Beardie Pioneers

PoionfeersC e l e b r a t i n g t h e P i o n e e r B r e e d e r s The Bearded CollIe Club of America Early 1970s - 1982



PoionfeersC e l e b r a t i n g t h e P i o n e e r B r e e d e r s The Bearded CollIe Club of America Early 1970s - 1982 Compiled & Edited by ROSEMARY SCHROEDER Layout by MICHELE RITTER Cover Art & Design by CHET JEZIERSKI

Message from the First BCCA President Larry Levy In 1962, when my wife Maxine and I came back to the United Very shortly, we had over thirty members, and there were over States with our first Bearded Collie and tried to register it with two dozen people in attendance at our second meeting on the AKC, we were rudely apprised of the fact that Beardies Long Island. At this meeting we founded the Beardie Bulletin, were not a registerable breed. This did not become meaningful selected the other offices (most importantly, Ian Morrison as to us until we had successfully showed in Europe, where registrar), and determined to hold our first Bearded Collie Club Beardies were allowed in any FCI-sponsored dog show, and sanctioned dog show. we wanted to continue to do so in the U.S. Now came the hard part. We held the first show at the home of Mrs. Stone. Dr. Tom Davies helped me in both organizing and running the show. As In 1966, before we left Europe the second time, I did some any of you who has run a dog show must already know, Tom research at the Kennel Club and discovered the only other and I (and Maxine and Barbara) were there quite early, laying American who had registered a Bearded Collie. Fortunately out the ring, pounding stakes, etc. It was very successful. By for the Bearded Collie Club of America, Mrs. Stone, the other now, there must be at least some of you who have recognized registrant, was quite a knowledgeable and successful breeder a few of the names mentioned above. Tom and Ian are two of Cairn Terriers. She knew what was needed and pointed out people without whom it would have taken the Bearded Collie the path that Maxine and I would have to follow in order to be Club of America a lot longer to get AKC registration. able to have an AKC-registerable breed. With a club publication (unfortunately, the original editor had Maxine undertook the first task that of acting as the breed’s to beg off her assignment, and I assumed the role of editor, public relations expert and spokesperson. She got Beardies typist, publisher, and mailer of the Beardie Bulletin, stud book several mentions in national dog magazines and newspapers and ongoing show, we were well on the way. Our next task, and even was able to place articles devoted to the breed. This according to AKC dictates, was to establish local breed clubs. was quite time consuming. There were not many concentrations of Beardie people. Again we were lucky. I asked Iris Cashdan to start a club in During this time, we had begun to breed, whelping the first New York and Norm Kroll to start one in Chicago. The present American litter in our home in Mansfield Center, CT, in 1968, existence of both clubs is testimony to their work. and to correspond extensively with people who had an interest in Bearded Collies. When we knew of a dozen Bearded Within a relatively short time, we had made a good start toward Collies in the U.S., I took the next step and began a shadow meeting the requirements of the AKC. Unfortunately, there was registration (Ian Morrison used this pseudo-stud book as the a feeling among some of the members that the BCCA was foundation for his exemplary job in creating and maintaining run by only one person, and I knew that unless we got more the Bearded Collie Club of America Stud Book). involvement, we would have a great deal of trouble with the AKC. I thought that it was necessary for someone else to hold Early in 1969, we thought there was sufficient interest in the the office of president and asked the nominating committee not breed and laid the groundwork for starting the breed club. From to nominate me for reelection. the beginning, we were lucky. Andrew Davis, an attorney, and the husband of Dr. Jessie Davis, the first club vice president, The club’s luck held true again. The committee nominated, and volunteered to draft the initial club constitution and bylaws. On the Bearded Collie Club of America elected, Tom Davies. It was the day man first strode upon the moon, at the Davis’ summer during Tom’s industrious presidency that the AKC began the home in Stephentown, New York, we officially founded the acceptance process for Bearded Collies. Bearded Collie Club of America. We had five original members (Larry Levy, President; Dr. Jessie Davis, Vice President; Excerpted from the original as found in the 1989 BCCA Yearbook Maxine Levy, Secretary and Treasurer; Helen Beitel and Mary Wright were members).

Foreword Rosemary Schroeder August 2005 Compiling this history of the Pioneer Breeders of the Bearded Collie Club of America has been an honor for me. I have immensely enjoyed contacting and chatting with old friends whom I have not seen or heard from in many years. It has also been very interesting, exciting, and rewarding to read all the articles that I have received. It once again reminds me how special this breed is and how special the people who make up the BCCA (past, present, and, I’m sure, future) are. This project did not begin with me. The Great Plains Bearded Collie Club, host for the 2005 National Specialty, and Carol Sirrine, Chairperson , suggested that it would be appropriate to honor the pioneers of our breed and of our club in keeping with the theme of the 2005 Specialty - “Pioneer Spirit”. I heard about the idea and volunteered to take on the assignment. A small group who we fondly refer to as “dinosaurs” (a term coined, I believe, by Cynthia Mahigian Moorhead) set to work to develop our list. I had much help from many people, but most especially from Gail E. Miller, who patiently copied all the AKC stud book pages from the Foundation Stock to 1985. From this list and from copies of old Beardie Bulletins and the original magazine, The Bearded Collie, we put together as complete a list of Pioneers as possible. Not wanting to leave out our performance exhibitors, we also included the owners and dogs who were the first to achieve titles in the various performance areas. We settled upon including all the people we could find who were involved from the beginning of Beardies in the United States up through 1982 and had been members of the BCCA. Sadly we were not able to find addresses for all of these people in spite of web searches, phone calls, and help from people on the Bearded Collie Internet Newsgroups. We did, however, find a great percentage of people - enough to compile this book covering the early years of the Bearded Collie in America. We sincerely hope that we did not omit anyone, but this was a tedious process, and errors are possible. We apologize if this is the case. Also there were breeders who did not choose to participate, so there are a few kennels missing from these pages. I want to thank all the Pioneers who contributed articles and photos. I know that every reader will enjoy as much as I have learning how these people (many almost legendary) became interested in Beardies and reading about the exciting adventures that were had along the road from Miscellaneous Classes to AKC recognition. There are photos of the first time Beardies were shown at Westminster as well as photos of Beardies in the Miscellaneous Classes and of the first BCCA National Specialty. I also must thank my cohort in this project, Cyndi Symanek. Cyndi opened her house to me for several days while we sat in her kitchen, began the task of compiling all the information I had collected, scattered old magazines, yearbooks, specialty catalogs, and whatever else “Beardie” we could find all over her family room. She not only helped me with the computer program but also searched until very late at night for additional pictures to include in the book. She retyped more than one article for me and scanned countless photos. Not to be left out, Cyndi’s husband, Geoff, deserves a great deal of thanks. Geoff served us lunches and dinners so we did not have to interrupt our work, and he did not complain when we decided that two computers weren’t enough and commandeered his as well! As the project continued it became clear to me that I was “in over my head” in respect to layouts, graphic design, and other elements that I still don’t know the names of! At that point Chet Jezierski and Michele Ritter kindly stepped in. They are deserving of a great deal of appreciation for the beautiful layouts on the pages ahead as well as the very special cover. Their professional touch has made this book a very special part of Beardie history. I am grateful to my husband, Walt, who also put up with magazines lying about everywhere, did without my company while I worked on the computer for days, and searched through old Bulletins for pictures of various people and dogs. Last, but not least, thanks go to Jeannie Galluzzo, who did all the proofreading. I sincerely hope you will enjoy reading this book and will take the time to learn our history if this is new to you and to relive many memories if you have been lucky enough to have had Beardies for many years.

1978 National Specialty Match Final Match Report to BCCA for the 1978 National Specialty 1978 Best Adult Heathglen’s Jolly Oliver - Owned by Donita LaZar By Freedo Reiseberg Match Chairman 1978 Best Puppy & Best in Match Criterion Weiser o’Mellowitt - Owned by Lloyd & Melva Witt Fifty-four people attended the Saturday events which included a symposium, banquet and Annual BCCA meeting. Speakers at the symposium were Barbara Grosso on breeding techniques, Dr. Ingram, a neurologist for C.S.U., and Mrs. George Roos, with a unique approach to nutrition, plus movies of English Beardies supplied by Carol Gold. The 1978 National Match was held at the beautiful Stanley- Sheraton Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado on Sunday July 9. The Match was opened Sunday morning by two Scottish Bagpipers, Chris Doyle and Niel Gillette, who played several medleys of old Scottish tunes. The Sweepstakes entries totaled thirty and were judged by Mrs. George Roos. The Obedience judging went on at the same time in another ring a short distance away. There were eleven Obedience and nine Junior Showmanship entries judges Mrs. Carol-Joy Evert. After the lunch break, the match classes were judged by Mr/ Haworth Hoch. There were twenty-one dogs and twenty-three bitches entered. The best adult award went to number 3, Heathglen’s Jolly Oliver, owned by Donita Lazar. Best opposite sex adult went to number 50, Cauldbrae’s Butterscotch owned by Thomas M. Davies and Moira E. Morrison. Best puppy was number 31, Criterion Weiser O Mellowitt owned by L L. Witt. Best opposite puppy was number 16, Osmart Smoky Blue Parcana owned by Mrs. J. Parker. Best in Match was number 31, Criterion Weiser of Mellowitt. The rings were very nice lawn and the weather was pleasant except for two thunder showers in the afternoon. The Tournament of Champions had ten entries plus the BIM dog and was judged by Mr. Hoch, Mrs. Roos, and Miss Carol Gold. The winner of the Tournament was number 7, Ch. Parcana Heart Throb owned and bred by Mrs. Richard S. Parker. The Parade of Titleholders had ten entries with three absent. The total number of dogs entered was 60 with 120 entries. The only absentees were the 3 in the Parade of Titleholders. With the accompaniment of the two Pipers, the challenge trophies were presented on the court yard point with the flags and Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, a fitting close to the 1978 match. The pipers then played a final medley to close the day. I would like to give my sincere “thank you” to our judges and all the exhibitors. A special “thank you” goes out to all the members of the Queen City Bearded Collie Club who worked extremely hard to put on a very successful match. from The Bearded Collie Magazine, August 1978 Best in Tournament of Champions Ch Parcana Heart Throb - Owned By Jo Parker 4

1979- 1982 National Specialty Winners 1979 1981 Eng/Am/Can Ch Edenborough Am/Can Ch Brambledale Blue Bonnet, CD Kara Kara of Josanda Owned by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lachman Owned by Mr. & Mrs.A.D.Taylor 1980 1982 Ch Mistiburn Merrymaker Ch Gaymardon’s Chesapeake Mist Owned by Jane W.Turner Owned by Donnell & Gail J. Miller 1978 National Standings Statistics from January 1977 through October 1981 Reprinted from The Bearded Collie Magazine, September 1981 5

Aellen Ruth Colavecchio There are some happenings we stumble into on this road of life and we are changed forever There are some happenings we stumble into on this road of life and we are changed forever. S uch is the case with me and my relationship with Bearded Collies. While working as a nurse, I met Pamela Gaffney and her shaggy dog named Sterling. Pam and I became life long friends and with Sterling it was love at first sight. I went to the Golden Gate Kennel Club bench show where the Beardies were benched greeting their public with enthusiasm and zest. It didn’t matter to them they were a breed not recognized by the AKC, they were just happy to be with their people and to entertain their public. After this weekend it was clear to me that I would be sharing my life with a Beardie. Pam imported Wild Silk of Willowmead who became the foundation brood bitch of Unicorn kennels. The two girls, Sterling and Hobbit made it clear that two number ones in the same household was not the best so Pam let Sterling come live with me. Definitely one of the best gifts ever. Ch Wyndcliff Unicorn Sterling, ROMX with Ruth In June of Pam’s Hobbit was bred to Sterling’s litter brother and out 1976 the of that breeding came Ch Unicorn Gandalf the Wizard CD BCCA hosted HIC. Wizard was a majestic blue Beardie with eyes that went a National straight to your soul. Specialty Match in California. Wizard bred to Sterling produced Ch Unicorn-Aellen’s This was in the Quicksilver, HIC, ROM bred to Shilstone Choir Boy who gave days before me everything I wanted in a Foundation bitch, Ch Aellen’s AKC recognition Dixieland Jazz, ROMX, ROMI, ROMA. and National Specialties as A breeding of Hobbit to Willowmead’s Spring Magic produced we know them Unicorn’s The Mighty Quinn. Quincy was a lovely Beardie now. I was a with fluid movement and a zest for showing off. In 1978 complete novice Quinn placed in the Working Group, his first of many Group to dog shows but placements. This was in the days when there was no Herding the memories of group, just one big Working that day are as group. The competition was if it happened tough, the Beardies were a newly yesterday. recognized breed and Quincy Ch Unicorn-Aellen Katherine of Aragon Sterling won was breeder, owner, handled by Pam. His impressive wins in the Best in Match late 70’s whet our appetite for showing dogs now that we knew and I was bitten by the dog show bug. Sterling went home how much fun it was to compete and win! Quincy did not leave his with Barbara Rieseberg be bred to their Kent (BIS Am/Can Ch mark in the future generations, but for sure he left an impression Mogador’s Silverleaf, CD HIC ROM) and so started my career about a breeding program that was making its mark on the as a “breeder.” We kept Ch Unicorn-Aellen Katherine of Aragon breed. CD HIC from this litter who when bred to Ch Gaymardon’s Yorktown Yankee gave us our Ch Aellen’s Cocoa Joe HIC ROM. Joe became my sister Carol’s devoted companion. His incredible personality won the hearts of so many and Joe became the Aellen ambassador. 6

He bounded out of his crate with an “I’m here” attitude and so he was. I have many memories of Shane as a companion, stud dog and as a show dog. He loved the attention and applause of the ring and never more so than in the fall of 1986. At the BCCA Specialty in 1985 Shane was awarded BOS, because as judge Anne Rogers Clark said, “He would not be denied.” In 1986 Joyce Collis selected Shane as her Best of Breed. I thank him till this day for the joy he brought to me and so many of his friends, family and admirers. My heart stopped when Ms. Collis pointed to Shane handled by Dixie Rae as her BOB. Not what I expected given the competition but it didn’t surprise Shane. He stepped up to the #1 position and smiled. Ch Unicorn-Aellen’s Quicksilver, ROM There are many other dogs who have contributed to the Aellen story and some who currently It was not easy for those of us on the West Coast in the are doing their very best to preserve the family earlier days. The breed was centered on the East Coast and reputation. Aellen dogs are being shown in both westerners were seen as being on the fringe and true novices. Agility and Herding with positive results. Ch But in the “pioneer” spirit, we persevered and worked our way Aellen’s Tried and True earned his Versatility into the future of the breed. It took Excellent Title, a first for us and we look forward to constant study. Many a night was spent the next. Our foundation stock produces strong herding instinct pouring over pedigrees, talking with with several Aellen dogs earning AKC herding titles. breeders who were willing to share their experiences, and keeping extensive We don’t breed a lot these days because breeding is a big notes and pictures on Beardies in the responsibility. It is important to strive to produce Beardies who news, on our breedings and Beardies we saw at shows and other outings. We caravanned many times across the country to attend National Specialties, meet the people, and participate in the competition. We met so many good people and some of these times remain as fun memories. We got to visit the home of BIS Ch Brambledale Blue Bonnet CD, sort of like meeting the Queen of England. After all Bonnet was the first American Champion, the first CD and the first BIS. We sat in awe, took lots of pictures, basked in the stories and enjoyed a wonderful New England lobster dinner. The thrill of going to the “Garden” with Quinn and later with Shane is another Ch Aellen’s Dixieland Jazz, ROMX ROMI ROMA of those memories that stays with you for a lifetime. Our winning is not are better than the previous generation, who are healthy dogs measured in the Westminster record books but our trips remain that live long, and who remain true to the breed standard. It as milestone moments on this path of becoming a Beardie is easy to get detoured by the look of the Beardies who are breeder and exhibitor. winning or to get caught up in your own breeding program and In 1981 we imported Shane (BISS Am/Can Ch Willowmead lose perspective. As I look back through pictures of our breed Summer Magic) from Suzanne Moorhouse. I still remember in just 20 years the look has changed. Some of the changes his face peeking out at us from his little wooden crate. He had (my opinion of course) have definitely improved the breed and been detained for many long hours at the San Francisco airport some have not. The Beardie has become more glamorous while security conducted a drug seizure. It didn’t faze Shane. in its appearance but glamour is not a trade off for balanced movement and good temperament. 7

As I have become a “veteran” myself, BISS Am/Can Ch Willowmead Summer Magic I love to watch the Beardie Veterans in the ring. You can tell a lot about a breeding program by observing their veterans. How well they age, their condition, temperament and especially their enthusiasm for life. The Aellen veterans show their “stuff” at Regional and National Specialties, and many a time the comment in the ring and at ringside are comments of how great they look for “oldsters.” We acknowledge 10 year old Ch Aellen’s Spectacular Gem going Best of Breed at the NCBCF Regional Specialty in May of 2005. After a five year hiatus in the Aellen breeding program we bred our Ch Aellen Hasta Be Shasta to Ch Arlin’s Full Circle and we look forward to the sixth generation performing in all venues. I just couldn’t stay away from the whelping box. The Bearded Collie has come a long way and many breeders have entered and left the scene. It is a privilege to be honored as a “pioneer.” The future for our breed is bright, but it isn’t without effort. We must exert constant vigilance in guarding our breed. We must work to alleviate the health problems that threaten them, learn how to best care for our wonderful shaggy creatures, breed true to the breed standard, and most of all we must mentor the “newcomers” to the breed. This is how I learned. The success I have had in the breed has been influenced by the people who took time to help me along the path. And it has been FUN! Ch Aellen’s Cocoa Joe HIC ROM Shane at 10 weeks 8

