Show Placings
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks for the invitation to judge and for the warm welcome and support received on the day, special mention to my lead steward Robert Brewster. I was pleased that I received such large minor puppy entries in both dogs and bitches; it was lovely to see the youngsters and so many new and enthusiastic exhibitors too. The show represented a first outing for some and I hope the day was enjoyable for both four and two legged beginners. Overall the exhibits were well turned out and in good condition with only a few slightly overweight and some dirty or stained teeth; coats were at both ends of the scale. I really did feel the show had a good sporting atmosphere throughout the day and I thank all those who attended for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Class Critique
Very varied class. Many dogs will change places as they mature and develop.
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
It was an honour and pleasure to Judge at this great club show, I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors, my entry was fantastic full of quality, I’m sorry but some really good dogs were not in the top honours today. I thought the bitches in general were of better quality than the dogs which is good for the breed, and in the dogs, I also noticed some exhibits were lacking coat, a sign of Crufts approaching, but in general they were good.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Excellent dog with a good head, strong without overdone, ears well set, showing expression, well constructed and balanced, moved well both ways good free movement in front and drive from rear, no exaggerations, showed well, good coat. Looking forward to seeing these 2 puppies in the future.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Isle of Eley CS Open Show
2nd Feb 2019
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
Thank you for a lovely entry, I was spoilt for choice, super dogs
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
11 month old grizzle.Correct size. Pleasing head,well balanced,coat and pelt ok,neat feet.Moving well enough behind but needs to tighten in front
Derby CS Open Show
21st Apr 2019
Judge: Becky Johnson (Downstream)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Not quite development in body of winner. Pleasing head. Needs to deepen in body. Moved steadily
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Liked the size of this dog, I find some of the Borders very big, partly through length of leg, this one is balanced in length of back and leg, head OK, lovely dark eye and good mouth, shown in good coat, preferred the movement of this one.
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Handy size dog. Easily spanned. Pleasing head and expression. Shown in harsh coat. Moved very well.
Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
16th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Rodney Oldham
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Derbyshire Agricultural & Horticultural Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Jim McGhie (Keillor)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Frecheville & DCS Open Show
18th Jul 2019
Judge: Miss Helen Wall (Goldwyn)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Alfreton & DCS Open Show
20th Jul 2019
Judge: Ron Punter (Lacus)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
I was very taken with this dog both in its conformation and that it was in great coat and condition. Well muscled. Lovely head with first class ears used to advantage in the challenge. Shoulders blend nicely into back. BOB
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Another nice sized young dog with generally sound construction all through. He has a good front and shoulders, is well ribbed back and with good hind angulation. Needs a bit more time to mature, but typical and promising overall. Coat not at its best.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Heckington & DAS Open Show
27th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr Robin Searle
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Ryedale & Pickering Lyth Agricultural Society (Canine Section) - Open Show
30th Jul 2019
Judge: Linda Pearson (Kiltondale)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
26th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Class Critique
Quality class but great variation in size
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
very typical dog who spans easily, good front and rear, excellent tail, not in his best coat today and muzzle could have been stronger. Moves ok
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank my stewards Lesley and Peter Armstrong-Rodgers for the excellent way they controlled the ring in a peaceful and confident way ensuring a good natured atmosphere to reign.
The exhibitors also deserve thanks for entering and accepting my decisions in a sporting way and spectators applauding each class in turn.
The quality of the majority of the exhibits was good but some of them had suspect front movement which seems to be common in certain Borders.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Aberystwyth DCS Open Show
6th Oct 2019
Judge: Miss Vanessa Cox (Shimani)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge and to my ring steward for keeping things running smoothly.
