Show Placings
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Apr 2014
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
It was a great pleasure to judge my own club’s championship show. The venue is excellent, and I was able to experience this from the judge’s side of the table. The show was run very smoothly, and I was particular grateful to Beverley Jackson who, as chief steward, saw that everything was in the right place at the right time. I was pleased with my class winners, though some of the lower placing were a little problematic. As one would expect at this time of the year, with a few exceptions, coats were excellent. I seem to go on about movement every time I judge. I was pleased to note that wide fronts were fewer than before, however we seem to be going in the opposite direction,, with front paws nearly touching on the move. In my opinion the top-line should either be level or slightly sloping downwards to the hind legs. There were several exhibits in which the slope was the other way, with the top of the hind legs above the front legs. This is a wrong. There were several tails that were far too long. There was only one really bad mouth, the dog in question should not in my opinion be shown, and a couple with an incisor out of alignment. And that raises a question. The first line of the standard states ‘Essentially a working terrier’. Does a minor tooth misalignment affect the ability of the dog to work? Any judge can see a fault in the mouth and penalize it, and yet miss other faults which can indeed affect the working ability. Similarly how important are missing teeth? Many a Border has one or more of the first premolars missing or not properly erupted. The standard makes no mention of teeth other than in the context of a scissor bite. At least we are not obsessed with counting teeth as are the Germans.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another nice little bitch, just preferred the properties of first in class, not such a good coat.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs. Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge at this show, my first breed club appointment. I was well looked after by the committee and their hospitality was wonderful. I would like to thank my 2 ring stewards - Tracy Peacock and Allen Horner - who were very efficient in keeping me right and kept everything running smoothly. It was a great privilege for me to have such an excellent entry and of such good quality to go over. Thank you to all those who gave me this opportunity and for taking my decisions so sportingly.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
This 6 month puppy was 3rd in MPB. She is lacking in coat today although there is evidence of a new jacket coming in. She has plenty of loose pelt and thick undercoat. She has a good head with a short strong muzzle. She has a good straight front and is of good length, well angulated with a good tail set. She moved okay for one so young.
Northumberland County Agricultural Society
26th May 2014
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show despite having to overcome the queues, mudbath and delays they faced before the start of judging. A few exhibits were borderline spanable, a couple had poor dentition and several had weak muzzles but there were plenty of loose pelts, harsh coats, neat feet and quality dogs. It was particularly pleasing to see some full and natural coats which seemed most appropriate for the wild and beautiful surroundings of the show. Ground conditions didn’t help movement but all the exhibits were well behaved and most well presented. I have a view that bitches tend to suffer a little in mixed classes but I tried to be even handed in this respect.
Puppy /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My first appointment at this level. My thanks to the society for inviting me and to my two very efficient stewards, Lorrraine and Barbara, who kept things moving.
I was very pleased with both my line ups and feel that my main winners were excellent examples of the breed. Many dogs were sporting dense, tweedy jackets but, as is always the case, some were lacking in coat and this did influence some of the placings. Mouths were good and only one dog was unspannable. On the downside, size is an issue and some of the minor puppies are already up to size. Front movement could be better in a number of exhibits and a few were carrying too much weight.
My sincere thanks to all those who entered and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Nice sized grizzle with feminine head and good mouth.Well angulated front and rear,nice length of body.Plenty of pelt,very good coat.Steady mover and well shown.
Darlington Championship Show
12th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank the Darlington society for my invitation .The stewards were on the ball all day so I would like to thank them for making my day an easy one.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for taking my decisions so sportingly.
However I feel that some exhibits would benefit from a little more food, feeding less does not make them any smaller!
One thing that particularly drew my attention was the dirty teeth in some of the younger exhibits, feet need improving by trimming nails. Nails on some were what a Hawk would be proud of!
