Show Placings
City of Birmingham Canine Association
5th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
An excellent entry awaited me at the City of Birmingham show, not only in numbers, but also in the depth of quality. In many classes, I found myself wishing for more than 5 places to award and sadly, dogs left the ring which I really liked and would have been happy to place on another day. In more than a couple of classes, it was very hard to decide on the 1st 5 in order and many went down the line because of coat texture and thickness, although on another day, in better coat, they would have fared better. As I have not been to many shows this year, it was good to view some dogs for the first time, including my Best of Breed, who I was pleased to ?find?, only to later discover she has already been found on a number of occasions, although not at this level!
I apologise for the lateness of this critique. Besides flying out to an appointment to judge in Italy only a couple of days after the show, we have had some personal and medical issues to deal with regarding the welfare of my elderly mother in law. As I write this, we have still not finalised arrangements for her, but hope to do so soon, so I hope you will understand that sometimes, dog shows do not come first.
On the way to the showground, my car made some terrifying noises when I touched the brake pedal and so, that will explain to anyone wondering, why I had to stop judging for a second or two to find my car keys for the AA man, who kindly fixed it at the hotel car park for us and saved us a long trip home on the back of a low loader.
An eventful weekend, made wonderful by the number of top class Border Terriers present at the show.
Many thanks must go to the very experienced and helpful ring stewards, Mr and Mrs Wright, who had the dogs present and ready for inspection at the start of every class and so enabled me to finish in plenty time for the Terrier Group. Good ring management was important with an entry of 185 dogs, making 193 entries (plus one or two whose entries had not been received and less a couple of NFC). This was the highest number in the Terrier Group today and I would like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs. The absentee rate of dogs entered was 23.5%.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
Dark red grizzle bitch. Could not take my eyes off her and found myself comparing all the other bitches in the class to her when deciding whether I liked them sufficiently to place them. Beautiful otter head on this young girl, who has a lovely make and shape. Good small dark eye, with varminty expression. Flat skull, ears well placed. A little bit erratic on movement, which was forgiven as she is just a baby at 6 months and a week old. Lovely topline, with excellent shaped tail, well set on. Thick loose pelt. Small tight feet, Excellent neck and shoulders. Nice puppy, will watch her progress with interest. Hard luck to come up against the puppy bitch winner today!
Class Critique
A lovely class. Some very hard decisions. On another day, I could easily place the 5th in a 1st position and all the others as well. A REALLY good class. What a blessing for the future of the breed.
Darlington Championship Show
18th Sep 2009
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
A very good entry in both quantity & quality. I was very pleased with the challenge line ups in both sexes.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
almost 7 months & quite beautiful, a real model for type & balance, great neck & shoulder, excellent head, superb coat & pelt. Remarkably co-ordinated on the move, should have a sound future, lucky owner to have such prospects in her puppy winners
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Elly Weijenborg-Weggemans (Netherlands)
I felt very honoured when I received the invitation to judge at the Open Show and was glad that I could accept this. What an opportunity to see and go over so many Borders in one day. Of course I have seen many Borders during the 40 years that I have lived with them but to see so many together is not possible on the continent. When I received the entry details I really was surprised and felt even more honoured then.
The Venue was good but unfortunately it was one of the warmest days and in the hall the temperature rose quite quickly. Nevertheless almost all Borders presented there showed until the very end of the day.
The judging went smoothly not in the least because of my exceptionally efficient steward, Peter Roderick, who took care of calling in the next class on time and made sure that there were no mistakes because of the re-entries which I am not used to. Many thanks also to my ring stewards!
I was surprised by the high quality presented to me. In some classes it meant that I could not always place otherwise nice exhibits. All Borders behaved themselves wonderfully when being handled, even inexperienced ones. Just one exception to that was a dog that didn't like to be handled on the table, which is not Border like.
It occurred to me that it is becoming to be a habit to string the dogs when moving. It worsens their movement in a lot of cases and for me they should be moved with a loosened lead. For some exhibits it made the difference in being placed or not. I found on the whole just a few problems. Just one wrong bite and one tail that was not correct. Feet need attention. Just a few had lovely strong padded catlike feet. As well as front movement which is a real problem in the Border Terrier all over the world. Waving, almost crossing, loose, just a few had a parallel and straight front movement. On the other hand, side movement was in almost all exhibits free and with a long stride. A lot of coats were in between. But I could feel the correct texture being double and harsh.
