Show Placings
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
I was drawn to this sweet headed grizzle bitch, sporting a correct double coat of great depth at the tender age of just six months. Enough bone and a good front, level topline and short carrot tail. Dentition correct. Dark eyes & well placed dark ears really finished the picture. She moved out well and confidently for one so young. I will watch her progress with interest. BPB & BP.
Class Critique
What a beautiful class of young bitches, showing such promise. Puppies looking like puppies, behaving like babies, but with everything where it should be, and all with the right temperament.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
4th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
close up to 1. Good topline on the move. Just lost on front movement, should tighten up with age
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
My thanks, to the Club, for the invitation to judge their Club Show and the hospitality shown to Peter and myself. Thanks, also, to my Stewards, Wendy Mooney and Denise Townsend, who valiantly coped with the paperwork in the, at times, rather blustery conditions, keeping everything going smoothly! Thank you to the exhibitors, also, who entered for my opinion. The grass, in the ring, wasn’t exactly “bowling green”, so it certainly sorted out the good from the bad, on the move!
As is usual, from me, not an “everything in the garden is rosy” preamble! After 35 years, living and breathing Border Terriers, I tell it, as I see it!
As with my last appointment, Crufts, it is just over a 3 year gap, since I judged the Breed in the UK. I had obviously made my point, last time, that I wouldn’t pass the excessively broad skull, almost caricature like, that had become popular, despite the Standard asking for “Head like that of an Otter. Moderately broad in skull”, as there were none I thought overdone, on the day. I think, the problem lies, possibly, that the Standard doesn’t specify, as I was taught, that it refers to English River Otter, some people, mistakenly thinking the commoner headed Sea Otter, or deeper stopped Asian Short Clawed Otter is being referred to. There is a big difference between the three! Not helped by critiques, apparently, praising “broad” skulls, which, to me, sends out the wrong signals!
At Crufts, I had thought the breed had turned a corner, with regard to forehands ie. shoulder and upper arm construction…….how wrong was I?!!! I think I had the full range of faults today, upright shoulders, short upper arm, out at the elbow, sometimes all on the same exhibit! The widest part of a Border Terrier, “Essentially a working Terrier”, bred to go to ground, shouldn’t be the elbows, this fault usually being because the forehand isn’t set on the body correctly, being too far forward, due to a short, steep upper arm, usually, although not always, accompanied by an upright shoulder. These faults also affect that other line from the Standard “Capable of following a horse”, as, due to the incorrect angles, the movement is no longer efficient, being restricted to a shorter, hackneyed, step in profile, almost as though they are walking on hot coals, due to the foreleg not reaching full extension. It may look ok, coming and going, being accurate, as the shorter stride means there is less room for error, but the lack of a ground covering stride would mean the dog working twice as hard on the move, doing its job, soon becoming exhausted. This was brought home to me, discussing the stamina of various dogs with a friend, his son exercising their two Border Terrier champions chasing after him, on horseback, around a field. The accurate mover, with the shorter stride was soon exhausted, having had to work twice as hard, whereas the more angulated one, with the longer, ground covering stride, was up for more! Like, usually breeds like, good forehands being bred for. They don’t appear as if by magic! I am well aware that these faults are seemingly being passed by Judges, not just in the UK, at the very highest level, but that doesn’t mean that they are either correct or desirable and they are very difficult to breed out. I’m left wondering, having read a number of critiques, then having seen, or judged the dogs being praised, are the Seminars failing to educate the correct mechanics of economical movement, or are people just not seeing the movement faults, as long as its trots up and down, with its head and tail up, showing nicely for the Judge! Conversely, as ever, hind movement was pretty good.
It was interesting to note that those I have rewarded in the past, with the correct forehands and narrow fronts, at Crufts and previous engagements, came back, having retained their virtues and have also passed the same, narrow, lithe bodylines on to the next generation. If they are made right, they last right! A working Terrier, whose front is going, or has gone, by the time it is reaching maturity, is neither use nor ornament and is a liability to itself and its owner.
I would like to think, from ring side, that it was obvious that I was looking for Borders with a pattern of moderation and workmanlike construction, with sound, free, scopey movement, who also had quality and style. It wasn’t always easy, in some classes, but I thought my final line ups, in both sexes, demonstrated my priorities.
On the whole, coats and pelts were good, as always my opinion being that coats are transient. I don’t expect them to be aimed specifically, time wise, for me, as I am more concerned with correct construction, but it is “the icing on the cake.” As long as there was evidence of the correct textures, no one was unduly marked down, until it came to the top honours.
