Show Placings
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Sweet head with keen expression. Nice neck and shoulder into good body lines. Easily spanned, with thick pelt and nice coat. Moved well.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Pembrokeshire CA Open Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Jane Cooksey (Charuzian)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Pembroke County Show
15th Aug 2017
Judge:
Best Puppy
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Firstly may I thank the SBTC Committee for inviting me to judge this Open Show. I felt very honoured. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The ring ran smoothly with the help of my stewards and the whole venue had a pleasing and pleasant atmosphere. It was nice to see some old and many new faces. May I also thank the exhibitors for handling their dogs confidently and accepting my decisions. I was very impressed with the quality of the dogs and I only found one bad mouth and two sprung ribs. I had a few challenging decisions to make and uncoated dogs had to be penalised. Mostly the dogs were all in fit condition and able to do a day’s work. I was very impressed with my final line up and to have such sound dogs
representing the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Class Critique
Loved this class & even though different first three pure quality, just all at different stages of development, happy to give them all 1st.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Tredegar & DCS Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr R Gunn
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Port Talbot & Neath CS Open Show
12th Nov 2017
Judge: Gillian Marley (Marylea)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
This 12 month old girl was a lovely size and shape. She had a pleasing head and expression, enough bone and body and a good harsh coat well presented. A little reluctant on the move, shame.
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
3rd Dec 2017
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Swansea & DCS Open Show
10th Feb 2018
Judge: Joanna Moakes (Jomoaka)
Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limit Show
15th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My sincere thanks to the committee for the kind invitation to judge at my first club show, I enjoyed the day immensely. Thank you to my efficient stewards Tina Morgan, Rachel Larner and Wendy Mooney, show manager for keeping things running so smoothly.
My thanks must go to the exhibitors for bringing along their dogs today, and the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
I did note some untypical heads, which for me lacked for me the characterising feature of the breed, I found such heads to be somewhat exaggerated with too much stop, not the ‘moderately’ broad skull I was looking for.
On the whole, I found mouths were good, a couple of level bites, and one or two with misaligned teeth, but it was pleasing to find big strong teeth in most exhibits.
I was very pleased with my class winners; some decisions were very close especially in the bitch classes. In both sexes there were some promising youngsters coming through which can only auger well for the breed.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch, who on handling, I got to fully appreciate her qualities. She very much appealed for size and balance, lovely typical head with flat skull, which was most feminine, narrow throughout and easily spanned. A little hesitant at times on the move, but when she got going, she moved out well and had the edge here on rear movement, presented in super tweedy coat, with superb texture with a loose thick pelt.
Maiden - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Llanelli & DCS Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr M Oxley
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge at your show and the warm and friendly atmosphere from the sporting exhibitors.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
17 month bitch good for size and balance, flat skull, good eye shape and colour, straight front with good shoulders, easily spanned, good coat and texture, loose thick pelt and moved really well.
Aberystwyth CS Open Show
7th May 2018
Judge: Mrs C Sheppard (Thystine)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Nice in profile, nice head, enough neck, nice forequarters, enough bone, nice feet, enough rib for length of body, nice height, moved ok.
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
a lovely bitch of good size otter head keen expression good neck and shoulders well bodied best of coats and spannable pleasing on the move,
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Not the head shape of those placed above. Deep enough in chest and straighter in front consequently not the same freedom of movement or stride length.
Carmarthen CS Open Show
23rd Jun 2018
Judge: Ros Gardiner (Elmsmere)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
feminine bitch, lovely head again with that Otter look, strong short muzzle, good eye colour, Straight forelegs with just the right amount of bone, level topline, good coat texture, sound movement. BOB
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Well proportioned bitch with attractive head. Good topline though slight dip at tail. Extremely tough coat, and good loose pelt. Oved well.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch, very feminine , nice head , correct bite, nice length of neck , good bend of stifle, coat good , moved well.
Pontardulais A & HS Open Show.
27th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr Ray Smith
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Nice body proportions, good coat, sound mover
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
feminine, nice head neck and shoulder, straight front, good hindquarters, pleasing in outline.
Port Talbot & Neath CS Open Show
11th Nov 2018
Judge: Gillian Knight
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Bristol and District Open Show
9th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs C Hand
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Southern Border Terrier Club Limited Show
3rd Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
I would like to thank the SBTC committee for inviting me to judge their show and for the lovely gift,a day I thoroughly enjoyed with some lovely exhibits to have the pleasure of going over.
A big thank you to my stewards Jill Stevens and Tina Morgan who very efficiently kept the classes running smoothly throughout the day.
Thanks also to all the exhibitors who entered and those present on the day.
I found a great percentage of the exhibits in good muscle tone and condition, coats as always at different stages but many in good harsh double jackets, disappointingly quite a few thin pelts and a lack of real carroty tails, just a couple with incorrect dentition and one kinked tail. All dogs were entire and all dogs and bitches displaying good temperaments in the ring.
I was pleased with both my final line ups. There were some lovely puppies forward which I love judging and some close decisions there.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
2 years gr of handy size and proportions.Nothing exaggerated,feminine head with dark eyes giving a keen expression,correct dentition,her coat today looked a bit patchy but had plenty of harsh top coat over a loose pelt,good in the rib,easy span,stands on neat feet and moves well.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Well constructed grizzle,spans easily.Feminine head,good angulation,harsh coat coming through.
