Show Placings
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
27th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr P Lothian (Lairhope)
I would like to thank the Scottish Border Terrier Cub for inviting me to judge their 2019 Limited Show and to Exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day. Thank you also to the Committee for the excellent hospitality. Many thanks...
Maiden - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Blue & Tan 6 month old. Nice head with good length of neck on level topline with good carrot tail. Good pelt with harsh double coat. Straight front on cat like feet. Moved well with a wagging tail.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Feb 2019
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Janice Johnson, for being so efficient and keeping me on track.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
A few observations from the day, I felt rear movement on the whole was good but a few lacked the drive that I looked for, whilst in others it was their elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal. Today I saw too many that were far too wide in front, lacking the narrowness to go to ground. I like to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
Heads which are such a defining aspect of this breed, varied greatly, I found some too exaggerated and coarse for my liking, whilst others were narrow and somewhat snipey in muzzle, neither are correct.
Today I found coats at all stages, perhaps a sign that Crufts was not far around the corner, so perhaps not the best month to find a thick double jacket, so I found myself forgiving a lack of coat if the construction and balance I look for was there.
I found temperaments superb, dentition all good and all dogs entire. I felt the depth of quality was in the bitches, and in some classes I was spoilt for choice. Both puppy bitch classes were high in quality, and I look forward to seeing how they mature.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
lovely overall type, so feminine, she is well put together without exaggeration. She has a beautiful head of correct proportions, lovely dark keen eye, and right amount of fill under eye, strong and powerful jaw. Pleasing body proportions, good length of neck into well set shoulders with excellent upper arm angle, super length of rib. Loved her personality and joie de vive, moves out soundly from all angles, but can get a little carried away with herself, the spirit of youth! Another who shows great promise. Just needs time to complete the picture and nothing wrong with that.
Maiden - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
2nd in MPB
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
2nd in MPB & Maiden
Whitehaven and District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
Thank you to the Committee of Whitehaven and District Canine Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Open Show and for the excellent hospitality and the lovely lunch you provided. I had a super entry and thank the Exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to go over their dogs. I enjoyed the day.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
24th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw) & Dr M Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown), Bitches, Thank you to the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at their group open show. I’d also like to thank my stewards for their sterling work in keeping things flowing. There was a lovely atmosphere at the show and the officers and exhibitors were very welcoming. I had a great entry of Border Terrier bitches and my placings were greeted with gracious courtesy. It was a bracing, sunny day and it was good for the Border Terriers to be judged outside, which largely seemed to suit all.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best Puppy
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan, 8 Months old bitch. Very much my type of bitch. Otter head with a dark eye and lovely expression. Scissor bite. Good neck running into clean, well laid shoulders. Easily spanned. Narrow front, good bone and well- padded feet. Level topline both standing and on the move. Strong loin. Rib carried well back and good bend of stifle. Tail set on correctly. In good show coat and had a deep undercoat. She moved with drive around the ring. She needs to mature into herself rather than growing on. Best puppy bitch and best puppy in breed.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2019
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me my first club show in this lovely light, large hall. The hospitality was wonderful! Thanks also to the efficient ring stewards and most of all to all the exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. Sincere thanks for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. Temperaments on the day were excellent, coats were very varied - some good dogs were penalised for not having double coat. No mouths were undershot and all male dogs were entire.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Lovely blue and tan bitch, 9 months old. Good head and teeth, nice reach of neck. Well laid on shoulders to straight forelegs, just right for bone. Neat underline, with good length of rib onto well angulated rear with strong loin. Nice size being easily spanned. Slightly excitable on the move today, which cost her first place.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson
My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin!
It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future!
I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride.
Only a very few were difficult to span.
As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter.
Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride.
A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.
RBCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan, 11 ½ months. Apart from being a Blue, pretty much the same comments apply, as to the 1st, although she is still, obviously, a baby, but so full of incredible promise. The dog puppy had a good length of stride, but in the challenge for Best Puppy, she showed her fabulous construction, by effortlessly opening up her stride and could easily have passed him, without trying, had she not been held back! Not seen that length of stride on a Border, since my own Betwixt! Delighted that the Group Judge was equally impressed, she went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 3. Congratulations!
Pushed, all the way, by the 3rd, who also had such a length of stride, her handler couldn’t keep up!
Class Critique
One of the best classes I have ever judged! Think I shortlisted 8, any of whom I would have been more than happy to award a first prize to on another day!
