Show Placings
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine`
Derbyshire Agricultural & Horticultural Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Jim McGhie (Keillor)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine`
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine`
Hawick & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
7 month old Grizzle bitch. BEST PUPPY IN BREED.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Maiden - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Durham County Canine Association Premier Open Show
14th Jul 2019
Judge: Dogs - Mr. Peter Armstrong (Atron) Bitches - Mr. Paul Brannan (Brankell)
A well-organized show layout, an obviously hard working committee, beautiful picturesque setting, good sized well mown rings, excellent convenient car parking, fine weather and an excellent entry of quality dogs. What more could a judge ask for !.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
An attractive 8 month old bitch, similar proportions to first, very nice head, in good coat. I just preferred the topline and shoulder arrangement of the winner.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
most lovely head on this baby, moderate neck leading to correct straight front, excellent rib & overall body shape, racy quarters & well set tail, moved soundly fore & aft but giving her handler a rough time while trying to stack
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Special Challenge - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Workmanlike example, good skull and foreface, pleasing reach of neck and good shoulders, very much a baby and nothing wrong with that
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
8th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch who was 3rd in Puppy. Good head of correct proportions. Level topline & good angulation all through. In between coats but she is easily spanned with a thick loose pelt. Moved out well to take her place in this class
Westmorland County Agricultural Society Open Show
12th Sep 2019
Judge: Lisa Callon-Winn
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank my stewards Lesley and Peter Armstrong-Rodgers for the excellent way they controlled the ring in a peaceful and confident way ensuring a good natured atmosphere to reign.
The exhibitors also deserve thanks for entering and accepting my decisions in a sporting way and spectators applauding each class in turn.
The quality of the majority of the exhibits was good but some of them had suspect front movement which seems to be common in certain Borders.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Stanhope Agricultural Society Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Many thanks to the society for asking me to judge what a wonderful warm welcome from the committee, thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
9 month old bitch with strong head and correct bite, good reach of neck flowing into well laid back shoulders, good length of rib, standing on neat feet with good thick pads, good pelt but very much out of coat. Sound movement secured her Best Puppy in Breed.
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
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 Julie North, for being efficient and keeping me on track.
I found no bad mouths and as always in our breed, coats at various stages. Lots of spannable dogs and bitches which I like.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
(G/t) Typical head with neat ears, dark eye and good bite, harsh coat on a thick pelt moved OK.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs. L. Roberts (Mindlen)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
13th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs Julie Green (Breckgreen) & Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan)
*Judge Dogs: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)*
Firstly, I would like to thank Gill Griffiths and the committee for asking me to judge border terrier dogs at their fantastically well-run show for Northern Sporting Terrier Association. Also, to wish Arthur Cuthbertson a well earnt retirement as Chairman and Show Manager of this lovely show. Secondly, I would like to thank the exhibitors for my fantastic entry of border terriers.
*Judge Bitches Sue Baxter (mySulan)*
Firstly may I say a thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge , also the great food and hospitality received on the day . A hearty thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, providing me with the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs, also for the sporting way that my decisions were accepted. I am happy to say that all the bitches were easily spannable and there was only one that presented with a less than perfect scissor bite. No kinked tails were found and the overall quality was high. In all of the classes the decisions were very close and on another day placings could possibly change. Thank you again, I thoroughly enjoyed the day
In the final challenge for BOB, after taking a few minutes to discuss with fellow judge, Julia Green the merits of both the lovely specimens before us it was agreed that we call upon the services of the referee judge ( B.I.S judge Mr. R. Garbutt ..Aireview...) who made the decision that the dog was to be awarded Best of Breed and the bitch Best of Opposite. Well done to all the exhibitors....
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2019
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging the open show at Low Hesket, with this show and venue being very memorable from a young age I was delighted and privileged to accept the invitation to judge the show. A huge thank you goes to my two stewards on the day who kept my ring moving smoothly, also appreciation goes to the club as a whole for the great hospitality shown. The standard of the exhibits on the day was overall pleasing with quality of bitches slightly outweighing the dogs, many thanks to all exhibitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs and making my day such a pleasure.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Selby Canine Society Open Show
26th Oct 2019
Judge: Dogs: Dr. M. Armstrong (Ploughdown) Bitches: Mrs. J. Carr (Wreighaugh)
Saturday was a very rainy day but the inhospitable weather outside contrasted sharply with the friendly atmosphere in the hall and the very warm welcome from committee members. I’d like to thank the exhibitors for braving the awful weather to come to the show, for their very good entry and their sporting spirit. I’d also like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge on the day and my stewards who organised the ring with great efficiency, courtesy and good humour.
