Show Placings
Midland BTC Championship Show
1st Aug 2010
Judge: Small & Baxter
I thoroughly enjoyed the day judged outside at Asfordby. The weatherman certainly smiles as all the Club’s Championship Shows to date have been blessed with clear sky’s. Thanks to the committee for the invite, to my two Stewards on the day, for the wonderful roast lamb lunch, but not least, to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of assessing your Border Terriers. Thanks for coming. (Judge: Mr A Small)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Maiden - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Paignton & District FA
2nd Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs Carol Lumbard
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2010
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Maiden - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs D Townsend
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day, it's always a privilege for me to go over other people's dogs. I was pleased with my class winners but overall I felt that the quality of exhibits was somewhat mixed; movement was good but I have to lament the untypical Border heads that are present together with the high number of single coats
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Scottish Kennel Club
28th Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs A M Gregory
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to judge their championship show. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I enjoyed day very much one or two dogs needed a wee tidy up coats were not too bad but movement still needs attention.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
smart puppy, nicely proportioned, feminine head, moved reasonably well for one so young
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
City of Birmingham Canine Society
4th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss A D Swales
This was a lovely entry, I send my good wishes for a speedy return to the ring to the scheduled judged Miss E D Rumsan. Coats were at all stages & I have to say that there were some which had no evidence of a second coat. Mouths were good except for, unusually, one overshot, Temperaments appeared to be OK, although a few lack confidence & were hesitant. The green carpet helped to show up some wide fronts & movement which did not extend & lacked drive, needed to follow a horse. All my placed dogs spanned comfortably. I was not happy with some exhibitors who were constantly feeding their dogs, even on the table.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My thanks to The Richmond Societies officers and committee for the warm welcome and the super lunch provided. Gratitude also to my stewards who organised the ring most capably. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries at a time in history when finances are truly stretched in this difficult and uncertain financial climate. To judge is always a privilege and on this occasion it was particularly appreciated. Overall I was very impressed with the exhibits, and when judging we are required to find the dog that most fulfils the breed standard and with the increasing variety of types present in the breed it made for some thought provoking decisions. Sadly the continuing trend to show all year round with few exhibits remaining at home to grow a decent double jacket proved that once again there were fewer exhibits shown in the requisite depth of jacket. Therefore I had to face the difficult task of placing some exhibits higher than I would as a rule. As justifiably construction and type being the foremost factor in placings, as coats naturally will come and go. But where as in lots of other breeds the coat can be considered a glamorous adornment please remember that in the Border (terriers in general) it is their essential protection whilst carrying out their job of work. On a positive note I was pleased to see today's entry lacking of the dogs presented in the recent improper fashion of clippering, razor and scissoring which as the true diehards of the breed know is totally unacceptable and exhibitors are to be strongly discouraged in this undesirable practice.
The correct and only way to present a Border terrier is by hand stripping thus achieving the beautiful natural tweedy look synonymous with our breed.
And I quote an extract from an old Border terrier yearbook ?Exhibitors and judges should be reminded that it is not in keeping with the sporting traditions of the breed to have the coat trimmed. The coat should be of a natural weather resisting character. Old dead coat may be stripped off by hand when necessary. The use of a razor or a strip comb embodying a razor in the preparation of dogs for show is strongly objected to?
Dogs that I had previously admired unfortunately paid the penalty today as on closer inspection they did not come to hand so well .Some due to weight, which can be easily remedied with an alteration of diet, exercise and plenty of regular road work. Others sadly due to wide fronts and heavy shoulders, subsequently when running the rule over them they were too coarse and cloddy. Therefore not displaying the lithe supple bodies required in an earth dog ,this is a breed characteristic which of course has to be bred for. Borders are a breed that enjoys longevity, health and well being and this was particularly evident in my DCC and DRCC winners today being a 7 year old and 9 yr old respectively. Perhaps this being true testimony that these males have been bred for the correct narrow body lines that will inevitably stand the test of time.
