Show Placings
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Class Critique
Challenging class of promising youngsters.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
West Bromwich & Wednesbury CS Open Show
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
27th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Many thanks to the officers and committee of Leicester City Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their open show and to the exhibitors supporting my entry, also to my two very efficient stewards on the day
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
6 month old Grizzle & Tan bitch that is maturing into a very attractive puppy, super head with a nice dark eye and ear placement. Lovely front and shoulders leading into nice length of rib and loin and had the best feet in any of today’s classes, moved true and with confidence for a youngster – topped off with a nice crisp jacket that secured her win today
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 .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Gorgeous head, dark eye with that spark of mischief. Super balance of bone. Spans, correct rib and loin. Strong set on. Goes with impulsion and good outline.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
20th Oct 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 hospitality shown on the day. Thank you also to my 2 very efficient stewards, Lesley and Judith, but most of all I would like to thank all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely entry of quality dogs which were a pleasure to go over. I found no bad mouths, no kinked tails, and all the dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, but none of the exhibits were without the correct double coat needed by a working terrier.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
This 9 month old grizzle and tan bitch caught my eye as soon as she came into the ring and didn’t disappoint. She is good for size and well proportioned, having a pleasing feminine head with little stop, strong muzzle and jaw, correct scissor bite, and nicely placed ears. Her front is straight and narrow, her shoulders narrow and well placed, her ribs carried well back, and she is easy to span. She has a tight, harsh new coat with loose pelt, and good angulation all round, moving with ease and accuracy. BP
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan bitch with good jacket, nice front, shoulder and rib. A little straighter in the stifle which cost her on the move. Promising though.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks for the invitation to judge and for the warm welcome and support received on the day, special mention to my lead steward Robert Brewster. I was pleased that I received such large minor puppy entries in both dogs and bitches; it was lovely to see the youngsters and so many new and enthusiastic exhibitors too. The show represented a first outing for some and I hope the day was enjoyable for both four and two legged beginners. Overall the exhibits were well turned out and in good condition with only a few slightly overweight and some dirty or stained teeth; coats were at both ends of the scale. I really did feel the show had a good sporting atmosphere throughout the day and I thank all those who attended for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Very similar comments to winner, she has a beautiful head too, just preferred length of body on winner but I really am ‘splitting hairs’ between these two lovely exhibits.
Class Critique
The beautiful quality puppies also showed up in this class making my job difficult but fun.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
See puppy class for critique
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
See Puppy class results for critique
Burton On Trent Kennel Association Open Show
2nd Dec 2018
Judge: Lynne Greenhill (Arudu)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Loved this 11 month old bitch too, she possesses a beautiful otterhead with good ear placement. A good straight front. Excellent coat and pelt. Super carrot shaped tail coming straight off her back. Just a little heavier for spanning today when compared to the first.
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My first judging appointment at a Championship show and what a lovely day I had. Firstly I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Society for inviting me to judge their show, and also to all the exhibitors for showing their support.
I had a lovely selection of dogs and I was very pleased with the quality that came before me. All dogs were entire and mouths were good. Some dogs could have done with being tidied up a little more.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Litchfield CS Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like to thank Lichfield Canine Society for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this lovely very well run show
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
12mth Grizzle Bitch , This bitch has the most attractive head and expression ,Correct mouth, neat small ears ,Super harsh jacket just coming in , narrow throughout and nicely ribbed back ,sadly she didn`t move out as well as 1st in this class which did spoil her over-all impression
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
2nd in junior see above , she moved out so much better in this class to take the class
West Midland Terrier Society Open Show
9th Feb 2019
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for their invitation to judge at the show. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was one I really enjoyed. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole, my thanks to my two capable stewards, who kept things moving along nicely. Thanks also to the exhibitors who did me the honour and privilege of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. All exhibits were of good quality and fit for purpose. As to be expected at this time of year, coats were at various stages. I was delighted with my entry.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
13 mth old light grizzle that has a very appealing head and dark eye, narrow straight front, good length of rib, level top line with well angulated quarters, easily spanned. Immaculately presented with a coat of good texture, on the move she was sound and covered the ground with ease. Pleased to award her BB, BOS and RBOB
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
1st in Junior
Sutton Coldfield & District CA Open Show
23rd Feb 2019
Judge: Mr Rob Jones
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Cheltenham & District Canine Society Open Show
24th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
My thanks go to the committee for their invitation to judge Borders and the hospitality received on the day , both were much appreciated. My steward Jean Walker helped keep things on track , thank you . I am grateful for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted and thanks go to all the exhibitors who gave me entries and allowed me the pleasure of going over their dogs .