Dr Margaret Armstrong
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Border Terrier bitches at this very friendly, hospitable and well run Open Show. Thanks also to my stewards who were a great support. I was very grateful to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry of bitches and for the sporting way in which they accepted my, often difficult, decisions. I was pleased that my fellow Border judge, Dr Margaret Armstrong, and I were able to agree on both Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed without reference to our referee.
Judy Carr
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
26th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs J Carr (Wreighaugh)
I’d like to thank the Committee for their invitation to judge this show. As always it was very well organised and there was a very hospitable welcome. Thanks to my steward who kept things moving along. Thank you also to the exhibitors for the excellent entry and, despite a few absentees, I had some lovely Borders to go over. Coats were very varied; mouths were good and there were no kinked tails. Thank you to all the exhibitors and spectators who came and supported the show and created such a good atmosphere.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Nice head, good dark eye and well set ears. Good shoulders and nice reach of rib, strong loin. Easily spanned and a good outline. She moved steadily and carried her tail well. Lack of coat on the day penalised her.
Cumberland CA Open Show
2nd Feb 2020
Judge: Darren Pearson (Winoski)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2020
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge the first of their centenary shows this year and for their warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you to my two stewards, Judy Carr and Judith Fawcett who had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a large quality entry. Thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a wonderful entry of 143 dogs, sadly the serve flooding at the time made for several absentees, but I’d like to thank everyone who braved the floods and made the journey. This was my first breed club appointment, which was a truly memorable experience and one I won’t forget. Thank you for the lovely gifts which I will treasure. I was generally very pleased with the overall quality of the dogs entered under me. Coats were at varying stages, and some dogs paid the price today. The quality in some classes made for some difficult decisions, especially in the limit/open classes, and I would have liked more first places.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
another nice bitch with good head, shoulders and coat. Correct dentition, Good straight front. She moved well and kept her topline on the move.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Wolsingham Open Show
5th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
I would like to thank the committee of Wolsingham Show Dog Section for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at the Open Show. I had a lovely entry and thank the Exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to go over there dogs. I enjoyed the day very much.
Limit /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to Darlington Committee for the invitation to my ring stewards and the exhibitors for your entries. Not having attended a show since they started up again it was quite a surprize and worry to handle some very big dogs. I know size has always been a talking point in the breed but today it was a problem with some of the dogs, bitches were a much better size with some close decisions in their classes.
Another noticeable difference is some exhibitors deciding to run with their dogs, why I don’t know it’s something never seen or needed in the border ring. With some handlers in a class walking around and others deciding to run its not what is expected. Watching a dog and handler move in unison on a good, collected pace is much more acceptable.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Smaller bitch in good double coat, very typical throughout. Nice head, easy span, good angulation moved out well.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Mr M Ord
Massive Thank You to The Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge your Championship Show today. This club I was a member of in the formative years and have fond memories of the very first Championship Show where I was an exhibitor. It is good to see a club go from strength to strength and the committee worked very hard to put on this event in what has been difficult times to plan ahead. Thank you everyone who entered today and I was honoured with an entry of 150 Dogs, 192 Entries & 0 NFCs. Like every show absentees were inevitable but I hope those present today took my decisions sportingly.
A few general observations on todays entry which are my thoughts and because I care so much for this lovely breed. Driving to the venue today was a perfect way to view the countryside where this breed was developed and all could see the rough terrain they would need to work in. It is essential you judge a breed with the work they were bred to do foremost in your mind and learn why they are built the way they were and why the breed standard exists. It is a dog show and we now want to see them clean, healthy and well presented but I was sad to see today several exhibits with very clear evidence of scissor work on the coats and not just on tidying feet etc. Please stop this trend NOW. Several were scissored from hip to hock, no need to do this & does nothing to enhance the dog. Good otter heads were not in abundance today and I witnessed a lot of fly away ears. We have always witnessed the odd one but today quite a number could be seen when the dog was in action & not always on youngsters either.
