Show Placings
Liskeard & District Canine Association Premier Open Breed Show
14th Jul 2013
Judge: Ms Carolyne Scott (Wolferflow)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Stithians Open Show
15th Jul 2013
Judge: Mrs J Pinfold
Best Puppy
Name at show: PG3, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Bournemouth Championship Dog Show
10th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Very nice type, good outline, another in good coat and excellent pelt, moved away well, needs to settle in front movement.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Camborne and Redruth Canine Society
15th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs M R Nixon (Brackenacre)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: G4, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Best Puppy
Name at show: PG2, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
My most sincere thanks to all exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry of 117 making 153 entries, the highest in the terrier group and one of only a few to break the 100 mark in the whole show.
It is human nature for us all to ringside judge and we are all guilty of this, but going over an exhibit first hand, is further revealing, a privilege for which, I was truly grateful.
Some lovely dogs, some more workman like than others, some in better condition than others, a few outstanding ones and the odd one or two I’d love to own!
I am the first to admit I love a flashy dog who will stand up and show, but along with that must come the workman like qualities that make it able to be essentially a working terrier. There is nothing to suggest in my mind, that the two trains of thought can’t co-exist, they can and they must.
Nervous or aggressive dogs and there were just one or two, were not rewarded, this is surely a temperament to be discouraged. Dour is a different matter altogether, especially when its nearly always on an otherwise, super exhibit, a frustrating combination.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Another super puppy of slightly shorter body, but again with a super head and eye, strong jaw and good mouth. Double coat of crisp texture on a pliable pelt covering a well made body. Moves and shows well. Close run decision here and will change places again and again as they mature I’m sure.
Class Critique
The better of the two puppy classes for depth of quality.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
well proportioned grizzle bitch with a typical feminine head and keen expression, nice reach of neck into a level topline and well set tail, good harsh coat out of a lovely thick loose pelt, good angulation giving a smooth action as she moved out with purpose on tight neat feet. I’d take her home. BP, RBP in show.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Val Furness
Thank you to M.C.C.A for the appointment also my stewards and a thank you to the exhibitors. Coats and size were mixed and a few entries i could not span the one thing that was apparent was the number of very lean exhibits. You BREED for size not FEED for it.
It was also nice to see that most of the early classes looked as they should be and not looking like they should be in open class
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Plymouth & District CS
16th Nov 2013
Judge: Sharon Clark
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIB, BOS, RBOB, PG3, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Penzance and District CS
17th Nov 2013
Judge: Jan Fiers( Lokeren)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, RBPIS, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Ladies Kennel Association
15th Dec 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
I was honoured to accept this appointment at short notice, due to Kathy Wilkinson’s ill health. I was impressed with the new halls and layout this year.
I was able to judge with no preconceptions, as I have only been to two shows this year, so the majority of dogs were new to me. A good size entry with some good quality dogs present in a number of classes in which I was splitting hairs I had two very good stewards who handled the large classes with calm and efficient precision allowing me to get on with my job.
Overall movement, has improved considerably. In my opinion Borders should move soundly, positively and with the minimum of effort needed to cover the ground well, this means that they use far less energy when travelling distances, and my principal winners all fitted this criteria. Nice large teeth and good bites were very much in evidence. At long last I am starting to see definition between dogs and bitches, I like to see a masculine dog and a feminine bitch. The other thing I was pleased to see was the majority had good tight feet. Some exhibitors seem to be under the impression that an underweight dog is a way to make them easier to span, it doesn’t work! I hate to be able to feel bone and not muscle.
I learnt after judging that there was some kind of aggression in one of the classes, unfortunately I did not witness this personally, as I was going over a dog on the table, if I had of seen it then I would have taken appropriate action as this type of temperament is totally unacceptable in our lovely breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Another feminine bitch who meets all of my criteria, it was difficult to choose and she was beaten only by a tighter harsher coat.
