Show Placings
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Good head and expression and good mouth. He has a straight front, level topline and good tail set, good bone and feet topped with a hard jacket and good pelt. Moved well.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Such a smart puppy, loved his length of neck and body, good rib going into strong quarters, good in jacket with a thick loose pelt very much my type
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Kind expression with super dark eye on this lovely headed puppy. Perhaps a little well off for bone at this age. Good length of body with lovely tail, well set on. Apart from turning a paw out in the final decision time, he did very well and moved soundly throughout.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Another promising pup, also nicely ribbed back like the winner, narrow and with balanced overall proportions. Good head which should mature nicely, and in good coat.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th May 2017
Judge: Mr. J. Thomas (Blaisdon)
Thank you to officers and committee for inviting me to judge and to stewards for excellent work and also to the exhibitors for supporting the show.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
8mth G/T dog good head and expression straight front good level topline well set tail moved well.
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Promising puppy with an excellent coat and pelt. Pleasing in head and eye, good reach of neck, firm topline. Moved well.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Smart 9mth old outgoing Grizzle & Tan pup of good breed type lovely otter head dark eye, and excellent bite shown in harsh jacket and good pelt correct for size balance, correct through the neck shoulders and well-ribbed back He moved out really well from racy hindquarters.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Nice pup, good otter like head with nice expression. Well boned and balanced. Spans easily ,good coat and pelt, nice front assembly, moved well.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Red grizzle, dark eye and good mouth. Nice outline, thick harsh jacket, moved out well.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Up to size but spannable grizzle dog in good coat. Nice head, good mouth and nice eye. Moved out positively. Needs to mature.
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Peterborough & District Canine Society Open Show
16th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Alison Matthews (Tojamatt)
Pleased to be invited to judge, thanks to my steward and special thanks to everybody that entered bringing some really nice dogs to the ring for me to go over.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Red grizzle dog of nearly ten months, he is up to size so hoping he doesn’t grow any more. He is nicely put together with a good head and good expression and a kind dark eye with good dentition. Nice shoulders and narrow ribs carried well back. Coat good and good angulation He moves with real purpose around the ring as if he enjoys being there. B.P.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Leek & DCS Open Show
29th Jul 2017
Judge: Mr G Richardson
Thank you to the society for inviting me to judge at their show and all the exhibitors who entered and allowed me to judge their dogs on the day. I was pleased with all the dogs placed on the day and to see my B.O.B .go on to take B.I.S.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
10 month old promising puppy dog . Correct otter head , scissor bite ,straight front, easily spanned and narrow throughout. Loose pelt and harsh coat , moved true both ways . B.P.
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Well balanced and proportioned b. Pleasing head with dark eyes. Can grow into his ears. Strong neck. Well laid shoulder. Chest to elbow. Well ribbed back. Holds a level topline. Nice thick tail. Moderate rear. Went with a lengthy stride. Super jacket.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Well grown dark grizzle with very nice head and big teeth. Narrow throughout with better shoulders than 2 giving a better front action. Good topline and firm body in excellent coat and condition just lost out for bpd, preferring the minor puppy's straighter forelegs, nevertheless a very nice dog who moved well.
Maiden - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Special Challenge - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
10m; sired by OD winner; v nice type; ex head with breadth & short, strong muzzle; well constructed but can firm in pastern; correctly narrow & fairly long; ribbed back; racy quarters; ex jacket; a quality youngster; BPIB.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Little longer cast than 1, but well bodied, good head with neat ear set, nice shoulders, would prefer a more steadier move to show the dog off to advantage.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Promising 11 month grizzle who was well presented. Has a typical well proportioned masculine head with nice expression. Straight front, nice length of body with good front and rear angulations. Harsh coat and loose pelt. Moved well. Just had edge on maturity over 2nd placed.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Promising youngster. Typical head and eye, giving good expression. Good body for age. Easily spanned. Good coat texture. Moved well.
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
upstanding racy male, pleasing masculine head, straight front, well ribbed back with good underline, good front and rear angulation, level topline. Steady true mover. Balanced outline. Would prefer a shorter tail. BPD
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Firstly may I thank the SBTC Committee for inviting me to judge this Open Show. I felt very honoured. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The ring ran smoothly with the help of my stewards and the whole venue had a pleasing and pleasant atmosphere. It was nice to see some old and many new faces. May I also thank the exhibitors for handling their dogs confidently and accepting my decisions. I was very impressed with the quality of the dogs and I only found one bad mouth and two sprung ribs. I had a few challenging decisions to make and uncoated dogs had to be penalised. Mostly the dogs were all in fit condition and able to do a day’s work. I was very impressed with my final line up and to have such sound dogs
representing the breed.
