Show Placings
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 /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
Nice size 6 months bitch with sweet feminine head, nice dark eyes. Straight front and small neat feet. Good reach of neck. lovely topline and tail set. Super harsh jacket and moved well for one so young. Liked her a lot.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
7 and a half month old grizzle bitch. Good head, nice ears. Nice length of neck with lovely topline and good coat with thick pelt. Good front angulation and well laid back ribs, easily spannable. Good tail well set on. Would like slightly more stifle angulation, however she moved well, the best in this class.
Manchester & District Sporting Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2019
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you to the club for the invitation to judge and the exhibitors for their entries.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
A lovely feminine grizzle bitch of ideal size with harsh double coat. Good otter head with keen expression and correct bite. Good shoulders leading to good length of rib, level topline , and neat feet. Moved well both ways. She pushed for top honours but lost out on maturity and enthusiasm in her drive. Pleased to award her best puppy in breed.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge their Open Show and also the sporting way in which the exhibitors accepted my decisions. Also thank you to my stewards Anna Duxbury and Bridget Singh for keeping the ring moving smoothly throughout the day. Most exhibits were shown in a fit condition although there were one or two that were a little over weight and nervous on the day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
7 month old, narrow throughout. Shown in good double jacket ,with thick pelt. Moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
8 months, lovely head, eye & expression, good reach of neck, layback of shoulders & front, level top line & tail set, neat feet, moved out well.
Lancashire Sporting Terrier Club Open Show
25th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the club for inviting me to judge the border terriers and to the exhibitor’s for allowing me to judge your dogs.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Best Puppy
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
8month old grizzle and tan puppy bitch with feminine head, good reach of neck and narrow throughout with good shoulders and good length of rib nice underline standing on neat feet shown in good jacket with super pelt, I would of preferred more bend of stifle, she is just right for bone and I liked her size. Her sound movement secured her Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Cheshire County Show
18th Jun 2019
Judge: John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan, 9 ½ months. Excellent head and expression. Super neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow body, with ribs carried well back, giving a good underline. Excellent topline and tailset. Neat tail, well carried. Sound, free mover, with an excellent coat and pelt. Put down in superb order.
Class Critique
Three lovely puppies headed this class!
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
9 months another nice puppy, lovely head, nice teeth, ears set well on, moved true
Carlisle and District Canine Society Open Show
20th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
this 10mth grizzle headed a class of promising puppies. Lovely feminine head with strength of muzzle & well set on ears. Good reach of neck, well laid shoulders & level topline, held on the move. Easily spanned. Correct tailset & racy hind quarters. She has a good harsh double coat & thick loose pelt. She moved out well showing plenty of drive.
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!
Best Puppy
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
A promising 10 month old pup, well constructed and with balanced proportions. Lovely otter-like head, moderately broad with lack of stop and a strong muzzle. Good neck going into well laid shoulders and a good topline, nicely ribbed back and spannable. Scored in head, front and overall outline, Best Puppy.
Ryedale & Pickering Lyth Agricultural Society (Canine Section) - Open Show
30th Jul 2019
Judge: Linda Pearson (Kiltondale)
Best Puppy
Name at show: RPBIS, TPG1, Carrock Curiosity
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
put down in hard, fit condition, appealed generally in construction and for head properties
Class Critique
I enjoyed this class with some interesting ones for the future
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
very stylish and feminine young lady, narrow throughout, good otter head, keen expression, neat ears, good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders, good ribs, racy hindquarters, moved with confidence. Best Puppy Bitch.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
Similar to first. Quality head, well carried ear. Good bone and feet. In good cot and condition. Moved ok.
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
8th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Carrock Curiosity
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
almost 12mth grizzle bitch who has a good head with strength of muzzle & well set ears. Balanced outline with ribs reaching well back. Narrow all through, level topline & well set tail. Presented in harsh double coat with a thick loose pelt & easily spanned. Moved out well sound up & down with a good length of stride in profile. BP PG2
Westmorland County Agricultural Society Open Show
12th Sep 2019
Judge: Lisa Callon-Winn
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Carrock Curiosity
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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 /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
grizzle 12 months old on first day of the show, excellent top line and front construction, very good coat, moved well with drive around the ring.
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 Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Carrock Curiosity
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
One I have judged previously and awarded highly. Just out of puppy. Sweet feminine head flowing into good well laid back shoulders, good length of rib nice underline, good top line and tail set, she is narrow throughout, shown in full double jacket, her movement is a dream to watch which secured her Best of Breed I think she will have a successful future.