Annandale Canine Society Open Show
14th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr Lee Reynolds (Etterbern)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Carlisle and District Canine Society Open Show
20th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
12mth blue & tan with a feminine head of good proportions. Narrow all through, spannable with a level topline. Good double coat of harsh texture, thick loose pelt. Racy hind quarters, good tailset. Moved very soundly with plenty of drive
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
have judged her at an open show as a raw baby & has come on well since then, a little taller than 1 & 3 today but you can still span her rib, most lovely head shape with strong jaw & good dentition, moderate neck & is in quite mature body shape, coat & pelt are correct, her coat has super texture, tail well set & carried, moved exceptionally well but perhaps slow her down a little, does tend to get carried away
Class Critique
First 4 in this class although quite different all had their own quality breed points.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
what a cracker, lovely fluid action, I feared she might carry a little too much bone but was happy to find she just needed a little judicious trimming, stands balanced, I loved her head and typical expression, good angulation all through, useful hindquarters and well set tail, lovely dense B/T coat with undercoat, pressed hard for top honours
Class Critique
Hotly contested class with some very smart individuals who will surely ensure the next generation is safely assured
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Class Critique
Very competitive class with some decent bitches unplaced on the day.
Manchester and District Sporting Terrier Club
17th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Terrier Group Show and for their kind hospitality. Thank you also to my ring steward Chris, who kept things running along very smoothly - I very much enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for the privilege of going over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and I found no kinked tails.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
another B/T bitch. Nicely proportioned feminine head. Lovely neck leading into excellent shoulders, good length of body and strong loin. Narrow in front with neat feet. Excellent top line and tail set which she held on the move. Moved out with drive and purpose. Well balanced. Liked her a lot! Pleased to award her BOB.
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.
BCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
blue and tan that took my eye straight away when I moved the class around the ring. Lovely well balanced bitch with good head, dark eye, shallow stop, good reach of neck into well layed shoulders with narrow front, excellent topline and tailset, short carrot tail with thick, loose pelt. Moved around the ring with purpose and drive holding type as she did so. A bright future I have no doubt. B.C.C
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and also to my very efficient ring steward who kept things running smoothly. I had a lovely day and felt it was a great honour and responsibility. I really appreciated each and every entry, and had some lovely exhibits to go over, the depth of quality in some classes meaning that some nice dogs went cardless. Coats were understandably at different stages, and although this has no bearing on the construction of the dog, a good coat does complete the picture of what is essentially a working terrier.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Also really liked this bitch very much. Well turned out in a correct blue and tan coat of good quality, she is well balanced, has an excellent topline and tailset, and nice depth of body. She has a good length and angle of upper arm, and the right amount of rear angulation, and moves accurately and enthusiastically. Narrow throughout, and a close decision between these two.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
My grateful thanks to the Club for inviting me to judge their July Open Show. I had a lovely day. I'd like to thank the exhibitors for a super entry
Also thanks to my very capable Steward, Allen Horner, who kept everything on track, Valerie Atkinson for a lovely lunch and to the club for their hospitality. The show was well organised considering the difficulties with Covid restrictions. I had difficulty in spanning quite a few exhibits and I was surprised to see a lot of small teeth. Also there were a lot of exhibits who could have do with their nails trimming. All dogs were entire and there were no kinky tails.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
lovely blue and tan bitch who was presented well. She has a good head, expression and ear placement. Good well laid shoulders, straight front and nice tight feet, Best mover in this class. Pleased to Award her B.O.S.S.
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
b/t, good breed type, lovely otter head, dark eye, good muzzle & bite, deep chest, ribs carried well back, firm loin, muscled quarters, low set hocks, good pelt & well presented jacket, well padded feet, movement free flowing,
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge BorderTerriers, and thank you to my two very efficient stewards who kept things moving along in the ring.
Sadly today, rudeness to the stewards and a lack of sportsmanship seem to be on the increase.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
RBCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Another blue smaller than first similar otherwise, close decision 1st just had that " look at me " with attitude! so res.C.C.
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Class Critique
What a great class and a real privilege to have six top quality bitches and even the one that left without a card had quality but sadly not enough coat today.
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
RBCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Different type to winner, but much to like, racy, narrow and moved well. Alert and full of life.
