Show Placings
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge this show. It was a great privilege to be asked and I would like to thank my two ring stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright for keeping everything moving smoothly for me throughout the day.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
This 6 month old blue and tan bitch caught my eye as soon as I saw her. She has a lovely head with a sweet expression. She has a super front with the tightest cat like feet on thick pads. She has a good reach of neck flowing into a lovely level topline with a short thick carroty tail to finish off. She has a good length of body and has plenty of pelt and a super dense double jacket. She took everything in her stride and moved confidently round the ring. She moved well. BPIS
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Quality b & t pup. So typey. Just right for size. Pleasing feminine head, varminty expression. Straight front. Narrow throughout. Small feet, thick pads. Moved well. BPIS. Lovely class of pups.
Class Critique
What a lovely class of pups.
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
15th Jan 2017
Judge: Ms J. Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and for their kind hospitality. Thank you also to my ring steward, Mark Lowry, who kept things running smoothly - I very much enjoyed my day.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for the privilege of going over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and I found no kinked tails.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
8½ month old b/t bitch pup. Lovely feminine head with good ear set. Excellent dentition. Straight front and lovely neat feet. Level top line with tail well set on. Good angulation front and rear – good length of body. Good pelt. Moved soundly round the ring. Happy to award her RBOB & BPIB and pleased to see her go TPG1.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
8 month old b/t. Pleasing head with good strength of muzzle. Straight front with neat feet. Super short thick carrot tail well set on. Couldn't match the movement of 1 today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs. A. Heathcote (Saxheath)
My thanks to the Committee for asking me to judge this show , my Stewards Callie and Ian for their invaluable assistance and all the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs . I had some quality dogs to go over with some close decisions in some classes , however , I found front movement in particular was rather disappointing in the lower classes .That aside I thoroughly enjoyed my day .
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Another well made bitch with a strong but feminine head .She had very similar good points to the winner and it was a close decision . On the day 1 had a better jacket .
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
10m old Blue and tan bitch. Sweet feminine head with a keen dark eye. Excellent reach of neck flowing into well laid back shoulders. Narrow ribs. Well of for bone. Excellent topline with short carrot tail well set on. Well angulated rear giving drive around the ring. Moved with purpose from all angles, covered the ground with ease. Very promising puppy
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2017
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Firstly I would like to thank the club and its committee members for inviting me to judge their show, it was an honour and privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my two lovely stewards, Liz Barrett and Anna Duxbury, for their help and assistance and for keeping the show running smoothly. Lastly I would like to thank all the exhibitors for entering and bringing their lovely dogs for me to judge. I have done the majority of my judging, so far, in the south west and wales so it was a real pleasure to go over some dogs that I have not had the pleasure of judging, Northern dogs are a lot hardier than our southerners!!
I had some quality dogs to go over which gave me some tough decisions to make and wish I could have given out more cards. I found all dogs to be entire and no bad mouths, apart from the odd missing tooth in the Veteran class!
I really did have a fabulous day and just want to apologise for not getting this critique out sooner.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
10 month old blue and tan. Strong but feminine head with a super expression. Straight, narrow, front with a good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. Lovely level topline into a correct tail set and correct shaped tail. Good length of rib and nice bend of stifle. Moved well, with purpose and drive, around the ring. Shown in super coat and condition. A very promising pup, I liked her a lot so was very happy to award her BPB and BPIS.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
BP b/t lively and beautifully proportioned, handles well presenting classy outline from nose to tail, good head pattern and appealing expression, stands herself a little wide in front but inspection confirms correct, straight bone and satisfactory elbow placement, in lovely fit condition, good angulation all through with stifle and hock providing good stance and rear drive
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Very mature for age, real otter type head, good length of neck running smoothly into topline, good blue and tan jacket and pelt, tail well set on and of the right shape and length, moved well.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
(B/tan) keen expression with dark eye neat ears. Good neck into sound shoulders, good ribs and loin, nice topline and tail set on well, moved well both ways. Just pipped by her litter sister for BPB.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Have loved this bitch from when I first saw her being shown. She might look heavy from the ringside, but when you span her, the bit that cannot be spanned is ALL PELT, which would slip away from her when she needed to negotiate anywhere underground and be a great asset in any situation. Super double jacket of the best. She has a fantastic otter head with the correct 1/3rds to 2/3rds ratio. Lovely dark eye with keen expression. Lovely straight front too. Maybe just a little too well off for bone. Good bend of stifle and lovely tail, well set on.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Blue and tan nice head, scissor bite, loose pelt coat just coming through, good topline, moved ok
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
B/t bitch in excellent coat condition. Good head, mouth and eye. Held her topline on the move. Nice front and super tight feet which were few and far between today!