In general , one or 2 exhibits may have been carrying a little too much “condition” and benefit from perhaps a better work to calorie ratio. Feet were good and all dogs appeared to be intact .Bites all seemed correct at this stage and no sign of any kinked tails.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
a workmanlike but feminine grizzle bitch . Good proportions and bone . Topline and tail set correct .Attractive headpiece and expression , being picky perhaps ears could be a tad smaller but set on well to complete the overall picture. Moved well fore and aft . Lovely jacket of the required texture. Pushed hard in the challenge.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
see critique for Junior class
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
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.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Attractive girl, very typey with pretty head, dark eye of correct size, looked good in profile, nice length of neck, level topline, shown in good coat, a shade heavy in rib but a lovely size.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Heavily coated but underneath was a well put together bitch with a thick pelt. She moved around the ring with reach and drive.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
nice bitch but unfortunately no coat today. Pleasing head and expression, good ribs and bone. Preferred front movement of the winner.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson
My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin!
It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future!
I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride.
Only a very few were difficult to span.
As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter.
Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride.
A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch, very neat, a tad well covered on the day. She had a very feminine head with a straight front, correct topline and double coat.
Carmarthem CS Open Show
29th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Warren Bradley (Aman)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
BCC
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Took my eye whenever she entered the ring beautiful broad skull dark eye small well placed ears good reach of neck flowing into level top line thick loose pelt good double coat good rib easily spanned moved well pleased to award her CC and BOB pulled into short cut in group
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
very similar in body shape as 1 but slightly different head shape, younger than 1 so needs more time to her advantage, saying that she held her own in this strong class today. Good otter head & strong jaw with tight strong dentition, ribs carried well back & firm in loin, lovely tail shape & set, neat feet, double jacket which is of good texture, presented in hard fit condition & expertly handled, when doing write up informed they are half sisters and on inspecting the catalogue later I see are sired by the dog I gave Res C.C. to last time I judged
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Class Critique
Strong class with high quality exhibits filling the places and beyond unfortunately for some that sadly went cardless
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
of different type but lots to like about her, pleasing head & expression, well laid shoulders, good feet & pads, spanable body with ribs back & good quarters, neat carroty tail, moved & handled well.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
similar comments apply to this lovely bitch, a little more of her all round, the best of otter heads with very little stop and well filled under the eye. Good hindquarters, plenty of bone and muscle tone, good bend of stifle, straight front, good shoulders, covered the ground well, good coat and thick pelt, not as racy as 1 in bodylines.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Quality youngster who has a good outline. Harsh coat, thick pelt, eaily spanned. In good condition. Clean neck and shoulders. Moved well.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
BCC
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
true Border Terrier with lovely head, wonderful coat and pelt, perfect tail, the very best of legs and feet, typical body, easily spanned, sound on the move and could not be denied the bitch CC. Congratulations!
Class Critique
Excellent class with two particularly lovely bitches, ultimately won by:
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith
Placing Critique
Well made throughout with otter head, good length of back and quarters, a tad deep in chest, moved well and in harsh grizzle coat
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank my stewards Lesley and Peter Armstrong-Rodgers for the excellent way they controlled the ring in a peaceful and confident way ensuring a good natured atmosphere to reign.
The exhibitors also deserve thanks for entering and accepting my decisions in a sporting way and spectators applauding each class in turn.
The quality of the majority of the exhibits was good but some of them had suspect front movement which seems to be common in certain Borders.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
BCC
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
My star of the day. As soon as he entered the ring she took your eye with her positive attitude and great ring presence combined with such a typical outlook. Good size and so well made throughout. Lovely head, so feminine but has the required strength of muzzle along with the best of expressions. Scores in neck and shoulders, excellent body shape and the best of quarters. A super coat and pelt just added to the overall picture. So sound on the move with great reach and drive. In the challenge just felt she had the edge with her positive movement over the dog, a close call, but two great examples of the breed, CC & BOB.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
This was my last judging appointment so thank you to all who entered under me today. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some very nice dogs. I would also like to thank my stewards Linda and Natalie who kept the ring running smoothly.
I was very happy to see my BOB take Group 4 and my BP Puppy Group 2.
BCC
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Very attractive bitch with super head and expression strong muzzle and flat wide skull. In very good double jacket. Moved out well both ways. Spannable and nice for size. Well presented and handled. CC.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and also to my very efficient ring steward who kept things running smoothly. I had a lovely day and felt it was a great honour and responsibility. I really appreciated each and every entry, and had some lovely exhibits to go over, the depth of quality in some classes meaning that some nice dogs went cardless. Coats were understandably at different stages, and although this has no bearing on the construction of the dog, a good coat does complete the picture of what is essentially a working terrier.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
This beautiful 2 year old grizzle and tan bitch caught my eye as she entered the ring. She is good for size, with just the right amount of bone, and is well proportioned and narrow throughout, having a lovely straight front. Her wonderful otter like head has very little stop, a short, strong muzzle, powerful jaw and big teeth in a scissor bite. She is lovely in shoulder and upper arm, has a good length of rib, and strong, well angulated hindquarters. Good topline and tailset, well muscled and turned out to perfection in tip top double coat of excellent texture. She looked a picture as she powered accurately around the ring, effortlessly and with reach and drive. She gave her all in a big terrier group later on. BCC and BOB.