Central Cornwall Open Show
9th Feb 2014
Judge: Marie Louise Clark
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
16th Feb 2014
Judge: Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Crufts
7th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a record entry for the breed of 303 exhibits making 340 entries and indeed the largest entry for a single Judge at this prestigious show, also for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted. Thank you also to my two Stewards, Roger and Heather Chaston, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, for their assistance in ensuring that I was able to get through this huge entry in plenty of time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Group.
It was an interesting entry with some difficult decisions having to be made such was the high standard of exhibits present. I felt that movement had improved since the last time I judged. Heads and expressions were good, although a few were a shade heavy in ear. Mouths overall were much improved with a marked reduction in the number of dogs presented with overcrowded jaws of small teeth, only the odd few having either a chipped, or in the case of an older exhibit, a missing tooth. The majority of teeth were clean with just a small number needing more attention in this area. All dogs were entire.
I was pleased that so many were presented with the correct double jacket that the standard asks for, unfortunately some exhibits that really appealed for type and size had very little evidence of, or no, jacket and on another day could have done better. Attention to feet was very evident, many of whom I believe may have benefited from plenty of roadwork, resulting in tight thick pads and short claws. Inevitably with any entry of this magnitude I had to let a number of worthy exhibits leave the ring without a prize card, which I really did not enjoy doing.
Special Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
well presented in a good jacket and pelt, extremely fit and well muscled, shorter in body than my winner but everything is in proportion. She has a very pleasing head, keen eye and expression and good mouth Moved well.
Exeter and County Canine Society
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr Ken Jessup
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Bodmin & District Canine Society
13th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr Francis Rundle
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
West Of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr A Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries and to my two stewards.
I think size needs to be watched in the breed as a working terrier. I have a large span but a number of dogs were not spannable by me, this reflected in my placings. We also seem to loosing the otter like head, some with too much stop, some with weak muzzles and others lacking under jaw. This results in a loss of type which defines the breed. We should try and adhere to the breed standard laid down by the original border terrier breeders.
The over baiting of dogs on the table is totally unnecessary. In my opinion they do not need to be constantly fed on the table. It makes judging difficult when a dog is constantly looking for food.
I was very surprised to see border terriers with coats on around the ring, as they should have their own double coat for warmth and protection. I hope this isn’t the start of trend with the breed becoming just another show breed and losing its identity as the standard states “essentially a working terrier”.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Devon County Show
22nd May 2014
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Class Critique
What a class of quality in depth bitches, who will no doubt change places many times.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
7th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to my two highly efficient stewards who, whilst never obtrusive, always had everything in the right place and ensured that I could get on with judging the dogs efficiently and smoothly.
A very pleasing entry, many classes had winning quality beyond the number of cards available. I found no missing teeth, no serious mouth faults, and all males were entire. Coats were variable; ranging from several in profuse double coat (not a problem if still of good weatherproof quality); to some who had only undercoat and a few who had adequate top coat but completely lacked undercoat (both incorrect and adversely affecting placings). There were a number of very smartly prepared and presented terriers on show; but however smart and showy a terrier may be, as 'essentially a working terrier' it must be 'capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness' in order to be a BORDER Terrier. Too many exhibits were deficient in shoulder construction, front movement and drive.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Neatly made grizzle bitch, would have benefited from more coat. Moved soundly and accurately, head still to come
Class Critique
a good even set of promising bitches
Liskeard & District Canine Association Premier Open Breed Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Carolyn Fry (Bedaslea)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Stithians Agricultural Show
14th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Alan Jenkins
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
2nd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr T Johnston
RBCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
quality head & good eye, good neck & good bone, good depth & rib, good body condition, good type & harsh coat, covered ground well, active & good expression. RCC
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
g/t. Also out the top drawer. Excellent outline, narrow all through, well ribbed back, straight front, well laid shoulder and just enough rear angulation. Very attractive feminine head.
