The OES Club of Scotland Championship Show
held at Loreburn Hall, Dumfries on Sunday 26th November 2006.

To be invited to judge in Scotland is an honour and it gave me the chance to visit an area that has a strong historic link with the early drovers and the evolution of the breed. The fields around Dumfries and surrounding Ayrshire are filled with sheep and Galloway cattle and as I drive on these damp November days before I judge the dogs I reflect with disappointment that the entry of 22 dogs for me and 31 bitches for my co-judge, Irene Quinn, did not do justice to the effort that the Scottish committee put into their Clubs Championship Show. On the day I finished up with just 17 dogs to run my hands over and Irene had 23 bitches. The Club provided a referee, so 3 Judges for 40 dogs is a financial burden that in these days of falling entries is hard to carry. Beware our Clubs’ futures are at risk if this decline persists and we stop supporting.
I was pleased to find such a good venue with a spacious ring and good light to judge under. The rubber mats afforded some purchase over a shiny wood floor that several dogs had trouble getting to grips with. The dog’s temperament can sometimes overcome these difficulties; a few dogs decided to put on the brakes and were hesitant on the move. The better balanced coped well and flowed round the triangle of rubber. Considerate handling can help and many can improve in this area, even by wearing training shoes rather than high heels. Some move their charges on the wrong side thus stopping the judge from seeing the detail of movement. Grooming and presentation was very good, not too much back combing and over exaggeration. Coat texture continues to provide an area for improvement, some were still between coats but the age of many entries is still too young for full maturity. Harsh, wiry jackets are difficult to find but several winners were passable. Toplines were good only 2 failed to give a rise to loin and were penalised heavily. Many were overweight and I mean far too fat. Do not mistake sheer bulk for substance. I struggled to find shoulder points on several and the wide fronts often stem from this excess. Bone quality was impressive as was muscle tone. Plenty of exercise was evident for the majority with hocks in good order. A few moved a little close behind and several tended to crab a little. Most of the males had heads to match i.e. masculine and no doubt, I like the dogs to be obviously a male and stand proudly. The head and neck is so important for that balance and a pre-requisite for a pastoral breed to do his job. Eye colour was good, a few wall eyes with many very dark browns and well pigmented. A strong chest with a deep brisket also comes with age and maturity, so many have this to come but the promise is there, certainly on my winners.
Puppy dog (2) 1^st Best Pup in Show Kerjalee Takes a Moment. A well balanced 9 month, exc dark eyes, nice head properties, strong reach of neck, good rear end, coat clearing and a good texture coming through, good rise and a confident mover. 2^nd Hillndale Tsinst Ao. Slightly longer cast, wearing a good coat, needs strength in hocks, moved well.
Junior Dog (2) 1^st Dobden Diamond Geezer A nice dog all round. Brisket yet to drop and needs more substance. Needs to strengthen behind and learn to cope with the floor. Good head with dark eyes and pigment. Harsh texture coming through a nice grey coat. A good size just needs maturity.
Special Yearling Dog (2) 1^st Dobden Diamond Geezer 2^nd Varimac Blue Desert at Wagsrus Good head with correct eyes, would like more neck, coat still to clear and strengthen, hocks splayed, moving a little wide in front, wearing a well set on tail.
Novice Dog (1) 1^st Hillndale Tsinst Ao
Graduate Dog (3) 1^st Dobden Diamond Geezer 2^nd Varimac Blue Desert at Wagsrus.
Post Graduate Dog (5) 1^st Kerjalee Azure Excellent shape & balance, good coat coming through, lovely hocks and strong rear end, like his old fashioned heavy markings, pity he was so overdone it takes away his masculinity, one to watch for the future 2^nd Zottels Jonny Walker another classy male, slightly longer cast, not quite up on his toes but moving ok, lots to like, another old fashioned solid type.
Limit Dog (4) 1^st Beauvallon Philanderer JW I really like this dog’s typical outline and balance, not at his best after a long journey, he was presented and groomed well but seemed to lack confidence and drive on the move, his coat could be harsher and needs to body up but overall he has so much potential. Wall eyed. 2^nd Loch Ryans Bold Bear at Wagsrus, out of coat but lovely shape with a good neck, excellent dark eyes and super rise, moved well once settled.
Open Dog (9) 1^st CC Best in Show Dalewood Hocus Pocus this dog made the journey worthwhile, a joy to handle and to find out this award gave him his title, well deserved. The best mover, excellent balance, good textured jacket so well presented, just natural letting the coat quality do the talking, all male with a super expression. 2^nd Res CC Ch.Pockethall Buckle my Shoe another good ‘un not the topline and coat texture of the 1st, backed off from my handling and did not sparkle today. Although not the size of male I prefer he is so typical.
Veteran Dog 1^st Meisan Sunshine Super Bear, one I know from years ago, well named as he ambles around the ring, well pronounced occiput on a square skull, lovely outline, still in good coat, not the dentition of his earlier years but sound elsewhere for his 8,5 years.
My thanks to the ring stewards and committee for their team work.

Ray Owen
Dog entry Judge

The best bitch veteran and the best dog veteran

The best dog and bitch and best puppy