Protected by the ‘Rough Collie Breed Council’ for its contribution to Rough Collie survival over a difficult period Mariemeau has, with Kennel Club approval, recently reverted to descendants of the original owner on the understanding that they will not attach it to future Rough Collies.

Set deep in the Dorset countryside,
Mrs James’ palatial kennel of Collies leapt
to prominence during the early 1930s,
and although keeping all three colours it
is for sable and white dogs that
Mariemeau will always be remembered.
The purchase of the Challenge Certificate
winning Laund Lindrum, on whom all
future Mariemeau Collies were based,
and his son Knight of Monaster marking
the turning point in Mariemeau’s fortunes.

Never an extensive kennel Mariemeau
was able to maintain a breeding programme
throughout the war years and at its close provided a number of kennels with foundation stock. Perhaps the most memorable of these being Ch Gunner of Mariemeau, by the unshown Thane of Mariemeau and the last bred by Mrs James to gain his title, who, having joined Mr McPherson’s ‘Glenturret’ kennel in Scotland, left an enduring legacy in sable and white grand-sons Champions Danvis Damascus and Jefsfire Strollaway.

Crystal of Mariemeau

sable and white Thane of Mariemeau daughter
and the last Mariemeau Challenge Certificate winning Collie

Ch Mariemeau Fantail

Ch Laund Lindrum son and the first Mariemeau bred Champion winning his title with three Challenge Certificates
gained between October 1933 and April 1935

Ch Gunner of Mariemeau

piloted to his tile by Mr McPherson ‘Glenturret’
Gunner became an influential sire in his adoptive Scotland and the North Eastern region of England