Judges Biographies and Ballots
2015 NWBCC/PS Regional Specialty
BIOGRAPHIES – BREED JUDGE NOMINEES
Ian Copus - Rallentando Bearded Collies (British Columbia, Canada)
I began showing dogs at the age of 9 when I showed my sister’s Afghans in Junior Handling competitions
in England. I was given my own dog to show at the age of 11, a Miniature Pinscher that went on to
qualify for Crufts on a regular basis and also went Best Puppy in Show at the Club Championship Show. I
bred a litter from her in the mid 70’s.
I purchased my first Bearded Collie in 1979. In 1980 I bought Kimrand Carousel, who became an English
Champion. Under the Rallentando prefix, I produced Champions in England, Canada, USA and Europe.
After immigrating to Canada in 1990 I continued to breed, judge and show Bearded Collies, producing
Champions in the USA and Canada. My daughter, Rebecca and I only breed when we wish to keep a
puppy; thus, we have maintained a small quality kennel and have produced Best in Show and Group
winning Bearded Collies in England, Europe, USA and Canada.
I began judging Bearded Collies at Open Show level in 1981 and at Championship level in 1990 and have
judged Breed Club Championship Shows in England, Holland and the USA, including the USA National
Specialty in 1999. I have also judged Bearded Collies at the World Winners Show and in Australia. I have
recently been approved to judge Welsh Corgis (Pembroke) and Border Collies in the USA. Most recently,
I judged Bearded Collies in Scotland in 2013 at Scottish Breeds Championship Show in Edinburgh, and
the Northern California Bearded Collie Specialty in conjunction with the Woofstock Show in 2014.
I have written articles for the Canadian Bearded Collie magazine and an English Breed Club, some of
which have been reprinted in breed magazines in, Australia, Germany and England. I have organized
three Canadian National Specialties, one in Vancouver in 1996 and two in Victoria in 2003 and 2007. I
have served on the Board of the Bearded Collie Club of Canada in the capacity of Regional Director, Vice
President and President and am presently on the Bearded Collie Club of America’s Judges Education
Committee. I have given several presentations on the Bearded Collie both in Canada and the US for
aspiring judges and always enjoy the opportunity to contribute to educating anyone who wishes to
judge our breed in the future. In addition I have also been a member of the Northwest Bearded Collie
Club of Puget Sound for many years.
I love judging our breed and always consider it an honour to evaluate stock of our breeders wherever in
the world that may take me.
Janet Wood – Pepperjay (England)
I have been owned by Beardies since 1982. My first Beardie was already 7 years old when he came to
live with us, as his owner was going to work abroad. She had tried to rehome him but he had been
returned after a few days saying he was too boisterous. He was my introduction to this wonderful breed
and he lived with us for the last 8 years of his life.
I class myself as one of the most fortunate people in the Beardie world, due to having the late Maureen
Reader (Tamevalley) as a mentor and very dear friend.
Although I attended most shows from 1982 I didn’t have my first show dog until 1987, since then I have
made up 3 Champions and 8 stud book number qualifiers.
I first judged Beardies at open show level in 1991, and judged my first Championship show in 2003. I
have attended American and Canadian National shows and have judged at the Great Lakes Regional
Specialty in 2006. I have also attended shows in Holland and judged the Belgium Bearded Collie Club
Championship show in 2011 and the Swedish Bearded Collie Club Championship show in 2012. I have
awarded CC’s at 7 championship shows in England including 3 club shows. I am very much looking
forward to Crufts in 2017 where I have been invited to judge Dogs. .
I currently hold the position of Chairman of the Midshires Bearded Collie Club, I was one of its founder
members and have served on its committee since it was formed in 1992.
Ulrica Olsson - Farmarens (Sweden)
43 years experience with Bearded collies, judging for the past 22 years. Born and raised among bearded
collies, since my mother was the one to introduce the breed in Sweden, with the prefix Farmarens. In
the breed since 1965 first litter born 1967. Active as breeder, groomer and handler from early
childhood. 141 home bred Bearded Collie champions and multi winners all over the world have come
from our breeding. Have previously judged in UK, Scandinavia and Europe. Judged Bearded Collies at the
World Show in Stockholm.
Kerstin Selle - Philemon Bearded Collies (Germany)
Together with my husband Andreas I breed Beardies under the kennel name
"Philemon" in Germany. Many years ago we fell in love with this wonderful Breed! I think that Beardies
understand and feel everything we say.