Also scissor cuts do not enhance a coat , we are not a trimmed breed we are a breed where hand stripping is paramount.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Feminine head with good expression, neat overall balance, nice neck and shoulders, good in rib and body, lovely topline and tail set on well, evidence of coat coming through. Moved and showed very well. (BPB)
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My grateful thanks to the committee and officers for their brilliant hospitality and to stewards Doreen Rushby and Graham Richardson for their hard work and attempts at keeping me out of trouble. An excellent entry with real quality present in both dogs and bitches. Unfortunately, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, front movement was a real problem in quite a few exhibits, not I might add in the top winners, but unfortunately occasional compromises had to be made in this respect in some classes when filling some of the lower placings.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first Championship Show appointment and I would like to thank the Society for the invitation and generous hospitality. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Attwood and Anne Speake who did a sterling job keeping the good sized, well appointed ring running smoothly throughout the day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over some very high quality dogs. Generally the standard was good with the majority of exhibits showing and moving well. I was concerned by the number of short rounded ribs I found, especially in the bitch classes. There were several noses lacking pigment, some very long thin tails, and I found a few broken or out of line teeth. Coats were at various stages and some otherwise good dogs had to be penalised for lack of coat in the stronger classes. Whereas others with little coat made it into the line up on overall quality. I was very pleased with my main winners, and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Cumberland Canine Association Open Show
7th Feb 2015
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
16mth bitch in super condition. Fabulous coat with a super thick pelt. Lovely otter head with dark eye, good ear set and strong jaw. Nice size, lovely narrow front, good length of body with a lovely topline and tail set. Moved well. RBOB
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!!!
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Excellent head and expression, well balanced body with excellent proportions, excellent coat very nice angulated and moves very well.
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
stronger in build than 1. Head of correct proportions – with all border elements . Well presented. Harsh coat – pliable pelt. Covered the ground well on tight feet. Good bend of stifle.
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
RBCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
What a star this one is; so well balanced and so typy, she caught my eye on the first go around and continued to hold my attention throughout the class. Could not be faulted for type, soundness and all round good looks. Beautiful feminine head of the best, she spans so easily, comes to hand so easily and has that extra special something which sets her apart. Her coat was immaculate and she can certainly move well on lovely small, tight, cat like feet. What a potential she has for the future. Had never seen her before but hope to see more of her in the future. Very hard decision between her and the second in Open for the Reserve CC, but her type, size, correct bone and balance won through and was pleased to award her the Bitch Reserve Challenge Certificate and Reserve Best in Show. One to wish to own I think! Final tape notes say "Love her, just love her"!
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Oct 2015
Judge: Mrs. Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Border terrier Club for the invitation to judge at the Open Show at Low Hesket. It was an honour and privilege to be offered this appointment. I was delighted with the super entry of 96 dogs making a total entry of 132 and appreciate the turnout of so many fine dogs on the day and the sporting way my decisions were taken. Thank you to my ring stewards Ken McKenzie and Dave Hodgson for keeping everything running smoothly for me. Also thank you to the committee for their hospitality and to Jane Shaw for providing a lovely lunch which I enjoyed very much.
Best In Show
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Best Bitch
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
2 year old g/t tan bitch that took my eye as soon as she entered the ring. She has the most beautiful otter head that has the broad flat skull, little stop, a short, strong muzzle, big teeth and strong underjaw. Her ears are neat and close to cheek and she has a sweet feminine expression. She has a lovely straight front and ribs carried well back. She has a super top line which she carried on the move. She is well muscled and with good rear angulation which she put to good use when striding out round the ring. She has lovely tight catlike feet with thick pads and a short thick carrot tail to finish the overall picture. Her coat was dense, thick and harsh and she has a super loose pelt. I was pleased to award her BB and BIS.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Class Critique
Another good class
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
pleasing head, good rib, level topline and correct tailset. Good bend of stifle. Coat passed its best and would like to see her carrying a little less weight. Moved well.
Class Critique
2 nice bitches of similar size.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
lovely for type and so well presented, she has a really nice feminine head with good expression, is built on good bodylines and comes to hand so well. Her jacket was of a good texture and she spanned with ease. She has racy hindquarters and moved with enthusiasm on her lovely tight padded feet.