Temperaments as to be expected were excellent. Overall a most enjoyable day, I was delighted with both my final line ups and to find admirable representatives of the breed for top honours.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
good mouth, small well set eye, nicely made body, should mature nicely
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
well balanced, nice shoulder, neck, topline, set on & moved soundly, good head
South Wales KA
8th Oct 2010
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Midland Counties CS
29th Oct 2010
Judge: Phil D Sharp
A magnificent entry, the highest in the terrier group. Some exhibits did not have a good otter head & appeared too coarse. Movement was also an issue, as it should be the hindquarters that provide the propulsion, with the topline remaining reasonably level as the dog moves. Tails were somewhat better than when I last judged at this level. I was pleased with my final line-up for both dogs & bitches.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Class Critique
This was a lovely class of puppies
Scottish BTC Championship Show
13th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the Club for the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs, and to the exhibitors for bringing them along. I was pleased to find , overall, a better standard of movement than I had expected, particularly in front; likewise coats, in general, were of good quality and quantity. I was, however, disappointed that so many seemed to have small teeth; mostly technically correct with only a couple with missing teeth. One male was not entire.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
shorter cast type, head and front movement should improve with maturity, good coat and pelt
Maiden - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
2nd PB
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
2nd PB
East Anglia BTC Open Show
14th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I greatly enjoyed judging this well-run show, held in such a pleasant venue. My thanks to the Club for their hospitality, to my efficient stewards Bev Jackson and Vicky Docwra, and most especially to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Overall, there were a good number of quality Borders present. Almost all were spannable, the only male not entire was a neuter, only 1 kinked tail and no severe mouth faults. I was concerned to find several younger exhibits with level bites. Although this is permissible, and therefore dogs were not penalised, I would be worried that some of these mouths will “go” at an early age. Another area of concern is front movement.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Class Critique
Good class
Boston & District CS Championship Show
9th Jan 2011
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
Many thanks to my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and to all the exhibitors for a nice entry. Type and quality varied and today coats were at various stages although this didn't materially affect placing's. Last time I judged I noted that small teeth were prevalent and today I was surprised to find that level bites (although acceptable) predominated, I had 2 undershot mouths and large teeth set in a really good scissor bite were like gold dust. A major concern was movement, partially caused by stifles being too straight so limiting drive and causing a stilted action also often not helped by lack of thigh muscle and there were a number of wide fronts coupled with loose fore action. My final concern was the amount of exhibits that came very heavily to hand. This cannot be discerned by eye since some of the larger dogs were a desirable weight whilst some of the smaller ones were heavy. All that said, I enjoyed the day and was able to find class winners and others of correct type, size and sound movement. Both Open classes were composed throughout of quality exhibits and the CC and RCC winners were fit and worthy ambassadors for the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Manchester Dog Show Society
20th Jan 2011
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
A curate's egg day with some great border terriers and some disappointments too. My winners were typical and not only had the heads to win but moved soundly and had the coat and pelt so desirable in the breed. On the downside, although bites were generally good, there are too many with pathetically weak teeth and several with shoulders set too far forward so they looked narrow but had no fore-chest at all. A terrier needs fore-feet under its chest.
I was looking for borders that were soundly made and could therefore cover ground and I found them but there are some with short choppy actions. However I do not intend to be too pessimistic for the breed put on a good show today and there were some really promising youngsters in the puppy classes. Thank you to those who exhibited dogs with the typical thick harsh coat and pelt, these were all much appreciated.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Midland BTC Open Show
13th Feb 2011
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their show, to the stewards Chris Wallace and Bob Wright for keeping the ring running smoothly and to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs.
I was pleased to find some well muscled dogs in good condition, coats were at varying stages, but the majority were thick and harsh, true to type. Temperaments were good.
I was very pleased with my winners and had a most enjoyable day.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
WELKS
29th Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon
Many thanks to my stewards who had everything running smoothly in a calm and good-humoured manner, it makes judging such a pleasure. I had a good entry of 132 dogs with a lower than usual absentee rate of 14%, which was good for a Friday in the present economic climate and I was very pleased to be able to judge outside, although I understand some of the exhibitors found it rather chilly. Quality was rather varied but some of the classes were closely contested and I was delighted with my top winners. Front construction is still a problem with some and coats were rather varied but that could be due to the unseasonal weather which we have had recently. I was also pleased to see a number of the dogs moving freely, with reach in front and good drive from the hindquarters, Border Terriers could not work as they were intended to do without this asset.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
National Dog Show
7th May 2011
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. My two stewards were very efficient and experienced; they managed to keep my ring running smoothly. I found the quality in the dogs overall to be higher than last time I judged, with in both sexes a slight improvement in movement. Although there are still some that are not driving from behind and covering the ground, and some with short, choppy, odd front movement, sometimes coupled with too narrow fronts and lack of muscle tone. Maybe more road walking would help in some cases to build up muscle, but in others is down to a problem with shoulder construction and pasterns. I found no incorrect mouths, there were a couple with broken teeth, hopefully indicative that we still work some of our show dogs. But there was a shortage of those lovely strong big teeth that the breed is known for and small teeth are on the increase. What also did disturb me was that large heavy ears seem to be creeping into the breed, which affects that lovely typical expression. In a lot of classes places could alter on another day, in fact in some classes I was spoilt for choice and would have liked more than one red card. I was delighted with my top winners who all fitted my criteria very well, every one of them displaying correct Border type coupled with sound and true movement.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Scottish Kennel Club
20th May 2011
Judge: Mr. David Hunt (Ottaswell)
Thanks go to the committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to judge for the first time north of the border, Special thanks to my stewards on the day Messrs Goudie & Jackson for organising the ring so efficiently and ensuring everything ran smoothly during my judging. Good stewards are a welcome bonus for any judge. Despite the disappointing weather, thanks also to the exhibitors who attended and for giving me the second highest breed entry of the whole show.
