Show Placings
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Nice bitch, strong head, well constructed with good neck & shoulder, shown in good condition and moving OK, Bl/t coat a bit soft.
East of England Agricultural Society Open Show
6th Jul 2022
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee of East of England Agricultural Society for asking me to judge and secondly the exhibitors for their amazing entry of border terriers they gave me. I believe the highest entry of the show. I found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Excellent puppy with a good head and expression, well balanced and constructed, moved well both ways, good puppy coat and pelt.
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Durham & County Canine Assoc. Premier Open Show.
17th Jul 2022
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this extremely well run event, especially for pulling off such a great show despite being let down at such a late stage with their original venue. The Committee must have really pulled together, so very well done. I must say that they even had far more toilet facilities than some Championship Shows of late !.
I was delighted to be greeted with a super entry, not just numerically, but in quality too !. Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing their Borders for my opinion today.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
A blue and tan bitch puppy nearing 8 months who shows much promise. Has a head of good proportions with lovely dark eye, good dentition and finish to muzzle. Standing she looks so well balanced, excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Super hindquarters with a well set on tail. All finished off with good pliable pelt. Today shown in quite sufficient coat of good texture. It was her sound movement coming and going for such a youngster which gave her this rather good class.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
31st Jul 2022
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to offer my thanks to Carlisle and District Canine Society for asking me to judge Borders on the day and to the committee of the Border Terrier Club for proposing me for the appointment. It was a very bright, sunny day so being inside the arena gave the exhibitors and the exhibits some relief from the heat. Although generally Borders prefer the open air and often give of their best outside. I’d like to offer my appreciation to my steward on the day for his efficient and effective management of the classes; he was super. My thanks also go to the exhibitors who entered their dogs and were so pleasant and sporting in accepting my placings. My decisions were based on how I saw the dogs on the day and some decisions were very close.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Picer Mirabel Ostler
Puppy -Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
7 month blue and tan bitch who caught my eye as she came into the ring. Showed with aplomb and presence. Super bite in a foreface showing strength and depth at this age. Dark appealing eye and shallow stop. Narrow throughout. Straight well boned front legs set on tight, neat, well padded feet. Nice flow of neck into well laid shoulders. Level topline flowing through to a well set on tail . Rib carried well back. Very good rear angulation that she made good use of in driving forward. Excellent front and rear movement, moving straight and true coming and going. Double coat showing depth and development from her puppy coat. Easily spanned. Could not deny her BOB.
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Another 7 month old blue and tan, beautifully made puppy. Good head with flat skull and strong jaw. Lovely shoulder placement and overall front assembly, well ribbed back and good rear angulation, very nice puppy to go over. She moved out well, steady and true. Very close decision between 1 & 2, 1 just had more coat today.
Class Critique
What a fabulous class of puppies, one of the best classes of the day, it was a joy to judge.
Sedgefield & District Agricultural & Horticultural Society Open Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
My sincere thanks go to the exhibitors for firstly entering their dogs under me and then for showing them in such adverse weather conditions. Not only had they the extreme heat to contend with but also the small steeply inclined ring still full of sheep droppings as well. Proper Border country !.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
8 month old Blue & Tan bitch. Another very promising youngster. Possesses a very feminine head, good in foreface with just the right amount of stop, appealing dark eye. Well set on ears, Correct straight front construction, with a good reach of neck set into laid back shoulders. Easily spanned. Narrow throughout. Good angulation both front and rear. Super coat and pelt. Although moved well both coming and coming could not quite match the confidence and exhuberance of the winner today, perhaps as a Blue & tan she was feeling the heat more ?
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Best Puppy
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
very sound 8mth b/t . She had a straight front , feminine head with large teeth , a nice lay of shoulder into a level topline which she held on the move ,well ribbed back and good hind angulation . Finished with a hard jacket and thick pelt . BPB and Best Puppy in Breed .
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
I have always like the dogs from this kennel and they didn’t disappoint. This 9 month old was lovely to go over, good head with flat skull, good length of neck and well placed shoulders with level top-line, tail well set. Good bend of stifle and nice thick pads neat feet. Moved steady around the ring.
Darlington Championship Dog Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge Border Terriers. Huge thanks to my two efficient stewards Laura Jordan-Smith and Julie North who kept me on track and finally the exhibitors for a super entry. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front as there were too many swinging fronts, wide movement and toeing in. There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to choose from and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
b/t with pleasing head, correct bite, nice length of neck, ribs carried well back, racy hindquarters, moved well but coat not as good as winner today.
