Show Placings
Marlborough & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd May 2016
Judge: Miss Helen Axford
I would like to thank Marlborough and District Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their 70th anniversary show, also thanks to my two efficient stewards. I was pleased with the entry of 19 for my first appointment, there were 14 dogs present on the day. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some lovely dogs, all males were entire, there was one untidy mouth but this belonged a dog of advancing years. Many thanks to the exhibitors for entering under me and the sporting way my decisions were received, I was delighted with my two main winners and thrilled to see them both do so well in their respective groups under a breed specialist.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Benattivo Fire Flower
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
7 month old bitch, good head and expression, nice in eye & ear. Well balanced throughout moved confidently around the ring. In good coat & condition. BP & RBOB, I was pleased to see her go on to win TPG1
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Class Critique
These are two nice puppies, I preferred the head on one over 2, the second had a shorter back, they both had good coats and are in my opinion two nice puppies.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Feminin. Nice outline with super topline and tail. Pleasing head and expression. Good coat texture.
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2016
Judge: Miss S Dandy
Best Puppy
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Promising grizzle puppy of nice make, shape and size, built on racy bodylines with a pleasing head and expression. Narrow with a good length of body, firm topline, good croup and tailset, balanced with lovely underline, ribbed well back. Sound well angulated forehand, balanced with well-constructed racy hindquarters with second thigh, standing on good legs and feet with nice bone and let down hocks. Has quality and is very sound, moved out in profile with reach and drive and tracked true. BP
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Quality class of pups, top 3 all close. 9 mo. Well balanced and nicely made all round. Head and expression good, needs to grow into ears. Correct coat and pelt. Flowing top-line and good ribs. Very promising.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Grizzle who caught my eye straight away for her balanced outline, narrow type with a lovely length of body, super tailset. Good angles front and rear. Pretty head, in a lovely harsh coat with plenty of pelt, enjoyed showing herself off with a lovely confident attitude, everything you would want at this stage , very promising youngster , BPIB
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Good sized, balanced, with a good head and expression, straight front with neat feet, good in shoulders, good in rib, topline and tailset, well angulated racy rear, good in coat and pelt, moved well. On the day, thought the dog moved better in the challenge for Best Puppy.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Another promising puppy, also needs to tighten in front, feminine head lovely neck, good front & rear angulation good rear movement presented in excellent coat & show condition.
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
another feminine young bitch who also moved out around the ring, balanced otter like head with correct ear set, dark eyes, strong scissor bite, neat front, good slope of neck falling into laid back shoulders, balanced rib to loin, muscular rear giving drive, correct tail set, presented in good coat;
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
A very nice puppy, well balanced, good coat and pelt, level topline, moved well both ways, nice straight front, good bone, good tailset.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
(grz/t), 11 mths with some maturing to do, typical otter head, dark eye, good muzzle & bite, straight front, well laid shoulders & ribbed back, in lovely coat, narrow through, moved soundly out & back,
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Benattivo Fire Flower
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
A lovely pup from any angle, so well balanced throughout and immaculately presented. She has a quality head, good eye and correct mouth, lovely topline that flows from well placed
shoulders, spans easily, muscular quarters and a natural showgirl. Best Puppy.
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
another lovely pup, with strong head, typical expression, excellent jacket/pelt, narrow front, moved out well
Portsmouth & Southsea CA Open Show
5th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr B Blunden (Licassa)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Richmond Championship Dog Show
10th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Super puppy who I am sure will hit the top with maturity. Good size and so well balanced throughout. Excellent head and eye, good straight front, scores in neck and shoulders, firm topline with a good tailset and the best of quarters. Thick pelt and presented on the day in good order. A sound and positive mover, BP.
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
17th Sep 2016
Judge: Stephen Young (Taxibixi)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Benattivo Fire Flower
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Just 12 months old dark G/T. Very narrow and nice size. Good expression. Good neck, shoulder and topline into fine tailset. Enjoying her day, handled and prepared very well.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Another first class bitch, good balance throughout, strong head, good front with neat feet. Good topline, moved well behind, just preferred the overall length of one.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower
Placing Critique
Pleasing exhibit with good head and feminine expression, correct length neck, slightly turns feet out but has straight front, ribbed back and nicely angulated rear quarters which she used to move well in good coat and condition.
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Full of type. Feminine head. Good reach of neck and lay of shoulder. Spans well. Neat feet. Good angulation front and rear. Held topline well on the move. Tidy bitch.
