
North East Border Collie Club
Border Collie Trust GB
North West Border Collie Club
The Border Collie Spot
Mrs Christine Richardson
Ms Gill White
Tel: 07821 307501
Tel: 01344 450206
richardsonjean557@gmail.com
info@thebordercolliespot.com
Border Collie Club of Great Britain
thebordercolliespot.com
Miss Anita Gowing
Scottish Border Collie Club
Tel: 0121 471 4445
Mrs Lynn Lawrie
bccgb@outlook.com
Tel: 07904 425569
Valgrays Border Collie & Animal Rescue
bordercollieclub.com
lynn.lindilin@blueyonder.co.uk
Ms Val Phillips
BCCGB Shows & Events
Scottish Border Collie Club
The Border Collie Spot
Tel: 01883 624513 valgrays@hotmail.co.uk
Border Collie Club of Wales
Southern Border Collie Club
Miss Jo Prandle
Mrs Karen Angier
Tel: 07736 683284
Tel: 01795 880410
Breed Education Co-ordinator
jo.prandle@hotmail.co.uk
angier.bilyara@gmail.com
Miss Tracey Wilkinson
Border Collie Club Of Wales
SouthernBorderCollieClub
Valgrays Border Collie and Animal Rescue
Tel: 01283 223230 tracey.rankin@sky.com
East Anglian Border Collie Club
Wessex Border Collie Club
Mrs Christina Dalby
Mrs Sam Tydeman
Breed Health Co-ordinator
Tel: 07595 919272
Tel: 01795 842776
Position vacant
secretary.eabcc@gmail.com
sam.tydeman67@btinternet.com
East Anglian BCC
wessexbcc.wixsite.com/wessex Wessex BCC
BREED LEARNING RESOURCE The Kennel Club education and training team is developing an online library of breed-specific films for The Kennel Club Academy to assist aspiring and existing judges. The Border
Collie breed-specific film is one of many breeds available online, where breed experts, Heather Turner, Ross Green and John Ritchie, outline their view of the Border Collie. Breed-specific films document: • An introduction to and overview of the history of the breed
30
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
• A presentation on the breed standard • A ‘nose to tail’ overview of the breed • A look at the movement in the show ring The breed-specific films are supplementary pre-learning resources to support judges’ education. If your breed club/council is interested in collaborating with The Kennel Club to create a breed-specific film, please contact the education and training team at films.education@thekennelclub.org.uk
THIS MONTH
BREED SERVICES
CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGES BORDER COLLIE Start date
Show
Judge
Sex
08/09/2023
Richmond Dog Show Society
Paul Lawless
Both
15/09/2023
Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd
Josie Large
Both
23/09/2023
Belfast Dog Show Society
David Cavill
Both
30/09/2023
Scottish Border Collie Club
Karen McDevitt
Both
30/09/2023
Scottish Kennel Club
Denise Rowan
Both
13/10/2023
South Wales Kennel Association
Val Tiller
Both
Patsy Hollings
Dog
22/10/2023
North West Border Collie Club
Sue Bird
Bitch
Christine Richardson
Referee
26/10/2023
Midland Counties Canine Society
Val Geddes
Both
04/11/2023
Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland
John Thirlwell
Both
Sally Anne Thompson©
Sue Morley
Dog
Deborah Penniston Fleming
Bitch
Darren Clarke
Referee
NEXT MONTH
Karen Angier
Both
19/11/2023
09/12/2023
West of England Border Collie Club
Ladies’ Kennel Association
WHIPPET
If you would like to advertise in the October edition of the Kennel Gazette, please contact Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email gary.turner@newhallpublishing.com
This information is correct at the time of going to print. However, appointments may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
ASSURED BREEDERS SCHEME Further information can be obtained from The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme department. Email: abs@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 01296 318540. Breed-specific requirements and recommendations including health screening for the Border Collie under the Assured Breeders scheme. Breed
Requirements for health screening of breeding stock
Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock
Border Collie
1 Hip scoring
1 DNA test – Raine’s syndrome
2 Eye testing 3 Eye testing – PLA (Gonioscopy) 4 DNA test – CEA 5 DNA test – NCL 6 DNA test – TNS 7 DNA test – GGD (Gonio) 8 DNA test – SN 9 DNA test – IGS 10 DNA test – MDR1
2 Check inbreeding calculators for each mating
Shemella Border Collies “Health and Versatility”
SHEMELLA MOONLIGHT SKYE
“SKY”
BITCH CC AND BOB WINNER AND TWO RBCC
SHEMELLA SHEPHERDS DELIGHT
“ DUSK”
OUR BLUE GIRL HAS A RESERVE BITCH CC Our dogs are fully health and DNA checked and compete in breed and agility. They are also either qualified or in training as search and rescue dogs. BRED, OWNED, WORKED AND LOVED BY MELANIE & IAIN LEWIS KCAI (Ag* Rc)
www.melianaquadogs.co.uk
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September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED HEALTH
Testing is important for a healthy litter BY JILL SPURR
The Border Collie has some concerning hereditary conditions, but with responsible testing and breeding, these have been practically eradicated. Border Collies have a bundle of eight DNA tests, most of which are autosomal recessive, i.e. the puppy
strong as they should be. Dogs may develop brown, discoloured teeth, smooth enamel, signs of wear, cracked teeth and inflammation. The only treatment is extraction.
