Is this the oldest sheepdog club in the world
Any one here going next year even people from overseas |
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Possibly (likely) is the oldest.  I think OESCA is something like 107 yrs or so. And the US is relatively "young" in the world for most things. Maybe elsewhere in Europe would be older than here??? |
| he first written record of Old English Sheepdogs in Scotland can be traced back to 1878, although it is thought that the ancestors of these dogs existed in Scotland as workers for hundreds of years prior to that date. These working dogs would have belonged to farmers, shepherds and drovers and as working dogs there would have been no need for written details such as pedigrees or Kennel Club records. Some dog historians believe that the ancestors of these workers may have been descended from the Russian Owtcharka, which reached Scotland by way of the Baltic sailing ships, and was crossed with the Old Highland, Scotch or Bearded Collie. However, it is the authors opinion that the bobtail is a pure strain - a breed of its own. It was the late 19th century, however, before breed pioneers laid down the first blueprint which was later to become known as the official breed standard. The names of these pioneers are now well recorded for posterity in breed specialist books, and include such men as Dr. George Macgill - an expert breeder and judge of all manner of livestock including Old English Sheepdogs. Dr. Macgill was born and brought up on his father's farm at Ardwell near Stranraer before attending Edinburgh University and qualifying as a doctor. After living and working in England, he retired to his native Wigtownshire where he involved himself with all manner of livestock Another pioneer was Dr. Edwards-Ker who helped establish the breed in those early days. Dr Edwards-Ker recalled "when quite a lad I remember seeing an old grizzle and white sheepdog lying outside a farmhouse here in Suffolk, which three weeks or a month before was purchased in Dumfries; the dog worked a herd of bullocks all the way from his Scottish home to the eastern corner of Suffolk by road. After remaining comfortably for a fortnight, in his new quarters, one day he was missing and no tidings could be gleaned of him in the neighbourhood, and no wonder, for within the week his Suffolk purchaser received a letter informing him the old dog was safe back in Dumfries". Although a Suffolk man the name Ker is common in the borders of Scotland. The clan Kerr or Carr is the only left-handed clan in Scottish history and the phrase 'Carrie Fisted', derived from this clan, is ~ common Scottish description of a left-hander. The principal division of the Kerr family became known as the Kers of Cessford, near Kelso, of whom the Duke of Roxburgh is now chief. The largest use of the pre-standard bobtail was thought to be in southern Scotland, and in particular the borders, where almost every town grew up around the market place and where cattle raiding and sheep stealing were to be the cause of constant conflict. The river Tweed - Scots for twill - twists and turns through this huge pastoral landscape making itself fully available to all the woollen mills which have become renowned for quality garments down throughout the years. When the whole economy of the borders depended on these mills and on the sheep which supplied the raw material then its only natural that the finest sheepdogs would be used to protect their flocks - the finest being the Bobtail. In 1881, The Kennel Club stud book listed the breed as "English Short Tailed Collie" which is an obvious contradiction of terms since most dictionaries and encyclopaedias describe the colley or collie as "a dog pertaining to Scotland - usually a sheepdog". The word collie is derived from the Scots word coally meaning dark or black like. Is it possible that the word 'English' may have been used in its broadest sense? We note that in the sportsman's Cabinet of 1803, "The breed is propagated and preserved with the greatest respect to purity in the Northern parts of the Kingdom. as well as in the Highlands of Scotland. where in the extensive tracts and uncultivated wilds their services exceed description". In 1882 The Scottish Kennel Club listed the breed under Sheepdogs (English, Old Fashioned, Short Tailed). It is a pity that the words 'Old Fashioned', were later rearranged to 'Old English' for the definition of 'Old Fashioned' in dictionaries and encyclopaedias is "being made from the root" or 'Original', and thus we have the 'Original British Sheepdog' from which others descend, including our own modern bobtails. It is thought, however, that 'Old Fashioned Sheepdogs' may have existed in Europe as early as the 15th century. The first pictorial evidence of what is thought to be a 'bobtail-like character' in England is in the famous painting of the Duke of Buccleugh by Gainsborough. 