Show Placings
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
North Devon Agricultural Open Show
7th Aug 2024
Judge: Peter Young
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Bournemouth CS Open Show
9th Aug 2024
Judge: Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
This young bitch is full of confidence for her first show, she presents with a typical otter head, dark eye, small neatly placed ears and a well filled muzzle. Her front is straight, shoulders well laid, narrow throughout, complete with racy hindquarters. I liked her for overall balance and size. Presented in a lovely jacket with correct texture. Moved soundly. BP/ PG1/RBIS.
Bournemouth Championship Show
12th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to my stewards, Hayley and Malcolm and to all the exhibitors who endured the heat and accepted my decisions sportingly, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year. Overall the quality of the entry was good with some lovely dogs. Mouths, tails and size were generally good. Coats varied (as they always do) in both quality and the stage of growth. There were a number of pelts that could have been thicker and loose which was disappointing as this is mentioned in the standard and important from a working point of view. I was surprised and disappointed to see evidence of scissorwork on some coats and grooming was not always done to the dog’s best advantage – this does not affect the ability to work but this is a dog show and presentation therefore does count to a degree when placing the dogs. Compared to the last time I judged, I felt that size had improved and in most cases the dogs today were closer to the standard.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
Attractive light grizzle and tan with a harsh coat. Just turned 6 months but showing really well. Narrow throughout, with a lovely otter head, good reach of neck and good front angulation. Small, neat feet, she moved well. Easily won this class.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
see winner of minor puppy bitch
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
A sweet headed bitch with a correctly shaped eyes, well placed shoulder and a level topline, lovely coat texture and well presented
Mid Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show
18th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2024
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
Well balanced head showing expression, good overall balance, moved well, good coat and pelt
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
Placing Critique
two beautiful puppies in this class and a hard decision to split them , think these two will have a nice future ahead of them .. I have written in my notes for # 1, lovely 7 month old very pretty head , expression , ears and ear set .. Super jacket and moves well for one so young
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Kiss Of Fire