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Smartly presented blue and tan. Lovely in head, moderate neck, well placed shoulders. Excellent coat and pelt. In fit condition and sound movement holding level topline.
Driffield Championship Show
30th Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Apologies to my exhibitors , my technology has failed to send this when first done.
Trying conditions for the society due to heavy rain meant that parking was a long way from the rings unlike the behind the tent easy access we are used to. The ground underfoot was very trying, but thankfully our ring was only churned up in a couple of places. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my day and appreciated the tenacity of the exhibitors for coming and their sporting acceptance of my decisions. Only one o two fine showers marred the day.
A diversity of size and construction came forward, and I was struck by how many took a rather short stride going round the ring. Some paid the price on the day for lack of coat, but mainly for being big in rib and heavy when picked up.
I was very pleased with my line ups and thought them a good representation of what I consider "essentially working terriers" being lithe in body with narrowness, free moving soundness and good type to fulfil the criterion of the standard.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Attractive bl/t and handy size with typical head, nice narrow straight front, clean medium boned legs and good feet. easily spanned well ribbed up body, good width over quarters moved very soundly keeping her topline.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan bitch with a strong head and muzzle, pleasure to find good rib under super harsh double jacket, narrow through and most carrot like tail well placed, pushed winner very hard.
Class Critique
The girls matched the dogs in another great class of youngsters which gave me a real challenge to ‘split hairs’ to place the top 3.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
See 2nd in Junior
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (nee Marwood) (Annesuz)
It was an absolute honour and pleasure to judge the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in Low Hesket and I would like to thank a very hardworking committee for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the exhibitors and spectators for their warm welcome and genuine applause at my placings. There was a good atmosphere throughout the day and good to see so many still ringside to see the top honours at the end.
I was greeted with an excellent entry of 104 dogs making 122 entries and from these I was able to select some top specimens truly representative of our breed. I am not going to wax lyrical about the breed in general but suffice to say in my humble opinion a watch needs to be kept on heads, movement and coats/pelt.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my Best Dog is the grandsire of my Reserve Best Dog and my Best Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch share the same sire as each other.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
This one was 3rd in a strong Junior class. She moved a lot better in this class to go higher up the order. Nice size, great coat and front.
Wigan & District Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2017
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
Many thanks to the society to judge here, I last judged her a few years ago and received the same warm welcome. Special thanks to the exhibitors for entering under me and sporting grace shown on my decisions. The show did clash with a local group open show, but it was still a pleasing entry and good depth of quality to be found.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Blue and tan built on lovely racy lines comes to hand so well, looked a picture in profile, excellent in upper arm and shoulders demonstrated in her superb front extension on the move. Lovely head in correct proportions with powerful strong muzzle Super harsh coat with ample pelt to compliment it, tight feet on thick pads, shown in hard fit condition, good muscular hindquarters, I found her unexaggerated and balanced throughout and just what I was looking for in an earth dog and ticked all the boxes for a dog fit for function. BOB
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the warm welcome and hospitality shown on the day. Special thanks go to the Show Secretary Kathy Wilkinson, my two efficient stewards Liz Barrett and Judy Carr, and Carol Mackenzie for a lovely lunch. Most of all I would like to say a very big thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry, and for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. The depth of quality in some classes, particularly the bitches, meant that I truly wished for more top places to give out. However, I was very pleased with my main winners, who all looked as though they could manage a day’s work. Most exhibits were in hard, fit condition and well turned out. All dogs were entire, I found just a couple of kinked tails, and, understandably, there were a few missing/misplaced teeth in the veteran class. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, and this had to affect a few places as it is not only a necessity on a working terrier, but completes the picture. I was pleased to have some very promising puppies, and at the other end of the scale a wonderful class of veterans.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
18th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
This was not my judging appointment but due to adverse weather conditions on the day meant Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm) was unable to make the show I was happy to stand in.
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Nice sized blue and tan bitch with lovely head and expression lots to like just preferred the narrowness on one.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Another attractive youngster from this kennel. B/t in great jacket and pelt. She was balanced and easy to span. Driving, not reaching, on the move, she was confident and alert. Good expressive face and correct scissor bite. Good topline and tail carriage.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
RBCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
a very pleasing youngster which I thought excelled in head and expression and was excellent in neck, topline and tailset. Excellent shape of tail. Good overall proportions and balance and correct for size. Good feet. Moved out well in front and behind and showed with enthusiasm. Went on to win RBCC.
