Show Placings
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
30th Jul 2023
Judge: Steve Owen (Egremont)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Botterox Flint
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Promising youngster built on the right lines appealed for size, not quite the finished picture and depth of jacket as 1,but plenty of time. Pleasing in head proportions with strong jaw, good length of neck leading to clean shoulders with correct topline and tailset, well ribbed back, easily spanned
Mid Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show
20th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Rosemary Lord (Hecklehaze)
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Salisbury & South Wilts CS Open Show
27th Aug 2023
Judge: Richard Gunn (Katanga)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Botterox Flint
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
7 mth old grizzle coming out on top. He pleased for type and was good to go over. Neck of correct length to balance, firm topline but croup not quite perfect, ribbed well back and strong loin. Attractive head of good proportions, dark keen eye, ears good for size and set, strong muzzle and scissor bite. Good angles front and rear and standing straight in front on good feet. Harsh jacket and nice thick pelt. Gaiting well on the go around. Well handled. Best Puppy Dog
Class Critique
Two very different pups challenged here with this
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Smart young grizzle with a lovely head, eye and ear. Strong muzzle and jaw with big teeth. Good front, topline and tailset, enough bone for his size and has a good shape rib that is well back into his loin. Moved and showed well.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Strong dog for age who doesn’t need to grow on. Good in hindquarters and had a good coat. Tighter feet on 1
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
22nd Oct 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks to the committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely quality entry of Border Terriers. This is a friendly and welcoming show and I was ably assisted by a super Steward who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently.
The acoustics of the building today did have a detrimental effect on some of the exhibits; but of course, it is impossible to find a perfect space for every dog to show themselves at their best.
As mentioned I was honoured to have a super selection of Borders to go over today; especially the Puppy class where many were exhibiting for the first time.
I found all male dogs intact, and no kinked tails and one wry mouth. Coats were in all stages of growth today, and a few lacked a good visible covering of undercoat which naturally affected placings. Temperaments were all excellent and the ‘glint ‘ in the eye that I would like to see- inquisitive and game that looked ready for a day‘s work, which in turn reflected in their positive movement- was pleasingly there with all my main line up; as was the ‘stamp’ of the breed the otter- like head with correct proportions in the head to allow the powerful jaws to do their job, whilst standing on- most importantly, small thickly padded cat-like feet.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
8-month-old G & T dog. Good head with dark alert eyes and lovely expression. Nice proportions of head and correct shoulder placing through neck to topline; another with a great underline, stifles, hocks and second thigh. Spannable – less length in loin than 1, and not as efficient on the move- plenty of time to settle. Presented in a great coat with excellent pliable pelt.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
9 months old grizzle and tan, Typical head and expression, good neck, and shoulder, stronger in loin than 1st, in a good double coat which was harsh
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Marion Hodgson (Ddalrus)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Cardiff CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Gillian Marley (Marylea)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
10th Feb 2024
Judge: Matt Garnham (Carmeltcho)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, Botterox Flint
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
24/01/2023. Well, this young lad caught my eye upon his entrance, and he did not fail to keep my attention throughout. Bright as a button, keen dark eye, strong muzzle, big teeth, correct placing of ear on to broad skull, shallow stop, correct length of neck and lay of shoulder allowing him to reach in front when on the move equally as strong from behind with correct angulation both ends. Level topline which he kept on the move. Good tail set. Moderate bone. Lovely thick pelt and harsh jacket. Small thick pads. Very happy to award him BOB and one to watch in the future.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Like this dog for balance and size. He has correct lay of shoulder, enough forechest with front legs placed under body. Keen expression, dark eye and well filled muzzle. Narrow throughout and has a good bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Thick pelt with correct double coat. Moved with drive, keeping his topline. RBD
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 - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Bridgewater & DCS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge several breeds at their well-run open show. Also thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly. My thanks also go to those who entered under me on the day.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Botterox Flint
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
13 month old Grizzle and tan who is all male, who took my eye when he entered the ring and did not disappoint. Typical head with strong muzzle housing large teeth, dark eye with a keen expression and neat ear. Presented in a harsh jacket it showed off his balanced outline. So well balanced and moderate his neck flowed into well placed shoulders, straight front with neat feet. So easily spanned with ribs carried well back into a strong loin. Well set on tail used on the move which he does from well angulated rear quarters in a true tracking motion. Pleased to award him BOB and see him go G4
Plymouth & DKA Open Show
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Sarah Richardson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Plymouth & DKA Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Ash Price
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
5th May 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Marlborough & DCS Premier Open Show
6th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