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
RCC Lovely blue & tan in super coat. Narrow throughout with a straight front and beautiful head. Nice length of neck and easily spanned. Plenty of length of rib and body. Covered the ground efficiently and moved well.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the hard work and smooth running of the show. I would also like to thank my two stewards for doing an excellent job. The exhibitors seemed to enjoy the show judging by the popularity of my top honours. Unlike one particular exhibitor who needed his teddy putting back in his cot judging by his unsporting behaviour. 4 were found to be unspannable with a couple of bad mouths, also some were far to thin, which is unacceptable and one or two could have smelled a little sweeter. It's all well and good getting dressed up, you are letting your dogs down if they pong.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
RBCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
BCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, feminine head and expression, lovely shoulder and length of rib, good turn of stifle, level topline and good tail set. Moved out well on small neat feet. Shown in good coat and condition, well handled to RBCC
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
This bitch excited me as soon as I saw her , she was a picture of balance, free-stood , alert and on her toes.
Pretty feminine head with inquisitive expression.Neatest of fronts and feet , super layback of shoulder & elegant reach of neck .She’s a perfect length with beautiful well carried back narrow rib very easy to span .Strong rear quarters that were just right for angulation. All topped off with a harsh well ticked blue and tan double jacket .So pleased when she moved with verve and accuracy & her mission was to win the well deserved BCC.
Border Union Championship Show
4th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors and my two stewards who kept going throughout a rather damp session during the judging of the bitch classes. One of the essentials of a working terrier is being able to withstand a little rain but there were a few exhibits with thin skins and short of coat. I found that some lacked muscle, particularly behind, which affected the driving movement necessary for the breed’s function. My other main concern was the lack of width in the jaws of some, detracting from the desired, ‘like that of an otter’, head shape. This is a most identifying feature of the breed and needs to be carefully adhered to.
BCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Very well moving B/T bitch, holding her topline. Good tight feet, dense coat, really handy size which would allow her to go to ground, CC.
Class Critique
I’d be happy to switch the top placings round another day
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
RBCC
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Another super B/T very little separating these two, could of gone the other way on another day but I preferred the tail set of the first. Res CC
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
My thanks must go to the hard working committee for the kind invitation to judge
Border Terriers at this show. The welcome was warm and the hospitality on the day
was excellent.
There was a lovely entry and my gratitude goes to the exhibitors for their support ,also
the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken.
My general observations were as follows, bites mostly correct , males appeared intact ,
no tail kinks but what I did find was a few dogs quite broad chested and rather wide at
the front, rears were less of a problem .As breeders we must remember that
narrowness throughout is not only desired but needed if Borders are to be capable of
doing the job that they were bred for.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
3yrs. 8 months… Caught my eye as she entered the ring and did not disappoint on closer examination. Beautiful B&T . Great proportions, well ribbed and strong loin . Loved her front and rear assembly ….Covered the ground with attitude … one word that I think sums her up is balance.. Nothing exaggerated but a very good representation of a working terrier Very happy to award her Best Bitch and Best of Breed …thrilled to hear that later she went on to a terrier Group 2. Well done!
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
BCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Super bitch with lovely feminine head. Good strong teeth and jaw. Nice graceful neck into good shoulders. Lovely narrow body of good length, excellent coat and pelt. Moved well. Bitch CC, Best In Show, Best Bred by Exhibitor, Best Otter Head, Best Blue and Tan.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
A lovely blue and tan, of correct size with a good topline, moved very well, good straight front and well muscled rear assembly, I had no hesitation in awarding her the bitch CC and later Best in Show.
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Blue and tan. Beautiful head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Super hindquarters. Exceptional coat and pelt, of good colour, beautifully presented. Sound free mover. No secret she’s a great favourite of mine, having given her a Res CC, at 11 months old, predicting a very bright future for her. Delighted she went on to gain her crown, now with six CCs. Just pipped at the post, today, by her very beautiful kennel mate, who I felt was just a touch more “together “ on the move, in the challenge, so had to settle for another Res CC, but it could easily have gone either way. What a fabulous brood, their dam, Gold Dust, has been, another who did well under me, to produce two of their calibre.
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.
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
BCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Beautifully balanced bitch of lovely size. Short muzzle, broad skull and neat ears. Good forehand, nice reach of neck, easily spanned rib carried well back to strong loin of good length. Good top line, well set short thick tail. Well-muscled racy hind quarters. Presented in super coat and condition. An eyecatcher in her class and in the challenge. BCC, BOS & RBIS
Class Critique
Quality class of super bitches
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
blue and tan with a good coat and pelt beautifully presented. Good head and expression, nice neck and shoulders; straight front, narrow throughout and spannable. Moved with a long stride, a little erratic coming and going today.
