Show Placings
Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2009
Judge: Marjorie Staveley (Dykeside)
It was indeed an honour to be invited to judge this show. My thanks to the offficers and committee for their warm welcome and to my ring stewards Glenise Hyslop and Marylynne Winder for all their hard work and efficiency. Special thanks must go the exhibitors for an excellent entry of 301 from 237 dogs (6 NFC) that I very much enjoyed judging. I thought the depth of quality varied although I was pleased with my final line-up of both dogs and bitches. Heads in general were good although I noticed there were a few exhibits rather heavy in ear. Coats and pelts varied considerably. A number of quality exhibits were devoid of coat and were penalised accordingly. I found a few exhibits, in my opinion, too heavy and unspannable; feet and nails would also benefit from more attention. Temperaments were good.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Similar in size to the winner, another good type, nicely constructed, strong head, narrow body, easily spanned, very good coat and pelt, scored over 3 for coat.
National Terrier
4th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr. Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Many thanks to everyone for an excellent entry, both in numbers and quality. While there were many well made exhibits it became a frustrating experience at times trying to find those with a decent coat, many having presumably been stripped out following Crufts in preparation for the season ahead, after all they can’t be in coat all of the time! Front movement again was a problem, not so much due to under reaching or circus pony, high stepping, but pinning and knitting. Heads were a mixed bag, one or two with excessive stops and rounded skulls but none excessively broad. There were some “snipey” muzzles present.
RDCC
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Good quality dog with excellent head and expression, narrow front, small tidy feet, clean laid back shoulders, good rib cage and strong loin, well set tail, excellent coat and pelt. Presented a lovely profile, not overdone in any way. Moved effortlessly around the ring. Reserve CC.
Northern BTC Open Show
11th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
RDCC
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Reserve Best Dog, Very typical grizzle border excellent head big teeth good ear set loose pelt in full coat very fit condition moved well holding top line on the move never stopped showing all day
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Champioship Show
19th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
I was honoured to be invited by the Club to judge this show, which has always held a special place in my heart. My thanks to everyone involved at the Club for a super day, and exhibitors for a high quality entry.
Overall standards were high with a number of classes where exhibits genuinely worthy of placing went without reward, which was a nice position for me in, and an encouraging one for the breed to be in if this is replicated at other events.
I am pleased to say that I found only two incorrect bites. However, I am frustrated at the inability of some exhibitors to appreciate the correct speed of movement of their dogs, which if correct would improve the appearance of the dogs on the move, many dogs were moved too slowly, thereby preventing the dog from driving out.
Incorrect movement cannot be hidden by moving the dog slowly, likewise, correct movement can easily be displayed if the dog is just allowed to move freely, even if this means the exhibitor running with their dog. Do what the dog needs to get the best out of it.
It was a pleasure to judge in such a venue which is light, airy, clean and "exhibitor friendly". Please excuse the slight delay in providing this critique, with the newly resurrected Joint Show following 2 weeks after this, and my involvement in the management of that show, time has been tight.
I was heartened to find youngsters being youngsters, playful, awkward and proper babies, far too often these days we see perfectly turned out and immaculately school puppies which appear almost "models", let the youngster be so, this is a sport that we, and the dogs, are meant to enjoy. Puppies jumping over the dark lines in the carpet is a cute, if a little frustrating for the handler!
I was very impressed with my main winners. My Best in Show I have been aware of for some time and watched her develop with interest. I was excited on close examination of her to find her a superb example of the breed in every aspect, and was delighted to award her her first CC and Best in Show. I am sure she will have an illustrious career.
The Dog on the other hand was a total stranger to me and a highly pleasant surprise. On winning his class he took my eye and stole the Dog CC. It gave me great pleasure to also award him his first CC. My best to him for his future.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Red grizzle with a good hard double coat and thick pelt. Strong masculine otter head. Excellent strength of loin which carried through to his movement. Shown very well.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2009
Judge: Mrs Siv Jernhake (Sweden)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Joint BTBC Championship Show
2nd May 2009
Judge: Mr A Tomlinson (Lyndhay)
A few pointers that need addressing. Coat, the standard requires harsh and dense with a close undercoat, not a single one, as many exhibits carried today. Feet and nails, nails were unduly long, hair around the feet needed lots of attention. Also movement, it is not getting any better may be worse, rear movement was worse than front and appeared as if they were on stilts. On the positive side mouths seemed better, I found many with excellent strong teeth set correctly with a good bite
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Good for size, typical head with the right attributes, correct length of neck, good shoulder placement, tidy front, well assembled hindquarters, good harsh coat moved well
Windsor Championship Dog Show
4th Jul 2009
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Many reports start with a thank you and I would like extend one to all the exhibitors who provided me with an entry which really reminded me why I love this breed. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would have been very happy to have had a handful of top honours to hand out. In a number of classes, especially in bitches, the quality went right down the line and even beyond the cards.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Good for type strong in head with good expression good tight grizzle coat and thick pelt pleasing outline with correct carroty shaped tail.
