Show Placings
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan bitch, litter sister to winner, similar comment as 1 with a good topline and rear angulation, head not as good as winner.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Southampton & DCS Open Show
22nd Jul 2023
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Arunmere Nighthawk
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Bournemouth CS Open Show
11th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Kent County Canine Asociation Open Show
20th Aug 2023
Judge: Debra Wilson (Jandade)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4 Arunmere Nighthawk
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Horley & DSS Open Show
27th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
South West Essex CA Open Show
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Bill Crawley
Special Yearling /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
A rather varied class which saw this 9 mth old blue/tan winning quite comfortably. Feminine throughout, she pleased for type and presented a nicely balanced outline with correct length of neck, firm topline, ribbing extending well back, strong loin and tail set and carried well. Attractive head of good proportions, excellent eye, strong muzzle and scissor bite. Standing fairly narrow and true in front and can easily be spanned. Going well when viewed in profile, true when going away but could be better when coming towards. Good pelt and jacket of harsh texture.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of The Southern Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging their Open Show. I first signed the contract for the show in 2017, but due to Covid and the Lockdown I have only just fulfilled my judging appointment. Whist remembering those who are no longer with us due to the Covid Pandemic. I was happy with my entry and would like to also thank the exhibitors for entering under me and thank them all for taking my decisions, some of which were difficult, in a sportsmanlike way. I found most exhibits to be in good order, but I was quite worried that I found some younger exhibits with a build-up of scale on their teeth. This should be addressed as soon as possible. I was also delighted with a young exhibitor, attending her first show, on a whole handling her young dog so well whilst full of nerves and inexperience. We need to encourage these youngsters as they are the custodians of our breed
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Unlucky to meet first today. Another nice sized blue and tan. Good head proportions with neat ears, good dentition. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. Nice top line and tail set which she held on the move. Moved with drive.
Romsey & DCS Open Show
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Jason Hunt
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan)
First of all , sincere thanks go to Hilary and the committee for the
kind invitation to judge BT’s at this show and thanks to Kevin my
steward who kept things moving along nicely. Also I have grateful
thanks for the exhibitors who not only allowed me the opportunity
to go over their dogs but accepted my decisions in a sporting
manner.
General comments are as follows , I didn’t find any bad mouths
or kinked tails and coats were at differing stages of growth which
is quite normal . I would like to add that during examination of the
dogs on the table that it is not helpful for the owner to be feeding
or allowing the dog to lick at a treat constantly , attempting to
check the bite becomes almost impossible and adds to the
confusion for the dog, owner and judge, please keep this practice
for the training room and not in the show ring.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Arunmere Nighthawk
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
9 month old B&T girl .A confident puppy with a lot to like … Smart feminine
head and expression with nice jaw strength and under eye fill ,
mouth furnished with appropriate size teeth. Smooth transition
through neck and shoulders, pleasing angles fore and aft . Good coat texture and nice loose pelt.Ribbed well back and with a
complimentary loin Topline and tail set good . Held her shape
both stacked and on the move . Front movement needs to tighten
up a little , which, I’m sure will improve with age.Gave a very good
performance in the challenge and was pleased to award her
BPiB and reserve BOB. Congratulations on your Puppy Group 2 !
Portsmouth & Southsea KA Open Show
8th Oct 2023
Judge: Penny Funnell (Powerpack)
Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
15th Oct 2023
Judge: Paul Eardley (Sherex)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2023
Judge: Michael Blay (Longbarrow)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee, volunteers and my steward for the day, for helping to make this show so friendly and welcoming, on a very crisp morning in November.
I was satisfied with my final line-up all being good examples of the breed; with the conformation and attributes to make them potentially successful working terriers as well as possessing a degree of showmanship. It was pleasing to note some good movement on show.
