Show Placings
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank my stewards Lesley and Peter Armstrong-Rodgers for the excellent way they controlled the ring in a peaceful and confident way ensuring a good natured atmosphere to reign.
The exhibitors also deserve thanks for entering and accepting my decisions in a sporting way and spectators applauding each class in turn.
The quality of the majority of the exhibits was good but some of them had suspect front movement which seems to be common in certain Borders.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
8 month old blue and tan of top quality, excellent movement front and rear, a little frisky on the table but found out afterwards that it was his first show. Excellent movement both front and rear, correct harsh coat and pliable pelt. Best Puppy in Breed. Pleased to see that he was placed 2nd in a very strong Terrier Puppy Group
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
RDCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Puppy
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
What a cracker ! Super puppy out of the top draw who I am sure if he continues to mature on the same lines will definitely be a star of the future. So beautifully balanced throughout and built on clean and flowing lines. Best of heads, correct eye, keen expression and neat ears. Very clean over the neck and shoulders, firm body and well developed hindquarters. Excellent pelt and coat and put down to perfection. Moved so soundly, Res.CC & BP.
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
DCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Puppy
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Into the ring came this confident blue and tan of quality, lovely head and eye, neat ear,well placed shoulders spans well with a good topline, lovely tail set and carriage, sound with plenty of reach in front and drive from behind. Put in a great performance , in super condition . In the challenge I felt he had to win CC and BOB
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2019
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
I would first like to thank all the exhibitors for a lovely entry, and for making the effort to travel to the N.E.C on a dark winter’s morning. There was a variation in breed type to a degree, which is always the case, but I was very happy with both my final lineups and only wish I could hand out more awards.
RDCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Puppy
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
11 ½ month blue and tan that oozes quality throughout. Beautiful head with keen dark eye, well placed ears good reach of neck. Narrow front with tight feet, level topline with short carrot tail, harsh double coat with plenty ticking and having a thick loose pelt. Well-muscled hindquarters. Moved around the ring with drive, holding a beautiful outline throughout. A very bright future ahead. RDCC and BP
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
DCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
CC & BOB, b/t that ozzies quality throughout, enter the ring with that 'look at me attitude' very well balanced otter head, dark eye, good dentition, lovely run-& layback, easily spanned, firm loin, parallel low set hocks, thick pelt, super coat, lovely ticking, movement a joy to watch, pleased to award him his 2nd CC, sure the third is not far away,
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
b/t full of life, finer made than 1, all in proportion, typical border head, with dark expressive eye, short muzzle, neatest of ears, easy spannable, harsh jacket with plenty of ticking, neat feet, good body length, finished with a carroty tail. Moved with drive.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge BorderTerriers, and thank you to my two very efficient stewards who kept things moving along in the ring.
