Show Placings
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society Open Showq
18th Aug 2021
Judge: Vanessa Williams (Wegman)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge BorderTerriers, and thank you to my two very efficient stewards who kept things moving along in the ring.
Sadly today, rudeness to the stewards and a lack of sportsmanship seem to be on the increase.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Just 6 months but so very together and self assured. Good angles all round topped off with a feminine balanced head. Moved with confidence B.P.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge , the exhibitors for their entries and my capable ring steward Jayne Alpe for keeping things running smoothly.
Generally mouths were good and dogs were intact and correct , I did find one minor kinked tail .
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch , stood alone in this class but was worthy of her placement and award . Pretty, feminine and of a nice size. Very pleasing head with a lively expression . Teeth were of excellent size and bite good. Coat of lovely texture and pelt was good . Movement in all directions was fine, especially for one so young. Happy to Award her BPIB . Unfortunate ,but understandable that she couldn’t stay for puppy group.
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
This youngster ticks all the boxes and already has a head that fits the breed standard so well, being with black pigmentation short muzzle and neat ears close to the cheek. Her coat was harsh and deep, with a thick loose pelt too. Her narrow and fairly long body lines were finished off with a short carrot like tail, I was pleased to also see her move so well and with confidence and poise. She went on to be my best puppy bitch and challenged closely with an equally outstanding minor puppy dog.
Class Critique
After awarding the dog CC it was a really nice to see so many great minor puppies in the ring and I really was short on awards as some left without a placing, despite them being excellent representatives of the breed.
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to Darlington Committee for the invitation to my ring stewards and the exhibitors for your entries. Not having attended a show since they started up again it was quite a surprize and worry to handle some very big dogs. I know size has always been a talking point in the breed but today it was a problem with some of the dogs, bitches were a much better size with some close decisions in their classes.
Another noticeable difference is some exhibitors deciding to run with their dogs, why I don’t know it’s something never seen or needed in the border ring. With some handlers in a class walking around and others deciding to run its not what is expected. Watching a dog and handler move in unison on a good, collected pace is much more acceptable.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Another nice puppy, close to one, a shade finer in bone . Good in rib and easy span. Good in topline and tailset. Steady show girl.
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Pretty with good head pattern this very promising youngster handles beautifully, light and spannable and looks game. True type, well constructed with everything is in its place and moved so well for a baby. Readily coped with the undulations of the ground which some more mature exhibits found taxing. Unsurprising perhaps with her lovely forehand construction, straight and narrow with good legs and feet, but I also admired how she used her quarters. Just right for her age. BP
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Smart feminine bitch with good head, straight front, narrow with good ribs. Tight feet, thick pads, coat and pelt good.. Strode out well with drive from behind, maintaining a nice outline . BPB, BPIS
Class Critique
What a lovely class to start off the day – wish I had more places
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the hard work and smooth running of the show. I would also like to thank my two stewards for doing an excellent job. The exhibitors seemed to enjoy the show judging by the popularity of my top honours. Unlike one particular exhibitor who needed his teddy putting back in his cot judging by his unsporting behaviour. 4 were found to be unspannable with a couple of bad mouths, also some were far to thin, which is unacceptable and one or two could have smelled a little sweeter. It's all well and good getting dressed up, you are letting your dogs down if they pong.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Similar to winner having such a delightful feminine Otter like head..
Smaller and finer boned.Neat front with small tight feet.
Presented in lovely tight harsh jacket.Showed and moved well keeping a firm top line.
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with feminine head, well laid shoulder and good ribs, straight front, correct tail set, tight feet, lovely size, narrow throughout, well presented in good coat and condition.
Border Union Championship Show
4th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors and my two stewards who kept going throughout a rather damp session during the judging of the bitch classes. One of the essentials of a working terrier is being able to withstand a little rain but there were a few exhibits with thin skins and short of coat. I found that some lacked muscle, particularly behind, which affected the driving movement necessary for the breed’s function. My other main concern was the lack of width in the jaws of some, detracting from the desired, ‘like that of an otter’, head shape. This is a most identifying feature of the breed and needs to be carefully adhered to.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Neat bitch, good shape, shown in good coat, could settle a bit more on the move
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Another not over grown for her age and may take time to mature. Nice grizzle, with a feminine head, shorter rounded muzzle, true scissor bite, narrow front, correct depth of chest for her age, nice tucked up under body.
