Thistlemead Fortuity

I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day! A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors) It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was. I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today . Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS. We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made. A few points of note were- A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past. Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines. Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their open show. Also, all the exhibitors for such an amazing entry and for allowing me to go over their lovely Border Terriers. It was a great day with a quality entry and a good atmosphere. I was aware people had travelled and some afar and I was given the opportunity not to take a break for lunch to allow those that were driving to possibly not have to drive in the dark, so I think it worked out well in the end. Lots of dogs out of coat but I was aware Crufts is coming up so the timing is crucial for coats to be ready for the big day.

I would like to thank the London and Home Counties Terrier Club for affording me the opportunity to judge at this year’s Premier Open Show, and to my very capable steward Sharon, who kept things moving in the ring. Regarding the exhibits: I had some lovely examples that exemplified what I look for in a Border Terrier. The stamp of the breed the head- its proportions such, that it is capable of doing its job underground, and a body constructed to deal with the terrain and weather of Northumberland; so, in good fit hard working condition. I did not find any suspect mouths and no kinked tails.

I would like to thank the Committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers, and also to my steward for keeping things moving smoothly. I had a quality entry of dogs, and would like to thank the exhibitors for their entry. I was very pleased to see my Best Puppy in breed go on to win Best Puppy In Show. Well deserved!