Show Placings
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Similar to 1 but not as finished yet. She has a nice head & expression. Nicely balanced outline, good body & turn of stifle. In good coat,moving nicely both ways.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Class Critique
Another very nice class of puppy bitches, a pleasure to judge.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
A Red bitch with a strong head keen expression correct bite, moderate length of neck flowing in to good shoulder placement good rib and loin with strong rear assembly, a nice well balanced bitch that moved well, covering the ground with ease, harsh double coat and thick loose pelt well presented in both appearance and condition.
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Feminine balanced head of good shape, dark eye and good ears. Moderate neck, good bone, feet and nice body. Good rib, racy rear, well set tail. Good coat condition. Moved with good steady action
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Another nice puppy with a good mouth moderate reach of neck, straight front level top-line good harsh coat moved ok.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Class Critique
A lovely class of promising puppies
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
10mth. pleasing feminine head. Excellent shoulder angulation. Easy to span with loose pelt and harsh coat., Ribs well back, tail well set but a tad long.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Nov 2022
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I won my first Crufts qualifier at this show 25 years ago and it has always been one of my favourites. It was an honour to be invited to judge and my thanks go to the Scottish Club for their hospitality. Thanks also to my very capable stewards Bill Shorthose and Judy Carr.My sincere thanks to all those who entered and allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Today I found there to be a much greater depth of quality among the bitches with there being many promising puppies and some very nice animals in the upper classes,particularly limit and open. This depth of quality was not apparent in a number of the dog classes although I was pleased with my main winners.
As would be expected there was some diversity in size and type.A number of exhibits of both sexes were up to size- I have big hands so if I find them difficult to span they are probably too big. I found all males to be entire, no serious mouth faults and one kinked tail.Of most concern was the number of dogs with very poor front movement and the number with atypical heads; some too long in muzzle and a few where the muzzle was too short, the latter giving a rather cat like look. Coats and pelts were generally good and a few dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.A fairly minor fault, but one which detracts from the overall outline, were the dogs which carried their tails curled over their backs i.e “gay tailed” as opposed to carrying their tails gaily.
Some of these faults are aesthetic but others such as size and soundness are not and we should be mindful that our breed is “essentially a working terrier.”
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
A very promising entry on paper but unfortunately the weather took its toll !
However I was more than happy with my main winners all were typical of what I look for in a Border Terrier and the proof that careful breeding pays off was demonstrated by the very promising progeny found amongst the youngsters.
As is my approach to critiques, generally the winners in most respects all meet the standard which calls for a working terrier with an otter like head on reasonable length neck set into well laid shoulders, a moderate length body, well ribbed back, strong shortish loin, racy but moderate rear angulation allowing the dog to move with drive, in harsh double coat and with thick pelt. I do not therefore repeat this for each individual dog but I have highlighted the dog’s best points and the reasons for their placings .
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Cardiff CS Open Show
29th Jan 2023
Judge: P Fricker
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Bitch. Good head and expression, narrow throughout spannable, well laid shoulders, good length of neck, excellent rear angulation. Moved well.
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Best Bitch
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Class Critique
The first three in particular could change places on another day.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Pontypool & DCS Open Show
23rd Apr 2023
Judge: Janice Janes (Coedybrain)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to start by thanking the Officers and Committee of The Terrier Club Of South Wales for asking me to judge such a well organised and supported show and the wonderful hospitality on the day. Secondly to the exhibitors for the wonderful support and entry on the day of 54 dogs.
I enjoyed having the chance to go over some real quality dogs on the day and in a couple of the classes the placings could easily of been reversed. My Best Of Breed youngster showed himself really well on the day and continued to do so through to the Best In Show line up where he secured the grand honours of being awarded Best In Show by BIS Judge Mark Ord.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Class Critique
This was a class of very mixed movement.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Strong headed bitch with a dark eye and keen expression. Good bite with large teeth. Good in neck and shoulder. Nicely angulated front and back. Moved well.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
see Yearling Bitch
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for a lovely entry and also to the Scottish BTC for this opportunity. Special thanks go to my two stewards for the day who kept everything running smoothly and for their good company. Although the lighting in the hall isn’t the best, it was adequate and the large square ring was perfect for watching movement, something I feel is very important in a border terrier. On that note I found my main winners to excel in this department. I was pleased to judge some strong puppy classes and also some strong adult classes
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
G&T showed in fantastic coat today. The best of heads with a keen dark eye and shallow stop. Good topline with good angulation, showed well.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch in one of the best jackets of the day, harsh and dense with a thick pelt. Strong yet feminine head which good strength of jaw and correct bite. Neck flowered into lay of shoulder, lay of ribs and strong loin. Good angulation behind with correct muscle tone she moved well around the ring
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Moved and showed better in this class, nie in head, dark eyes, clean in front with good forelegs, good for body length and ribbing.
Cardiff CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Gillian Marley (Marylea)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
23/12/2023. Nice all-round bitch, keen dark eye, strong muzzle, nice laid back ribs and moderate bone. Lovely think lose pelt and harsh jacket. Small feet on thick pads.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
16th Mar 2024
Judge: Gentle Lowe (Rockslade)
Firstly I would like to thank the show and its organisers for the warm welcome and my stewards for their smooth running of the ring during my appointment. I would also like to thank the competitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs. I had a quality entry of dogs and there were some tough decisions in the classes.
I would just like to point out some exhibits had dirty teeth, some longer untrimmed nails which whilst I didn’t penalise would give a nicer shape and finish to the feet and overall presentation. Overall dogs were presented in good condition.
Limit /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch of good size and overall good type with nicely shaped spannable ribs. Feminine in head with dark eye and attractive expression. She has a good jacket and thick pelt.
Pontypool & DCS Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Mr T Harrison (Glenbrows)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Premier Open Show
18th May 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Another lovely G & T with a strong but feminine head with correct eye and ear. She moved well with level top-line and tail set high and carried nicely.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Red grizzle, typical in head, good front, well ribbed back, good topline and tailset. Good pelt, coat in good order. Very alert and moving well when focussed on the task in hand
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Short strong muzzle moderate width of head, narrow throughout. Neat feet, correct length of rib, excellent coat, moved with drive.
Chepstow & DCS Open Show
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr David Nightingale (Knowbury)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Very well presented grizzle, feminine head and expression, big teeth, strong jaw, correct ear set, good length of rib, lovely outline, good coat and pelt. Moved out well around the ring.
Evesham & DCS Open Show
14th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs Vanessa Cox (Pettipaws)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Class Critique
A strong class full of lovely bitches
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Grizzle in excellent coat and nicely presented. Would have preferred a little less hair round the face as this detracts a little from her feminine head. Nicely angulated and narrow throughout. Could have done with a little more length in the body.
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
A nice type of bitch in good coat and well presented, attractive head, enough neck into well placed shoulders, spannable, good topline and well placed tail
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
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.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Handy sized grizzle bitch approaching 3 years. Very feminine head and expression. Well shown and presented . Lovely tight jacket. Angles front and rear ok. Nice topline and underline . Tailset good. Moves well in all directions .Reserve Best Bitch .
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Placing Critique
Very attractive Grizzle and tan who has the most beautiful Otter like head
Good for size she was easy to span.Presented in close harsh coat with good pelt.liked her outline that was of ideal length with good top line and tail set.Very appealing all round, I felt she couldn't match 1st's movement , though lots to admire about her.
Tredegar DCS Open Show
19th Oct 2024
Judge: Miss Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Brankell Angeleyes At Nantcoch
