Show Placings
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Oct 2010
Judge: Mrs A K Bergh (Sweden)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge, it was a great honour to be asked. A big thank you also to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over your dogs. Many thanks to my able stewards Doreen Rushby and John Todd, they were a great help to me and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I found the general quality very good and I had some hard decisions. Temperaments were very good. Movements are difficult to judge in a small indoor area, but I noticed some exhibits that really stood out in hind action. Coats and pelts were certainly better than I have seen in Sweden lately, as well as toplines. I liked my winner very much and wish her good luck for the future!
The entry was good for this time of the year I was told, 120 dogs making 129 entries, with some absent.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Maiden - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, narrow front and body, ribs carried well back, strode out well, short of coat today
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Scottish BTC Championship Show
13th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the Club for the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs, and to the exhibitors for bringing them along. I was pleased to find , overall, a better standard of movement than I had expected, particularly in front; likewise coats, in general, were of good quality and quantity. I was, however, disappointed that so many seemed to have small teeth; mostly technically correct with only a couple with missing teeth. One male was not entire.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
Attractive head, short of coat today, a bit lightly made, well angulated, moving better behind than in front
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
2nd in JD
YL & C BTC Open Show
29th Jan 2011
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
This was a great day for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my thanks go to all exhibitors. Also to the club for the invitation and my two super stewards.
I thought that some of the young ones had a bit too much stop, and like most other folks seem to think I thought front movement was an issue. As proper concerns, I thought one dog was painfully thin and one bitch was what I can only describe as stinking. Neither condition is good enough, for either the dogs or the owners
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
This chap was the best mover in this class. He has a straight and narrow enough front, he kept his topline on the move and had decent shapely hindquarters.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2011
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
May I take this opportunity to thank the Officers and committee for inviting me to judge their show and for their warm welcome and hospitality. My two stewards, Eddie Houston and Jimmy Gilpin had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a quality entry of 141 dogs making 177 entries.
My sincere thanks to all exhibitors, who entrusted me with their dogs and accepted my placings in a sporting fashion, the day was a most memorable experience.
The North can be proud of their dogs, as there were many quality examples on display, all temperaments appeared steady, with just an occasional bored one! Not unusual, as most, I think, would rather be out chasing vermin!!
A handful of kinked tails didn’t surprise me, but youngsters with poor mouths did! Having said that, there were some lovely dogs in the puppy classes and placings were hotly contested with very little to separate them. My interpretation of the standard for balance ie: fairly long, is slightly longer than tall.
I feel that a border needs length as well as narrowness to negotiate a fox earth, but still retaining heart/lung room to enable it to follow a horse. Coats were at varying stages, but as long as I could find evidence , I didn’t let it rule out, an otherwise, good exhibit.
Special Beginners - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
Grizzle/tan with good head of nice proportions. Similar for balance to 1 but lighter in body and bone all through. Matched 1 in most departments but not his pelt or overall bloom. Has many workman like qualities and was my sort of border.
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to express my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge their show, my second opportunity at a Breed Open Show.
I was struck by the wonderful atmosphere in the hall with every result being greeted with spontaneous, enthusiastic applause. The exhibitors in Scotland certainly are a very sporting lot!
I found no bad mouths but front movement in some exhibits left a lot to be desired. However my class winners did not disappoint me
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
this one not so easy to span, good coat, narrow front, good mover, level topline
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Border Union
18th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Tony Tomlinson
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Jul 2011
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show and for their kind hospitality during the event. I notice that the last time I judged this show was as long ago as twenty five years ago in 1986! The entry of 226 from 207 exhibits was satisfactory but of course there were several absentees which brought the actual number of dogs present down to just over 140. That enabled us to finish judging in good time. Thanks to my very efficient Steward Mrs Rushby.