Class Critique
3 nice youngsters which on another day could easily change place.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
(G/t) Good head, nice ears. Nice length of neck with lovely topline and tail set, good coat with thick pelt. Good front angulation and well laid- back ribs, easily spannable. Good tail set.
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
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with nice jacket and good fit condition, sweet feminine head with good big teeth, lovely length of neck leading to a correct shoulder and tight front. Level topline and rib carried well back. Moved well on nice tight feet.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs J Johnson (Ratcheugh)
Firstly my thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for giving me the opportunities to judge their Championship show, the committee for their hospitality and my stewards for keeping me on track. My thanks also to Joyce Martin for giving me memories of the day.
Secondly my appreciation to all exhibitors some who had travelled many miles on a very cold and frosty morning, it was a privilege to go over your dogs and thank you for accepting my decisions.
I was extremely pleased with my main winners, it’s very pleasing to have a class of borders and find one which ticks all your boxes.
Some puppies were in my opinion are too big and some I found difficult to span. I also prefer if handlers allowed the puppy to walk loosely and not strung up, this throws the front movement.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
lovely headed bitch, nicely balanced with no exaggerations coat in evidence, narrow throughout, easily spanned, level topline, correct carrot tail well set on, free mover, true to type, a very nice package.
Penrith & DCS Open Show
1st Dec 2019
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan, another quality bitch, excellent bodylines, narrow throughout, clean through shoulders with narrow straight front, easily spanned, short of coat today. Moved and showed well, will watch her progress.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
Superb class – again quality in depth. Very difficult decisions to make but enjoyable.
Royal Cheshire County Show
21st Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hardman
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch. Liked her size and typical head and expression. Correct bite, nice eye and ear placement. Coat not at its best today but a lot to like about her.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
With the exception of the first two the others had almost lost their waistlines.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
similar in size , make and shape , just not quite as laid back in shoulder as winner , one I have always admired from ringside for her feminine head & lithe build , same comments apply about her workmanlike narrowness & she has quality with type , moved well , but not in as good coat today as the winner
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!
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Liked her a lot, really good size with a bit of length behind the rib. Correct shape of head and moved sound and true. Had no coat today or would have merited more.
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 ?
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Club Open Show
16th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr M. & Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Mr Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf) I’ve been looking forward to the opportunity of judging at the NCSTA show. This is always a well run show with a dedicated committee and as ever the catering was second to none. Many thanks to my steward who remained in good spirits despite the constant chilly breeze. I was lucky to have the opportunity to spend some time with highly experienced Border Terrier Judges after judging my breed today which rounded off a fantastic day.
Mrs Valerie Atkinson (Raedwulf) Many thanks go to NCSTA for inviting me to judge my beloved Border Terriers following in the footsteps of many esteemed Border Terrier judges, of whom I much admire, who also began their early career judging at this show. As always a really well run show with a welcoming committee and the best of sporting atmosphere.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch, good coat and pelt, lovely feminine head, big white teeth in correct scissor bite. Strong shoulders and lovely narrow front, very easily spannable. Strong loin, powerful rear. Good size, very workmanlike bitch who is easily fit for purpose. Unlucky to meet my BOB, could easily trade places on another day.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Workman like grizzle bitch, adored her head very varminity in expression, well set ears of correct size and nice eye placement and shape. Balanced and spannable. Moved the best in the class covering the ground well and true tracking motion. In double coat with depth and thick pelt.
Class Critique
1 withdrawn
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
What a cracking bitch this one is. She pushed hard in the challenge and I know her time will come. Easy to handle bitch of good size and shape. Super ottery head, good bite and big teeth. Excellent length to body. This one will last she had a spring to her step and on the move she shows her good conformation and breed assets.
Class Critique
My overall favourite class. Many quality bitches here which will change places many times over the course of their careers. So, if you went cardless don’t despair! My 5 placings were superb.
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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 …
Best Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Quality bitch looked a picture stacked, Best of heads and expression, good narrow front and tight feet, good shoulders and ribbing, good coat texture and thick pelt, moved soundly round the ring. Best Bitch
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!
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful headed bitch who definitely had the best jacket of the day, correct bite and dark eye. She was feminine but workmanlike and a totally sound mover with drive.
Royal Cheshire County Show
22nd Jun 2022
Judge: Carmel Clarke O'Neill (Lemracdream)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
RBCC
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch of a rangier type, head OK, good neck & shoulder, OK for bone with a good tail & set. Shown in a very good sharp coat and moved out well covering her ground with ease, worked hard to win the Reserve CC.