I had a lovely day and want to thank the organisation for their efforts to make me and my sister ? who accompanied me ? feel welcome and of course all the exhibitors for entering and taking my decisions so sportingly. The atmosphere around the ring felt warm, friendly and relaxed.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
Lovely puppy bitch. Narrow all through. Nothing exaggerated. Nice otter head. Lovely thick loose pelt and double harsh coat. Nice bone and catlike feet. Nice topline running into a well set tail. Moved with attitude and very strong for such a young puppy. Presented herself very well.
Class Critique
Another strong class of very young Borders. A great promise for the future.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
3rd Oct 2009
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to Driffield Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Championship Show. I had a good entry of 169 from 162 dogs and had a large number of quality exhibits to go over. It was a shame that the weather, being extremely windy, meant that because of health and safety reasons I had to judge indoors. This meant that at first the ring was not as spacious as I would have liked and the noise from the wind in the marquee at times disturbed some of the younger exhibits. In addition, the length of the grass and the unevenness of the surface were problematic for some of the exhibitors.
I was extremely pleased with my final line ups and there were many classes where deserving dogs went unplaced due to the quality of the entry. Overall coats, were very good and temperament was excellent. However, I did find two examples of the odd tooth out of place and a number of dogs which could have been tidier particularly around feet and tail.
In my winners I was looking for a correct size Border with a harsh double coat, well muscled, correct bone and looking like it could do a good days work. I found those qualities in my winners.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
An eye catching grizzle puppy with good ring presence. Correct shaped shaped head with scissor bite. She has super body lines with ribs carried well back. Good reach of neck, best of shoulders and narrow front. Lovely double jacket with good pelt. Moved out well. Unlucky to meet winner of Puppy Bitch for best puppy bitch.
Midland Counties Championship Show
22nd Oct 2009
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
The first sentence of the Standard reads, General Appearance: Essentially a working terrier. Bearing this in mind, I was most impressed with the quality of the coats. The great majority had really tough outer coats, and nice loose pelts. Though some of the blue & tans were showing white hairs (ticking), which is the hallmark of the blue & tan, there were some black all over which is incorrect. Pads were on the whole good with well shaped feet. Ears should be neither too thin nor too thick, and should hang correctly. Not always the case today. There were several atypical heads, with a few over long noses, and several being overlarge. Only one suspect mouth. Some with narrow muzzles had rather crowded incisors. In the past I have been very critical of movement, for if a Border cannot move properly it is not put together properly. Today there was both good and bad movement. There were problems with front movement, where many exhibits were moving too close. Strange to say there were very few wide in the front. Previously, from the ringside, I had thought there were too many Borders with overlong tails. There were some today, but a lot of this was due to the tail not being groomed properly. Tails should not be scissored, but over long hairs at the end should be judiciously removed. In every class there were always two and generally three exhibits which shone out. In some case it was difficult to pick out the remaining places. ( I was slightly perturbed when picking up my documents from the secretary’s office, that though I had a “Judging Book”, I was not in fact a judge but an “Adjudicator”, or so my badge said. Have we taken leave of our senses?
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2009
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thank you to the LKA committee for this appointment, my first time giving CC’s, my thanks to my stewards who kept the judging flowing smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment and overall was pleased with the quality of my entry. My final line ups were all good examples of the breed, both in type, conformation and also in movement, which is what I was looking for. In some classes I was delighted at the quality forward, in particular limit and open bitch, which meant some very good bitch’s were unplaced. Overall I found movement better than I have seen it in the past, although there is still a lack of drive from a number of dogs. Not sure that they could do a full days work as they were meant to, without tiring. Front movement still needs looking to as well. I was disappointed to find one or two with misplaced teeth and some with untypical expressions and light eyes. My principal winners were exactly what I was looking for in the breed, as I do feel that what we are lacking in the breed at the moment is real stallions of dogs and femininity in the bitch’s. I was delighted to learn after judging that my best puppies were litter brother and sister.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Boston & District CS
10th Jan 2010
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
I was the replacement judge for Carolyn Muirhead who sadly died in November. Firstly I want congratulate all the exhibitors who made it to the show in spite of the atrocious weather conditions. I was very afraid there would be few dogs there for me to judge. What a tough lot border folk are. I had plenty of quality dogs to fill the top placings but as a general comment I felt a number lacked sufficient rear angulation.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
g/t. Well constructed throughout, straight front, well placed shoulders and excellent topline. Very pleasing head qualities. Presented in harsh coat with thick pelt. Moved out with purpose to win BP & PG3.
