Show Placings
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle & tan. Typey head, with well set neat ears and dark eye. Lovely through neck and shoulders with good return of upper arm. Just right for bone running right down through pasterns. Good topline and underline with short, well set tail. Nicely angulated hindquarters which she used well. Shown in a very good double coat with thick undercoat and pelt. Easily won this class on movement which was sound from all directions.
Newark and District Canine Society
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Mike Ritchie (Northsaltire)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Herts & Essex Border Canine Society Open Show
24th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee of Herts & Essex Border Canine Society for inviting me to judge a lovely entry of border terriers. Secondly, I would like to thank the exhibitors for entering under me and excepting my decisions gracefully.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
11-month-old grizzle and tan bitch. Nice head and lovely neat ears flowing into well laid shoulders. Good pelt and correct double coat Narrow throughout.
Chertsey & District canine Society Open Show
30th Mar 2018
Judge: Dale Elliot (Lyndham)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Thistlemead Harmony
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Dunstable & DCS Open Show
2nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr Eddie Webster (Benjcroft)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
a shade more overdone in head than 1 and had more stop and larger ears. Coat not at its best but it was of good texture. Didn’t stand up quite so well as 1 but moved quite well in front and behind and was OK for size.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
11 month g/tan with a strong head and muzzle, dark eye and a good scissor bite. Correct in shoulder and well off for bone, her ribs could be carried a little further back. She was in fit muscular condition with excellent rear angulation which she used to drive round the ring. In full double coat and decent pelt.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limit Show
15th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My sincere thanks to the committee for the kind invitation to judge at my first club show, I enjoyed the day immensely. Thank you to my efficient stewards Tina Morgan, Rachel Larner and Wendy Mooney, show manager for keeping things running so smoothly.
My thanks must go to the exhibitors for bringing along their dogs today, and the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
I did note some untypical heads, which for me lacked for me the characterising feature of the breed, I found such heads to be somewhat exaggerated with too much stop, not the ‘moderately’ broad skull I was looking for.
On the whole, I found mouths were good, a couple of level bites, and one or two with misaligned teeth, but it was pleasing to find big strong teeth in most exhibits.
I was very pleased with my class winners; some decisions were very close especially in the bitch classes. In both sexes there were some promising youngsters coming through which can only auger well for the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Class Critique
Another pleasing puppy class
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
a nice all round bitch typical head and expression neck flows into well laid shoulders good topline and tail set nice in body well ribbed moved well both ways
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Reading DCS Open Show
30th May 2018
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
12 month old bitch ,with otter head and scissor bite ,well set ears. Straight front narrow throughout. Harsh jacket on loose pelt, moved ok ,
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Novice /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
In good double coat, well presented, narrow build, good ribs, lovely head and neck although ears perhaps a little large, moved well.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Class Critique
Super class of quality young bitches, even some unplaced on another day could feature.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Dark Grizzle and tan that was 3rd in the lovely competitive junior class. Very pretty head with lovey expression .She’s nicely made with a good length of body and rib. She’s a beautiful size and easy to span. Presented in super harsh tight coat. Topline and tail set excellent. Moved well keeping a good outline at all times. Lovely type.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Not quite the same quality as 1st. Movement not so true or positive and short of coat on the day.
The Royal Cheshire County Show
20th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: SBG2, Thistlemead Harmony
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Pleasing confirmation with great overall appeal and much quality, presented in lovely grizzle coat and condition. Feminine head on this shapely bitch with good length of body, clean wither, flowing topline, croup and tailset, balanced with super underline, a length of rib and strong loin. Scores in forehand with a layback of shoulder and length in upper arm, balanced with sound hindquarters and a second thigh, standing on good legs and feet with nice bone and well let down hocks. Moves soundly and positively.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Placed st Junior.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Nice size but not the head of 1, keen expression, ears on the large side, tight coat, narrow easy span, good length of rib, topline and tail OK, well angulated rear and moved out well.
