Show Placings
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
7th Mar 2010
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
To receive an invitation to judge a Breed Club show is a privilege, therefore I thank the Officers and Committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for the honour to judge their Member's Limited Show. Thank you to my stewards who kept things running smoothly, but most of all I would like to thank the exhibitor's for a wonderful entry and allowing me to judge your dogs, it was an appointment I had been looking forward to and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The entry was 165 dogs (18 NFC) making 195 entries, 32 absent with 115 dogs on the ground. It was a quality entry with some tough decisions; I was very pleased with my line up in both sexes.
Some general observations - dentition throughout was very good, with correct size teeth, presentation was of a high standard, however, one area that gave me some concern was front movement, some exhibits that I liked disappointed in this area which reflected in some of my decisions.
Best In Show
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
at her first show - for me the star of the day, mindful that at 6mths she is still developing, on the day she had everything, good breed type, lovely otter head, neat ears, good eye and expression, short muzzle and correct bite, straight front, super run-in and layback, easily spanned, lovely topline and tail carriage and in super coat, everything just flowed together, she moved and showed like a trouper and with a cracking personality, I shall follow her progress with interest,
East Anglia BTC Championship Show
18th Apr 2010
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for a lovely quality entry, the Club and committee for the appointment and my stewards Simon and Bev Jackson for their efficient help throughout the day. I was generally pleased with the overall quality, heads were good, pelts generally good and movement OK with many very typical exhibits on show. I was disappointed to find a number of poor mouths in the dog entry and to find a few exhibits presented down to the minute but totally lacking muscle, something that I find unacceptable in a dog with the Borders outlook on life.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
OK in head with a nice strong jaw and well set ears, good angulations, nice reach of neck and good bone, excellent coat and pelt and moving very freely, showing well and of such a nice type, pleased to make her my BPIS.
Class Critique
A very nice class of puppies here
WELKS
25th Apr 2010
Judge: Miss S A Leslie (Risdene)
I started the day with veteran dog followed by some excellent juvenile dog classes which were very enticing. Throughout the day size was sometimes a little difficult to come to terms with when exhibits at the top of the scale were the more shapely and sound but as long as they were spannable they still featured if they had the attributes breed and conformation-wise to do the job they were bred for. Generally I determined that there was no need for a diatribe from yours truly as I found my lovely entry on the whole brought forward much of what I was looking for and I thank exhibitors for that. Just remember while I love a proper double coat I still like a tidy coat! Heads were definitely improved with very few of the stoppy, round eyed exhibits I do not find typical. There were a few strangely grubby ones and some would have benefited from some tlc round their eyes to guard against stray hairs causing irritation. Be that as it may there were some smashing classes with dogs not making the cut that on another day would figure in the reckoning.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
rather deceiving, thought she might be biggish but comes to hand well, spannable with good bone, and while still puppyish had good body shape and was sound, satisfactory head pattern and appealed with her typical, keen expression. Good dense coat.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2010
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Committee for my appointment, and a well run show. The stewards Doreen Rushby and Dave Mitchell, and the exhibitors for the entry.
I was looking for a Border that could fulfil the standard, essentially a working terrier. Judging is about achieving that balance of the desired essentials of the standard, breed type, construction, movement, condition, and the true otter like head. I was disappointed to find so many lacking strength of muzzle, and some with narrow set eyes, with a lot, light in eye colour giving an untypical expression. Some with very small teeth and others very big on the rib, also some very long tails!
That said there were some lovely borders present, and I was pleased with the final line ups, all fulfilling my interpretation of the breed standard.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A very nice type of border. Feminine head with dark eye. Dark grizzle coat of good texture. Nice shoulder and length of rib. Moved well for BPIS.
Class Critique
A trio of nice puppies.
Bath Campionship Show
28th May 2010
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for an extremely nice entry and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. A warm sunny day with a welcome breeze made conditions ideal. A bonus was the neatly mown grass in the ring which was ideal to assess movement. I was fortunate to have two extremely efficient Stewards who ensured the smooth running of the ring, enabling me to finish my task in good time, despite a delay in the start of judging.
On the whole I was pleased with the exhibits presented to me which were clean, although many lacked the correct double jacket that the standard asks for. Front movement is still a concern as indeed was the variation in the size of some of the exhibits. Heads generally were good although some exhibits were rather heavy in ear. Temperament’s were excellent, just one or two not too keen on being handled on the table. Two exhibits had teeth missing and I found a couple with incorrect dentition.
Feet can tell you a lot about a dog and its lifestyle. The standard asks for feet to be small with firm pads. Flat feet not helped by long nails are most undesirable and indeed would be a drawback if the dog was carrying out the task for which he was originally bred. Scissor marks unfortunately were very much in evidence on some exhibits which spoilt their overall appearance.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
BPIB. A really nice bitch and is so well put together. She has a refined feminine head with dark eye and varmity expression. Good reach of neck into well laid back shoulders with good length rib. Good length of back and nice topline which she held when moving. Her coat was of good texture and covered the most pliable thick pelt. It was a close decision between her and her litter brother for BPIS but she just had the edge on movement. I was delighted that she was placed TPG4.
