Show Placings
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Lovely front and narrow throughout. Correct topline and tailset. Well-presented and strode out holding her topline.
Sheringham & District KA Open Show
19th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr M. Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I would like to start with thanks to the Sheringham and District Kennel Association committee for a well run show and excellent hospitality. Thanks also to my steward, Paul, who ensured the smooth running of the ring.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
9 month old grizzle bitch, less mature than my winner, moved ok, little longer in leg, not quite as balanced as 1, I am sure this will improve with time. Good coat and pelt. Feminine head with good expression.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Class Critique
What a lovely class to start off the day – wish I had more places
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Super neat grizzle and tan in great, pin-wire coat. Beautiful otter head, very feminine. Correct topline and good tailset, straight, narrow front and lovely ribs. Showed and handled really well. Lovely angulation and moved soundly. Very promising puppy.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Top class bitch who I liked for her size, typical outlook and very well balanced appearance. Best of heads, good strength of muzzle, neat well set ears and the alertest of expressions. Very clean over the neck and shoulders, excellent legs and feet, good body shape and holding her topline at all times. Short well carried tail and the best of hindquarters, racy with great muscle tone. Put down in tip top order. Moved soundly.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
beautiful strong but feminine headed bitch of quality, straight front, level topline, good front and rear angulation. Would prefer a better rib. Very showy, moved true with drive and held herself well on the move.
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
8th May 2023
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of this well-run show for their kind invitation to judge. I was delighted with the super dogs that I had the pleasure of judging, all a real credit to you. A huge thank you to the exhibitors for the honour of your lovely dogs. A huge thank you to my 2 very efficient stewards, who also had a very long day, the show could not go on without you, so thank you.
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
2 year old grizzle bitch, of a different stamp to winner, a little more compact, but keeping her racy outline. Loved her inquisitive nature, rather nosey!!! She has a pleasing outline and a nice flow to her. Typical otter head, good width, neat ears, and dark eyes. Good length of neck, brisket well let down, with the desired narrowness. A little shorter in the ribcage. She held a lovely firm topline, and has a good set on of tail. Racy but strong hindquarters, which she put to good use on the move, true in her action. Shown in good coat.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
BCC
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
This grizzle bitch took my eye when she came into the ring. Loved her strong but feminine otter type head, neat ears close to cheek and alert expression. She was beautifully presented in a super tight jacket and pliable pelt. She is well balanced with a narrow front, clean neckline, tight feet with a super topline and tailset to complete the picture. She is in fit condition with good muscle tone and angulation which she used to drive round the ring. She moved soundly and with purpose. I was pleased to award her first CC
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Liked this smart bitch, otter type head, correct neat ears, good straight narrow front, correct in shoulders, thick pelt, excellent harsh dense jacket, moved out well
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
well balance G&T with otter head, strong muzzle, dark eye and keen expression, narrow front and ribs, thick jacket and pliable pelt, good tailset and angulation, racy with plenty of muscle, tight feet, moved soundly
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Beautiful headed bitch with dark eye and keen expression. Strong muzzle. Excellent thick coat and pelt. Easily spanned. Good tail set. Covered the ground well.
Class Critique
Two very good bitches headed this class.
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Steph Collis (Ridlington)
Limit /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
Very pleasing bitch with a good strong head and under jaw, she was in excellent condition with a pin wire jacket, she has enough bone to be spannable, nice bend of stifle moved with drive and looked like she would do a day’s work.
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.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Placing Critique
A beautiful stylish and well-balanced bitch. She has an ottery head with keen feminine expression and neat ears dropping close to cheek. A narrow front, good reach of neck and flowing topline to well set tail completes the picture. Moved soundly with topline held.
Class Critique
Two lovely bitches heading this class too.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Holteal Halfpenny Worth
Class Critique
Super class with quality right down the line and topped by two eye catching blue bitches.