The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show
21st May 2022
Judge: Mrs G Vaughan (Holteal)
I would like to thank Scottish Border Terrier Kennel Club and committee for my invite to judge and award my 1st CC appointment,their hospitality and welcome was appreciated greatly for such a long trip from my home county of norfolk i thoroughly enjoyed my day judging and thanks to my 2 great stewards who kept my ring running smoothly.
To have an entry of 87 dogs I believe the 6th highest of the whole show with only 19 being absent on the day which is to be expected was a great honor for myself.
Coats as always were in many different stages,not always easy to target for every show entered,I found no major faults in any of my exhibits thankfully but some dogs lacking good thick pelts and a few longer and not so desirable longer tails. There were some closer choices between some dogs in the stronger classes.
BCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Quality bitch with a super head and expression with perfect teeth to suit,excellent harsh coat and pelt,super front and rear angulation. Pleased to award her the BCC
Border Union Championship Show
19th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe (Pipruda)
First of all I would like to thank the committee for the appointment, the exhibitors for their entry and my stewards for keeping my ring controlled which enabled me to finish judging well in time for the groups. Judy you can steward for me anytime thank you. I was thrilled that my BOB not only won the Terrier Group but went on to Best in Show, my BPIB was placed in the Puppy Group as was my BV in the Veteran Group. Due to COVID this is my first appointment since 2017 and I am pleased to say that I can see a vast improvement in movement since then but overall the quality in bitches was far superior to the dogs, I have large hands and spannability was in the minority in most dog classes. In the standard it says Essentially a Working Terrier, many would be unable to get down a hole let alone get out again!
RBCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
A b/t bitch I have admired from ringside and very similar remarks to 1 but unfortunately today was beaten by coat. RBCC
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Very showy bitch, good head, well balanced with a good tail & tailset. OK on the move but not the easy drive of the first two and totally out of coat which cost her here.
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
BCC
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Beautifully presented blue and tan in fit condition. Well proportioned feminine head with well set ear, strong muzzle. Nice reach of neck into well placed shoulders and narrow throughout. Level topline, racy rear quarters. Good tail and set on. New coat with enough texture on pliable pelt. Moved with drive and enthusiasm. BCC, RBIS, BOS
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Class Critique
This was a very difficult class to judge!
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
A shade smaller than the winner, but carrying the same harsh blue and tan quality coat. Lovely head and expression, correct bite. Well balanced right through and moved out well
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Firstly, I would like to thank the organisers of the show for the warm welcome and hospitality. Also, The Border Terrier Club for supporting the entry.
On the day I was presented with some nice exhibits, I also found one bad mouth and not the best of movements on some. I found my winners based on size, type and movement.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Pretty feminine bitch with good head, lovely length of neck. Narrow throughout, level topline and good tailset, good angulation, in thick double coat and good pliable pelt. Moved well and enthusiastically around the ring. Very close decision in the challenge, liked her a lot, just preferred my BB for type on the day.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Well balanced girl with strong yet feminine head, just right for bone excellent rib and topline, well angulated front and rear, moved true from all directions
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
This one has a brilliant blue and tan coat and good thick pliable skin. Moved well with good top-line and tail set. Nice head with keen dark eye. Well set correct ear. Again a close call between her and first.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Leeds Championship Show
28th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I enjoyed my judging and appreciated the good sportsmanship around the ring with applause for all class placings, this is so often lacking these days. In the males there were a lot shown in single coat so these were not in contention on the day, also quite a few were difficult to span. I did not find these problems in the bitches However as many judges before me have commented, good front movement is the exception rather than the norm and these Borders would easily tire following a horse all day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Another blue and also a worthy champion, my reserve winner last time out and close up to 1 but preferred the winners skull and today she was giving her handler a hard time.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
Placing Critique
Another blue and tan bitch with super thick pelt and correct dense double coat…. and plenty of it. She looked good both standing and on the move, holding her level topline and moving with drive from well muscled, well angulated hindquarters. Her head was correct and of good proportions, she had good all round angulation, a straight narrow front and plenty of bone. Ribbed well back and strong in loin, a worthy Champion, thoroughly enjoying her day out.
Class Critique
What a fabulous class, headed by three lovely bitches.
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Howthwaite Gay Dusky