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Very nice allover type and size, good expression, correct bite, good front legs, very good feet, good coat, nice mover
Three Counties Agricultural Society
10th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr G Corish
Was delighted to watch my BOB go G4 & my BP go PG1
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
OK for size & type, good neck & shoulders, good topline & tailset, good hindquarters, overall a very promising puppy. I was just bowled over by l’s head & expression
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr J Bainbridge (Risdene)
A pleasing entry of 231 dogs with 55 absent on the day made for a representative entry without the classes being over sized. Generally the classes produced good winners none of whom looked out of place in the final line-ups. All were spannable and generally those in the cards were correct in this respect. Most exhibitors probably know by now what I look for in a typical Border Terrier and this was generally evident in today's entry.
Dog CC and BIS Hobholt Harrier JW (Mrs M A Wallace) such a lithe, mature 4 year old grizzle dog of impressive outline in super double coat and thick pelt, well presented, has a correctly proportioned otter head with keen expression, good length of neck into well laid shoulders, straight narrow front, ribbed back body into racy rear quarters which he used to move out well with long loping stride that is so economical for a dog that could go all day and get anywhere when required.
Dog RCC Brumberhill Blue Tempest (Mr S A McPherson) super outline and so well made throughout, and well presented in good coat and moved out well to take this award, just loved him for type.
BCC and RBIS, Brumberhill Breeze (Mr S A McPherson) in full, double grizzle coat and well conditioned. She has a super well balanced head, keen expression, terrific outline with correct flowing topline and well carried back ribs, shows a good underline, this bitch won the CC after much deliberation as all 3 bitches under consideration met the standard well and were active in movement and would have been worthy CC winners but today maturity held sway.
RBCC Yeomeadow Heather for Tyrian (Mrs K Dean). A lovely B/T bitch who was on top form today and has an excellent otter head and expression which finally decided the RCC over the yearling bitch winner.
BP Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer) a mature dog puppy, shown in good coat and condition, well made throughout with good otter head and body lines, moved so well with long free gait to clinch this award.
BV CH Gameway Kiwi JW (Mrs P Clark) who was not showing his years, well presented in good coat and looking his best and a worthy champion
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
a well made mature grizzle, appears up to size but handles well and is properly constructed, moved ok but a little distracted
East of England Championship Dog Show
10th Jul 2010
Judge:
Thanks to exhibitors for the entry, which thankfully, was undercover on such a very hot day.
I was surprised at the size of the Minor Puppy dogs, which were up to size at such a tender age. I was disappointed at the lack of foot and claw care on some exhibits ? feet not properly trimmed and claws much too long for a working breed or any breed shown at a Championship show. Shaved bellies are becoming more evident - why? It's obvious and unattractive. There were too many single coated exhibits, and not enough clean ones. I was pleased with my winners.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Well constructed quality bitch with enough bone, shown in super condition with a harsh jacket and a thick pelt. Moved out well with a lovely outline. One to watch out for . BEST PUPPY.
Paignton & District FA
2nd Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs Carol Lumbard
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My thanks to The Richmond Societies officers and committee for the warm welcome and the super lunch provided. Gratitude also to my stewards who organised the ring most capably. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries at a time in history when finances are truly stretched in this difficult and uncertain financial climate. To judge is always a privilege and on this occasion it was particularly appreciated. Overall I was very impressed with the exhibits, and when judging we are required to find the dog that most fulfils the breed standard and with the increasing variety of types present in the breed it made for some thought provoking decisions. Sadly the continuing trend to show all year round with few exhibits remaining at home to grow a decent double jacket proved that once again there were fewer exhibits shown in the requisite depth of jacket. Therefore I had to face the difficult task of placing some exhibits higher than I would as a rule. As justifiably construction and type being the foremost factor in placings, as coats naturally will come and go. But where as in lots of other breeds the coat can be considered a glamorous adornment please remember that in the Border (terriers in general) it is their essential protection whilst carrying out their job of work. On a positive note I was pleased to see today's entry lacking of the dogs presented in the recent improper fashion of clippering, razor and scissoring which as the true diehards of the breed know is totally unacceptable and exhibitors are to be strongly discouraged in this undesirable practice.
The correct and only way to present a Border terrier is by hand stripping thus achieving the beautiful natural tweedy look synonymous with our breed.
And I quote an extract from an old Border terrier yearbook ?Exhibitors and judges should be reminded that it is not in keeping with the sporting traditions of the breed to have the coat trimmed. The coat should be of a natural weather resisting character. Old dead coat may be stripped off by hand when necessary. The use of a razor or a strip comb embodying a razor in the preparation of dogs for show is strongly objected to?
