First Place in Limit - Bitch, 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.
This bitch is a pleasure to go over from her super otter head with keen expression which is difficult to ignore, correct length neck into well laid shoulders, straight front, ideal depth of rib carried well back into short strong loin, slightly rounded quarters providing power and short hocks to drive for sound ground covering movement, red grizzle coat of good texture but could be a little better prepared to effect. CC