needs to inherit the mutant gene from each parent to cause the condition. The conditions are:
Multi-drug resistance (MDR1) is not Collie eye anomaly, which causes
as common in Border Collies as other pastoral breeds. Affected dogs are unable to metabolise certain drugs.
lesions on the choroid at the back of the eye and can disappear as the puppy ages, so they are normally eye tested at six weeks old for this and other eye conditions, as well as the DNA test. Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS), a serious condition that is
Predisposition to primary closedangle glaucoma (goniodysgenesis). Two-day-old merle Border Collie puppies. Jill Spurr©
almost always fatal. Neutrophils that fight infection are produced normally but not released. Very few affected dogs have lived past the age of two. It is believed that many past litters attributed to having ‘fading puppy’ syndrome may have had TNS.
Sensory neuropathy (SN) is the progressive degeneration of sensory and motor nerve cells. The onset occurs between two to seven months with knuckling of the feet, self-mutilation and lack of co-ordination. Prognosis is poor and dogs are usually euthanised by the age of two.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL or CL)
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (cobalamin malabsorption) is when vitamin B12 fails to
affects the nerve cells when lipofuscin builds up. Affected animals appear normal until approximately 18 months. Then the disease progresses rapidly with life expectancy little more than two-and-a-half years. Physical symptoms include unreasonable apprehension or fear, abnormal gait or unsteady on feet, demented behaviour, manic hyperactivity, rage.
be absorbed from the intestine; lack of cobalamin leads to neurological symptoms due to irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, including anorexia and lethargy. Dental hypomineralisation (Raine’s syndrome) produces teeth that are not as
Affected dogs have abnormal fluid drainage channels, which may result in inadequate drainage from the eye. However, this is a ‘strong candidate’ test rather than definitive result, and genetically affected dogs may not fail a gonioscopy. Dogs should still have a gonioscopy every three years. The other health test routinely carried out on the breed is Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) hearing test for deafness.
During the test, a headphone is placed over one ear, which sends a series of clicks into the ear. Sensors placed around the head pick up signals, which then generate a characteristic waveform in a hearing dog. Puppies are normally tested at six weeks. There is also an adult-onset variant of deafness, with genetic research in the early stages.
Border Collie club shows often host testing clinics by the Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation. Check with individual clubs for details, page 30. For more information on Border Collie health, please visit bordercollieclub.com/health
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Dreamwork Collat’ral Beauty
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Fiction made breed history becoming the first Red Merle in a decade to achieve her Stud Book Number. Thank you to all the judges who have thought so highly of her.
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jill.spurr@outlook.com 07825 915140
Focused and ready to take on anything BY JILL SPURR
The Border Collie’s herding skill is the basis that allows it to do so much more. Watch any sheepdog trial, and the viewer gets a sense of what this incredible breed is like: tenacious, intelligent, able to make quick decisions and, at its best, working in harmony with a human who understands it. Those same traits that make the Border Collie a formidable herding dog, coupled with a sheer love of work, also make it a versatile dog that dominates so many different canine activities.