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Selby Canine Society Open Show
29th Oct 2022
Judge: Peter Armstrong (Atron) & Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Sincere thanks go firstly, to the Committee for inviting me to judge at their Show, Secondly to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of going over their dogs and last, but not least, to my Steward, Marina Fleming, for her assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly. Judge Peter Armstrong
My thanks must go to the Officers and hard working Committee for the kind invitation to judge at their Open Show. It was a quality entry of bitches, so thank you to all exhibitors for bringing them and for their sporting acceptance of my decisions. I would also like to thank my two stewards for keeping the ring running in an orderly manner. Judge Lesley Armstrong
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
This young Blue and Tan bitch really appeals for breed type. She has a really pleasing head and keen expressive dark eye, good dentition and a short strong muzzle. Nice length of neck into correct shoulder placement. Stands on a super straight front with sufficient bone and the neatest of feet. Ample rear angulation and lovely carroty tail. Today not in her best jacket, but it was her sound movement and confidence that ultimately gave her the class. Really pleased to award her BEST PUPPY BITCH. When competing for best puppy in breed it was the full jacket of the dog puppy being the deciding factor.
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 /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
10mth blue with ticking coming. Broad skull, strong muzzle, good reach of neck into level topline and well set tail. Angles ok. Spannable with thick loose pelt, lacking a bit of coat today. Moved with drive
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
10 month blue of different type.Stronger in head than winner and lovely outline. Good angulation front and rear, moving soundly but not quite the drive of winner.
Sunderland & DCS Open Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this show. I would also like to thank my Steward, Linda Lyons for keeping the classes running smoothly and efficiently.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Eston & Barnaby Canine Society Christmas Open Show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Glenn Birrell
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of Eston & Barnaby DC for inviting me to judge at my first show. It was a very overwhelming to have such a large entry of 15 from some of the top kennel’s in the country, with only 2 absentee’s. This made my decision’s very difficult and I had to be very thorough in making my placements. Thank you to my helpful steward, John who kept the ring running smoothly and helping me with documentation .
I enjoyed my day, unfortunately I wish I had more 1st places!, due to the quality of my entry. Thanks must also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the chance to go over their dogs, even though I was a little nervous as having experienced Exhibitor’s who award CC’s !! I was Pleased my BOB went on to TG1 & RBIS also BP was TPG1.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Picer Mirabel Ostler
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Blue & Tan Bitch A workman like Bitch that was shown in top condition pleasing head with keen expression, good strength of muzzle, good eye shape, width of skull nicely set ears good reach of neck, stood on straight legs & neat feet, correct top-line, correct angulation & neat tail-set leading into carrot tail, tight thick coat texture coming though, thick loose pelt . Movement was textbook! very happy to award BP
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
So correct. Feminine with substance ,she flows through and has a firmness of ouline . quality bone and neat well padded feet. Typical head and outlook .good carriage of well set strong rooted tail with her positive action.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Dr. Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to thank Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their January Open Show. It was a privilege. I was given a really warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none. The venue was bright and airy and provided for a large ring with plenty of room for exhibitors. I was very ably assisted on the day by my two stewards, Margaret Davis and Sian McKay, who organised the ring with cheerful good humour and efficiency. It was also super to be present for the presentation by the Club to Pat and Brian Baxter, who always add a convivial and kindly presence to any gathering. Lastly I’d like to thank the exhibitors for coming out in numbers in chilly January and who accepted my placings with such good grace.
Best In Show
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
I have judged this blue/tan bitch as a puppy and she has matured well. Balanced throughout, showing typical narrow lines. Lovely proportion to her head with broad flat skull, strong foreface, correct bite, a lovely eye and neat ears to complete the picture. Narrow front, well boned legs and small feet with thick pads. Well angulated fore and aft, correct rib which she carries well back. Strong loin. Level topline that she kept on the move. Moved out true at the front and rear and showed drive. Thick pelt and a harsh double, full coat, which is beginning to show signs of blue. Best In Show.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
13mth Blue with a lovely head. Strength of muzzle, good eye shape, width of skull & well set ears. Good reach of neck. Well angulated all through. Stands on straight legs & neat feet. Good topline & tailset. Carrot tail well carried. Good length of rib. Good coat texture, thick loose pelt & easily spanned. Moved very well.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs Julie Fletcher North (Northborders)
Firstly I would like to thank the Committee for my invite to judge my first Club show , also my 2 able stewards Judy and Kathy for keeping me and the ring in order , mostly I thank the exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me to go over their beautiful dogs , I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I was really pleased with both my line ups , I loved all my main winners and look forward to following their futures
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
15 mth old Blue and Tan, a different type to 1 but a lot to like , she moves very soundly and lovely to go over , beautiful head and expression correct bite, moderate length of neck into nicely laid shoulders, ribs ok but a little deep, spannable ,lovely tail and set really well which she uses to advantage on the move ,good pelt and thick jacket with good undercoat
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Slightly different stamp and style of youngster but one with many positive virtues and is so good to go over and is built on the cleanest of lines. Good head, eye and expression and well set ears. Pleasing front, strong neck set in well placed shoulders and lovely small well padded feet. Another with a correct topline and tailset. Sound on the move.
