Show Placings
Crufts
5th Mar 2009
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
A demanding day with 247 entered, my sincere thanks to all who entered and showed patience when decisions needed time. Also my gratitude goes to our ring stewards who were simply outstandingly efficient. I was very proud of the ticket line-ups and thought the BOB looked superb in the group. What was encouraging was there were many dogs down the line that would not have been out of place there and ?splitting hairs? became a routine technique in several classes to find class winners. Reflecting on the day leaves some lasting impressions. There is no doubt the breed has made great advances in head conformation. Good otter heads with strength in muzzle and strong teeth were very much in evidence. Ears by and large are good but with a trend towards largeness and heaviness which we must reverse. It is very difficult to change the ear shape so embedding any coarseness now must be of concern. Movement too has improved over the years largely driven by progress on stifle angulation but let’s not go too far here as some excess is creeping in. Shoulders still need attention with many severely lacking lay back and of more concern some foreleg assemblies are placed too far forward so fore-chests are vanishing. This produces flashiness but it is wrong. Coats and pelts were generally good and the majority were capable of being spanned. Flat feet were in evidence perhaps driven by a tough winter and lack of exercise but remember this is a sporting breed and needs fitness to be fully appreciated. As a result many nice dogs lost out because of a lack of muscle or flat feet. We have a healthy breed and this was supported by those in the veteran classes and with an 8 year old winning BOB perhaps this is proof enough.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2009
Judge: Mrs Siv Jernhake (Sweden)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Birmingham National Dog Show
7th May 2009
Judge: Mrs Betty Judge (Plushcourt)
I judged the breed just two years ago & I was alarmed at the change for the worse in the type & quality. The number of dogs entered was 115 with few absentees, four more being added to the original entry due to a catalogue error, an entry of which I was pleased with, especially in these financially hard times & terrier day being on a Thursday.
I was really surprised to find exhibitors showing dogs with incorrect dentition & I found several of these. I was puzzled as to why upright shoulders & straight hind legs, some with hocks barely defined had become so prevalent. Generally movement was poor, but with construction so poor & with so many dogs with straight hind legs what else would you expect?
Several single coats & thin skins. Heads, where have all the beautiful otter heads gone. I found round skulls, some with a distinct brow over the eyes, large round shaped ears & they were not close to the cheek. Several dogs & bitches I was unable to span due to round ribs, with no carryback of rib. There were two dogs with kinks in their tails.
More seriously, bad temperaments on a couple of dogs was also depressing, I have never had a Border Terrier snap at me before until this show. In some of the classes, when the dogs came into the ring, overall quality was so poor I nearly lost the will to live.
However, I was very pleased with my CC & RCC winners & both my BD & BB puppy winners, & several other class winners, so there are still some breeders out there with the correct interpretation of the Standard. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the less experienced breeders & exhibitors to take note of these experienced breeders? & exhibitors? good dogs & learn from them.
I was delighted to see my BOB go G4 in a very strong group & then to see my BP winner go PG3 in an equally strong puppy group.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
dark grizzle, skull OK. Has a fairly deep stop, could have a better topline, but underline OK, moved OK
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2009
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
good size, lost on movement
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
30th May 2009
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2009
Judge: Mr Ernie Hill (Tynecourt)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
nicely balanced dog, good front, tight feet, well angulated hindquarters, coat better than the last time I judged him
Blackpool & District CS
26th Jun 2009
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2009
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to express my appreciation to the exhibitors for their support. On the whole, rear movement was satisfactory. However I observed front movement on some exhibits was unsatisfactory. I found one mouth with a misplaced tooth and another with a just passable level bite. Presentation of most dogs was of a high standard but some exhibits shown today would benefit greatly from regular daily exercise.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2009
Judge: Mr. Bill Browne-Cole
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at this show. I thought the breed generally especially in the early classes was of a very high standard. Head shapes were very good, I only had one bad bite although some teeth could have been larger. Eyes generally were very good. I would have preferred to see some smaller ears. Body shapes were very good although a tad long. Movement was generally good going but I was a little disappointed with the front movement; ie small strides & too much knee action.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
Very good head & expression, preferred topline of one. Ample bone. Needs a new jacket.
Manchester Canine Society
21st Jan 2010
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It was, again, a pleasure to judge the breed. I thought that there was a lack of depth in quality in some classes though those which were placed were more representative of the Breed Standard. A few entries lacked true breed type and one almost questioned what other breed was involved in their lineage. The most recurring fault was in front movement which was a testament to some loaded shoulders.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
National Terrier
3rd Apr 2010
Judge: Mrs Valerie Furness (Quatford)
A big thank you to the National Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this prestigious show and thank you to my stewards especially Fred who as always put everybody and everything in order and kept the judging on the move and flowing.