Newport & AS Open Show
14th Jul 2018
Judge: John Carlow (Justingo)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Southampton DCA Open Show
21st Jul 2018
Judge: Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Nicely proportion grizzle bitch feminine head good teeth nice top line and well set carroty tail in good coat moved ok.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
West Bromwich & Wednesbury CS Open Show
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Norfolk and Norwich CS Open Show
26th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr Jeff Luscott
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
A grizzle bitch with feminine head and nice expression shown in harsh coat of good quality with nice rear angulation. Moved well both ways.
Suffolk KA Open Show
2nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Mike Blay (Longbarrow)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Pleasing youngster, with lovely head, correct skull ,good eye and ear placement. Short strong muzzle. Very well balanced with correct bone and stands on good legs and feet. Spans. Has good character and shows her worth on the move.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Class Critique
Three decent bitches.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Gri&T, almost 17 months, another quality bitch, lots to like. Good otter head, dark eye, nice ear set. Good reach of neck to good topline and well set tail. Harsh coat, thick pelt and moved with drive. My noted say “pipped” by 1 on movement.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Carrying a little more over the shoulder into the withers. In good harsh coat, good bone and feet. Moderate rear construction. Moved out well.
Beckenham Canine Association Open Show
7th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Beckenham Canine Association for inviting me to judge at their open show and the exhibitors for their lovely quality entry. My steward Debbie Sims was very efficient and we were fortunate to have a lovely large ring which gave the dogs the opportunity to really move.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
17month old grizzle bitch of good size and type, who showed with presence. She had a feminine head with dark eye, correct bite and good reach of neck. Easily spanned and well constructed, she was balanced on the move, maintaining her top line. Beautifully presented, she was shown in a harsh, dense coat. RBOB
Grantham & District Canine Society Open Show
13th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Breckgreen / Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the committee of Grantham and District CS for inviting me to judge at their Open Show on 13th October 20018. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering under me. I had a quality entry of beautiful dogs.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
Almost 18 months grizzle and tan bitch. Beautiful headed bitch with correct scissor bite. Keen expression. Moderate reach of neck. Easily spanned. She was in a harsh double coat. Moved out well.
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
20th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the hospitality shown on the day. Thank you also to my 2 very efficient stewards, Lesley and Judith, but most of all I would like to thank all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely entry of quality dogs which were a pleasure to go over. I found no bad mouths, no kinked tails, and all the dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, but none of the exhibits were without the correct double coat needed by a working terrier.
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
Placing Critique
A beautiful grizzle and tan bitch who was unlucky to meet 1st today. She is lovely for size and type, and moderation all round, just being slightly deeper in brisket but still easily spannable and with a lovely harsh topcoat. She has a beautiful head with a short, strong muzzle and powerful jaw. She has a moderate length of neck nice topline, and moves with real drive from behind.
Gravesend & Medway Towns CS Open Show
21st Oct 2018
Judge: Anne Speake
Junior /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Guildford & DCS Open Show
8th Dec 2018
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Thank you to the society for the invitation to take over this appointment and to the Southern Border Terrier club for putting me forward. I always enjoy judging Borders and was pleased with the quality in this entry. Having grown up with earth working terriers I am always mindful when judging of the true original function of this breed.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch in good coat with a decent pelt. Excellent size. Lovely head, good eye, well set ears. Good neck and shoulder. Comfortably spanned. Good length of body, firm topline. Would prefer tighter feet. Covers the ground efficiently in profile movement. Shows herself well, particularly on the move. BOB and pleased she was TG2.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Rangier bitch with a very feminine head, but just preferred the fill under the eye of the first. Easily spanned. Moving well today on tight feet.
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Pleasing grizzle bitch, in excellent coat and good pelt. Good head and length of neck. Nice length to body, well angulated front and rear. Moved well.
Ashford and Faversham DCS
13th Jan 2019
Judge: Jane Hilden
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Isle of Eley CS Open Show
2nd Feb 2019
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
Thank you for a lovely entry, I was spoilt for choice, super dogs
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
21 month old bitch, today showing herself off to advantage, keen and alert. She has well balanced body lines, and is workmanlike. Having an appealing head of good proportions, well placed ears, dark eyes and short muzzle. Clean neck of good length, narrow but deep through the body. Shown with a harsh jacket and thick pelt. Moving soundly
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
10th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would firstly like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to judge their February Open Show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also thank you to my very efficient stewards Julie Price ad Jem Thomas and by no means least my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors for a super entry.
