Elderthorne Dawns Artiste

Firstly, my sincere thanks to the Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge at this prestigious show. I am also grateful to my stewards, Sue and Kat, for keeping the ring running efficiently, and to my husband, La, for his support throughout the day. The majority of exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, which is always appreciated. However, a small minority saw fit to make unsportsmanlike remarks whilst still in the ring. If one is unwilling to accept a judge’s opinion, then entering under them is perhaps ill-advised. There is no place for such behaviour either in or around the ring. On examination, tails were correct and all males were entire. I was disappointed to encounter several suspect mouths, particularly among younger exhibits. Whilst a level bite was not penalised, it does raise concern that such mouths may deteriorate with age. Greater attention to dentition is required overall, with a number showing tartar build-up and, in some cases, signs of gingivitis. Condition was variable. Encouragingly, few exhibits were overweight; however several were too light and lacking in condition. This often results in poor muscle tone and thin pelts. While there is understandable awareness regarding increasing size within the breed, a dog must be fit, well-muscled, and in proper body condition to perform its intended function. There is little value in a lighter dog if it lacks the strength, stamina, and resilience to carry out a full day’s work.

I was honoured to be invited to judge our Club’s Championship Show, 30 years after I last judged here (at a different venue) in 1996. This is my 16th time awarding CCs in the UK. Thank you to the Committee for this invitation. Thank you also to my two excellent ring stewards Janice Johnson and Marina Fleming and to the Collecting Ring Stewards Judy Carr and Judith Fawcett, all four of whose efforts throughout the day kept everything running smoothly so we finished in good time. Many thanks to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs to show to me and for the friendly atmosphere I encountered throughout the day. Win or lose, you always take the best dog home, as they say. I found the quality excellent throughout, with many classes where I was really spoilt for choice. All males were entire and most of the entry had good scissor bites, with only one or two in Veteran being not so “precise”, shall we say. Some of the dogs were a little difficult to span and so paid the price, but on a whole, most were spannable and had good rib shapes. The standard does not ask for a flat rib – I do love to see a good rib shape when viewed from above, with enough capacity for heart and lungs to do their jobs. It is important to the breed’s job of work that they are spannable and have ribs carried well back. Movement is also important as it plays a major part in making them fit for function. An otter-like head takes them apart from a generic terrier and makes them the breed we love to own. When the line ups came into the ring, particularly my bitch line up, I was very pleased to see them all and happy that we have such good examples of the breed.