First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mrs. Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Border terrier Club for the invitation to judge at the Open Show at Low Hesket. It was an honour and privilege to be offered this appointment. I was delighted with the super entry of 96 dogs making a total entry of 132 and appreciate the turnout of so many fine dogs on the day and the sporting way my decisions were taken. Thank you to my ring stewards Ken McKenzie and Dave Hodgson for keeping everything running smoothly for me. Also thank you to the committee for their hospitality and to Jane Shaw for providing a lovely lunch which I enjoyed very much.
A light g/t tan dog that I have judged before and liked. He was just out of puppy the last time and he has matured nicely. He has a super otter head with broad, flat skull and a dark eye that gives him that varmint look with neat ears close to cheek. His muzzle is short and strong and he has nice big teeth. He has a good reach of neck that flows into a lovely top line with a short carrot tail straight off his back. He is narrow throughout and has a straight front with catlike feet and good rear angulation. He moved well both ways. He was my BD and it was a very close call in the challenge for BIS, but I felt the bitch just put in a bit more at that point. I was pleased to award him RBIS and BOS.