Show Placings
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Light grizzle & tan. Very much a baby at just 6 months. Feminine head with short muzzle, good skull and little stop. Good neck into well laid shoulders. Just right for bone, standing on neat feet. Nicely angulated front and rear without being overdone. Good topline and underline. Strong loin. Excellent hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in a very good double coat with thick undercoat and pelt. Happy and free moving. Was pleased to award her Best Puppy In Show
Class Critique
A nice puppy class.
Swindon & DCS Open Show
17th Mar 2018
Judge: Jane Keeves (Seveek)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
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
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
pleasing head for age, not small in ears but very good in neck and topline. Shown in good coat for age and has enough bone. Very showy and moved well behind. Went on to be BPB
Class Critique
The first two here were close up and of similar size, maturity and proportions.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
8 month old light g/tan who is of correct size for age with a head of good proportions, strong jaw and little stop. Her well placed dark eyes give good expression. Beautiful narrow front and stands well on neat feet. Her neck flows into well laid shoulders and on to a level topline. With good rib shape and nicely made hindquarters she is carrying a tight double coat at its best to give an overall balanced picture. Handled so well she moves easily and true both ways. Pleased to award her BEST PUPPY BITCH & BEST PUPPY IN SHOW
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limit Show
15th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My sincere thanks to the committee for the kind invitation to judge at my first club show, I enjoyed the day immensely. Thank you to my efficient stewards Tina Morgan, Rachel Larner and Wendy Mooney, show manager for keeping things running so smoothly.
My thanks must go to the exhibitors for bringing along their dogs today, and the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
I did note some untypical heads, which for me lacked for me the characterising feature of the breed, I found such heads to be somewhat exaggerated with too much stop, not the ‘moderately’ broad skull I was looking for.
On the whole, I found mouths were good, a couple of level bites, and one or two with misaligned teeth, but it was pleasing to find big strong teeth in most exhibits.
I was very pleased with my class winners; some decisions were very close especially in the bitch classes. In both sexes there were some promising youngsters coming through which can only auger well for the breed.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
presented a nice overall balanced picture. Appealing otter head, with little stop, with a feminine expression. Narrow front, nice length of upper arm into excellent shoulders, small tight feet on thick pads good length of rib, level topline, and strong loin finished off with a thick carroty tail. She is just right for bone, without losing any substance. Shown in excellent jacket and thick loose pelt, happy showgirl who moved out soundly, which completed the picture nicely.
Class Critique
A lovely class
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
8 months old grizzle, litter sister to MPB winner, same remarks apply, well balanced, beautifully presented and well handled to take BPB and BPIB
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
very pleasing head, good reach of neck and well proportioned bodylines. Good topline and tailset with racy hindquarters, and has very good feet. Presented in an excellent jacket, her lovely free movement secured her placing. BPB and Reserve BPIS.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
(1st Puppy)
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A very promising balanced bitch, lovely size. Good coat, but would like her pelt to be thicker. Level topline with well set on tail, carrying the tail well on the move. Well laid back ribs. Good angulation & bend of stifle. Lovely feminine head. Moved true and covered the ground well.
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
a promising young bitch lovely head and expression building up nicely straight in front good topline and tail set moved well round the ring.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Reading DCS Open Show
30th May 2018
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, TPG1, Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
9 Month old balanced bitch with typical head and expression. Correct scissor bite. Good length of neck , well laid shoulders , straight front, narrow throughout , easily spanned. Coarse double jacket with thick pelt , level topline with well set tail and well angulated rear , moved with ease. Pleased to award her B.P. & B.O.B. and see her go on to win T.G. 2 , T.P.G.1 and B.P.I.S.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
10 month light Grizzle and tan, such a picture of balance, loved her head and expression with dark eye and neat dark ears, excellent reach of neck flows into excellent shoulder, ideal length of body with narrow well carried back ribs, topline firm with correct tailset .She moves out well with drive and precision. Shown in full harsh coat which completed a beautiful picture of a pretty balanced puppy.BPB.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Appeared more upright though fair neck and lay back of shoulder. Good size but needed to settle on the move. One to look forward to in the future.
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Ex type. Ex otter head, dark eyes. Good topline. Ex coat. BEST PUPPY
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Very feminine, nicely balanced youngster and co-ordinated mover holding her outline well on the move. Quite a showgirl who makes the most of herself with an excellent light grizzle jacket, thick pelt and in fit order. Appealing otter head with lovely reach of neck into firm topline with lovely carroty tail and well-matched correctly angulated quarters. Super sound and accurate mover, striding out in profile with truest tracking in class. BPB.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Showy, attractive, well balanced, good typey head stop and expression, dark eyes, good reach of neck into well laid shoulders, narrow with good length of rib, easy span, level topline, well set tail, moved freely on neat feet, would have just liked a little more turn of stifle to complete the picture.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Another very good puppy, very little to choose between 1 and 2. Lovely feminine otter head. Well placed shoulder blades giving good front, nicely angled rear quarters. Strode round the ring.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
very smart grizzle well balanced nice head neat dark ears slightly shorter in loin than 1st spanned ok moved well.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch , nice head and expression, clean strong teeth, keen eye, nice straight front , easily spanned, racy hindquarters , good coat and pelt , moved well once she had settled down.
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
RBCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Didn't realise that both res tickets and best puppy, went to this kennel until I did my critique and looked at breeding. Seems I liked the type! As this bitch had style and quality in all departments for me and the personality to show off her worth, I not only thought highly of her in the class, but she seemed to step up to the mark in the challenge to take the Res CC. A super bitch.
