First Place in Open - Bitch, Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously. I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
This bitch had the most outstanding blue and tan coat of the correct colour, it was dense, harsh and her pelt thick. There was so much to like about her particularly her balance and body lines. Her top line is level, her loin is strong, her tail carrot like and well set on which was carried well on the move. I gave her a serious look in the challenge for such good breed type but felt she was just a little strong in the shoulder. She was awarded Best Blue and Tan.