Show Placings
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2011
Judge: Mrs Sarah Dandy
I was delighted with both my dog and bitch line ups, from a numerically strong entry of 181 dogs all were worthy winners, from very well contended classes, with several really promising youngsters. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance in any breed
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
Nicely made, smart grizzle with a clean outline. Pleasing head with good neck into clean wither. Very well balanced quarters with excellent front assembly, with good lay back of shoulder. Good straight legs and tight feet. Lovely topline and tailset, held on the move with a good underline. Not quite as true up and down as 1 but has style and quality and moved out very well in profile. Super condition.
Class Critique
Three promising youngsters
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
4th Mar 2012
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their limit show. Also special thanks to my stewards for their smooth efficient help during a most enjoyable day. Also big thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a nice entry.
On the whole I thought the quality was of a good standard, coats were at various stages which is to be expected.
I did notice that a few exhibits were scissored which did spoil them. A couple had tails that were cut straight at the end which did upset the overall picture somewhat. Borders should have a “carrot†tail, but not a chopped carrot!
Mouths were good, with a lot of big strong teeth on display, even right through to the veterans.
I was very happy with my principle winners and feel confident more success lays ahead for them.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Best Bitch
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan eleven and a half months, pleasing head, dark eye, straight front with good tight feet. Level top line with short carrot tail. Dense tight coat. Well muscled hindquarters for one so young. Presented in first class order well deserved B.P and B.B
Crufts
11th Mar 2012
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge at Crufts, possibly the pinnacle of anyone’s judging career. My thanks must go to the exhibitors for the entry of 264 dogs, making 304 entries, by far the largest entry for a single judge in the Group, which made for a very long day. Thanks also, must, go to my Stewards, Kim Lathaen and Eddie Bishop, for their efficient services, which ensured we finished just in time for my BOB to make the Terrier Group.
I last judged the Breed at LKA, just over three years ago. This was always going to be an interesting entry, after my preamble then, which was a bit “fire and brimstoneâ€, where I stated my deep concerns about the, in my opinion, untypical heads that were creeping into the Breed, gradually being accepted, as being correct, particularly the excessively broad skulls and high set ears. Therefore, knowing my preference for the otter like, MODERATELY broad skull, asked for in the Standard, I have to say, not without a little amusement, the “lollipop on a stick†type “Teddy Bear†heads with deep stops were almost conspicuous by their absence today!
While upper arm length was a major problem last time, in the younger classes, I found far fewer today that were totally unable to stand with their front legs underneath them, perpendicular to the floor, which, hopefully, was a good sign that Breeders are recognising and attempting to remedy the problem.
Movement, on the whole was pretty acceptable, behind especially. Front, maybe not quite as good, a small minority being rather less than accurate, flicking out, or toeing in. Most covered plenty of ground on the move.
The majority were spannable.
Most were in good, harsh coat, or evidence of texture coming through. I realise it’s the start of the show season, so those short of coat weren’t unduly penalised. My reasoning being, that, coats are transitory, whereas poor conformation will always be poor conformation, regardless of the wrapping.
I know they are a working Terrier, but, I have to say, considering the occasion, I was shocked at how dirty some of the dogs were. Some were thick with grease and would certainly have benefited from a bath, if only for their own comfort!
I was very pleased with both my line ups in the challenge for the CC’s, indeed, the first three in most classes. I felt that they all fitted my interpretation of the Standard and could, if required, do the job of a working Terrier.
Special Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan. 11 ½ months. Rather more forward, stronger made bitch than 1st and 2nd. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Super hindquarters. In excellent coat and condition. Sound on the move.
Class Critique
Strong class, thought all five placed were very promising.
National Terrier
7th Apr 2012
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Thank you for a super entry. At times I felt I had been let loose in a sweetie shop such was the quality of the exhibits before me. Indeed because I was spoilt I was hard on jaw and dentition faults and Borders that were more smart terrier than true Border in type. My experience over the years leads me to believe that such faults are heart-breakingly likely to continue to bite in the future if not stamped on. My main winners were true Borders. You read of “a-ha moments†and happily for me there were some rather nice ones here. Good times indeed.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
WELKS
28th Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I appreciated the good entry. With a ring rather restricted in size ( not to mention a bitterly cold wind blowing through the cattle shed), I felt it was necessary to give the dogs as much opportunity as possible to move. Unfortunately, several moved rather wide behind, while one or two were plaiting in front. Coats were a problem , with a couple of good looking dogs showing absolutely no topcoat at all. It was interesting to see that most, but not all, of the dogs that I saw when I last judged Borders in 2010 had come on well.