With a large ring and mown grass, I was able to see the dogs move accurately. In general I thought the bitches were stronger than the dogs, but was pleased with all my class winners, and thought my CC winners a credit to the breed. Size was generally good with only a couple being difficult to span. As always coats were at various stages but I was surprised to find 2 very undershot bites in mid range classes.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
I was honoured to be asked to judge this show, as I have enjoyed exhibiting at this well run, friendly society over many years. While the indoor rings are large, well lit and have lots of space around them for exhibitors and spectators, given the nice weather, it was disappointing not to be able to use the normal show arena, but this was not possible due to a request from The Royal Welsh Showground management.
I was pleased for find only one “bad” mouth, but I was disturbed to find a small number of mouths which, while exhibiting a "correct scissor bite", the placement of the upper teeth was awry in such a manner, that it caused the exhibits to appear to have an over bite. A few others had strange face furnishings resulting in a “Griffon Bruxellois” like expression which is incorrect and spoils the looks of a Border Terrier.
I would also like to thank my stewards, Vicky and Tina Pierson for their smooth handling of the ring. I would also like to thank all exhibitors, some of whom travelled many miles which is very expensive in these economic times.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2011
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson
Thank you to the Members for inviting me to judge what has been for me and many others, one of the favourite shows on the calendar every year. Having won the Bitch CC and Best in Show here at the very first ScBTC Ch show in 1985 with Otterkin Blue Bouquet JW, perhaps I am slightly biased by good memories, but I think most people who attend consider it one of the most popular shows of the year, as there is always a warm welcome guaranteed from the Officers and Committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club to exhibitors and spectators alike and a good atmosphere at all of their shows.
Many thanks to Marjorie Wanless who officiated as an uncomplaining and efficient steward all on her lonesome all day; what a star! Thanks too for the lovely gift from the Club.
It is good when decisions are accepted with grace, be it win or lose and I thank the exhibitors for that. It is not easy being a judge, knowing you disappoint some but please others, but one has to just judge the dogs and go with your instincts, please yourself, select those you like the best and hope others appreciate that you did your best, to your ability, without fear or favour.
Overall, the quality was high, with a lot to like. There were only a couple who felt too thin, so I will not dwell on this too much this time, except to say that a working dog needs some substance, some strength and endurance and this is NOT achieved when you starve a big dog to try to make it look smaller, as any judge fooled by that is not to be applauded. Going over a dog on the table, I hate to feel all the backbone and see the ribs sticking out. It is cruel and unkind to keep your dog too thin. Borders like their food. Not as many thin ones here as were at Crufts in 2007, just a couple. This is just something for people to watch please.
Teeth were not a big problem – only one slightly undershot and a couple with one tooth out of line. I will not penalise a dog/bitch for one tooth out of line and refuse to put that in the individual dog/bitches critique – that is for me to know (I am sure the exhibitors already know) and for other judges to find (or not) and do as they will. For me, there is so much more that is important than one tooth out of alignment. If such a dog/bitch with one tooth out of line still had a scissor bite and all other good attributes, then it was placed accordingly. I have seen critiques which say “Only one if” – I will not lumber any dog/bitch with that and have everyone wanting to know what it was.
I was surprised to find a couple with kinks in their tails, as exhibitors can feel this easily themselves. This has been touched upon in the 2007 BTC Year Book and judges (including me) have their own views on this, although there is nothing in the UK breed standard about it.