Class Critique
A very good class of bitches but of very mixed type, it certainly took a bit of sorting out.
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Cartmel AS Open Show
3rd Aug 2022
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Carrock Curiosity JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
3yr old bitch with a lovely head. Correct eye shape & width of skull. Well set ears. Neck of good length leads to well laid shoulders. Narrow all through with a level topline held on the move. Ribs reach well back. Thick loose pelt & easily spanned. Correct double coat. Moved out well. BOB Gp2
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
What a fabulous class of top quality bitches.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Scottish Kennel Club (October Show)
1st Oct 2022
Judge: Mr G Richardson
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for offering me the chance to award C.Cs for the first time, thanks to their hospitality i had a very enjoyable experience . Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner . Also thank you to my very efficient Steward on the day Judy Carr , with her experience she kept the day flowing excellently. Overall I was very pleased with the dogs placed on the day, generally there was a better quality bitch entry compared to dogs. Movement and wide fronts was an issue with some exhibits but generally ok. I was happy to see my B.P, take Puppy Group 2 and B.S.B.I.B. take S.B. Group 1 .
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Northern Border terrier club,
for inviting me to judge at this show. I considered this a great honour and privilege.
Many thanks to my two ring stewards Andrea Dixon and Mark Atkinson for keeping the ring running smoothly. I am immensely grateful to all of the exhibitors for a supper entry and the chance to go over so many lovely dogs and for taking my decisions with good sportsmanship. Some decisions could have been different on another day
In general, most were in tip top condition a few were a bit over weight.
Dentition was mostly good. I was happy on the whole with temperaments.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Nicely put together bitch with a pleasing head. Nice front with good angulation. Shown with good harsh double jacket and moved out well.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2022
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge The Border Terrier Club Open Show at Low Hesket and big thank you for my lovely judge’s gifts. I would also like to thank my two stewards for the day, Judy Carr and Marina Flemming for doing a sterling job and keeping the ring running smoothly through the day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors for their fantastic entry and for excepting my decisions on the day. I had a lovely entry of borders who on whole were of good quality.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Narrow bitch of good size. Pleasing head and expression. Good reach of neck and a level top line. Good length of rib. Well-muscled throughout. Moved out well.
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.”
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle,pleasing head,flat skull,strong muzzle,striaght front,enough bone,stands on neat padded feet,easily spanned,well muscled throughout,moves well,
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs Julie Fletcher North (Northborders)
Firstly I would like to thank the Committee for my invite to judge my first Club show , also my 2 able stewards Judy and Kathy for keeping me and the ring in order , mostly I thank the exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me to go over their beautiful dogs , I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I was really pleased with both my line ups , I loved all my main winners and look forward to following their futures
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan lovely light framed bitch ,she’s a cracking size , beautiful femine head with very little stop , good angulations throughout and moved ok, pelt could be thicker and sadly didn’t have her jacket with her ,very easily spanned , correct bite
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
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.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan. Lovely feminine head; strong short muzzle, good dentition, correct eye and expression, nice ear set. Good front assembly, nice and narrow, strong legs and tight feet. Good shoulder and well carried back rib with good depth of chest. Easily spanned, she has enough body length with strong loin and nice topline. Racy muscled well angulated quarters with a correct tail set complete the picture. Coat coming through, pelt OK. Moved very soundly coming and going – I’m sure she could go all day! RBB
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Red bitch with a better harsher coat than 1st, stood on very small feet with thick pads, straight front deep body, ribs well back but rounder than 1st, nice length of body strong loins and moved soundly.
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
BCC
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Not a flashy bitch but I loved her balance, beautiful head and eye, correct ribcage and flowing outline, shown in excellent coat, her front movement was excellent - absolutely true, her handler could get more out of her but she is a lovely quality Border, BCC
Class Critique
Excellent class.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the society for inviting me to judge this wonderful show. To my steward, Judy Carr, thank you for running my ring so efficiently, especially in the heat. Thanks must go to the ladies for our delicious lunch too. I was presented with some super examples of the breed and there were some tough decisions, especially in the bitches. I do also think the heat affected the performance of some as the day progressed. On the whole mouths were good, but a couple of very knotted tails and some dogs I was unable to span, even with generous allowance which would preclude them from fulfilling the breed standard of ‘essentially a working terrier’.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
All the attributes of my winner were also held in this bitch who was in hard fit condition. With the most feminine of heads, harsh coat and great ring presence this was the closest decision of the day.