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
b/t heavier set than 1 and 2, well balanced, the thickest of jackets, in good condition, moved steadily.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
26th Mar 2023
Judge: Anne Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank The Northern Border Terrier Club for nominating me and the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at this wonderful friendly and hospitable show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept everything running smoothly and to the exhibitors for their entry and attendance on such a cold day.
I found all males entire and one level bite.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Nice head with dark eye and well set ears. Strength to muzzle and correct bite. Good for bone with small feet and thick pads. Good in rib and loin. Thick pelt and full double blue and tan coat, but with little ticking. She moved well, but unfortunately lacked enthusiasm in the show ring today.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
B/T of pleasing size and proportions. Has a lovely head and expression. Scored in front assembly with excellent lay back of shoulder and length in upper arm, balanced with angulated racy hindquarters, hocks well let down. Liked her overall moderation with correct firm topline and a good underline. Has quality and is very sound, efficient mover with true accurate tracking both fore and aft and a good stride in profile.
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr John Thomas (Blaisdon)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs J Carr (Wreighaugh)
My thanks go to the Committee of the NBTC for their invitation to judge their Open Show. I was honoured to receive this appointment and am incredibly grateful to the exhibitors who gave me such a great entry. It was a most enjoyable day and special thanks go to my Stewards, Andrea Pitt and Mark Atkinson, for keeping me on track and helping the ring to run smoothly.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
16 month old Blue and Tan. Nice head with good big teeth and well set ears. She has a strong neck and nice shoulder, slightly deeper in chest than 1 she is also slightly wider in front however still easily spannable. She has a nice topline, which she held well on the move, and good tail carriage. Nice double coat, however lacked ticking, good thick pelt. Moved steadily in the class, I just preferred the movement and coat of 1 today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Apr 2023
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge this show. It was originally planned for me to judge in April 2020, but this was rearranged due to the pandemic and other outstanding appointments. I would like to thank the Committee for the wonderful hospitality shown to me throughout the day, and thank you to my Steward who kept things running smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
I have not judged for just over 4 years, so it was a pleasure to see so many new dogs and new faces around the ring. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and quality throughout the classes, and pleased to see a return to a more narrow dog, as I was seeing a trend for wide fronts last time I judged.
All dogs were entire and temperaments throughout were good. Bites were correct, with just the odd broken, misplaced or dirty tooth. Coats were, as to be expected, at various stages. There were a few close decisions, and some classes where I wish I had more prize cards to give out. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs, and also for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
Lastly, can I please apologise for the delay in submitting my critique, as I usually have them done within a day or two of the show. There has been an ongoing issue with the health of a close relative which has taken up a lot of my time, so again, apologies for the delay.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
16 months blue and tan of larger type than 1, deeper in brisket but easily spanned. Lovely head and expression with neatly set ears. Strong scissor bite with big teeth. Very thick pelt and jacket of harsh texture. Good angulation and level topline. .Moved well around the ring .Another nice bitch, just preferred the overall picture of 1.
Class Critique
A really strong class
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch of heavier type than 1st. Strong head, punishing jaw and well setted and carried ears. Strong neck flowing into well aid shoulders. Deeper and wider in chest than 1st but spannable.Nice level topline kept on the move. Well setted and carried tail. Balanced in front and rear angulations. Very thick loos pelt and harsh coat. Moves well coming and going.
Pollard CS Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr P Bradwood
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Blue/tan different stamp to one, being heavier boned and bodied. Strong head with powerful jaws, dark eyes and big teeth. Well made with balanced angles front and rear, lovely topline leading to carrot tail which was well set and carried correctly. In deep double coat, ok texture and thick pelt.
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Quality young bitch, super head and eye, good bite, nice neck and shoulders, good legs and feet, good body length, strong top-line and quarters, in good jacket and pelt, moved well, nice span.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Thank you to the Committee for organising such a well run show. The quality of the the dogs was very good, making my decisions more difficult in a good way. Nice atmosphere plus friendly sportsmanship prevailed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Correctly proportioned head, good depth of muzzle, neat ears, pleasing in shoulders, ribs carried well back, moving out well holding topline throughout, best of harsh jackets and thickest pelt finished off with carrot tail.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan)
Firstly I’d like to thank The Border Terrier Club Committee for their very kind invitation to judge this Open show, I felt honoured and privileged . I thoroughly enjoyed my day and the hospitality on offer , the lunch certainly hit the spot..thank you Nancy Hogg. My two stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Marina Fleming kept things running smoothly and I am grateful for their support .