I was looking for a true Border and was pleased with all my placings to-day, all of good quality. What I did notice was a lot of quantity but not a lot of quality. Front and hind movement looks to be getting worse, some exhibits were so lacking in bone that the front legs would make good knitting needles and some were actually doing knit one, pearl one when moving back towards me. I could see front pads on some as they were moving away. Hind movement was either too close or too wide, over-angulation needs to be watched. Top lines on the whole were good but there were some strange under-lines. A lot of exhibits were so short in muzzle that this made for very tight dentition, small feet were few and far between and tails in some were far too long, where have all the “carrots” gone. I only found three incorrect mouths and two abnormal tails. Some exhibits would benefit from more handling/ring-craft experience as their poor performance affected placings.
I think the Breed Standard would make good reading for some exhibitors.
On a positive note, temperaments overall where very good.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Moira Barrass (Gallondean)
It was a great privilege to be invited to judge the Scottish Border Terrier Club open show at Gretna. My thanks go to the committee, the wonderful ladies who did the catering, my very efficient steward Eddie Houston and all the exhibitors for giving me the pleasure of judging their dogs. The atmosphere was wonderful, win or lose you all clapped for 1st to 4th. I found most of the dogs easily spanned, set down in good coats, clean scissor bites and neat feet. One or two dogs could lose a 1lb or 2 but all had good temperament and great muscle tone.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Scottish Kennel Club
28th Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs A M Gregory
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to judge their championship show. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I enjoyed day very much one or two dogs needed a wee tidy up coats were not too bad but movement still needs attention.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
South Wales KA
8th Oct 2010
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Oct 2010
Judge: Mrs A K Bergh (Sweden)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge, it was a great honour to be asked. A big thank you also to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over your dogs. Many thanks to my able stewards Doreen Rushby and John Todd, they were a great help to me and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I found the general quality very good and I had some hard decisions. Temperaments were very good. Movements are difficult to judge in a small indoor area, but I noticed some exhibits that really stood out in hind action. Coats and pelts were certainly better than I have seen in Sweden lately, as well as toplines. I liked my winner very much and wish her good luck for the future!
The entry was good for this time of the year I was told, 120 dogs making 129 entries, with some absent.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle, attractive dog, strong head with strong muzzle, good scull, well set ears, ribs carried well back, narrow body, good coat texture, good mover, stood out in drive behind in this class
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Open Show
27th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
I was very pleased with the entry I received for this well run and friendly show, hut owing to the bad weather and motorway closed for some time, some exhibitors were unable to attend, so thanks to those who did arrive and gave me the pleasure to go over their dogs.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
Pleasing head, correct conformation, harsh jacket, held topline well on the move, spanned easily. Res BD.
Scottish BTC Limited Show
30th Jan 2011
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
It was on my part a great honour and privilege to be asked to judge this club show. As usual the reception and hospitality north of the border was of the highest order. I would like to thank the committee and members of this fine club, and offer a huge thank you to my steward on the day Mr E Houston.
Overall, and with only a handful of exceptions, I found movement generally to be below standard, but, maybe due to the recent cold weather, coats on the whole were very good.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Southern BTC Championship Show
11th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
It was a great honour and privilege to judge your wonderful breed. Thanks to all, the committee, my stewards and everybody who made my day so wonderful. Thanks to all the exhibitors for their excellent sporting attitude. The hospitality was outstanding and many thanks for the beautiful present. I have been thinking of the overall standard and I have to say your dogs represent a very high quality.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2011
Judge: Mr. Stuart Plane (Stuane)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this show and I was truly grateful for such a very good entry
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Southern Counties Championship Show
2nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Geoff Corish
A lovely entry. I thoroughly enjoyed judging the breed again & was able to find some lovely Borders. It was a great pleasure to watch my BOB go G4 as well.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Class Critique
Nice class & some really nice dogs being shown
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
I would first like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar. I have looked forward to the appointment for several years and I must say I was not disappointed with my day. The entry was full of quality, especially in the bitch classes, with the open bitch class being the best class I have ever judged.
I have been concerned, over the past few years, on how the breed would develop after the fox hunting ban. If todays entry is typical of the breed as a whole, I can only say it is in safe hands. Movement is still a problem but a much smaller problem than the last time I judged. The number of exhibits with short carrot tails pleased me greatly and the majority of the entry had good double coats, some exceptional and thick pelts. There were a few exhibits with level bites and one with a crowded mouth. One exhibit had a kinked tail.
The show was very quiet with little noise from the exhibits, well done everyone, terriers need a bit of spark but should not show aggression to each other and the temperaments here today were to be commended to the dog`s owners.
I didn’t have any under fed dogs showing all had a good covering of flesh but there were a number of poor, soft muscled dogs which needed more exercise.` The ability to follow a horse` is there in the breed standard, get the dogs out and get them fit.