Northern Border Championship Show
19th Jul 2009
Judge: Mr Gerald Baker (Jaslou)
It was an honour to have been asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I wish to thank the officers and committee for their great hospitality and catering, Special thanks to my stewards Doreen and Claire, Overall the dogs were in better coat and condition than the bitches, with some short of coat or none at all, Although level bites are acceptable in the breed there were more today than expected, I was very pleased with my class placing. And final line up.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2009
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to express my appreciation to the exhibitors for their support. On the whole, rear movement was satisfactory. However I observed front movement on some exhibits was unsatisfactory. I found one mouth with a misplaced tooth and another with a just passable level bite. Presentation of most dogs was of a high standard but some exhibits shown today would benefit greatly from regular daily exercise.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
This dog has a strong masculine head, correct ear placement, good bite and strong teeth. He was presented in a double coat and had a thick pelt. His muscle tone was evident especially in his first and second thighs. I was impressed by his overall quality however his front movement could have been more positive.
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2009
Judge: Mr. Bill Browne-Cole
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at this show. I thought the breed generally especially in the early classes was of a very high standard. Head shapes were very good, I only had one bad bite although some teeth could have been larger. Eyes generally were very good. I would have preferred to see some smaller ears. Body shapes were very good although a tad long. Movement was generally good going but I was a little disappointed with the front movement; ie small strides & too much knee action.
DCC
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Classy dog gorgeous head & eye. Excellent expression, couldn't stand wrong. Good for size. Excellent pelt, very good angulations. Excelled in movement, should make up.
City of Birmingham Canine Association
5th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
An excellent entry awaited me at the City of Birmingham show, not only in numbers, but also in the depth of quality. In many classes, I found myself wishing for more than 5 places to award and sadly, dogs left the ring which I really liked and would have been happy to place on another day. In more than a couple of classes, it was very hard to decide on the 1st 5 in order and many went down the line because of coat texture and thickness, although on another day, in better coat, they would have fared better. As I have not been to many shows this year, it was good to view some dogs for the first time, including my Best of Breed, who I was pleased to ?find?, only to later discover she has already been found on a number of occasions, although not at this level!
I apologise for the lateness of this critique. Besides flying out to an appointment to judge in Italy only a couple of days after the show, we have had some personal and medical issues to deal with regarding the welfare of my elderly mother in law. As I write this, we have still not finalised arrangements for her, but hope to do so soon, so I hope you will understand that sometimes, dog shows do not come first.
On the way to the showground, my car made some terrifying noises when I touched the brake pedal and so, that will explain to anyone wondering, why I had to stop judging for a second or two to find my car keys for the AA man, who kindly fixed it at the hotel car park for us and saved us a long trip home on the back of a low loader.
An eventful weekend, made wonderful by the number of top class Border Terriers present at the show.
Many thanks must go to the very experienced and helpful ring stewards, Mr and Mrs Wright, who had the dogs present and ready for inspection at the start of every class and so enabled me to finish in plenty time for the Terrier Group. Good ring management was important with an entry of 185 dogs, making 193 entries (plus one or two whose entries had not been received and less a couple of NFC). This was the highest number in the Terrier Group today and I would like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs. The absentee rate of dogs entered was 23.5%.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Darlington Championship Show
18th Sep 2009
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
A very good entry in both quantity & quality. I was very pleased with the challenge line ups in both sexes.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Class Critique
Excellent class
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2009
Judge: Mrs L Hardman (Spanwise)
Thank you for such a lovely entry of Border Terriers on this my first club appointment. I enjoyed myself immensely and was pleased with my winners in type and soundness. All exhibits had correct dentition and all dogs were entire. Nice to see new exhibitors to the breed. The majority were easily spannable with good temperaments and smartly turned out. I wish to point out that straggly hair on inner thighs just spoils the look for me. More concern though is size, in both dogs and bitches. With bitches as big as dogs and heads that are not feminine. Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for the smooth running of the show and how nice it was to see T.A.G. Knight back at the show. Lastly thanks for the excellent lunch provided by Diane Rayner and her super helpers.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Boston & District CS
10th Jan 2010
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
I was the replacement judge for Carolyn Muirhead who sadly died in November. Firstly I want congratulate all the exhibitors who made it to the show in spite of the atrocious weather conditions. I was very afraid there would be few dogs there for me to judge. What a tough lot border folk are. I had plenty of quality dogs to fill the top placings but as a general comment I felt a number lacked sufficient rear angulation.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Ragatam Harris JW
DCC
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
red dog. A truly typical border, not extreme in any way but just right. Well balanced and narrow, pleasing in all departments. Moved out with precision to win CC, BOB & TG3.