Our family has shared our life with Beardies since 1989 and in 1991our first litter was born. At the
beginning we weren’t so interested in shows, but that changed because we really enjoyed meeting
other Beardies and their owners. I won’t lie if I say, we started with a rather plain Beardie lady. For us,
she was very “special” and it wasn’t easy to understand the judges critics because they all described her
in different ways.
Through the years I have learned a lot about the Breed and made up my mind what is important for me
and my breeding plans. But as always it’s also luck, if your plan works out! We are very proud of
everything that we can look back on, many happy Beardies in happy families and of course the success
in the show ring in recent years.
We have bred 20 adult champions in different countries, but to breed two UK Champions and also
Matilda's fabulous win at Crufts and that she become TOP Beardie UK 2010 is more than we have ever
dreamed of.
For me it is a great pleasure to be a judge. I'm qualified to judge all 8 English Sheepdog breeds. From
every show I take impressions home of what is important for me and my breed. But I also hope that I
can give some of my experiences to other breeders and Beardie owners. I like a natural Bearded Collie
and do not like clipped coats. I look for movement in a Beardie that is effortless and easy.
It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be invited to judge Beardies in the US and look forward to
seeing your dogs. I am excited to be nominated and very much hope that I am elected to judge the 2014
NWBCC Regional Specialty.
BIOGRAPHIES – SWEEPSTAKES JUDGE NOMINEES
Rebecca Guthrie - Rallentando Bearded Collies (British Columbia, Canada)
Bearded Collies have always been a part of my life. I began showing our Bearded Collies at the age of 4
when we lived in England. Whilst growing up, I also handled a number of different breeds including,
Hungarian Viszlas, Dobermans, Miniature Pinschers, Cocker Spaniels and Bedlington Terriers. I
competed in obedience with my first dog a Miniature Pinscher at the age of 6. At the age of 8 I won a
national grooming competition in England. I also qualified on more than one occasion for the finals of
the National Junior Handling competition held in England in the years prior to my emigration to Canada,
with our Bearded Collies.
Once my family moved to Canada I took a more active role within the Rallentando breeding programme
with my father. I have now been breeding the Rallentando line with him for the last 20 years and we
have continued to breed only when we want to keep a puppy. I have been successful in breeding many
Champions, including: Best in Show, Group Winning and Specialty Best in Show Bearded Collies in both
USA and Canada. To further my knowledge of the breed, I have assisted my father at Breed
Presentations of the Bearded Collie which has been invaluable when I have been judging.
I always welcome the opportunity to judge and evaluate dogs and have judged several All Breed Sweeps
classes here in Canada, as well as Junior Handling classes. Furthermore, I was elected by the Bearded
Collie Club of Canada to judge the Puppy and Veteran Sweeps at their National Specialty when it was
held in Winnipeg in 2005. I have also been a member of the Northwest Bearded Collie Club of Puget
Sound for over 10 years.
Being a breeder of Bearded Collies and having the opportunity to evaluate fellow breeders’ stock is a
privilege. I am totally committed to the protection and development of our breed which is, and always
will be, close to my heart.
Ruth Colavecchio – Aellen Bearded Collies (California)
When asked if I would agree to be on the ballot for Sweeps judge for the 2015 NWBC Regional Specialty
I said yes. What qualifies me to accept this assignment is basically I am a “Veteran” of the breed and
have experienced all the ups and downs that come with the responsibility of protecting the integrity of
such a special breed of dogs. When I was given my first Beardie in the late 1970’s I had little idea of how
much my life was about to change. I was not a “dog” person but this lovely blue bitch Sterling
introduced me to the sport of showing dogs and the challenge of breeding true to the standard and it is
a challenge I continue to accept. The Aellen breeding program is now in its 8th generation and we enjoy
success in the show ring, in the herding venue and in the whelping box.
I held several positions in the Bearded Collie Club of the Golden West which put on four smashing
National Specialties, was the President of the BCCA for four terms and currently serve as the Secretary
of the Northern California Herding Group Association.
What I would bring to this judging assignment is a good eye for structure, movement and temperament,
a commitment to fairness and a love and respect for our breed which has lasted almost 40 years.
I thank-you for considering me for this assignment.
Jackie Armstrong - Bergerie Bearded Collies (Illinois)
I have been involved with Bearded Collies for over 30 years. My first was an old style Beardie from
Scotland, Kimrand the Blacksmith, whom I showed in conformation and competed with in Agility. He
was a wonderful lad, with an old style coat. I also owned a Potterdale Philosopher daughter, whom also
got me hooked on Beardies. I took a bit of a break to have children, and once we moved to Switzerland,
started showing again. I showed in the UK, Switzerland, and Australia before moving to the US. I have
had a number of champions and kept to just showing early on. One of my favorites was Rio De Coeur de
Chester. He was a classic Beardie and a very special boy. It was after owning Oscar, that I started
breeding my own. What I love in a Beardie is stunning movement. A male should be masculine, with a
nice head, and a female should be feminine. I’ve had a number of champions, have had some wonderful
successes in the show ring and have bred 6 litters, mainly for my own program. It would be a pleasure
to judge Sweepstakes at the NW Regional in 2015.