Arcadia Jim & Diann Shannon So we started to look for a good family dog Ch Rich-Lin’s Molly of Arcadia, ROMX Ch Edenborough Happy Go Lucky, ROMX My late husband Jim and I started showing and breeding We retired from the Navy and moved in June, 1976 to Indiana. dogs under the ARCADIA name in 1967, before our The 2nd night we were there, Max got out in the middle of the daughter Mandy was born. We started with German Shepherd night and was hit by a car. There has never been another dog Dogs. Jim & I had two families put together: his, mine, and like him and never will be. He left us a grand legacy; we had ours. This gave us six children. The shepherds were not good two pups out of him by two different bitches. If we had not had around the kids, so we started in 1973 to look for a good family them, I think we would have gotten out of dogs. dog. At the time Jim was in the Navy and we lived north of Chicago. We bought a small store and ran it 24 hours a day. The male pup Ch Rich-Lin’s Whiskers of Arcadia ROM, We had a police officer who came in all the time to find out became the top American bred beardie the first year we what dogs we had shown the past weekend and how we had showed for points. He was one of the first beardies to finish done. He knew we were looking for a good family dog. He was his championship. The bitch, Ch Rich-Lin’s Molly Of Arcadia a friend of Linda Nootbar, Rich-Lin Kennels, and her mother. ROMX went on to become the top all-time all breed dam in the They lived in Chicago at the time. He is the one who told us all history of pure bred dogs, a record she holds still today. about the wonderful Beardies. We have in the last 31 years bred over 350 AKC champions in Linda and Rich just happened to have a seven-month-old male all colors, including Best in Show winners. If it had not been for they had taken back from a family. Jim and I went to see this that wonderful silly gray dog, none of it would have happened. young dog. He ran across the floor and we both knew we could not leave without Max. What a wonderfully put together side-moving animal! He did not have very much coat at the time as the people who had him had not taken good care of him. We sat for hours talking with the Nootbars about beardies and showing dogs. They had been showing his sire and dam in miscellaneous. We took Max home, and it was love at first sight for him and the six kids. He went everywhere they did and waited for the school bus everyday. We got him into good coat, so when we took the shepherds to any all breed shows we showed him in miscellaneous. He soon started to win and became the top miscellaneous dog that year, competing with other beardies and about five other breeds. 9

Artisan Harry & Ann Witte Harry had been good friends with Freedo & Barbara Rieseberg for many years Harry had been good friends with Freedo & Barbara Nemesis - Am/Can Ch Artisan Bronze Paladin HX - managing an adult Jacob ram Rieseberg for many years, they all had Shelties, and Harry got Ch Freedobev Apache Blue from  them. He first faulted by judges for excess coat; today, his coat would be met Beardies when Kent and Sheila arrived from England considered a proper show coat. As a sire, Cooper sired more than one litter in which all the pups became Champions. He as 4 month old pups. The was the foundation sire for the Beardies with the Artisan prefix. puppies were covered with drool, and as soon as they With the introduction of the AKC Herding Program, Ann began were released from their learning about and training Beardies for herding. Harry & Ann crate, they immediately were instrumental in the formation of the Great Plains Bearded jumped in Harry’s lap. Not an Collie Club, which has been a leader in offering quality Trials auspicious beginning. since 1990. In early 1976, Harry was As the sheep and trial locale is at Ann’s Gaelyn Glen Farm, the given his first Beardie. stock work is year-around. Ann, with input from other GPBCC Charlie (Am/Can Ch members, has developed an effective method for training Silverleaf Gifted Artisan HT Beardies in herding. As of this writing, Harry & Ann have bred ROM) was a black son of 25 Beardies with AKC Herding Trial titles; Ann trained and Am/Can Ch Silverleaf Gifted Artisan, HIC the “drool team” and when handled 15 of these dogs and one import as well. Ann has ROM the breed was recognized by served on the BCCA Board, Herding Chair for the BCCA, and the AKC on Feb. 1, 1977, he Chair of the AKC’s 2001 Herding Advisory Committee. She is was Winners Dog at 9 AM that morning to be the first Beardie a Licensed Herding Judge, and has held Training Clinics in to earn an American show point. Charlie was definitely his Europe and Australia. own dog; serious, yet always ready to clown around. He could lie absolutely still in an open exercise pen until a bird would Beardies are a wonderful and exceptionally capable breed; fly in too close, then explode vertically and catch the bird in they must be nurtured if they are to retain all of their original mid-flight. He never harmed the birds and always immediately charm and abilities. Every Beardie Person, be they a pet released them. owner or show breeder, must give back to these great dogs by working to protect their health and heritage. Next, Harry was given Bonnie (Ch Artisan Silverleaf O’Parcana), a brown bitch. Ann, who also had Shelties, came into the picture here as Bonnie’s handler. Eventually, Charlie and Bonnie were bred; the only survivor of that litter, and Harry’s first homebred, was Cooper. He was the Witte’s dream show dog; he loved to show and accumulated over 200 BOB wins in 3 countries as well as many Group wins and placements. Of interest is how often this dog was World, International, de las Americas, American, Canadian & Mexican Am/Can Ch HCh/WTCH Glen Elder Silver Artisan (Robin) working cattle First Ch Gaelyn Copper Artisan, PT ROMX ROMI Beardie to earn the ASCA Working Trial Championship and ASCA Ranch Trial Dog titles on both sheep and cattle. 10

Balgrae Joanne Williamson First MACH - Ch MACH Balgrae’s Sean MacKay CD HS STDs JHDs NAC NJC VX As a teenager in Massachusetts, I trained and showed horses. When I finished my post- graduate education and settled in New Jersey in 1982, I decided I wanted to get back into training and competition but that a horse just wouldn’t fit into my suburban environment. I started researching dogs, concentrating on medium size, non- aggressive breeds. My main reference book had a chapter on Bearded Collies; I discovered later that the dog pictured in the chapter was Brambledale Blue Bonnet. I was attracted by the Beardies’ shaggy appearance and the description of the breed as intelligent and non-aggressive. I attended Westminster in February of 1983 and was kissed by a Beardie in the benching area...it was love at first sight for me and I promptly forgot about the other breeds I had planned to consider. Not long after Westminster, I obtained my first puppy from Florence Robertson and Mary Walsh of Arrochar Bearded Collies. Dworkin (named after a character in Roger Zelazny’s “Nine Princes In Amber” fantasy series) was the only fawn in a large litter of black and white puppies. He stood Balgrae Beardies 1990 out not only because of his color but also because he wasn’t the least bit interested in me, preferring with a hug. It was clear from the beginning of his show career to investigate every inch of the new room he was in! Looking that Corey was special. In his very first show, he won a major back on it now, I probably shouldn’t have regarded Dworkin’s from the puppy class. He went on to become a BIS, multiple tendency to independence as a real plus. But he turned out to group winner, and top five breed dog. One of my proudest be tremendously intelligent and very trainable once I convinced moments with him was at the Nationals in 1997 when, nearing him I was worth listening to. I hadn’t initially been interested in 12, he won a very competitive (undivided) veteran dog class breed competition, but as Dworkin grew, it seemed to me he and went on to win an AOM. He earned his CDX at age 9 moved really well, so I took him back to Robby and Mary to and one leg on his UD, with about 35 “almost” legs where he evaluate and they agreed he could be shown in conformation. passed everything except one exercise - almost always failing Dworkin earned the first leg of his CD and his first major (under a different one each time. Corey started agility at the age of Anne Rogers Clark from the Am Bred class) on the same day. 10.5 and competed for two years, finishing his OA and an NAJ. He quickly finished his championship and became a BOB and He was so tuned in to me from obedience training that it was group winner in the US and Canada. The road to his obedience difficult to get him to work sheep but he did earn his HIC. Corey titles was quite a bit longer, however, as he liked to go and was also a BCCA Versatility and Versatility Excellent awardee. “visit” other dogs on the stay exercises. Once I solved that problem, he earned his CDX and UD in the same year and In 1987, I got my first bitch, Parcana Krissie, again from Jo was one of the first Beardies to earn a Versatility award from Parker. Krissie earned her championship and an HIC; but she the BCCA. As a veteran, handled by his good friend Karen was shy, and I never pursued any performance training with Bowens, Dworkin won a number of competitive BOB’s at all her. Krissie was the mother of Balgrae’s first litter, born on breed shows. Dworkin died in 1997. Christmas Eve, 1989. Deciding that Dworkin needed a companion while I was at My kennel name, Balgrae, was made up from two Gaelic work, my second Beardie arrived in NJ in 1984. Continuing words- “bal” for home and “grae” meaning herder - home of with the Zelazny theme, I named him Merlin. Sadly, I lost Merlin the herders. Prior to their birth, I had identified homes for all at 13 months to juvenile renal disease but his loss introduced the puppies except one. I wanted to find a show home for this me to Jo Parker of Parcana Beardies. Jo had a litter of 4 “navy brown male but, fortunately for me, one never materialized so blue” and one fawn puppy. I went out to Colorado intending I kept him. I hadn’t named the puppies as babies and needed to buy the fawn puppy but Jo convinced me to take her pick to find a name for him. He was named Sean for the actor Sean puppy, a dark blue who became my last “Prince Of Amber”, Connery (we had just gone to see the movie “Hunt For Red Parcana Lord Corwin. Corey shared my life for over 16 years. October”) and MacKay because that is the Williamson clan We were very close; he and Dworkin slept in the bedroom name. Sean was the first dog I explored herding with, and like with my husband and me but the dogs only got up on the bed every other performance event he ever tried, Sean was good in the morning when the alarm clock went off to start the day at it. He easily earned his HT and PT with me handling him and 11

for a new toy. I had hoped that he would be with me for many additional years but Sean died unexpectedly in March of 2003. A piece of my heart went with him. Sean Jumping in Agility I got my second bitch in 1989, Ch Britannia Sweet Black Angel NA, HIC then his HS and HIT at the 1996 BCCA National with his friend, (Lily), from Michele Ritter in 1989. Deb Eckels. I also handled Sean to his breed championship She was the mother of my third litter, and his CD. But Sean’s special sport turned out to be agility. co-bred with Jo Parker, sired by Corey, and born in 1994. I kept a brown boy and named him Balgrae’s Rob Ruadh (Rob Roy). Rob has also proved to be a versatile performer. At the 1996 Nationals, he earned his HT, placed first in his conformation class, won Novice B obedience and qualified for his first Novice agility leg. Rob went on to complete his championship, CD, and both Master’s agility titles. Rob also won the Excellent B standard class at the 2003 Nationals and was HIT in Standard agility. At the age of 10, his “retirement” sport is Rally obedience where he has qualified in 9 straight tries, for his Rally Novice, Advanced and Excellent titles. He is likely to be the first Beardie to finish titles at the Advanced and Excellent levels. Rob has also earned the BCCA Versatility and Versatility Excellent titles. I started training him in April of 1997 and showed him for the I’ve never been all that interested in breeding (three litters first time in mid-June. He quickly finished his NA and had the in twenty years!) preferring to concentrate on training and fastest qualifying run at the BCCA Nationals in September, competition. Currently my Beardie household is composed of 1997 in Novice (no HIT was awarded that year). He returned 16 year old Lily, 10 year old Rob, 7 year old Britannia Beau home to finish his OA in three tries. 1998 was a banner year for Brummel MX MXJ HIC, 6 year old Ch Britannia Belle O’ The us in agility. Sean finished his AX, MX, and AXJ and became Ball NA (HIT in Standard agility at the 2001 Nationals) and 2 the first Beardie to complete an MXJ. He was HIT in agility at year old Ch Britannia Flashback HIC. I am now retired myself, the 1998 Nationals, winning both the Excellent B standard and and am working Beau, Flash, and Belle in agility, herding, JWW classes. He competed at the 1998 AKC Nationals and and obedience. My 20+ years of living with Beardies have finished 8th out of 96, with four clean runs. He won the 1998 convinced me that I could not be without one. They are a BCCA Denia award, the Ryan Excellent B JWW and Excellent constant source of challenge and delight, and, for me, the Standard awards. Sean was also in the first group to receive a perfect companions. BCCA Versatility Excellent award. When the requirements for the MACH were announced in late 1998, it seemed to me that Sean and I had a chance to win this prestigious title even though Sean would be 10 years old in 1999. He ended the first year of MACH competition as the top Beardie and tied for 4th among all AKC breeds for the number of DQs earned (to date, Sean is the only Beardie to make this annual top 25 all breed ranking). In 2000, Sean won an 18 additional DQs and got within 120 points of the required 750; he was again the top Beardie in MACH points, and won the BCCA Ryan Award for Excellent B JWW and the Excellent standard award for the third straight year. In June of 2001, Sean completed the first Beardie MACH at the age of 11.5. He was semi-retired for the rest of that year but still won Excellent B JWW at the Nationals in MD and competed at the AKC Nationals in Colorado in November; he had three clean rounds out of four and was the top Beardie at the Nationals even though he was the oldest competing. I retired Sean from agility after the Nationals. He enjoyed going to the shows to watch, visiting with his human friends, and shopping the vendors MACH Ch Balgrae’s Sean MacKay, CD HS STDs JHDs NAC NJC VX. - Sean 12

Bedlam Alice Bixler I’m not sure if I should be called a pioneer or a dinosaur I’m not sure if I should be called a pioneer or a dinosaur (Bixlersaurus) but I guess I’ve been around long enough to qualify for either. I started in Beardies in 1966. I was driving down a street in Coral Gables, Florida on my way to check out a house for sale when I spotted a man walking down the street with a shaggy brown dog that captured my attention and my heart. I pulled over to the curb and announced, “I want one, whatever it is.” I was, of course, talking about the dog since I had a husband at the time and wasn’t into bigamy. As it happened, the owner of the dog was also the owner of the house I was checking out. And though we didn’t buy the house, we became friends and I often “dog-sat” Penny (Annabelle of Tillingbourne) when her architect owner was out of town. He had brought Penny back from England after a business trip there. I thought he was “pulling my leg” when he told me she was a Bearded Collie, but then he produced a British book which included a page on the breed. Of course I wanted one of my own but there were darn few of them in the U.S. in 1966. On his next trip to England, Darrell (the architect) brought back Bonkers (Bonanza of Bothkennar) and mated him to Penny. Point of interest here, Bonkers was a litter brother of the famous Ch Osmart Bonnie Blue Braid. Having been taken back by Mrs. Willison, he was christened with her kennel name rather than that of the Osbournes. Before the pups were born, my husband (a Canadian) and I moved to Canada. Hermione of Stonehall, a black bitch, was shipped north to us early in 1969. I was pretty sure I had the only Beardie in Canada until one Osmart Brown Barnaby at top, Can Ch Wishanger Marsh Pimpernel CD day when I took my young son to the Canadian National (Gael) and Hermione of Stonehall, my first Beardie - Gael and Barnaby Exhibition and sat down to watch the North York Obedience produced the first CKC Registered litter. Drill Team in action. The announcer, introducing the team members and their dogs, said,” Carol Gold and her Bearded both her parents were registered in the U.K., she was born in Collie, Gael, one of only four of this breed in the country” and I the U.S. which did not recognize the breed. shouted “five!” Carol turned and shouted, “Don’t leave!” We met after the team’s performance and I was caught up in Carol’s Gael was the first to earn a Canadian championship, Carol’s dream to have the Beardies recognized in Canada. followed by Scot (Ch Cynpeg’s Hillbilly) as the first male and Hermione eventually became a member of the drill team and Bounce became the first North-American-bred Beardie to I arranged to import Bronze Javelin of Tambora (Ch Osmart become a champion. Though she was not the first Beardie in Bonnie Blue Braid X Ch Edelweiss of Tambora). Before he was Canada or the U.S. to earn an obedience title, she was the old enough to ship, my husband went to England on business first to have a CD in both countries (earning the AKC CD from and came back with Cynpeg’s Hillbilly and Tarskavaig Black the Miscellaneous Class). One of Bounce’s legs was earned Velvet. In the meantime, Carol bred her Gael (Wishanger at the Detroit Kennel Club show and that was truly an amazing Marsh Pimpernel) to Osmart Brown Barnaby. I went to see the experience. Out of some 3,500 dogs entered, she was the litter and was promptly claimed by a brown bitch puppy who only Beardie. Somehow the local Beardie owners in Michigan became my beloved Bounce (Raggmopp First Impression). found out, and a number of them showed up to cheer her on in Carol, Barbara Blake, and I sat around Barb’s kitchen table one obedience. Thank heaven she qualified! afternoon and started the Bearded Collie Club of Canada with One special memory in particular is forever etched in my mind. the idea of seeking Canadian Kennel Club recognition for the A Briard breeder friend in NY and I had exchanged dogs, so breed, something that was achieved in August 1970. Not that that I could put a Canadian champion on her dog and she it was easy, but CKC recognition was a lot simpler to obtain could put an AKC title on my Beardie. I elected to take my back in those days. All that was required was seven dogs with Beardie, Pippin, back to finish her CKC championship at a export pedigrees from a country where they were recognized series of fall shows in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They included (at that time, England). Sadly, Hermione didn’t qualify, although 13

