Show Placings
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
B&T. 6 month old quality puppy with typical head and expression. Nice neck into shoulder and well angulated hindquarters, lovely bone, legs and small neat feet. In good thick jacket. Moved well.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Glebeheath Ophelia
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
A 7 month old blue and tan bitch with a strong head and pleasing expression. She has a lovely narrow front and clean neck and shoulders. She has a good length of body and level topline. She stood on neat feet and has a harsh thick jacket and thick pelt with ticking coming through. She is well balanced and moved out soundly with ring presence! BPIB.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
RBCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan, super young lady who put me under her spell, at such a young age she screams border terrier, I cant read the future but i predict very good times ahead for her and her sibling's. A head to die for, neat ears, dark eyes, correct bite with strong teeth, punishing under jaw, gun barrel front, neat feet, body needs to develop obviously at this age, moved so well, I have given CCs since 1990 this is the youngest, dog/bitch I have ever given a rcc to but i have to judge it as I seen it on the day
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Litter sister to the puppy dog, true to type and soundly made, going to have some fun with this litter, lovely feminine head and expression, good reach of neck and lay of shoulders, racy body, with good angulations, nice harsh jacket, moved true both ways.
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Very nicely proportioned, super feminine head and expression with balanced proportions and well placed ears, an easy span, just right for bone without losing any substance, pleasing in size. Correct topline, underline and tailset and nicely angulated hindquarters and well let down hocks, such a sound mover, really covering the ground with good reach and drive, just preferred the depth of jacket of 1.
Class Critique
A really nice class
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
She caught my eye as she entered the ring. Nice type, well balanced. Lovely angulation & bend of stifle. Nice length of neck. Correct bite & set on of lovely carroty tail. Good pelt. Movement needs to tighten up but ok.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of The Southern Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging their Open Show. I first signed the contract for the show in 2017, but due to Covid and the Lockdown I have only just fulfilled my judging appointment. Whist remembering those who are no longer with us due to the Covid Pandemic. I was happy with my entry and would like to also thank the exhibitors for entering under me and thank them all for taking my decisions, some of which were difficult, in a sportsmanlike way. I found most exhibits to be in good order, but I was quite worried that I found some younger exhibits with a build-up of scale on their teeth. This should be addressed as soon as possible. I was also delighted with a young exhibitor, attending her first show, on a whole handling her young dog so well whilst full of nerves and inexperience. We need to encourage these youngsters as they are the custodians of our breed
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Another blue and tan bitch of nice type. Lovely otter head with dark eyes. Correct scissor bite with large teeth. Good reach of neck with a lovely lay of shoulder. Good top line and tail set. Narrow throughout and spanned with ease. Moved well. Pleased to award her Best Puppy Bitch and later Best Puppy in Show.
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Lovely blue & tan, strong muzzle & under jaw & broad skull, nice reach of neck set on good shoulders, lovely front with nice length of bone, ribs carried well back, moved true away & back.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for a lovely entry and also to the Scottish BTC for this opportunity. Special thanks go to my two stewards for the day who kept everything running smoothly and for their good company. Although the lighting in the hall isn’t the best, it was adequate and the large square ring was perfect for watching movement, something I feel is very important in a border terrier. On that note I found my main winners to excel in this department. I was pleased to judge some strong puppy classes and also some strong adult classes
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Blue and tan quality pup, stunning head with strong muzzle, keen dark eye and good ear set. Narrow, straight front with tight feet. Another one that excels in topline and tailset. Thick double coat with loose pelt. Moved and showed well. Easily spanned. I’m predicting bigger things ahead. BPIS
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
11 month old Blue and Tan bitch who is moderate, elegant and appealed for her overall balance. Typical otter head with a strong jaw housing big teeth and correct bite. Moderate in neck which flowed into a good lay of shoulder straight front and small tight feet. Ribbed back into a strong loin she was narrow throughout and easily spanned. Held her topline both on the move and when stacked which was finished off with a lovely short carrot like tail. She moved out with purpose around the ring securing Best Bitch, Reserve Best In Show and Best Puppy In Show
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
25th Nov 2023
Judge: Knut Sigurd Wilberg
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, Glebeheath Ophelia
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Beautiful youngster of excellent type. Very nice head and outline. Correct angulated both ends and well developed in body for age. Stands and moves very well and I can see her going a long way BP and RBOB. It was exciting to see Ophelia ending up BISP
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, TPG1, Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
RBCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Very eye catching, well balanced in head, correct length of neck, well bodied, spans easily, thick skin, good tail set and carriage, moved well round the ring R.C.C
Oakengates & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Andrew Westwood (Nethertonion)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch who moved and showed well, strong head and muzzle, dark eye, good bone, legs and feet, in full coat, moved and showed well
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Blue and tan youngster – another with a super head and feminine expression. Best of feet, great textured jacket, tight pelt, spannable and all in proportion. Moved out with confidence. Three Juniors whose progress I’ll watch with interest.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Nicely sized blue bitch pleasing in outline shown in good harsh coat. She has a straight front, good angulaton behind and stands on tight small feet. A good top line is complemented by a well set on short thick tail.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, smart looking bitch. Good head with keen dark eye and well set ears. Excellent for bone, standing on small well padded feet. Ribbed well back and easily spanned. She has an excellent topline and tailset. Good racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in a good topcoat. Handled and presented beautifully, just not quite as free moving as 1 today
Class Critique
Although not a numerically strong class, all four could change places another day.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Ophelia