Maiden - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
It was an honour to judge my favourite show. Many thanks must go to all who made it run so smoothly. Special thanks go to Janice Johnson and Judy Carr for their stewarding. So helpful.
Had some lovely dogs to go over. Temperaments were good. Just a couple of grumbles. A few shown with no coat and placings reflected this. Bites were good. Some teeth larger than others. Front movement in particular let some down. I did find more than a few which were difficult to span. Needs watching.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Close up to 1. Similar type. Feminine head. Narrow all through. Level topline. Good tailset with short, carrot tail. In excellent coat and condition.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
second in minor puppy.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Has a good eye & expression, ears a touch low set. Good to span. Needs more angulation. Moved fairly well. Not the coat of 1.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
Seen
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Mr M Ord
Massive Thank You to The Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge your Championship Show today. This club I was a member of in the formative years and have fond memories of the very first Championship Show where I was an exhibitor. It is good to see a club go from strength to strength and the committee worked very hard to put on this event in what has been difficult times to plan ahead. Thank you everyone who entered today and I was honoured with an entry of 150 Dogs, 192 Entries & 0 NFCs. Like every show absentees were inevitable but I hope those present today took my decisions sportingly.
A few general observations on todays entry which are my thoughts and because I care so much for this lovely breed. Driving to the venue today was a perfect way to view the countryside where this breed was developed and all could see the rough terrain they would need to work in. It is essential you judge a breed with the work they were bred to do foremost in your mind and learn why they are built the way they were and why the breed standard exists. It is a dog show and we now want to see them clean, healthy and well presented but I was sad to see today several exhibits with very clear evidence of scissor work on the coats and not just on tidying feet etc. Please stop this trend NOW. Several were scissored from hip to hock, no need to do this & does nothing to enhance the dog. Good otter heads were not in abundance today and I witnessed a lot of fly away ears. We have always witnessed the odd one but today quite a number could be seen when the dog was in action & not always on youngsters either.
Coats as always were in various stages today but you must judge the dog on the day and find evidence of the correct texture and undercoat which is vital to stop the working dog getting wet through to the skin. Mouths were very good today as where tails which have thankfully improved greatly. Some exhibits in my opinion had lovely conformation however where far too big and long in leg. I though ribs were good with only a few that would be unable to be spanned with the average size hands. I did find today the bitches were more uniform for size so just need to work on the males not becoming big, leggy & heavy.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
lovely size, feminine with beautiful head shape, strong muzzle, not a lot of top coat in evidence today but this girl is very desirable for her make & shape, has a good front, body developing well, moved with verve when she settled into herself, tail well set & carried, neat cat like feet with thick pads
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Class Critique
Despite being novice a quality class with worthy winners. Due to recent times dogs in this class that would have won well & be well out of this class now.
Manchester & District Sporting Terrier Club
14th Nov 2021
Judge: Mrs Alison Matthews (Tojamatt)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
21st Nov 2021
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and to the Border Terrier Club for their support of the classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, there was a friendly ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge. Some of the entries in the younger classes didn’t settle that well on the move, perhaps due to the distraction of the large amount of bait left on the ground from the previous classes, but they did well enough and were all sound just distracted.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Class Critique
None of these exhibits moved that well due to various outside elements which made assessing movement difficult
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
27th Nov 2021
Judge: Gill Thomas (Sunnystone)
My thanks to the WMTS tireless committee for over riding the appalling weather and making every effort to run the show as normal. Unfortunately due to the storm there were understandably many absentees of both exhibitors & judges alike. The Border Terrier exhibitors took my standing in all in good part and I thank them for being such good sports. My thanks go of course to my indefatigable stewards Spencer Cox & Clare Robinson Cox who sailed through the process with ease and good humour as usual.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
What a pretty little bitch this is she is very tidy, nice otter head keen and lively expression lovely dark eye good ear placement and a nice mouth, she has a super coat lovely loose skin nice carroty tail adequate width and she moved parallel front and rear.(BPOB)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Guildford & District Canine Society
28th Nov 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Exonian C A Open show
4th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr K Andrew
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Eston & Barnaby Canine Society Christmas Open Show
5th Dec 2021
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you very much to the club for inviting me to judge and my steward Tommy for keeping the ring running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
very feminine 9 month G/T bitch. Attractive otter head leading to a graceful neck and well laid shoulders. Easily spanned and shown with a good harsh double coat and loose pelt. Would have preferred a slightly higher tail set. Moved out well on tight catlike feet, keeping her level top line, her smooth movement and otter head won her BOB & BPIB in the head to head
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
See puppy
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Placing Critique
See puppy
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Totnes & District Canine Society
19th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr A Dredge (Alcavona)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Ashbourne & DCS open show
28th Dec 2021
Judge: David Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
What a weekend it proved to be for Border Terriers
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limited Show
6th Mar 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Firstly I would like to thank The Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and for their hospitality on the day. Also many thanks to everyone that gave me the privilege of going over their dogs and congratulation to all my winners.