three all-breed shows and a Beardie specialty. It was a 16 hour drive from the Toronto area where I lived to Thunder Bay, but a beautiful scenic trip (If you didn’t mind dodging moose along the highway). To my delight, Pippin took WB/BOW in the first two shows and was only one point short of her championship. I hoped to finish her in a blaze of glory at the specialty. But it was not to be. The judge didn’t even consider her for Reserve. Such is the case with dog shows. The final show was a different story. She took WB, and I was Can Ch RaggmoppThe Bad Boy (Cleo),Can Ch Raggmopp First Impression, ecstatic. She was finished! We went back in for Best of Breed Can/Am CD (Bounce), Can Ch Wishanger Marsh Pimpernel CD (Gael), and the judge pulled her forward and had her go around Can Ch Bedlam Bit of Bounce (Spring), Can Ch Bronze Javelin ofTambora with the male Special (who also happened to be one of my (Brit) - in front Can Ch Bedlam’s Excalibur. Gael mated to Brit produced breeding). “Isn’t this nice,” I thought, “he’s considering her for Cleo. Gael was also the dam of Bounce (sired by Barnaby) and Bounce Best Opposite.” Instead, he gave her Best of Breed. Ordinarily was the dam of Spring. Spring and Cleo were mated and Excalibur was I would have been delighted but I had a 16 hour drive back to one of their offspring (born Jan 1976). Toronto and had figured on leaving after breed. In Canada, one must stay for group or lose points. So I stayed. No way did I poured myself a Manhattan, sat on the windowsill in the want to lose that last precious point. room and waited the next turn of events, expecting a Fire Department car would pull up in the drive and an appropriately Pippin and I went in for the group and I have never been so attired officer would step out and inform the management to relaxed in group in my life. When you go in with a class bitch, attend to the matter. In short order, I heard a siren approaching you just know you have no chance whatsoever of placing. and sure enough, a Fire Department car pulled into the drive So we went in and enjoyed ourselves. Pippin stacked herself in front of the hotel. And then another siren, and a chemical naturally at the end of a loose leash and looked like a winner pumper truck pulled into the drive, followed by a hook and and we played games. The judge came over, ran his hand ladder, followed by another hook and ladder. Whoa! Firemen over her and said, “Put her over there.” Yeah, right. Then he coated in helmets, rubber coats and equipped with formidable put three more dogs behind her and said, without further ado, axes poured off the vehicles and stormed into the hotel. I “First, second, third, fourth.” I stood there totally stunned. poured myself another Manhattan. When I finally got up A class bitch from the Bred By Exhibitor Class going First enough courage to venture into the 14th floor lobby, one of the in Group! The wonderful Beardie folks from Thunder Bay front desk folks who had previously chosen to ignore us was on exploded into applause and handshakes, hugs, and pats on the phone to the desk exclaiming, “They’re firemen all over the the back. An Olympic gold medalist couldn’t have gotten more place, and I don’t know who called them.” I breathed a sigh of accolades. relief. The source of the problem was an electric coffee pot in one of the rooms. It had been left on, boiled dry and the plastic So much for my plans to get on the road early. I had to stay for handle had melted down into the electric coils. I didn’t go back Best in Show. And fairy tales to the contrary, Pippin didn’t win to the hotel until the statute of limitations had expired. Best in Show, though I must admit she showed like she knew she was in the toughest competition of her life and belonged Imagine my surprise to open the AKC Kennel Gazette to the there. She showed like the champion she had so recently story of the 1978 Westminster and finding a photo of my girl, become. I’ll always remember the look on the face of the Best Spring, waiting patiently on the bench for me to return. in Show judge who had put her WB/BOW the previous day. As she flitted by him, he raised his eyebrows and said, “She took the Group?” Yeah, she sure did. Another memorable moment, this one in the States, was the Though we had gotten the breed recognized in Canada in first year Beardies could compete at Westminster. Naturally, 1970, we joined forces with the Bearded Collie Club of America we had to go down for this event. Carol Gold, Jean Jagersma, to get the breed recognized in the U.S., supporting the shows and I traveled together. We stayed at the hotel across from the and matches put on by the BCCA. However, we wondered if we might find the borders blockaded after the first specialty Garden on the 14th floor. On returning after the breed judging, we got off the elevator to the acrid smell of something electrical when just about everything but Winners Dog was taken by burning. Some of you may remember the movie, The Towering Canadian owned Beardies. Inferno. Well, it was not long after it appeared in theatres, and And another memory: One of my pet peeves was the comment we were a bit apprehensive. After all, we were on the 14th often heard from British judges. We often invited them over to floor. A large crew of show folks milled about in the lobby of judge our specialties, and they usually started off by saying, the 14th floor and phoned to the desk, requesting someone to “Well, of course, the breed here is not up to British standards.” check out the source of the smell. No one showed up. Then a At one time, Barb Blake and I were showing Ch Willowferry couple of the exhibitors went down to the desk and demanded Victor and Ch Bronze Javelin of Tambora under a British someone check out the problem. And still no one showed up. I decided if the front desk was going to be so lackadaisical about judge and following the judging, we asked him for a critique. His first words were, “Well, of course they’re not up to British the whole matter, it was time to contact a higher authority. So standards.” Whereupon we leaped in and exclaimed, “But I went back to our room, called the New York Fire Department and asked if they could put some pressure on the management they’re both British imports!” He paused briefly, then said, “Well, I guess they didn’t send the best dogs.” Since Brit of the hotel to check out the possible fire hazard on the 14th (Bronze Javelin) was out of two Crufts winners (Ch Osmart floor. “Well, we’ll have to send someone over,” said the man Bonnie Blue Braid ex Ch Edelweiss of Tambora), I could only on the phone. “Fine, whatever it takes,” I replied. Thereupon, I 14

guess British judges were programmed with the phrase to First Westminster for Beardies - 1978 protect their exports. Larry Terricone quieting his dog who barked all the way Much to my delight, some years later, Anne Wilding said she around the ring; 3rd in line - Barbara Blake with Ch wished she could take back the dogs with the superb shoulders Brambledale Boz to Britain. Yes! Jean Jagersma on the left What special things can I tell you about the dogs of the 70s and 80s? They were all special. Every Beardie is special. Some had much to contribute. Some of the top studs in North America were Canadian owned. Some were simply special because they were wonderful, much-loved Beardies. Everyone is entitled to one great love in his/her life. Mine was Garth (Can /Am Ch Bedlam’s Go Get’em Garth, Can/Am CD.). At six months and two days of age, my handsome brown boy took WD/BOW/BP- BCB at the Canadian National Specialty under British breeder judge Trudy Wheeler (Canamoor). He earned his AKC championship with four majors. He was my constant companion, going to work with me every day, always by my side. And eventually, he went into show business, acting in TV commercials, posing for ads, performing in musical videos and doing a bit of movie work as well. When he died at 15-1/2, part of my heart died with him. What advice can I offer current and future Beardie people? Keep your sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, you shouldn’t have Beardies. This breed is meant to make you smile. Or laugh out loud. Beardies are fun dogs. They enjoy life and so should you. If you find yourself getting serious, anxious or vindictive, step back and observe your Beardie. Then take your cue from your dog. If you can’t wag your tail, at least smile and keep your sense of humor. That’s what makes life. Ch Cannamoor Honey Rose, CD,TDX Can/Am Ch Bedlam’s Go Get’em Garth Can/Am CD flying over a fence about to be followed by his daughter,Ti (Can Ch Bedlam’s Instant Insanity) 15

Bendale Anne Wilding One of my earliest memories was cuddling our collie cross Gyp Igrew up with sheepdogs. One of my earliest memories was his tummy tickled, then dragged me the length of the ring, cuddling our collie cross, Gyp. Next came a Border Collie, barking loudly. Everyone thought it was hilarious. Ben had Rex, and then 2 Shelties, Laddie and Shep. When it came to a great time, but I was so embarrassed. I decided then and choosing a dog of my own it was natural to look at herding there this showing lark wasn’t for me. The judge, Ken Osborne, breeds. I wanted a dog bigger than the Shelties, but with more (Osmart), came to me at the end of the class and told me coat than the Border Collie. A Beardie seemed the obvious what a nice dog I had but we both needed some ring training. choice. I shall always be grateful to him for taking the time to give words of encouragement to a complete novice. I try to follow In 1975 I visited our local agricultural show, Three Counties, his example when I judge, allowing extra time for naughty but unfortunately Beardies were not classified. However, I youngsters and nervous owners. bought one of the dog papers and a litter was advertised in Nottingham, about 3 hours drive away. After lots of questions A few months passed and Ben’s breeders telephoned again from the breeders, I was asked whether I wanted a show or saying there was an open show being run in aid of charity and pet Beardie. I answered “what’s the difference” and was told would I like to bring Ben. I said I would if they would show him £5.00. Well, for an extra £5.00 I thought I’d have a show dog for me. They did and he won first in a class of 10. That was it, – not that I ever intended to show of course! At 12 weeks old I was hooked. I never did get Ben trained properly for the ring. Bridgrove Black Rory, pet name Ben, entered my life. Little did Yes, he would stand for the judge, but he always pulled on the I realise the impact this dog would have on my future. I never lead and barked when gaiting. He was a nice dog who could thought when this black and white bundle entered my life that I have done more in the ring if he and I had started training would make a whole new circle of friends all around the world when he was a puppy. He did have the distinction of being and one day judge at Crufts. placed in front of Ch Pepperland Lyric John at Potterdale on four occasions as a junior. Whilst showing Ben, I sat ringside watching and learning as much as possible. The Beardie people were very friendly and patient answering all my questions. Suzanne Moorhouse was particularly kind and, as I was especially taken with Ch Willowmead Perfect Lady, I decided my next Beardie would be a Willowmead. Perfect Lady was still being shown so I was unable to have a puppy from her. However, a litter was due from Ch Willowmead Juno of Tambora and I could have second pick bitch. The litter duly arrived, but there were only 2 bitches. I was worried that second pick out of two would not be good enough. I went to see the litter when they were five weeks old and fell in love with a plainly marked girl. Luckily for me, Bryony Harcourt-Brown, who had first pick, chose the flashily marked girl so in fact I had my first choice of puppy. Maggie was a dream from the word go. She didn’t seem to need much training for the show ring, although in truth I knew more about training than I had with Ben. Maggie quickly gained her Junior Warrant and then her title. She also became my foundation bitch. For her first litter I chose Ch Edenborough Blue Bracken, as her breeding was similar to Willowmead Super Honey, the dam of Perfect Lady. I kept a blue bitch from this litter and named her Bendale Special Lady, she was aptly named, as she was one of the best Beardies I have ever bred. Bridgrove Black Rory When Lady was 6 months old my circumstances changed and I moved back home with my parents. Three Beardies were a When Ben was 6 months old his breeders, Mr & Mrs problem as Ben was still my noisy, bouncy Beardie boy. He Easingwood, telephoned to ask how he was and mentioned enticed Lady into boisterous games and my father was not the Bearded Collie Club show being held in December. Would happy. He said one would have to go. Lady was the youngest I like to enter him at the show? They would love to see him. and the obvious choice. To cut a long story short, I met Michele Apart from Ben, his dam and siblings I had never seen another Ritter from America at Crufts and we decided Lady should live Beardie so I thought this was a great opportunity to see more. with her in America. It was awful saying goodbye to Lady at The great day arrived and a freshly bathed and groomed Ben the airport and I cried for days afterwards. A few months later I made his debut in the ring. I had not trained him to be a show went to visit her and it was wonderful to see the bond between dog so you can imagine what happened. He wiggled and licked her and Michele. Although Michele had never shown a dog in the judge when he was being gone over, rolled over to have conformation before and it is hard in America to do well against 16

puppy. I really liked Gabriella and I was impressed by the pedigree of the hoped for litter. Again I had second pick and again there were only two bitch puppies in the litter. As fate would have it I again got the puppy of my choice and Diotima Secret Love at Bendale , Lucy, came home with me. Neither of her parents were champions at this time, but both went on to gain their titles. When it was time to breed Lucy, I tried in vain to contact the owner of Bendale Silver Knight. He had moved with no forwarding address and hard as I tried I could not track him down. I decided to use Sammara Standing Ovation, a grandson of Ch Willowmead Perfect Lady, who went on to become an English, American and Canadian champion. This litter produced two American champions, Leading Lady and Rave Reviews. I kept Megan, Bendale Perfect Love, who won a CC and 2 res. CCs. Lucy was next bred to Ch Coalacre Curiosity, producing Ch Secret of Success. I then bred Eng Ch Willowmead Summer Wine her to Coalacre professional handlers, especially when you are unknown, Collier Michele and Lady won an amazing six BIS, 55 Group Ones, which the American and Canadian Specialties (Club Shows) in the produced same year and gained her Utility obedience title. She was the Ch Bendale Eng Ch Bendale Love Me Do dam of 8 champions including Ch Britannia Sweet Lady CD, Dapper Dan HIC, a multiple BIS winner and top Beardie 1989 and 1990. A and Ch Bendale Daydream Believer and my own Bendale Look sister of Lady, Bendale Silver Lady, went to Australia and also of Love, winner of 2 CC’s and 2 Res. CC’s. became a champion. I was so pleased with the Collier litter I decided to mate him Maggie was next bred to Ch Sunbree Sorcerer, producing to Megan. This combination resulted in Ch Bendale All My Ch Bendale Magician and Swedish Ch Bendale Special Star. Loving, Fin Ch Bendale Her final litter was to Ch Edenborough Star Turn, produced Good As Gold, Australian 4 boys and a girl. Bendale The Entertainer went to America Grand Champion Bendale where he gained his title and Amy went to live locally on the Sun Lover and my own Ch understanding that I would have a puppy back from her at Bendale Love Me Do, winner a later date. Amy and her owner didn’t “click” and it became of eleven CC’s, a Group 2 obvious a new home would have to be found. I still wasn’t in and eight Res. CC’s. Ginny the position to have another Beardie, so I contacted Michele is a great favourite here Ritter who was delighted to take her. Amy became Ch Bendale in Britain and if I do say Sweeter Than Wine and the dam of seven champions, the so myself, one of the best most famous being Am Can Ch Britannia Ticket To Ride, Top movers around. I have been Eng Ch Bendale That’s My Boy Beardie in 1991 and 1992, winner of six specialties, seven BIS offered a five figure-sum for and more than 90 Group Ones. Happy as I was for Michele to her, but would not part with her for the world. Megan’s second have such success with her two Bendale girls, I was left with litter was by Ch Desborough Declaration and two puppies from no offspring from Maggie. I decided to buy in and then breed the litter travelled to America, Ch Bendale Sincerely Yours back to Special Lady’s brother, Bendale Silver Knight, who had and Ch Bendale Smooth Operator. Ginny’s first litter was to done well in the show ring over here as a youngster, but had a young dog who became Ch Otterswish O’Connor. Although been retired as his owner became self-employed and didn’t I had many people abroad who wanted a Ginnie puppy I have time for showing. I did consider importing a bitch from decided to keep them all in this country – I had visions of what Michele in America, but decided that 6 months in quarantine happened with Maggie’s offspring happening all over again. would be too hard on a puppy. Six were shown and all qualified for Crufts as puppies. One has a CC and Reserve CC’s, another has a res. CC, and I kept Again, I sat ringside, studying Beardies and pedigrees. Jacko, Ch Bendale That’s My Boy JW, top puppy 1999, runner Several caught my eye, but when I heard that Steve and up top Beardie in the same year and top junior in 2000. It was Marian Appleby were planning a litter from Diotima Gabriella a thrill to win open dog at Crufts and the Res. CC., with him. I to Moonhill’s Midnight Treasure I contacted them about a bitch cannot believe I waited so long to keep another male. Jacko is special. I cannot adequately put into words how much this 17

dog means to me. I would not care if he had not done well in the show ring. He is all that a Beardie should be, fun loving yet Talking of show versus pet quality, I am sure some of you mellow, a true gentleman, and my constant companion. There are thinking that all of Ginny’s puppies should not have been are certain dogs that make a lasting impression in one’s life sold to show homes. Surely they weren’t ALL show quality. I and Jacko is mine. Like Maggie, he didn’t seem to need much agree some are better than others, that is the law of averages, training and free stacked from a very early age. but each puppy was chosen by his/her new owners and they decided to show them. Every owner has had Beardies My current youngster, Bendale Special Times, Jacko’s half- before and shown them too, some being breed judges as well. brother by Thymewinds Masterpiece, was more of a challenge. Some will only show occasionally, others will do most of the Once again I refrained from sending any of his littermates championship shows. To qualify for Crufts is not always easy abroad, and, like Ginny’s first litter, all five qualified for Crufts. so the fact that all have done so makes me very proud. If I As a puppy I had a lot of trouble getting Leo to stand with all am selling abroad and the prospective owner cannot come to four feet in the right place! Gaiting him was fine, but stand still view the litter and select the puppy themselves, I will make the for any length of time – you must be joking. Luckily he loves decision as to which is a show prospect or not. I have refused his food so baiting him sales when I do not think solved the problem. I do there is a suitable puppy for not like puppies to be over the show ring. It would not trained for the show ring. do my reputation any good They should think it’s a fun if I sold an inferior puppy. place to be otherwise they OK, there is no guarantee will find the whole thing as to how a puppy will boring and never have that turn out, we all have our extra sparkle as an adult. If disappointments and the anyone was lucky enough rearing and training can to see Ch Potterdale have a lot to do with it too, Classic of Moonhill in the but we all strive to breed the ring you would have seen best puppies we can. I like the ultimate show dog. She to assess puppies shortly LOVED the limelight, always after birth, again at five wagging her tail when she weeks with a final decision finished gaiting and with a at 7 weeks. look on her face that said “I am the best here” and It always amazes me how daring the judge to think any many people only assess different. BIS & MBISS Am/Can Ch Bendale Speciol Lady, UD HIC puppies stacked on a table, without bothering to watch Put yourself in the position them moving. I like to watch of the judge. You have two excellent examples of the breed puppies playing and hopefully taking a stride or two, then look before you. One is showing really well, obviously enjoying his at them stacked to see if my initial assessment matches what I time in the ring and the other is just going through the motions, feel with my hands. At seven weeks I would assess the puppy he’s done it all before and it just isn’t fun anymore. Which do as I would an adult. However many stages the puppy goes you choose? If you over train the puppy you will end up, nine through after that, I hope he will return to the make and shape times out of ten, with a bored adult. Beardies have brains and he displayed at seven weeks. are not stuffed dummies. Over the years presentation has improved beyond measure All my dogs are my companions first and show dogs second. and it is rare to find a dirty, unkempt dog in the ring, although The largest number I have kept at any I still see far too many with dirty teeth. one time was five. My ideal would be Sometimes I think it has gone too far. four. That way everyone gets equal Some judges just look at a dog standing attention, they can all come with me in in full coat and put it above a more the car out to the woods for exercise and correctly constructed dog who can I can keep up with grooming too. I aim to move better than his more glamorous groom thoroughly once a week but don’t competitor. Beardies are a herding have a problem leaving it a little longer breed, expected to cover many miles if I’m busy or not showing them. The a day and if they cannot display that longest I would leave between grooming effortless ground covering movement in would be 3 weeks, but that is rare. It the show ring they certainly could not would be tempting to keep every show do the job they were bred for. I am sure prospect I bred, just in case this was Bendale Speciol Times, JW we have all seen critiques that say “ did “the best ever”, but I get just as much not move as his construction suggests”. pleasure seeing Beardies I have bred do I used to wonder why before I started well at shows, be it conformation, obedience or agility with their judging. Often these dogs are overweight and lack muscle owners. I also love to receive photos of puppies who have tone. With my own dogs I try to mix free running in the fields gone to loving owners as companions and never see a ring of and woods with road walking. I caution new owners not to any kind. I call them champions of the fireside, for they ARE overdo it with youngsters as this too can lead to problems. champions in their owners eyes. The time would be better spent taking them out to socialise 18

with the big wide world. I think the overall quality has improved faults. It states: “Any departure from the foregoing points over time. However, there do not seem to be the number of should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which outstanding dogs as there were in the past and certainly not the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its the number of good movers. degree.” For example, I would like a dark brown eye on a dark slate Beardie, but this fault would not stop the dog doing the My main concern at the moment is the small number of dogs job it was bred for, nor would a missing pre molar. used at stud, often closely related to each other. I have never used the top or fashionable dog of the moment unless I feel he I still have fun with my Beardies and although I have looked at would suit one of my girls. I have often used young dogs I feel other breeds I know I will stay loyal to my shaggy clowns. What would compliment my lines, after all someone has to start them could be considered naughty behaviour in many breeds, just off, and often they have gone on to become champions. Being brings a smile when Beardies do it. They enrich my life and a judge certainly helps when searching for a stud dog. Not you can’t feel down for long when a Beardie is around. I know only can I assess a potential stud dog, in many cases I can go Beardies are not suitable for everyone, but I cannot imagine over a number of his offspring. A dog that does not necessarily life without them. appeal from ringside can produce just what I am looking for. The opposite can also be true. I almost forgot to mention that after seven years another Bendale did cross the pond, now Ch Bendale Singing The When judging I look for a soundly constructed dog, well Blues CD, owned by Sandy Weiss and Bobbie Stuart. muscled, who can move with a light and effortless stride. I like the last but one section of the British Standard concerning Bluweirie Judy Dorman It was love at first sight for me when I saw Bearded Collies It was love at first sight for me when I saw Bearded Collies on include Blue Bonnet, Limelight, Mid-Winter Boy, Special Lady, the bench at an International Kennel Club show in Chicago Charlie Charcoal, Moonshadow as well as many others. With in the 1970’s. Beardies were still shown in the Miscellaneous these dogs, I can still recall the first time I saw them, so I know Class but when I first saw their charisma within the shaggy they were special. In looking back at the great Beardies I was coat, that did it for me. I had to have a Beardie. My first fortunate to see, I think the characteristics they shared were Beardie, a pet, was from Rich-Lin Kennels. the Beardie charisma and lovely movement with the required structure. They all had lovely coats though that was not a Within a couple years I was on a waiting list for a show consuming focus as it seems to be today. quality bitch from Lochengar Kennels. My foundation bitch, Ch Lochengars Piglet—Aggie, came to me in 1979. Her sire My wish for the breed today is that we continue to remember was one of my all-time favorite Beardies, Ch Rich-Lin’s Mister that Beardies are a herding dog which means that structure Magoo. Her dam, from England, was Ch Excellent Outfit and movement are very important as is temperament. Queen. Aggie’s first litter was sired by Ch Algobrae Sterling Health problems seem to be increasing today and that is Silver, another of my all-time favorite Beardies. From that litter very disheartening. We are more educated today than ever I kept a male, Ch Bluweiries Master Rhett, ROM. Rhett was before so I hope one-of-a-kind. Those all breeders will who saw him in the ring continue to strive know what I mean. He to produce healthy was special in so many Beardies that ways, and I’ll never have have the structure another Beardie like him and temperament though I wish that were necessary for a possible. herding dog and companion. Coat There were so many and markings great Beardies around should just be the in the early years. To icing on the cake. see them in person after There is nothing hearing about them was more beautiful than very exciting. Some seeing a Beardie of my other favorites float around the Ch Lochengars Piglet (in no particular order) ring. Ch Bluweiries Master Rhett 19

