Show Placings
The Scottish Kennel Club (October Show)
1st Oct 2022
Judge: Mr G Richardson
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for offering me the chance to award C.Cs for the first time, thanks to their hospitality i had a very enjoyable experience . Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner . Also thank you to my very efficient Steward on the day Judy Carr , with her experience she kept the day flowing excellently. Overall I was very pleased with the dogs placed on the day, generally there was a better quality bitch entry compared to dogs. Movement and wide fronts was an issue with some exhibits but generally ok. I was happy to see my B.P, take Puppy Group 2 and B.S.B.I.B. take S.B. Group 1 .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
7 Mth old promising racy pup , Feminine head with neat well set ears , dark eye , correct bite , Narrow throughout with good length of rib, well angulated rear,stood on tight feet. Coarse double jacket with thick loose pelt. Moved with ease around the ring.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Northern Border terrier club,
for inviting me to judge at this show. I considered this a great honour and privilege.
Many thanks to my two ring stewards Andrea Dixon and Mark Atkinson for keeping the ring running smoothly. I am immensely grateful to all of the exhibitors for a supper entry and the chance to go over so many lovely dogs and for taking my decisions with good sportsmanship. Some decisions could have been different on another day
In general, most were in tip top condition a few were a bit over weight.
Dentition was mostly good. I was happy on the whole with temperaments.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2022
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge The Border Terrier Club Open Show at Low Hesket and big thank you for my lovely judge’s gifts. I would also like to thank my two stewards for the day, Judy Carr and Marina Flemming for doing a sterling job and keeping the ring running smoothly through the day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors for their fantastic entry and for excepting my decisions on the day. I had a lovely entry of borders who on whole were of good quality.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
This was a last minute appointment for me, as Tina Jones had to stand down at the last moment owing to her Mothers serious illness.
What a super entry she had drawn!!! fifty one 1st entries and six repeats.
All dogs shown had good mouths, almost all had thick pelts and super harsh jackets.
All dogs were entire, and most were easily spanned.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Another sweet puppy, 8 mths old, enjoying her day out Lovely head, with dark eyes and neat ears. Good in body, and another with a good coat and Pelt. She moved well.
Selby Canine Society Open Show
29th Oct 2022
Judge: Peter Armstrong (Atron) & Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Sincere thanks go firstly, to the Committee for inviting me to judge at their Show, Secondly to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of going over their dogs and last, but not least, to my Steward, Marina Fleming, for her assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly. Judge Peter Armstrong
My thanks must go to the Officers and hard working Committee for the kind invitation to judge at their Open Show. It was a quality entry of bitches, so thank you to all exhibitors for bringing them and for their sporting acceptance of my decisions. I would also like to thank my two stewards for keeping the ring running in an orderly manner. Judge Lesley Armstrong
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
A beautiful headed Grizzle bitch nearing 7 months and much younger and consequently less mature than my first placing. She appealed so very much in her beautiful otter type head, dark expressive eye, big teeth and correct scissor bite and a short strong muzzle. Well laid shoulders, good straight front and was narrow throughout combined with a good bend of stifle and correct tail set. Shown in excellent jacket with a piable pelt. Today a little unsettled, both on the table and moving, but once she settled I thought she moved true and held her topline. I am sure she has the qualities to eventually trouble the best, once settled !.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Nov 2022
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I won my first Crufts qualifier at this show 25 years ago and it has always been one of my favourites. It was an honour to be invited to judge and my thanks go to the Scottish Club for their hospitality. Thanks also to my very capable stewards Bill Shorthose and Judy Carr.My sincere thanks to all those who entered and allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Today I found there to be a much greater depth of quality among the bitches with there being many promising puppies and some very nice animals in the upper classes,particularly limit and open. This depth of quality was not apparent in a number of the dog classes although I was pleased with my main winners.
As would be expected there was some diversity in size and type.A number of exhibits of both sexes were up to size- I have big hands so if I find them difficult to span they are probably too big. I found all males to be entire, no serious mouth faults and one kinked tail.Of most concern was the number of dogs with very poor front movement and the number with atypical heads; some too long in muzzle and a few where the muzzle was too short, the latter giving a rather cat like look. Coats and pelts were generally good and a few dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.A fairly minor fault, but one which detracts from the overall outline, were the dogs which carried their tails curled over their backs i.e “gay tailed” as opposed to carrying their tails gaily.