Sadly today, rudeness to the stewards and a lack of sportsmanship seem to be on the increase.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
DCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Eye catching dog in perfect blue and tan coat with super ticking throughout. Lovely masculine head and expression. Good bone. Good topline and tailset. Well angulated quarters. He moved out well in all directions. No hesitation in awarding him DCC (his third), and BoB.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue, another put down to the minute in coat and condition whose tail never stopped wagging. Close up and nothing to dislike just preferred overall picture of 1st
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Top notch blue epitomising breed type, well moulded skull with sufficient strength of fore face and engaging, typical expression. Lovely straight, narrow front with best of legs and feet. Correct width and depth of chest, good length of body and strength of loin, effortlessly stands completely balanced. Good harsh, dense coat, indeed put down to perfection. Moved like he should from his superior construction, ground covering in profile and true fore and aft. Well deserved CC and BIS
Looks ready for anything
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
CC and BIS Liked this b/t boy for size and breed type. Nothing exaggerated, he has a lovely otter head of moderate proportions, dark eye with keen expression, good depth of muzzle, good reach of neck into well placed shoulders, narrow body, easily spanned and covered in a thick harsh coat with plenty of ticking, level topline, which he kept on the move, and good set on of tail, well muscled hindquarters which he used to move round the ring with drive. Keen and active, he was still on his toes at the end of a very long day. My co judge and I had no hesitation in awarding him BIS
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
CC and BOB Beautifully presented blue & tan in excellent condition – here was the ultimate showman -he never stopped showing. Moved with drive and purpose round the ring and carried his tail correctly. His coat was harsh, of true blue colour and there was plenty of thick pelt. Small neatest of feet, groomed perfectly. Correct size and weight, and nicely angulated. Worthy winner.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the hard work and smooth running of the show. I would also like to thank my two stewards for doing an excellent job. The exhibitors seemed to enjoy the show judging by the popularity of my top honours. Unlike one particular exhibitor who needed his teddy putting back in his cot judging by his unsporting behaviour. 4 were found to be unspannable with a couple of bad mouths, also some were far to thin, which is unacceptable and one or two could have smelled a little sweeter. It's all well and good getting dressed up, you are letting your dogs down if they pong.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Another blue and tan with the harshest of jackets, easily spanned and a good underline. Level topline and tailset, expertly handled and shown to perfection. Not quite enough of him for me.
Border Union Championship Show
4th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors and my two stewards who kept going throughout a rather damp session during the judging of the bitch classes. One of the essentials of a working terrier is being able to withstand a little rain but there were a few exhibits with thin skins and short of coat. I found that some lacked muscle, particularly behind, which affected the driving movement necessary for the breed’s function. My other main concern was the lack of width in the jaws of some, detracting from the desired, ‘like that of an otter’, head shape. This is a most identifying feature of the breed and needs to be carefully adhered to.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Another really good dog. Correct size, well laid shoulder correct head and jaw. Very close decision with 1. Res CC
Class Critique
Best class by far, many could achieve higher placings another day
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Best In Show
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
DCC
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Every square inch of this dogs harsh double coat has the right amount of ticking, he has a masculine head with a broad skull and nice fold of ear, lovely flowing neck down to a top line that carries on to the tip of his tail, moved around the ring with ease. Dog CC & B.O.B.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Pleasing quality dog. Eye catching blue put down in excellent condition. Liked his general appearance. Good head with neat ears. Holds his excellent body shape on the move. Worthy champion. Just didn’t move as well as first placed dog.
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
blue and tan, a worthy champion. He has a lovely outline and tailset. Nice masculine head with pleasing earset. His muzzle was strong and has a good scissor bite. Pleasing in neck and ribs. Balanced throughout and is a great showman.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
I last judged this dog as a puppy at his first show when I awarded him Best Puppy in Breed. He has not disappointed me in any way. He has matured into an excellent dog that any owner would be proud of. Perfect body shape and excellent coat. His movement is precise.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
What super class of quality dogs in the cards and beyond. I was truly spoilt for choice.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
good colour blue and tan with a good double coat and thick, loose pelt. Good otter head with keen expression; nice length to body, narrow and spannable. Level topline and a lovely short tail which never stops wagging. He moved soundly on good feet; a balanced, free mover and a happy showman. RDCC
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and tan with lovely head and expression. Good bite, dark eye and well set ears. A very balanced dog, with good rib and easily spanned. Not too heavy in bone, standing on the neatest, well padded feet. Good top line and tail set, with lovely short tail. Shown in fabulous condition as one would expect from this kennel, he has a good harsh topcoat with thick undercoat and pelt. A very sound moving dog and lovely to see a dog who’s enjoying himself.
Class Critique
A difficult class to judge all of a very different type but all having good qualities.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Of an ideal size who shouts quality and stands balanced all ways. Super head, all in correct proportions with good bite and well placed ears held close to the head. An excellent neck leads to a narrow front with well laid shoulder, straightest of legs and tight well padded feet. His good topline shows a well conditioned body and angulated rear end. A great example of a b & t, his harsh topcoat is tight with a dense undercoat on a thick pelt. He moved efficiently with an economic stride. Handled with ease. RDCC
Class Critique
3 worthy champions all hard to fault and really splitting hairs here – all 3 spanned well.
