Show Placings
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
22nd Oct 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks to the committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely quality entry of Border Terriers. This is a friendly and welcoming show and I was ably assisted by a super Steward who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently.
The acoustics of the building today did have a detrimental effect on some of the exhibits; but of course, it is impossible to find a perfect space for every dog to show themselves at their best.
As mentioned I was honoured to have a super selection of Borders to go over today; especially the Puppy class where many were exhibiting for the first time.
I found all male dogs intact, and no kinked tails and one wry mouth. Coats were in all stages of growth today, and a few lacked a good visible covering of undercoat which naturally affected placings. Temperaments were all excellent and the ‘glint ‘ in the eye that I would like to see- inquisitive and game that looked ready for a day‘s work, which in turn reflected in their positive movement- was pleasingly there with all my main line up; as was the ‘stamp’ of the breed the otter- like head with correct proportions in the head to allow the powerful jaws to do their job, whilst standing on- most importantly, small thickly padded cat-like feet.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Torquay & DCS Open Show
4th Nov 2023
Judge: Becky Johnson (Downstream)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2023
Judge: Bethany Cawley (Marlablue)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
25th Nov 2023
Judge: Knut Sigurd Wilberg
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
Bitch of excellent type. Well developed in body but could have had a stronger foreface. Moved well
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Amélie Smith (Alncroft)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Exonian CA Open Show
2nd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Richardson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
8 mths, a smart young bitch who moves and shows well, well shaped head, well laid shoulders, nicely bodied for age, in good coat
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
Winner of MPB
Totnes & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Coventry Ladies’ Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2024
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Taunton & DCA Open Show
6th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr N Merrick (Magicgem)
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Worcester & Malvern CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Gary Hinsley (Tigerbull)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Marion Hodgson (Ddalrus)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Cardiff CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Gillian Marley (Marylea)
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: TPG1, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
Another nicely made bitch of 10 months which I liked for size. Possesses a nice head and a varminty expression, dark eye, maybe could have a slightly stronger foreface to be critical. Ample neck into well laid shoulder placement. Good outline and underline. Moved out well from racy hindquarters and at one with her handler.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
10th Feb 2024
Judge: Matt Garnham (Carmeltcho)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Special Yearling /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Portsmouth & Southsea KA Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr John Dare (Bowstaff)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Camborne and Redruth CS Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Eve Somers
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Gloucester & DCS Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Torquay & DCS Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Mrs S Anderson (Kerrykeel)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Bridgend & DKA Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
Flat broad skull with V shaped ears, slight stop with a moderate curve. Straight forelegs, strong pasterns; clean and muscular neck into well laid shoulder, spannable, strong in loin, correct tail set hocks well let down. Moved ok
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
A beautifully balanced bitch with the neatest of feet. Lovely coat and very typical headpiece with bold but feminine expression. Very confident on the move.
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
16th Mar 2024
Judge: Gentle Lowe (Rockslade)
Firstly I would like to thank the show and its organisers for the warm welcome and my stewards for their smooth running of the ring during my appointment. I would also like to thank the competitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs. I had a quality entry of dogs and there were some tough decisions in the classes.
I would just like to point out some exhibits had dirty teeth, some longer untrimmed nails which whilst I didn’t penalise would give a nicer shape and finish to the feet and overall presentation. Overall dogs were presented in good condition.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Placing Critique
Well made bitch with a feminine head, dark eye and nice expression. Good angulation front and rear. Straight and narrow front with good bone and feet. Easily spanned with a level topline flowing to a good tail-set with carrot shaped tail. Tight jacket with a good pliable pelt. Well-handled and presented.
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell
Bridgewater & DCS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge several breeds at their well-run open show. Also thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly. My thanks also go to those who entered under me on the day.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
11 month old puppy who stood alone but was a worthy winner. Shown in new jacket just coming through she held a balanced outline. Head was in proportion with neat ears, dark eye and correct bite. Well placed shoulders flowed into a correct lay back of rib she was easily spanned. She held a level topline both standing and on the move with a well set on tail. She moved with drive from well angulated hind quarters however, is still a little loose in front but she has time on her side.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Repeat entry from class 142.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan who I found out later is the litter sister to 1. Lovely otter head with very little stop and keen dark eye. Just right for bone. Good neck and shoulders and nicely angulated front and back. Well ribbed back and easily spanned, with an excellent topline and tailset. Racy hindquarters with well let down hocks, which she used well on the move. Shown in an excellent harsh topcoat of a richer colour than her sister, with a good undercoat and pelt. Moved well in profile and beautifully handled.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Another strong bitch with good head type. Ribs well back, level top line, well set tail. Harsh coat, thick pelt and spannable. Moved sound.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch of good type well laid shoulders good rib, pleasing expression with dark eye moved true on neat feet
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
BCC
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Lovely size youngster with a nice otter head, strong jaw, scissor bite with big teeth and dark expressive eyes. Good length of neck flowing into well laid back shoulders, level topline and firm loin. Narrow, straight front, small, tight feet; nice length of rib and easily spanned, harsh coat and loose pelt. Moved really well from all angles with good drive from the hindquarters. Considered for higher awards.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Such a lovely border terrier that stood out in her class. She has an appealing feminine otter like head with good strength to her short muzzle; her dark eyes give a keen expression. She is lovely to go over as you move from her moderate neck into a narrow body that finds a rib carried well back with racy hindquarters. She is correctly angulated fore and aft with a good top line and tail set that was good on the move and stand. It was my pleasure to award this bitch her first CC today, she was in the best of body and coat condition, her quality just stood out in my line. I look forward to following her show career.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
Another grizzle presented in in excellent coat and condition. Lovely size with feminine head and expression , good rib, well angulated stifle, moving well on small neat feet.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
another I considered worthy of top honours but after winning class seemed to lose her spark, so much to like in size & shape, correct head with good ear size & set, moderate in neck length into flowing shoulder placement, correct in ribbing & firm flexible loin, excellent feet, another from this kennel in perfect coat & condition.
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
This bitch is lovely to go over and looked the part, attractive head, good eye true front with enough bone, flowing topline and nicely angulated quarters. Made her presence felt in the challenge
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Moonshine At Tarkaswell JW
Placing Critique
G/tan strong bitch with good head type. Ribs well back, level top line, well set tail. Harsh coat, thick pelt and spannable. Moved sound
