Show Placings
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Lot to like about this puppy for quality and type nice, size for age, right amount of bone, nice head and expression, ribs well back racy without been overdone, overall picture nice balanced puppy and moved ok. Best Puppy.
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Lighter grizzle bitch who was shorter coupled than the first, but she is beautifully put together and I loved her make and shape. My notes say "Very nice baby, with great promise." She has a lovely otter like head and moved very well. Hopefully another star in the making and at just 7 and 1/2 months old, she has time on her side.
Class Critique
A very hard class with a lot of lovely puppies and I ended the class by thanking the first three placed for making my life difficult!
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr J Thomas (Daluce)
It was an honour to be invited to judge such a prestigious show as "The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show " I would like to humbly thank the committee for their invitation and their warm welcome on the day.
I would also like to thank my stewards on the day Allen Horner, Anne Maltby and Dave Mitchell, who kept the ring running smoothly for me.
Finally would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the pleasure of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
another 8 month old & almost as good. Rather plainer in head & less steady on the move than the class winner. Really good front
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show, to the exhibitors for giving me such a super entry and especially to Robert Brewster for his excellent stewarding. I really enjoyed my day.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
9 months g/t, liked her otter head and expression, well presented, fit condition, coat spot on.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
see PB
West Midland Terrier Society Open Show
28th Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
a very nice youngster who is so well put together. She has a lovely head and expression and excellent front but not quite the length of back of the winner. Good feet and moved soundly.
Boston & District Canine Society
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Society for my invitation to judge at Boston show . Thanks too to my stewards who were both efficient and unobtrusive , great timesavers and cheerful ! I very much enjoyed my day on the woolsack and had some lovely dogs and bitches who I felt could do a days work , having the construction to enable them to run the equivalent of a marathon over rough terrain , as well as being narrow , lithe and spannable to get in underground and ultimately back out again . Some did pay the penalty of being too big in rib and thus were heavily over standard for weight when picked up or too wide in front to get in , others failed in their construction to move in a sound , balanced , long , free striding way making one think they could not follow a horse any distance ! All bar 1 male were entire , there were a few with kinks in their tails and I had more than the usual number of level bites , some with very jumbled or small teeth which I feel must be watched carefully and please try to breed out as they are the defence of a working terrier – Border Terriers should have big scissor bite dentition . I still believe a BT should be capable of free standing and moving on a looser lead as of yore , rather than having their legs screwed on and being too strung up , I understand some dogs do not make the most of themselves free stood , but a lot are pushed into a very strange shape by their handlers ,and lose the vivacity and ‘active and game’ outlook that is part and parcel of the breed , making them very depressed , even some of the puppies looked as though they would rather be anywhere else but in a show ring , either from being over shown or over handled . There were a few dogs who I felt needed more weight on them , their coats hiding their stuck up spine & pin bones – this may be to try and make them more easily spannable or weigh nearer the standard , but it is very unfair on any adult or puppy to starve them , and they did pay the price in some classes as they could not work as thin and lacking strength as they were. In other words they should be made right not starved into shape .
Both my challenge line ups pleased me , and I was especially pleased to have such a good even bitch challenge where I was spoilt for choice , ultimately the dog and bitch I could visualize most easily following horse and hounds and then working gained top honours , being well made , spannable , good coats and pelts , sound free accurate movers with quality and breed type .
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
BPB Nice young bitch, should do well. Good jacket and hide. Good tail, nicely set on. Preferred head over the second, espically the foreface.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
30th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs. Tracy Butler (Ycart)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there show,and there hospitality throughout the day.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for there lovely entry,and there sportsmanship,wether you agreed with my desision or not.
On the whole exhibits had good dentation,coats where varied,but evidence of good coat was there,temperments where good.
Sadly i found a few dogs that where pityfully thin,and would benefit from a good meal,and some free running exercise,some exhibits would benefit from a good tidy up of removel of dead coat,and please leave the clippers in the box.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Novice - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Newark & District Canine Society
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
s to the exhibitors for the super entry, such a pity half were absent.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Year old red/gr bitch in super coat. Good angles all round. Dark eyes strong muzzle and bite. A little heavy in ear, moved truly but I felt a slower pace would benefit her.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge my first BTC open show special thanks to the committee and members for a lovely show and exhibitors for my entry, thank you to my ring stewards Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh for keeping things running smoothly. I was very happy with all my placings I had some tough decisions and some placings on another day could easily change place. All dogs were entire and I was pleased to see many dogs shown in correct double coat. On a negative note I had two exhibits with teeth out of line and a few level bites although acceptable a scissor bite is preferable. As the first line of the breed standard states ‘essentially a working terrier’ personally I would like to see more dogs in fitter harder condition ‘fit for purpose’.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Light grizzle and tan strong but feminine bitch , stunning head with good teeth and correct bite, good lay of shoulder with nice body lines, shown in good coat with excellent pelt in good condition she moved out well, pleased to award her Reserve Best Bitch.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
1st in Junior bitch
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Nicely constructed, narrow all through, lovely head and front, moved very well with drive from her good rear angulation. Excellent coat.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Good head neck & shoulder, rib carried well back, OK for balance with nice tight feet. In good coat with a good pelt, moving very well with nice drive. A competent sweet little bitch.
