Show Placings
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Grizzle, not as mature as 1. Pleasing head, lovely double coat and thick loose pelt. Moved true.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
6 month old and quite a live wire for the handler, decent head and ears, lovely reach of neck, level top line when stood still, plenty of coat, good hind angulation, needs time to settle.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
see 1st in MPD
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Nice young dog, nice head that needs a bit more time to finish, strong scissor bite, straight front, well angulated shoulders, good ribs well back and spannable, racy hindquarters, will need a little bit more ring training
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Not as mature as 1st
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
just a 6 months old baby in good jacket, promising head that needs time to develop, scissor bite, well angulated shoulders, well ribbed and spannable, he has racy hindquarters, excitable on the move
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
8th May 2023
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of this well-run show for their kind invitation to judge. I was delighted with the super dogs that I had the pleasure of judging, all a real credit to you. A huge thank you to the exhibitors for the honour of your lovely dogs. A huge thank you to my 2 very efficient stewards, who also had a very long day, the show could not go on without you, so thank you.
Special Yearling /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Class Critique
Lovely class of youngsters
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
7 months exuberant puppy who was difficult to assess, he has a masculine head, of good type and proportions, well angulated with straight front legs and good feet, presented in a super coat and pelt, he moved well when he choose to so.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Lively 8 month old grizzle puppy. Moved well when settled. Lovely shoulder placement and straight front. Thick pads. Good pelt and coat. Thick tail and well set.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
1st MPD
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
8 mnth G/T Good size. Nice head, expression and good sized teeth. Liked his reach of neck into narrow shoulders. Nice straight front. Easily spannable with good length of ribs. Balanced outline. Good pelt and undercoat but lacking top coat to day. Promising youngster.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
First in MPD
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Eights month old, with a masculine head and lovely large teeth. Nice type with a lovely reach of neck flowing into laid back shoulders and narrow front. Good rear angulation and movement, front movement was better once settled.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
As before
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Class Critique
All three are quality puppies that are just setting out and although a bit silly at times I prefer to see this animation at this stage, schooling and focus will come with age.
Derbyshire County Show
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Kim Lathaen (Tyrdyma)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
A grizzle puppy with a super head. He is nicely made with a good harsh coat and loose pelt and good rear angulation. He was rather overexcited which made it difficult to assess his movement. He was more settled in the next class!
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
rather excitable 9 month puppy, directional stability needs work, well angulated, rib well back, good lay of shoulder, head needs to develop
East of England LKS Open Show
18th Jul 2023
Judge: Jonathan Lappin (Dalvik)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, correct bite, straight front, ample body and rib, in full coat, moved with drive covering the ground with ease
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
lively, broad skull, dark eyes, good sized teeth with scissor bite, level topline, good depth of chest, narrow, with good angulation, in full coat
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
as Novice
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Pleasing typical head with flat skull, keen eye and expression, good length to neck flowing into good clean shoulder placement, nice length of rib, nicely angulated hindquarters. Didn’t make life easy for his hander today making it difficult to assess at times on move but when he got himself together he can move out with an easy stride.
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
16th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers. Thank you for the warm welcome and super hospitality. Thank you to my steward who ran the ring efficiently in the heat and to my exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs and the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken. Congratulations must also go to my BOB who sportingly withdrew from the group as I found out later the Group Judge was actually the breeder.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
10 month old grizzle dog. Strong masculine head with good scissor bite, strong neck and good shoulder placement. Level top line leads to well set on tail. Narrow throughout and muscled rear. He has plenty of bone and a harsh jacket. This headstrong pup moved true when he wasn’t giving his handler a tough time but there is so much to like about him. BPIB TPG3
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
1st in puppy
Huntingdonshire CS Open Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rodney Eastall (Daedal)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Leicester City CS Open Show
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many thanks go to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this, the Leicester City Canine Society Open Dog Show and also to the exhibitors for presenting me with such an excellent entry, which was a real privilege to assess. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Special thanks must also to my two stewards Keith Price and Nicky Holden for keeping both the ring, and me, in check. Our allocated ring was remarkably quite extensive, which is often not the case in indoor areas of this nature, with plenty of space around for cages and seating etc. One minor glitch however, was the provision of a full size trestle table as a ring table. This did cause some problems for exhibitors, when standing their dogs and for myself, the vertically challenged judge, when going over the exhibits.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Nearly 11 month old Grizzle & Tan dog. Possesses a good masculine head for his age, moderately broad skull, keen expression. Well set on ears. Adequate reach of neck set into well placed shoulders, Straight front and narrow body. Good angulation both front and rear. Harsh coat and a pliable pelt. This very exictable puppy gave his handler a very tough time, doing all he could to present himself in the worst possible manner especially when moving around the ring. However despite this, on the odd occasion when he did co-operate, glimpses of his many qualities could be appreciated. Pleased to award him BEST PUPPY IN BREED
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society Premier Show
30th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Lively 11 mth old grizzle who has lots to like. He pleased in outline with moderate length of neck, level topline, good length to ribcage, firm loin and tail good for set and carriage. Nicely proportioned head with good breadth to skull, dark keen eyes, small ears, short strong muzzle and scissor bite. Good angles front and rear, standing well naturally and moves well when viewed in profile, true when going away and pretty good when coming towards. Harsh jacket, good pelt and easily spanned.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Correct size border in full coat narrow throught with a good topline and tailset. I would have preffered more strength of head. He played his handler up somewhat but moved ok once settled
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Steph Collis (Ridlington)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
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.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
Ideal sized dark grizzle who is a handful at times but his handler made the most of him. Good head with keen eye and correct for proportions with his strong muzzle and good length skull. Well made, narrow all through,very easy span, well ribbed back to strong loin and well set tail, correctly carried. Moved well in all directions when settled, just losing out for the top spot later on, for coat and condition, but a real nit pick here. Very promising, BPD
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
Placing Critique
A lovely puppy, pleasing lines, nice head and eye, good bite, well constructed body, good length of ribs, ok top-line and quarters, good size for his age, excellent span and pelt
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
So much to like about this willful young dog who tries his best to throw away his chances !. I liked him for size and shape. Head is of correct proportions with a strong muzzle and he has a real varminty expression. Narrow all through and comes to hand easily, with ribs carried well back. Strong in loin and carries his tail correctly with a really good underline. Moved well once he decided to settle and start to concentrate. Held his topline in side gait, moving true coming and going covering the ground with ease. Coat was harsh and he has a pliable pelt. Perhaps a little more attention to detail on his coat would only enhance him even more. I liked him very much and feel if his handler could calm him down a little more to show off his true potential then he may well be destined for higher honors .
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Sarah Collier (Pocoblu)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Exuberant youngster, of good type, masculine head, correct scissor bite, pleasing neck and lay of shoulder, excellent depth and texture of jacket and thick pelt, unfortunately unsettled on the move making it difficult to assess movement today.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Nicely sized balanced dog with a masculine head with keen expression. Good to go over he possesses a good neck of moderate length, good spannable ribs, clean front and a pleasing top line. Very active in the ring. Once he settled he moved well.
Norfolk & Norwich CS Open Show
9th Apr 2024
Judge: Judith Rule (Overbore)
Special Yearling /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
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.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Darker grizzle and tan, who wasn’t always wanting to play this showing game. Nevertheless, he’s a nice size with keen expression and good bite. Excellent neck and shoulders, and good return of upper arm. Lovely bone and feet. Excellent rib and easily spanned. Strong loin and good topline and tailset. Shown in a good topcoat, with good undercoat and pelt. His movement when settled was very good all ways.
Chesterfield CS Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Dr Dinu Catilina
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell JW
