Show Placings
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Special Beginners - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan puppy, VHC in MPD. Loved his handy size but a tad squarer in outline than 1. Good head and dark eye. Good bite. Just right for bone. Good racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in an excellent top coat, with good undercoat and pelt. Moved well all ways
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Special Challenge - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
8 month old pup, nice for size, good shoulders angulation liked his length moved well
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Special Beginners - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
Another nice puppy with lots to like, good in head with dark eye, narrow front and good tight feet, nice length of rib, narrow throughout, good coat with thick pelt, when he settles, he moves out well.
Special Beginners - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
see 2nd in mpd
Loughborough and DCS Open Show
19th May 2024
Judge: Barry Blunden (Ucassa)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Riddings & DCS Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
Smart 8mth boy good head and keen eye strong muzzle, good bone and straight front, good shoulders and racy rear, moved well in tip top condition best of wire jackets and thick pelt. BEST PUPPY. & Puppy Group 4
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Derbyshire County Show
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Raewyn Dowsett (Tteswood)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Boston DCS Open Show
3rd Jul 2024
Judge: Marion Sargent (Tegwani)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
grizzle, slightly short ribbed, moved well.
Special Beginners - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
3rd ND
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.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
has a good strong loose pelt, ribs well placed, firm in loin, tail rather high set & carried at times, reasonable in head shape, good dentition, ears well set but rather large, in good double coat, well shaped feet with thick pads. Owner tending to stand him out in front rather than front legs being under the withers.
Special Beginners - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
York Canine Association Open Show
21st Jul 2024
Judge: Wendell Moore (Cloudside)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Novice - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Special Challenge - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan with a good double coat, and pleasing head with keen expression, broad muzzle but just a little more stop than first. He was good for size and narrow with a good bend of stifle. He moved well, holding a level topline, but didn’t carry his carrot shaped tail so well on the move.
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan puppy dog shown in a harsh double coat of correct texture. Nice head of correct proportions, strong muzzle with a correct bite. He is of the correct size with a narrow front. Decent shoulders, ribs carried well back and a strong loin. Moved out well.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
See Puppy Dog
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
12 month old grizzle boy . Good handy size, well assembled , angles fore and aft good . Head is still developing but is of good shape and proportions . Coat of nice texture .. He is very proud of his tail on the move,that may settle a little with maturity. .
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Novice - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
I would like to thank The Committee for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my very efficient Stewards Mark & Julie for keeping everything on track & The Club for their hospitality & splendid gift.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
13mth grizzle with a good head. Correct eye shape with an alert expression, strength of muzzle & correct bite. Decent reach of neck into level topline. Well laid shoulders, short rear pasterns. Stands on straight limbs with small, neat feet. Easily spanned with a good double coat. Loose pelt. A little proud of his tail on the move but moved out soundly.
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Selby Canine Society Open Show
26th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Val Mason (Valicetarn)
I would like to express my gratitude to the Selby C A committee for the invitation to judge and for their warm welcome to their well run show.
I felt incredibly spoiled to have the opportunity to go over some quality dogs.
Thank you also to my able stewards and to all exhibitors.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
13 mth handy sized dog, narrow throughout, easily spanned. Good harsh jacket covering a decent pelt. Straight in front and small feet.
Nice length of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Good length of rib & body. He carried his tail a little too gaily, but moved out well
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Pebbledyke Prelude Cum Fairhambrook
Placing Critique
See 2nd JD
