Show Placings
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Class Critique
Close decision between these two!
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 .
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Novice - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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 ?
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Every thing was in proportion with this dog , short strong muzzle and broad skull, firm shoulders and a level top line, moved with drive.
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Good head & eye. Fair bone, good quarters & tail. Moved well enough on go around. In good coat.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
20-month grizzle dog. A little unsettled in the ring today. Lovely head with dark eye and strong teeth. Shorter coupled than first. Good top line and tail set. In good double jacket. Preferred the length of rib and movement of first.
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
5th Feb 2022
Judge: Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Took my eye on entering the ring. Smart stylish type. Masculine head yet without any coarseness, good keen expression, nice eye shape and colour. Straight forelegs. Good length of neck flowing into deep narrow body. Strong in loin. Good angulation both front and rear. Well coated. Moved very well with determination and drive.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Wath and West Melton Canine Society Open Show
5th Mar 2022
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Overall true to type and size, nice head and expression, ears a little big but well placed, easy span with a nice rib correct topline running into a good tail set, nice bend of stifle well let down, good harsh jacket and pelt.
Retford Canine Society Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Firstly many thanks to the Society for inviting me to judge at their Premier Show which was run very efficiently and had a lovely friendly atmosphere (the rosettes were super too) Thanks to my two very efficient stewards who kept me on track and last but by no means least the exhibitors for the lovely entry and their sportsmanship in accepting my decisions. I had some super dogs to go over, I had to split hairs and I could have done with more cards as many good dogs had to go home without one.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Wellingborough & DCS Open Show
9th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
15th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ray Morland
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
nicely made dog, with pleasing head, good reach to his neck, well bodied with good depth, moves soundly
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the committee and members of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire border terrier club for the invitation to judge at this friendly club show. My stewards Tracey Anscombe and Sian Mckay were very efficient and kept the day running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. It was a privilege to judge your dogs.
I had some quality borders to go over, and my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard, on the day.
Some exhibits lacked the typical otter head, moderately broad with a short, strong muzzle and keen expression, which is definitive in our breed. Coats were generally good, harsh and dense with thick pelts, but several exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet trimmed. I found no kinked tails, dentition was generally good and all dogs were entire.
There was a lovely atmosphere, especially during the challenges, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
A smaller type, with a pleasing head and keen expression. He was moderate in his construction, with a good top line and well set tail, although his feet could have been smaller and neater. Unfortunately he was rather distracted today, which resulted in his movement being unsettled.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Level topline and well set tail, good rear angulation, moved freely and with drive
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Boston & DCS Open Show
31st May 2022
Judge: Mr M Garnham (Carmetcho)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
East of England Agricultural Society Open Show
6th Jul 2022
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee of East of England Agricultural Society for asking me to judge and secondly the exhibitors for their amazing entry of border terriers they gave me. I believe the highest entry of the show. I found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Nice handy sized grizzle, well proportioned head with keen expression. Straight front, good length of body, well proportioned in rear, good bend of stifle. Carroty tail. Well presented coat. Moved soundly.
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.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Stood alone in this class, nice dog of good handy size. Nice head to balance body, flat skull and keen eye. Well placed shoulders and level topline, enough depth and length of rib. Moved well with ease.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Class Critique
Two differing types of dog with much to like about both of them
Darlington Championship Dog Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge Border Terriers. Huge thanks to my two efficient stewards Laura Jordan-Smith and Julie North who kept me on track and finally the exhibitors for a super entry. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front as there were too many swinging fronts, wide movement and toeing in. There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to choose from and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Smaller than 1st nice head correct bite keen expression spanned with ease. moved well
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
This was a last minute appointment for me, as Tina Jones had to stand down at the last moment owing to her Mothers serious illness.
What a super entry she had drawn!!! fifty one 1st entries and six repeats.
All dogs shown had good mouths, almost all had thick pelts and super harsh jackets.