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Another pleasing young dog, full of breed type, handy size and easily spanned. Pleasing otter like head, well set ears and keen expression. Good front, well laid shoulders well ribbed back and good hind angulation and tail set. Coat not at his best today and not quite as settled on move as winner.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Settled down to the task in hand to win this class, scoring highly on his lovely head properties
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
19th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
Thanks for the good entry, marred by absentees, it seems some had entered two shows today and unfortunately for me chose to go to the other one!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
Red dog with lovely tight feet and thick pads. Good angles front and back. Nice carrot tail set on well. Very easy span loose pelt and narrow all through, moved true with purpose. Head developing well, good bite and coat B.O.B over the bitch on his flatter rib.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Nov 2019
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this my second breed club show. Thank you to the committee for their kind hospitality and the lovely gift I received at the end of the day. My two stewards, Sharon Pickering & Beverley Barber, kept things moving along nicely – thank you. I was delighted with the entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. As expected coats were at various stages – some were good, some going over and a couple of exhibits were freshly pulled out. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two untidy and a couple of level mouths. I had one main concern on the day – size. There were some exhibits who were just too big to span and weighed heavy and this was reflected in their placings. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some good quality dogs to judge.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell
Placing Critique
smaller made than 1. Another who is narrow in front and spans well. Good pelt but his jacket almost over the top. Moved well.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
This was my last judging appointment so thank you to all who entered under me today. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some very nice dogs. I would also like to thank my stewards Linda and Natalie who kept the ring running smoothly.
I was very happy to see my BOB take Group 4 and my BP Puppy Group 2.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Another of the right size. Not exaggerated in any way. In correct double coat. Best mover in class. Nice head with good eye and pleasing expression.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Jan 2020
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (Annesuz)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their very warm welcome and hospitality, and the exhibitors for their entries and generous applause for the winners. There was a fabulous atmosphere throughout the day which made it a real pleasure.
Having last had my hands on the breed at this level in October 2017 I am concerned about just how narrow some of the dogs are. Whilst the breed standard calls for the body to be ‘deep, narrow, and fairly long’ it should not be taken to the point of exaggeration. That being said my winners are very pleasing, well balanced specimens without recourse to any exaggeration and in my opinion fit for the original purpose of a Border Terrier.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
I liked the size and type of this boy. His head is developing well with no exaggeration. Lovely neck into excellent correct shoulders, well ribbed, narrow throughout, level topline, good tailset. He was the soundest mover in the class. His coat sadly had blown but he was a worthy winner of the class. Pressed very hard in the final line up
Matlock & DCS Open Show
16th Feb 2020
Judge: Mr Richard Kinsey (Kitarn)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Newark & DCS Open Show
22nd Feb 2020
Judge: David Lee (Socksdown)
Firstly, I thank the Society’s Officers and Committee for the invitation to judge some Lovely Terrier Breeds including both The Terrier and Puppy Terrier Groups at this very well organised show and the superb hospitality. Furthermore, I Thank All the Exhibitors for supporting the Society, for supporting Your Breeds and for giving me a wonderful entry . Finally, I thank my two ring stewards that kept things so well organised and running smoothly.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Wath, West Malton & District CS Open Show
29th Feb 2020
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Retford & DCS Premier Show
15th Mar 2020
Judge: Paul Eardley (Sherex)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
similar remarks to 1, strong head with lovely dark points, spannable, well laid rib, neat feet, which he moved well on.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Slightly smaller mould good angles all round, nice carroty tail, moved well but coat on the blow.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Handy size 2 year old typey grizzle with masculine head , flat skull , little stop , nice expression with dark well shaped eyes & good muzzle, underjaw & good bite with big teeth . Narrow front , with straight medium boned legs into good feet , clean narrow shoulders , easy span rib of good length ,hence his good underline & has well muscled rear with well defined second thighs . Evidence of double coat & good pelt . Nice length & shape tail . Moved very true .
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
Although only four in this class, the quality was outstanding and it was a real pleasure to go over these top quality dogs that all have so much to offer the breed.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Not disgraced here, good all over with many admirable virtues, good bone, size, easily spanned. Lovely varminty expression, sound mover
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Light grizzle in full coat, which I would have preferred to be of harsher texture. Excellent size and was easily spannable. Pleasing head and expression with lovely dark eye. Narrow and nice length with racy hindquarters and small, neat feet. Moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Nice sized grizzle dog with masculine head, dark eye and small neat ears, well laid shoulder, good angulation, correct length of rib and good feet. Presented in good coat and condition. Moved well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Every thing about this exhibit says I am a dog, from his head down to his tail, nice loose pelt, moved true
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog, coat not at its best but will improve, nicely built and moved well
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Boston & DCS Open Show
31st May 2022
Judge: Mr M Garnham (Carmetcho)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
A difficult class to judge all of a very different type but all having good qualities.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
G & t of good size, he spans well with a masculine head of good shape, very expressive dark eyes and a bite of large teeth. Has a neck of good length flowing into a body with straight front and well shaped ribs carried well back. Decent rear end and held his tail well when moving freely.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Very nice head & nice dark eye, keen expression. Straight in front, good depth of body & length. Good turn of stifle, correct tailset. In a good coat, moves well both ways & a good showman.