Britannia clockwise from above: The Spot Trophy, Lady, Spot & Sarah, Biff, Zooey Michele Ritter & Chet Jezierski acquired their first Beardie, Ch Bendale Special Lady UD, in 1980 Over the ensuing 25 years they have bred over 100 AKC To Ride; 1994 & 1996 Ch Britannia How Sweet It Is CD PT AX Champions and achieved several of the most prestigious AXJ , the first two-time winner; 2002 Ch Britannia Back To The firsts in the breed including the first Masters Versatility Dog, Future (Biff) CD RE AX MXJ the first AKC Herding Champion, the first Rally Title and the list goes on. For Michele and Chet first rate conformation goes Michele Owner Handled the only Beardie to win both the hand in hand with first rate performance. American and Canadian Nationals in the same year; Ch Bendale Special Lady UD in 1985 Three Britannia Beardies were campaigned to Number One national rankings; Ch Britannia Sweet Lady CD (Sarah) 1989 Britannia dogs with Michele on the lead have won in every - 1990, Ch Britannia Ticket To Ride (Spot) 1991-1992, and major class at National Specialties except Veteran Dog. And Ch Britannia How Sweet It Is (Zooey) CD PT AX AXJ in 1997. she captured a National Specialty Best In Sweepstakes in Spot and Zooey were Owner Handled full-time by Michele. 1990; Ch Britannia Bubblicious. Michele has encouraged and mentored many others in the Britannia Beardies have gone High In Trial at multiple BCCA sport who have also taken their superb Britannia dogs to the National Specialties: highest achievements in the show ring and the performance Herding - Ch & HCh Britannia Chip Thrills UDX MX MXJ venue. Michele and Chet have been especially keen on Obedience - Britannia Master Thinker UD HX (3 Years In A preserving Beardie movement, that much admired effortless Row) and Ch & HCh Britannia Chip Thrills UDX, MX MXJ ground covering stride Britannia dogs demonstrate at work, at play and in the ring. Ch Britannia Ticket To Ride held the position of the BCCA’s All- Time Top Sire for many years Fifteen Owner Handled All-Breed Best In Show wins attest to Michele’s ability to triumph with her excellent dogs over a The First AKC Beardie Herding Champion was Ch & HCh host of highly paid professionals in this very political sport. Britannia Chip Thrills UDX MX MXJ These BIS wins are the pinnacle of over 200 Owner Handled Herding Group Firsts. Michele won a spectacular Group Two at The only BCCA Masters In Versatility are Ch & HCh Britannia Westminster with Spot in 1993, as always Owner Handled. Chip Thrills UDX MX MXJ; Ch Britannia Good Day Sonshine CD MX AXJ and Ch Britannia How Sweet It Is CD PT AX AXJ Still in place is her record of 16 Owner Handled Regional (owned and handled by Michele) Specialty Bests. She is especially proud of Lady winning Best of Breed at the first-ever Regional, the 1986 BCC of South The First AKC Rally Obedience Title won by a Beardie went to East Michigan specialty. Lady went on to Best In Show at the Ch Britannia Back To The Future CD RE AX MXJ, handled by accompanying All-Breed Dog Show Michele. Indicating the depth and breadth of their breeding program, Chet and Michele are the donors of The Lady Trophy, the Britannia dogs have won Regional Specialty Best of Breed current BCCA National Specialty Challenge Trophy for Best Of from the classes on three occasions. In 1998 at North West Breed, and The Spot Trophy, the club’s annual award for the BCC, Britannia How’s Tricks became the youngest Beardie to Top Winning Beardie, which is a life-size bust of Spot sculpted do it. by Chet and cast in bronze. Chet’s art has appeared on 8 covers of the AKC Gazette, including an issue featuring the Michele and Chet hold perhaps the most significant record in Bearded Collie. the breed, five BCCA Owner Handled National Specialty Bests: 1985 Ch Bendale Special Lady UD; 1992 Ch Britannia Ticket Chet has created the logos for fourteen BCCA National 20

Specialty Shows and the Beardie Pioneers art for 2005. He Moorhouse about getting a puppy and explained that she had also designed the cover of this publication. He’s done six made the decision to get a Beardie, two years was a longer special covers of The Beardie Bulletin, and most recently his than she wanted to wait, and as they were coming to England photograph of all the Bulletin covers graced the 35th Bulletin and Ann Dolan had several beardies from Suzanne, that’s who Anniversary issue to the delight of the fancy. Chet has won she decided to ask. fourteen prestigious Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America, including two for the Bearded Collie Suzanne was expecting a litter in the fall, and also told Michele Illustrated Breed Standard, which he designed and illustrated. about a friend of hers, Anne Wilding, who had bought a bitch It also earned him the DWAA’s President’s Award for from her and bred her to a very nice dog, kept the pick puppy, Excellence in 2002. Chet was honored in 2001 with BCCA but had decided not to keep her. Member of the Year for his work on the Illustrated Standard. Chet donated his work, his talent and his expertise to the club Anne lived at home with her parents, and the puppy was for this project. Beardie number three. Number one was Ben, the typical naughty first Beardie — bouncy and barky. Two was Maggie, Michele always liked dogs and competition and saw Beardies the Willowmead bitch, who was born knowing how to behave for the first time in 1977. She liked their size and hairiness, and did everything perfectly. The naughty Beardie, Ben, was but initially she didn’t know that much about the breed beyond teaching the puppy all his bad tricks: jumping over and racing that. She joined the BCCGNY to learn more about the breed around the couch, barking his head off, going outside and not and spoke to both Henrietta Lachman and Ann Dolan about coming back in when called. getting a show bitch. The Lachmans had a litter from Glen Eire Willie Wonderful and Brambledale Blue Bonnet, but everything Anne’s father thought the problem was too many dogs, when from that litter was already spoken for, and it would be a while it was really Ben teaching the puppy all his tricks. He said, before they would breed again. Ann Dolan’s show prospects “One has to go.” She couldn’t part with either of her first two, were booked several years in advance. the puppy was the one she was least attached to. That was Bendale Special Lady. Chet was photographing a book on Indy car racing and made a trip to England in 1980 to document the manufacturing of Lady wasn’t entered at Crufts, but was in the car park. Out parts and assemblage of cars and engines. Michele traveled they went to look at this eight-month-old that was available. with him as his assistant. Crufts was going on while they were Michele thought, “She’s got four legs and a tail, and looks like there, so she said, “I’m taking a day off to see the Beardies.” a Beardie.” She happened to walk into the building right where the Beardie benching area was, there were rows and rows and rows of Anne asked a reasonable price for an eight-month-old puppy them. Never having seen more than a dozen of them in one who was a daughter of Ch Edenborough Blue Bracken, out place before, it was like being in heaven. of Ch Willowmead Summer Wine. But Michele hadn’t gone to England to buy a dog, so didn’t have the extra money with She watched the judging all day long, where some of the her. The exhange rate was high; almost $3 to the pound, so beardie greats were exhibited: Edenborough Blue Bracken, even a reasonable price seemed out of reach. For the rest of Pepperland Lyric John, and Willowmead Black Magic and their trip Michele got more morose, more depressed and more Perfect Lady of Willowmead (the CC winners that year) to dejected because she wasn’t getting that puppy. Then, one name a few. At the end of the day, she spoke to Suzanne day while sitting in a pub eating lunch with tears running down top row: Spot in the Group at Westminster 1993, Ch Bendale Sweeter Than Wine (Spot’s dam), Lady’s BCCA BOB 1985, Spot’s BCCA BOB 1992, Chet’s Gazette beardie cover; 2nd row: Winston HIT obedience BCCA 1987, Chip, Biff ’s BCCA BOB 2002, Jeffrey & Lady, BOS & BOB Canadian National Specialty 1985; 3rd row: Spot, Sarah, Zooey’s 2nd BCCA BOB 1996, Zooey at Westminster 1997 21

her cheeks Chet said, “Oh, get the bloody dog, will you!” He Kathy Kirk, said, “No, you’re first. I’m second.” After getting suggested that she call Anne and ZOOM, Michele was off to the blue ribbon, Michele, flustered, left the ring. The steward the phone. “This is Michele Ritter, and I think we’ll take her.” charged after her yelling she shouldn’t be there if she didn’t know what was going on. Back she went into the ring, totally Anne knew when Michele had seen the puppy in the car park undone. The Bred-by bitch won the points, and Lady got that she didn’t know how good a Beardie she was. When she Reserve — again! didn’t hear from Michele, she decided that was that. In the meantime, she’d decided she wasn’t going to sell her after all. Lady’s elegance, movement and style drew attention. At Then she got the call from Michele, and Anne didn’t know how her first National, Robert Ward was the judge. He was to say: “You can’t have her.” Instead she said, “Right. When sorting through the Open class, which was the largest class do you want me at the airport?” So arrangements were made Michele had ever been in. When Lady came back to him, he and one of those cumbersome wooden English crates was commented, “Style, pure style.” He put them up to the front purchased. Chet had rented a tiny car, and with the huge crate of the line, but eventually placed them third. To place in such a tied onto the roof, it looked like a clown car from the circus. large class and have someone say that about her dog meant a Anne and her father drove Lady to the airport, which is about lot to a beginner. Lady finished in October. a three hour drive, and when they arrived Michele got into the back seat with Lady. With only one dog, what do you do then? You sit home for a while and wait for the dog to grow up, then you take it out and The two went off to give her a chance to have a whiz before special it a little bit before it’s ready because you can’t wait, she left English soil. Lady sat in the back seat looking at and you get LOTS of red and white ribbons. Lady was primarily Michele as if to say: “Who are you? I don’t know you!” All competing against her half brother, Chauntelle Limelight, Michele had to leave with Anne was 2O pounds. If there was shown by Ted Young. Michele played around with specialing a problem, Anne still had the papers, but on the other hand, it in the spring of ‘81 and decided Lady wasn’t ready. She went would have been tough to get her dog back, because of the to the National that summer, where Lady made the final cut. quarantine. Ann Dolan was Michele’s reference, and Michele There were no Awards of Merit, then. must have looked like a reasonably responsible person for Anne to give up her first-born. Also, everything in England Several years later, Lady had an important win at Westchester is fenced in, all their gardens and everything. They are big Kennel Club from Judge Anne Rogers Clark. Westchester is a believers in fences, and Anne later told Michele that if she had very prestigious eastern show. There were many specials and known she didn’t have a fenced yard, she never would have let among them was Ch Ha’ Penny Moon Shadow. ‘Shadow’ had Lady go with her. started out with Ted Young, but by then was being shown by Cliff Steele. Within three days, Lady had bonded very closely with Michele. They had a special relationship, and whatever was asked of Mrs. Clark has an unusual ring procedure: she calls the bitches her, Lady gave. They were on the same wavelength. Within in the ring first, then the dogs — not always, but usually. Also, a few months of Lady’s leaving England, the male who had Mrs. Clark arranges every champion in her particular order been teaching Lady his tricks developed a tumor, started in the ring. However, the ones at the front of the line are the having seizures and had to be put down. If this sad event had ones she likes the least, and the very last bitch in the line of occurred sooner, the future of Britannia would have been so bitches will be the one she likes the best. She arranges the different. dogs in order as well, except the dogs will go in descending order so that when she finishes the best dog will be next to the Lady was Michele’s very first show dog. At that time Michele best bitch. Then she sends everyone around again at the end, and Chet lived in southwestern Connecticut, and they thought and Best of Breed and Best of Opposite are right next to each Massachusetts was too far to travel for a show. How things other. At Westchester that summer, Michele didn’t know about would change! People quickly took note of the way Michele this pattern, and thought the judge didn’t like Lady at all since handled. “Oh, she is so professional. She must have done this they were at the very end of the line of bitches. Moon Shadow right from the get-go. She is so confident. How does she do it?” was right behind Lady, then all the other males. When Lady It wasn’t always so. won it was a BIG thrill! This very important and exciting event was a signal of things to come, as Mrs. Clark was to judge the Lady arrived from England on Valentine’s Day. Michele spent National the following year. the spring exercising her, working with her and getting to know her. She was entered in her first show in June. It was a big Because of that win at Westchester, Michele went to show circuit weekend — Longshore-Southport and Greenwich. Washington in 1985 thinking, “There is a chance that we could There was also a Friday show called Taconic Hills. Michele win this.” She knew Mrs. Clark liked her bitch, and had put her thought Lady was wonderful, and just knew she was going to up over more than twelve others. Chet kept saying, “Don’t get take Best in Show at her first show. Wrong! Lady went Reserve your hopes up, because you are not going to win the National Winners Bitch. But that was a small show and the next day this soon.” And that was the year they not only won the BCCA was Greenwich, which was a larger, more prestigious show. National, they trouped up north to the Canadian National in Lady won Open, beating the bitch that had beaten her the day Vancouver and won that too! before. Michele loved to watch Lady move. When out for their daily The judge, William Taylor, pointed to Michele first, and the walk, she would let her out to the end of the lead just to watch other person, a professional handler, second. The steward her. Reflecting back on it, she says, “I didn’t realize it when called out the other person’s number first, as if of course, the she was in the classes, because I was too new at it. I’m not handler won. Michele got rattled and thought, “Oh, I must have sure when I began to realize how special she was. Sometimes made a mistake and gotten it wrong.” The handler, who was I think I didn’t even know how special she was when I was 22

campaigning her. No, it’s more I didn’t realize how easy she was. I thought anybody can get a dog, show it, and have all kinds of success. But that’s not always the case. I discovered later on, with other dogs, that some you have to make into show dogs, not all dogs are born knowing what to do.” Not only was Lady the ultimate show dog, she was an eager participant in every activity, including earning her UD at the age of ten. She passed that biddability down through the generations, and is behind most current Britannia dogs, many of whom demonstrate her ability and willingness to perform in every venue. Lady is the foundation bitch for Britannia Bearded Collies and appears in most Britannia pedigrees. Her legacy includes the only three Master Versatility Bearded Collies, dozens of finished champions, many agility excellent dogs, many titled obedience and herding dogs, even a few tracking Beardies. She produced Ch Britannia Just Jeffrey in ‘82, a Best In Show Winner and in ‘84, Ch Britannia Sweet Lady, CD who was top Beardie for two years and a multiple Best In Show winner. This is the story of how Michele and Chet started out in the breed. They have gone forward with a very good eye for dogs and commitment to the soundness, the beauty and the versatility of Bearded Collies. below: Ch Britannia Good Day Sonshine CD PT MX AXJ, Ch Britannia How’s Tricks winning BOB from the 9-12 puppy class at NWBCC 1998, Chip & his sheep, Biff enjoying the beach in Monterey, Jeffrey right: Lady at the BCCA National 1985, Lady at four months, Lady on ducks, Zooey & her Frisbee,The Lady Trophy for BOB at the National, Biff weaving, CD PT MX 23