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
11mth grizzle dog, good head, mouth, ear and eye. Good movement, another with a good front. BDP & RBPIS
Maiden - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
23rd Sep 2017
Judge: Miss J Price
Thank you to the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge this show and for their great hospitality. It was an honour to stand in for Cynthia Knight who sadly passed away in April 2015. My stewards for the day, Cally and Anna did a sterling job in keeping things running smoothly, thank you, to both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and I was delighted with my top winners. In general some exhibits, even though made well were just too big and heavy, these would never get to ground to do the job, therefore not fit for purpose. I like a dog to be masculine and a bitch feminine, but both have to spannable and not overloaded in their shoulders, sadly quite a few exhibits were just this and were penalised for it. I found one exhibit to have a testicle with an abnormality. Some of the younger dogs were up to size already and have yet to stop growing. It will be interesting to see how some of them turn out.
Not everybody accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, but the general atmosphere was great. I didn’t go to the pub at lunch time but did see the pictures afterwards. Glad you all had a great time!
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee
Placing Critique
Racier and narrower than 2.
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Selby Canine Society Open Show
28th Oct 2017
Judge: Bitches: Mrs. K. Golding (Beaconpike) Dogs: Ms. J. Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Border Terrier (Dogs)
Judge Julie Green Breckgreen/Stowthorney
Firstly thank you for the committee for inviting me to judge Border Terrier Dogs at their open show. Some lovely exhibits. Thank you for entering.
Border Terrier Bitch critique.
Judge Katrina Golding ( Beaconpike)
Thank you Selby Canine for inviting me to judge the border terrier bitchs at your open show, this was my first time judging at open show level and thoroughly enjoyed my day, thank you for your hospitality
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously.
I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Very attractive upstanding boy that catches your eye. He was shown in good coat and body condition. He has a good otter like head. Well angulated fore aft to allow ease of movement and this and his overall balance won him his first position in this strong class of quality males.
Class Critique
This was a class full of quality and I’m pretty sure placings will change with these lads on other occasions.
Special Challenge - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
RDCC
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Good all round border, masculine in head with strong jaw and teeth. Good shoulder and rib, spans well. Good coat and pelt in good condition. Moved out well to take RCC.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan what a nice dog another I liked for breed type, lovely strong head with thick ears and correct bite, narrow front, good flat rib with good length, well angulated behind standing on neat feet with thick pads, shown in good double jacket with super pelt, he is easily spanned, moved out well pleased to award him Reserve Best Dog.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
please see 1st in junior dog
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
I liked both dogs but felt this dog showed better and he had good movement. Has nice head with neat ears and keen expression. Good working type of border dog with level back and a strong coat.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle. 15 mth. Clean throughout, with overall lovely shape and balance. Very attractive, a good otter head, with strength, dark eye & tidy ears. He catches your eye. He was shown in good coat and body condition. Well angulated front with clean shoulders. Narrow through body with good ribbing. Well angled rear. Sporting a smart jacket. His movement was smooth & positive and this and his overall balance won him first place in this strong class of quality males.
Class Critique
Strong class, quality in the top 4.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
16 months, beautifully headed dog with racy outline and quarters. Correct in bone and feet and show in very good coat. Good leg length and proportions. Can firm up a little in front, excellent rear. I liked him a lot.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2018
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to thank the club for the invitation to judge and the hospitality I received. Thanks also to my steward Mr Ian Hopper for his great assistance. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day.
I was impressed with the quality of the majority of dogs present and although some were top size all placed dogs were easily spanned and had correct bite.. I felt overall movement was good, coats were variable some full and some lacking however in the run up to Crufts this is to be expected. The majority had good pelts which was pleasing. Mouths were generally good most with large teeth but I was disappointed to see many with dirty teeth.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
16mth grizzle/tan dog well proportioned head with strong muzzle, dark eye, top line good with well set tail would prefer slightly longer neck. He moved well with good quarters, was presented in excellent coat.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle and tan. Different stamp to 1 slightly bigger all round but still easily spannable. Good head with strong muzzle, dark eyes and well set ears. Good shoulders and angulations front and rear. Well ribbed back. Good topline and tailset. Excellent hindquarters which he used well on the move. Shown in an excellent topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. Free and sound on the move, but just a little loose in the wrists. Hopefully this will tighten up with age.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Class Critique
None of the dogs here were small.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
19 months old grizzle with a lovely head, dark eye, big teeth, good front and rear assembly, spannable and ribbed well back, moved well on small neat feet holding his topline on the move. Well set thick tail. Great coat and pelt.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
a lot of similarities between these two dogs and I note that they share the same sire. An upstanding dog who was presented in excellent condition. Has a strong head and jaw, large teeth, narrow front and is well proportioned throughout. He was in a good jacket and retained his topline on the move, just needs to tighten slightly in front.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Very nice headed dog, nice length of neck, good top line tail correct, in A1 jacket, moved well both ways liked him a lot,
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
30th May 2018
Judge: Mr Joe Ashe (Ebrooks)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Attractive red grizzle in excellent coat, presented very well, good construction with correct angulation at both ends, good head.