Dogs that I had previously admired unfortunately paid the penalty today as on closer inspection they did not come to hand so well .Some due to weight, which can be easily remedied with an alteration of diet, exercise and plenty of regular road work. Others sadly due to wide fronts and heavy shoulders, subsequently when running the rule over them they were too coarse and cloddy. Therefore not displaying the lithe supple bodies required in an earth dog ,this is a breed characteristic which of course has to be bred for. Borders are a breed that enjoys longevity, health and well being and this was particularly evident in my DCC and DRCC winners today being a 7 year old and 9 yr old respectively. Perhaps this being true testimony that these males have been bred for the correct narrow body lines that will inevitably stand the test of time.
Temperaments as to be expected were excellent. Overall a most enjoyable day, I was delighted with both my final line ups and to find admirable representatives of the breed for top honours.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show with Critique
19th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Gemma Alpe
Firstly I must thank SBTC for giving me the honour of judging my first Breed Club show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had some first class dogs to judge. I found no bad mouths and only one with a slightly suspect kink and movement on the whole was pretty good. The one thing that bothered me was that we seem to be losing our way a little with those lovely fronts that to me are a big part of our breed, and a number of dogs are toeing out both on the stand and on the move. I was pleased with my winners, they mostly fitted my interpretation of the breed standard, but I was delighted with my top winners, all of whom are a credit to the breed and I thank their owners for giving me the opportunity to judge them.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Very feminine bitch with good head and expression, good front and thick harsh jacket and pelt, good tail set, she kept her outline and was very sound when moving.
Manchester Dog Show Society
20th Jan 2011
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
A curate's egg day with some great border terriers and some disappointments too. My winners were typical and not only had the heads to win but moved soundly and had the coat and pelt so desirable in the breed. On the downside, although bites were generally good, there are too many with pathetically weak teeth and several with shoulders set too far forward so they looked narrow but had no fore-chest at all. A terrier needs fore-feet under its chest.
I was looking for borders that were soundly made and could therefore cover ground and I found them but there are some with short choppy actions. However I do not intend to be too pessimistic for the breed put on a good show today and there were some really promising youngsters in the puppy classes. Thank you to those who exhibited dogs with the typical thick harsh coat and pelt, these were all much appreciated.
RBCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
17 m.o Great class with close decision for top places. Really liked winner. A typical head and expression, teeth OK, overall nice lines and good conformation translated into smooth effortless movement. Picture completed by harsh coat and thick pelt and neat tight feet. Really one to watch. Res.CC
Southern BTC Limited Show
6th Mar 2011
Judge: Miss Lisa Jenkins (Badgerbeck)
Firstly, please accept my apology for the lateness of this critique, unfortunately I had problems with my PC which crashed and lost my first , almost complete report, leaving me with no option but to start again. Thank you for an excellent entry. I was very pleased to find that most of the exhibits were of a workable size & spannable, had big teeth with good strong muzzles/jaws, all males entire, only 2 very minor tail kinks, and temperaments were excellent. On the down side I had few in good deep double coat and a really thick pelt was hard to find, the true otter head seams to be being replaced by a squarer skull giving more of a teddy bear look not helped by over long moustaches/beards and big bushy eyebrows. Ribs were frequently too short & deep resulting in whippety underlines. Front movement is still a problem due to a lack of balance between front and hind angulation with dogs either having good hindquarters but short steep upper arms or they were correct in front but over angulated behind, this resulted in them either throwing their fronts about coming or dropping their withers in profile in an attempt to balance their stride. There were a handful with crowded incisors or missing a first or second premolar.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
workman like bitch, up to size but easily spanned, muzzle strong but could be slightly shorter, deep under jaw and big teeth, flat skull, eye dark but could be less full. Good reach of neck leading to correct forehand, straight front with good pasterns & feet, narrow rib, OK for length, good topline & tail set, strong loin, good angulation behind. Looked very deep in brisket but much of this was coat, she moved very well in all directions, in excellent coat & condition.
Crufts
12th Mar 2011
Judge: Mrs Elaine Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this prestige show, and a privilege to be able to handle so many good borders. With an entry of 254 dogs, 306 entries, and with the help of my very efficient stewards this enabled me to finish on time for the BOB to go forward into the group. With the large classes it would have been nice to have had more time and more prize cards.
Many borders were in very fit condition and in gleaming coats, others sadly were not. I was very surprised at the numbers that were overweight, a few under and some in poor coat. There is a difference of being short of coat and being untidy which some were, several having scissor cuts in evidence which is totally unnecessary.
Some nice otter type typical heads were in evidence, some with quite large ears which seems to be creeping into the breed, and close set eyes giving an alien expression. Quite a few were upright and heavy in shoulder, with a shorter back than desired. Most were spanable although many had a rounder rib than required. This reflected in my placing's as the fitness and welfare of the dogs is of the uppermost importance, as the breed standard states, the breed being essentially a working terrier.
