Show Placings
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2009
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to my very efficient stewards. I think we have a real problem with the front construction and movement in the breed; there were far too many exhibits with short, steep upper arms, often resulting in a build up of bulky muscle on the outer line of the shoulder and the movement in front on many was very poor. The Border is ?essentially a working terrier and this type of construction will seriously compromise its ability to work.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
just 6 months with a good head and excellent coat and pelt; moved and showed really well.
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2009
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Elly Weijenborg-Weggemans (Netherlands)
I felt very honoured when I received the invitation to judge at the Open Show and was glad that I could accept this. What an opportunity to see and go over so many Borders in one day. Of course I have seen many Borders during the 40 years that I have lived with them but to see so many together is not possible on the continent. When I received the entry details I really was surprised and felt even more honoured then.
The Venue was good but unfortunately it was one of the warmest days and in the hall the temperature rose quite quickly. Nevertheless almost all Borders presented there showed until the very end of the day.
The judging went smoothly not in the least because of my exceptionally efficient steward, Peter Roderick, who took care of calling in the next class on time and made sure that there were no mistakes because of the re-entries which I am not used to. Many thanks also to my ring stewards!
I was surprised by the high quality presented to me. In some classes it meant that I could not always place otherwise nice exhibits. All Borders behaved themselves wonderfully when being handled, even inexperienced ones. Just one exception to that was a dog that didn't like to be handled on the table, which is not Border like.
It occurred to me that it is becoming to be a habit to string the dogs when moving. It worsens their movement in a lot of cases and for me they should be moved with a loosened lead. For some exhibits it made the difference in being placed or not. I found on the whole just a few problems. Just one wrong bite and one tail that was not correct. Feet need attention. Just a few had lovely strong padded catlike feet. As well as front movement which is a real problem in the Border Terrier all over the world. Waving, almost crossing, loose, just a few had a parallel and straight front movement. On the other hand, side movement was in almost all exhibits free and with a long stride. A lot of coats were in between. But I could feel the correct texture being double and harsh.
I had a lovely day and want to thank the organisation for their efforts to make me and my sister ? who accompanied me ? feel welcome and of course all the exhibitors for entering and taking my decisions so sportingly. The atmosphere around the ring felt warm, friendly and relaxed.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Class Critique
Another strong class of very young Borders. A great promise for the future.
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
7th Mar 2010
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
To receive an invitation to judge a Breed Club show is a privilege, therefore I thank the Officers and Committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for the honour to judge their Member's Limited Show. Thank you to my stewards who kept things running smoothly, but most of all I would like to thank the exhibitor's for a wonderful entry and allowing me to judge your dogs, it was an appointment I had been looking forward to and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The entry was 165 dogs (18 NFC) making 195 entries, 32 absent with 115 dogs on the ground. It was a quality entry with some tough decisions; I was very pleased with my line up in both sexes.
Some general observations - dentition throughout was very good, with correct size teeth, presentation was of a high standard, however, one area that gave me some concern was front movement, some exhibits that I liked disappointed in this area which reflected in some of my decisions.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
gri/t, good width of skull, neat ears, good eye, muzzle and bite, straight front, spanable, well ribbed, firm loin, good tail carriage, sound quarters giving freedom of movement
Crufts
12th Mar 2010
Judge: Mrs L.A. Crawley
Special Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
a bigger one but still attractive, good in head and expression, correct bone for size, not the strength in topline of first two.
WELKS
25th Apr 2010
Judge: Miss S A Leslie (Risdene)
I started the day with veteran dog followed by some excellent juvenile dog classes which were very enticing. Throughout the day size was sometimes a little difficult to come to terms with when exhibits at the top of the scale were the more shapely and sound but as long as they were spannable they still featured if they had the attributes breed and conformation-wise to do the job they were bred for. Generally I determined that there was no need for a diatribe from yours truly as I found my lovely entry on the whole brought forward much of what I was looking for and I thank exhibitors for that. Just remember while I love a proper double coat I still like a tidy coat! Heads were definitely improved with very few of the stoppy, round eyed exhibits I do not find typical. There were a few strangely grubby ones and some would have benefited from some tlc round their eyes to guard against stray hairs causing irritation. Be that as it may there were some smashing classes with dogs not making the cut that on another day would figure in the reckoning.