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
a well-balanced bitch, lovely head, feminine, dark eye good expression, nice neck and shoulders, straight front, nicely made quarters fore and aft, good spanned ribs and body, good coat and pelt, moved well
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Pretty much all I have said about the winner applies to this bitch as well, another one who has a lot of good things going for her. The winner moved that bit better behind today and that was the deciding factor.
Class Critique
I liked all of the first three in this class.
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
1st Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2016
Judge: Miss S Dandy
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Another well-made bitch, full of type with pleasing lines, presented in a good grizzle jacket and pelt. Attractive head and expression, with a reach of neck into soundly constructed forehand and firm topline with well-set on carroty tail. Balanced overall with a good underline, length in body and angulated hindquarters with turn of stifle and hocks well let down giving good drive. Sound, ground covering free movement.
Class Critique
Close decision between three promising, quality bitches.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Grizzle with a lovely attractive Otter head, another with very good harsh tight coat on a thick pelt, tailset good, very close to winner but not as settled on the move.
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Very attractive and appealing youngster who will win at a high level. Nicely put together in all areas. A good size size with quality head and expression. Nice neck, front and good layback of shoulder. Strongly made rear assembly with good bend of stifle, used to stride out well. Carries a tight coat with thick pelt. Well trained,
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Good sized bitch, strong but feminine head with dark eye, good bite, good in shoulder, straight front with neat feet, good layback of rib, good in topline, tail well set on, moved with drive from good hind quarters. In good coat and pelt.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
So lovely in balance ,keen expression, dark eye, strong correct head, big teeth but kept her feminity neat feet, straight front, well laid shoulders racey hindquarters in excellent coat shown & presented in lovely condition
Class Critique
What a class of lovely bitches, so many went without a card.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Bakewell Show
3rd Aug 2016
Judge: Mr Jeff Luscott
Thanks to Bakewell Show Society for the call to stand in for the designated judge, I enjoyed the quality and atmosphere around the ring with a good turnout. I had lovely dogs to go over and well done to the BOB and BP on their Group results.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
Lovely for type with a typical head and neck. Good overall in balance and appearance. She has the shape. Could tighten on muscle and movement but lovely girl to go over.
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
A nicely balanced grizzle, very nice front construction, good bone, level topline, good tailset, very nice tight coat, good movement both front and rear, shown in fine fettle and well handled
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits
Placing Critique
what a lovely bitch, lighter grizzle, excelled in head, well set ears, good reach of neck, neatest of feet, steady mover, level topline, thick pelt decent jacket.
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch with lovely head, showed in good coat, a little heavier in rib than first dog but still spanable, also moved well.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch, loved her head, correct ear set, good reach of neck into well laid shoulders, easy span, good hind angulation and tail set. In very good coat and pelt. A very close decision.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch in very good condition. Excellent head with dark eye and keen expression. Good reach of neck into narrow shoulders. Straight front. Liked her top line and correct shaped tail. Good legs and thickly padded feet. Good rear angulation. Moved well. Beautifully presented in very good double coat with thick pliable pelt.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Light red ideal size, good head, ideal length of body, strong loin and quarters with short hocks which she used to move well, in good coat and condition, close up for top honours
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch in good condition, feminine head and expression, good topline and tailset on the move.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge this show. It was a great privilege to be asked and I would like to thank my two ring stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright for keeping everything moving smoothly for me throughout the day.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A grizzle bitch with a super otter head, a broad skull and short strong muzzle. She is narrow and has a lovely clean neck line that flows into a level topline with good tail set. She has good tight cat like feet on thick pads. Plenty of loose pelt a tight pinwire jacket completes the picture. She moved soundly round the ring.