I thought my principle winners were excellent representatives of the breed, and I enjoyed seeing my BOB being short listed in the group.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Very typical nice size femine bitch, lots to like. Good head with good expression. Straight front and good shoulder. Correct rib length and shape. Nice length and tail set, with short tail. Very harsh grizzle coat. Moved on a good stride, steady showgirl.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
another one in a good harsh coat, straight front legs , deep chest , not as clean in shoulder than 1st.
Southern Counties
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Nice head with broad skull, nice reach of neck, excellent top line and tail set on high, just loosing out on coat today.
Southern BTC Championship Show
11th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
It was a great honour and privilege to judge your wonderful breed. Thanks to all, the committee, my stewards and everybody who made my day so wonderful. Thanks to all the exhibitors for their excellent sporting attitude. The hospitality was outstanding and many thanks for the beautiful present. I have been thinking of the overall standard and I have to say your dogs represent a very high quality.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Very good outline, well proportioned, pretty head, moving well. Not in the best coat.
Border Union
18th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Tony Tomlinson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
star of the show, super head, good harsh dense coat, sound confirmation, moved so true with ease. CC & BOB;
Paignton
1st Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Tom Johnston
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Excellent bitch, with a lovely expression, so beautifully balanced and in top form in coat and condition, good head and eye, well made front and hindquarters, good topline and tailset, good pelt, strong loin, sound free and active mover. BCC & BOB.
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
RBCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A lovely bitch with excellent confirmation and body lines and not over done. Presented in hard, fit condition with a topping double jacket and a good loose pelt. She has a feminine otter head with a good bite and plenty of strength in the jaw. This girl has a lovely straight front, well laid shoulders and is of correct bone. Easily spanned, with good rib and muscled up hindquarters with good angulation allowing her to make the ring her own. RBCC.
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
City of Birmingham
3rd Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to judge the breed again and I thank the exhibitors for a very nice entry. Thanks also to the Officers and Committee for their invitation and hospitality and to my two extremely capable stewards Mr. Mike Hughes and Mr. Tony Coddington for their very helpful assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the ring on the day.
Coats, as one would expect with the ever changing weather conditions, varied considerably but I applaud those who presented their exhibits with the correct double jacket. Of concern were one or two undesirable single jackets. There has been a trend in recent years by some exhibitors to present dogs short of coat, but they normally displayed sufficient evidence of a correct texture. The Border is not a trimmed terrier and long may it remain as such. Scissor marks also are so undesirable and detracts from the overall appearance. There was a variation in size but I was able to span the majority. Mouths on the whole were good but there were a number with small teeth in overcrowded jaws, certainly not what is required in a working terrier.
Front movement in particular is still a cause for concern and is something that I have previously highlighted. Feet were generally good and all exhibits displayed excellent temperament whilst being judged. When it came to the more senior classes in particular, I had some very difficult decisions such was the depth of quality.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Champion subject to KC confirmation
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
2 year old g/t. The last time I judged I awarded her BPIB and she has well and truly fulfilled my expectations. Set down in hard, fit condition with a harsh dense double jacket covering a thick pliable pelt, she has a pleasing head with good strength of muzzle, good bite and strong underjaw. Her good body proportions, neat tight feet, sound confirmation and elegant free movement portrayed a super profile picture. I was delighted to award her the CC and BOB, her third, which gives her the title she is so worthy of.
Class Critique
A super class to judge with so many quality exhibits present and many hard decisions to be made.
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs P McLellan
I enjoyed my day very much and must thank the exhibitors for an excellent entry. I was pleased with my principle winners. Some dogs were penalised today for lack of coat. I know coats will grow but at this level of showing dogs really need to be in good coat and in good coat condition. Movement in some exhibits left a lot to be desired.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Quality bitch put down in good harsh condition. Slightly heavier in body type than the winner.
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
I would first like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar. I have looked forward to the appointment for several years and I must say I was not disappointed with my day. The entry was full of quality, especially in the bitch classes, with the open bitch class being the best class I have ever judged.
I have been concerned, over the past few years, on how the breed would develop after the fox hunting ban. If todays entry is typical of the breed as a whole, I can only say it is in safe hands. Movement is still a problem but a much smaller problem than the last time I judged. The number of exhibits with short carrot tails pleased me greatly and the majority of the entry had good double coats, some exceptional and thick pelts. There were a few exhibits with level bites and one with a crowded mouth. One exhibit had a kinked tail.
The show was very quiet with little noise from the exhibits, well done everyone, terriers need a bit of spark but should not show aggression to each other and the temperaments here today were to be commended to the dog`s owners.
I didn’t have any under fed dogs showing all had a good covering of flesh but there were a number of poor, soft muscled dogs which needed more exercise.` The ability to follow a horse` is there in the breed standard, get the dogs out and get them fit.