My general comments on the breed continue in similar terms to my previous remarks on the subject. But in the main I thought that heads and expressions were, by and large, pretty good. Coats were of course variable in the stage at which they presented but again, by and large they were of quite good texture. I had no bad mouths and only a couple of kinky tails. And tails were, overall, not too bad for shape and length Size is of course variable but again the majority were spannable but some dogs (and bitches) were far too big and too heavy in bone. My biggest problem was with fronts and exhibit after exhibit appeared with fronts which were far from correct. We have a multitude of different front problems and somehow we must tackle this issue and breeders and judges have to pay more attention to this problem. I believe that we are beginning to find the breed accepting bad fronts as the norm. Horseshoe fronts, wide fronts, swinging front legs, flicking front feet and dogs which single track in an excessive way in front ? all of these things need to be penalised to a greater or lesser extent.
Best in Show and the Dog CC went to Orangebox Firecracker (Mr M & Mrs T Anscombe). He has a very typical head, skull and expression with a good muzzle and not over exaggerated. Good neck and shoulder and correct topline and tailset. Correct compact feet. He is balanced and well proportioned being neither too short nor too long and he moved soundly both in front and behind. In the final challenge for the CC he scored for showmanship and went on to be Best of Breed. The Bitch CC and Res Best in Show went to Ch Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW (Mrs P Clark), another with a most typical head and expression. She has a very good coat of the right texture and pelt of the right thickness and she moved very well behind. Enough bone, she presents a good outline going around the ring and exudes quality. Best Puppy was Olderhill Afortunado (Mrs S Wilson). He has a good head and skull, again without being in any way overdone, good neck and topline, good front and moved better there than behind, correct pelt, good tailset and tail and well balanced throughout.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Championship Show
24th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Marie Sharp
My thanks to the Committee for their hospitality, and to the stewards, Anita Harrison and Kevin Green who kept everything running smoothly. I always read the Standard before judging and decide where my priorities will lie. This time, I decided that for an essentially working terrier, narrow, lithe bodies are a must, not forgetting those features which distinguish a Border Terrier. Indeed most Borders are narrow when compared with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, for instance, but far too many in this entry were too broad in the chest to be able to follow a fox to ground. When the chest is wider than my hand, it is far too wide. Going to ground is but one part of a working terrier’s life - he has to cover rough ground so needs sufficient length of leg, and a flexible loin to enable him to gallop, getting his hind quarters under his body. Following a horse is no walk in the park, it requires stamina - lung capacity which comes from sufficient length of ribcage. One word in the Standard always causes me trouble – “but” in the sentence “Head like that of an otter, but moderately broad in skull..” I found lots of otter shaped heads, a few with too much stop, few with too short a muzzle, so on the whole heads pleased me.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2011
Judge: Mr. Stuart Plane (Stuane)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this show and I was truly grateful for such a very good entry
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Oct 2011
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and to my stewards on the day for making things run smoothly.
Also thanks to the exhibitors for their support and making it an enjoyable day.
On the whole I thought the standard of the exhibits was high and I was happy with both line ups. I was delighted with my main winners as they could hold their own in any company.
Coats were of various lengths, but when top coats were in the vast majority were what is required, dense and harsh.
Although a working terrier, some tidying up, especially around the feet could help some exhibits go further when pressing for top honours.
Most dogs were in fit hard condition but two or three adult dogs were lacking any substance whatsoever and would be no match for Charlie on any day of the week.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2011
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson
Thank you to the Members for inviting me to judge what has been for me and many others, one of the favourite shows on the calendar every year. Having won the Bitch CC and Best in Show here at the very first ScBTC Ch show in 1985 with Otterkin Blue Bouquet JW, perhaps I am slightly biased by good memories, but I think most people who attend consider it one of the most popular shows of the year, as there is always a warm welcome guaranteed from the Officers and Committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club to exhibitors and spectators alike and a good atmosphere at all of their shows.
Many thanks to Marjorie Wanless who officiated as an uncomplaining and efficient steward all on her lonesome all day; what a star! Thanks too for the lovely gift from the Club.