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A red bitch of good quality, nice head shape, very good expression, nice nicek good shoulder, good quarters, well set tail and carriage, moved well, short of coat today, must have a good future when in coat.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
EXCELLENT HEAD, SHORT MUZZLE, MODERATE WIDTH OF SKULL. NARROW FRONT, NEAT FEET, LEVEL TOPLINE, WELL LAID SHOULDERS, MOVED WELL, IN GOOD DOUBLE COAT, PRESENTED IN TOP SHOW CONDITION AS ONE EXPECTS FROM THIS KENNEL.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
On seeing this bitch come into the ring, I thought at first she might be difficult to span, but no way - she was just in tremendous jacket over a lovely thick pelt. Another with a beautiful otterhead, with ears dropping forward close to the cheek. Lovely straight front and moved well both ways. Excellent hindquarters with super bend of stifle, she is not overdone in any way. Thick carrot shaped tail, well set on. A worthy winner here.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Another quality exhibit.Light grizzle,size bigger than winner.Beautifully presented.Strong head,well constructed.Good pelt with enough topcoat.Well shaped tail and moving well on good feet.
Class Critique
Liked all placed in this class.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
RBCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Close decision between first two.Another quality bitch. Beautiful otter head. She has a short, strong muzzle with a keen expression. Straight front. Just right for size. Good topline and tailset. Excellent harsh coat with a thick, loose pelt. Moved well both ways and showed very well RBCC
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
BCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
This was the best class of the day, although different types it was close between the first and second. Thought this girl looked stunning today, full of quality and attitude, well made through out, good front and hind quarters which were not overdone in any way, like the male winner moved superbly, in great coat, nice for size, loved her, cc.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
5th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for the invitation & thank my 2 very capable Stewards Carolyn Richardson & Liz Barrett for their help on the day. I would also like to thank those exhibitors who entered under me and who accepted the placing's sportingly. I was pleased to have a number of high quality entries but the down side of that is, some good dogs went card less
Mouths are a bit of a worry as I noticed a few with a tooth or teeth out of line, small teeth and one even undershot. Movement on the whole was good especially in my winners. Coats & Pelts were good too,with just a few thin pelted dogs.
BCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Best In Show
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A super bitch, fit ,muscular but still feminine I found her outline extremely pleasing & she moved out well. super thick pelt topped with an excellent coat. a true show girl she didn’t put a foot wrong. An eye catching bitch with a lot of style Bitch CC & BEST IN SHOW
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Another quality beautifully presented bitch with a strong but feminine head, straight front, good rib and hind angulation . She too was finished off with a harsh jacket and moved soundly around the ring.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Another good sized bitch, strong yet feminine head, compact & sound, super top line & tail set, good layback of shoulder, shown in excellent coat & condition, neat feet, good bone, moved and showed well.
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
This bitch moved so true both ways. Shown in fabulous coat. Excellent head and strong
muzzle, dark eye. Beautiful feet and thick pads. A lot to like
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
RBCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
nice size, good length of neck, level top line with a carrot tail, pleasing outline. She has a good otter head, feminine with a strong muzzle, good bite and neat ears. Good length of rib and was spannable. Her coat was harsh, she has good bone with neat feet. Turned out immaculately, was in perfect harmony with her handler. Moved well both ways. BRCC.
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Light grizzle bitch, strong head, good mouth, nice front and top line spanable moved ok
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
BCC
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A beautiful light grizzle, nice size, with a very typical otter head. She has a superb front, going into well laid shoulders, good topline and tailset, easy span. A bit short of coat, but evidence of both. I loved her overall balance, good hind angulation and she moved well. Bitch CC, also her 3rd.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
BCC
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A real eye-catcher, and full of quality. Beautiful and typical otter-like skull with lack of stop, correct eyes, ears and expression. Moderate length of neck, cleanly laid shoulders with good angulation and a beautiful straight front. Lovely topline and tailset, narrow body, and nicely angulated hind quarters. Looked superb standing, and moved freely and with style. Altogether a balanced, beautiful and unexaggerated border, I was delighted to award her Bitch CC and BOB. Ultimately, it was her head that tipped the scales in her favour over the dog, but a very close decision.
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
at just 2 yrs old this worthy title holder just oozes quality, well shaped head & v shaped ears correctly set, moderate neck leading to excellent shoulder & upper arm, stands straight in front at all times, does not need to be put in position she does it naturally, easy to span rib, strong firm loin, best of quarters & tail correctly set and carried, presented to perfection in double jacket of correct texture & certainly has a dense undercoat, lovely thick loose pelt, movement is sound & precise
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
BCC
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
lovely head & expression on this quality bitch, best of fronts & shoulders, spanable body of nice length &depth with ribs back with corrct loin, presented a pleasing out line of good balance & type, good double coat with thick pelt, went with drive carrying a level top line with neat well set carroty tail, moved true both ways to Bitch CC.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
BCC
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
beautifully presented light grizzle bitch, good head with a broad flat skull, dark eye with a good keen expression. She has a straight narrow front with small tight feet, ribs carried well back, tail straight off the back which showed off a good level topline, she moved out with drive, covering the ground well. Pleased to award her BCC and BOB.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
RBCC
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
A quality bitch in great form. Excellent outline, strong muzzle, big teeth. Good bone, thick pads, tight feet. Thick pelt, easily spanned. Moved well, showed steadily. RBCC.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
yet another excellent Border Terrier from this exhibitor whose dogs impressed me very much, feminine head, good front and body, wonderful coat and pelt, good tail, effortless mover, would have liked a little more angulation behind but this did not detract from her overall quality, expertly presented. A very serious contender in the bitch challenge
Class Critique
Another very good class but with considerable variation in type and size
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Glebeheath Fingers On Lips
Placing Critique
Just more of this one but so well made and presented in good coat and condition did not cover the ground quite so well as 1.