I was delighted to note that my Best of Breed went on to further honours and gained TG3, and, as I learned later, the Best Puppy was from the same kennel, and went TPG1- Congratulations to the breeder and owner.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Arunmere Nighthawk
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
11-month-old blue and tan bitch. She had a good reach of neck and good lay back and in of shoulders; level topline and correct tailset which she maintained both statically and dynamically and moved with a steady balanced stride. Straight front, with for me, correct bone. She had a feminine Ottery head completed with a keen, interested gaze. Nice outline with good underline. Coat harsh with good pelt. Best Puppy in Breed. TPG1
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Dale Elliot (Lyndham)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Wealdstone & Northolt Canine Society Open Show
10th Dec 2023
Judge: Dr J Lappin (Ireland)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Jen Bowden (Chellowside)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Portsmouth & Southsea KA Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr John Dare (Bowstaff)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Arunmere Nighthawk
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Jacqui Ward (Mianja)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
another 14 month old bitch of good make and shape, feminine head, dark eye and well placed ears. Easy to span, good bone and feet, firm topline. Muscled hindquarters. Presented in good coat texture. She was just not as sound in the front movement as winner.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Lauren Goddard (Awbrooksky)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
14th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Angie Nettle (Onziemehurst)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at their well run open show. A big thank you to my ring stewards who kept things moving along nicely and many thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over your lovely dogs.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Feminine blue and tan bitch. Super length of neck, good lay back of shoulders, firm topline, ribs extending well back. Good strong second loin, moved okay. Tail set well. Attractive head of balanced proportions, lovely eye, strong muzzle and large teeth set in a scissor bite. Spanned well, in an excellent jacket and pelt with a harsh texture. Pipped at the post by the sister.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Blue and tan of a nice size. Good head and expression with a keen dark eye. Excellent neck and shoulders with good upper arm. Just right for bone standing on small well padded feet. Narrow throughout and ribbed well back with a good topline and tailset. Racy hindquarters. Shown in an excellent blue topcoat, with good undercoat and pelt. She has excellent free profile movement which won her this class
Class Critique
Although not a numerically strong class, all four could change places another day.
Hitchin & District Canine Society Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Derfel Owen (Sirfon)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Chelmsford & District Canine Society Open Show
6th May 2024
Judge: Dave Lee (Socksdown)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Arunmere Nighthawk
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Good in head, narrow, good in coat and pelt, good bend of stifle with well let down hocks that allowed her to move out well.
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Class Critique
Quality class
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Well balanced 17 month old blue and tan with good pelt and plenty of ticking in her jacket. Feminine head which could develop further. Movement sound.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Narrower and lighter boned blue and tan with pleasing outline, nice shoulder, good rib, topline and tail set. Moved well.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Southampton & DCS Open Show
21st Jul 2024
Judge: Gillian Knight (Talanors)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society Open Show
27th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Paignton Championship Show
2nd Aug 2024
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for my first-time appointment at this level. This show is my ‘local’ which made it even more special, If you have never been it is worth the trip down the M5 a warm welcome will meet you.
I was thrilled with the quality of my entry, one observation I did find a lot of untidy feet, splayed toes, long nails and thin pads, I did however find no kinked tails and only one mouth fault.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Bournemouth CS Open Show
9th Aug 2024
Judge: Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Wealdstone & Northolt Canine Society Open Show
9th Aug 2024
Judge: Sarah Richardson
My thanks for the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this combined Premier Open Show with Bournemouth Canine Association Premier Open Show. My thanks also to the exhibitors for their entry.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
20 month Blue and Tan female. Feminine head, preferred front and shape of 1st.
Bournemouth Championship Show
12th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to my stewards, Hayley and Malcolm and to all the exhibitors who endured the heat and accepted my decisions sportingly, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year. Overall the quality of the entry was good with some lovely dogs. Mouths, tails and size were generally good. Coats varied (as they always do) in both quality and the stage of growth. There were a number of pelts that could have been thicker and loose which was disappointing as this is mentioned in the standard and important from a working point of view. I was surprised and disappointed to see evidence of scissorwork on some coats and grooming was not always done to the dog’s best advantage – this does not affect the ability to work but this is a dog show and presentation therefore does count to a degree when placing the dogs. Compared to the last time I judged, I felt that size had improved and in most cases the dogs today were closer to the standard.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Horley & DSS Premier Open Show
25th Aug 2024
Judge: Philip Fricker (Calavey)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2024
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Placing Critique
Good headed bitch showing expression, good shoulders, topline and tailset, moved with drive.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Nighthawk