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
1st Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs K. Lothian (Lairehope)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Boston & District Canine Society
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Society for my invitation to judge at Boston show . Thanks too to my stewards who were both efficient and unobtrusive , great timesavers and cheerful ! I very much enjoyed my day on the woolsack and had some lovely dogs and bitches who I felt could do a days work , having the construction to enable them to run the equivalent of a marathon over rough terrain , as well as being narrow , lithe and spannable to get in underground and ultimately back out again . Some did pay the penalty of being too big in rib and thus were heavily over standard for weight when picked up or too wide in front to get in , others failed in their construction to move in a sound , balanced , long , free striding way making one think they could not follow a horse any distance ! All bar 1 male were entire , there were a few with kinks in their tails and I had more than the usual number of level bites , some with very jumbled or small teeth which I feel must be watched carefully and please try to breed out as they are the defence of a working terrier – Border Terriers should have big scissor bite dentition . I still believe a BT should be capable of free standing and moving on a looser lead as of yore , rather than having their legs screwed on and being too strung up , I understand some dogs do not make the most of themselves free stood , but a lot are pushed into a very strange shape by their handlers ,and lose the vivacity and ‘active and game’ outlook that is part and parcel of the breed , making them very depressed , even some of the puppies looked as though they would rather be anywhere else but in a show ring , either from being over shown or over handled . There were a few dogs who I felt needed more weight on them , their coats hiding their stuck up spine & pin bones – this may be to try and make them more easily spannable or weigh nearer the standard , but it is very unfair on any adult or puppy to starve them , and they did pay the price in some classes as they could not work as thin and lacking strength as they were. In other words they should be made right not starved into shape .
Both my challenge line ups pleased me , and I was especially pleased to have such a good even bitch challenge where I was spoilt for choice , ultimately the dog and bitch I could visualize most easily following horse and hounds and then working gained top honours , being well made , spannable , good coats and pelts , sound free accurate movers with quality and breed type .
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Handy size b who came in excellent double coat and condition , strong head with good bite , straight front and narrow body , powerful angulation behind , with well set carroty shape tail . Moved accurately and soundly but without much enthusiasm . Another who looked very good in the challenge .
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan, two years old. Good head with shallow stop and strong muzzle. Well laid shoulders. Well off for bone with good feet. Good topline and underline. Well ribbed back and short well set tail. Good hindquarters with strong well let down hocks. In excellent double coat. Very sound in all directions on the move.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
See 1st in Post Graduate Bitch
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
scored very much for soundness and moved up and down with true movement in front and behind, striding out extremely well. She is good in neck and shoulder and had enough bend of stifle. Good bone and shown in excellent coat. Plenty of length and good in tail and tail-set. Correct skull and good muzzle with plenty of strength. Good eye.
Whitehaven & DCA Open Show
20th Mar 2016
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me this appointment, and for their excellent hospitality. Thanks also to the ring steward/show secretary who kept things running smoothly. Mostly, of course, I would like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me not only the privilege of going over their dogs and their sporting acceptance of my decisions but also their patience whilst waiting for our ring to become free! Temperaments on the day were excellent; coats were quite varied. I found no dogs with incorrect bites and all male dogs were entire.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Otterbobs Xolana
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Very attractive bitch, super head, with varminty expression. Short strong muzzle with big teeth. Excellent coat and pelt. Very good length of rib, topline and good thick tail well set on. Easy to span, lovely proportions all round and moved with good stride and purpose. A small and feminine but strong bitch, not overdone and just my type. Glad to see she took TG2 later in the day.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Slightly heavier set bitch but well within the standard. Shown in her best harsh coat . Not a flashy exhibit but a true Border who would probably prefer to be out doing the job for which she was bred.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Nice feminine type, good expression, nice neck, shoulder and topline, well angulated in front and behind, moves nice from the side a little close in front, would prefer to see a little more temperament. Excellent coat and thick pelt.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
RBCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Small & feminine bitch with great lay of shoulder, ribs carried well back. Moved very well front and rear Good head, strong muzzle, big teeth. Excellent double coat, good pelt. Very well balanced, looked a workmanlike and typical Border. RCC, unlucky to meet CC winner in such form.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My thanks go to the Northern Border committee for their warm welcome and for the honour of judging their Open show. I really enjoyed my day, and the ladies put on a lovely lunch and Christine’s apple pie was the best pudding of the day. I received a lovely entry and I was very pleased with my winners. My thanks also go out to the exhibitors for allowing me to inspect their dogs on the day. My thanks also go to my two stewards who were a great help on the day.