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
What a fabulous class of quality dogs.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
This was a class full of quality with some close decisions
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Nice type with good head, correct bite good size ears, narrow front level topline and good rear angulation movement ok
Darlington Championship Dog Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge Border Terriers. Huge thanks to my two efficient stewards Laura Jordan-Smith and Julie North who kept me on track and finally the exhibitors for a super entry. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front as there were too many swinging fronts, wide movement and toeing in. There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to choose from and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
What a super class of quality dogs. Very close decisions for the placings with several good ones having to go home cardless.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
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.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
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.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
masculine head with a broad skull, short muzzle, depth and length of body ok, ribs well back, straggle jacket not looking its best.
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
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
5 years old grizzle with nice masculine otter head, with a good muzzle and plenty of underjaw, dark eyes and scissor bite, moderate neck into spannable body with lean loin, thick pelt and harsh jacket, sound and even on the move.
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Handy size, masculine head with little stop and flat skull, narrow body of good length and easily spanned, neat feet, well angulated front and rear, in good coat and pelt, moved well coming and going.
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.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Handy sized G/T in fit condition. Balanced outline. Nothing overdone. Another with a very nice head, dark eyes and keen expression. Large teeth. Very nice neck, into good shoulder. Straight legs and neat feet. Excellent top line, tail and tail set. Easily spanned. Correct double coat. Strode out well around the ring.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Best mover by far in his class. Grizzle dog with broad skull and dark eye. Correct dentation. Easily spanned with a narrow front and excellent laid back shoulders. Narrow and racy with good rear angulation.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Class Critique
A challenging class, a lot of quality
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
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.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
16th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers. Thank you for the warm welcome and super hospitality. Thank you to my steward who ran the ring efficiently in the heat and to my exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs and the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken. Congratulations must also go to my BOB who sportingly withdrew from the group as I found out later the Group Judge was actually the breeder.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog with harsh jacket that was sadly past its best today. Balanced with a super head and correct bite he was easily spanned with strong loin and level top line. He presented a balanced picture and I suspect good movement but didn’t want to co-operate with his handler today.
Huntingdonshire CS Open Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rodney Eastall (Daedal)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
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.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Good head with strong muzzle and big teeth, dark eyes, keen expression, , well angulated, easy span, strong loin, harsh coat, well shown
Class Critique
Lots to like in this class
Leicester City CS Open Show
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many thanks go to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this, the Leicester City Canine Society Open Dog Show and also to the exhibitors for presenting me with such an excellent entry, which was a real privilege to assess. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Special thanks must also to my two stewards Keith Price and Nicky Holden for keeping both the ring, and me, in check. Our allocated ring was remarkably quite extensive, which is often not the case in indoor areas of this nature, with plenty of space around for cages and seating etc. One minor glitch however, was the provision of a full size trestle table as a ring table. This did cause some problems for exhibitors, when standing their dogs and for myself, the vertically challenged judge, when going over the exhibits.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
Owns a good otter head of correct proportions, broad skull, keen expression, good eye of correct shape and colour, low set on ears. Adequate muzzle and correct strong scissor bite. Good narrow front and correct shoulder construction leading to well-placed ribs. Easily spannable. Level topline. Well constructed throughout. Presented in a harsh coat on a thick pelt. Good carrot shaped tail. Well angulated front and rear. Just could not match the enthusiasm and drive of the winner today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
Placing Critique
grizzle in smaller package but with everything in the right place. Good head and eye with strong jaws and big teeth. Lovely straight front with medium bone and good feet. Easily spanned body with good rib shape and strong loin Well muscled hind quarters and thickly rooted tail. Not quite the coat condition of one and lost out on the go around where one coped better with the floor. Showed well.
Class Critique
Some lovely dogs in this class.
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Glen Mara Oh Viedo At Kersfell JW