BCC
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Lovely class of sound quality bitches all of obvious merit and with much to offer for the future. It was a treat to find this beautifully constructed honest bitch who appealed from every angle. I fell for her lovely otterhead and everytime I caught sight of her free standing she filled the eye, she is just made right and therefore needs little interference. Moved freely and accurately. Gorgeous legs and feet. In perfect harsh, dense jacket I could go on but suffice to say it was a pleasure to award her the CC just had to bow to the greater experience of the dog who was fresher in the challenge
National Dog Show
7th May 2010
Judge: Mr P Bakewell
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
similar to l, a typy bitch, pleasing in outline & overall balance, moved & showed well
Bath Campionship Show
28th May 2010
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for an extremely nice entry and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. A warm sunny day with a welcome breeze made conditions ideal. A bonus was the neatly mown grass in the ring which was ideal to assess movement. I was fortunate to have two extremely efficient Stewards who ensured the smooth running of the ring, enabling me to finish my task in good time, despite a delay in the start of judging.
On the whole I was pleased with the exhibits presented to me which were clean, although many lacked the correct double jacket that the standard asks for. Front movement is still a concern as indeed was the variation in the size of some of the exhibits. Heads generally were good although some exhibits were rather heavy in ear. Temperament’s were excellent, just one or two not too keen on being handled on the table. Two exhibits had teeth missing and I found a couple with incorrect dentition.
Feet can tell you a lot about a dog and its lifestyle. The standard asks for feet to be small with firm pads. Flat feet not helped by long nails are most undesirable and indeed would be a drawback if the dog was carrying out the task for which he was originally bred. Scissor marks unfortunately were very much in evidence on some exhibits which spoilt their overall appearance.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
difficult decision to judge between the first two, both being extremely nice bitches. She has an ‘ottery’ head with nice dark points and good strength of muzzle. Nicely proportioned throughout, she was sporting a correct double jacket and was easily spanned. Good sound racy quarters and tight feet. Moved ok. but not as well as my winner.
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Also very nice type, but still have to improve her topline in the movement. Good head with well placed eyes and ears, correct bite.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
10th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr G Corish
Was delighted to watch my BOB go G4 & my BP go PG1
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr J Bainbridge (Risdene)
A pleasing entry of 231 dogs with 55 absent on the day made for a representative entry without the classes being over sized. Generally the classes produced good winners none of whom looked out of place in the final line-ups. All were spannable and generally those in the cards were correct in this respect. Most exhibitors probably know by now what I look for in a typical Border Terrier and this was generally evident in today's entry.
Dog CC and BIS Hobholt Harrier JW (Mrs M A Wallace) such a lithe, mature 4 year old grizzle dog of impressive outline in super double coat and thick pelt, well presented, has a correctly proportioned otter head with keen expression, good length of neck into well laid shoulders, straight narrow front, ribbed back body into racy rear quarters which he used to move out well with long loping stride that is so economical for a dog that could go all day and get anywhere when required.
Dog RCC Brumberhill Blue Tempest (Mr S A McPherson) super outline and so well made throughout, and well presented in good coat and moved out well to take this award, just loved him for type.
BCC and RBIS, Brumberhill Breeze (Mr S A McPherson) in full, double grizzle coat and well conditioned. She has a super well balanced head, keen expression, terrific outline with correct flowing topline and well carried back ribs, shows a good underline, this bitch won the CC after much deliberation as all 3 bitches under consideration met the standard well and were active in movement and would have been worthy CC winners but today maturity held sway.