1771. However, it is reported that at least two earlier paintings by Van Eyck and Durer may suggest that dogs of a similar appearance to the original bobtail have existed in other European countries long before this date. George Louis Leclerc - the count de buffon - wrote "That of the 37 varieties or races of dogs, 17 are subject to change by the influence of climate, but the shepherds dog (Sheepdog) he calls the root of the tree". He further suggests that hounds, although very different, are probably descendants of sheepdogs because sheepdogs would be more useful for the protection of livestock which must surely have been the purpose of the first dog. This seems to be a rather unusual suggestion since hounds of various types have been depicted and mentioned in Egyptian writings and even the Bible contains references to them. However, shepherding is one of mans earliest occupations and it is perhaps possible that the sheepdog. along with his master and charges. made his way to Britain via Europe on a similar route to the' Stone of Destiny. From the previous chapter it may be noted that the earliest written record for an Old English Sheepdog in Scotland was for a bitch named 'Lady Flora', born in 1878. Lady Flora was bred by Mr. John Lawrie out of 'Rover' and 'Flora I', and owned by Mr. Robert Haig. Flora's home in the south east of Edinburgh faced out onto the Salisbury Crags - an ideal exercise area and better known for its 'Arthur's Seat' and 'Bonnie Wells O' Weary' as well as being a back drop for 'Holyrood Palace'. We know that in 1882 Flora aged 4 years travelled the short distance from her home in Parkside Street to Waverley Market where she was exhibited at the first ever Scottish Kennel Club Show and won a second prize plus the princely sum of £2.00. It was customary in the early show days to place a 'for sale price' against your entry and Flora's was £20.00. The dog which beat her was for sale at £150.00 and named 'Sir Guy'. He was a two year old dog of unknown pedigree owned by Mr. Oswald Knott of Ashton-under-Lyne Previously that year 'Sir Guy' had won a 1st at Alexandria Palace and also firsts at Winchester and Birmingham in 1881. This first ever breed class in Scotland was listed under "Sheepdogs, English, Old Fashioned, Short Tailed". Six years later in 1888 the Old English Sheepdog Club was founded in England by a group of owner-breeders. Mr. Freeman-Lloyd produced a pamphlet on the breed thus establishing the name as well as the nature of the dogs as we know them today. About this time Mr. Andrew Carnegie and a friend, Mr. William Wade introduced the breed into the United States far the first time and it was here that the demand for Old English Sheepdogs increased, thus ensuring the breeds future both at home and abroad. There were numerous famous owners in America including the Vanderbilts and later on the Roosevelts. At the turn of the century there were only a few Scottish exhibitors such as Mr Archibald Grant of Boness and Mr. J. Walker-Ramage of Edinburgh. The latter had a dog named 'Scoutmaster' which was bred by Mr. T. S. Morris in 1911 ex King Clown and Kyle's Lassie. Unfortunately the First World War and the years of subsequent depression meant that few people were able to afford to guarantee classes at the major shows. The Northern Old English Sheepdog Club via their Secretary Mr. George Goodrick, were doing sterling work in this direction, as were the O.E.S. Parent Club and the Southern Old English Sheepdog Club which in 1924 offered no fewer than five different trophies at the Scottish Kennel Club show. These were the 'Snowflake' cup, the 'Frusher' cup, the 'Chandler' cup, the 'Grant' trophy and the 'Willing' trophy. It was at this time two new Scottish dogs appeared on the scene, 'Sassenach Queen' owned by