Most were spannable, although very few were easily spannable, slightly worrying, as my hands have a big span! This isn’t just a UK problem!
Mouths were all acceptable, a few with the odd broken tooth, which is only to be expected in a working Terrier and certainly wouldn’t be penalised by me.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan. 6 ½ months. Typical head and expression. Good neck and shoulder. Straight front, good feet. Touch short in upper arm. Good top line and tail set. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat and pelt. Sound mover.
Taunton and District Open Show
27th Jun 2015
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Windsor Championship Show
2nd Jul 2015
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first judging experience at this level and thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs of such good quality in front of me and accepting my decisions with good grace. In some of the classes there was only a hairs breadth between some exhibits and on another day the results would have been different. I like Borders that are narrow, strong and good movers. I do not consider coat to be a major factor except when differentiating between dogs of equal quality, As a Championship Show judge told me many years ago “bad coats can get better, many other faults cannot.”
I would also like to thank my stewards for keeping me in order.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch of a nice size, good coat, straight front, good topline, moved very well, well shown
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Promising juvenile who appealed for type, excelled with her tight dense coat and lovely outline, good skull and foreface, nothing overdone, nicely made in neck and shoulder, narrow with straight legs, correct body for her age and development, moved as she should BP
Evesham and District Canine Society Open Show
12th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Jane Aktkin (Earthwold)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Paignton & District Fanciers’ Association Championship Show
1st Aug 2015
Judge: Miss Diane Swales (Grabbist)
My thanks to the Secretary and Committee for inviting me to judge at this most enjoyable show and to my two extremely efficient stewards, Felicity Snook and Lady Elain Macdonald, who kept the ring flowing smoothly. I am grateful to the exhibitors for a good entry including some very nice Borders and some promising youngsters. Overall mouths were good with strong, clean teeth and correct bites except for one overshot. Skins were an improvement on my last judging appointment, the majority being thick and loose but I do not like the tendency to strip coats out leaving little evidence of a harsh, dense coat. Remembering that a Border is 'essentially a working Terrier' it concerns me that there are a number being shown that really do not measure up to that description both in jacket and the lack of drive and ability to cover the ground when moving. These comments do not apply to my winners and I was so pleased to find many that really measure up to most points in the standard.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Pleasing pup with correct coat. Good mouth and otter head. Moved well and stood freely.
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Bournemouth CS
10th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, the stewards for unobtrusively keeping things running smoothly and the exhibitors for bringing their good dogs and accepting my decisions with grace. I was gratified to have only 3 absentees despite the awful weather forecast. The necessary inside ring, albeit slightly sloping and uneven, was a decent size giving each exhibit the opportunity to get into stride. Coats varied but there were many good textured topcoats over dense undercoats and on the whole pelts were thick. My worst issue was that some exhibits, despite being narrow and not fat, were very heavy and also a difficult span. Pads were generally thick but feet could be better trimmed as some that looked large and flat actually weren’t on examination. I look for shortish carrot-like tails and although some were thick at the base and tapering correctly they were overly long. I only found 2 with misplaced teeth and it was delighted to find most today had large well set white teeth in good scissor bite. In the past I’ve commented on lack of condition and poor muscle tone in hindquarters so was happy that all today’s entry was presented fit and in hard condition. Overall type was good, I was pleased with both line ups and the veteran classes were a particular treat
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
8 month old. So feminine with lovely ottery head, super mouth and alert expression. She has a well-proportioned body, good coat texture, good topline and tailset and moved out positively. BP.
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
another pleasing puppy with lots to like about her, very good head and expression, excellent front, body, coat and tail. Not an easy decision between these two very good babies, but I preferred the better hind movement of the winner
Monmouth Show
27th Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Barry Day (Risepark)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Cobstoneway Love Song
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Change this by selecting a new code /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
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
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Westbury and District Canine Society Open Show
13th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs A Bell (Darlou)
Best Puppy
Name at show: PTG1, Cobstoneway Love Song
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Sep 2015
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the committee & for all the exhibitors for making my appointment so enjoyable.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Loved this puppy when she came into the ring and told myself that when I went over her, I must make entirely sure that she was the one to top such a good class. She fulfilled all early expectations. Beautiful bitch; I love her balance, with just the right amount of bone and not overdone. Such a gorgeous otter like head. She has a good reach of neck and a good length of back, topped with an excellent thick, pliable pelt with her tail right off the top of her back. She moved very well for a baby (nearly 10 months old) and I was pleased to award her Best Bitch Puppy in Show in some hot competition, with 4 beautiful bitch puppies in the challenge. Pleased to learn afterwards that she is closely related to my Best in Show.