RBCC Yeomeadow Heather for Tyrian (Mrs K Dean). A lovely B/T bitch who was on top form today and has an excellent otter head and expression which finally decided the RCC over the yearling bitch winner.
BP Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer) a mature dog puppy, shown in good coat and condition, well made throughout with good otter head and body lines, moved so well with long free gait to clinch this award.
BV CH Gameway Kiwi JW (Mrs P Clark) who was not showing his years, well presented in good coat and looking his best and a worthy champion
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
this red bitch is so impressive without being flashy, so well made, has super head and expression, right amount of bone and length of body and moves really well with drive, not in the best of coats today but had to win on overall quality
Windsor Championship Dog Show
2nd Jul 2010
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the exhibitors for such a super entry of dogs for me to judge, I thought the standard overall was very good and I found it very encouraging to find some really nice youngsters coming up through the ranks. I had to make very tough decisions in some classes and many good dogs went card less but I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with my winners.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Nicely turned out, loved her small neat feet and good legs, good tail, moved OK.
Paignton & District FA
2nd Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs Carol Lumbard
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs D Townsend
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day, it's always a privilege for me to go over other people's dogs. I was pleased with my class winners but overall I felt that the quality of exhibits was somewhat mixed; movement was good but I have to lament the untypical Border heads that are present together with the high number of single coats
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Another really classy bitch that pushed hard for 1st place. Well balanced and sound with nothing overdone. Lovely racy lines with flat rib and good reach of neck. Pleasing head and expression. Moved and showed really well.
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My thanks to The Richmond Societies officers and committee for the warm welcome and the super lunch provided. Gratitude also to my stewards who organised the ring most capably. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries at a time in history when finances are truly stretched in this difficult and uncertain financial climate. To judge is always a privilege and on this occasion it was particularly appreciated. Overall I was very impressed with the exhibits, and when judging we are required to find the dog that most fulfils the breed standard and with the increasing variety of types present in the breed it made for some thought provoking decisions. Sadly the continuing trend to show all year round with few exhibits remaining at home to grow a decent double jacket proved that once again there were fewer exhibits shown in the requisite depth of jacket. Therefore I had to face the difficult task of placing some exhibits higher than I would as a rule. As justifiably construction and type being the foremost factor in placings, as coats naturally will come and go. But where as in lots of other breeds the coat can be considered a glamorous adornment please remember that in the Border (terriers in general) it is their essential protection whilst carrying out their job of work. On a positive note I was pleased to see today's entry lacking of the dogs presented in the recent improper fashion of clippering, razor and scissoring which as the true diehards of the breed know is totally unacceptable and exhibitors are to be strongly discouraged in this undesirable practice.
The correct and only way to present a Border terrier is by hand stripping thus achieving the beautiful natural tweedy look synonymous with our breed.
And I quote an extract from an old Border terrier yearbook ?Exhibitors and judges should be reminded that it is not in keeping with the sporting traditions of the breed to have the coat trimmed. The coat should be of a natural weather resisting character. Old dead coat may be stripped off by hand when necessary. The use of a razor or a strip comb embodying a razor in the preparation of dogs for show is strongly objected to?
Dogs that I had previously admired unfortunately paid the penalty today as on closer inspection they did not come to hand so well .Some due to weight, which can be easily remedied with an alteration of diet, exercise and plenty of regular road work. Others sadly due to wide fronts and heavy shoulders, subsequently when running the rule over them they were too coarse and cloddy. Therefore not displaying the lithe supple bodies required in an earth dog ,this is a breed characteristic which of course has to be bred for. Borders are a breed that enjoys longevity, health and well being and this was particularly evident in my DCC and DRCC winners today being a 7 year old and 9 yr old respectively. Perhaps this being true testimony that these males have been bred for the correct narrow body lines that will inevitably stand the test of time.