Welsh Kennel Club
16th Aug 2014
Judge: Mr A E Small (Bethane)
Thanks for a lovely entry, sorry for the delay but I could not be in both my breeds rings at the same time! It was nice to be outside at WKC, which hasn't happened for 9 years. Thanks to the Committee for the invite & looking after us, I really enjoyed my day.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Kevin Holmes
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Diamond Jubilee Show
19th Oct 2014
Judge: Mrs Mary Small (Tilomoray)
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Pleasing grizzle & tan of 22 months, good for size and balance, nice in head and expression. Well placed shoulder, flat rib, good rear angulation, free and sound movement. Short carroty tail. Good harsh jacket and loose pelt.
Plymouth and District Kennel Association Open Show
15th Nov 2014
Judge: David Mathias (Eyrescot)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Penzance and District Canine Society Open Show
16th Nov 2014
Judge: Sue Garner (Aivlys)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
Though the standard calls for a narrow body I found many dogs who were too skinny & I could easily feel their ribs! Heads were quite disappointing, many had long weak muzzles not the proportions one associates with an Otters head. Many exhibits lack the small round foot & I doubt if they would cope with the exercise it needs to follow a horse. Coats were mixed & many just a seasonal problem.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
close up to 1, just preferred the front of 1. Nice shape & well balanced body, well ribbed back. Good bone & feet. Ultimate show girl who moves very soundly
St Austell & District Canine Society
22nd Feb 2015
Judge: Maria Clarke
Best Of Breed
Name at show: BIS, TG1, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Crufts
7th Mar 2015
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
First of all I would like to thank the Kennel Club for the honour and pleasure of judging this prestigious show. I must then thank my efficient and capable stewards who kept me on track and looked after me through the day. Most of all I would like thank the exhibitors who rose from their beds at early hours and drove many miles to give me an entry of Border Terriers to be proud of and one which is was a delight to judge. It was not only strong numerically strong but also in depth of quality. It is a cliché to say that there were not enough cards to go around but in this entry it was certainly true. Determining all the final line up in each class was difficult and also in many deciding who should make the short list was also a challenge. Good dogs went without a card, ones who in a different entry I would have been happy to see as winners. In the challenges decisions remained tough and more than those that took the top honours were worthy of doing so and I would have been very pleased to have had more awards to give out.
In the days following this year’s show Crufts, dog shows and those who participate in them came in for some criticism. The picture painted by the media at this time was certainly not my experience. Before, during and after the show I found show people to be nothing but good natured, genuine and supportive. I enjoyed every minute of my day and hope that those that supported me with an entry or as spectators at the ringside did so too
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
A smart nicely headed bitch with a good reach of neck good top line and tail set. Right for size and well muscled with good quarters which she used with drive around the ring.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Bombax) Sweden
I will thank the club and the show committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, I feel very honoured to be invited. I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with huge entries. My winner was really top quality border terriers, excelling in type and heads. The overall quality was very good, but I hoped to see more quality in the younger classes. Size was ok, coats in different stages because of the time of year. It was about 40 years since I judged my first CCshow in England and I still enjoy it so much. My stewards did a fantastic job on the day, keeping both me and the dogs in order. They make it running very smooth and efficient, thank you!!!
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Elegant bitch with very nice head and expression, very nice topline, moves very well. Excellent coat.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for super entry, it was an honour to go over so many excellent quality border terriers . I had some close decisions in many classes and some quality dogs had to go cardless. Overall I was impressed with the standard of both dogs/bitches and with the condition of them. Almost all were in fit condition with muscle tone,spanning wasn't an issue I'm pleased to say. Which means the breed is in a good way.. Mouths too on the whole were correct with many having good sized and clean teeth. .While coats are of course transient, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts.
Last but not least Huge Thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Stewards who made my day so much easier.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
A lot of the same comments as for 1 apply to this fit and well presented bitch too. in the end it just came down to the wire. A bitch with oodles of breed type ,she has a good harsh coat and thick pelt and looked a picture in outline.
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
well balanced with lots of border attributes. Not quite as racy as some but easily spanned. Level topline retained on the move. Well let down hocks. Tight coat. One to watch.