Kennel Club recognition of the breed is tied up with its working history. In the 1970s, enthusiasts trialling well-bred dogs in obedience worked to get them on the 34
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
pedigree register as the Border Collie. The breed is still recorded on the Activity Register today as ‘working sheepdog’, which harks back to what they were known for in those pre-registration days. Shaping a dog’s inherent instincts to become an adequate sheepdog is not easy and takes time and commitment on top of access to sheep. The Border Collie is the only pastoral breed that is required to pass a Show Border Collie Herding Test (SBCHT) in order to become a full champion, and as a result, sadly, there are just two in the history of the breed. Heather Turner’s Ch Locheil
Look North was made up in 1995 and Rachel Spencer’s Ch Littlethorn Colt at Tobermoray JW in 2013. Several other dogs have passed their SBCHT but have not yet achieved the requisite three Challenge Certificates. The Border Collie Club of GB holds an annual herding day that is always popular and reflects the passion within enthusiasts to remain true to the breed’s original purpose and demonstrates herding ability. The mental and physical challenges of the jumps, contacts and weaves of agility
THIS MONTH
BREED ACTIVITIES
Above: Ob Ch Ruskath Klassified Image, ‘Kervi’, Crufts 2023 Bitch Obedience Championship winner (left), bred by Kathy Russell, and Ob Ch Sarkam Explicit Image For Ruskath, ‘Kafna’, second place winner, bred by Sarah Jane Campbell. Both owned and worked by Kathy, who also owned Kafna’s sire. Kafna is Kervi’s dam, which is the first time this has ever happened in the Obedience Championships at Crufts. Courtesy of Kathy Russell Opposite page: Tobermoray All About Banksy JW SBCHT turning the sheep to drive them away from Rachel. Dogs often find driving more difficult as it is more natural for the dog to want to bring the sheep to the handler. Courtesy of Rachel Spencer
Above: Dreamwork Chocolat demonstrates heelwork to music with owner, Heather Negus. Sean Cameron© Above: Sue Lee with Sketch, Arrodare An Emotion Away RL2-Ex, qualified into Levels 3 and 4 rally and pictured taking part in the Crufts rally and obedience display. Sketch is co-owned by Joanne Ratcliffe and YKC member Bobbie Lee, who has remarkably made up three Border Collie show champions, which is hard enough to do as an adult. Bobbie and Sketch have also been successful in YKC obedience. Yulia Titovets/The Kennel Club© Left: Sh Ch Tonkory My Kynda Guy at Chikaramor Far left: Mantrailing: Dreamwork Interstellar, focused on finding her misper. Standa Sanour Novotny©
really suit the Border Collie’s ability to learn complex behaviours and deploy them at speed and with great physicality. There has long been a number of dual-purpose dogs achieving in both the breed ring and in agility competition. Sh Ch Tonkory My Kynda Guy at Chikaramor (born 2007) achieved both his Junior Warrant and Agility Warrant Gold, which means he accumulated 800 points from agility successes. With no more than 20 points awarded for an agility win, the higher
warrants (Gold, Platinum and Diamond) reward a consistently successful, skilled dog. In addition to the various levels of warrant, agility also recognises agility champions, and Chikaramor is one of the most successful kennels here too, with Ag Ch Chikaramor Born Performer AW(G) and Ag Ch Chikaramor Kynda Amazyng. In fact, Kynda Amazyng progressed from a puppy win at Birmingham National to a place on Agility Team GB, representing the country at the European Open Agility Championships in
2022. Most breed club shows recognise the breed’s supreme workability by offering classes for dogs that have achieved top honours in a Kennel Club working discipline, and there is a healthy group of supporters who proudly show their multi-talented dogs. Border Collies play a significant role in the newer dog activities too, for example, heelwork to music, rally and scentwork. They are a breed that benefits from brain exercise – as the saying goes, a bored Border Collie will go self-employed! 35
September 2023 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED ACTIVITIES
Fit for function By Rachel Spencer (Tobermoray)
The Border Collie’s natural herding instinct is unique and the purpose of the Show Border Collie Herding Test (SBCHT) is to protect the future development of the Border Collie. The Kennel Club states that “the herding test is designed to assess a dog’s instinct to herd sheep in a controlled manner and under instruction of the handler.” I test this instinct with all my dogs. Border Collies love to have a job. In this test we are asking a dog more usually trained for the requirements of the show ring to really work. That is also why construction matters. Personally, I find the SBCHT a tough challenge, because the instinct needs to be shaped and developed. It takes time, a lot of training and determination – and with all of that to consider, it costs. It consists of four elements: the outrun, the bring/fetch, and balance and drive, usually working a group of five sheep and each section has to be passed. It is the dog’s herding ability that is being tested