A couple had peculiar coats, with what seemed like some substance in them, which did not make them feel harsh, more sticky and stuck together and although that meant I could not see the skin, it was not because they had good coats and it gave me grubby hands after going over them. Substance in a terrier’s coat fools no-one – please do not do it! On the down side, there were a few more which left my hands dirty after examination. Although they are a working dog, please present them to the judge in clean condition. I didn’t turn up grubby and neither should they!
Overall though, I thought the breed to be in a good place and I was very pleased with all my top winners (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I)?
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Boston Championship Show
8th Jan 2012
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
I appreciate that at this time of year with both dark mornings and early sunsets travelling and showing your Borders might not seem like the most enjoyable way to spend your weekend. So a sincere thank you to all those exhibitors who attended my first Championship Show appointment. We were the only terrier breed to have CC’s on offer and I had a lovely entry of 122 dogs. The venue and ring allocated were both excellent. No draughts or noisy blow-heaters. It was actually very civilised. Thank you to my steward who was efficient and supportive throughout. It made my task so much easier.
I was surprised to find that many exhibits, whilst prima facie, moved soundly, lacked the drive that is so important if they are to do a real day’s work. I was also a little disappointed that many Borders had tight pelts, which sometimes were thick but lacked that looseness that could get them, quite literally, out of a tight hole!
I was delighted with my overall winners and, I thank all those who graciously accepted my decisions.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Members Limit Show
18th Mar 2012
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
East Anglia Border Terrier Club held a limited show where BIS was Bandicoot Serenade; RBIS, Foxpaw Brilliant Disguise; & BP, Ottaswell Palamedes.
What a super venue, a nice bright room with ample space. It was such a shame that the entries are low.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Apr 2012
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
Thank you very much to the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge today. Special Thank you must go to my two very able Stewards Bev & Simon Jackson for the smooth running of the ring.
I was impressed by the over all quality of the exhibits today; it was definitely a case of more winners than awards!
I was pleased to see overall that mouths were very good. There were a couple of minor incisor alignment issues but nothing to penalize. Thankfully tails are improving, in recent years the long thin sickle curled over tail became too regular a sight, Today they were far outnumbered by more typically carried tails. On a slightly negative note -cleanliness, a number of dogs were quite pungent and just because they are ‘Essentially a working terrier’ they don’t have to smell like they just came from a dig! Muscle tone was lacking in some fit looking Borders bringing the worry some might be fed for condition instead of exercised for it! Coats that transient problem, many sadly had to be marked down today due to lack of coat. While some evidence of texture was there in many cases. I had to place dogs without coat according to how they appeared on the day!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
A nicely put together happy showing bitch, good coat & good movement when she settled she didn’t want to co operate today but her overall type and balance gave her the class in spite of her efforts to play up.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
Strong head but shorter in neck and thus tends to look a bit stuffy. Lacking in stride length and drive today, movement somewhat erratic.
Scottish Kennel Club
19th May 2012
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge
A small but interesting entry with many good quality exhibits a pleasure to judge after the challenge of my previous two huge entries. The BOB and Dog CC winners are excellent examples of the breed with otter head, good length neck into well laid shoulders, correct length of body, flowing top line, well ribbed back into strong loin and well angulated rear quarters, short hocks and good feet, narrow throughout and spannable making for a dog that can run with the horse and go to ground on arrival. Both were in double full coats but the bitch presented better in hers and relaxed in the final challenge to show her full quality to take BOB.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Southern Counties Championship Show
2nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Geoff Corish
A lovely entry. I thoroughly enjoyed judging the breed again & was able to find some lovely Borders. It was a great pleasure to watch my BOB go G4 as well.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
slightly heavier in type to 1, not helping her handler at all, not as good in front as 1. Super coat texture, good hindquarters
Border Union Championship Show
17th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
After an absence from the Showring and judging for the past 18 months, due to illness I was interested to find almost a new generation in my entry. Not even the appalling June weather and the resultant sudden switch from outdoor to indoor rings could dampen my enthusiasm hut I do apologise to exhibitors for the lack of adequate space in the indoor wet-weather accommodation. Thank you all so much for your sporting patience and to my two excellent stewards for their assistance in moving us under cover so efficiently. After Open Dog. I just could not record legibly in my judging book! I much enjoyed looking over and handling this large entry with relatively few absentees. I was very impressed by the standard and quality of my main winners and in the way the dogs adapted to the change of rings. It was a pity that the benching for the congested indoor ring was so far away. I felt particularly sorry for all the bitch exhibits who were obliged to show in such a small muddy ring, especially those in the big classes which had to be split and the fact that other terrier breeds with smaller entries were given larger rings, Considering the conditions, all temperaments were excellent. Only one level mouth and two slightly out of alignment. All dogs were entire. Movement is still an overall problem. Some exhibits could be tidier!