Class Critique
Lovely class. Very little between the first three.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
A well balanced grizzle bitch shown in excellent condition. A nice head with well placed ears and plenty of strength in the foreface yet still feminine. A straight front with well laid shoulders and ribs carried well back. Stood on neat feet and she moved out well. Strong loin, correct bend of stifle and well muscled hind quarters. Good double jacket to top off the picture.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Smart red bitch,pleasing throughout.Attractive head,good rib and bodylength,correct double coat.Nice size and very good movement.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Well proportioned head with good strength of muzzle. Straight front with small tight feet. Harsh double coat. Level topline held well on the move.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Class Critique
my book records this was a superb class of high quality juveniles – I could have done with more cards!
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
RBCC
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
really caught my eye when she came into the ring and stood out for me, loved her profile and long striding side gait, effortlessly covering the ground, nicely put together with a lovely rib, no exaggerations just a lovely balanced bitch, turned out to perfection in the most wonderful coat and pelt. Reserve Bitch CC.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Good breed type, liked her head and express, good length of body, nice bone, lovely neat feet. Coat and pelt good in lovely condition, moved round well.
Exonian CA Open Show
8th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Topped a lovely class of bitches, this girl has heaps of quality fabulous coat, lovely feminine head dark eye neat ears, just lacking a bit of maturity today
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Class Critique
Another very hard decision between the first five in this class.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Another typey bitch, well proportioned and well constructed all through, very good front, lovely head and in good coat.
Class Critique
Very little to choose between these two.
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Excellent proportions and correct size. Very good feminine head. Good eyes and ears. Correct topline and good body. Easy to span. Enough angulated. Short coat but correct quality. Good drive in the movements.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Another nice balanced bitch, close to one. Liked her body lines and movement. Good hind angulation. Just preferred expression of one.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp (Martec)
I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge at this Show. It was my first visit to Kelso and I was most impressed with the hospitality and organisation there. My two excellent stewards, Gordon and Donald, kept me on the straight and narrow and contributed to a lovely atmosphere in and around the ring.
I did not make my usual visit to the SBTC championship show the weekend before as I wanted to see all the dogs afresh, and I am glad I did as many of the exhibits were new to me. In general, mouths were good, with dentition only slightly awry in one instance. I found no kinked tails and all dogs were entire.
It was a very hot and sunny day and this affected some dogs, who perhaps lacked their normal animation and were moving lethargically. As usual, there was a wide variation in coats, with some totally lacking top coat, and this naturally had an effect on the placings.
I would like to thank the exhibitors for the large entry and for the sporting way in which my decisions were taken throughout my judging stint.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
There was a lot to like with the top two placings here. Nice head, good in eye but perhaps slightly large in ear. Really fit and in tip-top condition.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Smaller bitch, but in proportion. Dark eye and keen expression, would have like more coat, moved well.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
r/g A very attractive, well balanced bitch of correct construction throughout.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
I have admired this bitch since she appeared as a baby she did not disappoint me today. Feminine head with excellent bite and a lovely varminty expression in perfect coat harsh and dense with thick pelt. To top it off she was sound, true with drive and reach on the move. BCC BOB.
Dorset County CS Open Show
23rd Jul 2017
Judge: Miss B Singh
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Liked her outline and a v good mover. Fem head, well proportioned muzzle to skull, with strength of muzzle. Slight stop. Well set, dark eyes. Could have a fraction more neck. Good front. V good legs and feet. Well ribbed back. Level topline. Best rear in class. In full, thick coat.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful rich red bitch in good jacket with a lot to like. Very feminine; narrow with excellent hind angulation. Pleasing head and expression, just preferred topline of my winner.
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
2yrs; another gd head & eye if heavier in ear; well ribbed back; spannable; gd neckline; beautifully balanced angles to allow tireless, rhythmical movement; tailset a tad lower; close up & another of obvious quality.
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society
16th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Ken Andrews (South Wales)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Stood alone but worthy winner, nicely proportioned head, narrow body of good length, nice topline with well set tail, held outline well on the move.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Feminine head and expression with well placed eye and ear. Straight front, good length of body, racy quarters. Carroty tail. Good for overall size balance. Moved well round ring. Harsh coat.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
A femine bitch full of quality and moved so soundly not putting a foot wrong to go on to be awarded the bitch Challenge in a strong line up. Good head and expression, balanced in body with good depth of rib and length easily spanned. Tight well padded feet, good straight front and good tail set. Moved out with ease to take the class and final challenge.