It is only my opinion, but I think that the size of the border terriers is slowly returning back in line with the breed standard which I am pleased about as I thought that Border terriers were getting too long in the leg. Mouths were good, all dogs were entire, but just a few exhibits were a bit close at the rear. A few exhibitors could do with spending a little time learning how to tidy their dogs and how to get the best out of the dog on the day.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch with a good head with a keen expression, tidy ears, nice neck, shoulders and top-line, well angulated, lovely textured to double coat and good thick pads. Was very pleased to give her RBIS
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
BCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Best In Show
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Good sized g/tan, Lovely balance with great style about her. Excellent head good strong jaw, slightly heavy in ear, Good bone at the front & really good feet, good coat & condition & thick pelt, nice angulations fore and aft, good tail & tail set, moved out really well, covering her ground with ease. Overall I thought her a very good bitch and was pleased to award her the CC & BIS in some hot competition. I had a lot of difficulty separating two & three, both of whom have so much quality.
Class Critique
This was a really strong class, a pleasure to judge.
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
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
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
This is a typy bitch who scores well from the neck backwards, she has a good front, good body and hindquarters and she moves well. Her head butters no parsnips for me but her virtues are behind the collar where she also has a good coat and pelt and a well set tail.
Class Critique
I found this class hard work to judge, nothing grabbed me at all and it was very much a case of balancing one bit against another in all of them.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Jun 2016
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to the officers, committee and members of The Scottish Border Terrier Club for the invitation and to the exhibitors, thank you for bringing your Borders'. My steward Joyce Orr was superb as was the welcome, hospitality and lunch. The weather was spectacular, but became increasingly hotter as the day progressed. Everyone took care to make sure the Borders were kept cool, in the shade and well hydrated. I noticed two level bites during judging, (not a problem), all the dogs were complete, a couple of Borders were a little over weight compared to the standard. I noticed a few Borders had a fair amount of tartar on their teeth, nails and dewclaws could have been trimmed on some. Nevertheless, a nice group of Borders who were credit to the breed and their owners.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Best Bitch
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Gr&T, a smaller, moderately boned Border with super otter head, little stop, good muzzle, strong jaw, big teeth, super narrow front, well angulated front and shoulder, good top line to well set thick tail. Presented in good, tidy double coat, moved out well, accurate coming & going. Best Bitch & RBIS
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2016
Judge: Miss S Dandy
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Smartly presented. Liked her head, slightly heavy in ear. Longer cast than 1&2. Nicely made with a harsh thick jacket. Preferred length of leg of 1&2.
Border Union Agricultural Society
19th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs M Wanless
My sincere thanks go to the officers and committee of Border Union for this appointment, this is such a well run, friendly show, with outstanding hospitality!
My thanks also to my two Stewards on the day, Ella Linton, and Alan Small. Thank you too to all those who entered under me, and came, and accepted my decisions with good grace. I was pleased with my winners. I do wish though that dogs were shown on a loose lead, and stacked freely. Big ears are becoming prevalent, not as in the standard. Presentation and condition played a large part in my decisions.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
BCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Very typy grizzle, with a lovely head, dark eye, ears of nice size ,falling correctly. Good teeth in a strong jaw. Nice reach of neck into good shoulder, lovely front to neat feet Spannable. Harsh coat. level top line and correct tail set. Moved out well with drive. Pleased to award her the BCC and BOB.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
BCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
CC & BOB A typical workmanlike bitch not overdone in any way. Presented in tip top condition with a harsh topcoat over a thick pelt and good undercoat. Feminine but strong otter like head, moderately broad in skull, dark eye with keen expression, good bite and teeth, stands on a straight front with good feet, good length of neck into well placed shoulders, narrow body with good length of rib, level topline, well set on tail, well muscled hindquarters which she used to drive round the ring. Moved soundly both coming and going.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
RBCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Shorter coupled than 2, loved her neat size, good length of rib, varmity expression, dark eye, correct width of skull, big teeth, in excellent double coat, pleasure to go over, well presented bitch. RES CC
Class Critique
3 lovely bitches very hard decision, all deserving 1st place
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Class Critique
Another very good class.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
RBCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Lovely grizzle, strongly constructed and in fit condition, good reach of neck leading to excellent shoulders and level topline. Good rear angulation and coat in excellent harsh condition. RCC
Class Critique
What a lovely class, first three could easily change places on another day.