All dogs were entire, and most were easily spanned.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Selby Canine Society Open Show
29th Oct 2022
Judge: Peter Armstrong (Atron) & Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Sincere thanks go firstly, to the Committee for inviting me to judge at their Show, Secondly to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of going over their dogs and last, but not least, to my Steward, Marina Fleming, for her assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly. Judge Peter Armstrong
My thanks must go to the Officers and hard working Committee for the kind invitation to judge at their Open Show. It was a quality entry of bitches, so thank you to all exhibitors for bringing them and for their sporting acceptance of my decisions. I would also like to thank my two stewards for keeping the ring running in an orderly manner. Judge Lesley Armstrong
Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
19th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Burton on Trent KA Open show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Sarah Hemstock (Jolihem)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
2yr old Grizzle with a decent head well set on neck. Good angulation. Good coat texture with a thick loose pelt & spannable. Moved well.
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
23-month-old dog. Correct proportions throughout. Good Otter head with all it entails- dark well set on ears shallow stop, big nose leathers and keen alert gaze. Easily spanned with well laid shoulders leading down a straight, correct width front,to round compact feet with thick pads. Easily spanned with deep chest, well ribbed with good underline and super turn of stifle. He was presented in a fit hard condition with good coat and jacket. Not as confident or settled on the move as 1 today.
Wath,West Melton and District Canine Society Open Show
4th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at your show. Thanks to Paul and Yvonne the stewards on the day. A big thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your lovely borders on the day.
The quality of the entries was very good, not enough cards to go around! I made my decisions based on the dog on the day, another day many could swap places. I was looking for good confirmation and movement on the day, I let presentation take a back seat as coats can come and go, but confirmation and movement never change.
One or two were hard to span and a couple with tight almost level bites.
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
A grizzle dog with a good head and neat ears. Shown in a good harsh coat with loose pelt. Handy size moved well.
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.
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
nice, small, grizzle dog, good head, well angulated both ends; moved OK, a bit unruly on the table; good coat, pelt and feet; a good, competent dog.
East of England LKS Open Show
18th Jul 2023
Judge: Jonathan Lappin (Dalvik)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
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.
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
Liked for size, good head, coat and pelt spot on, he moved really well on neat feet, just a little proud of his tail.
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
1st and Best Special Beginners - 3 year old Grizzle and Tan. Otterlike head with straight narrow front. Lovely narrow body, easily spanned. Thick pelt and good coat. A little proud of his tail. He moved really well and true both coming and going.
Bridlington & District Canine Society Open Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
My thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge at this show.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Burton on Trent KA Open show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee and volunteers of BOTKA for putting on this well organised show, under rather challenging circumstances, with sunny smiles and cheery dispositions. But, above all, my thanks go to the stewards, Margaret and Julie, and the brave exhibitors- the hardy few- who endured the awful road conditions to make it to Newark today.
In the ring, unfortunately both the colder than expected temperature, and the fan blowing warm air right next to the ring did affect most of the dogs to a varying degree- mostly in movement unfortunately. There were no kinked tails, all were of sound temperaments with keen gaze. Every dog had a strong scissor bite and clean strong teeth, and were spannable, with some good pelts and jackets on show today.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
3-year-old grizzle and tan dog- lighter framed and less up on the leg than 1 but in correct proportions. Good masculine otter like head with shallow stop and keen alert gaze, strong jaw and big teeth. Easily spanned but less length of back than 1. Nice angles fore and aft and shown in a great thick jacket with super pelt and thick skin. A little hesitant on the move today- another affected by unfortunate environment today.
Boston DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank Boston & District C.S. for inviting me to judge the breeds allocated.
Unfortunately there were no Kerry Blues entered.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Placing Critique
3yr 9month grizzle & tan dog. Dark eye & keen expression, well placed shoulders with good topline & tailset. Good front & good on bone.
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Ms Cara Davani (Kebulak)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Newark & DCS Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mick Oxley (Digelsa)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Wath, West Melton & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Mar 2024
Judge: Anne Speake
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Retford & DCS Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Kathleen Haugh
I would like to thank the committee for letting me judge the borders at their open show. It was pleasure and a lovely day with good atmosphere with good dogs to go over. I would also like to thank the stewards for doing a fabulous job on the day.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
29th Mar 2024
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I would like to thank Edwinstowe & District CS for their kind invitation for my first judging appointment and also to my two stewards who kept the ring running smoothly. I had a very good entry with quality dogs that could of swapped places on another day, I’d like to thank all exhibitors for their generous entry. All had good coat texture however some might benefit from tidier presentation to improve their overall outline especially around the feet, movement on the whole was good.
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Easy Street