Class Critique
Some good movers here.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would firstly like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and for their lovely hospitality – lunch was very tasty. Thank you also to the committee for their lovely gift. My two stewards, Graham Richardson and Geoff Sugars, kept things moving along nicely – well done. This was my first breed club show and I was absolutely delighted with the excellent entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs. As expected coats were at various stages but on the whole were good; only a couple of exhibits on the day had no coat at all. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two missing or broken teeth, especially in the veteran class and one or two untidy mouths. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some really good quality dogs to judge.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
another lovely B/T just short of 2 years old which I judged as a puppy. Slightly more bone than 1, but she spans well. Feminine head with good ear set. Standing on neat feet she moved well fore and aft, keeping a good top line extending into a lovely carrot tail well set on. Well presented coat and good pelt. RBB
Class Critique
Two lovely B/T bitches headed this class both well handled by their owners and both shown in fit condition – it was a close decision.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
RBCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
nearly 2 years old, very well presented blue & tan in good coat. Feminine head and expression, good neck and shoulder flowing into a pleasing topline and tail set. Straight front with good bone and neat feet, well ribbed with a good turn of stifle, moved well with reach and drive. Nice size and well balanced proportions. I was pleased to award her the RCC
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
a b & t who had a slightly fuller coat but still of a good texture. Excellent head and expression, with a good reach of neck, narrow in front, well ribbed back with a firm topline and correct tailset. Correct size and good for bone she moved and showed with an abundance of vigour.
North West Canine Association Open Show
7th May 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Brannan (Brankell)
Thank you to the officers and committee for their invitation to judge this show, thanks to the 2 stewards for their work and also a big thank you to the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Nearly 2 yr old b/t bitch, excelled in head with shallow stop and strong jaw. She is of a good size and weight, her neck flows well into her good lay back of shoulder, good in topline/underline, strong loin and tail straight off her back. Good angulation both ends, she flowed around the ring with free movement and drive from the rear. Her coat was harsh with thick pelt, well presented.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Fabulous ticking on a lovely harsh coat. Good pelt. Great size. Good reach of neck. Neat feet. Nice layback of ribs. Good bite. Lost out to first place as the topline drops away over the croup.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
RBCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
B/T another super bitch, lovely head and ears, good bone, narrow front nice feet, correct top line and tail, in harsh jacket good pelt, moved with drive from good backend RCC
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Stylish blue and tan with a most attractive balanced outline. Good head and expression with excellent strong scissor bite .She has a lovely reach of neck into correct shoulders, her ribs are carried well back with a good length of back. Strong topline and tailset. Presented in full thick harsh coat. A good mover, she was expertly handled and looked a picture free stood to win this class.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Ex type and size. Gem head, dark eyes. Ex confirmation and pelt. Good mover
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Full of character, Lovely B/Tan. Sufficient bone. Preferred expression of 1. Lovely topline, neat tail and well made. Handled well.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
A lovely type, easily spanned, in good coat, she is ready for a day's work
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
This bitch certainly stood out in this class, a quite mature blue. She has nice shaped dark eyes, clean white big teeth with a strong muzzle, she has a wonderful harsh jacket with a thick pelt. Decent hind angulation which she put to good use to cover the ground effortless.
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan of a handy size all in proportion a lovely outline. Good strength of head dark eye big teeth and correct bite. Nice neck into good shoulders, ribs easily spanned. Jacket is harsh and dense and of good texture covering a thick loose pelt. Short carroty tale correctly placed, moved well and presented in good condition.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Blu&T, 28 months, Excellent front, narrow with good reach of neck, nothing exaggerated here in any department, liked her head and expression, such an easy span, flat ribbed well back to strong rear end. Super topline and tailset. Another lovely mover, turned out and shown well.
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
BCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
A quality B/T bitch, so well balanced, in tip top condition, without any exaggeration, nice head shape, good expression, narrow front, well ribbed back, excellent tail set and carriage, racy hind quarters, in the very best of coats, moved soundly great profile, held her shape on the move credit to her handler shown very well CC & BOB.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Championship Show
30th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for an enjoyable day; and to my stewards Kevin and Julie who ensured that all flowed smoothly and that my only task was to judge the dogs. Thanks also to the rest of the committee and helpers who ensured a well run show. I was well pleased with the entry; real quality beyond the available cards in many classes. I had no bad mouths (a few lost and broken teeth, not a major problem to me); but quite a few with small teeth in a technically perfect bite. All males were entire. I had expected (from recent ringside observation) to find front movement, in particular, a problem; so was pleasantly surprised in the entry on the day in this respect. However, too many of the dogs did not have the construction and fitness to appear able to move efficiently over rough ground all day. Coats were variable, most being well prepared and tidy; pelts, on the whole, were good, but feet were often weak with thin pads.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
beautifully angulated both ends, moved well both ways, fit and well muscled. Good coat and pelt, nice short, fat, tail. Keen eye and expression,
Class Critique
What a class! Pulled 6 for further attention, but could easily have placed more than that.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
B/t similar size to one, just preferred the head of 1, well balanced with a decent jacket,also moving well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
A lot of the same remarks apply to this lovely bitch. Good width of skull, but to be super critical, now that she has matured, splitting hairs between these two, would today prefer a little less length of foreface. Good reach of neck and has a good length of body and was easily spanned. Fantastic thick pelt and harsh abundant jacket, as usual from this kennel. The last time I judged her I said that she might look heavy from the ringside, but when you span her, the bit that cannot be spanned is ALL PELT, which would slip away from her when she needed to negotiate anywhere underground and be a great asset in any situation. She still excels in looseness of pelt and is an excellent example of the breed. Finished with a lovely thick carrot shaped tail, well set on.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
It was an honour and pleasure to Judge at this great club show, I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors, my entry was fantastic full of quality, I’m sorry but some really good dogs were not in the top honours today. I thought the bitches in general were of better quality than the dogs which is good for the breed, and in the dogs, I also noticed some exhibits were lacking coat, a sign of Crufts approaching, but in general they were good.