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
What a lovely bitch this is, very well constructed and balanced and gave a good account of herself, She was well presented in perfect condition. On the move she demonstrated soundness and a lengthy stride.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2016
Judge: Professor A S Milton
It was a pleasure to come back to Scotland, even though for just a day, and to judge Border Terriers at the Scottish Kennel Club's August Show. Looking at the catalogue I was surprised to find that Border Terriers had the fourth largest entry at the show. It was a very satisfactory entry, with many dogs that I had not seen before. I was particularly impressed with the overall quality of the coats. There was only one really bad mouth, a few crooked teeth, so what, as long as they can bite! I was concerned about size, not only those outwith the standard, but also even more worrying, those that I could not span. I should like to thank Joyce Martin for sending me a CD with photos of all the class winners.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
BCC
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
grizzle that fits the breed standard to a ‘t’ fit hard condition, well muscled, the best of double jackets covering a thick pliable pelt, good for bone, handy size, strong ottery head, but feminine, typical expression, moved with purpose, plenty of reach and driving well from behind. CC BOB
Richmond Championship Dog Show
10th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Headed another very competitive class of some very good bitches. Lovely type of good size and is so well built throughout. Best of heads with good strength of muzzle, straightest of fronts, well padded feet, firm muscular body that was easily spand and lovely racy quarters. Excellent coat and pelt, sound on the move.
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Otterbobs Xolana
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
A very typical bitch with a strong head and a good front, in very good condition, the other two had slightly more typical heads for me. Three lovely bitches.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch that also fits the standard well. She has a very good head, strong muzzle and good set of teeth. Well constructed throughout, she has a balanced outline. Very Good reach of neck into well placed shoulders. Narrow front and good for bone and feet. Excellent topline, tail set and length of rib. Easily spanned. Very fit, she moved well from all angles. Good coat and pelt. RBCC
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Steward Allen Horner and Dave Mitchell. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another really nice type of bitch, a very close decision. Good head, flat skull, ear placement and strong jaw with big teeth. Soundly constructed, moved well both ways.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr. Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Open Show . The club and officers were very welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed my day . I would like to thank my very helpful stewards Liz Barratt and Janice Johnson who kept things flowing through the day . I was pleased with my entry with some quality dogs to handle. It was also good to see some promising pups coming through . I was very pleased with my winners on the day
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Feminine looking bitch with racy outline, strong ,otter head , narrow straight front , good length of rib. Moved well , Close decision between 1st and 2nd .
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Very good head with strength of jaw, well balanced outline, good neck and shoulders, in hard condition, kept topline on the move, moved well round the ring. Res BCC
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another bitch I liked very much. Just right for size. Liked her ottery head. Dark eye. Good shoulder placement. narrow all through. In good coat and condition. Moved well.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
I have observed this bitch from the ring side and she didn’t disappoint. A bitch of excellent make and shape, with a feminine head which has good breadth of skull and neat well placed ears. I would have liked to see a little more strength of foreface – but her other attributes outweigh this. She has a nice front assembly, well laid shoulders and easily spanned. She has a good level top line, correct tail set and good rear angulation. Shown in good double coat and pelt. Moved very well fore and aft to complete the picture. Pleased to award her RBCC.
Class Critique
Another class that was a pleasure to judge – lots of quality and some difficult decisions as a result.
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.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
BCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
I really loved her, no exaggerations, just a good honest Border bitch who was the best moving bitch of the day coming and going, with a super ground covering side gait with good reach and drive. Well constructed, good rib and easy to span with pleasing head and expression, presented in superb thick tweedy coat and pelt. Bitch CC.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another good champion worthy of her title same comments as 1st, just preferred bend of stifle on winner.`
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
(G/tan) lovely head with good strength of muzzle, straight front, well padded feet, good body that was spanned with ease has lovely racy quarters. Excellent coat and pelt, sound on the move.