Temperaments as to be expected were excellent. Overall a most enjoyable day, I was delighted with both my final line ups and to find admirable representatives of the breed for top honours.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Feminine grizzle and tan bitch who appealed for her good otter shaped head and lovely expression. Beautiful shoulder placement correct tail set and balanced in outline. She was in a good jacket. And although she moved out soundly she unfortunately lacked enthusiasm.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show with Critique
19th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Gemma Alpe
Firstly I must thank SBTC for giving me the honour of judging my first Breed Club show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had some first class dogs to judge. I found no bad mouths and only one with a slightly suspect kink and movement on the whole was pretty good. The one thing that bothered me was that we seem to be losing our way a little with those lovely fronts that to me are a big part of our breed, and a number of dogs are toeing out both on the stand and on the move. I was pleased with my winners, they mostly fitted my interpretation of the breed standard, but I was delighted with my top winners, all of whom are a credit to the breed and I thank their owners for giving me the opportunity to judge them.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Lovely young bitch with an extremely feminine head and expression, moved very well and had a balanced outline. Good coat, correct tail set and lovely shoulder placement. RBB
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2010
Judge: Mr. Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My thanks go to the exhibitors who provided an excellent entry in spite of the appalling weather conditions in many parts of the country recently, and the almost inevitable problems to be expected on the M6 motorway. Good quality dogs were present in most classes and I was pleased with both line ups for the CC?s. Coats were generally pretty good with just a few taken out for that ?other show?, and one or two soft coats. I found movement again a problem with a good percentage knitting or pinning at the front, and a lack of drive from the rear. The open dog and junior bitch classes were of the highest quality and some excellent exhibits went away cardless.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Southern Counties
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Three Counties
8th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Ron Wheatley
Thanks for the large and interesting entry. Although quality was variable there were many good entries to examine. Most were of a good size and generally coats were good, feet very variable, particularly hind ones. Although many moved out with drive, movement in many others was a concern. Many would benefit from more exercise and muscle development. There was only 1 kinked tail and mouths were mainly good. Finally, please realise that if you bait your exhibit on the table the judge can't see it!
RBCC
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
neat with a nice feminine head, strong teeth and jaw, excellent coat and pelt, good length of body with good angulation, nice bone with tight feet, moved well. RBCC
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
I was honoured to be asked to judge this show, as I have enjoyed exhibiting at this well run, friendly society over many years. While the indoor rings are large, well lit and have lots of space around them for exhibitors and spectators, given the nice weather, it was disappointing not to be able to use the normal show arena, but this was not possible due to a request from The Royal Welsh Showground management.
I was pleased for find only one “bad” mouth, but I was disturbed to find a small number of mouths which, while exhibiting a "correct scissor bite", the placement of the upper teeth was awry in such a manner, that it caused the exhibits to appear to have an over bite. A few others had strange face furnishings resulting in a “Griffon Bruxellois” like expression which is incorrect and spoils the looks of a Border Terrier.
I would also like to thank my stewards, Vicky and Tina Pierson for their smooth handling of the ring. I would also like to thank all exhibitors, some of whom travelled many miles which is very expensive in these economic times.
RBCC
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
This lady has a super otter head with keen expression, flowing lines of neck to ribs and strong loin. Correct hard double coat and thick, loose pelt. Quite an eye catcher.
City of Birmingham
3rd Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to judge the breed again and I thank the exhibitors for a very nice entry. Thanks also to the Officers and Committee for their invitation and hospitality and to my two extremely capable stewards Mr. Mike Hughes and Mr. Tony Coddington for their very helpful assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the ring on the day.
Coats, as one would expect with the ever changing weather conditions, varied considerably but I applaud those who presented their exhibits with the correct double jacket. Of concern were one or two undesirable single jackets. There has been a trend in recent years by some exhibitors to present dogs short of coat, but they normally displayed sufficient evidence of a correct texture. The Border is not a trimmed terrier and long may it remain as such. Scissor marks also are so undesirable and detracts from the overall appearance. There was a variation in size but I was able to span the majority. Mouths on the whole were good but there were a number with small teeth in overcrowded jaws, certainly not what is required in a working terrier.