National Dog Show
7th May 2010
Judge: Mr P Bakewell
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Bath Campionship Show
28th May 2010
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for an extremely nice entry and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. A warm sunny day with a welcome breeze made conditions ideal. A bonus was the neatly mown grass in the ring which was ideal to assess movement. I was fortunate to have two extremely efficient Stewards who ensured the smooth running of the ring, enabling me to finish my task in good time, despite a delay in the start of judging.
On the whole I was pleased with the exhibits presented to me which were clean, although many lacked the correct double jacket that the standard asks for. Front movement is still a concern as indeed was the variation in the size of some of the exhibits. Heads generally were good although some exhibits were rather heavy in ear. Temperament’s were excellent, just one or two not too keen on being handled on the table. Two exhibits had teeth missing and I found a couple with incorrect dentition.
Feet can tell you a lot about a dog and its lifestyle. The standard asks for feet to be small with firm pads. Flat feet not helped by long nails are most undesirable and indeed would be a drawback if the dog was carrying out the task for which he was originally bred. Scissor marks unfortunately were very much in evidence on some exhibits which spoilt their overall appearance.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
set down in such lovely fettle and has lots of quality about her. She has a feminine head with good width of skull and strong muzzle. She has a nice reach of neck and good shoulder placement. Good length of back and tailset. Moved soundly and looked really good in profile.
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
RBCC
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
Nice type with good head, correct bite, nice earset good neck and topline, very good mover.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
10th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr G Corish
Was delighted to watch my BOB go G4 & my BP go PG1
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
quality bitch, feminine yet with strength, workmanlike, effortless moving & very sound, very much the head type I like, lovely outline, in super coat & body condition, should have a rosy future
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr J Bainbridge (Risdene)
A pleasing entry of 231 dogs with 55 absent on the day made for a representative entry without the classes being over sized. Generally the classes produced good winners none of whom looked out of place in the final line-ups. All were spannable and generally those in the cards were correct in this respect. Most exhibitors probably know by now what I look for in a typical Border Terrier and this was generally evident in today's entry.
Dog CC and BIS Hobholt Harrier JW (Mrs M A Wallace) such a lithe, mature 4 year old grizzle dog of impressive outline in super double coat and thick pelt, well presented, has a correctly proportioned otter head with keen expression, good length of neck into well laid shoulders, straight narrow front, ribbed back body into racy rear quarters which he used to move out well with long loping stride that is so economical for a dog that could go all day and get anywhere when required.
Dog RCC Brumberhill Blue Tempest (Mr S A McPherson) super outline and so well made throughout, and well presented in good coat and moved out well to take this award, just loved him for type.
BCC and RBIS, Brumberhill Breeze (Mr S A McPherson) in full, double grizzle coat and well conditioned. She has a super well balanced head, keen expression, terrific outline with correct flowing topline and well carried back ribs, shows a good underline, this bitch won the CC after much deliberation as all 3 bitches under consideration met the standard well and were active in movement and would have been worthy CC winners but today maturity held sway.
RBCC Yeomeadow Heather for Tyrian (Mrs K Dean). A lovely B/T bitch who was on top form today and has an excellent otter head and expression which finally decided the RCC over the yearling bitch winner.
BP Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer) a mature dog puppy, shown in good coat and condition, well made throughout with good otter head and body lines, moved so well with long free gait to clinch this award.