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Quality Grizzle and tan that had balance to his outline with a good length of body. His head is lovely with broad skull and strong muzzle, excellent bite with large teeth. He has excellent bone & good straight narrow front. Pleasingly narrow all through with super ribs carried well back. Topline spot on with excellent tailset. He moved out well with a good long stride, spanned ok. Considered him in the challenge.
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Classy well put together youngster with an attractive otter head with pleasing expression and short, strong muzzle. Reach of neck into correct topline with well set on carroty tail, super underline with length of body, ribs well back and strong loin. Good in outline with balanced well angulated quarters. Liked his moderation, with nice bone. Best mover in this class, striding out well in profile with drive. Good grizzle jacket and pelt.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
A big dog but just spannable thanks to narrow ribs well back, strong head, large teeth with scissor bite, lovely racey lines and tail set, good jacket, plenty of angulation front and back, moved with drive if a little loose on front
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Good sturdy dog and well boned, up to size. Good front, and well angulated hind quarters. In good coat. Moved well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
) Broad skull with ears set right, strong jaws and teeth, slender front and easily spanned, nice shape to his ribs and body and good tone of muscle on his hind legs showing of his angulation.
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog with strong head large teeth correct bite dark eye, short strong muzzle. Good shoulders and neck a larger dog but with flat rib, still spannable. Moved well. Coat was harsh and dense held his topline on the move
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
A little strong in skull, good eye and uses his ears. Firm, typical lines. Good behind with short strong hocks. Just a touch untidy coming at you at this time.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Gr&T, up to size now but could span him. Strong head, big teeth, dark, oval eye and nice ear set. Narrow with good reach of neck, level topline held on the move. Spanned OK. Moved with absolute ease, long stride and was accurate coming and going. Double coat which was harsh and in good order. Liked length of back and overall construction.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
SUPER MASCULINE HEAD, DARK EYES,BIG TEETH, CORRECT SCISSOR BITE, LEVEL TOPLINE, NICE TAIL SET.OK IN FRONT, NICE REAR ANGULATION, MOVES BETTER FROM REAR THAN FRONT.IN EXCELLENT COAT.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
good headed grizzle and tan, good feet and coat, level topline, moved out well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Fantastic rib when viewing this dog from above. Lovely otterhead and good reach of neck flowing into a lovely length of body. Excellent tailset. Excellent double jacket, with harsh topcoat.
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Class Critique
Liked this class, nicest class of the day. Many good dogs had to go cardless. All five placings were good moving dogs
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
10th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would firstly like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to judge their February Open Show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also thank you to my very efficient stewards Julie Price ad Jem Thomas and by no means least my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors for a super entry.
A few exhibits were wide in front, one or two I couldn't span, movement left a lot to be desired and some could have done with a little more tidying up.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Bigger dog with a super head, good bone and well balanced angulations, in excellent coat and moving well.
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
slightly larger made than my winner, he was spannable with good ribs and bone. His coat was harsh and was in good condition. He has a pleasing head, dark eye and a good bite and he moved well around the ring.
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Liked his body length and reach of neck, masculine head with strong under jaw lovely eye, neat ears, level top line, well set tail
Leek & DSS Open Show
27th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the Leek and District Show Society for inviting me to judge at their traditional agricultural show. Thanks also to my very efficient steward Sharon Bowers and to the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely entry and the honour of going over their dogs. Coats and pelts were generally good, but front movement was variable and I did find some exhibits with incorrect dentition.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Feb 2020
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and to thank my Stewards Pete Armstrong and Sue Baxter. Unfortunately, the entry was somewhat reduced due to the awful storm conditions keeping many at home, but I was pleased with the quaity of dogs present for me to go over and very happy with my winners.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bowencloud Busy Bee JW
Placing Critique
Smart dog, not as narrow as 1. Good head proportions. Good bite with big teeth. Correct harsh, double jacket. Well muscled rear quarters. Moved well both ways.