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Close up to winner. Feminine head. Short, strong muzzle. Good coat, thick pelt. Another who moved well both ways and held topline well on the move.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A very attractive headed bitch with a keen expression. Strong yet very feminine a super front straight and of good bone, into a well laid shoulder. Easily spanned with a strong loin carrying her tail straight off her back. Well off for muscle and in good condition good hind quarter s and feet. The best of double hard coats and thick pelt. Moved well fore and aft.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Well constructed grizzle.Strong but feminine head,well angulated front and rear,well set on tail.Neat feet,moving well .Jacket in good order.Liked her.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Lovely head and expression in excellent coat. Short carrot tail. Very narrow. Slightly shouted coupled but could change places with 1 on any given day
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Lovely bitch who comes to hand well, in ideal coat with super pliable skin, really pleases in head with good skull and foreface, ears could be a tad neater but does not detract from expression, lovely straight front, well padded feet, beautifully laid shoulder and good upperarm, correct depth and length of body, good strong quarters, stylish economical mover
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
overall a very balanced bitch with lots to like, neat outline with good topline, tailset and a really good carroty tail, liked her head and expression, a tad heavy across the shoulders but was easy to span, and she moved well. Well presented.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Well presented and in excellent coat, narrow all through, lovely head and front, moved very well with drive from her good muscled rear quarters.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Love this bitch very much but she was short of coat today, which in such a good class of quality bitches, sadly had to make the difference. She has an excellent otter-like head with a very strong muzzle and lovely dark eyes, full of expression. So easily spanned, she moves well on good tight feet and has a lovely reach of neck and good topline and tailset.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
BCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A nice sized bitch, with a beautiful otter-like head and strong muzzle. Lovely balanced proportions, nothing exaggerated, just substance and quality construction all through. Classy outline that flowed from head and neck through to her racy hindquarters. In good coat and moving well. Bitch CC.
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
High quality bitch who is well proportion. Otterhead, strong big teeth, very good neck and front. Thick pelt and in good coat. Sound mover
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Excellent proportions and size. Beautiful head with keen expression. Good eyes. A bit big ears. Excellent topline and tail. Balanced angulated. Good body. Spannable. Excellent harsh coat. Thick pelt. Moves soundly.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Class Critique
Lovely class
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Lovely looking bitch, otter head, strong muzzle and good mouth. Dark eye and well set dark ears. Narrow, good level topline held on the move, flowing into nice carrot tail. In good thick jacket. Nice thick pads and tight feet and short nails. Moved with drive. RBCC.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
g/t A lovely exhibit. Liked her balance of length of body to height at withers. Very good neck, topline & tailset. Straight front & well ribbed back. Feminine head with keen expression.
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Another well presented bitch in good coat order. Lovely feminine head with correct bite, nice eye. Good bone structure and body length. Lots to like about her.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Really nice bitch who looked at her best when on the move – moved out with drive and purpose around the ring. Typical head with good dark eye. Liked her overall balance and excellent hind angulation. Easily spanned and up on her toes and keen.
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
2.5yrs; outstanding breed type; superior otter head of correct strength & proportions with just enough stop; firm front; gd neck & backline; deep & narrow; spannable; well ribbed back; harsh jacket; racy, well angulated hindquarters; gd tailset & carriage; gd length of straight stride; clearly of Champion quality as marked by awarding her Reserve Bitch CC.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Lovely balanced bitch with nice otter like feminine head. Good front, well placed shoulder and level topline. Short carroty tail. In good overall condition and tight coat on loose pelt. Sound free movement.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Very pretty bitch with a strong but feminine head. Good reach of neck. Straight front. Easily spanned. Good front and rear angulation. Strong quarters which she used to power around the ring. Very showy girl. Would prefer her a size bigger.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
23rd Sep 2017
Judge: Miss J Price
Thank you to the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge this show and for their great hospitality. It was an honour to stand in for Cynthia Knight who sadly passed away in April 2015. My stewards for the day, Cally and Anna did a sterling job in keeping things running smoothly, thank you, to both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and I was delighted with my top winners. In general some exhibits, even though made well were just too big and heavy, these would never get to ground to do the job, therefore not fit for purpose. I like a dog to be masculine and a bitch feminine, but both have to spannable and not overloaded in their shoulders, sadly quite a few exhibits were just this and were penalised for it. I found one exhibit to have a testicle with an abnormality. Some of the younger dogs were up to size already and have yet to stop growing. It will be interesting to see how some of them turn out.
Not everybody accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, but the general atmosphere was great. I didn’t go to the pub at lunch time but did see the pictures afterwards. Glad you all had a great time!
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A lot to like about this bitch, lovely head, strong muzzle and dark eye. Looks well when stood, with a good bend of stifle. Just a little over loaded in her shoulders hence a touch wider in front than on the move.