Braemoor Virginia Parsons First American TDX Beardie - Am/Can Ch Cannamoor Honey Rose Am/Can CD TDX held it’s final annual specialty match with English breeder-judge, Derek Stopforth (Davealex) presiding. Honey was judged Best in Match with Mr. Stopforth’s comments as follows: “Gorgeous, well- balanced, brown bitch, good head, terrific expression, good reach of neck, straight front, level topline, just the right amount of coat, good texture, well-angulated hind, plenty of drive – just the complete picture for me.” Tracking was Honey’s forte and she became the first titled Bearded Collie tracking dog both in Canada and the United States, earning her TD and TDX in both countries. Incidentally, she was also the first dog of any breed to earn the TDX in New England. Then Osmart Black Magic, Am/Can CD, TD, (Eng Ch Magic Moments of Willowmead ex Ch Nigella Black Tango) a dear, bouncy little black and white Beardie from Jenny Osborne joined our family to Am/Can Ch Cannamoor Honey Rose,Am/Can CD TDX be followed by Jedriana Nantua (non- fading black with beautiful pigmentation) In 1971 we discovered the Bearded Collie in the recently who was in whelp to Justice of Tambora. published book The International Encyclopedia of Dogs, Nan had nine puppies, three of which stayed with us. Ch edited by Stanley Dangerfield and Elsworth Howell. The Baffler O’Braemoor, Am/Can CD, TD, Can TDX, was a super description and pictures intrigued us, particularly the picture moving dog with a good ground covering gait that could go all of Ch Benji of Bothkennar. We had a preference for herding day without tiring – great reach both front and rear – moving dogs having had Shelties for years and we felt that this new as a herding dog should – not a star gazer. He also had the (to us) and unspoiled breed would fit very nicely into our temperament of a gentleman. The description of Owd Bob fit lives. This led us to a search where we met Tom and Barbara him to a “T”. The two girls, Boojum O’Braemoor and Branwen Davies (Dunwich) and Larry and Maxine Levy (Heathglen) and O’Braemoor, Am/Can CD were very typey with good movement all their wonderful dogs. We then had correspondence with and great pigmentation. Also from this litter was Ch Windcache English breeders Jenny Osborne (Osmart) and Trudi Wheeler Brillig O’Braemoor, CDX, dam of the first OTCH Beardie, Ch (Cannamoor). They were all very helpful in our quest to learn Windcache A Briery Bess. about this breed. Honey’s only litter bred to Baffler, produced our Bagpiper We were invited to attend an informal meeting of Beardie O’Braemoor, ROM, Ch Buccaneer O’Braemoor, ROM, and Ch enthusiasts at the Levy home to meet English breeder/ Haute Ecole Banner O’Braemoor, CD. Branwen was bred to judge Lynne Evans (Brambledale). It was there we learned Bagpiper and produced our Am/Can Ch Branikin O’Braemoor, that the pick of the litter bitch puppy would be available from Am/Can CD TD and Branikin was bred to Eng/Am/Can Ch Trudi Wheeler’s Wishanger Comb Honey bred to Eng Ch Chauntelle Limelight, ROM. This litter produced Ch Brisken Rowdina Rustler. We quickly wrote to ask to be considered as O’Braemoor, CD, Am/Can TD, Ch Brannit O’Braemoor and Ch prospective owners.This puppy was Cannamoor Honey Rose Brigand O’Braemoor, CD, Am/Can TD. Magic was also bred to (Am/Can Champion, Am/Can CD and TDX). Honey was our Baffler producing Ch Bryan O’Braemoor, CDX and Ch Barrister first and the very best Beardie ever! She had been line bred O’Braemoor, CD. Brannit was bred to Am/Can Classical’s on Eng Ch Wishanger Cairnbhan, and I have to say, I “wish” Shadow Dancer ROM, and produced Am/Can Champion we had more Beardies of that type today. Birdsong O’Braemoor, Am/Can CDX & TDX. Boojum was bred to Bagpiper and produced Ch Bo Bruin O’Braemoor. Honey quickly became an ambassador for the breed, making My current Beardie, Braemoor’s Buskie is Black, CDX, traces friends wherever she went. She was not only very beautiful in his lineage to these great dogs. Buskie is now competing in the structure and coat (one English judge made the remark that Utility classes. she had the best brown coat she had ever seen either here or in England!) but she excelled in temperament – friendly, but not boisterous, extremely intelligent and obedient. In 1977, the year that AKC granted our breed full recognition, the BCCA 24

Buaidh Bruce & Nellie Neil Only one breed stopped me in my tracks, Beardies Idecided to visit the local dog show in the spring of 1976, at that she would be Can Ch Buaidh Delightful Mithandral, HIC TDI that time we lived in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Only one breed the handler in the stopped me in my tracks, Beardies. The Beardie I spotted family. In 1988 was Ch Luvnstuff of Kelabarossa, a brown boy that smiled Trina and I started when he won. It was love at first sight and I went home that co-breeding litters day knowing that our standard poodle/afghan cross was going and have done to have a Beardie friend. The following day I dragged Bruce so ever since. down to see the Beardie, and the following day we went to Trina has her own the owners home to see the rest of the clan. The only Beardie kennel name and available was one that tugged at my heartstrings. She was goes by Motlikru. very small, blue (we discovered later that she was born black), We started by mud covered, and previously rejected by her owners because co-owning Ch she was silly enough to get pregnant by a non Beardie . Her Buaidh Delightful name was Culzean Neva Nessie. She had never been shown Mithandral HIC and was a trifle short on manners. We took her to handling TDI, (2 legs of her classes so we could both learn what it was all about and in a CD). reasonably short time had her championship. Tish was born in 1973 and totally won us over. Tish had two litters, the first in Farrah became the grandmother of our black boy Can/Am June of 1978 and one in 1980. Of the seven pups, four became Ch Bedlam-Buaidh Xerox Copy, TT. This black fellow was the champions. I kept a black male named Ch Black Bandit. grandfather of Can/Am Ch Motlikru-Buaidh Credit Card, HIC TDI. (Visa was BOW at the 2002 BCCA Nationals) Visa is the In Feb of 1979 I purchased Raggmopp Jamoca Fudge as my proud mother of our current and future beardie clan. first brown beardie and later bred her to Bandit. It was later discovered that there was epilepsy in Tish’s background (Tish, Over the years we have bred beardies with the following as well, we later discovered) so we notified everyone with accomplishments; an offspring and alerted everyone concerned. From there on Specialty BOB-8 we concentrated on Farrah (Raggmopp Jamoca Fudge) as Specialty BOS-8 our foundation bitch. Farrah acquired her championship in Specialty BOW-5 short order, and although shown sparingly (Thunder Bay is Specialty WB-2 small and there were only 2 shows a year) she went on to win Specialty Puppy-2 the Bearded Collie Club of Manitoba specialty in 1983. Her Specialty HIT-3 daughter Ch Buaidh Ebony Lace took winners bitch. This was U.S. Nationals-BOW (2002), RWB (1999) under Hazel Slaughter. We have placed in the top 5 beardies in Canada many times. In the fall of 1982 we decided that our area needed a Bearded We currently have a boy that is ranked number 7 in the U.S. Collie club, and so the Northwestern Ontario Bearded Collie (Walker is co-owned by us & another Canadian). Club was born. My advice would be to keep a close eye on our beardie We started out temperaments. Look past the show record and the beautiful as three couples coats, and look for the dog underneath. with much loved beardies. We all joined conformation and obedience classes and later on we went to flyball classes as well. Unfortunately when our family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba the club did not survive. Can Ch Raggmopp Jamoca Fudge Our oldest daughter, Can Ch Bedlam Buaidh Xerox Copy Trina assisted a lot in her junior years. As she got older and better it became obvious 25

Cauldbrae Moira Morrison My interest in dogs began at an early age My interest in dogs began These early days at an early age. My family were the years of spent two months every summer setting up a club in the Kirn/Hunters Quay area of and going to Rare Argyleshire in Scotland where I Breed shows and grew up. just having such fun. It was a wonderful carefree time, and one of the highlights I wish I could of the summer was the Cowal tell you about all Highland Games held there those dogs who each year. There were lots of were so much a things to do and see, but I was part of our lives, always drawn to the sheepdog but it would take a trials. I was fascinated by the whole book to do Ch Cauldbrae Brigadoon intelligence of these wonderful that. So if I could animals. Dogs have always had mention just one, a special place in my life. I call it an incurable condition and it would have to one that I was always glad I had. be Ch Cauldbrae Brigadoon who Fast forward to 1968 when I was now living in a log cabin on was the perfect Briggs as a Puppy a mountain top in Duchess County, New York I got a call from gentleman. He a Rough Collie breeder-friend of mine who owned a large boarding kennel on Long Island. She told me that she had was the epitome of the piece by Alfred Ollivant, The Bearded three Scottish Sheepdogs - two that she had imported and one she had acquired from the Levy’s in Connecticut - and invited Collie, ‘... free by right divine of the guild of gentlemen...’, and me down to see them. he and others will always be missed. In a matter of days, I was on my way. When I first saw them, I am happy to say that there is another Beardie in my life they were standing in a pen looking quite dejected and again. He is Aberdeen Cauldbrae MacGregor and my grateful miserable. My friend said, “I don’t know what to do with them. thanks go to his breeders, Christina Miller and Lloyd and Matty They don’t seem to be adjusting well.” Anyone who has ever Kushner, who made this possible, and to my good friend, looked into Beardie eyes knows the reaction I had then. I just Karen Bowens, who got stuck for hours twice in Houston said, “I can tell you what to do with them. You can let me take bringing him to me. He is a beautiful blue and when I look into them home with me.” We agreed to co-own them, I drove my his Beardie eyes, all is right. van around, opened the door and the gate to the pen, and all three climbed right in my van. On the way home, I stopped to check on them and they all looked at me as if to say, “Where to now?” So I pulled into a McDonald’s and came out with a bag of hamburgers. That cheered them up! Even after hosing my laundry room the next morning from ceiling to floor, I never had any misgivings. These three dogs were Sallen Rona, a lovely dark fawn, Nigelia Miranda and Heathglen Amiable Angus. Rona and Angus were the parents of the third litter of Beardies born in the U.S. As my fascination with these dogs grew, I corresponded with many of the early breeders in the U.K. including Mrs. Willison. In particular, I have always been especially grateful to Lynne Evans of Brambledale, Jackie Tidmarsh of Tambora, the Stopforth’s of Davealex and Suzanne Moorhouse of Willowmead for the wonderful quality of the dogs they sent to me. Soon we had a houseful of Beardies and how they loved the freedom of the mountain top surrounded by State Park. I could walk with perhaps a dozen of them at a time, and none ever needed to be leashed. 26

Chaniam Chantal Andrew Chaniam Beardies imported its first three Beardies from Jenny Osborne Chaniam Beardies imported its first three Beardies from Jenny Osborne, of Osmart Kennels, in England in 1979.  Ch Osmart Smokey’s Silver Starter at Chaniam was my (then Chantal Bailey) first blue male and did remarkably well in the Working Group (there was no Herding Group back in 1979).  Starter, as he was known, was mated to Ch Rodoando Culloden at Chaniam (black bitch) (Valli) and produced 5 champions out of 7 pups. Ch Osmart Smoky’s Silver Starter At Chaniam Ch Chaniam Wylie and Ch Chaniam Kyle Ch Rodoando Culloden at Chaniam Chaniam Kennel presently has residing Beardies: I then imported more English dogs (Ch Banacek Golden Ch Chaniam Tarbh Guinea at Chaniam, Ch Osmart Hi Y’all I’m Copper at Ch Chaniam Milis II Chaniam, Ch Geliland Brianna at Chaniam, and Chaniam’s Ch Chaniam Barcleigh Blue Best in Show Ch Geliland Black Bawbee at Chaniam).  I also Ch Chaniam’s Bedlam’s Easaid (Sedge) bought Starter’s niece, Ch Knightsbridge E. Muffin (Iggy). Geliland Tiara at Chaniam (pointed) Bawbee is the grandfather to my present dogs (sire of Tarbh Osmart Best Foot Forward at Chaniam (Strider -pointed) and Milis). Milis was not shown for 7 years, after obtaining a Chaniam Dubh Ivee few points in her younger years, due to my returning to school for a new career. When she was brought out again at the age of 10 ½ she won her last major from a large bred by class, and to my knowledge is the oldest beardie to finish it’s championship. Home bred Ch Chaniam Happy Hogmanay won 43 Group firsts and many more group placements, but never won the elusive BIS. I have owned or raised more than 35 Champions with only 9 litters. Out of the last litters from Sedge, there are now more than 3 doing agility and one, Rocky (in St. Louis) is already on his way to his MACH in Agility. Spunk is also in St. Louis and is working on his obedience title as well as herding. All of the Chaniam dogs, to date, have passed their herding instinct certification. Chaniam Creag MX MXJ HIC CGC - Rocky owned and handled by Lori Weinberg 27

Chelsic Pat McDonald My first beardie was Ch Bosque Pampas Patty Ch Diotima Fortune Smiles, ROMX, above Ch Bosque Pampas Patty CD HIC, right Ch Diotima Bear Necessity, ROMX, below Having fallen in love with the beardie temperament and “look,” my first beardie was Ch Bosque Pampas Patty, whom I got in 1980; my second not acquired until 1985. Pampas Patty earned her Versatility Award in 1987 and was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 1989. Since the future of the Bearded Collie lies in the hands of our new beardie breeders, my advice is to take care of their health and temperament and to help in any way for the breed’s sake. 28

Chrisch Chris Schaefer Chris with Marci, Ch Tudor Lodge Koala at Chrisch, top left Ch Chrisch Sundance At Hapiflds. top right Ch Chrisch Midnight Bracken, center left Ch Tudor Lodge Koala at Chrisch, center right Ch Chrisch Midnight Magic, bottom left Ch Chrisch Sundance At Hapiflds. bottom right 29

Classical Kevin & Bea Sawka All agreed that the Bearded Collie was the right breed first Classical Champion. Lindsay won the first BCCC Futurity in 1980. Holly was the 1979 BCCC Top Brood Bitch. In 1978, we were very fortunate to be able to obtain a male puppy from Algobrae Kennels, who in years prior had imported several Beardies from Shirley Holmes of Edenborough Kennels in England. When he arrived he was lacking coat on his head and several breeders that saw him told us that we should send him back. We felt that he had the proper structure and movement we were looking for and decided to keep him, despite the fact that the sight of a vehicle made him sick. Shortly after he arrived, we left on a one month trip driving across Canada to Victoria and it wasn’t long before he began to enjoy riding in the van. After leaving his littermates, his head coat grew in quickly and before long he was starting to look like Can/Am Ch Algobrae Sterling Silver, ROMX a show dog. He quickly earned his Canadian Championship, and in the summer of 1979 we In 1976, a friend of ours Can/Am/Bda Ch Benbecula’s Classical Jazz, ROMX entered him at his first shows as decided that she would like a young special. At 16 months of to get a dog, but was having age, Tyler won an all-breed Best trouble deciding which breed in Show to become, at the time, would be more suitable for the youngest Beardie ever to win a her and asked for our help. BIS. He was also the first Beardie Before long we had a short list in Canada to win an all-breed Best of breeds that we felt might In Show owner handled. Tyler be suitable. Over the next went on to become a top winning few months, we attended dog Beardie, was the Number one shows, visited breeders, and BCCC Beardie for 1979, 1981 & all agreed that the Bearded 1983. He was a multiple Specialty Collie was the right breed. So winner including the 1983 Canadian much so, that our friend and National Specialty and continued ourselves decided to reserve to win well from the Veteran class. a puppy from Barbara Blake Can/Am Ch Algobrae Sterling Silver of Colbara Kennels. Our first went on to become one of the most Beardie arrived in the summer prolific stud dogs the breed has of 1976, a black & white bitch ever seen. that we named Colbara Classical Black, call name Samantha. Right from his first few litters, his progeny started to make their We registered our kennel name Classical with the Canadian own mark on the breed, winning well at the all-breed shows Kennel Club shortly thereafter. Samantha was sired by ‘David, and at Specialties in both Canada and the US. From Tyler’s Can/Am Ch Brambledale Boz. Shortly after we started showing first litter came Can/Am Ch Amulree Argo Whauphill who went Samantha, she blew her puppy coat, so we decided that we RWD at the 1980 BCCA National Specialty at 9 months of age needed to get another Beardie. Holly, Blindbluff Touch of and Best Puppy at the 1980 BCCC National Specialty. Tyler Class a brown & white bitch arrived at the beginning of 1977, won every stud dog class he entered except one, when he sired by Hamish, Can.Bda.Am.Ch Willowferry Victor. While came 2nd to our other stud dog, Burton, Can/Am Ch Potterdale waiting for Samantha to grow coat and Holly to be old enough Double Image. In the 1980’s, Tyler’s kids and grandkids to show, we decided to take both Samantha and Holly to dominated the show ring and were recognized by breeder obedience classes. Samantha was extremely strong minded judges everywhere. and really didn’t enjoy being told what to do, whereas Holly loved it. At 7 months of age, Holly earned her CD to become In lieu of stud fee, we opted for pick female out of Tyler & Ch the youngest Beardie to earn a CD (I am not sure if she still Algobrae Chelsea Blue, at the time owned by Gail Goldman of holds this record or not). Both Holly and Samantha went on Benbecula Beardies and later owned by Merv & Cathy Perry to earn their Canadian Championships and Holly became the of Sheiling Beardies. Jasmine, Can/Am Bda Ch Benbecula’s dam of the first Classical Beardies. Holly was mated to Can/ Classical Jazz was a born show girl and started winning as Am Ch Brambledale Boz for her first litter and we kept a black soon as she entered the show ring at 6 months of age. As a & white female, Lindsay, Classical Super Natural who finished Junior Puppy, Jasmine was RWB & Best Puppy at the 1981 her Canadian Championship at 7 months of age to become the BCCC National Specialty. She was a multiple group winner and 30

was the BCCC Top Bitch for several years and won BOS at can and only keep a puppy when it is better than what you the 1983 BCCA National Specialty. Jasmine’s brother won the already have. Don’t get hung up on one or two minor faults, BCCC Futurity in 1981. there is no perfect dog, it is better to breed to an outstanding representative with many virtues and one or two minor faults, We mated Lindsay to Tyler and kept a lovely black & white than to breed to a mediocre dog. Just because a dog finishes female, Melanie, Ch Classical’s Silver Cloud who became the his/her championship doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she foundation for Classical. Melanie easily earned her Canadian should be used for breeding and just because you have a litter & American Championships, but it was her ability to produce of puppies doesn’t mean that you have to keep one nor does it that was extraordinary. She was the dam and granddam of improve the breed by selling all or most of the puppies in a litter many all-breed Best In Show winners and National Specialty as breeding & show potential. In my opinion, in the mid to late Winners. She produced many champions, including: 3 time 80’s and 90’s, the BCCC winner, Buster, Can/Am Ch Classical’s Paris Original, breed improved BIS & CBCC winner; Orly, Can/Am Ch Classical’s Guess significantly, both Who, CBCC winner; Katelynn, Can/Am Ch Classical’s One & in temperament Only, BIS & BCCC winner; Lady, Can/Am Ch Classical’s Play and conformation. A Rhapsody, BCCC Winner; Dixon, Can.Fin.Est.Ch Classical Although we Stand Tall. Melanie was grand dam of Gidget, Can/Am Ch currently see Classical’s American Woman. some nice young dogs in the ring, I Our first import from England came in 1981, Orora’s Julia out am disappointed of Eng Ch Orora’s Impetuosity ex Truly Orora. Julia was bred at the relatively once, to Tyler and produced three bitches that earned both small number of their Canadian & American Championships. From this litter outstanding adult came Shannon, Can/Am Ch Classical’s Star Baby. We knew Beardies today. Shannon was special right from the start. As a puppy, Shannon was a multiple Best Puppy In Specialty winner, multiple all- Can Ch Classical’s Silver Cloud breed Best Puppy In Show & Best In Sweepstakes winner. As a puppy, Shannon was owned by us and later co- owned with Nona Albarano of Windfiddler Beardies. As an adult she went on to become a Top Winning Beardie and was a Specialty BOB winner and multiple BOS National Specialty winner. Shannon is the dam and grand dam of two of the Top Producing stud dogs in our breed, Woody, Can/Am Ch Windfiddler’s Bound To Be A Star (sired by Burton, Can/Am Ch Potterdale Double Image) and Woody’s son, Bubby, Can/Am Windfiddler’s Still Cruisin (out of Am.Can.Ch Potterdale Prosperity). Tyler sired over 75 champions in Canada and Can/Am Ch Classical’s Star Baby, ROMX approximately 47 American champions. He was the BCCC Top Stud Dog for 7 consecutive years from 1981 - 1987 and the BCCA Top Sire in 1987 & 1988. Although the number of champions that Tyler produced is impressive, it is more impressive that so many of his progeny went on to become top winners and top producers or have produced top winners and top producers. Advice for future Breeders: Learn as much as you can about the breed.....past and present. Talk to breeders with more experience about the dogs in your dogs pedigrees and the pedigrees of as many Beardies as possible. Read everything about Beardies and look at as many photos as you can. Attend judging and breed seminars. Visit breeders or chat with them at shows about Beardies. Try to learn about the temperaments, health, conformation, movement and type of past and present Beardies being used for breeding and that are available for breeding. Educate yourself with the breed standard and decide for yourself what you think the perfect Beardie should be like and try to breed towards that. If it is possible, making a trip or trips to Great Britain and visiting the many famous and new Beardie breeders is a fascinating and very educational experience and will help give you an appreciation of the origins of the breed. If you can incorporate some dog shows on your visit, you will be able to see the huge number of beardies that are entered at most of the dogs shows in England, Scotland and Wales. Try to breed to the best dogs that you 31