To the exhibitors , my thanks go unbounded as I had a lovely selection of good quality dogs to go over and there were certainly some tough decisions in many of the classes. It is an education to finally go over some of the dogs I have admired from the ring side. I am grateful that my decisions were taken, mostly in a sporting manner.
My general findings were , all males were intact , I found no kinked tails ( 1 dog had a bump on the underside of its tail , not a kink in my opinion), jackets were, as usual , at various stages of growth. I was impressed by the fact that all animals before me could be spanned , some a little easier than others.
Once again I feel compelled to comment on the state of nails and feet. In my opinion , many dogs had nails that were too long and some needed drastic fur trimming to enhance the shape of the feet.In my opinion it is a shame to groom your dogs for the ring but forget that ,especially whilst on the table, the judge has a perfect view of any, long nails and/or woolly “ Yeti” feet .
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
quite the little “pocket rocket” this B&T , lovely head and expression with super dark eye …Muzzle with good jaw strength and teeth to match . Lovely straight front and legs fit for purpose ! Decent forechest , to be super picky I’d like to see a little less depth in the brisket . Underline good and fairly level . Topline and tailset good and a nice short tail coming straight off her back .. Rear angles were good , providing a good turn of stifle, which she used to good effect to propel her around the ring … and her tail never stopped wagging !
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Nicely sized b/t shown in a strong jacket, good head, neck and shoulders, well balanced in the hand, easily spanned.
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
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
B&T with a strong head and muzzle with keen dark eye, good topline and tailset, well angulated at both ends. Coat not at its best today.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr. P. Appleby (Hollexby)
Firstly I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge this show, it was an honour and a privilege, secondly thank you to the exhibitors for entering a lovely selection of dogs for me to go over, and lastly but not leastly to my Stewards, Liz Barret and Val Mason for keeping me right.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
2 year old blue and tan, stood well on nice straight front and nicely angulated rear, smart head with good ears and teeth, neat paws moved well
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best In Show
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
What a cracking Blue and Tan this bitch is. I judged her as a puppy and my opinion of her has certainly not changed. Now 2 years old she has developed into such a lovely type who looks so correct when standing. She is a lovely size and easily comes to hand. Head is so typical, lovely dark eye and super keen expression, correct dentition with large teeth and neat V shaped ears. A strong neck set into well placed shoulders She has the straightest of fronts with neat cat like feet which are well padded. A lovely topline and short carroty tail set on so correctly and always wagging as if she was totally enjoying her day out. All finished off in a quality jacket. Moved with such enthusiasiasm with great forward reach and driving from her well developed rear quarters. Loved her. My BEST BITCH and eventually BEST IN SHOW. Many Congratulations.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge their open show held at Jedburgh, the home of the border terrier. It was a great privilege, and I had some amazing dogs present who are a credit to their owners, thank you for bringing them.
Thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly and keeping me on track so we finished at a reasonable time. The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank the whole committee for this.
Best In Show
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
This 2-year-old blue and tan owned the ring from the moment she walked in and went on to become my Best In Show. My notes really only say one thing – She moves - which comes from being made right. Large teeth in a correct scissor bite housed in a strong jaw. Dark eye and small ears all give to an appealing head and varminty expression. She is balanced throughout, standing straight in the front with good rear angles that she really powers from on the move. Presented in fantastic coat of texture depth and pelt.
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Golden Jubilee Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Many Thanks to the Society for inviting me to judge at their Golden Jubilee Open Show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept things running smoothly and also my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors who came under me and gave me a lovely entry.
Most of the exhibits were presented in a good clean condition, but a few could have done with a little finer tuning on their presentation. Just one level bite.
I find the true otter head is disappearing and movement left a lot to be desired, fronts were knitting and rears were moving close behind. Apart from that, I had an enjoyable day, thank you all.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
nice bitch with good otter head, nice expression with dark eye, neat ears, correct dentition, good neck and shoulders, moved well both coming and going, just preferred overall picture on winner.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
B/t. Sensible size with superb dense harsh jacket, good undercoat and thick skin. Density in coat can make her appear heavy but underneath she is easy to span and comes to hand well. Has a strong yet feminine head and moved well.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Placing Critique
Attractive blue of good type. Nice length of body allowing spannable ribs to carry well back to a strong loin and good racy quarters. Level top line and with a well-set tail of good length.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Bitch
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Picer Mirabel Ostler