Coats as always were in various stages today but you must judge the dog on the day and find evidence of the correct texture and undercoat which is vital to stop the working dog getting wet through to the skin. Mouths were very good today as where tails which have thankfully improved greatly. Some exhibits in my opinion had lovely conformation however where far too big and long in leg. I though ribs were good with only a few that would be unable to be spanned with the average size hands. I did find today the bitches were more uniform for size so just need to work on the males not becoming big, leggy & heavy.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
21st Nov 2021
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and to the Border Terrier Club for their support of the classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, there was a friendly ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge. Some of the entries in the younger classes didn’t settle that well on the move, perhaps due to the distraction of the large amount of bait left on the ground from the previous classes, but they did well enough and were all sound just distracted.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Class Critique
Very close between 1 and 2 both are full of breed type and will change places frequently I am sure – a joy to judge
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
29th Jan 2022
Judge: Miss K. Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee of The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and showing a warming hospitality. Thanks also goes to my two stewards who made sure my day ran perfectly. A well ran show with a fabulous atmosphere and venue. Many thanks goes to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs and making my day one to remember and thoroughly enjoyable. Bitches outweighed the dogs but I was happy with the overall quality on the day. I would say exhibits were presented well although some could benefit with some general canine care like nail clipping. The last few years haven’t been kind to the show world so let’s not forget that sportsmanship is vital in making the show and atmosphere what it is.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with a good coat and pelt. Lovely head and expression. Good front and shoulder leading to well placed rib and level topline through to a thick carrot shaped tail. Moved with drive.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge at this Show, It really seemed to be a success judging by the happy atmosphere in the venue and congratulations must go to all the hard working Committee for the superb organization on the day despite the Covid regulations and the inclement weather. My thanks must also go to my two efficient stewards, Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Joyce Whiting, for their invaluable assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly and keeping me in check.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Feminine head with neat ears, good eye of correct shape and colour. Good dentition. Well constructed throughout. Presented in good harsh coat on a thick pelt. Perhaps could lose a little weight to advantage. Pressed the winner hard but just lacked the enthusiasm and drive today when moving around the ring.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2022
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would sincerely like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely well run show and for their kind hospitality on the day. Also for the lovely gifts received from the Club.
Many thanks also to my two stewards Judy and Marina, who were a great help and kept things running very smoothly.
I was extremely flattered by the wonderful entry and would like to thank each and every exhibitor for kindly allowing me to go over their dogs, and for their sportsmanship when accepting my decisions.
Coats, as always were very varied at this time of year, and some had to pay the penalty for not having enough topcoat. Nearly all dogs were spannable, all males were entire and dentition was good overall. I found I had some difficult decisions to make, and I was sorry I could not give more places.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Billingham & Synthonia CS Open Show
27th Feb 2022
Judge: Becky Johnson (Downstream)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
15th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to the committee/officers of the Sunderland & District Canine Society for asking me to judge the Border Terriers at today’s Premier Open Show. A lovely entry of 25 dogs so a big thank you to the exhibitors for supporting my entry today and presenting some really nice dogs.
Also a big thank you to my steward for the day, Mr Tom hall who kept not only my classes but all of the terrier ring for the day finishing off with the group.
Borders were first in the ring today so I had the chance to see all of the terrier classes develop during the morning and then pleased to see my Best Of Breed go Terrier Group 2 – well done.
A lovely friendly show well supported and being an outside event weather held and the sun shone for most of it. Thank you all again for a lovely day and your support -
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Northumberland County Show
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I would like to start with thanks to the Northumberland County Show Canine committee for inviting me to judge and for a well run show and the most excellent hospitality. Thanks also to my steward for stepping in at short notice and delivering a very well run ring.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
I’d like the thank the Committee and the Exhibitors for making this a most pleasurable show to Judge. Good sportsmanship prevailed and some good dogs to go over. Thankyou to the Ladies in the kitchen who looked after me making sure we were supplied with excellent food and plenty of it …
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Sedgefield & District Agricultural & Horticultural Society Open Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
My sincere thanks go to the exhibitors for firstly entering their dogs under me and then for showing them in such adverse weather conditions. Not only had they the extreme heat to contend with but also the small steeply inclined ring still full of sheep droppings as well. Proper Border country !.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch. Owns a typically feminine head of correct proportions with a keen expression, good eye of correct shape and colour, low set on ears. Adequate muzzle and good dentition. Good front and shoulder construction leading to well placed ribs. Level topline. Well constructed throughout. Presented in a good harsh coat on a thick pliable pelt. Good carrot shaped tail. Just could not match the enthusiasm and drive of the winner today.