Mr. W. J. Wight from Moffat and 'Dunniker Lad' owned by Mr. T. Hamilton from Kirkcaldy. However, at the S. K. C. Show in Edinburgh in 1926 there was only one dog entered from Scotland, a fine Elkington Squire bitch called 'Buff, belonging to Mr. and Mrs. N. J. MacMillan. She was a superb bitch and according to various experts at that time, would have won top honours had they persevered with her show career. However, Mr. and Mrs. MacMillan later mated her to 'Hillgarth Blue Coat' and the resulting litter became the foundation of the show stock in Scotland. It was from this litter, born March 1927 that Miss Betty Davidson purchased 'Eskgrove', her first Old English Sheepdog and founded her famous 'Eskgrove' Kennels. Although 'Eskgrove' and her son 'Samson of Eskgrove' were frequent winners in Scotland, gaining several Best of Breed awards, it was Eskgrove's grand-daughter 'Thyrza' who in 1937 won three Challenge Certificates to give Miss Davidson and Scotland their first ever Champion. Thyrza was bred by Mr. D. N. Ure from Alloway out of his own bitch 'Jess Sanstail'. Mr. Ure had owned and bred good quality bobtails and beardies for several years which included a puppy sold to the well known Newcote Kennels, owned by Miss Flint, and a whole litter to Mr. H. A. Tilley, Shepton Mallet. However, Thyrza initially belonged to Mr. A. R. Davidson from Dalkeith who transferred her to Miss Davidson after the death of 'Eskgrove' at ten years of age. In 1930 Mr. A. R. Davidson and the Reverend W. B. C. Buchanan from Kilmarnock joined forces to guarantee six breed classes at the Ayr show. This was the first show out with the Scottish Kennel Club Show to feature bobtail classes and, a little later, two more classes were obtained at Perth Open Show to form the basis of a circuit. Another outstanding enthusiast of the breed was Dr. A. C. R. McKerrow from St Andrews who had bred and owned several good quality bobtails including some puppies he acquired from the famous 'Robbery' Kennels in England. Dr. McKerrow was a veteran of the First World War and was injured at Gallipoli after which he returned to Edinburgh. He qualified as a Doctor of Medicine from Edinburgh University and subsequently practised as a G.P. in St. Andrews for over forty years. Although he was an extremely busy man, Dr. McKerrow found the time and energy to breed and show several varieties of gundog and working breeds and also attained championship status in judging them. Moreover he was an expert exhibitor and judge of flowers and, in particular, roses. It was basically the aforementioned people who in the autumn of 1932 submitted, to the Kennel Club, draft proposals for the founding of The Old English Sheepdog Club of Scotland. After publishing an invitation for objections in the Kennel Gazette, The Kennel Club formally recognised the club's existence in February 1933. The Rev. W. B. C. Buchanan was the first secretary and treasurer and remained so until the second world war. Mr. A. R. Davidson was given the high honour of being the First President and was also a committee member of The Scottish Kennel Club. Mr. Davidson. being a very 'Generous Man", gifted a silver bobtail mounted on a stone plinth as a token of his appreciation and this trophy remains with the club to this day. The Old English Sheepdog Club of Scotland held its first ever club show in conjunction with the Ayr championship show in April 1933. The Rev. W. B. C. Buchanan, Secretary, had managed to obtain an extra four classes to make a total of ten classes. He was also given three new silver trophies and a number of valuable special prizes which were added to annually. Most, if not all, of this interest was generated by the secretary himself. He was an outspoken man who sometimes forgot that he was not in the pulpit and he also fully understood that the "Pen is Mightier than the Sword" as he took to task those who dared criticise the breed unfairly. It did not matter to him what status his opponents had and on several occasions he took the 0. E.S. Parent Club to task over its policy of high subscriptions and too few guarantees. He also criticised the great H. A. Tilley for stating that "all things being equal a dog should be given first place before the bitch due to the dogs natural dominance". Such then was this 'man of god' who first entered the breed in 1927 with