All males were entire. All tails straight. One or two untidy mouths but nothing to be classed as a fault.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
12 months This bitch was of similar type the 1st place sharing all of the same attributes, the only difference was she lacked coat today, placings could easily change on another day.
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Strong but feminine head with the correct length of foreface giving a lovely expression a little round in eye but nice and dark. Good reach of neck and topline narrow bodylines easy span, short in loin but overall balance of this bitch was good, great jacket and pelt. Well handled.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely feminine head, good teeth and jaw. Good narrow body with good angulation, coat and pelt. Moved well.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
A very nice grizzle, good front and rear assembly, moved well from all angles.
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Class Critique
Headed by two lovely bitches of similar type both with bags of promise who gave me a tough choice to make.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Class Critique
Possibly the hardest class of the day with some real quality youngsters and my first 5 could all change places on another day.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
grizzle with typical head and expression; good coat and pelt, nice short tail, good legs and feet. Moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show
21st May 2022
Judge: Mrs G Vaughan (Holteal)
I would like to thank Scottish Border Terrier Kennel Club and committee for my invite to judge and award my 1st CC appointment,their hospitality and welcome was appreciated greatly for such a long trip from my home county of norfolk i thoroughly enjoyed my day judging and thanks to my 2 great stewards who kept my ring running smoothly.
To have an entry of 87 dogs I believe the 6th highest of the whole show with only 19 being absent on the day which is to be expected was a great honor for myself.
Coats as always were in many different stages,not always easy to target for every show entered,I found no major faults in any of my exhibits thankfully but some dogs lacking good thick pelts and a few longer and not so desirable longer tails. There were some closer choices between some dogs in the stronger classes.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
17 month old with a pleasing strong feminine head with good under jaw,just slightly less coat than 1st today and a very narrow split between 1st and 2nd for me,moved really well.
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Class Critique
A lovely class of juniors who I will watch with interest.
Three Counties Championship Show
9th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
lovely otter type head good bite neat well placed ears level top line good pliable pelt unfortunately left her top coat at home but evidence of good coat to grow
Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show
10th Jun 2022
Judge: Miss S Clark (Canequiss)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Border Union Championship Show
19th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe (Pipruda)
First of all I would like to thank the committee for the appointment, the exhibitors for their entry and my stewards for keeping my ring controlled which enabled me to finish judging well in time for the groups. Judy you can steward for me anytime thank you. I was thrilled that my BOB not only won the Terrier Group but went on to Best in Show, my BPIB was placed in the Puppy Group as was my BV in the Veteran Group. Due to COVID this is my first appointment since 2017 and I am pleased to say that I can see a vast improvement in movement since then but overall the quality in bitches was far superior to the dogs, I have large hands and spannability was in the minority in most dog classes. In the standard it says Essentially a Working Terrier, many would be unable to get down a hole let alone get out again!
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Well made young bitch with correct head and expression, good bite, held her top line on the move and moved confidently. Lacking in coat but her quality and movement won her the class
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Another good bitch, well balanced, moved well both ways, good coat.
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
A Grizzle bitch with a lovely head and expression. Short muzzle, with dark eye and neat ears. Narrow front, small neat feet and nice length of neck, flowing into correct shoulders, good rib and loin, harsh double coat with thick loose pelt, nice in outline, moved well both ways, driving from the rear
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Feminine head of good shape, dark eye and good ears. Moderate neck, good bone, legs and feet. Good top line, loin and well angled rear. Good harsh coat and move with good active action.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Highland Fling JW
Placing Critique
Slightly finer built gr with a feminine head and , like the winner , well constructed and shown in good coat . Another sound mover .
