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FOUNDATION .... continuing

Derek's first champion was made up in 1972, which was Champion Lythwood Brandy Snap. His breeding was Jefshire Allanvail Gold Spark out of Lythwood Bonnie. This dog was the foundation of the Lythwood Stud, as he was the first inline of the record in England of breeding seven generations of male champions. The previous record was three.
Derek: "Exhibitors in the early days looked up to people like the Rogers and the Herberts who had proved themselves to be the most influential breeders of the day and you were told it was the policy to gain four tickets and then retire them from the ring, except for special occasions like Crufts and Club championship shows (we have nine Sheltie Clubs in the UK)." The Rigby's were very lucky, as they have two independent male lines; the one started with Brandy Snap and the other is Skymaster.		Ch Lythwood Brandy Snap
Ch Lythwood Skymaster	Skymaster has proved to be one of the most influential male dogs in the breed today and has sired more champions (twelve champions) together with Ch Jefshire Freelancer holding the record in England. Skymaster is the sire or grandsire or will be found, in all the top stud dogs (Dog World Top Sires) since his death.

LYTHWOOD AT PRESENT
Phyllis and Derek usually have about fifteen Shelties, including many of the old champions. They only breed one or two litters a year, although they have champion bitches that have never had a litter. Derek's other interests are Shetland ponies carrying the prefix of Lythwood.
			Derek: "At one time, I had as many as sixty-five. Size is also critical, as they have to be less than thirty-four inches. This is measured at the show, to make sure that they are not over size. I also breed miniature parrots, called Celestial Parrotlets. I have had to cut down on the Shetland ponies and now only have one left that stables with my daughter’s ex-racehorse."
Phyllis and Derek have been fortunate enough to have bred thirty British champions carry the Lythwood prefix. Their latest champions are Ch Lythwood Slipper Orchid, Ch Lythwood Terriewood Stormy Nite and Ch Lythwood Sacha. At the moment, they are showing Lythwood Scarlett Ribbon, the mother of Ch Lythwood Slipper Orchid and Ch Lythwood Sacha, who has four Reserve CC’s.
Lythwood Scarlett Ribbon	Ch Lythwood Slipper Orchid
Derek: "The things I consider are of the utmost importance in our Stock, is to have the animals as near as the ideal size as possible, with a good outline, with the right amount of bone, well-shaped eye and neat ears.
I avoid at all times introducing into my stock the heavy-headed and heavy-boned dogs that are being introduced to many countries from abroad. As I consider the shape and size of a Sheltie should be able to twist and turn, with the correct amount of length of back, neck and tail and being able to run and move for many hours. I feel this could not be obtained from a dog that is too heavy in bone and carrying far too much weight. As our Standard says without fear of coarseness or cloddyness (I try to breed racehorses not carthorses). I like a bitch to be feminine and a dog to be masculine.
Ch Lythwood Sixsmith		The problem is today in this country and many I have visited dogs are becoming far too big i.e. over fifteen and a half inches, and strong deep-through heads and broad skulls; and this type is becoming a champion. There is no doubt about it, that Shelties have changed over the years, temperament on the whole is much better, but I think we are losing the true Sheltie expression due to large eyes and wide-placed ears, broad skulls and the deep-through heads. As Judges keep putting up this type, people will breed and show them."