a bitch called 'Candida Casu' which he transferred in 1930 to Mr. A. D. Erskine Hill M.P. where she remained as a family pet until her death in 1938. She was the dam of 'Candida Actre', who was the best bitch at the first club show, Ayr and narrowly beaten by Miss Betty Davidson's 'Samson' for Best of Breed. At this first club show in Ayr, there were no fewer than 25 dogs benched for the judge Miss McTurk to go over. Mrs. Sheffield did exceptionally well with her nine months puppy, bred in Scotland by the Rev. Buchanan as did Dr. McKerrow with his team. Miss Flint obtained a first in varieties and the Rev. Buchanan several seconds and thirds. Large coverage of the event was given in the local newspaper which helped to fuel the already growing interest in the breed, and at this time, fresh stock was being sought out - Dr. McKerrow, St. Andrews bought a charming bitch by Champion 'Courtesy' from Mr. Sanders, of the Pensford Kennels. Rev. Buchanan purchased 'Dermod Mac Ac of Slane', a son of Champion 'Happy Go Lucky' and 'Newcote Blue Bell'. Mr. and Mrs. Ure, Alloway, Ayr, sold puppies to clients in Giffnock, Lanark, and Essex. Miss Davidson, Eskbank, sold puppies to Mr. A. R. Davidson, the President of the club and also to Mrs Wallace, Edinburgh, and Mr. Deans, Dalkeith. In September 1933 the first ever club dinner was held at the Royal Hotel on the night of the first day of the S.K.C. Show and it was well attended by members and friends. This was also the year that the Rev. Buchanan obtained his fist judging appointment at Leeds Open Show. The second club open show was again held in conjunction with the Ayr championship show on April 25th and 26th 1934 with the usual trophies and specials on offer. However, and more importantly, the first Challenge Certificate in Scotland had been won at the Scottish Kennel Club Show in September at Waverley Market, Edinburgh by Rev. Buchanan's bitch 'Hillgarth Blue Scilla'. Scilla beat Miss Davidson's 'Thyrza' and 'Bobbin of Samson' into second and third places respectively under the well known specialist judge, Mrs. M. Sheffield. However, it should be noted that although 'Hillgarth' was the affix of Mrs. Sheffield, 'Scilla' was in fact bred by Mr. and Mrs. MacMillan. That same month, Dr. McKerrow had his judging debut at Perth open show where two classes, open dog and open bitch were scheduled. He was also nominated as club President for the' 1934-1935 season and, appointed judge elect for the Clubs forthcoming third open show at Ayr in April 1935. There seemed to be no stopping this human dynamo who was once an international class rugby player in his 'university' days. However, the Rev. Buchanan was also making great strides forward in spreading the 'Gospel' to newcomers, with the sale of a few puppies to members such as Mr. Purdie, Giffnock. Mrs. Plain, Dundee. Mr. Knox, Stirling and to clients in Kirriemuir and Greenock. He also kept one himself called 'Cairbre Mac Ana Life' This dog was to be the nearest that Rev. Buchanan would ever get to owning a Champion - it won a few reserve and two Challenge Certificates. However, the litter sister which was sold to the client in Greenock turned out later to be none other than Champion 'Dinah of Woodburn' - the first of many champions to be owned or bred by Mr. and Mrs. J. Nicol of the now world famous Squarefour Kennels'. Just eight years after owning his first bobtail, Rev. Buchanan was awarding Challenge Certificates at the September 1935 S.K.C. Show in Edinburgh where he awarded both certificates to Champion 'Bobs Son of Pickhurst' and Champion 'Saucy Girl of Pickhurst', both belonging to Mr. and Mrs. T. E T. Shanks. On September 25th, 1935, the club held its A.G.M. where the retiring president and chairman, was Dr. McKerrow. Captain R. M. Reid of Tillyrie farm, Milnathort was elected President for the forthcoming term and the membership now stood at forty-five which enabled the club to continue guaranteeing classes at the principal open and championship shows in Scotland. By the time 1936 arrived there were five shows in Scotland which had classes for Old English Sheepdogs including Edinburgh and Glasgow where challenge certificates were on offer. The latter of these shows was judged in February by Mr. H. A. Tilley of 'Shepton Kennels' who later presented the' 'Tilley Cup' to the club as a token of