A few exhibits were wide in front, one or two I couldn't span, movement left a lot to be desired and some could have done with a little more tidying up.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Class Critique
A bit of a mixed class from the previous entries.
Woolwich and Bexley DCA Open Show
17th Mar 2019
Judge: Mr K Starkey (Jaystar)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Feminine head. Short muzzle. Not as racy as 1.Held topline on the move. Strode out well.
Crystal Palace Canine Association Open Show
13th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Robert Goddard (Awbrooksky)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Club Open Show
27th Apr 2019
Judge: Dogs Angela Read, Bitches Bridget Singh
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Chelmsford & DCS Open Show
6th May 2019
Judge: Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Wickford, Basildon & DCS Open Show
18th May 2019
Judge: Derek Pearmain (Delandmar)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
2 year old bithc. Handy size. Excellent feet. Shown in good coat and condition. Thick pelt
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
East of England Agricultural Society Open Show
4th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I so much enjoyed my day judging the inaugural Open Show. Thank you to Mrs Pat Dufty and the Committee for inviting me to judge, it was an honour. I was assisted expertly by the wonderful Avis and Preston Haffenden to whom I am very grateful. Thank you most of all to my Exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Red grizzle bitch, caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. Very feminine bitch with a good head, dark eye, nice ear placement and lovely expression. Excellent reach of neck and well placed shoulder with narrow rib, good top line and excellent tail set. Nice straight front and a strong rear with correct angulation, not over done in any way. This bitch strode out with confidence and moved well keeping her top line and carrying her tail well. I liked her size and attitude. BOB TG3.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
typy expression on this lovely bitch, best of ears, dark eye, good mouth, pleasing spanable body, carrying a little extra weight on loin, nice quarters, good outline with correct set on, went well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: TSBG1, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
A nice sort of bitch. Good head and strong muzzle. In good coat and condition. Thick pelt, move steadily.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
26th Aug 2019
Judge: Mrs. Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch,pleasing otter head,neat ears clean neck and shoulder,narrow front,stands on tight well padded feet,strong through the loin,easy to span,in good jacket,would just prefer little more body length,leg length to finish the picture,moves out well.
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: `
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Feb 2020
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and to thank my Stewards Pete Armstrong and Sue Baxter. Unfortunately, the entry was somewhat reduced due to the awful storm conditions keeping many at home, but I was pleased with the quaity of dogs present for me to go over and very happy with my winners.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Femenine head of correct proportions with neat ears set on correctly. Best of tight, harsh jackets with thick, loose pelt. Spanned easily. Good tailset. Moved ok.
Special Challenge - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
as above
Maidenhead & District Canine Society Open Show
15th Feb 2020
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the Society for the kind invite to judge your open show, unfortunately the weekend of storm Ciara made the day tough for travel just for the local exhibitors let alone the distance travellers so a big thank you to the dogs that made the effort to make it on the day. The hospitality shown by the society and the lunch provided on the day was excellent – a big thank you.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
red grizzle bitch just short of 3 years, good in the head/muzzle and nice ears. Built on heavier lines than my winner and bigger in the rib – front movement a little wide and not as true but from side view she is very nice in profile and covers the ground well. Short of coat but some texture coming through (RBOB)
Oxford CS Open Show
1st Mar 2020
Judge: David Lee (Socksdown)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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!
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Unplaced in a strong Post Grad class. A nice type. Sweet head, kind expression, correct front, strong in loin and quarters. Moved well.
Sheringham & District KA Open Show
19th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr M. Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I would like to start with thanks to the Sheringham and District Kennel Association committee for a well run show and excellent hospitality. Thanks also to my steward, Paul, who ensured the smooth running of the ring.
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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.
Special Challenge - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Heavier built bitch, but smart with good head and expression. Nice in profile, good tail well set..
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
The London & Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
10th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you the committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers today, 2nd biggest entry of the day so a big thank you also for the exhibitors on the quality of the dogs for me to go over today. Also a big thank you to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the sponsorship of the classes on the day.