It is good when decisions are accepted with grace, be it win or lose and I thank the exhibitors for that. It is not easy being a judge, knowing you disappoint some but please others, but one has to just judge the dogs and go with your instincts, please yourself, select those you like the best and hope others appreciate that you did your best, to your ability, without fear or favour.
Overall, the quality was high, with a lot to like. There were only a couple who felt too thin, so I will not dwell on this too much this time, except to say that a working dog needs some substance, some strength and endurance and this is NOT achieved when you starve a big dog to try to make it look smaller, as any judge fooled by that is not to be applauded. Going over a dog on the table, I hate to feel all the backbone and see the ribs sticking out. It is cruel and unkind to keep your dog too thin. Borders like their food. Not as many thin ones here as were at Crufts in 2007, just a couple. This is just something for people to watch please.
Teeth were not a big problem – only one slightly undershot and a couple with one tooth out of line. I will not penalise a dog/bitch for one tooth out of line and refuse to put that in the individual dog/bitches critique – that is for me to know (I am sure the exhibitors already know) and for other judges to find (or not) and do as they will. For me, there is so much more that is important than one tooth out of alignment. If such a dog/bitch with one tooth out of line still had a scissor bite and all other good attributes, then it was placed accordingly. I have seen critiques which say “Only one if” – I will not lumber any dog/bitch with that and have everyone wanting to know what it was.
I was surprised to find a couple with kinks in their tails, as exhibitors can feel this easily themselves. This has been touched upon in the 2007 BTC Year Book and judges (including me) have their own views on this, although there is nothing in the UK breed standard about it.
A couple had peculiar coats, with what seemed like some substance in them, which did not make them feel harsh, more sticky and stuck together and although that meant I could not see the skin, it was not because they had good coats and it gave me grubby hands after going over them. Substance in a terrier’s coat fools no-one – please do not do it! On the down side, there were a few more which left my hands dirty after examination. Although they are a working dog, please present them to the judge in clean condition. I didn’t turn up grubby and neither should they!
Overall though, I thought the breed to be in a good place and I was very pleased with all my top winners (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I)?
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
Longer cast dog who moved quite nicely Preferred the size of eye of the 1st but he has a lovely flat skull, good straight front, just the right amount of bone and a good bend of stifle. Nice topline and tailset. He too has a good jacket, so essential in a working dog.
Crufts
11th Mar 2012
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge at Crufts, possibly the pinnacle of anyone’s judging career. My thanks must go to the exhibitors for the entry of 264 dogs, making 304 entries, by far the largest entry for a single judge in the Group, which made for a very long day. Thanks also, must, go to my Stewards, Kim Lathaen and Eddie Bishop, for their efficient services, which ensured we finished just in time for my BOB to make the Terrier Group.
I last judged the Breed at LKA, just over three years ago. This was always going to be an interesting entry, after my preamble then, which was a bit “fire and brimstoneâ€, where I stated my deep concerns about the, in my opinion, untypical heads that were creeping into the Breed, gradually being accepted, as being correct, particularly the excessively broad skulls and high set ears. Therefore, knowing my preference for the otter like, MODERATELY broad skull, asked for in the Standard, I have to say, not without a little amusement, the “lollipop on a stick†type “Teddy Bear†heads with deep stops were almost conspicuous by their absence today!
While upper arm length was a major problem last time, in the younger classes, I found far fewer today that were totally unable to stand with their front legs underneath them, perpendicular to the floor, which, hopefully, was a good sign that Breeders are recognising and attempting to remedy the problem.
Movement, on the whole was pretty acceptable, behind especially. Front, maybe not quite as good, a small minority being rather less than accurate, flicking out, or toeing in. Most covered plenty of ground on the move.
The majority were spannable.
Most were in good, harsh coat, or evidence of texture coming through. I realise it’s the start of the show season, so those short of coat weren’t unduly penalised. My reasoning being, that, coats are transitory, whereas poor conformation will always be poor conformation, regardless of the wrapping.
