Show Placings
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Class Critique
Looks good for the future as decent puppies
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Dr. Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to thank Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their January Open Show. It was a privilege. I was given a really warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none. The venue was bright and airy and provided for a large ring with plenty of room for exhibitors. I was very ably assisted on the day by my two stewards, Margaret Davis and Sian McKay, who organised the ring with cheerful good humour and efficiency. It was also super to be present for the presentation by the Club to Pat and Brian Baxter, who always add a convivial and kindly presence to any gathering. Lastly I’d like to thank the exhibitors for coming out in numbers in chilly January and who accepted my placings with such good grace.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
6 month old blue/tan dog. Head in good proportion for one so young with short, strong foreface, correct mouth and small dark eye, all set off by neat ears. Neat feet set on well boned legs. Rib carried well back and a level topline that he kept on the move. Rear angulation good. Lovely coarse double coat, showing blue coming through. Moved out happily and showed very well for such a youngster.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
See minor puppy dog.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
6mth really good Blue & Tan coat. Decent head well set on neck. Good angulation all trough, well set & carried tail. Thick pelt & easily spanned. Moved well.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the SToY for giving me the opportunity to judge the four classes of Border Terriers on this, my first judging appointment; the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their dogs/bitches and to Mr John Thomas, who kindly donated, the £10 for Best of Breed and £10 for the Best Puppy in Breed.
The committee did a sterling job given the last-minute change of venue; and my stewards, Margaret and Julie, kept the ring moving smoothly and effortlessly.
I was pleased with the number of entries, and it was great to see some fine examples of ‘otter – like’ heads – the breed stamp. All dogs were spannable today, and most had correct small tight round feet.
It was gratifying to see many examples of sound fluid movement, and good construction– Movement is so important for the Borders terrier to do its job- “Essentially a working terrier “.
Best Puppy
Name at show: PG3, Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
7-month-old Blue and Tan dog presented in fit hard condition. Kept topline on the move with unforced balance both moving and static which won him first place in this class. Expressive keen gaze, straight well angulated front. Great jacket, strong loin with correct tailset that ran into racy hindquarters. Unruffled by the noise in the large sports hall he worked well with his handler.
Best Puppy in Breed and pleased to note he went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Wath,West Melton and District Canine Society Open Show
4th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at your show. Thanks to Paul and Yvonne the stewards on the day. A big thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your lovely borders on the day.
The quality of the entries was very good, not enough cards to go around! I made my decisions based on the dog on the day, another day many could swap places. I was looking for good confirmation and movement on the day, I let presentation take a back seat as coats can come and go, but confirmation and movement never change.
One or two were hard to span and a couple with tight almost level bites.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
7 ½ month old Blue & Tan dog. Well laid back shoulders, big teeth, narrow front and good rear angulation. Not the movement of 1st today.
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Another well made young man who presented a very typical outlook. Pleasing front assembly, straight with good legs and feet. Correct topline and tailset which he held well on the move. Good strength of quarters with that racy appearance the standard asks for. Positive on the move. Just preferred the head and expression of the winner.
Retford & DCS Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
I would like to thank the committee for my invite to judge the Border Terriers at their Premier show 19th March 2023.
A busy show, well run and laid out and everyone very friendly and supportive.
I received a great entry and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Border Terrier exhibiters who entrusted me to go over their dogs and accepted my decisions on the day. It was good to see so many puppies in the ring and of good quality.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
B/T scopier than winner with a good length of body, easily spannable and a very balanced topline matched with a nice underline. Used his well angulated hindquarters to good effect on the move, moving out soundly and tracking well, standing on good legs and feet. Appealing head and expression.
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr John Thomas (Blaisdon)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs J Carr (Wreighaugh)
My thanks go to the Committee of the NBTC for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I was honoured to receive this appointment and am incredibly grateful to the exhibitors who gave me such a great entry. It was a most enjoyable day and special thanks go to my Stewards, Andrea Pitt and Mark Atkinson, for keeping me on track and helping the ring to run smoothly.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
8 month Blue and Tan. Lighter frame than 1. He has a good head with nice dark eye, lovely big teeth and correct bite. Good length of neck and is easily spanned. He has a nice topline which he maintained on the move and a well set and carried tail. He has a lovely coat with ticking coming through and moved better in this class than in his previous one.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Apr 2023
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge this show. It was originally planned for me to judge in April 2020, but this was rearranged due to the pandemic and other outstanding appointments. I would like to thank the Committee for the wonderful hospitality shown to me throughout the day, and thank you to my Steward who kept things running smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
I have not judged for just over 4 years, so it was a pleasure to see so many new dogs and new faces around the ring. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and quality throughout the classes, and pleased to see a return to a more narrow dog, as I was seeing a trend for wide fronts last time I judged.
All dogs were entire and temperaments throughout were good. Bites were correct, with just the odd broken, misplaced or dirty tooth. Coats were, as to be expected, at various stages. There were a few close decisions, and some classes where I wish I had more prize cards to give out. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs, and also for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
Lastly, can I please apologise for the delay in submitting my critique, as I usually have them done within a day or two of the show. There has been an ongoing issue with the health of a close relative which has taken up a lot of my time, so again, apologies for the delay.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
9 months old lovely blue and tan puppy, his head is well developed for his age and he has a dark eye, scissor bite, straight front legs and good shoulders, moderate neck and spannable body with good pelt, moved nicely through-out. Best Puppy Dog.