RBCC
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
res CC, grizzle/t, not long out of puppy, but looking very mature. Very sound and steady on the move and shown in beautifully fit condition. Excellent coat and pelt. Seemed very much at ease in the ring and on the table. Good, typical head, unexaggerated in any way.
Birmingham National
13th May 2012
Judge: Mrs Pat Baxter
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2012
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
It was a real privilege to be asked to judge this show. I had a very good entry which pleased me and hope I did it justice. The dogs were generally in good fit condition, came across a few that were too thin, you can’t expect a young active dog to gain good muscle tone if you don’t feed them enough. They must feel miserable kept in that condition, constantly hungry. It was a very hot day, but we tried to keep them in the shade as long as possible but a few were showing signs of the heat. There were a few that looked rather scruffy with long nails and looked as if they had forgotten to take off their carpet slippers. But most were a pleasure to go over.
I was very pleased with my winners.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Southern Counties Championship Show
2nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Geoff Corish
A lovely entry. I thoroughly enjoyed judging the breed again & was able to find some lovely Borders. It was a great pleasure to watch my BOB go G4 as well.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
not a very outgoing bitch but so nice to go over & nothing out of place. Very feminine in head & expression, in full coat, sound & true moving
Windsor Championship Show
1st Jul 2012
Judge: Mr K Holmes
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Paignton & District FA
7th Aug 2012
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
I would like to thank the committee for their hospitality, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to all of the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of quality dogs. I judge according to the breed standard and I felt that my winners today were extremely fitting.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Class Critique
A lovely class with some real quality, I will be interested to see how these bitches develop and I am sure there are some future champions here.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2012
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
I considered it a great honour to be invited to judge this show. I looked forward to it greatly and I was not in any way disappointed. A classy club with a classy committee. My stewards were great and we had some interesting moments through the day, but we coped. Thank you to all involved with the club and most of all the exhibitors for doing me the honour of having me judge your dogs. Thank you.
Whenever I judge Staffords, which is my own breed I always make the point that exhibitors should rid their dogs of any reasons to get beaten. Long pointed nails are not a good look, nor are they good for the dog. Even I can make a decent fist of a borders coat and as a singular part of the breed and its identification a bit more attention would not have gone amiss in some. Excess weight is not good for anybody, least of all, what is ostensibly a working terrier. I think there may well be some stars of the future in some of the lower classes and I shall watch with greater interest now when I am at the border ring. Thanks again to you all for coming and entering into the spirit of the day. I had a brilliant day and I hope you did too.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
This bitch is a lot of what I like. Correct size, lovely head with good strong muzzle, straight narrow front, compact, level topline, good hindquarters and with a good coat to top it off.
Class Critique
Now we were cooking with gas, this was a much better class and I liked all of the first five, to coin a well used phrase, I am sure they will change places another day
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2012
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
I was honoured to judge at this what I consider a BIS of championship shows. I would like to extend my thanks to the society for the invite, the warm hospitality and friendly relaxed atmosphere made for a superior judging experience. Also much thanks to my ring steward Mr Eddie Bishop, who did a splendid job in his management of the ring in a professional and efficient manner. A super entry of 188 which understandably presented me with many varieties of type. Mouths across the entry were good with only one level bite. A few with chipped teeth and the missing tooth (which should not penalise all things being equal an otherwise quality exhibit in a working breed) no kinks in tails and all males were entire .It was also pleasing to see more shown in the correct double jacket, but sadly some of dogs that appealed to me for breed type paid the penalty as although their jackets pleased for depth they lacked the weatherproof quality essential in a working terrier coat. I was very pleased to see my entry thankfully lacking the “showy boxy terrier types†of late.
It was a pleasure to judge dogs of correct border type, temperament, fit , healthy exhibits who were presented in such good condition. Needless to say the exhibits were a credit to their owners and throughout the day the quality was first rate making lots of my decisions close ones with many leaving without a placing. The puppy classes in particular were numerical high and it was a pity I had to discard many good exhibits of the breed. But this quality can only bode well for the future. It was also nice to be told that the exhibits in the Good citizens classes apart from gaining a good citizen award the entry also had dogs who took part in Obedience, Agility and Gundog send aways proving once again that borders can really turn their paw to all manner of activities outside of their already busy show calendar.
I felt that my principle winners fulfilled the “Essentially a working terrier†breed standard requirement with that extra something that makes top winner .
I was delighted to learn that I had the top entry in the terrier group Thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, particularly appreciated in these difficult economic times and for making it such an enjoyable day
RBCC
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
19 mth old red who is really full of herself loved her attitude both standing and on the move. Lovely breed type she has a good otter head and keen eye and super expression ,strong underjaw. Presented in super coat tight and harsh lovely thick loose pelt to finish. Really comes into her own on the move with drive from her well angulated rear. Correct for size and spanned with ease. Pleased to award her the BRCC in a hotly contested line up.