I know they are a working Terrier, but, I have to say, considering the occasion, I was shocked at how dirty some of the dogs were. Some were thick with grease and would certainly have benefited from a bath, if only for their own comfort!
I was very pleased with both my line ups in the challenge for the CC’s, indeed, the first three in most classes. I felt that they all fitted my interpretation of the Standard and could, if required, do the job of a working Terrier.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan. Super head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with excellent hindquarters. Sound mover. Good for coat, but not the depth of coat of 1st.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Mar 2012
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
My Thanks To The Officers And Committee For Inviting Me To Judge Their Show, To The Stewards, Mrs. Doreen Rushby And Mrs. Tracy Butler For Keeping The Ring Running Smoothly And To The Exhibitors For Allowing Me To Go Over Their Dogs.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Slightly longer cast dog who moved quite well. Good keen, dark eye and he has a lovely flat skull, good straight front, just the right amount of bone and a good bend of stifle. Nice topline and tailset. He has a good jacket, so essential in a working terrier.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
The Scottish Border Terrier Club held an open show where BIS was Lairehope Lord Of The Glen at Tweedburn; RBIS, Picer Gilliflower; & BP, Keycharm Phantom by Ridgebow.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
good head & narrow front, nice dark eye, & well set v-shaped ears, just showing signs of coat, good rear angulation. Little unsure. Best mover in class
Border Union Championship Show
17th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
After an absence from the Showring and judging for the past 18 months, due to illness I was interested to find almost a new generation in my entry. Not even the appalling June weather and the resultant sudden switch from outdoor to indoor rings could dampen my enthusiasm hut I do apologise to exhibitors for the lack of adequate space in the indoor wet-weather accommodation. Thank you all so much for your sporting patience and to my two excellent stewards for their assistance in moving us under cover so efficiently. After Open Dog. I just could not record legibly in my judging book! I much enjoyed looking over and handling this large entry with relatively few absentees. I was very impressed by the standard and quality of my main winners and in the way the dogs adapted to the change of rings. It was a pity that the benching for the congested indoor ring was so far away. I felt particularly sorry for all the bitch exhibits who were obliged to show in such a small muddy ring, especially those in the big classes which had to be split and the fact that other terrier breeds with smaller entries were given larger rings, Considering the conditions, all temperaments were excellent. Only one level mouth and two slightly out of alignment. All dogs were entire. Movement is still an overall problem. Some exhibits could be tidier!
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2012
Judge: Nicholls & Dean
*Dog Critique*
An excellent entry at this my first club championship show. There were quality exhibits in all classes and overall, if this entry can be used as a yardstick, the dogs are now almost as good as the bitches, which couldn’t be said only a short while ago. This must bode well for the future of the breed.
I have been very critical of movement in the past, but I found a distinct improvement here and most of the class card winners had good parallel movement going away and back, and plenty of drive with economical front action. Coats were generally very good and heads were much improved with only a few weak snipey muzzles and apple skulls.
Many thanks to my hard working stewards, Sharon Pickering and Ray Bryan, who succeeded in keeping me out of trouble.
*Bitch Critique*
A very satisfying day, I had many good bitches to go over. My thanks to the MBTC for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors for entering. All were capable of being spanned, there was a good number of typical jackets and overall quality was such that this was a factor in the placings. No bad mouths and many with good strong teeth. Construction has improved but be careful not to overdo the hind angulation and remember we look for narrow fronts. A few round ears and several larger than I prefer. Racy lines preferred but be careful as some lacked substance. I though the principal winners were all very good. BIS, RBIS and BOS were all worthy winners.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2012
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
An interesting entry. I found some very good class winners. I was disturbed by the frequency of poor hindquarters, often a result of poor croups & tailsets & lack of angulation & second thigh resulting in lack of drive.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
grizzle, stood out in this class, has type & quality, in good coat & moved well, spannable, very good headpiece
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2012
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Well balanced, masculine head, excellent topline and tailset, lovely carrot tail. Moved very well with good drive from behind.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2012
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
I was honoured to judge at this what I consider a BIS of championship shows. I would like to extend my thanks to the society for the invite, the warm hospitality and friendly relaxed atmosphere made for a superior judging experience. Also much thanks to my ring steward Mr Eddie Bishop, who did a splendid job in his management of the ring in a professional and efficient manner. A super entry of 188 which understandably presented me with many varieties of type. Mouths across the entry were good with only one level bite. A few with chipped teeth and the missing tooth (which should not penalise all things being equal an otherwise quality exhibit in a working breed) no kinks in tails and all males were entire .It was also pleasing to see more shown in the correct double jacket, but sadly some of dogs that appealed to me for breed type paid the penalty as although their jackets pleased for depth they lacked the weatherproof quality essential in a working terrier coat. I was very pleased to see my entry thankfully lacking the “showy boxy terrier types†of late.
It was a pleasure to judge dogs of correct border type, temperament, fit , healthy exhibits who were presented in such good condition. Needless to say the exhibits were a credit to their owners and throughout the day the quality was first rate making lots of my decisions close ones with many leaving without a placing. The puppy classes in particular were numerical high and it was a pity I had to discard many good exhibits of the breed. But this quality can only bode well for the future. It was also nice to be told that the exhibits in the Good citizens classes apart from gaining a good citizen award the entry also had dogs who took part in Obedience, Agility and Gundog send aways proving once again that borders can really turn their paw to all manner of activities outside of their already busy show calendar.
I felt that my principle winners fulfilled the “Essentially a working terrier†breed standard requirement with that extra something that makes top winner .
I was delighted to learn that I had the top entry in the terrier group Thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, particularly appreciated in these difficult economic times and for making it such an enjoyable day
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
Strong class headed by the first 2 who were bang on for coat the remaining 3 when in the same order could easily challenge them another day.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2013
Judge: Mrs G Small (Bethane)
I enjoyed my day with The Yorks. Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club’s Open Show. Thanks to every one who braved the atrocious arctic weather conditions. Thorpe Willoughby village Hall offers an excellent venue, plenty of space for the dogs & their pens with good kitchen facilities. Perhaps not so many there but it was a nice show, well run. I found my BIS in a young grizzle dog, Stoneygin Chesta Coppapot, so much to like about him. Best puppy was Comberdown Thistle, a lovely b/t bitch that won well in a strong class.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
pleasing grizzle with good head & expression, neat well set ears, correct mouth, good body with ribs back & spanable, in good double coat, nice bend of stifle, finished off with a neat carrot tail. Moved well to Reserve best Dog & Reserve BIS.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Feb 2013
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
I had a most enjoyable day judging the Border Terrier Club’s Open Show at Jedburgh and would like to thank the members and committee for affording me the opportunity to do so. I would also like to thank the club for their hospitality and thanks also to my two stewards, Margaret Warren and Jane Morton-Shaw for their help in keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for a super entry of 190 from 132 dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. All dogs were entire, I found no kinked tails, only one suspect mouth and temperaments were good. Coats were at varying stages however, thick, loose, pliable pelts with dense undercoat were in the minority – an essential quality for the work required of a Border Terrier.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
good masculine head with flat skull and short strong muzzle, narrow throughout with straight front and good feet, well laid back rib, well angulated front and rear, good topline with well set on tail, sported a harsh jacket over a thick pelt, moved true both ways.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2013
Judge: Mrs. Doreen Rushby (Dormic)
The Border Terrier Club held a Championship show at Low Hesket on 30 March 2013. I felt very honoured to judge at this show and my thanks go to the Committee and Exhibitors for such an enjoyable day.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
smart dog, good head, strong muzzle, dark eye, good shoulders & front, well set tail, good length of body, correct jacket, moved well.