Best In Show
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Excellent bitch, stood out from the rest, typical head, strong but not overdone, well set ears showing expression all the time, good neck and clean shoulders, good construction and balance, excellent movement both ways, holding shape, good reach and drive and tail carriage, good pelt not in full coat but Crufts is coming soon.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Feb 2019
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Janice Johnson, for being so efficient and keeping me on track.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
A few observations from the day, I felt rear movement on the whole was good but a few lacked the drive that I looked for, whilst in others it was their elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal. Today I saw too many that were far too wide in front, lacking the narrowness to go to ground. I like to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
Heads which are such a defining aspect of this breed, varied greatly, I found some too exaggerated and coarse for my liking, whilst others were narrow and somewhat snipey in muzzle, neither are correct.
Today I found coats at all stages, perhaps a sign that Crufts was not far around the corner, so perhaps not the best month to find a thick double jacket, so I found myself forgiving a lack of coat if the construction and balance I look for was there.
I found temperaments superb, dentition all good and all dogs entire. I felt the depth of quality was in the bitches, and in some classes I was spoilt for choice. Both puppy bitch classes were high in quality, and I look forward to seeing how they mature.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best In Show
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
super b&t who is not exaggerated or overdone in any way, simply a truly honest bitch of super breed type. Her head is a lovely typical flat skull without any exaggeration or coarseness. Narrow all through without losing any substance, correct in upper arm that led into well laid back shoulders. Ideal topline and strong loin, super hindquarters excellent muscular, firm condition throughout, everything about this girl would enable her to carry out the job for which she was bred to do. Her movement was so sound and positive from all directions a reflection of her sound construction, and she covered the ground, with a super free flowing action when viewed in profile. Shown in a harsh jacket with plenty of undercoat, with one of the thickest pelts I had felt on the day, I loved her. Best Bitch and BIS.
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
BCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Overall a beautifully constucted bitch, very well balanced. Very attractive head, good neck and shoulder, good rib with strong loin,OK for bone, tight feet, very good bl/t coat, presented very fit and moved very confidently round the ring with a lovely easy stride. In a very tight challenge her overall type and steadiness took her to the CC.
Class Critique
A very strong class.
Whitehaven and District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
Thank you to the Committee of Whitehaven and District Canine Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Open Show and for the excellent hospitality and the lovely lunch you provided. I had a super entry and thank the Exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to go over their dogs. I enjoyed the day.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Nicely constructed and well balanced b/t. Nice head, good length of neck and shoulder placement. Lovely coat with correct ticking. Moved with drive and enthusiasm.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Class Critique
Liked all placed in this class.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
BCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
Such a smart b & t. Like her head and expression. Dark eye. Just right for size. Lovely arch of neck leading into good shoulders. Ribbed well back. Strong loin. Neat feet, carrot tail. Good harsh coat with thick pelt.Holds her topline so well on the move. Strode out so well round the ring. BCC. RBOB
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
5th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for the invitation & thank my 2 very capable Stewards Carolyn Richardson & Liz Barrett for their help on the day. I would also like to thank those exhibitors who entered under me and who accepted the placing's sportingly. I was pleased to have a number of high quality entries but the down side of that is, some good dogs went card less
Mouths are a bit of a worry as I noticed a few with a tooth or teeth out of line, small teeth and one even undershot. Movement on the whole was good especially in my winners. Coats & Pelts were good too,with just a few thin pelted dogs.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
I really liked this neat ,feminine blue and tan bitch. Shown in good coat with a thick pelt she moved well & with purpose.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
BCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Placing Critique
A b/t bitch with a typical head, strong and with keen expression. She was presented in a super harsh double jacket with a thick short carrot tail which come straight off her back. She has very neat catlike feet. I like her handy size and is so balanced in profile with good angulations front and aft. She is in very fit condition with well developed muscled second thigh which she put to good use when she moved out round the ring. Pleased to award her the BCC.