remembrance of his Scottish judging appointment. This trophy, made of hallmark silver, stands over a foot high and is probably the most valuable of all our club trophies today. At the S.K.C. Edinburgh show where Mrs. T. E. T. Shanks of 'Pickhurst' fame was judging, a grand entry of fifty-two was made from twenty-six exhibits, sixteen of which came from Scottish kennels. Miss Russell, Kilmacolm and Mrs. Johnston, Troon joined the club - the latter buying a puppy dog out of champion 'Rag Tag of Pickhurst'. Mr. G. Gourlay-Dick of Cardenden, Fife strengthened his kennel with several new additions. It was hoped that Mr. Gourlay-Dick, a farmer, would be interested in training his sheepdogs to work as well as selling his puppies to others in the farming community since they would make ideal general-utility dogs on Scottish working farms. Mr. Gourlay-Dick was elected onto the committee for 1937-38 season and became Vice-President the following year. The Old English Sheepdog Club of Scotland held its first ever club show in conjunction with the Ayr championship show in April 1933. The Rev. W. B. C. Buchanan, Secretary, had managed to obtain an extra four classes to make a total of ten classes. He was also given three new silver trophies and a number of valuable special prizes which were added to annually. Most, if not all, of this interest was generated by the secretary himself. He was an outspoken man who sometimes forgot that he was not in the pulpit and he also fully understood that the "Pen is Mightier than the Sword" as he took to task those who dared criticise the breed unfairly. It did not matter to him what status his opponents had and on several occasions he took the 0. E.S. Parent Club to task over its policy of high subscriptions and too few guarantees. He also criticised the great H. A. Tilley for stating that "all things being equal a dog should be given first place before the bitch due to the dogs natural dominance". Such then was this 'man of god' who first entered the breed in 1927 with a bitch called 'Candida Casu' which he transferred in 1930 to Mr. A. D. Erskine Hill M.P. where she remained as a family pet until her death in 1938. She was the dam of 'Candida Actre', who was the best bitch at the first club show, Ayr and narrowly beaten by Miss Betty Davidson's 'Samson' for Best of Breed. At this first club show in Ayr, there were no fewer than 25 dogs benched for the judge Miss McTurk to go over. Mrs. Sheffield did exceptionally well with her nine months puppy, bred in Scotland by the Rev. Buchanan as did Dr. McKerrow with his team. Miss Flint obtained a first in varieties and the Rev. Buchanan several seconds and thirds. Large coverage of the event was given in the local newspaper which helped to fuel the already growing interest in the breed, and at this time, fresh stock was being sought out - Dr. McKerrow, St. Andrews bought a charming bitch by Champion 'Courtesy' from Mr. Sanders, of the Pensford Kennels. Rev. Buchanan purchased 'Dermod Mac Ac of Slane', a son of Champion 'Happy Go Lucky' and 'Newcote Blue Bell'. Mr. and Mrs. Ure, Alloway, Ayr, sold puppies to clients in Giffnock, Lanark, and Essex. Miss Davidson, Eskbank, sold puppies to Mr. A. R. Davidson, the President of the club and also to Mrs Wallace, Edinburgh, and Mr. Deans, Dalkeith. In September 1933 the first ever club dinner was held at the Royal Hotel on the night of the first day of the S.K.C. Show and it was well attended by members and friends. This was also the year that the Rev. Buchanan obtained his fist judging appointment at Leeds Open Show. The second club open show was again held in conjunction with the Ayr championship show on April 25th and 26th 1934 with the usual trophies and specials on offer. However, and more importantly, the first Challenge Certificate in Scotland had been won at the Scottish Kennel Club Show in September at Waverley Market, Edinburgh by Rev. Buchanan's bitch 'Hillgarth Blue Scilla'. Scilla beat Miss Davidson's 'Thyrza' and 'Bobbin of Samson' into second and third places respectively under the well known specialist judge, Mrs. M. Sheffield. However, it should be noted that although 'Hillgarth' was the affix of Mrs. Sheffield, 'Scilla' was in fact bred by Mr. and Mrs. MacMillan. That same month, Dr. McKerrow had his judging debut at Perth open show where two classes, open