The Rainshade Story

For a quarter of a century, Rainshade Collies have epitomized the finest characteristics for which the Collie breed is known and loved. Recognized worldwide for their exquisite beauty and that special "Rainshade look," Rainshade Collies are endowed with intelligence, sweet dispositions, excellent health, and genetic soundness. Rainshade Collies have been exported to loving show homes in more than a dozen countries on four continents, where they and their offspring have received championship and obedience titles and recognition for community service. They are found in homes in almost every state in the United States and have appeared on several television programs, graced the pages of books and magazines, and served as commercial advertising models.

International Champion Ringleader Blue of Rainshade

Rainshade Collies began in 1977, when veterinarian Sharon Vanderlip purchased two rough Collies. One was a beautiful tricolor dog of famed Ladypark and Rokeby champion lineages, the other was a blue-merle female descendent of Champion Mywicks Satine of Simba Star, Champion Mywicks Meadow Lancer, and Champion Carramar Boy Blue. These two Collies produced International Champion Ringleader Blue of Rainshade and Rainshade Collies was off to a wonderful beginning!

Ringleader was exported to Switzerland at four months of age as a show prospect in 1980. He defeated the top Collies of his time and quickly obtained his Swiss, Italian, Monacan, and International Championship titles. He is full brother to Rainshade Blue Raindance, who also enjoyed a successful show career in Switzerland, and Rainshade Alice Blue Gown. Alice was retained at Rainshade Collies for breeding purposes and many of today's Rainshade Collies trace back seven or eight generations to Alice.

Rainshade Collies in the early 1980s

Some early Rainshade successes include Rainshade Sans Souci ("Camille"), daughter of Rainshade Alice Blue Gown. Camille was exported to Australia where she produced Australian Champion Vedamea Grand Master, C.D.X. and many champion descendents.

In addition, Rainshade Alice Blue Gown produced Rainshade Noblesse Oblige ("Sampson"). Sampson was also exported to Australia and sired two Australian champions: Champion Vedamea Rags to Riches and Champion Vedamea Melody to Record, C.D.X, and several champion descendents.

Rainshade has produced Champions overseas and in Canada, with many pointed youngsters on their way to their titles.

Rainshade Collies Today

Rainshade Collies today are of American Collie lineage, all primarily from Lick Creek descent, through Rainshade Razzmatazz and Rainshade's Kingsmark Out of the Blue. There remains a very light touch of Dr. Vanderlip's original European imports, several (8, 9, and 10) generations back, through Rainshade Alice Blue Gown and Rainshade Renaissance.

Continued success

Throughout the years, Rainshade Collies has produced many beautiful Collies that have been successful in the show ring, obedience ring, agility and herding competitions, and as service dogs.

More important, Rainshade Collies are recognized worldwide for placing a strong emphasis on health, temperament, and genetic soundness. This is surely one reason why most people that have a Rainshade Collie come back for another one! And that's the true measure of success!