Show Placings
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.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
Blue with good head, nice front and tail unplaced in Yearling as far too fat.
Scunthorpe Open Show
30th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
4th in YB. Well put together with good rib, correct turn of stifle, moved well. Carrying a sporting scar on the day.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
See PGB above
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
Scored in overall type & soundness. Good head, dark eye. Good bone, fair layback, good to span, in good coat. Sound on the move.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
Seen
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
Very nice blue and tan bitch. Lovely head with dark eye. Good reach of neck. She has a lovely length of rib. Good top line and tail set. Harsh double jacket and easily spanned. Moved well.
Burton on Trent KA Open show
5th Dec 2021
Judge: Ms M Sargent (Tegwani)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Good Citizen - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
What a weekend it proved to be for Border Terriers
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
A B/T of style and of good type, lovely neck and shoulder ribs span easily, well set tail, with strong hind quarters
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
29th Jan 2022
Judge: Miss K. Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee of The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and showing a warming hospitality. Thanks also goes to my two stewards who made sure my day ran perfectly. A well ran show with a fabulous atmosphere and venue. Many thanks goes to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs and making my day one to remember and thoroughly enjoyable. Bitches outweighed the dogs but I was happy with the overall quality on the day. I would say exhibits were presented well although some could benefit with some general canine care like nail clipping. The last few years haven’t been kind to the show world so let’s not forget that sportsmanship is vital in making the show and atmosphere what it is.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
5th Feb 2022
Judge: Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge at this Show, It really seemed to be a success judging by the happy atmosphere in the venue and congratulations must go to all the hard working Committee for the superb organization on the day despite the Covid regulations and the inclement weather. My thanks must also go to my two efficient stewards, Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Joyce Whiting, for their invaluable assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly and keeping me in check.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Placing Critique
Pleasing type of bitch. Lovely head and keen expression, dark eye. Straight front. Good reach of neck set well into shoulders. Good length of body, well ribbed. Easily spanned. Good topline and tailset. Adequate angulation at both ends. Harsh double jacket. Moved with strength and fluidity to win this class.
Wath and West Melton Canine Society Open Show
5th Mar 2022
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
Retford Canine Society Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Firstly many thanks to the Society for inviting me to judge at their Premier Show which was run very efficiently and had a lovely friendly atmosphere (the rosettes were super too) Thanks to my two very efficient stewards who kept me on track and last but by no means least the exhibitors for the lovely entry and their sportsmanship in accepting my decisions. I had some super dogs to go over, I had to split hairs and I could have done with more cards as many good dogs had to go home without one.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
blue and tan – slightly stronger made than the winner. She has a pleasing head, good bite and nice expression. Her coat was of a good texture. Her front was straight and shoulders were nicely angulated. Movement was sound both ways.
Mansfield & DCS Open Show
3rd Apr 2022
Judge: Jane Peakin (Byzantine)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Wellingborough & DCS Open Show
9th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
15th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ray Morland
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show Jane O’Shea Memorial Special Awards
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for the kind invitation to judge the Memorial Special classes in memory of Jane O’Shea. It was held in conjunction with the East Anglia Border Terrier Championship Show of which she had been Vice Chairman. It was a privilege and honor to do so. A thank you also must go to my most capable stewards for their assistance on the day.
Special Award Open Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Such a lovely head on this young blue and tan bitch. Has a moderately broad skull with a lovely dark eye and super expression. Correct dentition. Good reach of neck and strong in loin. I found her easily spannable with a good level topline and well set tail. Moved out well holding her topline. Just preferring the front on my 1st placing today.
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
2 Y/O B&T built on slightly heavier lines but spannable, a beautiful headed bitch with a nice dark eye and good in the mouth. She was a tad heavier in the shoulder and not as clean with her front movement. Good for length and set down in super jacket today.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
size larger blue and tan bitch with a good head and expression and with excellent coat texture and loose pelt, nice outline but not as good in shoulder as the winner. Moved positively.
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
14th May 2022
Judge: Mr Adrian Marett (Greyteckels)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
correct head and expression, good front, well angulated, short coupled, carried tail well, decent coat, moved out well
The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show
21st May 2022
Judge: Mrs G Vaughan (Holteal)
I would like to thank Scottish Border Terrier Kennel Club and committee for my invite to judge and award my 1st CC appointment,their hospitality and welcome was appreciated greatly for such a long trip from my home county of norfolk i thoroughly enjoyed my day judging and thanks to my 2 great stewards who kept my ring running smoothly.