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
Movement slightly erratic because of the conditions, pleasing outline, good jacket, well balanced.
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2012
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
An interesting entry. I found some very good class winners. I was disturbed by the frequency of poor hindquarters, often a result of poor croups & tailsets & lack of angulation & second thigh resulting in lack of drive.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Border Union Championship Show
15th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
Showers, wind and sunshine made for a tactically difficult day for my solo steward, Elaine Waddington, who managed to keep the paperwork dry and get dogs moving in and out of the ring very smoothly. My grateful thanks to her and to all the exhibitors who stoically remained outside as the rain continued to plague us throughout the judging. Not weather the dogs enjoyed much either while standing about.
The entry was very mixed. The dog classes were marginally better and more consistent than the bitches. Fronts are improving but movement still needs attention, both fore and aft, with some hackney front action creeping in. Most heads were breed typical with one or two exceptions which were rather boxy and out of proportion. I was surprised and dismayed to find a large number of dentition problems in both puppies and adults. There were very small teeth, dirty teeth, teeth misaligned and one undershot mouth. Several lacked any depth of coat and were in their undercoats or single coated, with no undercoat at all. Feet were mostly good, but a couple of exhibits were down on their pasterns; claws were in need of attention on one or two exhibits.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Nov 2014
Judge: Jane Moreton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge at the show, and to all those who entered under me. Also thanks to my two stewards Robert Brewster and Jeremy Young and for those who prepared lunch.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and was very happy with my winners. In a couple of classes the decision was very close. There were no kinked tails, temperaments were good on the whole, with only 3 that were roughly handled, subsequently the dogs were behaving nervously. I had a couple of bad bites and a couple of level bites. All bar two were spannable. Coats again on the whole were good. Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions, apart from one unsportsmanlike behaviour in the ring!! The class I enjoyed judging the most on the day was Veteran Bitch. Lovely classy bitches in good condition and very close decisions between them all.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
Lovely head. In hard jacket. Good carroty tail which was well set on. Correct ear placement. Front movement was a bit loose with her flicking out on one front leg.
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Class Critique
This was a super class of quality bitches who were a pleasure to go over and judge
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the society for my appointment & their hospitality, & to the exhibitors & my steward Bob Potts. Quite a mixed entry today of type & size with some being on the lean side & others rather overweight! I was surprised to find a couple totally oversized & therefore they paid the penalty. The over treating dogs I think is getting worse in the ring & on the table. Trying to assess a dog when it is fidgeting around looking for food is not satisfactory. Surely a dog can stand for a minute while being examined without having to be fed handfuls of food. The standard calls for a harsh & dense coat & the skin must be thick, many today were very short of coat & quite a number with thin pelts. A good coat is essential which seems to being overlooked in the breed today. The breed standard leans towards moderation not exaggeration & I hope this is maintained with the emphasis being on ‘essentially a working terrier’ & not ‘essentially a show terrier’.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
a very typey bitch with a good head and expression. Very pleasing in hind movement but not so good in front. Good coat and pelt.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Scottish Kennel Club
22nd May 2016
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
East Anglian Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to The East Anglian Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge the November Open Show also my stewards Rob Brewster and Bev Jackson for their help throughout the day. It was a lovely venue and atmosphere and a very well run show. Thanks also to all the exhibitors who entered the show and accepted my decisions with great sportsmanship.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Placing Critique
7 year old who was thoroughly enjoying her day, sweet head, narrow front, shown in good double coat, moved ok.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
I must thank the officers and committee for allowing me to judge their Club Open show which was a great honour and which I really enjoyed. The hospitality and the friendly atmosphere made for a nice show and the quality of the dogs was exceptional. I must thank the Club for the lovely gift and Jan Hollingsbee for the flowers which are still alive and looking good. I must also thank my steward Julie Green who gave up her entry to steward for me.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: An Cnoc of Baillieswells
Class Critique
Fantastic class of which the owners should be very pleased and proud.