A lovely well run show with a great atmosphere and a great ending to the show when you get to see your Best of Breed/Best Puppy go on and get Best Puppy In show. Also a big thank you to my steward Mandy Holmes for keeping the dogs coming and going in correct order.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
4 Y/O Grizzle bitch with a nice feminine head/correct ear placement and bite, I have judged this bitch before and she is nice to go over, good muscle tone in the rear helping her to move out nicely. Moves well from side profile with a nice tail set.
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Derek Pearmain (Delandmar)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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.
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Alexandra Witmond (Tiltser)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Placed VHC in Mid Limit in a class of 17. Very nice for type not over done in any way, good ottery head good eye with lovely expression, good reach of neck and level topline, she spanned ok, good jacket and pelt were spot on, stood four square but down on her pasterns.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
pleasing otter head, strong muzzle and keen expression. She was a nice size and of good bone. Straight front and was spannable. Her coat was harsh and pelt was thick. Movement was sound both ways. Pleased to see she won SBG3.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
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.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Nicely proportioned grizzle, held her good topline on the move, good front
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
balanced bitch with a good head and expression. Straight front and of nice size and overall shape, spannable; good coat and pelt, moved soundly.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
5 Y/O grizzle bitch built on slightly heavier lines, nice attractive head with neat ear placement. Good length of rib and easy to span, liked her rear angulation and muscle tone which gave positive drive around the ring – set down a super jacket.
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
15th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: SBTG2, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
One I judged as a puppy and thought her promising. Grizzle and tan, nice sized five year old. Short strong muzzle, moderate skull and well set ears. Nice angulations. Standing on neat feet. Lovely topline and tail set. Excellent hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in a short topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. A very sound moving bitch from all directions. I was thrilled to watch her in the special beginners group where she won a well deserved G2.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Good Citizen - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Nice sized girl, she has a good outline & level back. Pleasing type of head, good straight front with a nice depth to her body. Good hind angulation & correct tailset. In good coat & condition.
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: TSBG2, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Good headed bitch showing expression, good profile and moved well, spanable, good coat and pelt
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.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Durham & County Canine Assoc. Premier Open Show.
17th Jul 2022
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this extremely well run event, especially for pulling off such a great show despite being let down at such a late stage with their original venue. The Committee must have really pulled together, so very well done. I must say that they even had far more toilet facilities than some Championship Shows of late !.
I was delighted to be greeted with a super entry, not just numerically, but in quality too !. Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing their Borders for my opinion today.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Class Critique
A trio of lovely bitches.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Nice for type with good head and expression, neat ears and good bite. Shown in short topcoat with good undercoat. Moved OK. I just preferred the overall balance and lay back of shoulder of 1
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: TSBG1, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
A typical border, with lots of breed type, not overdone. Good feminine head, with a strong muzzle, keen expression, and correct bite. Good length of neck, smooth shoulders, and good straight front. Well-shaped ribs with a strong loin. Topline stayed level on the move with a good tail set with tail straight off the back. Moved around the ring with drive, excellent rear movement. Shown in good coat with correct pelt.
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.
Special Challenge - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Bournemouth Open Show
12th Aug 2022
Judge: Darren Pearson (Winoski)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: SBTG4, Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
A well balanced bitch of handy size, very typey, with a feminine head and good expression, narrow front flowing into nice shoulder and rib, strong loin and good rear assembly. Moved well both ways keeping a level top line on the move, nice thick tail, good double coat and loose thick pelt, was presented in good order showing well for her owner.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
London and Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
4th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr Thomas West (Tomlyndon)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
BSB. Pretty bitch. Feminine head and expression Good topline with a strong loin. Moderate rear construction. Good coat and texture well presented
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 .
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
Balanced bitch with good head neckline and length of rib , correct scissor bite, spannable. Typical double coat, loose pelt, angulated rear moved well around the ring.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
2nd See S.B.B.
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch, no exagerations but it's all there, of lovely type & balance, pleasing otter head with nice furnishings, correct mouth, good front, spanable body with good coat & pelt, nice moving bitch that went well. I see she's the dam of both the CC bitch & the Best Special Beginners....so nice one, well done.
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlemead Harmony JW