Driffield Agricultural Society
3rd Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
Many thanks to my two efficient stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly. On the day I was surprised to find 4 level mouths, although a level mouth is acceptable in the standard, a scissor bite is preferable. Some exhibits could have been shown in a fitter condition and have their long nails clipped.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
another promising puppy. Slightly shorter in the back than class winner. In lovely condition. The two of them looked really good
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
18th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, also thanks to my steward Gordon, who was very effective, efficient and friendly. Also thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for their generous sponsorship of the Border Terrier rosettes and prize money.
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
11 Month old grizzle bitch in excellent coat and condition. Well constructed front, allowed her to move straight and true coming and going. Well laid back rib and easily spanned, topline maintained well on the move and lovely carrot like tail well set on. Neat ears carried close to the cheek, with a dark eye and very nice appealing otter like feminine head. BP & went on to take Reserve Best Puppy in Show.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Best Puppy
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Loved this 11mth old pretty pup who appealed greatly for type super temperament she showed her socks off for her handler. Lovely head eye and expression, Dark neat ear and excellent scissor bite Pleased in neck ,shoulder Straight front and good hindquarters. She had correct small catlike feet shown in full tweedy jacket & thick loose pelt, Sound mover moving out with drive and style. Delighted to award her BPIB, One to watch out for the future.
Coventry (Foleshill) CA Open Show
1st Nov 2015
Judge: Jackie Shaw (Swanwillow)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Walsall & District Kennel Association Open Show
8th Nov 2015
Judge: Mr Billy Henderson (Tuwos)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Cobstoneway Love Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
similar remarks to 1. In hard condition but would prefer her a bit narrower.
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
set down in excellent coat and condition. A very well constructed bitch who has a lovely head, neat ears, dark eye and good jaw. She has an excellent straight front, good lay of shoulder and rib. Presented in a good jacket and pliable pelt she spans with ease and is nice for size. Moved with enthusiasm whilst retaining her lovely top line.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Dec 2015
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
Thank you to the Society for the invitation, the warm welcome by all and thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry and bringing your Borders’. The quality of exhibits was good, some tough decisions were made, I was really pleased with my final line up and that BOB and BP went well in the Group. It was unfortunate the Veteran class wasn’t called more clearly as not all the Veterans present were in the ring.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
B, 13 mths, Gr/T, well presented, lovely head, big teeth, dark oval eye. Narrow, good shoulders & reach of neck, nice front with strong pasterns, good top line to great tail set with thick moderate tail. Loose, thick pelt with good harsh coat, moved with purpose, was true, front, rear and from the side. Won top honours on movement today and did well in a very large terrier group. BOB.
Worcester & Malvern Canine Socety Open Show
2nd Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Well presented 13 month grizzle and tan bitch with lovely head and expression, dark eye, bite good, well balanced, good front, rib and angulation, easy span and shown in thick harsh coat. BOB / TG3
Class Critique
Two very nice bitches who could easily change places, but preferred coat on winner today
Exeter and County CS Open Show
16th Jan 2016
Judge: Mr D Mathias
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Rugby & DCS Open Show
6th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs H Bakewell
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Gloucester and DCS Open Show
20th Feb 2016
Judge: Gill Thomas (Sunnystone)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cormwall Open Show
21st Feb 2016
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Cheltenham & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr.Tan Nagrecha
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Swidon & DCS Open Show
5th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr L J Hunt
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Breed Show
6th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious event and there support on the day. Thanks also to my Stewards Rachel Larner & David Hunt who helped manage the ring so efficiently and effectively without drama or fuss. Thanks also to Show Manager Jane Roberts and Andrew Mooney for ring stewarding and announcing.
I really enjoyed my day in the spotlight and thank all of the exhibitors who worked so hard to present their dogs and accepted my decisions so gracefully. I was happy with all of my class winners and hopefully people could see my interpretation of the standard on display in the dogs and bitches I selected. There were some really tough decisions and some very close calls for top 3 placings in some classes. I was delighted with my BoB, Reserve and Best puppy. There were many youngsters and older dogs and bitches that were a delight to go over, which gives me great encouragement.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Lots to like about this girl too, who pushed the winner hard, just preferred substance of winner.
Class Critique
A really strong class with the top three giving me a real challenge to decide between these very promising youngsters.