and they may be handled by anyone – it doesn’t have to be the owner. Not many people who show Border Collies attempt the SBCHT. I feel it is extremely important to pass the test as it helps to demonstrate that the dog is fit for function, and looking at how this could be supported with funding in the future would be really beneficial. Show champion Border Collies need to pass the SBCHT before being made up to full champions. However, any Kennel Clubregistered Border Collie may take the SBCHT. There is a SBCHT class at Crufts for dogs who must have passed this test and also qualified in the normal way. My Ch Littlethorn Colt at Tobermoray JW is the second Border Collie to become a full champion, and his grandson, Tobermoray All About Banksy JW SBCHT, ‘Banksy’, is nearly there, having passed his herding test in 2019. We show dogs to assess their physical attributes and we have a lot of fun. But in those
attributes, illustrated in the breed standard, are the core essentials for a working dog. And let’s face it, when these dogs started to work all those years ago, no one had thought of a championship show! When we judge, we are looking for a dog that can come into the show ring one day and have the physical and mental attributes to be able to go out and work sheep the next; it demonstrates our dogs being fit for purpose. Of course, some show dogs might look slightly different, but apart from the cosmetics, they are the same breed and they can do the same job, which is what we all want to make sure they can do. The Border Collie Club of GB will be holding a training day on 2 September for people to have a go and see if their Border Collie has the instinct to herd. For more details, please see the Border Collie Club of GB’s Facebook page. For further information on the SBCHT, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/ Bordercollieherding
Rachel with Banksy on passing his SBCHT. Sue James©
Above: Rachel with Tobermoray All About Banksy JW SBCHT in the show ring. At Its Best Photography© Right: Daisy’s (half-sister to Banksy) first training lesson to assess if she has the herding instinct. Daisy had completed a short outrun, and has completed lifting the sheep to Rachel. Daisy showed good aptitude and her instincts kicked in. Jill Spurr©
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Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Banksy winning out of Novice obedience at Nuneaton Dog Training Club. Liz Barwick©
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SEARCH AND RESCUE
Versatility is my middle name BY IAIN LEWIS KCAI (AgA Rc), KENNEL CLUB ACCREDITED INSTRUCTOR
The multi-skilled Border Collie’s important potential for search and rescue. The one word that always occurs when talking about the Border Collie is versatility. As well as being a working breed, their herding instinct can be harnessed into many other canine activities, such as obedience, agility, heelwork to music and flyball. They are also excellent therapy dogs and thrive at search and rescue.
I am lucky that my dogs enjoy success in the show ring and have also been very successful in agility, and more importantly, in search and rescue work, where they have helped to reunite families with lost relatives. We have had five qualified search dogs who between them have covered over 450 searches for high-risk missing people. Currently, we have the next generation in training to carry on this valuable, voluntary work. Mist (Shemella Evening Mist) is 15 years old. She retired at 12 after years of service, completing over 200 searches, but that’s not all she did. She can look back at successfully competing in the show ring, achieving second in veteran at Crufts in 2017, advanced from grades 1-4 in agility, achieved her Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Bronze award and has had a litter of pups, as well as being a companion to us and the rest of our Border Collies. She also starred in Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody and had a special piece filmed on her in BBC One’s Ill Gotten Gains. The majority of our search dogs are airscenting, used to search for missing people freely in a given area and trained to detect any human scent. One of the youngsters, Oberon, is training to be a mantrailing dog, where he is given a scent to follow and tracks that scent 38
Kennel Gazette | September 2023
Search dog Mist loves agility. Yellow Hound©
using a long line. Jupiter and Shadow, now retired at 12, completed around 100 searches between them, several being high-profile searches at the time and publicised by the national media. When breeding, we take health seriously to ensure a healthy genetic line, but not to lose that versatility and beauty the breed has. We have run a stand at Discover Dogs for 20 years and all our dogs have been used to explain to potential owners all aspects of the Border Collie – there is nothing better than a Collie cuddle! At the end of the day, all our dogs are champions in whatever they do, whether it be competing in the show ring, running an agility course or searching in the early hours for that missing person. They are much-loved companions and long may that continue.
Above: Melanie Lewis with Dream (Shemella Moonlight Dream) who in July 2023 qualified as a Lowland Rescue search dog. Iain Lewis© Centre: Best Breed Booth winner at Discover Dogs 2021. The award was presented by Kennel Club Chairman Tony Allcock OBE and Chief Executive Mark Beazley. Courtesy of Iain Lewis Top: Search dog Shadow (Shemella Cloudy Skye), now retired at 12 years old. Becci Bowman©
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