I thank my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and attentiveness which made the day run smoothly.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Windsor Championship Show
1st Jul 2012
Judge: Mr K Holmes
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2012
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves (Baywillow)
Thank you for the lovely entry.
The breed standard describes the body as ‘deep, narrow and fairly long’. Just how long may well be debatable as no proportions are suggested. However the standard surely infers that a Border should be longer than square. The standard also describes the border as ‘essentially a working terrier’. A working terrier needs sufficient length and flexibility to enable it to turn underground. It is difficult to imagine a square terrier achieving this easily. I think the above is not generally appreciated by all rounders.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Richmond Championship Show
5th Sep 2012
Judge: Miss Diane Swales (Grabbist)
My thanks to Richmond Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge at this prestigious show, where I awarded CCs for the first time many years ago. Thank you to my two excellent stewards who kept the ring running so smoothly. In general, mouths were good and there was only one kinked tail. I was disappointed to find how many Borders have been bred with thin, tight pelts & there were too many upright shoulders resulting in stilted movement. I was really pleased to find that more dogs were shown free standing & on a loose lead.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
very good bitch, lovely thick loose pelt. Unfortunately coat just past its best which spoilt her outline a little but easy to span & structure feels correct;
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
24th May 2013
Judge: Mr Martin P Phillips
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River Clipstone
Placing Critique
top quality bitch, of lovely type & size, very pleasing head with feminine expression, good eye, strong bone without coarseness, outline & balance good, correct body & strong loins & quarters, moved out with drive & strength in front, in lovely coat, pleased to award her the CC today.
Class Critique
Lovely class to judge
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2013
Judge: Mr Hans T Lehtinen (Finland)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River Clipstone
Placing Critique
Slightly heavy in her body. Like to see her to be slightly more feminine all over. Excellent coat texture and bent of stifle.
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River Clipstone
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2013
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was an honour to be invited to judge the Southern Border Terrier Club’s Championship Show for the second time, the last time having been exactly twenty years ago in 1993. The entry on this occasion was 215 from 203 dogs of which 14 were entered NFC. My thanks go to the Show Manager, Officers and Committee of the Club for their hospitality and organisation and to the exhibitors for their entries and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Special thanks to Wendy and Andrew Mooney and Bev Marsh for stewarding so efficiently and for organising the collecting ring which allowed us to finish in good time.
As usual there were more bitches than dogs entered. It was encouraging to see some good quality entries through the various classes and not just at the senior end, I thought that by and large heads and expressions were good with not many narrow long skulls there. My feeling was that while there were still plenty of dogs with poor fronts of one kind or another present, there were more good fronted exhibits around from which to find winners than the last time I judged. Coats were mixed and at times I had to forgive some lack of coat. As always there was a good deal of variation in size as always, but in the end I felt I was able to find winners of good enough size with enough scope and lines. I felt that tails were mixed and at times, in looking for overall quality, I had to reward dogs with tails that I felt were less than perfect in shape, length or carriage. By and large the dogs behaved pretty well and were presented clean. I was keen to see the dogs moving around the ring and not ‘stacked’. That is surely the most revealing in conformation terms.
DCC and BOB was Jenkins’ Badgerbeck Uncle Fester. RDCC was Stockleys’ Ch Foxfactor Pied Piper. BCC and RBIS was May and Whisker’s Thistlestone Jenny Wren. RBCC was Higham’s Comberdown Thistle. BP was Hall and Ellis’ Brackenfell Bok To Bach and BPB was Clark’s Gameway Fortune Cookie. BV was Stockleys’ Foxfactor Hornblower
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
another with a very pleasing head. Shown in good full coat which perhaps made her look a shade less rangy than 1. Very good thick skin. Correct tailset. Moved very well in front. Very pleasing all round.
Ladies Kennel Association
15th Dec 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
I was honoured to accept this appointment at short notice, due to Kathy Wilkinson’s ill health. I was impressed with the new halls and layout this year.
I was able to judge with no preconceptions, as I have only been to two shows this year, so the majority of dogs were new to me. A good size entry with some good quality dogs present in a number of classes in which I was splitting hairs I had two very good stewards who handled the large classes with calm and efficient precision allowing me to get on with my job.
Overall movement, has improved considerably. In my opinion Borders should move soundly, positively and with the minimum of effort needed to cover the ground well, this means that they use far less energy when travelling distances, and my principal winners all fitted this criteria. Nice large teeth and good bites were very much in evidence. At long last I am starting to see definition between dogs and bitches, I like to see a masculine dog and a feminine bitch. The other thing I was pleased to see was the majority had good tight feet. Some exhibitors seem to be under the impression that an underweight dog is a way to make them easier to span, it doesn’t work! I hate to be able to feel bone and not muscle.
