The Smooth Collie Club of Great Britain.

How lovely to receive the invitation to judge the Puppies and Veterans at The Smooth Collie of the Year 2019 . I must first thank the committee for this honour. I could not of wished for a better way to spend my Saturday. The sun shone which always helps to make any outside event relaxed. The whole day was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed watching Mike Vincent, Sophie Wray- Ramsden and Christina Bailey put the smooth adults through their paces and enjoyed their feedback later in the day. The hospitality of the club from the minute I arrived to the minute I left was first class. The committee laid on such a fabulous lunch for everyone which finished the day off perfectly. Huge congratulations to the hard working committee you should all feel very proud of your efforts.

It is always interesting to meet the younger generation of any breed. These puppies had qualified the year before so from those early stages they have now reached young adults. So some faults that maybe when judged were not so evident then, are now there fixed for all to see. At this time of the year with the weather, and the ages of the youngsters meant that coats and for some body condition were not at their best. But even if not in top condition, weight should be monitored carefully an overweight dog is as worrying to me as an underweight dog. I was totally blown away by the happy temperaments on each exhibit every dog greeted as though they knew me with a kind eye and gentle body language, a tail wag from all was greatly appreciated by myself. They all seemed so happy to be in the ring performing which is always lovely to witness as a judge.

For me today The Smooth Puppy of the Year 2019 was awarded to KOCZKODAN MIDNIGHT SUN her femininity I found very appealing. She was completely balanced on the move giving her the edge over the rest. Res Smooth Puppy of the Year 2019 went to the striking tricolour male FOXEARTH FORMULA ONE so much to like about this male in so many departments. Interestingly to see that he is a son of the best veteran. Congratulations to you both.
I would like to wish every exhibitor and their dogs here today every success in the coming years with their young charges. I hope they fulfill their early promise and give you all some great wins and many wonderful memories.

On entering the ring I turned to take my first look at the veterans and it was a complete pleasure. The breed type just hit me. Each exhibitor should be proud of keeping these gorgeous dogs in such wonderful condition for their age. Every now and again a dog comes along that has qualities that makes it very special. So what makes a dog special ! Breed type, charisma, style, balance, confirmation, effortless movement. Then there is that something extra special that you cannot put your finger on that makes a quality dog a class above the rest.
Well today I found all that in one very special lady. I had no hesitation in awarding Smooth Veteran of the Year 2019 to Ch CLINGSTONES HOT SHOT AT FOXEARTH, a beautiful tricolour bitch who I could not take my eyes off. It really was an absolute thrill to get the chance to judge her, something I never thought would be possible for me until today. I just loved everything about her. She truly has been a wonderful ambassador for the breed.
Res Smooth Veteran of the Year 2019 CH ALOPEX MARIONETTE OF OAKESTELLE, now in contrast I judged this lovely blue bitch at the very beginning of her show career as a minor puppy. Her feminine charms captivated me then. On seeing her today as a very mature lady brought everything I thought of her then, flooding back to me. She is an absolute joy and nothing has change except to say that at 10 years old, age has been very kind to her in every department. Congratulations to you both a wonderful achievement.

It has been a real privilege to spend the day with you all and your gorgeous dogs. Thank you all for making my day one to add to my own memories.

Caz Waterhouse