dog and open bitch were scheduled. He was also nominated as club President for the' 1934-1935 season and, appointed judge elect for the Clubs forthcoming third open show at Ayr in April 1935. There seemed to be no stopping this human dynamo who was once an international class rugby player in his 'university' days. However, the Rev. Buchanan was also making great strides forward in spreading the 'Gospel' to newcomers, with the sale of a few puppies to members such as Mr. Purdie, Giffnock. Mrs. Plain, Dundee. Mr. Knox, Stirling and to clients in Kirriemuir and Greenock. He also kept one himself called 'Cairbre Mac Ana Life' This dog was to be the nearest that Rev. Buchanan would ever get to owning a Champion - it won a few reserve and two Challenge Certificates. However, the litter sister which was sold to the client in Greenock turned out later to be none other than Champion 'Dinah of Woodburn' - the first of many champions to be owned or bred by Mr. and Mrs. J. Nicol of the now world famous Squarefour Kennels'. Just eight years after owning his first bobtail, Rev. Buchanan was awarding Challenge Certificates at the September 1935 S.K.C. Show in Edinburgh where he awarded both certificates to Champion 'Bobs Son of Pickhurst' and Champion 'Saucy Girl of Pickhurst', both belonging to Mr. and Mrs. T. E T. Shanks. On September 25th, 1935, the club held its A.G.M. where the retiring president and chairman, was Dr. McKerrow. Captain R. M. Reid of Tillyrie farm, Milnathort was elected President for the forthcoming term and the membership now stood at forty-five which enabled the club to continue guaranteeing classes at the principal open and championship shows in Scotland. By the time 1936 arrived there were five shows in Scotland which had classes for Old English Sheepdogs including Edinburgh and Glasgow where challenge certificates were on offer. The latter of these shows was judged in February by Mr. H. A. Tilley of 'Shepton Kennels' who later presented the' 'Tilley Cup' to the club as a token of remembrance of his Scottish judging appointment. This trophy, made of hallmark silver, stands over a foot high and is probably the most valuable of all our club trophies today. At the S.K.C. Edinburgh show where Mrs. T. E. T. Shanks of 'Pickhurst' fame was judging, a grand entry of fifty-two was made from twenty-six exhibits, sixteen of which came from Scottish kennels. Miss Russell, Kilmacolm and Mrs. Johnston, Troon joined the club - the latter buying a puppy dog out of champion 'Rag Tag of Pickhurst'. Mr. G. Gourlay-Dick of Cardenden, Fife strengthened his kennel with several new additions. It was hoped that Mr. Gourlay-Dick, a farmer, would be interested in training his sheepdogs to work as well as selling his puppies to others in the farming community since they would make ideal general-utility dogs on Scottish working farms. Mr. Gourlay-Dick was elected onto the committee for 1937-38 season and became Vice-President the following year. By the time the war had ended and the club had managed to rise from the ashes, several changes had occurred. The President was Miss Davidson, Vice-President Mrs. Nicol but the Secretary and Treasurer was now Mr. John Ramsay. The Rev. W.B.C. Buchanan had stood down and was now on the committee along with Dr. McKerrow, Mrs. Maclay, Mrs. Muirhead and a few others. These were mainly the people who had managed to keep their dogs during those very difficult years and now, even they, were trying to acquire new dogs to replenish their stock. Only a few kennels now existed in Britain mainly Miss Webster's Pastleblue Kennels, Hastings; Mr. Tilley's Shepton Kennels, Somerset; Miss Flint's Newcote Kennels, Scarborough; and in Scotland Dr. McKerrow, St. Andrews and Miss Betty Davidson. Eskbank. At the 1948 S.K.C. show which the Rev. W.B.C. Buchanan judged, only ten dogs were entered in four classes - these consisted of puppy dog or bitch, novice dog or bitch, open dog and open bitch Mr. Tilley had won both challenge certificates with 'Shepton Home Guard' and 'Shepton Perfect Picture' whilst the reserves went to Mrs. Nicol's 'Shepton Brave Boy' and Miss Davidson's 'Pastelblue Topnotcher'. Miss Davidson's Eskgrove Challenge Tankard was presented for the first time to best puppy dog or bitch. Shortly after this came the news that the Secretary, Mr. Ramsay had died. Mr. Ramsay. a