BV CH Gameway Kiwi JW (Mrs P Clark) who was not showing his years, well presented in good coat and looking his best and a worthy champion
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
another useful bitch of correct size and proportions, in good coat and condition, put down and shown well, covered the ground well but not so positive in front
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2010
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
BCC
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
Lovely youngster out of the top draw. Very typey and built on super clean lines. Good size and presents a very balanced outline. Excellent head and eye, best of fronts, super tight padded feet, good neck and shoulders. Thick pelt, pleasing topline and tailset, well muscled hindquarters, soundest of movers with excellent reach and drive. In excellent jacket and very well presented, CC
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs D Townsend
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day, it's always a privilege for me to go over other people's dogs. I was pleased with my class winners but overall I felt that the quality of exhibits was somewhat mixed; movement was good but I have to lament the untypical Border heads that are present together with the high number of single coats
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
City of Birmingham Canine Society
4th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss A D Swales
This was a lovely entry, I send my good wishes for a speedy return to the ring to the scheduled judged Miss E D Rumsan. Coats were at all stages & I have to say that there were some which had no evidence of a second coat. Mouths were good except for, unusually, one overshot, Temperaments appeared to be OK, although a few lack confidence & were hesitant. The green carpet helped to show up some wide fronts & movement which did not extend & lacked drive, needed to follow a horse. All my placed dogs spanned comfortably. I was not happy with some exhibitors who were constantly feeding their dogs, even on the table.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My thanks to The Richmond Societies officers and committee for the warm welcome and the super lunch provided. Gratitude also to my stewards who organised the ring most capably. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries at a time in history when finances are truly stretched in this difficult and uncertain financial climate. To judge is always a privilege and on this occasion it was particularly appreciated. Overall I was very impressed with the exhibits, and when judging we are required to find the dog that most fulfils the breed standard and with the increasing variety of types present in the breed it made for some thought provoking decisions. Sadly the continuing trend to show all year round with few exhibits remaining at home to grow a decent double jacket proved that once again there were fewer exhibits shown in the requisite depth of jacket. Therefore I had to face the difficult task of placing some exhibits higher than I would as a rule. As justifiably construction and type being the foremost factor in placings, as coats naturally will come and go. But where as in lots of other breeds the coat can be considered a glamorous adornment please remember that in the Border (terriers in general) it is their essential protection whilst carrying out their job of work. On a positive note I was pleased to see today's entry lacking of the dogs presented in the recent improper fashion of clippering, razor and scissoring which as the true diehards of the breed know is totally unacceptable and exhibitors are to be strongly discouraged in this undesirable practice.
The correct and only way to present a Border terrier is by hand stripping thus achieving the beautiful natural tweedy look synonymous with our breed.
And I quote an extract from an old Border terrier yearbook ?Exhibitors and judges should be reminded that it is not in keeping with the sporting traditions of the breed to have the coat trimmed. The coat should be of a natural weather resisting character. Old dead coat may be stripped off by hand when necessary. The use of a razor or a strip comb embodying a razor in the preparation of dogs for show is strongly objected to?
Dogs that I had previously admired unfortunately paid the penalty today as on closer inspection they did not come to hand so well .Some due to weight, which can be easily remedied with an alteration of diet, exercise and plenty of regular road work. Others sadly due to wide fronts and heavy shoulders, subsequently when running the rule over them they were too coarse and cloddy. Therefore not displaying the lithe supple bodies required in an earth dog ,this is a breed characteristic which of course has to be bred for. Borders are a breed that enjoys longevity, health and well being and this was particularly evident in my DCC and DRCC winners today being a 7 year old and 9 yr old respectively. Perhaps this being true testimony that these males have been bred for the correct narrow body lines that will inevitably stand the test of time.