Some of these faults are aesthetic but others such as size and soundness are not and we should be mindful that our breed is “essentially a working terrier.”
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Eston & Barnaby Canine Society Christmas Open Show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Glenn Birrell
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of Eston & Barnaby DC for inviting me to judge at my first show. It was a very overwhelming to have such a large entry of 15 from some of the top kennel’s in the country, with only 2 absentee’s. This made my decision’s very difficult and I had to be very thorough in making my placements. Thank you to my helpful steward, John who kept the ring running smoothly and helping me with documentation .
I enjoyed my day, unfortunately I wish I had more 1st places!, due to the quality of my entry. Thanks must also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the chance to go over their dogs, even though I was a little nervous as having experienced Exhibitor’s who award CC’s !! I was Pleased my BOB went on to TG1 & RBIS also BP was TPG1.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Best Puppy
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
A young grizzle bitch that shows promise. Litter sister to the winner of Best Puppy Dog. Very clean, racy lines. Nicely balanced head with correct bite and typical keen expression in her small dark eye. Good length of neck into super shoulder, level topline and correct tail set. Narrow front and good length and depth of rib. Well bent stifles. Short strong tail that she carried well. Moved out well and with drive. No hesitation in awarding her Best Puppy in Show.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
29th Jan 2023
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you to the club for the invitation to judge and the exhibitors for their entries. It was a delight to judge my first Breed Club show. Thank you to the committee for a well-run show and my tasty lunch. Thank you to my steward Pete Appleby.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
A more petite framed G&T than 1st. good harsh double coat and easily spannable, placings could easily be the other way around on another day but lost out on overall condition today. Moved well both ways.
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
When this young lady gets her act together sure she will have a bright future. Could not be denied though her place in this competitive class. Good size and is so well made from nose to tail. Pleasing head and eye. Another that scores in neck and shoulders. Good legs and feet, excellent body shape and well developed hindquarters for her age. Once she got into her stride moved well.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
26th Mar 2023
Judge: Anne Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank The Northern Border Terrier Club for nominating me and the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at this wonderful friendly and hospitable show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept everything running smoothly and to the exhibitors for their entry and attendance on such a cold day.
I found all males entire and one level bite.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs J Carr (Wreighaugh)
My thanks go to the Committee of the NBTC for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I was honoured to receive this appointment and am incredibly grateful to the exhibitors who gave me such a great entry. It was a most enjoyable day and special thanks go to my Stewards, Andrea Pitt and Mark Atkinson, for keeping me on track and helping the ring to run smoothly.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
12 month old Grizzle and Tan. Nice strong good sized bitch shown in full coat. Good head, big teeth, dark eye and keen expression. She has a good length of neck which leads into very good shoulders and a nice narrow front. Good length of rib and depth of chest, spanned easily. Good body length with a strong loin and racy quarters. Nice topline with good tailset. She has a good double coat and nice thick pelt. Was more settled in this class than in Junior and moved very much better both coming and going
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Apr 2023
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge this show. It was originally planned for me to judge in April 2020, but this was rearranged due to the pandemic and other outstanding appointments. I would like to thank the Committee for the wonderful hospitality shown to me throughout the day, and thank you to my Steward who kept things running smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
I have not judged for just over 4 years, so it was a pleasure to see so many new dogs and new faces around the ring. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and quality throughout the classes, and pleased to see a return to a more narrow dog, as I was seeing a trend for wide fronts last time I judged.
All dogs were entire and temperaments throughout were good. Bites were correct, with just the odd broken, misplaced or dirty tooth. Coats were, as to be expected, at various stages. There were a few close decisions, and some classes where I wish I had more prize cards to give out. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs, and also for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
Lastly, can I please apologise for the delay in submitting my critique, as I usually have them done within a day or two of the show. There has been an ongoing issue with the health of a close relative which has taken up a lot of my time, so again, apologies for the delay.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Almost 13 months grizzle and tan with a lovely feminine head and expression, good scissor bite. Nice for size, balanced and nothing overdone. Shown in full coat today, but still of a harsh texture. Narrow, with straight front and nice length of rib. Carroty tail well set on. Moved with purpose to give her the class.