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Class Critique
A very strong class I thought containing a number of good exhibits that had to go cardless.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Chippenham & DCS Open Show
3rd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs R Barney (verrami)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Leominster Canine Society Open Show
17th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Philip J Greenway
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Marlborough & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd May 2016
Judge: Miss Helen Axford
I would like to thank Marlborough and District Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their 70th anniversary show, also thanks to my two efficient stewards. I was pleased with the entry of 19 for my first appointment, there were 14 dogs present on the day. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some lovely dogs, all males were entire, there was one untidy mouth but this belonged a dog of advancing years. Many thanks to the exhibitors for entering under me and the sporting way my decisions were received, I was delighted with my two main winners and thrilled to see them both do so well in their respective groups under a breed specialist.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
Another top quality bitch, 17 months old, broad skull & short strong muzzle, good neck, straight front, level topline which she maintained on the move, on the day I just preferred the hind movement of 1.
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
West Country Dog Club Open Show
15th May 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Devon County Show
20th May 2016
Judge: Mrs R V Webb (Clane)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Coventry & District KA Open how
22nd May 2016
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Cobstoneway Love Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song
Placing Critique
This is a bit repetitive, but the same applies here, lots of good bits, head, front , coat, tail, the other two moved better in my view. This one is a perfectly good mover, as is number 2, but the winner just went that bit better.
Class Critique
I liked all of the first three in this class.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
Very “classic” bitch with very good topline. Lovely otter head. Good coat. Well angulated and moved freely.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
Such a lovely Border and my type of bitch , lovely for size , her head is strong but still feminine , narrow front, excellent topline and tailset ,happy showgirl who moved out with confidence, seriously considered in the challenge but her coat wasn’t as hard as my cc and rcc , liked her a lot.
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Class Critique
Several really good coats in this strong class
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
Another that is good for size and type. Head with strong muzzle, good bite, dark eye, well placed shoulders with straight front and good feet, rib well laid back, well angulated rear, harsh coat over good pelt. Moved well.
Evesham & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs B B Roderick
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
A really lovely grizzle bitch full of quality from her lovely head to the tip of her tail. Never put a foot wrong, moves very well both ways and I was pleased to award her BOB. In good coat, good dark keen eye, balanced in body good topline and correct tail and tail carriage
Minehead & DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
little to choose between these two bitches, both good examples of the breed, balanced skull, good eye, ear & bite, ok for bone, spannable, well ribbed, firm loin & sound quarters, correct coat & pelt, balanced when moving fore & aft,
Sailsbury & South Wiltshire CA Open Show
28th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Hereford & County KA Open Show
25th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Patricia Wells (Kortebin)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
16th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Club Show
22nd Oct 2016
Judge: Anne Speake (Dogs) & Lucy Mudd (Bitches)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge the Border Terrier dogs, with my co judge, Lucy Mudd. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was very enjoyable. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole and thanks to the stewards who kept things moving along nicely. My thanks to the exhibitors, who did me the honour and privilege of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. Anne Speake, Dog Judge
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Minehead & District CS Open Show
13th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks to the Society for the kind invitation to judge and also to the exhibitors who trusted me with their lovely Border Terriers. All my class winners were of very good quality and were in super condition which was very pleasing.
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
Almost 2 year old grizzle bitch with a lovely otter like head, strong muzzle and good correct mouth. She was in excellent condition with good texture to her coat and a nice loose pelt covered a spannable rib. She has a good narrow straight front with good reach on the move. I preferred her body condition over 2 today.
Walsall & District Kennel Association Open Show
19th Nov 2016
Judge: Dieter Sprung (Schleswig)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
West Midland Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2016
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the society for inviting me to judge at this group open show, and for the wonderful hospitality shown to me by the hard working committee. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I was delighted with my entry, and had some lovely examples of the breed to judge. Thank you also to my very able steward Gill, who kept things running smoothly. All males were entire, temperaments were excellent, all exhibits were in fit condition and I was pleased to see so many exhibits with large teeth!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
2 year old grizzle and tan that I have admired from the ringside. Pleased to get hands on! Best of heads, strong but feminine with strong muzzle and lovely expression. Excellent scissor bite. Good for bone with narrow, straight front, tight feet with thick pads. Spanned easily, with good length of rib. Well-muscled hind quarters with good turn of stifle. Pleasing topline and tailset. Excellent loose pelt and harsh jacket. Just right for size. Moved with purpose. A sound, honest bitch that would work all day long. Delighted to award her Best Bitch and Best of Breed.