I learnt after judging that there was some kind of aggression in one of the classes, unfortunately I did not witness this personally, as I was going over a dog on the table, if I had of seen it then I would have taken appropriate action as this type of temperament is totally unacceptable in our lovely breed.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Lovely bitch with a super head and expression, completely positive and true with great topline on the move, loved her but today she was beaten only by a whisker.
Class Critique
My notes say quality class and it most certainly was.
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Most beautiful champion, lovely head, excellent topline, correct body, moves so well.
Bath Championship Show
23rd May 2014
Judge: Mr S Plane
Thankyou to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry for the first time awarding challenge certificates. Although we had a super sized ring with short grass and level surface, the weather prevented us from using the outer part in some classes. Most of the exhibits were undeterred by the rain and dampness
RBCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Very appealing having a true outline and for breed type, sweet head, true front and lovely run in, her front angulation matched her rear so well, tight fitting coat of good texture. Won the RCC.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
G/t. Good all round bitch with good eye, nice bone, legs and feet. Pleased in neck, shoulders, topline and quarters. Moved and handled a treat. RCC.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
7th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to my two highly efficient stewards who, whilst never obtrusive, always had everything in the right place and ensured that I could get on with judging the dogs efficiently and smoothly.
A very pleasing entry, many classes had winning quality beyond the number of cards available. I found no missing teeth, no serious mouth faults, and all males were entire. Coats were variable; ranging from several in profuse double coat (not a problem if still of good weatherproof quality); to some who had only undercoat and a few who had adequate top coat but completely lacked undercoat (both incorrect and adversely affecting placings). There were a number of very smartly prepared and presented terriers on show; but however smart and showy a terrier may be, as 'essentially a working terrier' it must be 'capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness' in order to be a BORDER Terrier. Too many exhibits were deficient in shoulder construction, front movement and drive.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A very smart red grizzle bitch, looked a little upright in front, but not so when handled, good legs and feet, strong head and correct keen expression. Harsh, tight coat, well laid shoulder, ribbed well back, pleasing outline. Showing and shown to perfection, moved soundly and positively and could not stand wrong . By a close margin, took BCC by virtue of stronger head and better bone. BOB, and pleased to see, TG4.
Boston & District Canine Society
11th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
Thank you to all exhibitors for your entries I had a good cross section of dogs to choose from. Some dogs that I have admired in the past were either not in coat or didn’t move well and others that I've not noticed before, were 'found ' on the table. We must all remember judging should be on the day and not on what something has won or not won, beforehand. I'm sure the same dogs could be placed differently on another day under me, some that did or didn't perform affected their placings accordingly.
Some super puppies coming through, with all four of my puppy class winners looking very promising. They gave me some hair splitting decisions.
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
from the moment this bitch bounced into the class, I knew she would be a hard act to follow. She was certainly game and active and caught my eye early on. Dark grizzle , deep double jacket on a thick pelt, presented to the minute and as fit as a flea, what more could I ask for. Lovely ottery head with really good muzzle, eye and skull shape. Superb front, straight, narrow and well boned with super feet. Deep narrow body with enough length and good strength in her loin with perfect hind quarters, which she used to her advantage on the move. Would follow a horse all day and get to ground with her easy span body. Beat the lovely dog CC being more mature and obviously more finished. CC,BOB & TG3
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first Championship Show appointment and I would like to thank the Society for the invitation and generous hospitality. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Attwood and Anne Speake who did a sterling job keeping the good sized, well appointed ring running smoothly throughout the day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over some very high quality dogs. Generally the standard was good with the majority of exhibits showing and moving well. I was concerned by the number of short rounded ribs I found, especially in the bitch classes. There were several noses lacking pigment, some very long thin tails, and I found a few broken or out of line teeth. Coats were at various stages and some otherwise good dogs had to be penalised for lack of coat in the stronger classes. Whereas others with little coat made it into the line up on overall quality. I was very pleased with my main winners, and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
I very much enjoyed judging this quality entry and I left there were some particularly good bitches. As always, some classes were better than others, but my winners and the bitch line-up in particular pleased me. Heads varied considerably and also movement and fronts which still seem to be problems in the breed.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
outstanding Border Terrier who fits the standard so well, very good otter head with excellent ears and eyes, the best front I think I have ever come across in the breed and a joy to behold especially on the move, sound legs & feet and just the right amount of bone for a working terrier, perfect ribcage, good topline, pin-wire double coat, good pelt, sound racy hindquarters, good tail, well-presented and she is a very precise mover being dead true coming and going, ultimately landed the bitch CC and BOB, delighted to see her win Group 2 later in the day
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
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
this bitch really took my eye, lovely head proportions with correct eye & ear, neck of good length sloping into correct topline down to a correctly set & carried tail, matching angulation both fore & aft, excellent pelt and lovely thick jacket, spannable, with the complete dog moving so well round the ring with style. I was delighted to award her the CC.
Class Critique
This was a most interesting class to judge with so many pleasing bitches.