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.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Bl/t nicely made all through. Head OK but could be stronger in foreface. Good neck & shoulder, good bone, good quarters so well made all through and in a decent coat., He is an enthusiastic showman and moved very well, I liked him a lot so pleased to award him the CC & BOB.
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.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Another lovely dog, B/T, with lovely thick pelt and correct ticking. Similar in size to 1. His head is of good proportion with neat ears and correct bite. Another who is just right for bone. Narrow throughout, good length of rib and easy to span, just not quite the lay back of shoulder as 1. Lovely top line and tail set. Stands on neat, well-padded feet. Moved soundly round the ring. RDCC.
Class Critique
A strong class of good quality dogs, again difficult to judge as all different types.
York Canine Association Open Show
30th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan Dog his expression was Alert and keen, correct head of good proportions strong underjaw with big teeth and correct bite, lovely reach of neck leads into correct shoulder which are well laid back, narrow front easily spanned good length of body with ribs carried well back, racy muscular hind quarters thick pelt and jacket short carrot tail, level topline correct feet whilst stood. Came to hand well. Moved around the ring with reach, drive and purpose from all angles keeping his topline all the time. Best of Breed.
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.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
Another fabulous class of quality males.
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 .
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
Another lovely class where I was splitting hairs on some placings .
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.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
eye catching b/t dog, pleasing in outline with a good reach of neck, topline and tailset. Super harsh blue coat on a good thick pelt. Nicely angulated behind allowing him to move around the ring efficiently.
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
B/T What an eye catching blue and tan male that never stopped showing, shown and presented in tip top condition. Lovely head and expression with dark eye, good reach of neck, narrow front standing on neat tight feet, just right for bone, good top line and tail set , correct harsh double coat which was one of the best on the day, his movement is so true I was delighted to award him the dog CC and BOB
Class Critique
What a super class to judge with 4 worthy champions!
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 Dog
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Superb Blue & Tan dog possessing both quality and balance together. Masculine head of correct proportions and expression, good eye shape and colour, neat ears, strong muzzle and correct bite. Straight front construction with good lay back of shoulder. Correct amount of bone. Well constructed throughout. Good length of rib. Easily spanned. Carroty tail of good size and shape running straight off his topline. Shown in excellent harsh coat and a pliable thick pelt with good ticking density overall. Presented in firm muscular condition. Moved steadily with purpose and drive around the ring in harmony with his handler. Delighted to award him BEST DOG and subsequently with my co-judge BEST OF BREED and subsequently winning TG2.
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 .
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Close up to CC winner, blue and tan also shown in good coat and condition but just preferred the scope and ground covering movement of winner.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
three outstanding dogs that do and will change places but for me this boy scores on his free flowing movement.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
One ive always admired & today he didn’t dissapoint. Blue & tan,turned out in top condition,moderatley broad head,strong muzzle & underjaw,big teeth with correct dentation,cleanest of necks,well laid shoulders,striaght front ,stood on well padded feet,well of for bone without being overdone,easily spanned,comes to hand well,strong through the loin,well set tail,well muscled thigh and second thigh,in the best of harsh jackets & thick pelt,moves with drive and purpose,pleased to award him DCC.
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.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Another quality Border Terrier out of the top draw. Judged him as a puppy, liked him then and so pleased to see how he has developed and fulfilled those early expectations. Another who to me is the correct size and is well built throughout and handles so well when you go over him. Balanced head, so typical with the neatest of ears and an alert expression. Excellent legs and feet, clean front, firm body of pleasing length and the best of quarters. His presentation is second to none and on the day was in the best of coats. Moved well on a ground covering stride, Res.CC.