Stroud and District Canine Society Open Show
27th Nov 2016
Judge: Tina Morgan (Blewecourt)
Thankyou to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this event and to the exhibitors for attending. It was a lovely venue with good atmosphere, ample sized ring and efficient stewards which kept everything in order. All exhibits were fit for function and all temperaments were excellent.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW
Placing Critique
Super handy size, well balanced, typy grizzle bitch who I have admired in the ring. She has a beautiful feminine otter head with strong jaws and big teeth. Lovely reach of neck into good lay of shoulders and good length of rib. Level topline into well set on carroty tail. Lovely outline with excellent coat and thick loose pelt. Her well muscled and angulated hindquarters on the move demonstrated her good construction. BOB and TG2.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A nice typy bitch not overdone, lovely otter head with a strong jaw and well set ears. Good forequarters just right for bone, leading into well laid shoulders. Ribs carried well back with a level top line and tail set. Stood on nice cat like feet. Super double coat and pelt.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle shown in full coat of good texture,plenty of pelt.Attractive head with correct bite,well angulated fore and aft,good tail.Moved well in profile but felt she was going a little close behind today.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Judged her as a puppy and she then won Best Bitch Puppy in show, when she drew my eye as she came in the ring in a very strong class that day. Notes from that previous show could be repeated here as she has not changed and has indeed fulfilled her early promise. My tape notes today start with "I absolutely adore this bitch". She has everything in the right place and she is SO pretty. Lovely otter head, with dark ears falling forward close to the cheek. Super eye with keen expression and a very strong muzzle. She has a lovely neck and is so well balanced, not overdone in any way. Just the correct amount of bone. Good length of back and super level topline which she keeps on the move and an excellent coat and pelt. Lovely tail, well set on and good hindquarters. She has style and presence and moves effortlessly. Good luck for the future.
Marlborough & District Canine Society Open Show
1st May 2017
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Breckgreen / Stowthorney)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Excellent size and proportions. Beautiful head. Typical expression. Very good eyes and ears. Excellent topline and tailset. Well angulated. Harsh coat and thick pelt. Very good movements.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
My star of the day and i loved her. Such a gorgeous 19mths old Grizzle and Tan bitch of beautiful breed type, she filled my eye both standing and on the move. She is so correct for type she just says "Border" all over her and although feminine she certainly lacks no terrier strength in her bone and stamp She has a lovely otter head dark eye and ears carried close to her cheek. Strong scissor bite and correct strength of muzzle. A picture of fitness and balance from her ottery-head to her carroty tail. Shown in the correct double jacket, dense undercoat, and harsh topcoat, that certainly would afford her the protection doing the job for which she was bred. She spans with ease and comes to hand as only a true border terrier does. I loved her as a puppy, awarded her BPIB and I made a prediction that she would mature on to greater things and I'm am truly delighted to have been able to award her, her first BCC and then in the Challenge she simply transfixed me giving the male such a runoff, moving out with style and verve. Although complementing each other. I had no choice but to succumb to her and hand her the BOB. This may be your first and like the DCC winner, the rest is yet to come and I await the day that I can celebrate your most worthy crown too.
Class Critique
Good class
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Monmouthshire Show
8th Jul 2017
Judge: Dr H Jones OBE
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
r/g Lovely feminine head qualities & very pleasing outline with straight front & correct angles fore & aft. Moved out straight & true.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
another nice bitch with excellent coat and pelt. Moved OK with good outline in profile. Strong head with dark eye and good bite.
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
RBCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Really lovely b. Super outline and a v good mover. Has a well balanced head, dark eye. Enough neck. Well made in front, although can straighten her pastern when very alert.. Well ribbed to a short loin. Holds a level topline. Super rear. In v good coat. RCC
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
2.5yrs; so many breed specifics; gd skull, eye & ear; touch narrower in muzzle; beautifully balanced & angulated; gd neck & backline; well ribbed back; racy quarters; gd jacket; moved true & with ease; another of CC quality.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
I have judged this little beauty before and she was on form looking good in a good thick jacket, has thick pelt and full of quality, so sound hence her earlier awards. Pressed the winner hard and the pair headed a lovely class of bitches.
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
stronger bitch, good coat/pelt. Moved ok, just lacked drive.