Front movement in particular is still a cause for concern and is something that I have previously highlighted. Feet were generally good and all exhibits displayed excellent temperament whilst being judged. When it came to the more senior classes in particular, I had some very difficult decisions such was the depth of quality.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Class Critique
A super class to judge with so many quality exhibits present and many hard decisions to be made.
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2011
Judge: Mrs Sarah Dandy
I was delighted with both my dog and bitch line ups, from a numerically strong entry of 181 dogs all were worthy winners, from very well contended classes, with several really promising youngsters. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance in any breed
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Manchester Championship Dog Show
19th Jan 2012
Judge: Mrs F A Somerfield
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Class Critique
Hotly contested class.
WELKS
28th Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I appreciated the good entry. With a ring rather restricted in size ( not to mention a bitterly cold wind blowing through the cattle shed), I felt it was necessary to give the dogs as much opportunity as possible to move. Unfortunately, several moved rather wide behind, while one or two were plaiting in front. Coats were a problem , with a couple of good looking dogs showing absolutely no topcoat at all. It was interesting to see that most, but not all, of the dogs that I saw when I last judged Borders in 2010 had come on well.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2012
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
excellent type, lovely make & shape. Would prefer more animation but feel sure her day will come
Devon County Show
17th May 2013
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
24th May 2013
Judge: Mr Martin P Phillips
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Class Critique
Lovely class to judge
Taunton and District CS Open Show
19th Jun 2013
Judge: Mr Jeff Luscott
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and my stewards for keeping me on track. Special thanks to the Border Terrier Club of Victoria, Australia and their secretary Denise Worthington for presenting a special sash to the Best of Breed winner providing a welcome highlight at the end of judging.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs B Jackson (Clipstone)
I thoroughly enjoyed judging at Paignton Championship Show. The new venue (well, new to me) was very pleasant and the show was efficiently run by the helpful and friendly committee. I had an excellent entry which contained lots of quality dogs to choose from. Some classes were, however, a real mix of types, again the Fox Terrier type with high ear carriage are appearing, as are those with almost "hound like" ears, far too large and which ruin the head. Ultimately I judged to my interpretation of the Standard. I like a dog to be a real stallion dog and a bitch, his feminine counterpart. I do not like bitchy dogs and masculine bitches. I was incredibly pleased with my winners, neither of which I have judged before and who to my mind are excellent examples of the breed, both home bred too, not bought in.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
The North Devon Show
7th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Frank Kane
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Bortino Smiling Queen
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bournemouth Championship Dog Show
10th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Grizzle, nice size, well proportioned head and muzzle, another excellent coat and pelt, excellent rear, just prefered the front of 1.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Gillingham and Shaftsbury Agricultural Society Open Show
21st Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Richard Bolt (Allenie)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Canine Society Open Show
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Timoray)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation to judge, my two stewards and the exhibitors for their entries. It was an honour to judge this numerically strong entry 169 with 29 absent, the breed being represented from around the UK made it a very enjoyable day.
Front movement is still a problem in the breed, with heavy upright shoulders in many. Size varied as did coats. There are some long necks creeping into the breed, which look very stylish, the standard does state “Neck of moderate length†and a few long tails again incorrect. Saying that it was a very nice entry to judge and in some classes
I would have liked to have been able to award more placings, and could have awarded more CC’s.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Richmond Championship Dog Show
7th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs K M Irving (Dandyhow)
In my view the breed still has problems with movement, particularly front movement. Hind action in bitches was also poor on this occasion. There was some variation in coats and some were shown without much jacket but others were somewhat blown in coat. However there were several with excellent coats and pelts – such an important feature of the breed. Dentition and temperaments were very good.
Because I don’t enjoy judging, and quite frankly never have, I decided before this appointment that is would be my last judging assignment. I hope that more younger Border Terrier enthusiasts will come forward as judges to ensure the successful future of the breed.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
I was very honoured to have been invited to judge the SBTC Open show and I would like to thank my Show Manager Wendy Mooney and the Officers of the Committee for their kind hospitality. I would also like to thank my stewards for the day Dave Hunt, Denise Townsend and Andrew Mooney for helping me to keep on track with a lovely entry of 137 dogs making a total of 157 and of course a special thanks to all the exhibitors.
I was pleased with the quality of some of my entries but we must not forget that the Breed Standard states that a Border Terrier is “essentially a working terrier†ie. “Going to ground â€. Unfortunately there were some that would not have been able to do the job that they were intended for, due to weight and depth leaving some unable to be spanned. Some heads were quite disappointing as they lacked the substance that would give them the “Head of an Otterâ€. On the plus side I found the fronts quite pleasing. Overall I was very pleased with my class winners and with my overall winners of the show on the day.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Well balanced bitch narrow front' topline ok good bend of stifle moved well
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall
20th Oct 2013
Judge: Mr R Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show with 43 Borders constituting over a quarter of the total show entry. There was plenty of loose pelts, harsh coats, neat feet and quality dogs although a few would struggle to be called spanable, one had a kinked tail and another a bad mouth. However, the day was topped off nicely with a reserve best puppy in show trying hard to maintain some decorum alongside her highly excited handler. A good day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Minehead & District Canine Society
10th Nov 2013
Judge: Jan Furneaux
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Taunton & District Canine Association
5th Jan 2014
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
16th Feb 2014
Judge: Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Devon County Show
22nd May 2014
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Evesham and District Canine Soc. Open Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Jill Hunt (Ottaswell)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
North Devon Agricultural Society Open Show
6th Aug 2014
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
10th Aug 2014
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
A very enjoyable appointment in spite of the wind and rain. I found some lovely borders for the top awards. The line up for the bitch challenge was especially pleasing, each one of top quality with some very promising youngsters. On the minus side there were too many that were wide in front. This is a serious fault in a breed who need to get through narrow spaces underground. Whilst I am always critical of dogs that lack rear angulation there are one or two appearing in the breed who are over angulated which is not correct for a border.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Diamond Jubilee Show
19th Oct 2014
Judge: Mrs Mary Small (Tilomoray)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
9th Nov 2014
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, also thanks to my stewards who were very effective and efficient.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
5 year old bitch with a wonderful otter like head, her dark eye, keen expression and small ears made her hard to beat in this strong class. She is good for size and shown in lovely double coat, slightly too much condition today to take BoB.
Yeovil Canine Society Open Show
30th Dec 2014
Judge: Jane Atkin
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Taunton & District Canine Association
4th Jan 2015
Judge: Mr W Harris
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall
15th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Christchurch and New Forest Canine Society Open Show
16th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the committee for my judging invitation and hospitality, and my two efficient stewards, and to the exhibitors for an entry of such lovely quality. Thank you also to the Southern Border Terrier Club for their kind donation of prize money.
I found no bad mouths, no kinked tails, and all males were entire. Sadly, there were no puppies entered.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Quality g&t bitch of nice size and in really good order and turned out to perfection. Lovely head with strong muzzle. Harsh double coat, well muscled, and came to hand nicely. Pushed hard for BOB, but didn’t move out so positively as the winner in the longish grass. RBOB.
Class Critique
A Strong Class
Devon County Show
21st May 2015
Judge: Mr I Layfield (Dockwray/Fundoune)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bath Canine Society
22nd May 2015
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
RBCC
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
good head, neck & shoulders, straight narrow front, good ribs & loin, well angulated rear, good harsh jacket, presented in excellent condition. RCC
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Taunton and District Open Show
27th Jun 2015
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Paignton & District Fanciers’ Association Championship Show
1st Aug 2015
Judge: Miss Diane Swales (Grabbist)
My thanks to the Secretary and Committee for inviting me to judge at this most enjoyable show and to my two extremely efficient stewards, Felicity Snook and Lady Elain Macdonald, who kept the ring flowing smoothly. I am grateful to the exhibitors for a good entry including some very nice Borders and some promising youngsters. Overall mouths were good with strong, clean teeth and correct bites except for one overshot. Skins were an improvement on my last judging appointment, the majority being thick and loose but I do not like the tendency to strip coats out leaving little evidence of a harsh, dense coat. Remembering that a Border is 'essentially a working Terrier' it concerns me that there are a number being shown that really do not measure up to that description both in jacket and the lack of drive and ability to cover the ground when moving. These comments do not apply to my winners and I was so pleased to find many that really measure up to most points in the standard.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Nice overall shape. Skin good but I would like to see more coat.
North Devon Agricultural Society Open Show
5th Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show
19th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Carolyne Fry (Bedeslea)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
18th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, also thanks to my steward Gordon, who was very effective, efficient and friendly. Also thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for their generous sponsorship of the Border Terrier rosettes and prize money.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
I have always liked this super bitch with the most appealing of otter like heads and bags of breed type. Nothing out of place on the move and kept her outline at all times. Preferred slightly flatter rib of my BoB winner, but this bitch pushed hard in every other respect.
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
8th Nov 2015
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for the opportunity to judge the Border Terriers at your show and to the exhibitors giving me a super entry.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Bortino Smiling Queen
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
6 1/2 year old grizzle bitch. Handled to advantage. She is a super example of the breed with a lovely otter head with a strong jaw filled with a set of large teeth. Sporting a new pin wire jacket she owned the ring moving true and with purpose with a wagging tail. Holds her shape on the move and stands balanced in the stack on nice tight feet. Pleased to award her BOB and she looked good in the group.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Dec 2015
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
Thank you to the Society for the invitation, the warm welcome by all and thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry and bringing your Borders’. The quality of exhibits was good, some tough decisions were made, I was really pleased with my final line up and that BOB and BP went well in the Group. It was unfortunate the Veteran class wasn’t called more clearly as not all the Veterans present were in the ring.
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cormwall Open Show
21st Feb 2016
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Devon County Show
20th May 2016
Judge: Mrs R V Webb (Clane)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
RBCC
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
this bitch who got the RCC is the litter sister to the dog ticket winner and she is just fab. Like him, I loved her at first sight, neat, compact, super coat and pelt, moved well, lovely front, body and hindquarters, she oozed breed type for me, she was handled somewhat nervously by who I discovered was her owner and breeder, and she just about did her charge credit, but I think the bitch carried the handler through it. Lovely bitch.
The next three are all absolute credits to the breed, they all looked like spring chickens, they were in great nick, had beautiful heads and were dead sound. Making decisions on such as these three is extremely difficult, but none had their colours lowered in defeat and I would have been proud to have showed any of them. Thank you so much for bringing them for me to judge. The honour was all mine.
Class Critique
This was a fabulous class and it killed me to have place 3 of these not first. Such delightful ladies, any of which would grace my couch at home, I loved all 4 of them
Taunton & DCA Open Show
18th Jun 2016
Judge:
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Yeovil & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
26th Jun 2016
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lateness of this critique. I would like to thank the society for its warm welcome and to the exhibitors for entering, also to my steward, Sandra Girling, for the smooth running of the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was extremely pleased with the number of dogs entered.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
Same comments as 1 apply to this bitch. Good head and moved well.
Minehead & DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
another feminine bitch who moved around the ring with drive, good ear set, otter like head, dark eyes, scissor bite, good slope of neck falling into laid back shoulders, neat front, good rib to loin ratio, muscular rear, good tail set, easily spanned with loose pelt;
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
good skull & foreface, correct bite, ok for bone, easily spanned, firm loin, well muscled quarters, well padded feet, good pelt, just lacked the verve of 1 on the move,
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
Placing Critique
An attractive headed bitch with dark eye and neat ears, presents a good outline, perhaps a touch longer coupled than the winner. Showed steadily.
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
16th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bortino Smiling Queen
