Morlich History

While we were searching for a kennel affix, in 2005, an opportunity to make the dreamed trip to Crufts showed up. And it was even better to find out that during our stay in the UK, there would be a bearded collie open show in Alva, a small village in the surroundings of Stirling. To our nice surprise, Denise Barley (Runival beardies in Scotland) who we knew only "virtually" from the internet lists of bearded collies invited us over.

Leaving Alva, Denise drove us to her place in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. Besides the good memories of nice chats and her wonderful album of beardie pictures filled with pure history of the breed, Denise also took us to a tour through the region, to truly beautiful and special places. One of these very special places was Loch Morlich, at the feet of the Cairngorm mountains. A beautiful and magic scenery, where we took many pictures and enjoyed a delightful winter morning.

Denise and Hannah, with Loch Morlich at the back

The name Morlich touched us. Besides sounding very nice, it would bring the good memories of the Highlands and our visit to Denise.

When we returned to Brazil we started searching for the meaning and origin of the name, but without success. And again comes Denise to help us. According to her research, Morlich would have come from the gaelic MOR LEACAINN, meaning big hillside. Thus, our dear Loch Morlich would be the lake (LOCH) of the big hillside.

Hannah and us, and Loch Morlich seen from another angle

Yes, Morlich was perfect. It would take us back to those nice mentioned memories and also to the mountains, a place that is loved by our hairies. Whoever has ever been walking with a beardie in the mountains knows well the great pleasure and agility they demonstrate there.

We were only waiting for the approval of FCI and it came on June 21st, 2005. This way the Morlich affix was born. To us a great happiness and a super thank you to Denise.