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.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
This lovely B/T is a such an animated showman who stands out for his most shapely, fluid clean outline, he holds himself so well and was presented in perfect tip top order. Lovely head type and neck into a super flowing topline, narrow throughout with a good length of body, ribbed back and firm loin. Well-matched quarters standing on excellent straight legs with correct bone, tight feet. Very balanced in outline, he handles well is easily spannable and has quality. A splendid harsh double jacket of correct colour and ticking finishes the picture. Used his hindquarters to advantage to give drive in profile, one of the soundest of movers fore and aft. RDCC
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
The best BL/T coloured dog today his ticking is 1st class, a very alert 4-year-old show dog, masculine head with plenty of face furnishings making his face and cheeks look wider than it is. Small ears close to cheeks, lovely length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders, slim front and front legs, very neat and tidy feet, short carroty tail never stops wagging.
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.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and tan of the best color with the right amount of ticking. Took my eyes entering the ring with his happy and “look at me” attitude . Lovely typey outline. Masculine head with well setted ears and typical expression. Excellent reach of neck flowing into a firm and straight topline. Narrow all through, easily spannable with ribs carried well back and firm loins. Nice underline. The right length of body. Very balanced in front and rear angulations which he uses so efficiently on the move covering his ground soundly without effort. Excellent harsh coat and pelt. Presented in perfect fit condition. A dog I would be pleased to see at work. Was pleased to award him CC
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
Three excellent dogs, presented in perfect condition. It was an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to go over them. Close decision between all 3.
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.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan, with a pleasing expression, again with a good length of neck, flowing into laid back shoulders and narrow front, standing on small neat feet. Easily spanned with flat ribs and narrow throughout, good rear angulation, moved very well and a proper showman.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
B&T. Pleasing head with moderately broad, flat skull with little stop, neck fits neatly into well laid shoulders. Presents well and never stops showing, standing on good legs and feet. Looked good in profile both standing and on the move, covering the ground with reach and drive. Easily spanned and shown in excellent blue and tan jacket, a superb tail, moderately short and thick at the base, completed the picture.
Class Critique
Probably one of the best classes of males I have judged in a long time. It was a privilege to have such quality dogs all in the same class to judge, and some tough decisions had to be made. The first three in particular are out of the top drawer and excellent examples of the breed.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
close decision between 1 & 2. Coat excellent in quality and quantity. Neatly made front; good rib, nice carrot tail used to effect; well angulated and balanced. Moved out very well, driving smoothly, and accurate from front and rear. Never stopped showing. Dog CC
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,
RDCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan with correct ticking, in my mind Screams border terrier, Otter type in Head strong underjaw, lovely front with ample bone, neat feet with thick pads, good length in body well-muscled, moved with Drive i think he could work all day, RCC
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Class Critique
What a class ! All quality dogs
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
DCC
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Mature blue and tan shown in first class condition, harsh,dense coat and thick skin, stands on good tight feet, moves out soundly and holds his topline, not too big, good reach of neck and well placed shoulder. CC and BOB
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
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and tan dog with bags of quality that I previously gave an RCC from puppy class a few years ago. Pleasing head with a keen dark eye and good ear set. Narrow front, easily spanned dog. He excels in topline and tailset and has the best of blue coats, being thick and dense with correct “banding”, finished with a thick loose pelt. , he moved around the ring with purpose. Close decision for top honours.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Yorkpiece Fiery Lucifer
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, handy sized dog and another presenting balance while free standing. Good head and expression with a keen dark eye and well set ears. Straight front legs, and just right for bone, leading into small, well padded feet. Excellent rib and so easily spanned. Lovely topline, firm in loin and short, well set tail. Good racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Beautifully presented as one comes to expect from this kennel, sporting an excellent harsh blue topcoat, good undercoat and thick pelt. On his toes on the move with good drive, and true coming and going. Loved the happy and keen attitude of this boy, he didn’t stop wagging his tail, a strong contender in the challenge