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch so easily spanned and in the final analysis, she came to hand so easily too. I looked at the first three placed and thought, before the final choice, "Who could bother a fox and do damage there?" and this one was, without any shadow of a doubt, the one who came to mind. Good head, with such a varminty expression and lovely reach of neck. Good bone without being overdone and today was in tip top condition with her coat gleaming, harsh and covering a thick, pliable pelt. Although I loved all the ones placed in this class, she stood away for type and soundness and being so easily spanned. In the challenge, she stood away still and could not be denied the Bitch Challenge Certificate and Best in Show, topping a lovely entry of quality dogs and bitches.
Class Critique
Including 1 transferred from Novice bitch), less 7 ab and 1 withdrawn)
In this class, I was spoilt for choice and ended up splitting hairs. I loved all the first five placed and would have happily given a first and further honours to any of them, such is the joy and the sadness of judging such a good class. Although throughout the show, I was aware that with such a large entry, I needed to crack on and only moved the total classes once, then moved those shortlisted a further time/s, in this class, I indulged myself a little and moved them all twice, as I would prefer to do anyway, if time permitted.
Richmond Championship Dog Show
10th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Quality bitch who I seriously considered for top honours on the day. Beautifully balanced throughout, best of heads with a lovely eye and alert expression, scores in neck and shoulders, firm topline that she holds on the move, good tail shape and excellent strength of hindquarters. Very positive on the move.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Litter sister to veteran dog winner and just as good if not better. Narrow with lovely shoulder, topline and tailset. Otter head and superb expression. Lovely layback of shoulder. BB BOS BV
Class Critique
Again very good Veteran class!! My notes say ‘What a class! Lovely, lovely, lovely’.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Quality red grizzle a worthy Ch, well made and shown in good coat and condition just out shown today by the younger winners in the challenge.
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
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Topped a cracking trio of worthy individuals, fit as the proverbial, showed many of the young ones how it should be done and so in tune with her handler moving with economy to cover the ground well, pleasing head and expression, lovely frame, racey and all Border
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
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Beautiful bitch, harsh coat plenty of thick pelt, moves soundly both ways, liked her head carriage neat well padded feet good for bone enjoyed going over her
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Firstly may I thank the SBTC Committee for inviting me to judge this Open Show. I felt very honoured. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The ring ran smoothly with the help of my stewards and the whole venue had a pleasing and pleasant atmosphere. It was nice to see some old and many new faces. May I also thank the exhibitors for handling their dogs confidently and accepting my decisions. I was very impressed with the quality of the dogs and I only found one bad mouth and two sprung ribs. I had a few challenging decisions to make and uncoated dogs had to be penalised. Mostly the dogs were all in fit condition and able to do a day’s work. I was very impressed with my final line up and to have such sound dogs
representing the breed.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
overall a stronger bitch, also nicely balanced. A good coat/pelt and a good mover.
Class Critique
Two pleasing veterans in this class.
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
8 1/2 yrs old in good coat pleasing in head body neck and shoulders, moved really well today to get Best Veteran.
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.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Nicely made bodily and with good head, in excellent coat, moved out very well and made it a proper competition with 1.
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
9 year super conditioned Grizzle and tan. I thought I had felt some outstanding pelts in the entry until I felt this one! Probably the thickest of pelts you will find, topped with a crisp harsh thick coat. Attractive Otter head with a super strong scissor bite of white teeth, elegant neck into beautiful narrow well angulated shoulders. Her front is narrow with excellent bone. Strong topline and tailset. Moved so well and showed herself off all the time she was in the ring, first time I’ve judged her and can appreciate why she’s a champion .BVIB.
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Good head and mouth and well arched neck showing lay back of shoulder. Not thickened as she matured. Shown in really good coat with a thick skin. RCC
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A quality bitch in cracking form. Top draw grizzle presented immaculately in the most superb double coat, pelt and condition. Appealed greatly for her type and moderation, a very shapely well-constructed bitch of excellent proportions, really good to go over. Has a classic feminine head on elegant neck into defined wither with super topline croup and tailset equally matched with a good underline. Excellent quarters and totally balanced confirmation reflected in her sound movement, she looked like she could go around all day, without question one of the most accurate movers here today. Still sparkling as a veteran, she is a real credit to her kennel and was handled to perfection. I could not deny her top honours today. BV & BCC.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Best Veteran
Name at show: VG3, CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Still got it, expertly handled, she was a serious challenge in the bitch line-up, fit and well muscled with otter head, good dentition, harshest of coats and thickest of pelts, narrow, nice topline, well set carrot tail, moved well, neat feet, sister to veteran dog. BVIB, VG3.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
9yo. Stylish, well made with lovely coat and pelt. Strong head, enough reach of neck into good topline. Finished off with carrot tail, nicely set. Correct fore construction with good shoulders balanced with good hindquarters. Unsurprisingly moving well. Stood out here.