Class Critique
A really strong class
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the society for inviting me to judge this wonderful show. To my steward, Judy Carr, thank you for running my ring so efficiently, especially in the heat. Thanks must go to the ladies for our delicious lunch too. I was presented with some super examples of the breed and there were some tough decisions, especially in the bitches. I do also think the heat affected the performance of some as the day progressed. On the whole mouths were good, but a couple of very knotted tails and some dogs I was unable to span, even with generous allowance which would preclude them from fulfilling the breed standard of ‘essentially a working terrier’.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Young bitch maturing nicely. Moderate all round she has a nice outline and good reach of neck. Easy to span and good tail placement she was presented in harsh coat. Her movement was good and she covered the ground easily.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
1st Junior Bitch
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Pleasing bitch that has similar comments to my winner, written in my book I noted pleasing head with neat ear and good top-line. Some take longer to mature so as both 1 and 2 are still juniors, either or both could do well in the future.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
G&T. Nice size and very well constructed with good angulation for and aft. Lovely head with dark eye. Good neck of moderate length into clean well laid shoulders, narrow front, correct bone and well padded feet. Not just as settled on the move as my winner today
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
A lovely sized grizzle bitch with a good head and expression. Shown in a good harsh textured coat with a lovely reach of neck who moved nicely round the ring.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
close between 1 & 2. This one slightly longer cast, lacked bone, better head and expression, good coat and pelt, rear angulation good, slightly upright in front,
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
3rd Sep 2023
Judge: David Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this buzzing, well organised, show. It was an extremely hot day so I moved dogs less than I perhaps would normally, to allow for the extreme temperatures we were all enjoying but the dogs were not. There was a good public attendance who seemed to enjoy the array of breeds on show. Thank you for the marvellous entries in the terrier breeds which made for a very enjoyable day indeed.
Border Terrier
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Quite taken with this typical youngster who possesses a lovely head an expression. Balanced and moderate in construction throughout, with soundness. Moved out with confidence and purpose to take this class. Presented in first class order and really fit condition
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.
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Pleasing head and eye, good bite, good neck and shoulders, nice legs and feet, well made body, nice top-line and quarters, good span and jacket, ok pelt
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
15th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr Ian Halbert (Marrimay)
I would like to thank the committee for the kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and for the warm welcome I received. Also thanks go to my steward for doing such a good job. My apologies to the Secretary and exhibitors for the delay in submitting this critique due to circumstances beyond my control
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Best Bitch
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch with pleasing head, which was broad with good earset. Well laid shoulders, straight front, in good coat. Moved well. BOS
Penrith & DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to both the Penrith & District Canine Society and the Border Terrier Club for considering me to judge a super entry of some quality dogs. The show committee were most welcoming and kept the judges well fed and watered. My stewards – Sue, Jane and Katrina keeping the proceedings flowing smoothly- my thanks.
All dogs presented today were of sound temperaments, all found to be spannable and, as to be expected, various stages of coat with some excellent coats and pelts on display. Movement overall was most pleasing; with some excellent examples of strong reach and drive making for fluid balanced movement. In some classes I found myself splitting hairs due to the quality of the exhibits. Again, my one plea is for clean teeth!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
21-month-old Grizzle and Tan bitch shown today in full correct coat. Great feminine yet strong head with good expression and plenty of fill under her eyes, good muzzle and big teeth- nothing overdone. Straight front and narrow throughout easily spanned. Moved well but wanted her to stride out a wee bit more!
Northern Dog Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mrs M Fleming (Flegato)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this very well run and friendly show. There could not have been a better first time appointment. Thank you to the ring stewards who organised the ring and paperwork in the most efficient manner and made it very easy for me. And finally, thank you to all the exhibitors who entered and who were able to come and bring their dogs – it was a privilege for me to go over them.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Placing Critique
21 months old grizzle bitch who has type and quality and was a pleasure to go over scoring in size and balance. Feminine ottery head with flat moderately broad skull, strong short muzzle, powerful jaw and correct scissor bite. Dark eyes and neat well set ears. Narrow throughout, light framed with good rib and length of body, very easy to span. Well angulated front and rear, straight front legs, neat feet and racy well muscled hindquarters. Presented in full coat of good texture, thick loose pelt and plenty of undercoat. Moved around the ring freely, with purpose, keeping her outline. BOB and shortlisted in a large TG.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
I would like to say a big thank you to the officers an committee for kindly inviting me to judge this lovely open show and to all the exhibitors for exhibiting their dogs under me. A special thank you to the stewards who kept the ring running smoothly.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Class Critique
Toughest class of the day!
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Normbar Maggie May
