Straddling the small River Eden and surrounded by gentle hills there is CUPAR , the capital of Fife, Scotland and the hometown of Doris Scott, owner of the well respected ‘Degallo’ kennel.

Doris, who has been running the kennel with her late husband Hugh for over 45 years, is nowadays assisted by her great-granddaughter Leanda Loosemore. In fact ‘assisted’ is an understatement, where Leanda worked herself up in the dog world, her sister and brother show few interest in these things. Leanda chose to translate her love and interest in dogs into ambitious action. At the age of only 15 years she is an experienced handler, a breeder and a judge!

About the ideal sheltie. Leanda: “To me good structure is very important. Dogs should move soundly at both a fast and a slow pace. A refined head is also characteristic. Well-set, correct tipping ears, well placed dark almond shaped eyes and a strong underjaw are a must, and contribute to the sweet sheltie expression. Just as good bone and a fine, long neck also contributes to the ideal. Of course all these breed specific points should be in balance.”

Leanda started her ‘career’ as a handler. She became interested in showing properly at the age of 5 years and began to show in junior handling classes at the Scottish Shetland Sheepdog Club, where she became ‘Best Handler’ about ten times. When Leanda was 10 years old she was given a bitch puppy to show. As this bitch, Degallo Blonde Babe, who is now owned by Leanda, was winning more, Leanda began showing more. When Blondie became ill and was unable to be shown, Doris let her have the young dog Degallo The Hustler. He got his 3rd CC and BIS at the Sheltie Club of North Wales and thus gained his champions title.

Later on Blondie also finished her champions title and this time too her handler was …. Leanda. They then went on to gain her Show Certificate of Merit too! At Crufts 2000 Leanda entered the ring with Blondie, who got 1st in her class, and then in 2003 with Degallo The Legend JW again winning the class.

Degallo Look at me is her new hopeful and at 14months old has 1CC and 2RCC whilst being handled by Leanda. So far she has done more winning than any other Degallo at this age, with many Best Puppy awards.

As if this isn’t enough yet, Leanda also started judging. Only fifteen years old she judged her first Open Show. Rough collies, border collies, bearded collies and shelties entered the ring to have themselves judged by U.K.’s youngest judge. Leanda did a great job. The owners of the dogs and the other exhibitors as well as club officials were very satisfied. Leanda really loved her performance in the ring: “I’ve really been sold”. I asked her whether she is going to beat Debbie Pearson in qualifying age as it comes to championship shows. Leanda laughs: “Well, I don’t know. I am not aiming at it at all. It just felt wonderful and I really enjoyed it. My goal is to judge all breeds in the pastoral group. After that we’ll see.”