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
4th Sep 2022
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and providing the steward, Lesley. She was brilliant keeping the ring and me in order! The classes were supported by the Northern Border Terrier Club which I know is greatly appreciated and lovely rosettes provided. I believe that not only did we have the biggest terrier entry but the biggest breed entry in the show. Thank you to everyone who entered, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The weather held and no umbrellas required resulting in a pleasant ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge giving me a lot to think about.
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Nov 2022
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I won my first Crufts qualifier at this show 25 years ago and it has always been one of my favourites. It was an honour to be invited to judge and my thanks go to the Scottish Club for their hospitality. Thanks also to my very capable stewards Bill Shorthose and Judy Carr.My sincere thanks to all those who entered and allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Today I found there to be a much greater depth of quality among the bitches with there being many promising puppies and some very nice animals in the upper classes,particularly limit and open. This depth of quality was not apparent in a number of the dog classes although I was pleased with my main winners.
As would be expected there was some diversity in size and type.A number of exhibits of both sexes were up to size- I have big hands so if I find them difficult to span they are probably too big. I found all males to be entire, no serious mouth faults and one kinked tail.Of most concern was the number of dogs with very poor front movement and the number with atypical heads; some too long in muzzle and a few where the muzzle was too short, the latter giving a rather cat like look. Coats and pelts were generally good and a few dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.A fairly minor fault, but one which detracts from the overall outline, were the dogs which carried their tails curled over their backs i.e “gay tailed” as opposed to carrying their tails gaily.
Some of these faults are aesthetic but others such as size and soundness are not and we should be mindful that our breed is “essentially a working terrier.”
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
4 year old dark grizzle of good size, fit condition.Feminine head,good coat and pelt, easily spanned and moving well.
Class Critique
Some nice bitches to find in Special Beginners
Sunderland & DCS Open Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this show. I would also like to thank my Steward, Linda Lyons for keeping the classes running smoothly and efficiently.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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 “.
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
came 2nd as she had no coat, nice broad skull and dark eyes and pigment, a little rounder in ribs than I would like, moved steady.
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Slightly deeper than 1, she has good otter like head with dark eye shown in good coat, just lacked the drive of my winner today.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Otley CS Open Show
1st Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs R Barney (verrami)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Northern Dog Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mrs M Fleming (Flegato)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this very well run and friendly show. There could not have been a better first time appointment. Thank you to the ring stewards who organised the ring and paperwork in the most efficient manner and made it very easy for me. And finally, thank you to all the exhibitors who entered and who were able to come and bring their dogs – it was a privilege for me to go over them.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr. P. Appleby (Hollexby)
Firstly I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge this show, it was an honour and a privilege, secondly thank you to the exhibitors for entering a lovely selection of dogs for me to go over, and lastly but not leastly to my Stewards, Liz Barret and Val Mason for keeping me right.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Cumberland CA Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Keith Derry (Vistca)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Thank you to the officers and committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their June 2024 Breed Club Open Show. The day was marked by very good weather conditions: a mixture of sunny spells, brisk breezes and cloud. Just right for the dogs. The dreaded rain kept at bay so the Gods smiled down on us. What a super venue to hold a show. There was a large indoor hall if needed. However, given the clement conditions, we were outside for judging on a large paved area surrounded by raised grass banks that afforded for spectators a good view of events. The welcome from officers and exhibitors alike was warm and hospitable and I’d like to thank exhibitors for the super entry I had and for their good grace in accepting their placings. There was a great sense of collegiality among members and good humour was in plentiful supply. The catering was second to none; the poached salmon salad at lunch was super. And I was sent on my way with enough food to see me back over the sea to Northern Ireland. Finally I’d like to thank my two stewards on the day: Kath Lothian and Pete Appleby. They were welcoming and fulfilled their duties with quiet good humour.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch. Head in good proportion with flat cranium and some breadth of muzzle. Dark eye with typical expression. Correct bite. Narrow straight front. Good bone and deep padded, small feet. Good length and depth of body with strong coupling. Covered the ground well going round the ring.
Border Union Agricultural Society
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the Society for the invitation to Judge one of my favourite shows, it didn’t all go to plan with the weather playing its part. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for going along with my decision to stay outside despite the weather, and my special thanks to stewards Judy Carr and Audrey Coltart for braving the weather also. Also my thanks to Euan for posting my judging book and critique notes and to whomever handed it in.
Sorry for delay, holidays and work have played their part. I had some lovely dogs to go over and thank you all for bringing them.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterpaws Red Red Wine