Cricket Robert & Henrietta Lachman First American Champion, Best in Show & Companion Dog Our first Bearded Collie, American and Canadian Ch Brambledale Blue Bonnet, CD was brought over from England by General Foods to use in Television commercials, and although she did not become a television star, she was extremely successful in the dog show ring and as a producer. Bonnet was bred by Lynne Evans of Brambledale Kennel in England. Her sire was Brambledale Balthazar and her dam was Brambledale Briar Rose. Bonnet lived from 4/15/72 to 10/6/84. Bonnet was the first Bearded Collie to attain a CD, the first AKC champion and the first Bearded Collie to win a Best in Show. She was the number one Bearded Collie in the country for 2 years in 1977 and 1978. She won Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 1978 and 1979. She was the BCCA top producing bitch in 1980. Bonnet Am/Can Ch Brambledale Blue Bonnet, CD ROM won the BCCA National Specialty in 1981 at the age of 9 years old over an entry of 275 which was especially exciting for us. All of this she accomplished under the able guidance of her owner handler Robert Lachman. She was also awarded a BCCA ROM. After Bonnet retired one of her daughters went on to several BIS and was the top Beardie for several years. I think the best advice we can give current Beardie breeders is that they should always keep in mind that this is a working breed that should be able to cover ground effortlessly, put in a full day of work and they should have a playful but stable personality. Daybreak Barbara Prescott First American Obedience Trial Champion - OTCH Windcache A’ Briery Bess As far as Barbara’s Beardie history goes, Bess is her first, questioned, will tell you it was Bess more than her training. She and I remember her and Barbara Wilson waiting for the said that it was also being in the right place at the right time. two sisters, Bess and Windy. I also remember seeing them I think there is more to it than that. I saw them work and train as puppies when I went to Barbara Wilson’s for obedience and there was one of those bonds you do not see everyday. I lessons with my Irish Setter. It was when she bred Windy that have to say I feel very fortunate that I was able to see this team I got my first beardie, who was, of course, a nephew of Bess. work together in the ring. Bess was also quite the ambassador Barbara Prescott never bred Bess because there was not to everyone. But when she stepped in the ring, it was Bess and much here at that time and then it was just too late. Barbara. Her first litter, from Aellen’s Castle in the Sky, from Ruth Colavecchio, produced 5 puppies and two went on to become the “two brown clowns”. We showed mostly in obedience and both were champions, utility dogs with their HIC’s. At that time, that was a big feat. They were a challenge but fun. Her male, Ch Daybreak’s Rising Sun, UD, placed in one of the Gaines Superdog National Competitions and Ch Daybreak Storm at Candelaria, UD won High in Trial at a Beardie National. Although Barbara did very little breeding, less than one a year, I believe she produced 10 champions. Maybe not much to some, but since her focus was on obedience, that was [Editor’s Note: This article was pretty good, I think. submitted by Laura Price, who has greatly admired Barbara and wanted to be certain she and Bess were Of course, Bess was one in a million and Barbara, when included.] 32

Diotima Stephen & Marion Appleby I was animal-mad as a child Steve and I were married in 1972. deciding on the lines we liked. At I was animal-mad as a child that time, 1974, we were particularly but was not allowed to have a dog taken with a very handsome young until I was considered “responsible” dog, Brambledale Balthazar. He was and had to earn enough to buy one. so very typical and had the most I delivered newspapers for years wonderful head and expression. and eventually bought a puppy, He was a very sensible boy and six weeks old, of very dubious thoroughly deserved his pet name parentage. Tammy turned out to of Angel. We had also been very be the catalyst for my love of hairy impressed with the Davealex line dogs. He was a dark, grizzled slate and Davealex Highland Abbe (full grey, with just a tiny patch of white sister to D. Royle Baron and D. on his chest. He had the darkest Royle Brigadier) owned by Tine eyes and a wonderful, biddable, Bowens. To our delight she had sweet nature. He was intelligent decided to mate Abbe to Balthazar and loyal and lived to be 16. From Eng Ch Blumberg Diotima Steel, JW and promised us pick bitch. The the age of 11 he was my constant litter duly arrived and there were companion. I taught him tricks; we ten puppies, all slate, five dogs and did obedience classes together, and spent hours playing in our five bitches. We went to see the puppies twice and narrowed local park. He even learned to sit on the narrow 10 inch board our choice down to two bitches. On our third visit, and when that was our local swing!! He accompanied me to the local we would finally decide and bring our puppy home, Steve (who shops and always had to carry something home. He would was choosing) made his decision. I said nothing. He asked me trot ahead, off lead, often with a tin in his mouth and would if I agreed. I said no, I preferred the other bitch. She was the sit patiently at the curb waiting for the command to cross. I one we brought home and she became Ch Blumberg Diotima couldn’t have had a better friend. Or so I thought. Steel, JW. Tammy stayed at home with my mother when I married. He All Diotimas descend from Ella and we couldn’t have had was now quite old and it wasn’t fair to uproot him from his a better foundation bitch. She was sensible, sound, well familiar safe surrounding. I missed him so much. I survived for made and had the most wonderful head, expression and ring a few months then persuaded Stephen that we really needed a presence. She was Best Puppy In Show at the BCC Champ dog. He had never had one, enjoying the company of a cat and show in 1974 and won consistently from then until her tragic budgie during his childhood. I needed to find another Tammy. I death at just under 11. She was Best Bitch at Crufts in 1982 started doing a bit of research then one day, in the Observer’s aged 8 years. Book of Dogs, I found a breed called The Bearded Collie. Perfect. I Ella had her first litter in 1976. There contacted the Kennel Club who sent were nine puppies, five of which were me a list of breeders. I say “list” but mismarked. All were sold as pets. there were only about six names on Determined to avoid this problem, it. We contacted one of the nearest for her second litter we chose a dog breeders, John and Betty Meyrick more or less solely on the fact that of the Nigella affix. We visited their he had never thrown a mismark. We home, met their Beardies and fell in learned a valuable lesson from this. love. We booked a puppy from their Ella produced a litter of nine perfectly next litter. This was in 1972 and their marked puppies. They were nice next litter was due in January 1973. enough but there wasn’t one better We asked for a slate bitch. Just for a than her mother so none was good pet. We bought a brown dog, Nigella enough to keep. I’d rather have a Farrier, and, following our visit to Eng Ch Diotima Dream Baby litter containing some mismarking a local show, started showing him! and that one outstanding puppy than Frobisher was such a character but a litter of well-marked pet puppies. not really a show dog. He was, however, a very sound dog with lots of nice qualities. He was by Beagold Haresfoot Coffee out In 1980 we mated Ella to my all-time favourite Beardie of Dog Rose of Tambora. Winston, Ch Pepperland Lyric John at Potterdale. This breeding produced 8 puppies, 5 dogs and three bitches. We Frobisher was around a year old and, since you can never kept a slate bitch, Dream, who was to become Ch Diotima have just one Beardie, it was time to get another. This time we Dream Baby. She was, in our opinion, even better than her were going to have a bitch and, hopefully, a slate. We spent mum, as dark a slate as you can get without being a stay some time watching Beardies at shows, talking to people and black, with huge dark eyes. We couldn’t have found a better 33

name. Dream she was called and a dream she was. She had bitches for Bendale, Natterjack, and Claudalla Beardies in the the most outstanding movement, the type you could watch U.K. Gabbi died in 2001 aged 17 years and 2 months. all day. Dream was Best Bitch at Crufts in 1985 and reserve Best Bitch in 1992 aged eleven and a half years. Dream was We currently share our home with six Beardies mated to Ch Orora’s Frank (another of our all-time favourites) in 1984, produced 8 Puppies 3 dogs and 5 bitches. We kept Diotima Tiger Lily, (Ch Scapafield Starry Knight ex Ch Diotima a slate bitch puppy, Gabbi, and her plainer slate sister went Gabriella) is aged 16 years, and dam of Am Ch Diotima Take out to Australia where she became Aus Ch A Look and Am Ch Diotima Arabella. Diotima Take A Bow At Chelsic. Lily is Dream’s second litter a genuine unsung heroine. Every litter was born in 1987, born at Diotima for the past 15 years has been sired by Potterdale mothered, nurtured and loved (in addition Encore. A slate dog, to their mum) by her. She allows puppies to Timmy, went to Pat suckle, and the puzzled look on their faces McDonald in the States when they find nothing to drink is hilarious! and became Am/ Can She even completely took over looking after Ch Diotima Fortune Tweetie’s puppies when she developed metritis. Smiles. Timmy had a Lily has not been shown but her contribution very restricted stud to our lives has been invaluable. career but produced Ch Diotima With Grace, (Ch Potterdale Just William ex Ch several Best In Show Diotima Gabriella) will be 15 in April. Tweetie was the Top Winning Bitch in 1995, BOB Crufts 1995 and reserve Best winners. Dream’s Bitch at Crufts 1999 aged 9 years. third litter was by Ch Ch Natterjack’s Just Perfect for Diotima, (Ch Potterdale Just William ex Ch Diotima Blue Kisses to Natterjack) is 10 years Potterdale Philosopher old. She is the dam of Ch Diotima Lightsome, Australian Ch Diotima Crest Of A Wave, Ch Diotima Sea Eagle, and and born in 1988. A Ch Diotima Sea Wolf At Ramsgrove, JW. Sea Wolf was Top Beardie in 2004. Wilma was Reserve Best Bitch at Crufts in slate dog was sent to 2004 from the Veteran class and Top Brood 2003. Barbara Vrethammer Eng Ch Diotima With Grace and Charlotte Laning in Sweden and became Swe Ch Diotima Sweet Lord. His sister Diotima Sweet Dreams went to Tami Nunley and produced Ch Brenriga Double Take, Top Beardie in 1994 and Runner Up Top Beardie in 1995. Dream died in 1996 aged just under 16 years. She is the dam of the foundation bitch for Benriga Beardies in the U.K. Diotima Still Dreaming (Ch Potterdale Preclusion ex Ch Diotima With Grace) is 9 years old and the only bitch produced by With Grace out of 14 puppies so of course she had to stay! Ch Diotima Lightsome (Ch Bendale That’s My Boy ex Ch Natterjack’s Just Perfect for Diotima) Betty is 5 years. Diotima Tiger Lily Ch Brenriga Gift Wrapped for Diotima, JW (Ch Caramac Crown Prince ex Ch Custom Maid For Brenriga) is 3 years, was Top Junior in 2003 and Runner Up Top Beardie and Top Bitch in 2004. Gabbi became Ch Diotima Gabriella, JW in 1988, gaining her We have never kept great numbers of Beardies at any one title in the most thrilling way by winning the bitch Challenge time. I think the most we have ever had is seven. Generally we Certificate at Crufts. Gabbi has proved a very influential keep bitches. Apparently we sell the most successful males!! brood bitch. Her first litter by Ch Moonhill’s Midnight Treasure In 33 years we have only had 12 Beardies and bred 119 contained three Junior Warrant winners, two Reserve puppies. Challenge Certificate winners and the Top Dog Puppy and Runner-Up Top Puppy in Breed 1987. In addition to I suppose the most special personal experiences I have are Ch Diotima Blue Kisses to Natterjack (by Ch Desborough winning Best Bitch at Crufts in 1982, 1985, 1988 and 1995 Declaration) she produced Ch Diotima With Grace, litter sister with four generations of Beardies owned or bred at Diotima, to Ch Diotima Bear Necessity, and is the dam of the foundation an unequalled record in the breed. Obviously the most 34

of sharing opinions and experiences. You never stop learning about Beardies. From a personal viewpoint I don’t think you can ever spend enough time just watching your own Beardies and those in the ring. Observation is the key. Go over as many dogs as you can. Try to understand their structure and its effect on their movement. Attend seminars, not just about Beardies, but all aspects of dogdom, breeding, conformation, health etc. Don’t be blind to your own dogs’ faults but don’t become obsessive Eng Ch Diotima Blue Kisses To Natterjack about them and special was in 1995 when D. With Grace was BOB from an never fault judge entry of 313 Beardies beating the breed record holder, Ch Potterdale Privilege and the bitch breed record holder, Ch when judging. View Potterdale Classic of Moonhill on the day! Winning Reserve Best Bitch at Crufts in 1992, 1999 and 2004, each time from the dog as a whole, the Veteran class, was also very thrilling. D. With Grace and D. Bear Necessity’s litter sister Eby (D. Grace Darling) was consider its balance the first Beardie invited to compete in agility at Crufts, and we were there to see her do a clear round, that brought a tear to and type. Have a Eng Ch Natterjack’s Just Perfect for Diotima my eye. We have had the thrill of following the career of Am Ch Diotima Bear Necessity. We are immensely proud of Andrew, clear picture in your his achievements are remarkable, but we are equally proud of the fact that his temperament is second to none, he has won mind of the type several stud dog classes at the National Specialty and he is an AKC Companion Dog in Obedience. you like (having done the appropriate research) and plan your My special memories are the privilege of seeing all the great breedings accordingly, not just the upcoming one but those several generations down the line. Don’t paint yourself into a corner, bring in other lines to strengthen and compliment your stock. And, most importantly, don’t be influenced by the latest “fads and fashions”. Be true to the Bearded Collie and its wonderful breed type. I’ve always felt that I learn the most from our puppies. I always get a feeling about them when they are born (wet), spend hours just watching them and start homing in on that special pup. I’m the only person I know who likes to evaluate their puppies at four weeks. They are not wriggly monsters when stood and I find that what you see is a mirror image, only smaller, of what they are as adults. I usually like one or two from the word go and never change even though I can “wobble” a bit when they go through their ugly duckling stages. Although I have written this article, Diotima Kennels, and its contribution to the breed, reflects the joint efforts of Stephen and me for the past 33 years. Eng Ch Diotima Gabriella, JW and influential Beardies around in the 70s and 80s. To my mind these were Ch Pepperland Lyric John at Potterdale, Ch Orora’s Frank, Ch Osmart Bonnie Blue Braid, Ch Wishanger Cairnbhan, Ch Mignonette of Willowmead at Orora, Ch Potterdale Philosopher, Ch Andrake Persephone, Ch Brambledale Balthazar, Ch Willowmead Star Attraction, Ch Tamevalley Easter Song of Potterdale, Ch Edenborough Blue Bracken, Chs Davealex Royle Baron and Brigadier, Ch Breaksea Gothic, Ch Willowmead Perfect Lady, Ch Willowmead Super Honey and Ch Potterdale Classic of Moonhill. And, how can you top being there to see Cassie win BIS at Crufts in 1989 the only Beardie in history to do so? Every day spent in the company of Beardies brings new experiences and fond memories. It’s never easy to offer advice to people. It’s more a question 35