To have an entry of 87 dogs I believe the 6th highest of the whole show with only 19 being absent on the day which is to be expected was a great honor for myself.
Coats as always were in many different stages,not always easy to target for every show entered,I found no major faults in any of my exhibits thankfully but some dogs lacking good thick pelts and a few longer and not so desirable longer tails. There were some closer choices between some dogs in the stronger classes.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
b&t bitch with a nice tight jacket and good ticking to it,good head with expression,moved well.
Boston & DCS Open Show
31st May 2022
Judge: Mr M Garnham (Carmetcho)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
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.
Good Citizen - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch. Nice head, good bite, strong muzzle and well set ears. Well laid shoulders and good in body and ribs with a lovely top line and underline. Well set, short tail and nice hindquarters. Presented in an excellent harsh topcoat with thick undercoat and pelt. She kept her top line on the move and although a tad wide in front, I think she’s a very sound bitch.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Class Critique
As a repeat of the open dog class, all of differing type and all possessing good qualities.
Ashfield CS Open Show
11th Jun 2022
Judge: Gina Adams (Fisherbloom)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
2yr blue correct ticking. Feminine head, good reach of neck into excellent topline and well set tail, carried well on the move. Ribs well back. Easy to span with thick pelt and harsh coat. Front and rear angles ok, moved with reach and drive, could go all day.
Class Critique
nice class of bitches, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places could easily change on another day.
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2022
Judge: Dogs Nicola Foster, Bitches Sarah Pateman
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Burton on Trent KA Open show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Sarah Hemstock (Jolihem)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
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 .
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
4th in Limit, nice type with ok head but for me a bit longer in body than ideal.
Wellingborough & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
My sincere thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge Borders
and the warm hospitality on offer at this show .
To my stewards on the day, Lauren and Phil , a big thank you for keeping
the ring running smoothly and ensuring the exhibitors enjoyed their
experience.
Sadly ,once again it was obvious that the numbers present on the day
were greatly affected by the fact there were three open shows, all with
breed specialists judging, on the same day . Nonetheless , I thank all the
exhibitors who honored me with an entry.
To those exhibitors present on the day , thanks for allowing me the
privilege of going over your dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting
manner .
Generally , the dogs coming forward today were well presented and
conditioned , one or two may have benefitted from a little more detailed
grooming to enhance certain points of their conformation but on the whole I
enjoyed my time handling a fine bunch of Borders
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
nearly 3 years old B&T . Nice head of good proportions , sweet expression . Dentition good .Ears of good size and set correctly . Ribcage desired shape and size meeting up to a strong loin . Coat of good texture and a very generous pelt underneath. Moved soundly coming and going on cat like feet . Great muscle tone and contoured stifle giving drive to the hindquarters. Was given consideration in the challenge .
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the SToY for giving me the opportunity to judge the four classes of Border Terriers on this, my first judging appointment; the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their dogs/bitches and to Mr John Thomas, who kindly donated, the £10 for Best of Breed and £10 for the Best Puppy in Breed.
The committee did a sterling job given the last-minute change of venue; and my stewards, Margaret and Julie, kept the ring moving smoothly and effortlessly.
I was pleased with the number of entries, and it was great to see some fine examples of ‘otter – like’ heads – the breed stamp. All dogs were spannable today, and most had correct small tight round feet.
It was gratifying to see many examples of sound fluid movement, and good construction– Movement is so important for the Borders terrier to do its job- “Essentially a working terrier “.
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Newark & DCS Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs V Mann (Lynsett)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
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.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Well made throughout with a typical appearance. Pleasing head, good strength with a good eye and expression. Stands on good legs and feet. Firm topline that she holds on the move and nicely rounded hindquarters. Moved well.
Retford & DCS Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
I would like to thank the committee for my invite to judge the Border Terriers at their Premier show 19th March 2023.
A busy show, well run and laid out and everyone very friendly and supportive.