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
15th Oct 2017
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show 15th October 2017 Border Terriers I would like to thank the society for inviting me to judge at this group open show, and for the warm welcome and the lovely hospitality shown to my husband and I on the day. I was delighted to be asked to judge in this part of the country and we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the area, topped off by having the opportunity to judge so many lovely dogs. Most of all I would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the very friendly and sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I was delighted with my entry, and had some lovely examples of the breed to judge. Thank you also to my steward who kept things running smoothly. I found no incorrect bites, all males were entire, and temperaments were excellent throughout. There were a couple of exhibits, who for me were up to size and a little difficult to span, but all dogs were shown in good, fit condition. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Almost 3 years old grizzle and tan bitch, one I have judged before and admired from outside the ring. Beautiful head, strong but feminine with the best of expressions and strong scissor bite. Just right for bone with a lovely straight front and tight, well padded feet. A nice size with good reach of neck and layback of shoulder. Spanned with ease with well shaped rib. A lovely, well balanced bitch who used her hind quarters to drive around the ring. Thick loose pelt with jacket of harsh texture that was just going past it’s best. Absolutely fit for purpose and another one that I would gladly take home. Pushed hard for best of breed but just could not see past the open dog on the day. A very well deserved Reserve BOB.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Close up to 1. She has a nicely balanced head with dark expressive eyes. Nicely made balanced body & good hindquarters. Carrying a quality coat & moved soundly both ways.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
I liked her enormously for her type all through from her otter head, strong muzzle, excellent coat and tail, carries a firm topline. Very good front action with cleanness and reach. She is a touch close in the rear but I felt her qualities and finish won her Res BCC on the day - her second.
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
18th Feb 2018
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Thank you so much to the Society for this invitation to judge, and for their hospitality. Many thanks to my stewards for their hard work. Also, thanks to the exhibitors. All my winners were easily spannable and good representatives of the breed. I thoughly enjoyed my day.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Have admired this bitch from the ringside, and was not disappointed when I got my hands on her. Easily spannable, Lovely head and expression, Elegant reach of neck, good topline and Nice harsh jacket. Move out well,
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle 4 yr old bitch and again, similar remarks apply as to the other two bitches, who could all change places at any time they meet again. Quality bitch with a great jacket, topline and balance. Lovely feminine head and expression. Correct scissor bite and faultless on the move.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
a well constructed bitch of a nice size with a lovely head, strong muzzle, and correct bite. Moderate reach of neck, clean shoulders and good rib, she had a good jacket and pelt and was spannable. She moved well in the class, retaining her topline and has neat feet. In the challenge she was a little lethargic and although she kept her good front action she moved a shade close behind.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
another lovely bitch for size femmine head neat well set ears neck flows into a level topline, good tail set and carriage, harsh coat spanned easily, looked good stacked and on the move.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan that is full of the breed type I admire in a Border terrier. Head strong and feminine, with a good bite and strength of muzzle with broad skull. Coat was new and pelt was pliable and thick. Super balance of length to height. She has excellent bone with a good front and well placed shoulders. Ribs are well back, topline and tailset correct. She moved well to win this class but in the challenge sadly she moved close behind.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge today. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me, by far, the biggest Terrier entry of the day. A big thank you to my two stewards, Nev and Liz Holmes-Leak, who kept things running smoothly and efficiently thus ensuring that we finished in time for my BOB to make the Group.
Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, and in some cases this was the deciding factor. Some exhibits were too fine in bone, particularly in the earlier classes. Some heads had ears set too high, some had deep stops with muzzles that were too short which gives a foreign expression. There were more than a few exhibits which would have benefited from having their feet tidied and nails cut. Soundness of movement in some dogs gave cause for concern. If a Border is to be fit for the function it was intended, it needs to be sound on the move. I found varying degrees of unsoundness in front movement from toeing in, crossing in front to paddling and out at the elbows. Hind movement in some exhibits was also less than desirable with hocks too close together when going away, cow hocks, lack of drive from hindquarters and, in some cases, lack of muscle tone. All of which would not allow a Border to be ‘capable of following a horse’ over rugged terrain. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners. I was also pleased to see my BOB shortlisted in the group.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Nicely balanced, strong otter head and muzzle with scissor bite, dark eyes, but ears on the large side, nice reach of neck into well placed shoulders, good topline and tailset, plenty of bone, thick loose pelt, well muscled and moved out well if a little close behind.
Newport & AS Open Show
14th Jul 2018
Judge: John Carlow (Justingo)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
BCC
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch I liked her a lot, lovely feminine head good width of skull strong short muzzle and big scissor bite teeth narrow straight front good length of neck into well placed shoulder good top and strong in loin well muscled hind quarters well let down at hocks in good double coat and thick pelt moved with drive BCC.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch with broad feminine head, large scissor bite teeth , nice length of neck , straight narrow front , well bent stifle, Moved well, harsh double coat.