Donbarlen Barbara Marshall I instantly fell in love with the breed The history of Donbarlen starts in 1976, when I caught Although not very good at Obedience training I have managed Virginia Parsons on a local noontime TV show. She had in to pass several dogs that have CGC certificates and I have studio Honey, Baffler, and a puppy named Bo Bruin. I instantly taken them to nursing homes and other places. At this time, fell in love with I have a regular the breed which schedule at the remains to this local VA Hospital day. with Digby, Garbo and Spirit. They I searched locally interact with the for a puppy patients and with no luck. cuddle up with Fortunately, my them. Mostly, the son was studying doggies, patients, at the University and I have a good of Glasgow at time. I trained that time. I asked Spirit to retrieve him to find a to the laps of the bearded collie wheelchair bound. and he somehow For those of you got in touch who would like to with Nicholas have rewarding Broadbridge, who fun with your was nearby in dogs, I can highly Lanark, Scotland. recommend Nicholas told therapy work. him that his mother, Mrs. Since 1985, I Broadbridge, had have worked with a litter in Surrey, Barbara and the Donbarlen beardies at Roman ampitheater in Paul Glatzer in Fiesole above Florence, Italy, September, 2004 England. It was a Ch Donbarlen’s Special Grandeur, HIC CGC Therapy Dog the Rescue Program and I have rescued more than 100 repeat breeding Can Ch Tailsend Calgal O’Donbarlen, CGC HIC Therapy Dog beardies, approximately the same number as the number of an earlier Donbarlen’s Spirit Lost In Space CGC HIC Therapy Dog of puppies I have helped to bring into the world. litter which had produced E Ch Wishanger Waterfall, so I made arrangements In addition, I have been privileged to serve as the president and reserved a female puppy. In the Spring of 1977, when and vice president of the Minuteman Bearded Collie club as my son returned from the University of Glasgow, he brought well as the herding chair. I also served 2 terms on the Board of Grayona Jubilee Easter Lily, Am/Can TD ROM (Ghillie), home Directors of the BCCA where I helped draft the Code of Ethics. with him. Since, 1985 I have been the New England coordinator for BCCA Beardie Rescue. I bred Ghillie to Virginia Parsons’ Bagpiper of Braemoor and their only litter produced three champions, all owner handled, two of which I kept at Donbarlen. We were on our way! Since 1977 there have been a total of 15 litters at Donbarlen, the first one from Ghillie, two from Am/Can Ch Braer Honey O’Donbarlen (ROM), two from Cameo of Honey (ROM), four from Missa/Drummer, two from Raffles (ROM), two from Meg, one from Venus (Ch Donbarlen’s Blue Velvet), and one from Garbo, over a period of 26 years. From a total of 106 puppies, there have been 11 American champions and 2 International champions. I would especially like to thank Jean Jagersma, now deceased, for having confidence in my bitches and allowing me to use her wonderful stud dog Am/Can Ch Macmont Macintosh. Thanks to Virginia Parsons, I took a great interest in tracking. Can Ch Tailsend Calgal O’Donbarlen, CGC HIC Therapy Dog My most exciting tracking event was passing two beardies in Donbarlen’s Spirit Lost In Space, CGC HIC one day at a tracking meet in Springfield, Missouri in 1984. 36

Dovmar Arthur & Diane Newman How did we get interested in Bearded Collies? How did we get and show to help the interested in Bearded American club. It was great Collies? Well, we were to see so many beardies in one place. We also waiting for an Otterhound met so many new people that we later became from a breeder and it had friends with. There was a tracking demonstration put been about one year and on by Virginia Parson’s (Braemoor) dog Honey. no puppies, so we went That was a demonstration that was so impressive to a show to see if the we will never forget it. It showed us that the beardie breeder who we’d put our is a very intelligent dog that is capable of doing so name with was there. As many things. it turned out, we walked A while after that, we met Jean Jagersma of around for a while and saw Penstone Beardies at a show in Montréal. In the beardies; we started to those days, if you had a dog that received its championship at the show, you had to take all the beardie people out for a talk to the person with the drink to celebrate. It was a nice tradition that unfortunately has stopped. Jean and I hit it off, and we started going to shows dogs, and she was Audrey together; in the early years, our husbands did not go to the specialties. Benbow. She told us about We showed at the first U.S. Specialty in Medina Ohio in 1979 their personalities and with three of my dogs and some of Jean’s. How could I forget it? Bonnie our foundation bitch won the brood bitch class! thought that maybe this At our first show in Ontario, it was funny as no one talked to was the dog for us and not us until the second day. But that is where we met Carol Gold the Otterhound. She had Can Ch Sandy de Lauvrin a litter, but they were all spoken for. The week after, in our local paper, we saw an ad for bearded collies. It sounded too good to be true, but we called and went to see the litter. Of course we fell in love with a brown bitch, which we bought. This was our first beardie, called Sandy de Lauvrin, who was bred by Jean Pierre Guerin. We took her home and after many unsuccessful efforts, I could not get her to walk on a lead. I called the breeder and asked what I should do. His wife told me that they were going to a fun match not far from our house and told us to meet them there. Well, she did get the dog to walk on a lead and convinced us to show her at the match. We did and she won and then we were hooked on showing. After going on to more dog shows and doing obedience, Arthur thought that he would like his own dog. So after some research about the dogs in England, I imported a beardie for him from England for his birthday. She was Graylen Bonnie from Robdave, which turned out to be our foundation bitch. Bonnie was an Osmart Blue Braid daughter out of Broadholme Belinda. When we first started thinking about getting a puppy from England, a friend of ours suggested buying a bitch and having her serviced in England so she would come over in whelp. That is what we did. Bonnie was mated to Charncroft Crusader and we had a litter of 6 boys and 1 girl. This was the start of our kennel, Dovmar Bearded Collies, which was registered with the Canadian Kennel Club on August of 1975. Our kennel name is made from our two sons’ names Dov and Marc, we did this as a family. Our first U.S. show was a match show in the early Can/Am Ch Graylen Bonnie from Robdave 70’s that we attended in Mount Kisco, N.Y., to help get 37 the breed recognized in the States. As the breed was registered in Canada in 1970, we could go to the states

of Raggmopp Beardies, Alice Bixler Clark of Bedlam Beardies, have been around for awhile and are fountains of knowledge. Barbara Blake of Colbara Beardies, Chris Wilson and a few I remember when the English breeder judges would come to others. I must admit that through showing and breeding we Montreal after the specialties; I always offered my house as a have met a lot of nice people and have made a lot of good place to stay. We had great times and some good friendships friendships. grew out of those experiences; but the one thing that I have to thank them for is all the knowledge that they shared with me My early beardies had some very nice successes in the about the dogs that were around past and present. Learning show ring. Arthur showed Bonnie, our foundation bitch, at a is the one thing that is so important and something that you Canadian Specialty, and when he won best of opposite with cannot buy. We are never too old to learn so do not pass up her, the judge asked who she was. He replied “Bonnie,” but, that opportunity. It is the breed that we are all interested in, and she wanted to know her registered name. He told her, “You it is up to us to continue making it the great breed that it is. would have to ask my wife.” That is how naïve we were in the early days. Bonnie then went on to win the Top Winning Beardie with the BCCC in 1976. She also received her Brood Bitch Class at the first BCCA Specialty 1979 Jean Jagersma with Bonnie, Diane with Gatling & De Masters Certificate of Merit from the BCCA in 1983. Her son, that Can/Am Ch Graylen Bonnie from Robdave we kept from her first litter, Dovmar’s Blue Gatling, went on to be the Best of Opposite Sex with the BCCC in 1978. She also produced many more champions and dogs that won awards for their achievements. For people interested in the bearded collie now, I would tell them to watch the different dogs out there to see what type that they are interested in. Put your hands on dogs— as many as you can— to learn the way that they are put together. Ask questions to understand what you do not know. I think you have to listen to what the breeders have to say and then you take a little from everyone out there and make your Can Ch Dovmar’s Blue Gatling own conclusions as to what you really like and want. We all have our personal preferences in a dog so make up your own mind as to what you like. But, remember, the best way to get a feel for what you really like in this breed is by watching and touching the dogs and by talking to other people. There is much to be learned from those who 38

Fox Lane Mary Billman I began looking for a breed that would keep coat The frustrations of being a school teacher and having Grady was quite a summers to travel and show dogs led me to the Beardie world in 1974. At that time I was raising Rough Collies and with character and a true their traditional “summer shed”, I had nothing to show. I began looking for a breed that would keep coat for summer shows escape artist. He could and found it in an ad in the Collie Cues magazine advertising a “new” breed, the Bearded Collie. As I live close to the easily jump a 6 foot fence Canadian Border, I do shows in Canada and found an article about Bearded Collies written by Carol Gold in Dogs In Canada and frequently did. He that I had picked up at a show over there. I was also involved in the horse world and was taking a trip to the International was also a Romeo. He Horse Show in Toronto so I called Carol and asked if I might drop in for a visit and meet the breed. Well 5 minutes with her bred the Beagle next door Gael and I was hooked! I put an order in for a pup but Carol warned me she had quite a long list. I didn’t realize how long and she had Breagles. that list was. It wasn’t for He bred the Bassett on 4 more years that I was able to get a puppy and the other side and they then I ended up getting one from Carol and one got a mis-mate shot or from Ruth Murphy the same week. Feast or she would have had famine! Brassets. He bred one of my Collies and they were Brollies. I raised dogs for Leader Dog for the Blind and he bred one of the Goldens I raised and she Ch Potterdale Kalkulated Risk, ROMX had Broldens. Another time he escaped and bred one of my Beardies and we actually had Beardies. There was no stopping this guy and even today I have fence jumpers and they all can be traced back to Grady. Ruth had imported As a handler, I had the good fortune to show Ch Jande’s Oxford Knight In Blue for owner Maria McPhail. At the time I a bitch, Crumpet, was showing Blue, we were still in the Working Group with 32 other breeds, there was no Herding Group. Blue was quite a from England and as showman and managed to amass many group placements. He was Number 5 Beardie one year and Number 6 Beardie the I was professionally next. handling dogs at the In 1981, Ruth Murphy and I took a trip to England. We covered about 2,200 miles all together, 2,000 of them on the “wrong time, I showed and side of the road” and the other 200 going around and around their round-abouts, never sure where we were supposed to get finished Crumpet to her off. I met and became good friends with Maureen Reader from Tamevalley fame in England and with her help and sharing championship in the US of knowledge I jumped into the Beardie world with both feet. With the import of a dog from her kennel, Ch Tamevalley and Canada. Crumpet Limerick and the import of Ch Potterdale Kalkulated Risk from Janet and Mike Lewis, the foundation for Fox Lane Beardies was the first Beardie was set. It was not an easy road. I ran into health issues and temperament problems and had to spay and neuter and Ch Dolinbrook Misty Moonlight, ROM shown in Michigan, the start over again twice. But with off spring from Sedgley (Ch Tamevalley Limerick) and Risky (Ch Potterdale Kalkulated first Beardie champion in Risk), I began to “set the style for Fox Lane. I must have done it right for I just finished my 55th owned, co-owned or co-bred Michigan and the first group placing Beardie in Michigan. My Beardie. favorite memory about Crumpet was the time we went into the My Collie friends had said, when I got my first Beardies, I suppose you will give up Collies and go just to Beardies. My group shortly after the Beardie was recognized by AKC. Kitty retort was - “Never, I’ll always have a Collie.” Boy have I eaten those words many times over. I no longer have any Collies but Drury was the judge that day. We were last in line behind the have dabbled in the world of Lowchen. As I get older, smaller dogs get more appealing though I still love and enjoy my Corgi. She finished the Corgi and didn’t realize we were there. Beardies and hope to always have them. A member of the audience called her attention to the fact we 39 were there. She was a bit embarrassed and came over to us saying in a high pitched voice. “I’m so sorry I forgot you”. She reached down and cupped Crumpet’s head in her hands at which time Crumpet jumped up on her and knocked her on her keister. Talk about embarrassed. I’m not sure who was more embarrassed, she or I. Ruth promised me a puppy from Crumpet’s first litter and as I hadn’t heard from Carol, I happily accepted and Grady came into my life. The week before I was to pick him up, Carol called and said my puppy was available and thus Annie came to live with Grady and my Collie and human family. Thus started the wonderful association with Beardies and the Beardie world. I have many, many fond memories of attending the Bearded Collie Club of Canada Specialties and the fun evenings of celebrating with several visitors from England and Scotland.

Gaymardon Don & Gail J & Gail E Miller First Junior Handler Award - Gail E. Miller Gaymardon went on to win Best of Breed at Westminster in 1981 as well as Bearded Best of Breed at the BCCA National Specialty from the Veteran Collies began in Bitch class (Misty was nine-years-old and handled by a junior handler) in 1982. 1972 when my Ch Gaymardon’s Yorktown Yankee ROMX, was a brown male parents Gail J. who held a special place in my mom’s heart. Chip had many placements in large Working Groups and as a stud dog he Miller and Retired passed along his head, dark eye and soundness to many beautiful get. Captain Don Miller These littermates passed their Herding Instinct Test at nine were stationed years of age despite never seeing a sheep in their lives! From the moment at Upper Heyford the family returned to the states the Gaymardon matriarch, Gail J. Miller, Air Force Base in became deeply involved in developing the BCCA and breed that we all love. England. My father met a Beardie in our neighborhood Ch Gaymardon’s Chesapeake Mist, ROMX on base. She was a show bitch, Barnleigh Damaris (the BCCA’s first ROM dam) a Marksman of Sunbree daughter. Coincidentally our next door neighbors were also involved in dogs and exhibited OES. My mom, Gail J. Miller tagged along to a dog show and met more Beardies—but fell in love with one special male she met, Percy (Ch Edenborough Blue Bracken). After meeting this dog she was done for. She and my father got littermates from a Barnleigh Damaris breeding to Davealex Royle Baron. These two dogs became the first Gaymardon Beardies. (A name created by combining the names of her three children, Gail E., Mark and Don.) Being a serious history buff and proud American, my mom decided that the two Beardies needed very American registered names and so they were named: Gaymardon’s Yorktown Yankee (Chip) and Gaymardon’s Chesapeake Mist (Misty). For those of you who knew my mom, you know that she was passionate about the Bearded Collie and this passion came from immersing herself in the English Beardie scene in the 1970’s. She listened to long-time breeders, got her hands on as many dogs as possible, and memorized pedigrees to an extent that always amazed fellow fanciers. After returning to the states in 1974 Gaymardon Beardies began a breeding program. Although Gaymardon Beardies didn’t produce litters often, those produced were a thing to be proud of. My mom always went by the adage “Quality not Quantity.” Our two foundation dogs did very well for themselves in the ring: Ch Gaymardon’s Ch Gaymardon’s Yorktown Yankee, ROMX A tribute to Gail E. Miller in the Beardie Bulletin, October, 1983 Chesapeake Mist ROMX 40

Gladenmead Paul & Susan Glatzer And, as the saying goes, “the rest is history!” It all began in 1976. We took our young daughters to the protected prefix with home of one of Paul’s teaching colleagues to see his litter AKC, to represent our of puppies—a breed called Bearded Collies. We were simply own name (Gla), our curious about this breed, and our daughters were eager to street address (den), see puppies. It truly was a fateful visit. One female in this litter and the foundation caught their attention, and they refused to leave until we had stock (mead). agreed that Bonnie Rebecca O’Glennamoor would become part of our family. And, as the saying goes, “the rest is history!” Because of their Friends active in the dog fancy suggested we go to handling successes at classes and match shows; the bug had bit and we were on our Westminster, way. Gladenmead Beardies Ch Willowmead Lady in Black were called upon In 1977, we acquired a several times by Westminster’s Public Relations office to participate in various male who would become promotional spots for their Show. This included showcasing at a Madison Avenue Bank with a mock ring appearance under our first owner-handled the narration of Bob Forsythe, a brief appearance with Regis and Kathy Lee, and the most fun and most widely-viewed, an champion, Glennamoor appearance on The David Letterman Show. Braidshadow Blue, call Known mostly for ‘stupid pet tricks,’ David Letterman this time literally rolled out a red carpet for five champion dogs. A name Buddy, a handsome gorgeous boy from Lady’s first litter, Reggie, owned by Diane Racz of New Jersey, made the trip to the Green Room at blue boy out of England’s Rockefeller Center, and I donned a plaid skirt and blazer to represent his country of origin. Mr. Letterman brought us on beloved and famous with the words: “Next to the Kentucky Derby, the Westminster Kennel Club Show is the oldest continuing sporting event in Osmart Bonnie Blue Braid. the country….Say ‘hello’ to Susan Glatzer of Smithtown, and Reggie!” Ch Willowmead Style in Black, ROM Then in 1978, after visiting Suzanne Moorhouse of What a moment! Diane had groomed Reggie to perfection, withheld his dinner to keep him alert and perky, and provided England’s highly-respected me with a piece of moist liver to keep his attention. David and the audience loved this Bearded Collie, who danced around and internationally acclaimed Willowmead Kennels, we as the host and I talked about the breed. And wondering what I was holding in my hand, David Letterman grabbed acquired Willowmead Lady in Black, our foundation brood for it, and soon had liver all over his hands! Then it was time to go; we turned to gait back into the curtains, and the bitch. And shortly thereafter, we also acquired her handsome audience burst into another round of applause, causing brother, Willowmead Style in Black (Bobby), who would become our pre-potent champion stud dog whose stunning characteristics would mark and influence multiple generations of Beardies. Imagine our joy, especially as comparative novices, to go to the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show at Madison Square Garden in 1980, and—as always owner-handling— take Winners Bitch and Best of Winners with Lady, and Reserve Winners Dog with brother Bobby. We felt forever indebted to Melbourne Downing, who years later would be honored with AKC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, for recognizing their quality in spite of our nervous handling. And in the years that followed, we owner-handled seven of our Beardies to their championships, and looked on in pride as the owners of our Gladenmead offspring handled them to their championships as well—earning an ROM for Bobby. Those were also the days of attending BCCA events in Connecticut (pre-AKC recognition) and the Bearded Collie Club of Greater New York with such early names in Bearded Collies as Levy, Turner, Lachman, Morrison, Schneider, Carson, Parsons, Dolan/Smith, etc. Our actual breeding program started in 1980, when Anne Sue and Reggie on The David Letterman Show Dolan-Smith permitted us to breed Lady to her marvelous fellow, Ch. Glen Eire Willie Wonderful. Willie passed on his beautiful temperament and outstanding conformation to her first litter, and Anne’s Rory provided service for her second and third litters. We could not have asked for a better beginning, as these progeny, over generations, passed on the excellent characteristics both of Willowmead and Glen Eire. And we took our kennel name, Gladenmead, for a number of years a 41

