Show Placings
Oswestry & District Kennel Association
18th Jul 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
Slightly older also in good coat. Sweet expression with feminine head. Correct size with good length of body, could have done with a little more length of leg.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Special Challenge - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Oakengates & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr Anthony Hadley
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs L.K. Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge our wonderful breed for the first time at this friendly show. Like many shows this weekend there were a few absentees, likely due to a combination of reasons, nevertheless thank you to all of my entries; I enjoyed my first experience on the other side of the table today
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
2 year old grizzle and tan bitch. Again a feminine head with a dark eye and neat ear, although she didn’t use these to her advantage today. Carrying a tad too much condition but a nice pelt with a good double coat. Unsettled on the move but still lots to like.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Novice - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
nice size grizzle bitch with a typical head and expression. Good coat and pelt; could be narrower in front. 3rd in Special Beginners, moved better in this class.
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
1st Jun 2022
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Royal Cheshire County Show
22nd Jun 2022
Judge: Carmel Clarke O'Neill (Lemracdream)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Newport Agricultural Society (Shropshire) Open Show
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr. Andrew Brace (Tragband)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
31st May 2023
Judge: Marion Sargent (Tegwani)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Newport Agricultural Society (Shropshire) Open Show
8th Jul 2023
Judge: Alison Kenny-Marriot (Millingford)
Thank you to the Society for inviting me to judge at this lovely, friendly dog show. Thanks to the committee for all their hard work and to my friendly stewards who kept the ring moving at all times. Thanks also to the exhibitors who brought some quality dogs for me to judge and braved the threat of thunderstorms on the day! Border Terriers A quality entry
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
Sweet natured bitch just returning from maternal duties. Narrow and spannable. Would prefer a little more strength in muzzle and smaller ears. Good depth of body but fails in topline. Not quite the movement of 1st but happy to show.
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
16th Jul 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge the Border Terriers today; and my thanks also to our steward, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. If I have a plea to exhibitors it would be this: please pay attention to cleanliness of teeth and overall presentation especially feet and nails. Thank you.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
Three-year-old grizzle and tan bitch of correct size and proportions with a good strong head and impressively large teeth. Keen varminty gaze, overall head was marred by fly-away ears today. Well- laid shoulders – with good length of leg and neat small feet. Spannable with a superb jacket, loose pelt and thick skin. She appeared to enjoy her time in the ring and moved efficiently.
Rhyl Canine Society Open Show
10th Sep 2023
Judge: Louisa Henry
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Amélie Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Oakengates & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Andrew Westwood (Nethertonion)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Coventry Ladies’ Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2024
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Litchfield CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr John Finney (Sanguliano)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Heywood and Radcliffe CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE (Sleepyhollow)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
St Helens & DCS Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
This bitch has an otter type head with strong well filled muzzle and keen expression. Nothing is overdone she has a straight front with enough bone, her body is of good depth and narrow throughout. Muscular hindquarters and stands on small compact feet. She has a thick movable pelt. When she moves you can see she could do a day’s work.
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank the committee for appointing me for this show. With 16 dogs entered and 2 absent I was very pleased with my above average entry for this show. All the dogs had good dentition, and coats generally good
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Fiagai Mara Sunset
Placing Critique
Almost 4 years old grizzle bitch, feminine otter head, short strong muzzle with good neck flowing into a level topline, finished off with a neat carrot tail. Good angulation and racy hindquarters.