Pollard CS Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr P Bradwood
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Riddings & DCS Open Show
4th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Lynsett / Valger)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
10-month-old Blue and Tan which showed very well. Correct mouth with large teeth. Good size and body proportions, would like a more masculine head to complete the picture. Good topline and racy hindquarters. Best for movement in this class. BPD
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
As before
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Otley CS Open Show
1st Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs R Barney (verrami)
Yearling /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Novice - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
16th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers. Thank you for the warm welcome and super hospitality. Thank you to my steward who ran the ring efficiently in the heat and to my exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs and the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken. Congratulations must also go to my BOB who sportingly withdrew from the group as I found out later the Group Judge was actually the breeder.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Eye catching Blue and Tan 12 month old dog with a harsh coat and super pelt. Broad skull with strong muzzle, correct bite and big white teeth. Lovely ear dropping next to a small dark eye. Stood on tight feet with plenty of bone, straight front and easy to span. Excellent tail set and good bend of stifle affording plenty of drive.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Class Critique
A strong class of good dogs, especially the first
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.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Thank you to the Committee for organising such a well run show. The quality of the the dogs was very good, making my decisions more difficult in a good way. Nice atmosphere plus friendly sportsmanship prevailed.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Very smart youngster pleasing head, straight front and tight feet, moved soundly in between coats today good thick pelt.
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan who was close up to first. Good head with correct bite and well placed ears. Dark eye with a keen expression. Good straight front standing on small feet. Rib laid back into strong loin.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
2nd in Junior Dog
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Nice shape and size, otter head with a strong muzzle, correct bite, forelegs straight and of good bone, good length of body in harsh coat, moves well.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Winner of junior dog
Boston DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank Boston & District C.S. for inviting me to judge the breeds allocated.
Unfortunately there were no Kerry Blues entered.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
17 month old blue & tan dog with a strong muzzle, nice width of skull & well balanced throughout with a strong loin & good shaped & length of tail. Moved well.
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Correct size and nice type of dog, correct shape of head, dark eye, good bone and feet, presented a nice outline, in good coat, moved steadily.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
18 month old blue and tan in good condition/coat pelt, on his toes and covers the ground with ease. He has a nice head with a keen expression and a nice dark eye/neat ears, very good in the rib and a nice length of loin with super bend of stifle.
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Blue and tan dog, up on the leg, would prefer more strength of muzzle. Good length of neck with level top line. Spannable, in good coat.
Wath, West Melton & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Mar 2024
Judge: Anne Speake
I'd like to thank the officers and committee for the kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at there open show and for the excellent hospitality and lunch provided. I had a super entry and I'd like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over your dogs. My thanks to my very efficient steward Lynda for keeping the ring running smoothly
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
(d) 20mth old b/t dog, who has a masculine head, moderately broad scull, dark eye and good ear set. Strong muzzle, housing a lovely set of big teeth. Standing on straight front with neat feet, ribs carried well back, good length of body, strong loin and well angulated rear. Presents a lovely balanced out line, in good coat and hard condition. With well muscled hindquarters, and good tail set. Moves and shows well RBOB
Retford & DCS Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Kathleen Haugh
I would like to thank the committee for letting me judge the borders at their open show. It was pleasure and a lovely day with good atmosphere with good dogs to go over. I would also like to thank the stewards for doing a fabulous job on the day.
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
I would like to say a big thank you to the officers an committee for kindly inviting me to judge this lovely open show and to all the exhibitors for exhibiting their dogs under me. A special thank you to the stewards who kept the ring running smoothly.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
well presented blue and tan dog of correct proportions. Good length with ribs carried well back. Firm over the loin. Pleasing head with dark eye and keen expression, short muzzle. Good coat and pelt. Moved out well.
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Nice size and type, good top line and tail set, pleasing head with good bite moved well
Riddings & DCS Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
How this blue boy has come on, maturing nicely, good head and eye, strong teeth, good lay of shoulders, best of fronts, coat in harsh condition with thick pelt and tail set on well. Moved true fore and aft.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Neat dog, pleasing head, good angulation front and rear, moved and showed well in excellent coat
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all of you who entered your dogs for me to judge. I really enjoyed my day and having the privilege of judging your dogs. The weather was kind and our ring was good. I had excellent stewards and I thank them for their hard work.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Blue dog pleasing head and expression. Nicely angulated front , well ribbed back and nicely angulated hindquarters. Moved and showed well.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan boy of nice size. He has a lovely head which is not overdone in anyway. A sweet expression and kind but keen eye. Well angulated front and rear. Shown in a harsh jacket. Moved ok.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Otley CS Open Show
6th Aug 2024
Judge: Jill Peak (Bayard)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
24th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Lynsett / Valger)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
2yr old blue dog with good strength of muzzle & keen eye. Straight front. Easily spanned with a thick loose pelt & good texture to his coat. Level topline & correct tailset. Good bone & feet. Moved OK
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
A nice blue and tan dog, who has a masculine head, broad skull, dark eye and good ear set. Strong muzzle, housing a lovely set of big teeth. Would prefer a few more face furnishings to finish the picture. He is narrow in front with neat cat like feet, ribs carried well back, good length of body, strong loin and a well angulated rear. Shown in hard condition and in good double coat he is a picture in profile. Moves with confidence and shows well
Class Critique
These two dogs had very similar assets and they presented me with one of the difficult decisions of the day.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Darlington Championship Show
13th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs L Roberts
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
I would like to thank The Committee for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my very efficient Stewards Mark & Julie for keeping everything on track & The Club for their hospitality & splendid gift.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
10th Nov 2024
Judge: Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the club for inviting me to judge at your premier open show, and to my professional stewards, I had a lovely day and was greeted with a warm welcome.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Placing Critique
blue and tan which is not over done in any way, you have to have your hands on him to appreciate him, he has a pleasing head and expression with correct bite, narrow front standing on neat feet, good reach of neck, balanced throughout with nice outline, strong in loin, a super coat is coming in, easily spanned, he was in good condition, I was disappointed he was playing up on the move in the challenge.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath
