Show Placings
Christchurch & New Forest CS Open Show
19th May 2019
Judge: Miss Judith Haydon
Thank you so much to the Committee for asking me to judge the Border Terrier & Norfolk Terrier Classes at their Open Show. Thank you also to my three ring stewards, all of whom worked most efficiently between their various commitments to keep our ring running smoothly and keeping me in order!! And of course, many thanks to the exhibitors for entering and allowing me to judge their dogs, all of whom, and without exception, were a credit to their owners.
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
A small but nicely made grizzle bitch with a sweet, feminine head, good reach of neck which flowed nicely into a level top-line which she carried well on the move. Short of coat today but clearly coming through and is a promising prospect for the future.
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Sweet bitch. Lovely size and easily spanned. A little week in head atm. Correct outline and thick tail.Promising pup when she matures.
Poole CC Open Show
16th Jun 2019
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for my first judging appointment in Border Terriers, also to the exhibitors for entering.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Best Puppy
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Grizzle 9 month old bitch, pretty feminine head with correct bite. Super neck which flowed into a good shoulder. Well ribbed back into a strong loin. Good angulation allowing for true movement both fore and aft. Put down in a lovely jacket with a thick pelt. Came to hand well, nice size and spanned with easy.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee of this fantastic, friendly and well organised show for the appointment to judge originally the Border Terriers, but due to the group judge Colin Richardson falling fowl to a dodgy Chinese I was extremely honoured to be able to cover his breed classes with Darwin Martin completing the AV and Group. I wish Colin a speedy recovery. Thank you to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Barkanellie Flashheart
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Very attractive 10 month old grizzle and tan bitch. Attractive head with strength of muzzle, scissor bite, small V shaped ears dropping to cheek. Very narrow with good lay of rib into lion which was OK but wouldn’t want her to carry anymore length but is balanced. Stands on small cat like feet. Shown in good double coat of harsh texture. Moved well. Easy to span which gave her the edge over 2nd placed in this class and also her litter brother for Best Puppy.
Dorset County CS Open Show
28th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr Kevin Holmes
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Salisbury & South Wilts CS Open Show
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Hilary Fulker
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Barkanellie Flashheart
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
11 month old attractive grizzle bitch. Lovely head, good coat and easy to span. Moved well when settled. Loved her enthusiasm and size. TPG3
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Thame & Oxfordshire County Canine Society Open Show
18th Sep 2019
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Special Yearling /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Easily spannable. Could have a stronger head. Enough neck. Level topline. Coat coming in.
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society Open Showq
18th Aug 2021
Judge: Vanessa Williams (Wegman)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
3 yrs, slightly smaller girl she has otter head shape, dark sweet eye, straight forelegs and required racy hind, pushing at 1.
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Litter sister to the winner of LD and similar in type but a little shorter on the leg. Has a feminine head with flat wide skull and well placed ears. A fraction short in rib but has a good rear end and nicely positioned short tail. With good reach of neck she moved steadily. Well handled.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Minehead & DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of Minehead & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge at their open show, held in conjunction with the Dunster Country Fair. My steward Vicky Prince, was a great help and kept the ring running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
I had some quality borders to go over that were a privilege to judge, and as always, my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. I was delighted with the winners that came forward for the challenge.
The weather was kind and not too hot, there was a friendly atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
slightly smaller bitch with coat just coming in, she has a good front with straight front legs decent tuck up strong in the croup and would prefer a better tail set.
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.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Nice bitch on the smaller side. Feminine head with flatt skull, well placed ears and good expression.Correct reach of neck and good layback of shoulders. Straight narrow front. Easily spannable but would prefer a slightly longer ribcage. Good angulations behind. Moved well with correct reach and drive. Good harsh coat and loose pelt.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge today , also to my stewards who kept things moving along nicely, your help was much appreciated. A big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over your dogs and accepting my decisions
in a sporting manner. General observations were, no kinked tails found and the males were intact . I did see a few animals with slightly untidy bites affecting some placings. On the subject of ring presentation I may suggest that perhaps some animals would have benefitted from more attention being paid to nail clipping and feet trimming … even with the long grass, once on the table the feet are very visible. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had a quality bunch of Borders before me. Thank you to everyone who made it possible !
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
4 year old grizzle bitch . Lovely feminine head and expression , would like a little more strength in muzzle . Good dentition . Well constructed , ribbed well back , good loin . Impressive topline and underline. Very easily spanned with nice loose pelt . Presented a lovely outline in profile .
Poole Canine Club Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
A neat small bitch that was easily spanned with a straight front but a little deep in the brisket. Good topline and lacking in rear angulation and did not move with drive.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Bournemouth CS Open Show
11th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Different stamp to one, with many pleasing qualities, lovely and narrow throughout. Well proportioned head with dark keen eye, would like a touch more strength to jaw to complete the picture, narrow in front with the right amount of bone with pleasing length of neck into clean shoulders, very nicely ribbed back with pleasing outline and carriage finished off with neat well-padded feet, moved out well
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
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.
Novice - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Barkanellie Flashheart
Placing Critique
Very good bitch of pleasing size, balanced head of good shape with lovely eye and expression, well-made front assembly, best of neck and shoulders which were easily spanned behind, standing on good legs and feet, moved true.