Temperaments as to be expected were excellent. Overall a most enjoyable day, I was delighted with both my final line ups and to find admirable representatives of the breed for top honours.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
nice overall shape & outline, game & workmanlike, good rearquarters producing good drive
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Championship Show
25th Sep 2010
Judge: Mrs. Doreen Rushby (Dormic)
Many thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry. My DCC, BCC, and BP were a credit to the breed. Shoulders are still a big problem, ferrety feet was a recurring problem, thick pads are essential in a Border. A number lacked condition, trying to keep weight down should not be at the expense of nourishment.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
Well balanced, good length of leg. Typical head, and good reach of neck. Racey and well angulated. Coat and pelt good. Moved out well
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
quality grizzle whose shape, construction & general appearance attracted immediate attention, moved well
South Wales KA
8th Oct 2010
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
another nice bitch and i liked a lot, similar remarks as one but she was a little calmer, moved out well in lovely coat as always by this kennel
Boston & District CS Championship Show
9th Jan 2011
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
Many thanks to my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and to all the exhibitors for a nice entry. Type and quality varied and today coats were at various stages although this didn't materially affect placing's. Last time I judged I noted that small teeth were prevalent and today I was surprised to find that level bites (although acceptable) predominated, I had 2 undershot mouths and large teeth set in a really good scissor bite were like gold dust. A major concern was movement, partially caused by stifles being too straight so limiting drive and causing a stilted action also often not helped by lack of thigh muscle and there were a number of wide fronts coupled with loose fore action. My final concern was the amount of exhibits that came very heavily to hand. This cannot be discerned by eye since some of the larger dogs were a desirable weight whilst some of the smaller ones were heavy. All that said, I enjoyed the day and was able to find class winners and others of correct type, size and sound movement. Both Open classes were composed throughout of quality exhibits and the CC and RCC winners were fit and worthy ambassadors for the breed.
RBCC
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A beautifully balanced bitch who oozes quality. She has a strong yet feminine head, was well presented in hard coat and has lovely bodylines with good forequarters and excellent neck and topline flowing to well set tail. Her angulation enabled sound movement and she was very unlucky indeed to meet the ticket winner. RCC
Crufts
12th Mar 2011
Judge: Mrs Elaine Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this prestige show, and a privilege to be able to handle so many good borders. With an entry of 254 dogs, 306 entries, and with the help of my very efficient stewards this enabled me to finish on time for the BOB to go forward into the group. With the large classes it would have been nice to have had more time and more prize cards.
Many borders were in very fit condition and in gleaming coats, others sadly were not. I was very surprised at the numbers that were overweight, a few under and some in poor coat. There is a difference of being short of coat and being untidy which some were, several having scissor cuts in evidence which is totally unnecessary.
Some nice otter type typical heads were in evidence, some with quite large ears which seems to be creeping into the breed, and close set eyes giving an alien expression. Quite a few were upright and heavy in shoulder, with a shorter back than desired. Most were spanable although many had a rounder rib than required. This reflected in my placing's as the fitness and welfare of the dogs is of the uppermost importance, as the breed standard states, the breed being essentially a working terrier.
I thought my principle winners were excellent representatives of the breed, and I enjoyed seeing my BOB being short listed in the group.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Well made typical bitch. Good head with good expression. Nice shoulder placement into correct rib. Good length. Well shown. 3 nice bitches.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
red in good condition, strong in the head and muzzle, lovely level back and tail set , small feet .
Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
1st May 2011
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling
My thanks to my two excellent stewards who kept exhibits moving along, making my task easier, and to the Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Club for inviting me to judge.
Coats were generally very good with undercoats evident and few showed signs of scissoring and shaving. I was pleased that all the puppy dogs were of a sensible size for their ages and almost all exhibits were spannable; however, shoulder construction problems remain an issue, with short upper arms and poor shoulder angulation resulting in wide, or tied fronts, spoiling otherwise quality exhibits. I noticed that some were roaching over the loin, creating bouncing back ends on the move with the loss of level toplines, and many had a distinct lack of stifle bend, resulting in a lack of driving action on the move. Consider feet - a few needed claws trimming (or more road work).
Some heads were untypical and snipey; there were a number of suspect mouths and one undershot puppy, but I was impressed with the overall condition of the entry in general and the winners were a credit to their owner/breeders. The well filled Limit bitch class was outstanding and it was a pity not to have more awards to present. My thanks to everyone for accepting my decisions so sportingly and congratulations to the top winners, whose dogs were so deserving of their wins.
Here’s a plea - please use bait sparingly, and not while your dogs are on the judging table. It’s a pity that a number of exhibitors are slaves to baiting their dogs on the table, making the dogs move around and become unsteady, while making it difficult for judges to access mouths and assess facial features. Baiting also affects movement round the ring, with exhibits “crabbing”, watching for the treats.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW
Class Critique
One of the most exciting classes of the day and a pleasure to handle such a high quality entry.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
30th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Bill Browne-Cole
Since I last judged the breed I do feel movement is a concern. A lot of back ends need to strengthen and capabilities to follow a horse were not always there today. I was however extremely pleased with my main winners who were from the ‘top drawer’ and so very typical of the breed.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Turned out in good coat and condition. Excellent pelt. Correct head and expression. Nice topline, good length of rib and strong loins. Tail well set.
East of England
10th Jul 2011
Judge: Mrs Kate Irving
The entry of 141 was a pleasing one for these days and I thank exhibitors for their entries. By and large I was pleased by the coats of many exhibits and though some were rather short of coat, coat texture was generally speaking quite pleasing. Presentation however left a good deal to be desired in many instances Hindquarters were good in the main. But once again my view was that fronts in the breed require much more attention than they are being given by either breeders or judges. It seems to me that we have in the breed various front faults, mostly I think coming from poor shoulders. There are flicking fronts, loaded fronts, high stepping fronts, horseshoe fronts, bowed fronts and so on and not enough of the dogs have fronts which fit the standard. In the main I was satisfied that there were many more typical heads and expressions than on some previous occasions when I have judged
DCC and Best of Breed went to ORANGEBOX FIRECRACKER (MR M & MRS T ANSCOMBE) a dog with a very pleasing head and expression, good skull and correct eye and ears to complete the picture. He has a good neck and typical outline and is well proportioned with a good tailset. He is OK for size and was shown today in plenty of coat. Moved out really well and scored for showmanship. He has a good deal of quality and type about him.
BCC went was won by BANDICOOT JAZZ (MR G E & MRS V L K DOCWRA) a bitch with an excellent head and a lovely typical expression. She is up to size and was shown in pretty full coat today. She moved very well in front and behind. She shows very well indeed and presented an excellent picture all round. She too has a great deal of breed type and quality and has good body lines and scope.
Best Puppy went to the dog OLDERHILL AFORTUNADO (MRS S WILSON) a very typey dog which excels in head and has a really good eye and expression. He is very good in topline and tailset. I thought that he was good in shoulder and presented a good typical picture all round.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
another bitch of good type and quality. Excellent topline but didn't move quite as well as the winner today and wasn’t shown with the best of coat presentation. She scored in topline over the third here today.
Paignton
1st Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Tom Johnston
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Good shaped head with dark eye and well placed ears, good length of neck, straight forelegs to feet, well bodied, good loin, adequate hindquarters, neat feet, good coat and pelt, good all round movement.
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
Best In Show
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
This bitch caught my eye as she walked into the ring, when I went over her she didn’t disappoint. She is of outstanding quality, up on her toes and obviously loves the show ring. Today she was shown in peak and harsh condition. A lovely feminine otter head, wide skull and plenty of strength of muzzle. She has a typical keen border expression and lovely dark eye. A good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulder, straight front, well shaped rib and strong loin. Well muscled hind quarters and good bend of stifle - narrow throughout. Today she was sporting an excellent double jacket, with thick pelt. A well set tail gave her balance. She made the ring her own as she moved around with ease and purpose. Very pleased to award her BCC and with the help of Tez Tuck, referee, BOB and BIS.
Class Critique
This class was full of bitches of great quality. Again there were a number of very good exhibits who went cardless today but are a credit to their owners.
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM
Placing Critique
CC, BOB, G3, A lovely class and spoilt for choice!. Winner quite an outstanding bitch I thought, she had a mite too much stop in skull, otherwise I couldn't fault her construction, movement or coat and condition. A really top flight bitch, her sire, Ch Figaro also sired second in open bitch I see
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
A little less to her than some of the others in the class but very well balanced. Really good angulation in the shoulder and her neck flows freely into the topline. The outline picture is completed with the correct tail-set. Moved straight and true.
Class Critique
What a cracking good class this was with quality in all those placed. A different day and who knows which order they could fall into.
Birmingham National
13th May 2012
Judge: Mrs Pat Baxter
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath
Placing Critique
beautifully presented bitch, good head & body lines, lovely coat, standing & moving looked a picture. A worthy champion