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2013
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was an honour to be invited to judge the Southern Border Terrier Club’s Championship Show for the second time, the last time having been exactly twenty years ago in 1993. The entry on this occasion was 215 from 203 dogs of which 14 were entered NFC. My thanks go to the Show Manager, Officers and Committee of the Club for their hospitality and organisation and to the exhibitors for their entries and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Special thanks to Wendy and Andrew Mooney and Bev Marsh for stewarding so efficiently and for organising the collecting ring which allowed us to finish in good time.
As usual there were more bitches than dogs entered. It was encouraging to see some good quality entries through the various classes and not just at the senior end, I thought that by and large heads and expressions were good with not many narrow long skulls there. My feeling was that while there were still plenty of dogs with poor fronts of one kind or another present, there were more good fronted exhibits around from which to find winners than the last time I judged. Coats were mixed and at times I had to forgive some lack of coat. As always there was a good deal of variation in size as always, but in the end I felt I was able to find winners of good enough size with enough scope and lines. I felt that tails were mixed and at times, in looking for overall quality, I had to reward dogs with tails that I felt were less than perfect in shape, length or carriage. By and large the dogs behaved pretty well and were presented clean. I was keen to see the dogs moving around the ring and not ‘stacked’. That is surely the most revealing in conformation terms.
DCC and BOB was Jenkins’ Badgerbeck Uncle Fester. RDCC was Stockleys’ Ch Foxfactor Pied Piper. BCC and RBIS was May and Whisker’s Thistlestone Jenny Wren. RBCC was Higham’s Comberdown Thistle. BP was Hall and Ellis’ Brackenfell Bok To Bach and BPB was Clark’s Gameway Fortune Cookie. BV was Stockleys’ Foxfactor Hornblower
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Placing Critique
pleasing in head, ears, eye and expression and had a good broad skull and correct strength of foreface. Good bone. Moved well front and was good in hindquarters too. Correct shoulder, neck and topline with correct tail and tailset.
Bournemouth Championship Dog Show
10th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Breed Show
1st Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My appreciation goes to the SBTC officers and committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely entry of Border Terriers and to the stewards for their support during the show. Also to the many exhibitors who quite rightly presented their dogs so proudly. I hope they enjoyed their day irrespective of the results, as above all this is a hobby to enjoy with the pets that you love.
It’s always good to see new faces exhibiting but I think most would benefit from a few visits to ring craft prior to launching themselves into the ring. This would give them an idea of the typical ring routine and some guidance on preparation of their exhibits. Whilst some concession can be made, lack of ring presence inevitably reflects in some way on their exhibit. Having said all that I can but admire the efforts of a seasoned 2½ year old handler as she moved her much older prized veteran up and down the mat!
I found some dubious dentition, a couple I couldn’t span and several only just spannable. Some dogs impressed in the line but disappointed on the move (particularly rear movement) but for a limit show I felt there was plenty of quality and I was particularly delighted with the main contenders. Some classes merited two “firsts” with precious little separating the first two and I was sad to disappoint. Not being first shouldn’t reflect badly on any dog it only means that a particular judge preferred another exhibit on the day. Certainly some of the dogs would have been better placed had they moved as well on the day as I’ve seen them move before.
I’m not of the school that expects to see a final line-up of identical dogs of a particular type. Several exhibits, whilst not of my preferred type, represented the breed standard well and couldn’t be denied an appropriate place irrespective of type or the appearance of the final line-up. I looked for a well balanced dog reflecting the aspects of the breed standard, without exaggeration and able to cover the ground smoothly and efficiently and I was pleased to find it in most classes.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
3rd May 2015
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club committee for the opportunity to judge this year’s Joint club show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Bob and Liz Wright for the smooth running of the ring and the cups of coffee. It was an experience to go over so many dogs of different types; this made my job difficult at times, as each one had different attributes to the next. A few classes I found very hard to decide who my winners would be for this reason. Is the breed getting better or worse? I do not think I am the first to mention that there are too many foreign heads and plain faces with no expression. The breed standard states “a head like that of an otter” and “essentially a working terrier”. Confirmation and movement, I think has improved a little, but the heads and strength of the dogs has declined. When I looked at some of the dogs, I liked them but then had to remind myself that they where dogs not bitches. Thank you to all exhibitors for letting me go over your dogs and the gracious way most of you accepted my decisions.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Badgerbeck Prediction