Class Critique
This was the most difficult class to judge.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
An excellent class
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
slightly rangier bitch, coat just going over, good tail, front and feet, couldn’t quite match 1st for steadiness on the move, very competent overall
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Thank you to the Committee for organising such a well run show. The quality of the the dogs was very good, making my decisions more difficult in a good way. Nice atmosphere plus friendly sportsmanship prevailed.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Close up another lovely girl, nice size, good head and depth of muzzle, strong neck, well laid back shoulders, straight front, good ribbing, good harsh coat and thick pelt, moved soundly, thick short tail, tight feet. Challenged hard.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
RBCC
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Lovely sized bitch with a super feminine head and expression, stands well on nicely boned legs and tight feet, good in rib and strong in loin, well-constructed shoulders and body, and covered in a red pin wire coat, showed her socks off when on the move and when free standing. Res BCC
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for a lovely entry and also to the Scottish BTC for this opportunity. Special thanks go to my two stewards for the day who kept everything running smoothly and for their good company. Although the lighting in the hall isn’t the best, it was adequate and the large square ring was perfect for watching movement, something I feel is very important in a border terrier. On that note I found my main winners to excel in this department. I was pleased to judge some strong puppy classes and also some strong adult classes
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
RBCC
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Good quality bitch shown today in excellent coat with such a thick pelt. Good head with flat skull and strong jaw. Beautiful bodylines, narrow, well ribbed back, level topline and good tailset with nice short tail, overall balanced bitch. She moved out well, covering the ground, pushed hard in the challenge.
Class Critique
Good class of quality bitches.
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Another top class bitch, lovely head and expression with well-placed ears, correct bite and dark eye, good reach of neck flowing into well angulated shoulders, narrow front, neat feet with thick pads, well ribbed back , level topline with well set on tail, lovely double coat with super thick pelt, spanned with ease, another that was not overdone in any way, moved out freely with drive. Pleased to award her the RBCC
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
BCC
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Eyecatching 6 year old red grizzle. Very feminine bitch and well put together. Correct size, attractive head, good expression.Neck flows into well laid shoulder, nice straight front. Good rib and loin. Super dense coat overlying ample pelt,well turned stifle, neat feet. Level topline, tail well set on. Movement free and easy. Happy to award her the bitch CC in the face of strong competition
Class Critique
This was the most challenging class of the day but also perhaps the most enjoyable. There was quality far beyond the placings and I have no doubt that these ladies will change places many times.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
What A Lovely Class Of Quality Bitches. They Could All Change Place On Another Day.
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with a lot to like about her. Feminine in head she is narrow throughout with good length of neck and well placed shoulders. Good in rib and loin with level topline and thick carrot tail, she is easily spanned, and moved well both ways
The Royal Cheshire County Premier Open Show
19th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
5.5 year old grizzle and tan bitch with a lovely head and expression. Shown in full coat with a good loose pelt she looks bigger than she is when you get your hands on her. With lovely spannable rib with a strong loin, she is nicely muscled and has good angulation both ends. She moved well both ways, maintaining a level top line; I just preferred the movement of the first today. Reserve Best Bitch.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all of you who entered your dogs for me to judge. I really enjoyed my day and having the privilege of judging your dogs. The weather was kind and our ring was good. I had excellent stewards and I thank them for their hard work.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Another excellent bitch. Pleasing head with good expression. Strong through body , well ribbed back with nice length to body. Excellent rear angulation and well set tail. Moved out really well.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Class Critique
Two lovely balanced exhibits topped this class, both look capable of doing what they were bred for – a difficult decision to make!
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge The Open Show at Low Hesket, one of my favourite shows and venues. As always hospitality was superb and a lovely enjoyable lunch.
Thank you to Judy and Andrea my two excellent stewards who kept proceedings running smoothly and on time and thank you to all exhibitors.
I had a lovely entry and some lovely dogs to judge. A very enjoyable day.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Selby Canine Society Open Show
26th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Val Mason (Valicetarn)
I would like to express my gratitude to the Selby C A committee for the invitation to judge and for their warm welcome to their well run show.
I felt incredibly spoiled to have the opportunity to go over some quality dogs.
Thank you also to my able stewards and to all exhibitors.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch, unlucky to meet 1st today. Full of breed type, good for bone and comes to hand very nicely. Straight in front,
deep in body and ribbed well back into a strong loin, with a good topline. Pleasing in head & fabulous dentition.
Shown in great condition with a super grizzle jacket. Moving freely around the ring.
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,
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Curiosity JW