Lichfield Canine Society Open Show
25th Jan 2020
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to the Society for the kind invite to judge my local show and also the exhibitors that took the time to come along and let me go over the dogs. Quality over quantity today with some excellent dogs to place.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
2 year old Red bitch that a gave best puppy to 18 months ago and you could see then that she was destined to go to the top, outstanding in head/eye and lovely big white teeth. Excellent in the flow of her neck into lovely shoulders, comes to hand very well and she was in the best of jackets today – put down to perfection and her movement circling the ring is a joy to see. Pleased to award her BOB on the day.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Feb 2020
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and to thank my Stewards Pete Armstrong and Sue Baxter. Unfortunately, the entry was somewhat reduced due to the awful storm conditions keeping many at home, but I was pleased with the quaity of dogs present for me to go over and very happy with my winners.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Feminine bitch with typical otter head and strong jaw. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. Narrow front. Harsh double jacket and loose pelt. Easily spanned. Short carrot tail set on well. Strong loin and moved well, driving from behind.
Royal Cheshire County Show
21st Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hardman
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
27th Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Southern Counties Canine Association for inviting me to judge their show for Border Terriers. It was my first judging appointment for a CH Show and I was very pleased with my entry also I would like to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. Last but not least I would like to thank my steward who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing very well.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch with feminine head and a good ear set, a narrow front with correct tail set she showed well.
Devon County Show
2nd Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the show committee for offering me this appointment and I was very grateful to both my ring stewards for their help on the day.
This was a lovely show to come back too after such a long time away from the show ring. The weather today got very warm in the ring for some exhibits. I would like to have seen a couple of exhibits which were without coat on another day as I feel this is an important aspect when I judge the breed. All dentition was correct and was shown by the handler, all males had two testicles.
The level of quality throughout the entry was in my opinion outstanding. Which in some classes having only one first prize was not enough! Many of the exhibits today I believe will have bright futures ahead of them.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
A nice size 3 year old grizzle and tan bitch. She’s very eye catching as she holds herself well standing and on the move. She has a most attractive head which is feminine and otter like with a neat ear. Shown in a new tight jacket that had good texture, I found her easy to span and her rib was good. A well balanced bitch that moved soundly.
East of England Open Show
7th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr. M. Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thanks to my exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over a good selection of Borders. A very well-run show and praise to the East of England committee for all their work, Thanks also to my very skilled Steward who kept things running smoothly.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Bitch of excellent size and type. Strong head, muzzle and jaw with little stop and correct bite. Good top line and tail set, moved true on nice tight feet.
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Oswestry & District Kennel Association
18th Jul 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
All Border this beautifully presented and fit bitch has a good head shape with broad skull little stop a keen expression and short strong muzzle. Quality all through and like the first she was alert and raring to go. RBCC
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
She is a good moving b in v good coat, liked her head with a good expression. Enough neck. Could have slightly more angulation front and rear, but she is so v well balanced. Holds a firm topline.
Class Critique
Not a v easy class to sort out.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge BorderTerriers, and thank you to my two very efficient stewards who kept things moving along in the ring.
Sadly today, rudeness to the stewards and a lack of sportsmanship seem to be on the increase.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
A worthy Champion in excellent condition. Super jacket, lovely head and she moved steadily, straight and true. Liked her a lot.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Pale Grizzle of nice size , who came in good fettle . Feminine head with dark eye , & neat ears , a little deeper in stop , good neck & clean well laid shoulders , medium boned legs & nice feet , could be a shade better in length of rib though spans well , medium length loin , well set tail , straighter at rear through the hock than 1st . Moved freely & accurately , but not quite driving as well from the rear today . Coat & pelt are good .
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to Darlington Committee for the invitation to my ring stewards and the exhibitors for your entries. Not having attended a show since they started up again it was quite a surprize and worry to handle some very big dogs. I know size has always been a talking point in the breed but today it was a problem with some of the dogs, bitches were a much better size with some close decisions in their classes.
Another noticeable difference is some exhibitors deciding to run with their dogs, why I don’t know it’s something never seen or needed in the border ring. With some handlers in a class walking around and others deciding to run its not what is expected. Watching a dog and handler move in unison on a good, collected pace is much more acceptable.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Lovely type with good otter head and strong muzzle. Straight narrow front, she was of correct size/weight. Good level topline. Not as well angulated as winner but moved and showed well. Coat past its best but this was made up for in other respects.
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
What a weekend it proved to be for Border Terriers
BCC
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
A typy bitch with great style, paler colour than most but below her coat is a well constructed bitch of good size and shape, very gassy on themove spans well and shows with confidence. CC
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
4 Y/O grizzle bitch, another Champion that is fully worthy of her status, judged her as a puppy and you could see then that she had an excellent make up and one that would be destined for the top. Love her head/construction and overall type. Showed excellently and pushed hard in the class but just lacking a bit more jacket on the day.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Class Critique
A very competitive class with many very good bitches going unplaced on the day.
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Class Critique
Excellent class.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ravenside Marsha At Jordith JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful, ottery headed, light grizzle, with dark expressive eyes, neat ear and short strong muzzle. She was in short tight coat with thick pelt, but carrying far too much condition to work and this cost her today. Straight forelegs with neat feet and medium bone. Level topline and well set thickly rooted tail which she carries well on the move.