Salisbury and South Wilts Canine Society Open Show
26th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr Robert Goddard (Awbrooksky)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan female,strong but feminine head,good strength of muzzle and big white teeth,nice length of neck into good shoulder,narrow straight front,small cat like feet,spanned with ease,fabulous coat and pelt,tail well set on and carried correctly on the move,moved around the ring with plenty of drive.Pleased to award her BOB and to hear later on she won the group, Congratulations.
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Class Critique
For me the best class of the day and the only class I decided to shortlist the card winners. It was all down to movement with all carded dogs being of exceptional quality
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
In better coat than the winner but would like better movement back and front, attractive head with dark eye and typical Border expression, excellent topline and racy outline.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
5th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for the invitation & thank my 2 very capable Stewards Carolyn Richardson & Liz Barrett for their help on the day. I would also like to thank those exhibitors who entered under me and who accepted the placing's sportingly. I was pleased to have a number of high quality entries but the down side of that is, some good dogs went card less
Mouths are a bit of a worry as I noticed a few with a tooth or teeth out of line, small teeth and one even undershot. Movement on the whole was good especially in my winners. Coats & Pelts were good too,with just a few thin pelted dogs.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Stood alone but worthy winner .An attractive & smart looking bitch with nice pleasing head and level topline She moved out well .
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Royal Welsh Agriculture Society Open Show
18th May 2019
Judge: Mr Gordon Haran (Magregor)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Stroud & District CS Open Show
24th Nov 2019
Judge: Carolyne M Scott (Wolferlow)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Cheltenham & DCS Open Show
23rd Feb 2020
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE (Sleepyhollow)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Swindon & DCS Open Show
29th Feb 2020
Judge: Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 years old, sporting a good harsh double coat, pleasing outline with a good neck and shoulders. Level topline with a good tailset . She was in excellent condition and movement was sound.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Class Critique
What an excellent class with quality right down the line and beyond. Some super girls who on another day I would have been more than happy to have as my winner went cardless today.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 Y/O grizzle bitch, fit and strong and still shows her qualities. Lovely in head and has still kept her nice body lines stacked/on the move. She was in excellent condition and jacket – Best veteran in show.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Eight year old bitch, great outline stood, shown in an excellent double coat with thick loose pelt and pleasing head of correct proportion, full of expression. She is still narrow throughout with straight front and nice length of neck. Good shoulder placement, good in rib with strong loin, nice rear assembly she really moved today, carrying a level topline whilst on the move, a handy sized bitch full of breed type it is easy to see why she’s a champion. Best Veteran in Breed
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Feminine head with good skull, neat ears, strong muzzle and dark eye. Moderate neck, good front ,feet and balanced body. Pleasing tail ,in good coat and moved with true action.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 year old grzzle & Tan that still showed her socks off. Feminine head with good bite level top-line pushed hard for 1st placed but liked the overall look of 1.
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A well presented bitch in full coat. Correct harsh wiry texture. Feminine head and expression good ear and well set. Well ribbed back with correct topline with correct tailset and carriage on the move. Moved well enough both ways
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
In good coat, great varminty expression, correct proportions of head, strong boned, but still feminine, well muscled hindquarters, in excellent coat, moved out well.
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Lovely veteran who had to pull out all the stops to fend off the challenge of the second and third placed exhibits. So feminine throughout but has the required strength to do a days work. Has kept her shape and outline and handles so well on the table. Good head, eye and expression. Pleasing front assembly standing on the best of legs and feet, firm body and a level topline with a good tailset. Soundest of movers both fore and aft.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Shapely veteran with an attractive well-proportioned head, with nice eye and expression. Body well balanced with angulated quarters, standing on good legs and hocks. A sound topline with nice tailset matched with good underline with firm loin. Plenty of tone for her age and in good grizzle coat. Moved Ok.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Oldest Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Similar to 1, lovely headed bitch. Good underline. Perferred the coat and movement of 1.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
27th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 1/2 years old bitch of good size with a strong but feminine head of excellent quality, well angulated front and rear, easily spanned, narrow body, good topline and tail set, excellent thick coat and pelt, moved well.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch. Shown in excellent coat and condition. Moved well both ways. Preferred head of 1.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 yr old G/T bitch looking fit and still maintaining a nice outline. Lovely head, eye and expression. Good neck and front into level top line. Good legs and feet. Has maintained her muscle tone and moved well from all angles. Shown in a quality double coat. Enjoying her day out
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A beautiful head of correct proportions on this quality bitch that moved out well. At 8 years of age she is still looking fit and in good condition, with a full deep harsh double jacket and thick pelt she is well proportioned with a well-placed carrot like tail.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Seen this bitch many times through her Journey, can't believe she is a veteran already, always admired her, she always put down to perfection by this exhibitor, she still got a true border head, correct front, lovely jacket easily spanned moved so well unlucky to meet the Veteran dog on the day
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
One that well deserved her title back in the day, a lot of quality and breed type to her, just proffered the overall condition of the first place. Moved very well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
belying her age, good head with super stop, dark eye, harsh double coat, good lines to short tail, plenty of substance and well muscled with good angulation, strode out like a puppy and still worthy of her title
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
This bitch has maintained her lovely balance, her movement was straight and true with a super free flowing action when viewed in profile. Lovely typical feminine head and not overdone in any way, Pleasing body proportions, good length of neck into well set shoulders, driving off well constructed hindquarters. Well handled.