Reggie to turn and face them again with an expression that care, grooming and fostering, because all the members of said “For me?!” This brought forth more laughter, applause, BCCA have been fantastic in supporting the program, both and chanting from Paul Schaefer and the band, “Reggie, financially and with personal involvement. A proud achievement Reggie, Reggie.” to be sure! In fact, when the AKC sponsored its first ever national Parent Club Conference, Paul was invited to appear When the American Kennel Club decided to develop definitive on several panels to present the BCCA’s Rescue Program. breed videos for each of its recognized breeds, Gladenmead Beardies were among those selected for illustration in AKC’s As we write this in March, “The Bearded Collie.” And when two English breeder-judges published books on the Beardie - Joyce Collis’s The Complete we do so with heavy Bearded Collie, and Suzanne Moorhouse’s Talking About Beardies - Gladenmead Beardies were once again portrayed. hearts. On February 21st From 1976 to 1990, we exhausted ourselves with 40-50 shows of this year, our last, very a year, continuing our breeding program to 1989. And for the last 20 years, we have focused our attention on the BCCA’s precious and beloved Gladenmead boy, Daniel, Gladenmead Fine n’ Dandy passed over the Rainbow Bridge. He was in his 16th year, sweet, loving and delightful until the very last moment. In type and conformation, he exhibited all the excellent Ch Gladenmead Mr. Superbowl characteristics of his Willowmead heritage. But it was his sunny disposition, especially with our children and grandchildren, that so endeared him to us. Whether in the show ring, on the road, or in the home, he was our dependable, outgoing, cheerful and affectionate fellow. The ache at his absence is severe. But we now have a little rescued Beardie in our home, Annie, (as in Little Orphan), who was picked up by a shelter on Long Island. She was down to 27 pounds, and her coat was so fiercely and completely matted that she could neither defecate nor open her mouth to eat. She exhibits absolute panic at being left alone outside, and is almost manic in clinging to us and covering us with kisses. And not unexpectedly, she does have some issues. But she is now clipped down, clean, gaining weight, and learning to trust people again. We’ll just have to see what the future holds. Ch Gladenmead So Blue Samantha Our nearly 30 years in Beardies have been joyful and rewarding, and we have worked hard to “give back” in Rescue Program, and representing BCCA at the American service both to the breed and the BCCA. We look forward to Kennel Club. continuing in this In 1985, we had returned from a show to find our daughters on wonderful breed the front lawn waving a copy of the local paper at us: “Mom, which hooked us Dad, there’s a Beardie in our shelter. Go now!” Indeed there so many years was a Beardie in the shelter; Hubble was his name. We took ago! him out, and created a flyer: Hubble Needs A Home. But more than that, we realized that such a situation could materialize anywhere in the country. We needed a way to address it; and so The Bearded Collie Rescue Program was born. After seeking input from BCCA members, drafting guidelines, and submitting an overall plan to the BCCA Board, we put into action a program that soon became a model for other parent clubs as well as the subject of a special feature in the AKC Gazette. Regional coordinators were enlisted; funding sources and Ch Gladenmead Winsome Will operational guidelines were established; and the BCCA 42 Rescue Program began its operation. Between 50 and 70 Beardies have passed through the Program each year. No “Beardie-in-need” has ever been refused needed veterinary

Glen Eire Anne V Smith This year just happens to be my 60th year as a Beardie owner What a coincidence that this year the BCCA is highlighting the Specialty with a “Pioneer Spirit” theme. This year just happens to be my 60th year as a Beardie owner. I guess you can legitimately call me a pioneer of the breed. The how, why, and when is an easy question to answer. I grew up on the West Coast of Scotland. Each summer my family leased a small shepherd’s cottage in Glen Douglas. We fell in love with Rogue, a small dark working Beardie owned by the tenant farmer. It was love at first sight for me, and I pestered my parents endlessly for a Beardie puppy. When I was nine years old, the dream came true - Jock came into our lives. There are pivotal moments in our lives that are etched in our memories as clearly as if we had taken a photograph - the puppy’s arrival was one of these moments for me. When I woke up on that birthday morning, I raced to the living room in Anne & Gracie to show and breed Beardies. In those days Beardies were not recognized by the American Kennel Club. One of my very special memories was selecting a bitch puppy from my first litter in the States and showing her first at Rare Breed Matches, then in Miscellaneous classes and finally competing in AKC shows for a title. She was Ch Glen Eire’s Molly Brown - the first of many home bred champions. I was honored to be asked to write an article for the AKC Gazette when Beardies were accepted - that article was nominated for best individual article that year. Three Generations of Glen Eire Bitches Those of us competing in the early days will never forget the Ch Glen Eire Good Gracious earliest champions, including the Lachman’s glamorous Ch Ch Glen Eire Molly Brown Brambledale Blue Bonnet CD and the Parson’s typey Ch Ch Glen Eire Dendarra Charity Cannamoor Honey Rose CD TDX. My line of Beardies were bred by combining two lines - the Luath Kennel, owned by anticipation of a promised surprise. There, on my Mother’s Charlie and Greta Clark of Leadhills, Scotland and Willowmead prized blue rug were several dark puddles (and worse), and Beardies, owned by the legendary Suzanne Moorhouse. I knew that the puppy had arrived! What a marvelous dog he One of my most successful breedings was Can/Am Ch Misty was! There were such contradictions in his character that life Shadow of Willowmead ex Ch Luath Bonnie Blue Bairn. with Jock was never dull. His endless energy, his sense of fun Among other champions this breeding produced Ch Glen and his intelligence endeared him to all of us. An incorrigible Eire Willie Wonderful, my absolute ideal Beardie in type and car chaser, he was clocked running forty miles an hour! His temperament. Willie was co-owned by my daughter. Carol hatred of black Spaniels was legendary! He followed my handled most of our dogs to their championships, and today stepfather on his fishing trips through the Glens and most of all she is a successful breeder/exhibitor of Standard Poodles. he inspired in me a love of the breed that has lasted a lifetime. Other memories include visits to many of the British kennels My special memories are not tied to number of champions which allowed me to see the dogs in the old pedigrees and bred, or wins, but in the journey breeders travel in bringing visits to Glen Eire Farm from my old friend Jean Jagersma a breed to AKC recognition, and to the dogs who made that (sadly no longer with us), Suzanne Moorhouse, Phyl Bailey, possible. When I came to the States, I knew that I wanted and Major James Logan. All of these British breeders were 43

happy to share their Although Jon Katz’s book A knowledge. Dog Year is based on building a relationship with a Border There are so many special Collie - anyone considering things tied to my Beardies purchasing a herding dog over the years that I decided should read it cover to cover. to focus on the “escape artist” quality that is so common in For future breeders and Beardies. Here are a couple show folks, I would suggest of examples: that you read the Beardie Standard over and over In general, at least in my again. Start to form in your line, I found the bitches to be mind a clear mental picture of more confident and assertive your ideal, and breed toward than the dogs. My Ch Glen that. Talk to other breeders, Eire’s Molly Brown made her visit kennels and find a own rules in life, and one mentor. of those rules was that she didn’t like to be fenced in. A dog that has correct Despite six foot fencing in the structure will move well. large enclosed area at the Watch for the effortless, farm, Molly would somehow smooth movement that is manage to climb/jump over correct for Beardies. There the fences. Not once did she should be absolute balance ever run off, but once she between reach and drive. was free, she would tap on Don’t be impressed by drive the kitchen door, and sit there overpowering reach. The grinning, just to let you know almost Afghan-like movement that she would not tolerate seen in some dogs today may being confined. be dramatic and impressive, but is simply not correct for a Another special but Beardie. frightening moment occurred at the Boardwalk Show in New Jersey with my Ch Willowmead Everyone, including judges, forms his/her own interpretation of Something Super - another escape artist supreme. Several the standard. That’s why the same dog doesn’t win all the time. Beardie folks were sharing a suite in the hotel with their dogs. And for heaven’s sake don’t tease the hair on your Beardie’s I think controlled chaos would best describe waking up and skull when you are presenting him/her in the show ring. This trying to get ready for the show. It was my turn for the shower, makes your herding dog smack of the ridiculous. Allow your and while I was drying off the maid came in and opened the Beardie the dignity of his heritage. Of course the majority of sliding door leading to a small balcony. Super shot out on to Beardies are not working sheep on the hillside these days, the balcony, and leapt over, landing two floors below on the but for me in my mind’s eye I still daydream of that dog in glen frosty slanted roof of the hotel swimming pool and slid slowly Douglas working with sheep or boisterously barking, never onto the Boardwalk below. Screaming at the top of my lungs, I taking his eyes off his master. We have come such a long way grabbed a robe and ran down the hotel stairs – who could wait since the early days of Beardie recognition – there are such for an elevator? – to find Super calmly waiting for me on the breathtaking dogs being shown. It is truly the responsibility of Boardwalk. Surprisingly, he was no worse for the wear, but off breeders and the breed club to keep Beardies natural, sound, we went to the vet for x-rays and a check. I decided that we and beautiful. had had enough excitement for one day, and we made a hasty exit for home. In the late 1980’s I stopped breeding and showing Beardies for several reasons. My dogs came with me to my new home. The bitches were spayed and the dogs neutered, but my priority was that the dogs would live out their lives with me as they should, and that is what happened. I currently own a ten-year- old Beardie, Standard Poodle, and a Miniature Poodle and am involved non-competitively in obedience, agility and therapy dog visits. For those Beardie people who are looking for a family pet - please understand that you are purchasing a dog with a high energy level (they don’t call it the “Beardie Bounce” for nothing!) Are you prepared to devote regular grooming time? This is also a breed that is sound sensitive. Beardies need fair, firm, and consistent training, and mix in a big dash of humor. They also require lots of socialization right from the start. 44

Ha’Penny J Richard Schneider Ch Ha’Penny Moon Shadow, ROMX Winning the BCCA National Specialty 1990 Ch Ha’Penny Blue Blossom ROMX Ch Ha’Penny Moon Shadow, ROMX Ch Chauntelle Limelight, ROMX 45

Highlander Beth Tilson In 1978 my life was changed In 1978 my life was changed when I made a call to my friend combos of the Brambledale, Cynthia Mahigian Moorhead, Parchment Farm Bearded Collies, and asked just what was a Bearded Collie? I had Tambora, and Cauldbrae enjoyed years of working with my Irish Setters in conformation, field, and obedience. We had recently moved onto 40 acres lines and was the foundation and had purchased some sheep. It now made perfect sense to have a sheep dog. bitch I had dreamed for. From Fergus and his ancestors to follow, I have had many years enjoying all facets of dog performance: conformation, Along came the lovely and sweet Parchment Farm’s Annie herding, obedience, and Laurie, HIC, most famous as the “cover girl with sheep” on Chris Walkowicz’s Beardie book. And a year later, in 1979, I agility. An added bonus I have had the pleasure of her full younger brother coming to us, Ch Parchment Farm’s Mr. Kite, CD HIC ROM (Ch Brambledale had over the last 27 years Bard x Tambora’s Black Rose-Marie, ROM). I truly have Cynthia to thank for picking out this gorgeous tri-slate boy and is the delight of wonderful trusting him to me. This was Fergus. This was the dog and the Bearded Collie to change my life. canine companions in my life. Every day I look at his adorable young great-great- grand daughter – Burlesque He was a consummate gentleman, a gorgeous fellow, very Ch Highlander Lorna Debut at Highlander, Maude, Doone, CD HIC and his handsome great- grand son Ch Highlander strong in type, a magnificent Bearded Collie. From him Wildest Dreams, PT JHD CGC ROM ROMI ROMAX, came generations of the wonderful Chauncey and think of their incredible great- and great-great- intelligence, athletic soundness, grand sire, Fergus. health, and solid temperaments I still see today in my Highlander Bearded If I had to give a couple bits of advice to newcomers to the breed, it would be simply to study. Study Bearded Collies Collies. In 1980 I had the good luck to whenever and wherever you can. Study pedigrees. Study any and all areas of Bearded Collie breed history, form, and acquire a Beardie girl of true Beardie function. Study all areas of canine breeding, rearing, health, and training. type and character – beautiful blue Lily – Ch Cauldbrae Blue Columbine, ROM (Ch Brambledale Blackfriar, ROM x Cauldbrae Cordon Bleu) The breeding of Fergus to Lily resulted in my first And lastly – enjoy!! These wonderful creatures called Bearded Collies are dogs; they are also our soulmates. Enjoy them Ch Parchment Farm’s Mr. litter here at Highlander in 1981. every day, whether helping to gather sheep, running the agility Kite, CD HIC . course at high speed, or just the enjoying the pleasure of the From that litter my sweet Ch Highlander best soccer ball game, ever, in your own back yard. Lorna Doone, CD HIC ROM ROMI was whelped. Doonie was one of best Hillside Greg & Brenda Wantland “That’s what I want; it just looks like a mutt!” The year was 1977 and I was showing my Afghan hound Brambledale Blackfriar and the dam was Ch Cauldbrae’s at the spring Harrisburg Kennel Club dog show. Greg and Marcresta O’Bria. We were only going to get a pet quality I were walking back to the benching area when he spotted a female but the breeder also had a female that he wanted in very shaggy grey dog on a grooming table. He stopped and a show home, and as I was already hooked on dog shows pointed and said to me, “That’s what I want; it just looks like a with my Afghan, it was only natural that we came home with mutt!” the show puppy. We named her Tall Trees Silver Pandora, or Panda, for short. Later on, we also got Panda’s brother, So, we stopped and talked to the person grooming the dog Morgan, as his breeder was getting out of dogs and going on and found out that it was a Bearded Collie. I do not know who to other interests. Morgan became our first champion, Ch Tall it was we talked to that day, but the image of that wonderful Trees Morgan O’Derk. By this time we were totally hooked on shaggy dog never left our minds, and less than 2 years later, the breed and wanted nothing else so we added a bitch from when we were in our own apartment, we went looking for Parchment Farms, a lovely blue we named Katie, and from her one. We found a litter in Bloomsburg, PA. The sire was Ch we bred our first litter to Ch Willowmead Mid-Winter Boy. Out 46

of that litter came our first homebred champion, Ch Hillside Advice to new people in the breed: Celebration. Rosie was a natural show dog and an absolute joy to show. You only had to show her a bit of bait and she was ·Take your time and study, study, study ready. ·Read as many Beardie Bulletins, breed books, British yearbooks and pictures as you have access to About 1990, Eng Ch Sammara Standing Ovation was brought ·Talk to other breeders, go and visit them and get your hands to this country for a while and we were able to have one of on as many dogs as you can his son’s, Ch Kweo’s Top Billing at Hillside, co-owned with us ·Constantly work on gaining an eye for a dog and breeder Karen Kaye. Patrick was one of the most gentle ·Learn your breed standard and be able to quote it backwards and sweet dogs we’ve ever had. My fondest show memory of and forwards! him was the day I finished his Championship by winning Best ·Learn what pleases your eye, and don’t worry if it’s not the of Breed at a National Capitol Bearded Collie club supported type that’s doing all the winning entry, over many of the day’s top specials. That was a thrill ·Be true to yourself indeed. ·Find a good person to mentor you, and not someone who has an agenda We have never been breeders on a large scale but have been ·Don’t rush into breeding, have some patience avid students of this marvelous breed for many years. We’ve ·Find the best bitch you can to start with been fortunate to be able to import a few dogs from Steve ·Try to stay out of binding co-ownerships and Marian Appleby’s Diotima Beardies in England, and their ·Have fun showing your dogs! constant support and friendship are most valuable to us. Ch Diotima Tartan Velvet was a wonderful addition for us as well as Ch Diotima Well I Declare. These two lovely bitches have led us into the dogs we have today and are currently showing, namely, Hillside Golden Dreams, the 2004 National Specialty Futurity winner. Some of the early dogs who we have admired: Ch Diotima Tartan Velvet Eng Ch Benjie of Bothkennar Eng Ch Brambledale Balthazar Ch Brambledale Blackfriar Ch Kweo’s Top Billing at Hillside, HIC Eng Ch Heathermead Handsome Eng Ch Pepperlands Lyric John of Potterdale Eng Ch Blumberg Diotima Steel Eng Ch Diotima Dream Baby Diotima Love Bug Eng Ch Diotima Gabriella Eng Ch Sammara Standing Ovation And into today’s dogs: Ch Diotima Well I Declare Eng Ch Moonhill Does It In Style Eng Ch Gillaber Drummond Ch Diotima Sea Eagle Ch Tall Trees Morgan O’Derk Ch Hillside Celebration 47

Hyatt Rosemary Schroeder I saw my first Bearded Collie at a dog show in Cincinnati Ihave always loved dogs and actually He produced many, many champions to referred to my grandmothers, not by bitches all over the country, and I never their own names but by their dogs’ names once bred him to any of my bitches - Grandma Corky and Grandma Roxie. I because I did not want to breed. I was discovered a photo of myself at two years lucky enough to have some of his puppies, old with a puppy that my aunt had. They however! were known as sheepdogs then, and were probably a type of Border collie, but I like to Bo was the sire of Ch Britannia Just think it was a Beardie. Jeffrey, and Bo and Ch Silverleaf Autumn Harvest, owned by Mary Jean and Dave I began my dog career with miniature Two years old with my first “Beardie” Rudd, had three litters that produced many schnauzers but quickly learned to hate the champions including: Ch Briery Knob stripping. I saw my first Bearded Collie at Winter Harvest, Ch Briery Knob RainBo’s a dog show in Cincinnati. I imagine he was with Joan Blumire, at Hyatt, and Ch Crisch Panda of Briery Knob. but I didn’t know her in those days. That was in 1975 or 1976 when they were in miscellaneous classes. I searched for a Suzanne and I became very good friends and I was able to breeder and found Jerry and Nancy Schwartz in Cincinnati who visit her often in England. On one of those trips I brought Ch were breeding their Ch Glen Eire Black Callioch to Ch Glen Willowmead Red Ruairidh home with me. Ruairidh was Bo’s Eire Willie Wonderful, and I got my first puppy, Ch Hyatt’s Aislin father. He finished his American championship as a veteran. Anne of Glen Eire, CD. Ruairidh went on to become a very successful producer and retired to live with Ann & Harry Witte where he was able to At that time I did not want to breed. I was too afraid I’d keep all the puppies myself, so Annie was never bred, but lived to a ripe old age. Both Nancy and Jerry and Anne Dolan were so helpful to me at that time, and I owe them so much. Anne once gave me the best dog show advice I’ve ever had, and I try to live by it yet today. She told me, “Never take your losses too seriously and never take your wins too seriously!” In 1980 I gathered up all my courage and called Suzanne Moorhouse and booked a puppy. This turned out to be Bo, Ch Willowmead Mid-Winter Boy, ROMX. Bo was a beautiful dark brown with one of the best heads I have ever seen. His first stud service was to Joan Blumire’s Ch Orora’s Faith, UD. I had not a clue what I was doing, and neither did Joan! She came knocking on my door at 4:00AM with Faith in tow, saying, “She’s Ready!” Well there they were, and we were all wide awake by then, so, we gave it a try. We almost had a tie when Joan dropped a cigarette on their backs almost setting the amorous dogs on fire! We gave up that evening and went back to bed. Faith stayed with us, and we kept trying to no avail. I finally took the pair to my vet who also gave up but not before, as he put it, “greatly improving his tennis arm”! His other comment: “I hope you didn’t buy Bo as a stud dog!” I brought them home and let them have the run of the house while I ate dinner. Suddenly it got very quiet, and there they were tied in the living room. This breeding produced Ch Tudor Lodge Brittainy and Ch Tudor Lodge Beau Brummel. From that day on Bo never missed with any bitch. You could never help him, and he drove me nuts playing the waiting game. But left to his own timing, he always got it right! 48