I thank my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and attentiveness which made the day run smoothly.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2012
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
I was honoured to judge at this what I consider a BIS of championship shows. I would like to extend my thanks to the society for the invite, the warm hospitality and friendly relaxed atmosphere made for a superior judging experience. Also much thanks to my ring steward Mr Eddie Bishop, who did a splendid job in his management of the ring in a professional and efficient manner. A super entry of 188 which understandably presented me with many varieties of type. Mouths across the entry were good with only one level bite. A few with chipped teeth and the missing tooth (which should not penalise all things being equal an otherwise quality exhibit in a working breed) no kinks in tails and all males were entire .It was also pleasing to see more shown in the correct double jacket, but sadly some of dogs that appealed to me for breed type paid the penalty as although their jackets pleased for depth they lacked the weatherproof quality essential in a working terrier coat. I was very pleased to see my entry thankfully lacking the “showy boxy terrier types†of late.
It was a pleasure to judge dogs of correct border type, temperament, fit , healthy exhibits who were presented in such good condition. Needless to say the exhibits were a credit to their owners and throughout the day the quality was first rate making lots of my decisions close ones with many leaving without a placing. The puppy classes in particular were numerical high and it was a pity I had to discard many good exhibits of the breed. But this quality can only bode well for the future. It was also nice to be told that the exhibits in the Good citizens classes apart from gaining a good citizen award the entry also had dogs who took part in Obedience, Agility and Gundog send aways proving once again that borders can really turn their paw to all manner of activities outside of their already busy show calendar.
I felt that my principle winners fulfilled the “Essentially a working terrier†breed standard requirement with that extra something that makes top winner .
I was delighted to learn that I had the top entry in the terrier group Thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, particularly appreciated in these difficult economic times and for making it such an enjoyable day
Best Veteran
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
7yr old dark grizzle and tan who belies his age with a lovely head and strength to muzzle, large teeth and correct bite a well balanced dog, narrow straight front, presented in harsh topcoat and thick pelt. Fit and sound on the move he was handled well and his super hard condition secured him Best Veteran. His owners should be proud
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2013
Judge: Mrs G Small (Bethane)
I enjoyed my day with The Yorks. Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club’s Open Show. Thanks to every one who braved the atrocious arctic weather conditions. Thorpe Willoughby village Hall offers an excellent venue, plenty of space for the dogs & their pens with good kitchen facilities. Perhaps not so many there but it was a nice show, well run. I found my BIS in a young grizzle dog, Stoneygin Chesta Coppapot, so much to like about him. Best puppy was Comberdown Thistle, a lovely b/t bitch that won well in a strong class.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank my stewards for all their hard work on the day, and to the committee for inviting me to judge there show. Also to the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. I was pleased with my winners and placed dogs. I found that some had short muzzle coupled with round eyes which does not give a border expression.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
Smart active masculine dog In hard condition with good pelt. Best Veteran
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation to judge, my two stewards and the exhibitors for their entries. It was an honour to judge this numerically strong entry 169 with 29 absent, the breed being represented from around the UK made it a very enjoyable day.
Front movement is still a problem in the breed, with heavy upright shoulders in many. Size varied as did coats. There are some long necks creeping into the breed, which look very stylish, the standard does state “Neck of moderate length†and a few long tails again incorrect. Saying that it was a very nice entry to judge and in some classes
I would have liked to have been able to award more placings, and could have awarded more CC’s.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
Another 7 year old, a good dog, plenty to like. In good fit condition. Lovely coat texture, and built on racy lines. Two nice veterans.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Veteran - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
Class Critique
Veteran classes are always a pleasure to judge. I think much can be concluded about a breed from the strength of it’s veterans. In this and the Veteran Bitch class I had some fit quality seniors who are a credit to the breed and their owners
Crufts
7th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a record entry for the breed of 303 exhibits making 340 entries and indeed the largest entry for a single Judge at this prestigious show, also for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted. Thank you also to my two Stewards, Roger and Heather Chaston, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, for their assistance in ensuring that I was able to get through this huge entry in plenty of time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Group.
It was an interesting entry with some difficult decisions having to be made such was the high standard of exhibits present. I felt that movement had improved since the last time I judged. Heads and expressions were good, although a few were a shade heavy in ear. Mouths overall were much improved with a marked reduction in the number of dogs presented with overcrowded jaws of small teeth, only the odd few having either a chipped, or in the case of an older exhibit, a missing tooth. The majority of teeth were clean with just a small number needing more attention in this area. All dogs were entire.
I was pleased that so many were presented with the correct double jacket that the standard asks for, unfortunately some exhibits that really appealed for type and size had very little evidence of, or no, jacket and on another day could have done better. Attention to feet was very evident, many of whom I believe may have benefited from plenty of roadwork, resulting in tight thick pads and short claws. Inevitably with any entry of this magnitude I had to let a number of worthy exhibits leave the ring without a prize card, which I really did not enjoy doing.
Veteran - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Master Minstral At Beaconpike