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Very typical. Lovely head, strong muzzle. In excellent coat and condition. Presented a good outline. Well angulated quarters. Moved well, but lacked a bit of animation in the challenge.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Class Critique
Fabulous class & a delight to handle many top quality bitches. I could have given top awards to the first 5 in this class today.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Class Critique
Wow this was a Top Quality class, many lovely bitches were unplaced today.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful bitch, cleaner in front than the winner and excellent narrow body and good movement. Excellent coat. I was just swayed by the head of the winner.
Class Critique
Great depth of quality and I had to let go some who have done well under me in the past.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
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
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
a very typey bitch with an excellent head and typical expression with a good eye and the right proportions of skull to muzzle and not a lot of stop. Better in ear than 2. Shown in good coat and smart condition. She is good for size and has the right lines and topline for a bitch. She moved well behind and showed well carrying her tail correctly. Went on to win the BCC.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
very typical and well presented, she was close up on 1. Excellent head and expression, with a good strength of jaw and correct bite. Well proportioned throughout she had a good jacket and pelt, nice tailset and spanned with ease. Lovely for size, she has a good reach of neck and firm topline and moved with drive from her racy hindquarters.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Another close decision between 1st & 2nd placings. A beautiful quality bitch, well proportioned overall. Lovely eye and correct ear placement. Good tailset off a level topline. In lovely harsh coat. Correct bite. Moved well.
Devon County Show Open Show
17th May 2018
Judge: Miss Helen Axford
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly, well-run show, to my stewards Jenny and Sandra and to the exhibitors for both entering under me and the sporting way they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and all bites were in accordance with what is required by the breed standard, as is usual coats were at various stages. Some of the exhibits could do with rather less dinner.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
I first judged this bitch when she was 7 months old and it was a privilege to have the chance to judge her again, then I wrote ‘good head and expression, nice in eye & ear. Well balanced throughout moved confidently around the ring. In good coat & condition’. The same comments still apply and she has matured into a super bitch of the correct size. I was pleased to award her BOB.
Christchurch & New Forest CS Open Show
20th May 2018
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
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.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
a lovely all round bitch liked her size lovely head and expression narrow front neck flows into level back tail set correct racy hindquarters spannable and in good coat moved with drive looked good from all angles pleased to give her the C.C.and Best of Breed.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Nothing exaggerated, well balanced all through. Feminine head with sufficient strength to it. Really liked the angles from the hip through the hind legs allowing her to move with drive and a good length of stride. BCC and BOS
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.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Smart unexaggerated bitch that appeals for type and size. Typical feminine head and expression with reach of neck, very soundly made balanced quarters standing on good legs with straight moderate bone and nice tight feet. Has overall moderation with correct firm topline matched with good underline. A classy bitch with much style, presented in lovely condition with harsh grizzle jacket. Moved freely and soundly holding her topline well.
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Worthy of a first on any other day, but still quality, neat and well presented she matched 1 in most departments but just preferred the movement and head of 1. RBCC.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Quality grizzle bitch lovely racy lines nice otter head and correct bite straight front well laid shoulders and ribs clean underline level top in fit condition good bend of stifle well let down at hocks nice tail set carried correct on the move thick pelt but short on coat showed and moved well RBCC
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 .
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
FEMINIE HEAD, CORRECT WIDTH SKULL, SHORTER COUPLED THAN 1.LOVELY NECK & SHOULDER, CORRECT REAR & FRONT ANGULATION, NARROW THROUGHOUT. IN EXCELLENT COAT & PRESENTED IN SHOW CONDITION, JUST LACKED DRIVE ON THE MOVE.
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.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Shame that today there were so many absentees in this class, but both the bitches placed were of good type. This girl had a very pretty, feminine head. a good straight front and a narrow body which was easily spanned. Good double coat. She moved very well.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
I also liked this bitch a lot and it was not an easy decision between these two good bitches, lovely head, very good front and body, could have done with more length of coat and a better tail-set but overall a very high quality Border Terrier who moved and showed really well
Class Critique
Another very good class but with considerable variation in type and size
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
Placing Critique
Another quality Bitch from this Kennel, not a lot separating her from 1st today, super type presented in A1 condition, could change placings on another day, otter type head narrow all through, moved with drive
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Benattivo Fire Flower JW
