Red Robbie of
Dalemain
|
John’s first Border Collie was
called Red Robbie of Dalemain. Dalemain is a
house in the Lake District owned by Mrs McCosh, friends of John’s family who breed
Fell Ponies. John’s Father had two ponies
bred by Mrs McCosh; Dalemain Beauty and Dalemain Good King Henry who is Beauty’s son. Because of the families connections Robbie was named after
Dalemain House. Mrs McCosh particularly asked
John not to register the Dalemain affix with the Kennel Club in case she ever wanted to
breed her own dogs
John set about thinking up his own affix. Tarn is a small lake in the Lake District. Force is a waterfall in the Lake District. Hence Tarnforce was formed. |
John originally bought Robbie
for obedience and agility. Robbie’s
exuberance made these difficult disciplines to succeed in, hence the change to working
trials. This discipline better suited
Robbie’s character.
John has continued in working
trials with all of his dogs. He is doing less
agility now but has started doing more obedience. |
