Show Placings
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Placing Critique
dark eyed, well constructed B&T, ribs well back, good topline and tailset, moved out well, head still to come.
Huntingdonshire CS Open Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rodney Eastall (Daedal)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society Premier Show
30th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio
Placing Critique
7 month old Blue and Tan. Another with a good length of body Good harsh coat and excellent bone structure. Could do with a little more fill under the eye
Sheringham & District KA Premier Open Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Darren Clarke (Peluche)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Steph Collis (Ridlington)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Bedford & DCS Open Show
24th Sep 2023
Judge: Richard Stafford (Farnfield)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Sarah Stephenson (Fryerfold)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Minor Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
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
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Placing Critique
10 month old Blue and Tan presented in good coat and pelt. Nice head with correct bite. Good topline and tail set which he kept on the move. Moved well behind however not as positive in front as first
Burton on Trent KA Open show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee and volunteers of BOTKA for putting on this well organised show, under rather challenging circumstances, with sunny smiles and cheery dispositions. But, above all, my thanks go to the stewards, Margaret and Julie, and the brave exhibitors- the hardy few- who endured the awful road conditions to make it to Newark today.
In the ring, unfortunately both the colder than expected temperature, and the fan blowing warm air right next to the ring did affect most of the dogs to a varying degree- mostly in movement unfortunately. There were no kinked tails, all were of sound temperaments with keen gaze. Every dog had a strong scissor bite and clean strong teeth, and were spannable, with some good pelts and jackets on show today.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Placing Critique
10-month-old blue and tan dog of a different type to 1 but with plenty to like. Taller than 1 but in correct proportions and not overly tall. He possesses a strong masculine head; plenty of fill under his keen eye, with strong jaw and teeth. Good reach of neck into well-placed shoulders- spannable with good bone and straight front. Level topline with great underline and good tailset. Shown in good coat and thick skin and loose pelt. Drive was not as strong as 1 -today, with rear angles currently just slightly overextended- plenty of time to settle.
Boston DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank Boston & District C.S. for inviting me to judge the breeds allocated.
Unfortunately there were no Kerry Blues entered.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Ms Cara Davani (Kebulak)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Newark & DCS Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mick Oxley (Digelsa)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Retford & DCS Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Kathleen Haugh
I would like to thank the committee for letting me judge the borders at their open show. It was pleasure and a lovely day with good atmosphere with good dogs to go over. I would also like to thank the stewards for doing a fabulous job on the day.
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Sarah Collier (Pocoblu)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
29th Mar 2024
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I would like to thank Edwinstowe & District CS for their kind invitation for my first judging appointment and also to my two stewards who kept the ring running smoothly. I had a very good entry with quality dogs that could of swapped places on another day, I’d like to thank all exhibitors for their generous entry. All had good coat texture however some might benefit from tidier presentation to improve their overall outline especially around the feet, movement on the whole was good.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Placing Critique
Taller type than 2nd, a well balanced dog with a masculine head, good dentition, spannable, with good texture of coat and thick pelt, well muscled, tight well padded feet, level topline & good tail set, good rear angulation, moved well.
Norfolk & Norwich CS Open Show
9th Apr 2024
Judge: Judith Rule (Overbore)
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
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 - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Flegato Fidelio At Oatberry
Placing Critique
Blue and tan of good size. Nice otter head, lovely keen dark eye and well set ears. Not too heavy in bone, standing on small well padded feet. Excellent rib shape and easily spanned. Shown in an excellent harsh, well coloured topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. Free and true on the move.