Class Critique
Lovely class of bitches with some worthy Champions
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Outstanding bitch a real credit to her breeder, correct otter like head with varminty expression correct mouth with big teeth, nicely balanced standing on excellent feet with thick pads, good in rib and easily spanned, shown in the best of jackets with excellent pelt, she moves true both coming and going, a good honest border. Pleased to award her Best Bitch and Best in Show.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Very sound bitch, liked her length and rib, good top and underline, good for coat and pelt
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another favourite, I have loved this girl since I judged her in 2015 at the Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire BTC Ch show. She was in an exceedingly good class of stars but outshone them today, as she has done before. I would happily award this girl a CC and since I judged her last, I was so pleased to see she has gained her title, one she richly deserves. She is so well balanced and full of breed type, so sound with a beautiful feminine head of the best, she spans so easily, comes to hand so easily and has that extra special something which sets her apart. Her coat was immaculate and she can certainly move well on lovely small, tight, cat like feet. Her type, size, correct bone and balance won through in a very hot Open bitch class, where she gave me chills going over her on the table and watching her move. I was pleased to award her top honours again. Oh for more than one CC to hand out when the quality is as good as this!
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
My notes say that this Border lady still continues to blow my mind and gives me chills when going over her and watching her move. Ended the tape with "She is just perfect". She has everything in the right place and consequently is so well balanced. Fabulous otter head. Lovely reach of neck. Lovely topline. Right down to her bend of stifle, she is not overdone in any way, with just the right amount of bone. For full report, see above.
Class Critique
What a fantastic class this was. Loved all the ones I placed today. Some very close decisions.
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
BCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
A quality bitch. Well proportioned. Good size. Typical head and expression. Very good reach of neck. Well constructed all through. Well angulated. Excellent body. Easy to span. Thick pelt. Moved freely with good reach and drive.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Quality grizzle and tan although a different type to first she held appeal and also was a pleasure to judge. Shown in lovely condition in the best of jackets and pelt, sound on the move but I felt she lacked the verve of first ... maybe a season pending?
Class Critique
What a super class
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
BCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
CC, in such a good quality bitch entry I then find exactly what I wanted in a Ch bitch, loved her shape of head, correct expression, well set ear & good dentition, moderate length of neck to excellent shoulder & upper arm, for me the best of body shape,, easy to span her rib, loose thick pelt she has a good strong loin, racy quarters & correct tail, neat feet with thick pads, just coming into her coat but what she has is correct ; handled to perfection & moves with ease
Class Critique
Fabulous class & a delight to handle many top quality bitches. I could have given top awards to the first 5 in this class today.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
A very nice bitch, lovely to go over and handles well. Nice size with good shoulder and rib everything comes to hand well. She excelled in coat and pelt in very good condition. Moved and showed very well. RCC.
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
A bitch I had seen before and had yet to judge. I liked her as a puppy and she didn’t disappoint today. Beautiful dark grizzle bitch, not overdone in any way; perfect balance on the table with a tip top double jacket in great condition. Lovely typical Border head with dark expressive eyes, correct head proportions and scissor bite. Ear placement was good with neat ears, good reach of neck into clean shoulders. A parallel front and spannable ribcage. Level topline and good carrot tail well set on. On the floor she moved out easily, covering the ground well, moving parallel both front and back and working perfectly with her handler/ breeder/owner. Delighted to award her BCC and BiS.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
another pleasing bitch which handles well on the table. Has a really excellent coat of good texture. Good head and skull of the correct proportions. Good bone. Plenty of length of body and good typical tail for shape. Moved out and back soundly. Flagged a bit when it came to competing for the RCC.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Champion Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
A close decision between 1 & 2 and she is of very similar size and has many of the winners’ qualities. Her head is of good proportions and has a good strong bite. Liked her keen expression and the way her neck flows into excellent shoulders, a level topline with her tail spot on. Ideal for bone another with the neatest of feet in first class condition. Has good coat and loose pelt, her well developed rear end is used to cover the ground as she drives from behind.