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 yr old carrying a little extra weight. In good coat. Well set on of tail, level top line. Nice size. Moved ok
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Lovely feminine head on this bitch. 8 years old, enjoying her day. She was shown in good condition and moved well around the ring with reach and drive
Class Critique
Both good representatives of the breed
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
One of my favourites in the breed that I have judged before, she is still so feminine and so full of breed type. Grizzle and tan bitch with the most bonny otterlike head. Lovely make and shape. Cracking jacket, with thick pelt. A very happy showgirl.
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG1, CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
8 yr old grizzle who got the bitches off to a lovely start.Feminine throughout, I thought her an excellent type and she presented a good outline with neck of correct length to balance, firm topline, deep chest with ribbing extending well back, strong loin and tail good for both set and carriage. Attractive headpiece with skull of moderate breadth, dark expressive eyes, good ears, short muzzle and scissor bite. She stands straight in front and is fairly narrow as desired. Moves well on the go around, nice and straight in front and good enough when going away. Well presented with harsh jacket and thick pelt. Best Veteran and later going on to win the Veteran Group.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of The Southern Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging their Open Show. I first signed the contract for the show in 2017, but due to Covid and the Lockdown I have only just fulfilled my judging appointment. Whist remembering those who are no longer with us due to the Covid Pandemic. I was happy with my entry and would like to also thank the exhibitors for entering under me and thank them all for taking my decisions, some of which were difficult, in a sportsmanlike way. I found most exhibits to be in good order, but I was quite worried that I found some younger exhibits with a build-up of scale on their teeth. This should be addressed as soon as possible. I was also delighted with a young exhibitor, attending her first show, on a whole handling her young dog so well whilst full of nerves and inexperience. We need to encourage these youngsters as they are the custodians of our breed
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
One of my favourites! At almost 9 years old this girl still has it. Lovely otter head with a sweet expression and dark eye. Neat ears held close to cheek. Nice reach of neck into well laid shoulders. Lovely top line and tail set. Well-muscled. Moved with reach and drive a worthy champion. Sad to have met the veteran dog on such good form. Pleased to award her Best Veteran Bitch.
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
very nice ottery headed grizzle with expressive eye and well placed neat ear.Good neck into firm topline with well set thick, carroty tail. Excellent deep double jacket and thick pelt, covering a body of good length which was still spannable. Lovely side gait, just a little close going away but was a comfortable winner here.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Just short of 9 years old, shown in the harshest of coats, nice length of muzzle and broad skull and ears close to cheek, still got a good figure for age, and a nice carrot shaped tail.
Gloucester & DCS Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG1, CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
This bitch has a typical otter head with her dark eye and well filled muzzle. She has a straight front, good depth of rib well sprung, spannable with a level topline and muscular loin; good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Correct tail set of moderate length Moved soundly with good balance.
Class Critique
Both these bitches are in excellent condition, a credit to their owners
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Headed a lovely class of veterans. At 9 years old this bitch still has the same appeal as when she was best puppy under me at Bournemouth in 2015. Feminine with ottery head and alert expression. Standing over the ground well and moving soundly whilst keeping her topline. BVIS
Class Critique
All a credit to their owners and enjoying the day
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Feminine 9 year old pleasing in head with strong muzzle, good dark eye and neat ears. She is fit for her age and moved out well keeping her level top line. She is spannable and good for size. One of those mentioned in the preamble with a good carrot like tail. BV
Class Critique
I do love my veterans and this class did not disappoint
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM VW
Class Critique
lovely class of veterans.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM VW
