Show Placings
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
typy b/t, otter headed with lovely expression & good bite, pleasing spanable body with strong quarters, good harsh coat, nice bitch that went well.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
7 mth very promising young bitch. Ticking coming through very well. Balanced throughout. Strong but feminine head, alert expression. Straight narrow front, ribs well back. Easy to span, loose pelt with harsh coat. Very good angles front and rear and great width of thigh, moved true coming and going. One to watch out for. Just tiring a bit in the challenge for best puppy. Best puppy bitch.
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2022
Judge: Dogs Nicola Foster, Bitches Sarah Pateman
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs. Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Scottsway )
Thank you to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this, their first Premier Show. It was a very well run Show with both exhibitors and judges in mind. Thank you to my able steward, Eliza Hajdas, who kept the ring running smoothly with a constant smile. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, unfortunately there were a few absentees, but I was delighted with the quality of my entry. Thanks must also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the chance to go over their dogs.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
A beautifully presented blue and tan puppy of almost 8 months who looked so very well balanced standing. Possesses a typical head of correct proportions, dark eye and well set ears. Stands on a super straight front with neat well padded feet. Good rib and underline and was easily spanned. Strong hindquarters. I found her movement true both fore and aft. Good pliable pelt and shown in good jacket. Handled to advantage. My BEST PUPPY IN BREED and eventually TPG4. Well Done.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
A very promising entry on paper but unfortunately the weather took its toll !
However I was more than happy with my main winners all were typical of what I look for in a Border Terrier and the proof that careful breeding pays off was demonstrated by the very promising progeny found amongst the youngsters.
As is my approach to critiques, generally the winners in most respects all meet the standard which calls for a working terrier with an otter like head on reasonable length neck set into well laid shoulders, a moderate length body, well ribbed back, strong shortish loin, racy but moderate rear angulation allowing the dog to move with drive, in harsh double coat and with thick pelt. I do not therefore repeat this for each individual dog but I have highlighted the dog’s best points and the reasons for their placings .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Two promising babies this blue and tan more mature and what a show girl, preferred her well proportioned head and expression at this stage.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
I have written, ‘thought she would be my winner ‘and she is lovely ,her sister just put all in ,over her today .2 grand ones.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Dr. Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to thank Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their January Open Show. It was a privilege. I was given a really warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none. The venue was bright and airy and provided for a large ring with plenty of room for exhibitors. I was very ably assisted on the day by my two stewards, Margaret Davis and Sian McKay, who organised the ring with cheerful good humour and efficiency. It was also super to be present for the presentation by the Club to Pat and Brian Baxter, who always add a convivial and kindly presence to any gathering. Lastly I’d like to thank the exhibitors for coming out in numbers in chilly January and who accepted my placings with such good grace.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Blue/tan puppy bitch built along somewhat similar lines to 1, although a little shorter. Well proportioned head with short, strong muzzle and a varminty expression and correct scissor bite. Narrow front, good reach of neck, good bone and neat well padded feet. Easily spanned. Double coat which was coarse to the touch. Good bend of stifle and strong loin. Moved fine.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
another very nice pup. Strong but feminine head. Good neck and shoulder with good upperarm. Comfortably spanned. Good mover, particularly in profile. Well balanced.
Class Critique
Competitive class.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Very promising youngster of good type and has great character and attitude along with her workmanlike appearance. Balanced head, good strength of muzzle and a lovely dark eye and the keenest of expressions. Excellent front assembly with a good layback of shoulder and pleasing return of upper arm. Good length of body and well made quarters. A very positive mover at one with her handler.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
b/t just right for bone, tad heavy in the ear, narrow well balanced bitch, moving well.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Class Critique
Two super puppies headed this strong class.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
BL/T, harsh coated, well bodied, thicker boned than 1st, she has a good broad skull and a short muzzle, big white teeth, nice reach of neck, good upper arm which showed on the move, well bent stifle standing on small feet.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Best Junior
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Blue & tan bitch whom i really liked. Nice size, easily spanned and very well balanced. Shown in excellent harsh coat and condition, plenty of pelt. Moved with drive and straight front. Thick pads and small tight feet. Showed herself off better in the challenge and pushed hard for the top awards.
Class Critique
This was a class of very mixed movement.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
a strong challenge came from this lovely well handled B&T bitch, another attractive strong otter head, good bite with big teeth, dark of eye, good reach of neck, full harsh coat with plenty of ticking out of thick loose pelt, narrow as all in this kennel, drove out purposefully on neat well padded feet, topline of (1) just edged it
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
RBCC
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
The best of outlines on this beautiful Blue and Tan bitch. Otter head with strength of muzzle many lacked with a varminty expression. She reminds me of a bitch i had a long time ago. Racy and elegant. Correct in upperarm and excellent shoulder placement. Flat ribbed which carried well back. Good topline and tailset.strong hindquarters which she put to good use in her effortless movement. A well deserved R CC.
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Slightly taller than1, made on racier lines, nice feminine head with a strong jaw, good length of neck, on a racey body, moved round the ring with ease.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
A really well presented Blue and Tan young lady who owns a typical otter head with a varminty expression, dark eye, correct dentation with big teeth. Owns a narrow front and ample bone with well padded feet. She has a good length of neck into well placed shoulder, flat ribs, set well back, lovely topline and strong hindquarters. Moved around the ring effortlessly
Class Critique
A lovely class of quality bitches
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Placing Critique
Another blue and tan with a looser coat, and a similarly pleasing head. Perfect size and easily spanned. Neat feet and good parallel action on the move.