Bath Canine Society
22nd May 2015
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
good head, dark eye, neat ears, ribs deep & carried well back, nice turn of stifle, pleasing profile, moved true & soundly
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Placing Critique
Similar type to the winner and just as attractive. They are a well matched pair today. Another typical, beautiful head, good reach of neck into clean well angulated shoulders. Level topline and short carrot tail. Good rear angulation. Second thigh muscle evident – a well exercised happy exhibit.
Stithians Agricultural Show
13th Jul 2015
Judge: Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Nicely built. Good coat and pleasing head. Stands and moves well maintaining outline.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
this one reminded me of an old champion of mine, a little bit plain in head, but everything else was very good, movement OK
Bournemouth CS
10th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, the stewards for unobtrusively keeping things running smoothly and the exhibitors for bringing their good dogs and accepting my decisions with grace. I was gratified to have only 3 absentees despite the awful weather forecast. The necessary inside ring, albeit slightly sloping and uneven, was a decent size giving each exhibit the opportunity to get into stride. Coats varied but there were many good textured topcoats over dense undercoats and on the whole pelts were thick. My worst issue was that some exhibits, despite being narrow and not fat, were very heavy and also a difficult span. Pads were generally thick but feet could be better trimmed as some that looked large and flat actually weren’t on examination. I look for shortish carrot-like tails and although some were thick at the base and tapering correctly they were overly long. I only found 2 with misplaced teeth and it was delighted to find most today had large well set white teeth in good scissor bite. In the past I’ve commented on lack of condition and poor muscle tone in hindquarters so was happy that all today’s entry was presented fit and in hard condition. Overall type was good, I was pleased with both line ups and the veteran classes were a particular treat
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
A very nice bitch, good in all departments. She has a typical outline with good front and rear angulation and shouts game and active. Right for size and easily spanned she showed well and pushed so hard in the challenge but exuberance just got the better of her on the move.
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
I very much enjoyed judging this quality entry and I left there were some particularly good bitches. As always, some classes were better than others, but my winners and the bitch line-up in particular pleased me. Heads varied considerably and also movement and fronts which still seem to be problems in the breed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
easy winner here, sound fore and aft with balanced outline, typical head, hard double coat, good tail set well, a little shorter overall than I would have preferred, good mover presented in good order
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Very nice type with lovely head good angulation front and rear moved very well good tail well set on and carried very showy a close decision
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Truro & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs A Baker
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Stithians Agricultural Show
11th Jul 2016
Judge:
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
a feminine bitch of similar qualities as 1, well balanced, otter like head with correct ear set, dark eyes, scissor bite, neat slope of neck falling into laid back shoulders, good front, balanced rib to loin, muscular rear, easily spanned with loose pelt, moved with drive around the ring;
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
RBCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
RBCC, (grz/t), this b was certainly fit for function, well balanced head, good muzzle & bite, scores in neck & shoulders, easily spanned, held a her topiline at all times, was in super coat & condition considering I understand she has just retruned from nursing duties, a credit to her owner,
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
19th Feb 2017
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
The Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
5th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, with special appreciation to show manager Jane Roberts, and ring stewards Sandra Girling and Sheila Hales. Most of all, I would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their lovely dogs.
With the phrase “Essentially a working terrier” in mind, I was satisfied that my main winners fitted the breed standard and moved soundly with good reach and drive. Coats also played a part, and although I appreciate that coats come and go, they did matter on the day. All the dogs were entire, there were a couple of level bites and the odd tooth out of line, but most exhibits were really nicely turned out. The puppy classes were very promising, and at the other end of the scale it was nice to see the veterans enjoying their day.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Best In Show
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
This 4 year old grizzle and tan bitch caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring, a real showgirl, active and game – ready for a day’s work. A lovely size, easily spannable with a straight, narrow front, beautiful head and strong scissor bite, moderate neck into well laid shoulders, and narrow in rib. Strong in loin with well muscled thigh and second thigh. Good all round angulation with lovely bend of stifle, enabling her to propel around the ring with ease, holding her level topline and carrying her well set, short carrot shaped tail. Fabulous loose, thick pelt and harsh, impenetrable coat. Pleased to award her Best Bitch and Best in Show.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
another good sort, honest and workmanlike with pleasing head and expression, neck and shoulders, bodyline and quarters, firm and well toned, stands evenly on her toes and appears ready for anything, moved out well.