Leominster Canine Society Open Show
14th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to David Nightingale and his committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers at the 2019 open show, a lovely well organised show with a great atmosphere and support. Also a big thank you to my two stewards today Bob and Jill Stevens who kept the classes running for me.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Royal Welsh Agriculture Society Open Show
18th May 2019
Judge: Mr Gordon Haran (Magregor)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Attractive dark G&T, with a really pleasing head and expression, very typey and presented in a lovely thick tweedy jacket, well angulated front and rear, a tad rounder in the rib and not quite the reach and drive of my winner.
Langstone and District CS Premier Open Show
21st Jul 2019
Judge: Kim Lathaen (Tyrdyma)
My apologies to the Border Terrier exhibitors for not spanning their dogs, but I was banned by my surgeon from any form of lifting
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Nice head and expression, straight front, moved true fore and aft
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Deeper in chest but otherwise well made with good head and moved ok
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Helen Bakewell (Norwelston)
Thank you to the committee and exhibitors for such a lovely day. Overall the quality was good, a lot of nice breed types, good feet, mouths, and was able to span most on the day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: `
Tongwynlais CS Open Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
2yr old grizzle bitch out down in full coat with a good pelt. Pretty head and good reach of neck. Level topline with a short carrot like tail. Not as positive on the move as 1st today.
Welsh Kennel Club Open Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Southern Counties Canine Association
27th Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Southern Counties Canine Association for inviting me to judge their show for Border Terriers. It was my first judging appointment for a CH Show and I was very pleased with my entry also I would like to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. Last but not least I would like to thank my steward who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing very well.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Bath Canine Society
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mr T Ball
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
D/G bitch, very similar remarks as 1 but she was a little ring shy today and that's a pity because i did like her but work hard and you will do well
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Chepstow & DCS Open Show
19th Jun 2022
Judge: Alison Hinsley (Tigerbull)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Aberystwyth & DCS Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Paula Meacham
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Cardiff CS Open Show
29th Jan 2023
Judge: P Fricker
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Pontypridd & DCS Open Show
1st May 2023
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE (Sleepyhollow)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
6 years. Of a lovely size. Head with correct muzzle and dark eye. Correct harsh double coat. She is spannable with ribs carried well back. Secure backline; well set tail. Moved OK
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
dark grizzle bitch keen expression good for dentition adequate neck into laided back shoulders, lovely narrow front easily spanned, ribs carried well back with a strong loin, tail-set well placed, good rear angulation, well padded feet, tight jacket with a good pelt. A fit bitch without being over done who covered the ground well and economically in all directions holding her topline on the move and when stood. Best of breed.
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
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
A much heavier bitch than the first two and also deeper in brisket. Pleasing head expression and neat ears. Level topline and good tail set.
Class Critique
Only three in this class, all of different types.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
this bitch took my eye when she came into the ring very workman like, Dark Grizzle, of Quality in my eyes, her head pleased me, enough bone, neat feet, in good quality jacket moved well both ways
The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society Open Show
9th Aug 2023
Judge: Jerry Robertson
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
good head with dark eye, neat ears, correct length of neck, good body, racy quarters, good mover
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Pontardulais Agricultural & Horticultural Society
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Aberystwyth & DCS Open Show
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Nice bitch, pleasing head, good width of head and short muzzle. Easily spanned with good pelt. A level topline and firm loin, she has a firm rear and a bitch who is sound on the move
Amman Valley CS Open Show
4th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Andrews (South Wales)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Best Veteran
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
Good head and eye, correct size, dark eye, in lovely coat and body condition, well muscled, moved and showed well, BV
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
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
11/11/2016. Bitch of veteran age, wonderful condition, happy girl, pretty, on neat small, feet, moderate bone, correct length of rib, good topline which she kept on the move and a good harsh jacket and easily spanned.
Bridgend & DKA Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Llanelli & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Angie Nettle (Onziemehurst)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Llanelli & District Canine Society to judge the Border Terriers at their show in Carmarthen, Wales. Nice to see my BOB got Group 2 in the Terrier Group judged by Rob McLeod
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Premier Open Show
18th May 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Best Veteran
Name at show: BVIS Day 1, Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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!
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Class Critique
These more mature ladies were all a credit to their owners.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Chepstow & DCS Open Show
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr David Nightingale (Knowbury)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
7 year old with a lot of the same virtues as 1st. She also has a good otter like head with a short strong muzzle. Her darker grizzle/tan coat was deep and harsh, her body was narrow and she was easily spanned. She also moved well.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
7 years grizzle with a nice otter head and strong jaw; good coat and pelt. Narrow and easily spanned, moved well keeping a level topline
Llandysul DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Placing Critique
The younger of the veterans today, well presented in a lovely harsh jacket, she has an attractive head just slightly heavy throughout and just not moving as well when compared to 1 and 2.
Class Critique
I always enjoy a veteran class, and these three ladies are a credit to their owners and a real testament to our breed of being ‘fit for function’
Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society Open Show
7th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Gavin Robertson (Soletrader)
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG1, Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Pontardulais Agricultural and Horticultural Society Open Show
26th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
My thanks to the Secretary Gareth Thomas for inviting me to Judge Border Terriers today. I enjoyed my day, and it was good to see my B.O.B. gained TG1 & my B.P.I.B gain TPG2
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
Amman Valley CS Open Show
2nd Nov 2024
Judge: Mr Joe Ashe (Ebrooks)
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG1, Foxcourt Amber Spirit Gambler