Class Critique
This was the hardest class of the day to judge, as all of the exhibits were very different.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
RCC, loved her head & strong jaw with good strong bite, in good body, lovely clean lines on the stack, well set shoulder & upper arm, good strong quarters & strong well set hocks, good tail set & carriage, neat feet & presented to perfection, in good coat & hard muscular condition, moved soundly particularly liked her driving action behind
Class Critique
Good quality class.
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
BCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
I liked this bitch as soon as she entered the ring, had super coat with lovely balanced movement, good heat set and structure, an attractive bitch with good overall balance, nice head, good mouth and eyes with neat ears and level top line
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Class Critique
What a cracking class, so much quality to choose from, it was really a pleasure to judge.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Appealed for her size, proportions and in dense, crisp coat. Beautiful head and eye correct done and feet. Could be a little firmer in her front action, good in the rear.
Class Critique
Great depth of quality and I had to let go some who have done well under me in the past.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle & tan. Nice head with short strong muzzle and little stop. Good neck and shoulders. Just right for bone standing on neat well padded feet. Easily spanned and ribbed well back. Excellent topline and well set short tail. Well angulated hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in an excellent new topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. Happy and active on the move. Reserve Best Bitch
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch unlucky to meet the winner today. Light red bitch with attractive dark points. Exceptional topline and tailset. Easy to span and well balanced. Lovely head with keen expression, good reach of neck into clean lay of shoulder; correct scissor bite. Not overdone in any way. Moved out confidently and parallel. Pleased to give her RBCC.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A close decision between 1 & 2, just preferring the head of the winner Quality all through she has a strong head with good muzzle, little stop and a keen expression. Well handled she looks good in all departments. Super lay of shoulder with good body shape, strong loin and good bend of stifle. In good double coat and thick loose pelt she is just right for bone and spans well. Driving out well from behind with good front action she covers the ground well. Seriously considered for higher honours.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
RBCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
a well presented g & t bitch with a feminine head, keen expression and strong short muzzle. Nice reach of neck with excellent lay of shoulder and lovely body proportions with good bone. Well ribbed back and easily spanned, she had a jacket of good texture and good pelt. Good topline with a nicely shaped short tail. She moved with accuracy in front and with drive from behind from her well angulated racy hindquarters to secure her placing. Reserve BCC.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Lovely type with beautiful feminine head & expression. Balanced throughout. Good topline and tailset. Good pelt & correct bite. Easily spanned. Moved well.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Class Critique
Excellent class.
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
BCC
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Very eye catching lighter coloured Grizzle and tan. Such an appealing strong feminine otter like head with dark eye and neat dark ear. She is narrow through shoulder into well carried back ribs; she’s balanced with just enough length of body, super firm topline and correct tailset with a short thick carroty tail. Front is narrow with excellent bone. Presented today to perfection with a harsh dense, crisp coat with a thick and pliable pelt. She’s spot on for size and spans easily. I think she came to the show today with a mission, to win the CC as she pulled out all the stops in her class and again in the challenge where she moved hitting the end of the lead showing her super purposeful true movement, she wouldn’t let me over ignore her. No hesitation in awarding her the BCC which I am told is her 3rd. Congratulations to the owner breeder on your new champion.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Slightly stronger in head and neck and a bit wider in front. Good topline and tailset. Shown in good coat.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Class Critique
Strong class.
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Another superb bitch that was so well presented and shown. Very good head with good eye and expression, well balanced through without any exagerration. Moving out very well on good tight feet.
Class Critique
This was an absolutely belting class, I could have placed another stack of these bitches, there were dogs here that in the past I have awarded top honours that today had to go well down the line so some hard decisions had to be made. Difficult to split the first three all of whom had great virtues so it came down to splitting hairs and personal preference for style and type.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
BCC
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A good quality bitch with real ring presence, focused on showing all the time she was in the ring. Well made throughout with attractive head and expression and keen dark eye. Easily spanned and moved with drive and purpose. BCC
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Another classy lady.Strong headed grizzle shown in good coat.Well angulated front and rear,good feet and free moving. Worthy champion
Class Critique
The first three are all lovely examples of the breed and could easily change places on another day.
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Quality bitch with a feminine head ,straight topline, good tailset and bend of stifle. In good jacket with a thick pelt. Moved well around the ring
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
Light grizzle feminine head, dark keen eye, nice dentition, narrow in front, spannable depth of rib and strength in loin, nice turn of stifle and stood on nice tight feet
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A lovely bitch, an attractive typical head with a keen dark eye. Good topline, with a strong loin, and well set tail. Good hind angulation, good tight feet, moved well, just preferred the front of 1.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW
Placing Critique
A well constructed bitch and it is understandable why she carries her title, sweet head and eye, good over the neck and shoulder typical topline, and a well set tail