Class Critique
3 worthy champions, all spannable
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
lovely for type and well presented, feminine head, good expression, keen eye and good strength of muzzle. She is well proportioned throughout with a level topline and good tailset. Her coat was of a good texture, her pelt pliable and was easily spanned. She has firmly padded feet and is correct for bone. Moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Super fit bitch lovely otter type head, neat in ears, gun barrel front enough bone, so easily spanned, harsh jacket, lovely body, correct in backend good tail moved with drive I say if they made right the will move right liked her a lot
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan who I was delighted to be able to judge as I’ve long admired her.
She has a beautiful Otter head with an excellent bite. Lovely elegant reach of neck into beautiful smooth narrow shoulders. Neat well boned narrow front. She has super ribs which are well carried back and she’s very easily spanned. Topline and tailset are excellent. All topped off with a new harsh dense coat on a thick pliable pelt. She moved out with precision and accuracy. A lovely picture both on the move and standing with such a striking typical outline. Had no hesitation in awarding this classy Border terrier the RBCC.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another I liked a lot and similar comments apply. Shown in first class correct coat. Hard decision between first two.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Ex type and size. Quality bitch. Ex otter head. Ex proportion and angulation. Ex pelt and mover. RESERVE CC
Class Critique
Strong class.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Pressed hard for top spot. Similar type to 1, has the head and flowing lines of a top class bitch. Super jacket and pelt. Preferred the length of leg of 1. Well made all round and thus very sound on the move. Res CC
Class Critique
Top quality bitches on display with very close decisions between the top 5.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
What a privilege it was to judge my breed again at the Scottish Kennel Club. I am very grateful for the invite.
I would really like to thank all of those who exhibited their dogs under me and for putting trust in my opinion and my integrity. I would also like to thank my very capable stewards Kate Scott and Lindsay O’Neill, who were very confident, efficient and jovial on the day.
My general findings were that the breed is showing a good in-depth quality. Movement is still a bit erratic here and there as one would expect, but I saw plenty of good borders on the day. However, I did notice that thickness of skin was not as evident as in the past and I honestly only found a few really good thick pelts. I found one dog had a very slight deformity near the very end of its tail. I had one or two level bites and one that obviously had recently had a tooth come out and its owner, very honestly, informed me of what had happened. None of these dogs were penalised in any way re mouths. Some exhibits were tallish but spannable, however, there were some that were two heavy in chest and had a rounder shape rib rather than the correct ‘v’ or heart shape.
As usual I was looking for borders that fulfilled the type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well as they would have had to when our standard was written all those years ago.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Class Critique
Plenty of quality in this class.
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Class Critique
This was an absolutely belting class, I could have placed another stack of these bitches, there were dogs here that in the past I have awarded top honours that today had to go well down the line so some hard decisions had to be made. Difficult to split the first three all of whom had great virtues so it came down to splitting hairs and personal preference for style and type.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
8 yr old. Another vey nice one, just preferred the heads of 1 and 2.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
More compact than 1 and lovely for size and balance. Good strong head. Good top line and tail set over nicely shaped rib and strong loin. Well-muscled racy hind quarters.
Class Critique
What an excellent class with quality right down the line and beyond. Some super girls who on another day I would have been more than happy to have as my winner went cardless today.
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
8 year old grizzle, typical feminine head and expression, she is well balanced with straight front, well placed shoulder and nice bodylines. Tight jacket on good pelt. Moved soundly from racy quarters.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
9 yrs b/t who was the best mover in the class , Her construction was good all through right to her well set carrot tail and she had plenty of coat of the correct texture .
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Another lovely border from this kennels, harsh double coat with thick pelt could certainly do the job it’s intended for. Pleasing head correct bite level top-line moved well
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Different type to 1st a little more rangy in comparison. Well made with a pleasing head and expression. Carried herself well on the move with a correct topline and tail carriage. Unfortunately her coat was on the blow.
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
Completed an excellent line up of veterans. See she is the dam of my BOB and can see where he has inherited many of his positive attributes from. Good size and is not overdone in anyway and has kept her shape both stood and on the move. Pleasing head, so typical with the best of expressions. Excellent front, good coat and pelt and very sound on the move.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Otterbobs Xolana
Placing Critique
9yrs old g/t the dam to BIS winner, love her type super head and expression, neatly placed ears, body length just right, super thick jacket, moved well fore and aft. BVIS
