Show Placings
Cumberland CA Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Keith Derry (Vistca)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess
Barrow and District Kennel Association Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Jacqui Ward (Mianja)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
Very attractive 7 month old baby, such a sweet feminine head, scissor bite, small V shaped ears dropping to cheek. Correct deep narrow body, spanned well. Harsh dense coat. She was a little excitable on the move to begin with, but once settled moved well. BP
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Firstly, I would like to thank the organisers of the show for the warm welcome and hospitality. Also, The Border Terrier Club for supporting the entry.
On the day I was presented with some nice exhibits, I also found one bad mouth and not the best of movements on some. I found my winners based on size, type and movement.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
9-month-old, nice eye and expression. A little long in muzzle, good reach of neck, spannable, tight double coat, good pelt. Moved ok
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
As P.B.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Valger)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Thank you to the officers and committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their June 2024 Breed Club Open Show. The day was marked by very good weather conditions: a mixture of sunny spells, brisk breezes and cloud. Just right for the dogs. The dreaded rain kept at bay so the Gods smiled down on us. What a super venue to hold a show. There was a large indoor hall if needed. However, given the clement conditions, we were outside for judging on a large paved area surrounded by raised grass banks that afforded for spectators a good view of events. The welcome from officers and exhibitors alike was warm and hospitable and I’d like to thank exhibitors for the super entry I had and for their good grace in accepting their placings. There was a great sense of collegiality among members and good humour was in plentiful supply. The catering was second to none; the poached salmon salad at lunch was super. And I was sent on my way with enough food to see me back over the sea to Northern Ireland. Finally I’d like to thank my two stewards on the day: Kath Lothian and Pete Appleby. They were welcoming and fulfilled their duties with quiet good humour.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
Narrow lines to this bitch with straight front and deep rib which she carried well back. Fairly long in body with a good lay of shoulder and bend of stifle. Good tail set. Fine for bone and stood on small, neat feet. Head still to come but set off by a small dark eye and some strength in foreface. Correct scissor bite. Moved ok.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Border Union Agricultural Society
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the Society for the invitation to Judge one of my favourite shows, it didn’t all go to plan with the weather playing its part. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for going along with my decision to stay outside despite the weather, and my special thanks to stewards Judy Carr and Audrey Coltart for braving the weather also. Also my thanks to Euan for posting my judging book and critique notes and to whomever handed it in.
Sorry for delay, holidays and work have played their part. I had some lovely dogs to go over and thank you all for bringing them.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with straight front, fairly deep in rib with a good jacket and pelt, moved well both ways, head still maturing, of handy size
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all of you who entered your dogs for me to judge. I really enjoyed my day and having the privilege of judging your dogs. The weather was kind and our ring was good. I had excellent stewards and I thank them for their hard work.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Westmorland CA Open Show
30th Jun 2024
Judge: Irene Glen (Wilholme/Bessalone)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
Well balanced bitch with a feminine head. Pleasing neck and shoulders, good body shape and well angulated racy quarters. Not quite the movement of the winner today.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Novice - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
feminine for size & in excellent jacket with firm loose pelt, would like firmer more compact feet, well set tail & carried well on the move, good shape & balance in head with well set ears.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Cartmel Agricultural Society Open Show
7th Aug 2024
Judge: Pam Cox (Cushatlaw)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Lancaster & District Canine Society Open Show
11th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Johnson
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Morecambe and Heysham Canine Association Open Show
11th Aug 2024
Judge: Paul Brandwood (Woodbrands)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
8th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Darlington Championship Show
13th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs L Roberts
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Clitheroe & DKA Open Show
21st Sep 2024
Judge: Nicola Spencer (Bannonbrig)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
I would like to thank The Committee for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my very efficient Stewards Mark & Julie for keeping everything on track & The Club for their hospitality & splendid gift.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
15mth grizzle. Another tidy bitch with good angulation all through with a short carrot tail. Really good double coat with harsh texture. Feminine head. Narrow all through easily spanned with a thick loose pelt. Moved well.
The Terrier Club of Scotland Open Show
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Judy Carr (Wreighaugh)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
16 month old grizzle bitch, feminine head with good ear set, strong neck into well angled shoulders. Good tight double coat and thick pelt. Strong loin, held her top line on the move, nice tail length and shape.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge The Open Show at Low Hesket, one of my favourite shows and venues. As always hospitality was superb and a lovely enjoyable lunch.
Thank you to Judy and Andrea my two excellent stewards who kept proceedings running smoothly and on time and thank you to all exhibitors.
I had a lovely entry and some lovely dogs to judge. A very enjoyable day.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
16mth grizzle with a feminine head and small dark eye. Straight front standing on neat feet. Narrow and good reach of neck with a well laid shoulder.Level topline and easily spanned. Good double coat and thick loose pelt
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comalegy The Countess With Fiadhaich
Placing Critique
Feminine bitch, nice head with dark eye, good expression. Spannable, good double coat with loose pelt.