Class Critique
could have easily used more cards in this class,
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Liskeard & DCS Open Show
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Jen Bowden
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Yeovil and District Canine Society Premier Open Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
BCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Shapely b who just has slightly more hind angulation than 2. V good head, dark eye and good expression. Lengthy neck. Well made front Super ribs. Firm topline. Well made rear, super tail. In excellent coat. Accurate out and back. CC
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Very nice type and presented and handled well to show her merits, liked head and body proportions, well ribbed, nice angulated rear which produced good driving movement
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Stylish bitch with good head and expression, presented in good coat, good front and tight feet racy quarters and moved out well.
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
18th Feb 2018
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Thank you so much to the Society for this invitation to judge, and for their hospitality. Many thanks to my stewards for their hard work. Also, thanks to the exhibitors. All my winners were easily spannable and good representatives of the breed. I thoughly enjoyed my day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Another Lovely bitch, again very feminine with lovely head, as always from this kennel. All the same attributes as 1 but just not moving as well today.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Perfect size, stylish grizzle 6yr old bitch. Excellent pelt and jacket. Sweet feminine head with correct scissor bite. Good reach of neck into sloping shoulders and narrow front. Level topline and good tail well set on. Easy to span, she moved out well with plenty of reach and parallel front and back.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
typical head and expression narrow front legs of good bone nice in body with good ribbing topline level and tail well set and carried racy in hindquarters moving well both ways.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
RBCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
I liked this five year old bitch. Tough looking madam. Good otter head, strong front , correctly angulated rear. Tough coat, good pelt, Good mover. Was pleased to award her the BRCC.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Another smart little lady but preferred the front of 1st pleasing head and good bite varmity expression well constructed all round showed and moved well spanned ok.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch nice head and teeth, nice reach of neck, well carried ribs , racy hindquarters ,good coat and pelt moved well, but preferred the movement of 1
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Championship Show
30th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for an enjoyable day; and to my stewards Kevin and Julie who ensured that all flowed smoothly and that my only task was to judge the dogs. Thanks also to the rest of the committee and helpers who ensured a well run show. I was well pleased with the entry; real quality beyond the available cards in many classes. I had no bad mouths (a few lost and broken teeth, not a major problem to me); but quite a few with small teeth in a technically perfect bite. All males were entire. I had expected (from recent ringside observation) to find front movement, in particular, a problem; so was pleasantly surprised in the entry on the day in this respect. However, too many of the dogs did not have the construction and fitness to appear able to move efficiently over rough ground all day. Coats were variable, most being well prepared and tidy; pelts, on the whole, were good, but feet were often weak with thin pads.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Class Critique
What a class! Pulled 6 for further attention, but could easily have placed more than that.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
17th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. I was very pleased with my winners on the day and also pleased to see my BOB going Best in Show, this was the icing on the cake from a very enjoyable weekend spent in Cornwall.
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
Smart bitch of nice size, shown in harsh coat. Good front, nice length of back and rib, strong loin, moved out well. Shown in fit condition. Moved well front and back. Good coat and tail set.
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
16th Feb 2020
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Best Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Best Veteran
Name at show: BVIS, Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
7 year old grizzle bitch who certainly enjoyed her time in the ring! In lovely coat and condition, with a super thick pelt. I liked her head and expression. Nice big teeth and keen dark eye. Good front and shoulders, and topline, with a lovely carrot shaped tail. Moved well on neat catlike feet. A lovely girl who deserved BB and RBOB.
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
Placing Critique
8 and a Half in cracking nick, bit if a covid belly like us all, sound all through in excellent jacket , moved really well
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM
