Show Placings
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
30th Jul 2023
Judge: Steve Owen (Egremont)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Botterox Flint
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Promising youngster built on the right lines appealed for size, not quite the finished picture and depth of jacket as 1,but plenty of time. Pleasing in head proportions with strong jaw, good length of neck leading to clean shoulders with correct topline and tailset, well ribbed back, easily spanned
Mid Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show
20th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Rosemary Lord (Hecklehaze)
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Salisbury & South Wilts CS Open Show
27th Aug 2023
Judge: Richard Gunn (Katanga)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Botterox Flint
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
7 mth old grizzle coming out on top. He pleased for type and was good to go over. Neck of correct length to balance, firm topline but croup not quite perfect, ribbed well back and strong loin. Attractive head of good proportions, dark keen eye, ears good for size and set, strong muzzle and scissor bite. Good angles front and rear and standing straight in front on good feet. Harsh jacket and nice thick pelt. Gaiting well on the go around. Well handled. Best Puppy Dog
Class Critique
Two very different pups challenged here with this
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Smart young grizzle with a lovely head, eye and ear. Strong muzzle and jaw with big teeth. Good front, topline and tailset, enough bone for his size and has a good shape rib that is well back into his loin. Moved and showed well.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Strong dog for age who doesn’t need to grow on. Good in hindquarters and had a good coat. Tighter feet on 1
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
8-month-old G & T dog. Good head with dark alert eyes and lovely expression. Nice proportions of head and correct shoulder placing through neck to topline; another with a great underline, stifles, hocks and second thigh. Spannable – less length in loin than 1, and not as efficient on the move- plenty of time to settle. Presented in a great coat with excellent pliable pelt.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
9 months old grizzle and tan, Typical head and expression, good neck, and shoulder, stronger in loin than 1st, in a good double coat which was harsh
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Marion Hodgson (Ddalrus)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Cardiff CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Gillian Marley (Marylea)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
10th Feb 2024
Judge: Matt Garnham (Carmeltcho)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, Botterox Flint
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
24/01/2023. Well, this young lad caught my eye upon his entrance, and he did not fail to keep my attention throughout. Bright as a button, keen dark eye, strong muzzle, big teeth, correct placing of ear on to broad skull, shallow stop, correct length of neck and lay of shoulder allowing him to reach in front when on the move equally as strong from behind with correct angulation both ends. Level topline which he kept on the move. Good tail set. Moderate bone. Lovely thick pelt and harsh jacket. Small thick pads. Very happy to award him BOB and one to watch in the future.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
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.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Like this dog for balance and size. He has correct lay of shoulder, enough forechest with front legs placed under body. Keen expression, dark eye and well filled muzzle. Narrow throughout and has a good bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Thick pelt with correct double coat. Moved with drive, keeping his topline. RBD
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.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Botterox Flint
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 Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Botterox Flint
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
13 month old Grizzle and tan who is all male, who took my eye when he entered the ring and did not disappoint. Typical head with strong muzzle housing large teeth, dark eye with a keen expression and neat ear. Presented in a harsh jacket it showed off his balanced outline. So well balanced and moderate his neck flowed into well placed shoulders, straight front with neat feet. So easily spanned with ribs carried well back into a strong loin. Well set on tail used on the move which he does from well angulated rear quarters in a true tracking motion. Pleased to award him BOB and see him go G4
Plymouth & DKA Open Show
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Sarah Richardson
Thank you to the committee for their invitation and for the stewards for their efforts keeping the rings running smoothly. I had some lovely dogs.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
14month Grizzle male. Otter shaped head, good bite. Straight front. Shown well, in good jacket and condition. Promising youngster. BoB
Plymouth & DKA Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Ash Price
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
15mth nicely put together young male, pleasing head and expression. Well angulated front and rear. Firm top line with well set tail, good length of rib. Coat harsh and thick loose pelt, easy to span. Moved out well in front. Good overall balance.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
5th May 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
Firstly, my thanks, as ever, goes to the committee and helpers of the shows whose efforts cannot be underestimated. Today it was the turn of Yeovil and District Canine Society whose sterling efforts despite the persistent and often heavy downpour,resulted in a well-run show with ever helpful and smiling faces- Bravo! Secondly my appreciation to Jan Russell de Clifford whose stalwart efforts as steward in our ring for the whole (freezing) day resulted in an efficient and well run ring. My thanks must also go to the exhibitors who primarily turned up on the most inclement of days, and accepted my decisions with good grace and not a little humour as the heavens opened.
The wind and rain did influence the performance of many of the exhibits unfortunately; but some rose to the challenge, and several were simply oblivious to it. Coats, as ever, were in various stages of growth; some great movement noted in many of the exhibits; all teeth clean and with correct bites and no kinked tails to note; feet on the whole were tidy and correct.