Manchester Canine Society
21st Jan 2010
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It was, again, a pleasure to judge the breed. I thought that there was a lack of depth in quality in some classes though those which were placed were more representative of the Breed Standard. A few entries lacked true breed type and one almost questioned what other breed was involved in their lineage. The most recurring fault was in front movement which was a testament to some loaded shoulders.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
DCC
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
He has the thickest of pelts and a very good harsh coat. A true otter head is set on a neck with good reach. Good tight thick pads to his feet and well muscled quarters. He moved very well and deserved his C.C. and B.O.B.
Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire BTC Open Show
13th Feb 2010
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the officers and committee for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and for their warm welcome. The relaxed atmosphere throughout the day allowed me to enjoy going over the exhibits which varied significantly in type and size.
A few dogs I couldn?t span and a few were carrying a little excess weight which may be due to the time of year but is still preferable to handling a featherweight.
I was pleased to see some quality carrot tails. Coats were at all stages, but it was a joy to go over those with the harsh, dense jackets true to type.
I was pleased with all the class winners and the final line up in particular.
Best In Show
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Best Dog
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Lovely narrow dog with harsh coat and thick pelt, typical otter head and good expression, nice size, well balanced, muscled and fit, moved out well with drive from behind. BD BIS
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd May 2010
Judge: Mrs M A Bailey
A privilege to judge the SKC. With lovely weather. Good stewards which made the show run very smooth. I was sorry to see a few exhibits with straight shoulders which affects the front movement and a few with incorrect mouths. However, on the positive side there was a lot of quality and correct size in the breed, which where fit for function. Unfortunately the grass in the ring was very long, which made it difficult to access the movement.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Good masculine head, narrow throughout nice length of neck. good topline well muscled hindquarters. Not the coat of 1 moved with drive
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Border Union
20th Jun 2010
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Smaller type, in good coat and hard condition. Easily spanned. Preferred the racy lines of 1. Showed and moved well.
Class Critique
Another good class. All placed dogs worthy of winning the class.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Oct 2010
Judge: Mrs A K Bergh (Sweden)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge, it was a great honour to be asked. A big thank you also to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over your dogs. Many thanks to my able stewards Doreen Rushby and John Todd, they were a great help to me and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I found the general quality very good and I had some hard decisions. Temperaments were very good. Movements are difficult to judge in a small indoor area, but I noticed some exhibits that really stood out in hind action. Coats and pelts were certainly better than I have seen in Sweden lately, as well as toplines. I liked my winner very much and wish her good luck for the future!
The entry was good for this time of the year I was told, 120 dogs making 129 entries, with some absent.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Lovely typical head with a short strong muzzle and keen expression, lovely small well set ears, liked the way the scull slopes into neck and shoulder, narrow front and body, a bit weak in pastern, good mover
Scottish BTC Championship Show
13th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the Club for the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs, and to the exhibitors for bringing them along. I was pleased to find , overall, a better standard of movement than I had expected, particularly in front; likewise coats, in general, were of good quality and quantity. I was, however, disappointed that so many seemed to have small teeth; mostly technically correct with only a couple with missing teeth. One male was not entire.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
East Anglia BTC Open Show
14th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I greatly enjoyed judging this well-run show, held in such a pleasant venue. My thanks to the Club for their hospitality, to my efficient stewards Bev Jackson and Vicky Docwra, and most especially to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Overall, there were a good number of quality Borders present. Almost all were spannable, the only male not entire was a neuter, only 1 kinked tail and no severe mouth faults. I was concerned to find several younger exhibits with level bites. Although this is permissible, and therefore dogs were not penalised, I would be worried that some of these mouths will “go” at an early age. Another area of concern is front movement.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Best Dog
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Headed a trio of quality dogs. Rich red grizzle of good size. Masculine head with correct bite, good neck and body proportions. Dense coat of good texture overlying ample pelt, carroty tail. Moved with drive from well-angulated hindquarters. BD and BIS.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
It was a great pleasure to judge at this show and I would like to thank the Club for their hospitality and the exhibitors for the excellent entry of 130 dogs. Thanks also to my stewards, Mark Lowry and Angela Cranson.
I was very impressed with the number of quality dogs present and I found all males to be entire and no major mouth faults, just a couple of misplaced incisors. Many dogs were sporting good, tweedy jackets and temperaments were excellent. Although I could span almost all, size is a concern, many, particularly in bitches, being up to size. Front movement in some was a bit erratic.
My thanks again to everyone who afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
Super dog and a worthy champion.5 year old red with a lovely head and good mouth.Nice reach of neck, well laid shoulder, well ribbed back, good rear angulation. Easily spanned,plenty of pelt, harsh coat coming through.Presented a lovely picture standing and on the move. Reserve Best Dog,Reserve Best In Show.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ragatam Harris JW
Placing Critique
another smart moving oldie same comments as 1 apply