Class Critique
A class of very worthy veterans
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Nine year old in superb condition. A worthy champion, with lovely otter head, excellent reach of neck, and excellent top line and tail set. Good front and rear. In good coat, with thick pelt. Strode round the ring with purpose.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
8yrs grizzle lovely otter head good bite and keen expression shown in good double jacket and thick pelt nice front and shoulder placement deep in girth well laid back in rib carrot tail good angulated hind quarters showed and moved well
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
BCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
9 year old grizzle bitch, lovely head and feminine expression, nicely placed shoulders , ribs carried well back , tail carried correctly, well bent stifle which helped with her movement which was great, harsh coat and thick pelt. BCC & BV
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
9 year old grizzle bitch shown in an exceptional coat of depth and quality. Good head with real expression. Narrow throughout with a good front, nice length of neck and good shoulders with flat ribs, she was easily spanned, good rear angulation
moved very well. BV
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
9YRS OLD, A WORTHY CH. NEVER STOPPED SHOWING, TYPICAL BORDER HEAD & EXPRESSION, NICE LENGHT OF NECK, HELD A GOOD TOPLINE ON THE MOVE. CORRECT FRONT & REAR ANGULATION. SHE GLIDED AROUND THE RING, ENJOYED HER DAY, IN EXCELLENT COAT. RES.BCC
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG3, CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Ten and a half years old looking half her age. She is a good showgirl, her coat was good and was easily spanned. Nice feminine head, pleasing expression with dark eyes. Movement was sound both ways. BV and later went on to win VTG3.
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle 9 yr old, head and mouth still good, narrow in front, in harsh double jacket and in fit condition, a credit to the owner
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Wow, what a veteran bitch, hard to believe she is nearly 10 years old, narrow throughout with super legs feet and pasterns. Lovely head and in really good coat and thick pliable pelt. Moved well.
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A beautiful 9 year old bitch, with a very feminine typical head. A good front, very easily spanned, with a superb front, topline and tailset. Amazing coat and a very thick loose pelt. Moved very well, I was very pleased to award her Best Veteran, and she could not be denied the Res CC.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Best Veteran
Name at show: VTG4, CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Happy girl enjoying her day out lovely otter type head dark eye and well placed small ears good loose pelt and fantastic harsh top coat moved and shown well Best Veteran pleased to see she was TV Group 4
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
B.V., just coming up 10 yr old b who stills moves soundly & with ease, most lovely head shape & well set ears, can still span her rib & strong in loin, best of coats, it is double & superb hard texture of her top coat, carrot shaped tail well set, moved true fore & aft & thoroughly enjoying the show ring still, worthy title holder
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Sound and one of the best movers of the day, has every reason to know her own worth, epitomises the standard, in full, dense coat, typical throughout, just showing her age a little in the challenge
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
golden oldie, still has that lovely head & expression, dark eye, good muzzle, nice front & feet, spanable body, strong quarters. Still showing her quality & went well to Best Veteran.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
10 yer old g/t bitch of correct size, moved soundly both ways, in excellent coat and condition, enjoying her day out she showed well. Best Veteran.
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
At 10 years old this lovely bitch was in very tight fitting coat but little to hide, very well constructed and moved soundly.
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2019
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
I would first like to thank all the exhibitors for a lovely entry, and for making the effort to travel to the N.E.C on a dark winter’s morning. There was a variation in breed type to a degree, which is always the case, but I was very happy with both my final lineups and only wish I could hand out more awards.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan 10 year old bitch of super quality, showed in best coat of the day with thick loose pelt, narrow bodylines throughout, tight feet, narrow front, excellent topline and tailset well angulated hindquarters, beautiful head with flat skull and shallow stop. Moved and showed well.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Fabulous quality & beautifully shapely , leggy & light framed 12 year old dark grizzle , who defies her years , she has a superb outline even now . Lovely refined otter head with super dark eye & expression , Clean reach of neck into long narrow well placed shoulders , good return of upper arm & medium boned straight legs . Has retained her lovely light framed bodylines ,so rib is easy to span & has a well angulated rear , finished with a good thick rooted carrot tail . Her virtues are many but today she stood out in the whole entry for coat , both texture & density & her super pelt , which is loose , plaint & very thick . Moved with a good stride very actively & thoroughly enjoyed her day , a credit to her owners & breeders & a pleasure to judge her at last ! BVIS .
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
A lovely old lady of 12 years, amazing coat for her age, moved very well and seemed to enjoy her day.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone
Placing Critique
Surprised to find that this grand old lady still has an excellent bite of clean teeth at almost 13 years of age. With a lovely head all in proportion and well placed ears she looks good from all angles. Although now very grey she carries the thickest of coats and pelt and is still in good condition with evidence of muscle tone. Standing evenly on neat feet she still moves well with correct action. She enjoyed her day out. BEST VETERAN IN SHOW