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
15-month-old grizzle and tan dog another of good size and proportions. He has a strong Otter-like head with keen expression; moderate stop and large teeth in a scissor bite. Straight front; good for bone – narrow throughout with ribs well back, easily spanned, and strong loin. Good pelt with pin wire coat. Correct shoulder placement and turn of stifle, with racy hindquarters that displayed good second thigh and well let down hocks. Movement not as assured as 1 today.
Marlborough & DCS Premier Open Show
6th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Firstly, I would like to thank the organisers of the show for the warm welcome and hospitality. I had some lovely dogs to go over.
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Nice otter head with good eye and expression, good strength of muzzle and scissor bite, good top line and spannable, nice size overall. Was considered for higher honours but his over enthusiasm in the challenge let him down.
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Correct sized Border, well balanced and moved well.
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Quality dog caught my eye, liked his size and overall balance, moved true on well padded feet, narrow in front well angulated shoulders good rib comes to hand well
Devon County Agricultural Association Premier Open Show
18th May 2024
Judge: Helen Filer
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
DCC
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
An eye catching G & T with a very nice male head. Correct ear, well set. Good keen dark eye. Strength to muzzle with correct teeth. He moved well with straight front and good drive from rear. Thick pads and tight feet. Level top-line with tail set just right, thick and tapering to tip. He was good for size. Narrow all through and easily spanned with ribs well back. Tight harsh coat and good pelt. Dog CC. I preferred his head and size in the challenge.
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Different in type to 1. Nicely headed young dog. Good for overall size. Correct length, topline and tail set. Pleasing hindquarters. Moved well. In lovely jacket. Just preferred the front of the winner.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
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.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
A grizzle/tan with a masculine head, a short strong muzzle and big teeth. He was easily spanned with a good length of rib and a good top line. His deep coat was harsh and dense with close undercoat. With pleasing angulations fore and aft it gave a picture of his good balance, moving soundly in profile. He went well, just pipped by an outstanding exhibit today, another youngster with promise.
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”.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
nice size grizzle with a strong head, short muzzle, dark eyes. Narrow and spannable, level topline, body length not as good as the 1st. Good coat and pelt. Moved soundly but not the drive of the winner.
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.
RDCC
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
Loved this boy for type and size. He has a lovely otter head with neat ears and a dark eye. He has big teeth and correct dentition. Good reach of neck flowing into a good top line and tail set which he held on the move. Shown in a harsh grizzle jacket with good pelt. He is narrow throughout and so easily spanned. Moved round the ring with drive. Pleased to award him the RDCC. I’m pretty sure he will have more top honours really soon. Another I will watch the progress of with interest.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint
Placing Critique
grizzle of correct size with a good head, small neat ears, straight front, good front and rear angulation, well ribbed, good feet. Good coat and pelt.
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Placing Critique
An eye catching grizzle border dog, another who I have observed from outside the ring. He has a workman-like appearance and a strong otter head with keen dark eye, correct well set ears, and a strong muzzle with a good scissor bite. Narrow throughout, lovely front, thick pads and tight feet. Good reach of neck, excellent shoulder placement, level top-line and correct tail set with a carroty tail held correctly on the move. He is of the correct size and easily spanned. He moved well fore and aft. He has a thick, loose pelt and I suspect a super double jacket when it comes through.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Placing Critique
Stood alone in his class but very worthy of his placing. Super smart grizzle boy, lovely head piece ,with good ear set and nice skull width. Good dark eyes of correct size. Great jacket and very well shown and presented . Well proportioned and moved efficiently . Nice carroty tail to complete the picture.Went extremely well in the challenge and I was pleased to award him Reserve Best Dog
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Placing Critique
Handsome young grizzle and tan who was in top order today.
Super head with alert expression, big teeth and neat small ears.
Well placed front and shoulder with forequarters well underneath. Ideal length of body with a thick well set and carried tail.
He moved well , though would have preferred less exuberance today ,such an eye catching dog he very much deserved to be in the top placings in this lovely class.
Liked him immensely.
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Dave Lee (Socksdown)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
3rd Nov 2024
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Botterox Flint JW
Placing Critique
Came through to the group from breed judge Mrs E Cole and could not be ignored in a very strong terrier group. Presented in top draw order this male is full of breed type, otter like head shape with well-placed ears falling to the cheek, dark eye with punishing expression. Correct scissor bite with large teeth. Double coat of good texture and dept of pelt. Moved well around the ring with drive and purpose.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
Best Dog
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Best In Show
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Botterox Flint JW
