Show Placings
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Pleasing head and expression. Good coat and texture. Not quite the positive footfall of 1st. well ribbed back in to moderate rear.
Romsey & DCS Open Show
25th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr Darren Clarke (Peluche)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Arunmere For Fox Sake
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
very nice puppy, unfortunately unable to assess his movement today as he was just too happy to be in the ring.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
8mth up to size, masculine head, straight front, ribs well back, level topline with well set tail. In good harsh coat, just spannable, thick pelt. Ok angels front and rear.
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2022
Judge: Dogs Nicola Foster, Bitches Sarah Pateman
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at their well run open show. A big thank you to my ring steward George who kept things moving along nicely and many thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over your lovely dogs.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Arunmere For Fox Sake
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
a smart well balanced g/t pup of 8 mths. Of good type with a masculine head and alert expression, nice dark eye and neat ears. With a short strong muzzle. Moderate length of neck leading in to a well laid shoulder, straight narrow front, standing on well padded neat feet. Good hind quarters and moved out well. BP TPG2
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this show. I would also like to thank my Steward, for keeping the classes running smoothly and efficiently.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Arunmere For Fox Sake
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Dog puppy, nice expression with good top line and tail set. In good coat, spannable, up on the leg but plenty of time to mature. Puppy Group 2.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
10 month grizzle,pleasing head,with correct dentation,clean neck,well boned,good feet,would prefer slightly more length of upperarm,in good harsh coat & thick pelt,moved ok
Portsmouth & Southsea KA Open Show
12th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs L Wilson (Sibra)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Arunmere For Fox Sake
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
London Airedale & Fox Terrier Club Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge border terriers at what turns out to be their last show, having to close the club due to lack of support and mounting costs. It is sad to see this club and so many others finding it hard to keep afloat.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
11-month-old dog, up on the leg but narrow and with a level topline. Good coat just coming in. BP
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Mar 2023
Judge: Richard Stafford (Farnfield)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Chichester & DCS Open Show
26th Mar 2023
Judge: Jennifer Millard
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Smart, well grown 12 month old dog, lovely head, with good width to the backskull, dark intelligent eye. Easily spanned and holding a firm topline. Moving out well in profile, just untidy today in front. Shown in good coat.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
A positive mover who caught my eye moving around the ring using his well angulated forehand to effect in profile with good forward reach. Nice type overall with appealing head and expression. Soundly constructed balanced quarters, with firm topline and good underline. Presented in good grizzle jacket.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
27th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Chelmsford & District Canine Society Open Show
1st May 2023
Judge: Nicola Sturrock (Forfarian)
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
13 months old grizzle, this one was even taller than winner and his neck merging sharply into high withers I would prefer a cleaner outline, front legs viewed straight stood but on the move they are thrown about, very uneconomical.
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Typey head with flat skull and little stop, well angulated forequarters, narrow body with level topline and good tailset, moved o.k, lacking coat today.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Overall bigger dog than 1. Coat coming through. Strong muzzle, big teeth.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
15 month G/T with a pleasing head and expression. Good neck into nice length of body. Correct for bone and feet. Good top line and tail set. A balanced dog, he moved soundly from all angles. In fit condition, he lost out to 1 as lacking in coat to day.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Love the name. Nice young dog overall, with appealing head and expression. Leaner narrower and racier than 2. Nice tight feet, moved okay and kept a level topline when settled. A little short on coat today.
Class Critique
Two very different types here
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Class Critique
Top three all very good junior dogs
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
A grizzle dog with typical head, flat skull and short stop, slightly heavy in the ear. Longer in body than my winner with a good harsh coat. Moved well
Southampton & DCS Open Show
22nd Jul 2023
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Bournemouth CS Open Show
11th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Horley & DSS Open Show
27th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Junior /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
South West Essex CA Open Show
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Bill Crawley
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2023
Judge: Michael Blay (Longbarrow)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee, volunteers and my steward for the day, for helping to make this show so friendly and welcoming, on a very crisp morning in November.
I was satisfied with my final line-up all being good examples of the breed; with the conformation and attributes to make them potentially successful working terriers as well as possessing a degree of showmanship. It was pleasing to note some good movement on show.
I was delighted to note that my Best of Breed went on to further honours and gained TG3, and, as I learned later, the Best Puppy was from the same kennel, and went TPG1- Congratulations to the breeder and owner.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Arunmere For Fox Sake
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
18-month-old grizzle and tan dog who moved with determined balanced reach and drive. Masculine-headed dog with strong muzzle, sufficient fill under eye and big teeth with a curious and responsive gaze. Note: If anything would have like slightly smaller ears. Straight front on thickly padded correct feet and good reach of neck to flow to shoulders and a super topline and thick- based carrot- like tail. Spannable, strong loin, good underline, and good rear assembly which he put to good use when moving. Shown in good harsh jacket and super pelt. Taller than 2 but in proportion. Pleased to award him Best of Breed today. TG3.
Wealdstone & Northolt Canine Society Open Show
10th Dec 2023
Judge: Dr J Lappin (Ireland)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
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!
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
G & T. A different type to one, he was lean and racy. He was easily spanned and narrow throughout. He moved well enough when settled. Preferred coat of first.
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Short strong muzzle, keen expression, correct length of back and tail set, good bend of stifle moved with drive
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
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.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Another grizzle dog of nice type. Good otter head with a broad skull. He has big teeth with correct dentition. Good reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Good top line and tail set. He is narrow throughout. Moved with reach and drive for his owner. Just preferred the overall size of 1 but could change places on another day.
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.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
grizzle, good head, decent front, good rib, on the leg, racy, preferred movement of 1.
Paignton Championship Show
2nd Aug 2024
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for my first-time appointment at this level. This show is my ‘local’ which made it even more special, If you have never been it is worth the trip down the M5 a warm welcome will meet you.
I was thrilled with the quality of my entry, one observation I did find a lot of untidy feet, splayed toes, long nails and thin pads, I did however find no kinked tails and only one mouth fault.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
Placing Critique
Handled to advantage, I preferred the size of 1 to this exhibit but he is also a very honest type of border, masculine in head with correct bite, his ears are slightly large that distracts from his overall expression slightly. Presented in full jacket nearing its end but still tidy and harsh. Moved well around the ring holding his shape with good tracking motion.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere For Fox Sake