I received a great entry and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Border Terrier exhibiters who entrusted me to go over their dogs and accepted my decisions on the day. It was good to see so many puppies in the ring and of good quality.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch caught my eye when she entered the ring strong otter head, scissor bite, pretty and alert keen expression, moderate bone, strong loins, good top line into correct tail carriage which she held on the move and with drive throughout., desired harsh coat with a thick, lose pelt. Happy to award her BOB.
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Very shapely B/T with lovely body proportions. Attractively headed bitch with a reach of neck into a soundly made firm topline, good tailset and excellent underline with a pleasing length and depth of body, ribbed back and strong loin. Very well-balanced angulated quarters used to effect on the move, best mover in this class, striding out well in profile around the ring. A super clean outline and in fit order with good muscle tone, correct bone and tight feet.
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr John Thomas (Blaisdon)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Norfolk & Norwich CS Open Show
11th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Kate Keely (Alhambian/Shipden)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Memorial Special Awards, EABTC Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Amelie Smith
I would like to start by saying a big thank you to the society for inviting me to judge the special awards classes. I really enjoyed my day and was extremely pleased with the entry, thank you to the exhibitors.
Special Award Open Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
nice head, lovely length of neck. Another that presents a nice shape when stood. Decent in front, lovely tight knit feet. Slightly deep in chest. Good topline. Enough behind the tail. Really good harsh coat. Moved well all ways.
Class Critique
close decision between the first 2.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Pollard CS Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr P Bradwood
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Class Critique
Excellent class.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Blue/tan, VHC in open, a good mover with well proportioned outline and correct bone and ribbing, top-line was soft on the day.
Ashfield CS Open Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Geraldine Cove-Print (Colourbox)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Derbyshire County Show
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Kim Lathaen (Tyrdyma)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Scarborough & DCS Open Show
16th Jul 2023
Judge: Sharon Pinkerton (Bareve)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
East of England LKS Open Show
18th Jul 2023
Judge: Jonathan Lappin (Dalvik)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Boston DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank Boston & District C.S. for inviting me to judge the breeds allocated.
Unfortunately there were no Kerry Blues entered.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Coventry Ladies’ Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2024
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Worcester & Malvern CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Gary Hinsley (Tigerbull)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Wigan and District Canine Society Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the Committee of the Wigan and District Canine Society for the opportunity to judge today (we were kept well fed and watered!), and to my steward for her assistance in the ring. The show was very well attended and was therefore very busy and noisy. The Border ring was right next to an open door which unfortunately did appear to have a detrimental effect on a few exhibits, leading to some inconsistent and unsettled presentations. That aside, there were some lovely dogs to go over – no major faults to note, and all had very pleasing loose pelts. Coats, as to be expected, were in various stages of growth.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
3-year-old blue and tan bitch with a strong, yet feminine head, that has a dark, alert keen gaze, shallow stop and good set on of ears. Another with ribs well back and nice set on of tail allowing for correct ratios throughout. Shown in a dense thick coat and loose pelt. This time around not as positive as 1 on the move, but nevertheless well balanced.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
2nd Limit
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Ms Cara Davani (Kebulak)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Wath, West Melton & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Mar 2024
Judge: Anne Speake
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Retford & DCS Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Kathleen Haugh
I would like to thank the committee for letting me judge the borders at their open show. It was pleasure and a lovely day with good atmosphere with good dogs to go over. I would also like to thank the stewards for doing a fabulous job on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch with a good otter head and scissor bite moved out well behind. good jacket and pelt with good ticking. Stood well in class. Scannable
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Sarah Collier (Pocoblu)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
29th Mar 2024
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I would like to thank Edwinstowe & District CS for their kind invitation for my first judging appointment and also to my two stewards who kept the ring running smoothly. I had a very good entry with quality dogs that could of swapped places on another day, I’d like to thank all exhibitors for their generous entry. All had good coat texture however some might benefit from tidier presentation to improve their overall outline especially around the feet, movement on the whole was good.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
Placing Critique
Another lovely example, well constructed blue & tan bitch, pleasing otter head with good dentition dark eye and neat ear, harsh coat and thick pelt, good length of rib, well angulated throughout, moved well, just preferred overall balance of 1st.
Norfolk & Norwich CS Open Show
9th Apr 2024
Judge: Judith Rule (Overbore)
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterwood Aura At Borderrush