confectionery representative from Bearsden, had been subjected to gas poisoning whilst serving in the army during the first World War and subsequently had never enjoyed the best of health. At the S.K.C. show, March 1949, Dr. A.C.R. McKerrow finally got to awarding challenge certificates, with eleven dogs across four classes he awarded the certificates to Mr. Tilley's 'Shepton Surf King' and Miss Davidson's 'Pastelblue Topnotcher'. At the A.G.M. afterwards Mrs. Nicol was appointed Secretary, a post which she held until 1960. Dr. McKerrow was appointed as President and it was agreed to alter the club rules to allow a club president to stand for office for up to three years and also to allow members from England to join the club for the first time. The Rev. Buchanan was again the judge at the October 1949 S.K.C. show. However, this time the number of dogs entered had risen to seventeen although there were still only four classes. Of the six Scottish dogs entered, Mrs. Nicol's home bred 'Paul of Squarefour' has highest placed with a reserve challenge certificate. 'Squarefour', perhaps one of the most well known affixes in bobtails, was chosen by the Kennel Club from the selection of names submitted to them by Mrs. Nicol, whose first choice was 'Woodburn' - the name of her home in Greenock. The affix 'Squarefour' was taken from the name of her son's Ariel motorbike. In March 1950, the championship show was moved back to Glasgow where Mr. A. Murray judged fourteen dogs over an increased classification of six classes. Nine of those dogs were Scottish and again 'Paul of Squarefour' took the reserve certificate. Paul later won his first certificate in November from judge Miss Knight Bruce at the L.K.A. show with his second the following April at Ayr show under judge Mr. James Garrow and finally his third at the S.K.C. show, March 1952 under American judge Mrs. Renner. At this same show Miss Davidson won the bitch certificate with her home bred 'Carrisma Mia' with the reserve certificates going to Mrs. Back's 'Pastelblue Precious Maid' and Mrs. Muirhead's 'Ackroyd of Stramongate' At the 1952 A.G.M. Mrs. May Muirhead was proposed to take over from Mrs. Maclay as club President. Mrs. Maclay became Vice-President and Mr. Stacey, Dr. McKerrow, Mrs. Back, Miss Flint, Miss Davidson and Miss Tilley formed the committee. The Secretary Mrs. Nicol informed the meeting that the Ayr show had lost its certificates and, after discussion, the committee decided not to support the show with guarantees. It was further suggested that the Scottish club should affiliate with the O.E.S. parent club but the committee decided that the Scottish club should retain its identity. However, the idea of affiliation remained and several unsuccessful approaches were made by the Secretary to the O.E.S. club and the North Western club at this time. Furthermore, the membership had slumped to around ten members and the Secretary had intimated that she would like to resign her office at the earliest possible moment. Despite making this request at several meetings, she was persuaded to continue in office. However, Mrs. Nicol was having great success with her dogs and her second champion 'Paul of Squarefour' was now destined for America where he would become a television celebrity on a weekly children's show., His litter sister 'Priscilla' won a challenge certificate at Blackpool under one of the breeds greatest judges Miss A. Tireman but 'Priscilla' didn't quite manage to follow in her brothers footsteps and make champion status. Nevertheless she was mated to 'Gordale Grey Guardsman' and produced a superb litter, three of which became champions. This established a Scottish record surpassed only by the famous 'Pickhurst Litter' in England which contained five champions. One of these three champion puppies was 'Shepton Rowena of Squarefour' sold to Mr. Tilley whilst Mrs. Nicol retained and campaigned the other two - namely 'Roderick of Squarefour' and 'Rosalinda of Squarefour'. The latter won her three certificates at the S.K.C. shows in 1956, 1959 and 1960 under judges Mr. Leo Wilson, Mrs. H. Hopwood and Mrs. W. Barber. However, her brother 'Roderick' gained his title five years earlier at two and a half years of age. He then went on to win a total of seven challenge certificates under different judges and became the most popular