The sub-group, set up to manage the breeding structure and its future, has met on several occasions and much thought has been given to both the immediate and long-term policy.

The panel chairman, Ian Davies, has recently reported his concern as to the use of so few stud dogs over recent years.

The worry is that four dogs have been responsible for a very high percentage of the puppies born. This of course signals a possible problem with inbreeding and the panel recommends that owners of breeding bitches should contact their nearest Breeding Panel member for advice on the choice of stud dogs. A list of these dogs will be sent to members as soon as it is available.

The breeding panel has asked that members should be reminded that no puppies can be registered as pedigree Welsh Sheepdogs unless both parents have been inspected and licensed for breeding. Again, the members of the panel will be able to help with queries

In order to help reduce travelling and time, the panel has decided that all future inspections will take place on farms which are convenient to the various breeders and dog owners.

The first of these will be held by the North Wales Branch at Llechwedd Hafod, Penmachno, on Saturday, 6 November 2004, from 10.00 am onwards. Dafydd Gwyndaf is the contact on 01690 760 241.

Three demonstration days have been held this year and all were well organised and equally well attended by practical farmers as well as potential buyers and handlers.

The first, at Dolhaidd, Trawsfynydd, by kind permission of Dafydd and Alun Jones and Family, was again an excellent day with handlers travelling considerable distances. Dafydd Gwyndaf and his fellow branch members worked hard and a great day was enjoyed by all.

Sunnyhill, Tregaron, organised by Gwyn Davies and Mair Hughes was yet again a major success with considerable numbers of farmers present. Dogs from South Wales as well as local animals were assessed by the panel. Once again we are grateful to Maldwyn Jones for the use of his land and sheep.

Our first venture over the border took place at Wilden, St Michael's, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, where Tim Jones and Adeline Shackles put on a super afternoon amongst some lovely scenery. There was some real interest amongst local farmers and several members who use their Welsh Sheepdogs for agility and obedience tests were some very interested spectators.

As all members will know, the inaugural award, presented by Steve Lloyd of Painscastle, in memory of one of the original stars of the breed, was awarded to eleven year old Dewi Jenkins of Talybont, Aberystwyth with his dog Sam.

The 2004 award will be judged by Dafydd Gwyndaf and the winner will be presented at the Winter Fair in Builth at the end of November.

We have always relied on our annual raffle as our main fund-raiser and this year we have returned to a Welsh Sheepdog puppy or £200 as our main prize. The draw will take place at the Winter Fair and we urge you to help the Society by selling the ten books enclosed with the Bugeilgi.

We have printed 1000 Christmas cards and 500 plain cards, both with a picture of a litter of Welsh puppies.

The value to the Society will mean over £500 profit if we can sell them all so please let us know your orders by telephoning Veronica Morgan on 01686 440 650 or any committee members.

Many of us have already sold our share and it is important both for publicity and our funds that we have a clearance in our first year.

registered well over 900 puppies and the feedback is very encouraging indeed.

We continue to obtain some good publicity but the best kind of publicity is often the one-to-one conversation amongst farmers. Please continue to promote our breed. We can quite justifiably claim that the Welsh Sheepdog is now established as a high-quality working animal.

Your publicity panel under John Davies, Cefn Coch, is anxious to hear of any success stories.

May we politely remind you that 2005 subscriptions will be due shortly. There are a few members who still owe their 2004 subscriptions. We would be most grateful if subscriptions could be forwarded to the Membership Secretary, at Penybanc, Painscastle, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3JW.