Trina Neil – Motikru Bearded Collies (Saskatchewan,Canada)
I have been involved in purebred dogs my whole life and I laughingly say I was bred into the business.
My parents were heavily involved in Bearded Collies and I was showing in the Juniors ring almost as
soon as I could walk. I have had a passion for the Bearded Collie breed for many years.
My first Beardie was born in 1988. While I now breed under the Motlikru prefix, I also bred with my
mother whose kennel name is Buaidh. Together we have bred numerous BIS and BISS winners. I am
happy that most of our dogs have titles on the other end of their names as well. We bred the first GCH &
GCHX Beardie in Canada as well as GCHX littermates (both were BIS winners).
I have been showing dogs professionally for the last 28 years. I have piloted dogs to the top in their
breed and group standings and have won numerous Best in Show awards. I would bring my experience
in the show ring and as a breeder to this judging assignment. When it comes to judging, I feel structure
is of the utmost importance with temperament right behind.
Thank you for this opportunity to be considered for the Sweepstakes judge for your Specialty.
Jill Floberg – Tanacort Bearded Collies (Colorado)
My years with Beardies began in 1984 when I first saw a picture of a beardie. I knew that was the dog
for me and no further information was needed. I saw and I knew.
In 1987 I attended the shows in Albuquerque, NM and met Doni Lazar. On May 25th my journey began
when Theo came into our lives. Of course we weren't prepared but fell in love anyway. Now in 2014, I
have had 7 beardies who have been loved by us and lived in our home.
While this is small compared to so many, my qualifications hopefully speak for themselves. I have been a
member of the BCCA in good standing since 1988. I have been a member of the RMBCC continuously
since 1999 and held many offices, the highest being president. In 2010 I was co-chair of the BCCA
specialty. Of the 7 dogs that I have owned I have finished championships on 5 of them. One is in training
at this time and one was a pet. I have finished 2 others that I co-owned but that did not live with me. My
breeding program has been very limited, but I have owned or co-owned 5 litters.
In 2012 I was privileged to be the sweepstakes judge at the NCBCF. My criteria when I judge is, 1.
movement, 2. temperament, 3. structure, and 4. coat. I believe if movement is correct than the
structure will also be. That is why I rank temperament #2 because without that wonderful happy, clownlike behavior we don't have the essence of our breed.
Meg Naylor - Gemineye Bearded Collies (Colorado)
After purchasing my first Bearded Collie in 1988, I became a member of the Bearded Collie Club of
America and our regional club, Rocky Mountain Bearded Collie Connection (RMBCC). Although my first
Beardie was purchased as a “pet”, I soon caught the dog-show bug and began showing him in
conformation. Over the years, and always owner-handled, I’ve shown 7 Beardies to their
championships. Breeding under the kennel name, Gemineye, I’ve bred 4 litters, always keeping my
pick.
I have attended the BCCA National Specialty as both an observer and exhibitor, and I will be attending
my 20th Specialty this year. Following the change and improvement in the breed in the US over the
years has been enjoyable and educational. As a promoter of the breed, for the last 26 years I’ve been an
active member and have held most RMBCC positions, including the Presidency.
As well as Conformation, I have participated in and titled my dogs in Agility, Herding, and Rally.
I currently live with 4 Beardies in my household.
Most recently, I judged the Rocky Mountain Bearded Collie Connection’s Supported Entry Sweepstakes
Show.
Sandy Remell – Tyso Bearded Collies (California)
I have had beardies since 1987, and have been very fortunate to have had Winners Dog at the 1989
National Specialty, a beardie that had won multiple Regional Specialty Best of Breed and a beardie with
multiple breed and herding group wins and placements. At the present I have 2 beardies at home.
I have also been fortunate to judge at two fun matches; one was herding breeds and one a Beardie
match.
I have also judged at two Regional Sweeps, one in California and 4 yrs ago in Washington. I have been a
member of the BCCA and the BCCGW. I have also been a Co-chair of 3 National Specialties: San
Francisco, Santa Rosa and Monterey all three very successful events.
I was also President of the BCCA for 2 years, 2003-2005, which was a very educational and enjoyable
tenure.