stud dog in Britain at that time. The World and his wife were now beating a path to Mrs. Nicol's new home at Romanno Bridge in Peebleshire where Mr. and Mrs. Nicol had set up new spacious kennels in a woodland setting. In March 1957 the club was still bouncing along on its bottom and the committee, at a brief meeting in Glasgow, decided to invite back as President Mr. A.R. Davidson, founder member and first ever President. The Rev. Buchanan who had, for several years, been showing miniature poodles, made a rare return and offered the club a book on Old Enghsh Sheepdogs which was considered a classic and was generally unobtainable. The idea was that this 'collectors item' could be lent out to members at one shilling a week to help augment the club finances. A few new faces were now present at the Scottish shows such as Mrs. I. Lawson, Prospectblue, Mr. N. Harrison, Fernville, Mrs. M. Gibson, Beckington, Mr. A.S. Anderson and Mr. R. Cass, Scarborough, Mr. A. Little, Langholm. Miss Lloyd. Dalcroy', Miss Woodiwiss, Duroya, Mrs. Wilkinson, Reculver, Mr. and Mrs. Christie. Edinburgh, Mr and Mrs. Mather, Condorrat, and Mr. and Mrs. Leslie, Bathgate. At the 1960 A.G.M. the President, Mr. A.R. Davidson intimated his retiral after giving over thirty years to the breed. Mr. and Mrs. Nicol resigned their offices as Secretary and Treasurer respectively, although Mrs. Nicol reluctantly accepted the position as President. Mr. Muirhead replaced Mrs. Maclay as Vice-President and the committee consisted of Mr. Nicol. Miss Davidson. Mrs. Maclay, and Mrs. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Christie were elected as the new Secretary and Treasurer. Meanwhile a new Scottish champion had appeared - Champion 'Fairacres Bosun' owned by Mr. Andrew Little and bred by Mrs. Bloor. 'Smokey' won his three certificates including three best of breeds at Crufts, Leeds and L.N.A. all in 1960 under specialist judges. Shortly on his heels came Mrs. Nicol's 'Beanville Silver King of Squarefour', bred by Mrs. V. Keeling out of Champion 'Roderick of Squarefour' and 'Amberford Aclea'. He won his first certificate at the 1961 S.K.C. show under judge Mr. W.G. Siggers and his second from judge Dr. McKerrow who had been given the great honour of judging Crufts in 1962. This was indeed a just token of recognition to a man who had served his breed and club with distinction for over thirty years. Finally, 'Beanville Silver King' was crowned champion at the S.K.C. show in Glasgow, 1962 under judge Mr. W. Burrow thus making him Mrs. Nicol's sixth and final champion. However, a special mention must be made of champion 'Jane of Knockanlyn' as she became the last champion to be both bred and owned in Scotland. Mrs. Muirhead bred 'Jane' from her own 'Pastelblue Silver Jewel' and 'Roderick of Squarefour' in December 1956 and her first certificate was won at Blackpool 1960 followed by her second at Leeds in 1961 and finally, made up to champion in 1962. Meanwhile the club had gone from 'bad to worse' with Mr. & Mrs. Christie keeping few, if any, records or receipts. The club was fortunately saved from extinction by the actions of Mr. Gordon Leslie who took over as Secretary of the club in 1965. Great credit must also go to Mr. & Mrs. Muirhead and Mr. & Mrs. Nicol who, although they had been members since 1939 and 1934 respectively, had managed to summon enough enthusiasm to carry on a few more years and help to formulate a working committee with the help of Mr. & Mrs. Little, Mr. & Mrs. Mathers, Mrs. Lawson, Mrs. Tidley, Mr. Ross, Mrs. Weston and a little later on 'ourselves'. By this time all the founder members were absent, some having finally retired whilst some had unfortunately died including Miss Betty Davidson on 16th February 1965. For almost forty years, this matriarch of the breed, vigorously campaigned on behalf of Old English Sheepdogs and the club in Scotland. Despite these losses, the club managed, over a period of time, to pull itself up by its own 'bootlaces' and it has now recaptured at least some of it's former glory. I found this & its a good read. I have added bold to part of the text which mentions the OESD club UK |
| Now that's a history lesson! Thanks for posting!!! Vance |
| Thank you for posting...enjoy reading any history of the breed. Robin |
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