Birtley & District Canine Society Open Show
7th Apr 2013
Judge: Mark Johnston (Joncroft)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
liked this three and a half grizzle dog, excellent head and expressions and in excellent condition, very narrow with good top line, pity he was out of coat
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2013
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
It was a great pleasure to be invited to judge this show and I wish to thank the committee for their great hospitality, a superb home cooked lunch and pleasant show. The gift was lovely and will be treasured. Special thanks to my stewards today Allen Horner & Norma Todd.
I was pleased with my overall entry of dogs and glad to see size is becoming more uniform with not so many oversized dogs. Mouths & tails were better than they have been but feel front movement needs watching, as does the loose pelt. I was able to span most exhibits. Thank you to the exhibitors who gave me the privilege to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day in a sporting manner.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
racy body lines, in good coat, typical head, good rear. Nice small feet
Scottish Kennel Club
19th May 2013
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for their kind invitation to judge this my first championship appointment. I would also like to thank my stewards who kept things running smoothly and the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northumberland County Show
27th May 2013
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
I would like to thank all of the exhibitors for giving me a great entry and allowing me to go over their dogs. There were lots of quality dogs that went without places today. Thanks also to the steward Colin Woodward who kept the ring running smoothly. Unfortunately the grass in the ring was long which made movement difficult for some dogs. I’m sure that this will be noted for future shows.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
I would like to thank the ScBTClub for their hospitality at this show. I enjoyed my day, and despite the disappointing number of absentees, I had some lovely dogs to go over. I was very pleased with my main winners, and interested to find that myBIS, and my BPIS are full brother and sister!
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
A hard choice between the first two, different types, both lovely dogs. This dog won on his coat. Varmitty head, good front. Dark eye, neat ears, excellent teeth. Good reach of neck, into good shoulders, and straight front. Neat feet, moved out well.
Border Union Championship Show
15th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
Showers, wind and sunshine made for a tactically difficult day for my solo steward, Elaine Waddington, who managed to keep the paperwork dry and get dogs moving in and out of the ring very smoothly. My grateful thanks to her and to all the exhibitors who stoically remained outside as the rain continued to plague us throughout the judging. Not weather the dogs enjoyed much either while standing about.
The entry was very mixed. The dog classes were marginally better and more consistent than the bitches. Fronts are improving but movement still needs attention, both fore and aft, with some hackney front action creeping in. Most heads were breed typical with one or two exceptions which were rather boxy and out of proportion. I was surprised and dismayed to find a large number of dentition problems in both puppies and adults. There were very small teeth, dirty teeth, teeth misaligned and one undershot mouth. Several lacked any depth of coat and were in their undercoats or single coated, with no undercoat at all. Feet were mostly good, but a couple of exhibits were down on their pasterns; claws were in need of attention on one or two exhibits.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Durham County Canine Association
14th Jul 2013
Judge: Miss C Tutin
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
shown in tight harsh coat, typical head, moved very well holding his outline, racy and narrow.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr M G Rushby
RDCC
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
nice dog, excellent otter head, good reach of neck into good shoulders, ribs carried well back, correct stifle, good feet, good coat & pelt, moved OK. RCC
Cleveland Canine Society Open Show
27th Jul 2013
Judge: Mrs L Hall (Geordiestaff)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation to judge, my two stewards and the exhibitors for their entries. It was an honour to judge this numerically strong entry 169 with 29 absent, the breed being represented from around the UK made it a very enjoyable day.
Front movement is still a problem in the breed, with heavy upright shoulders in many. Size varied as did coats. There are some long necks creeping into the breed, which look very stylish, the standard does state “Neck of moderate length†and a few long tails again incorrect. Saying that it was a very nice entry to judge and in some classes
I would have liked to have been able to award more placings, and could have awarded more CC’s.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Darlington D S S
13th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
I would first of all like to thank the society for inviting me to judge this show.
I would also like to thank Bob my steward for a sterling job.
I am sorry to bring this up again but I was most disappointed yet again to find a few exhibits that were far too thin. This determined placings as they are not fit for purpose.
Coats were at various stages as normally is the case, I had a few unspannable, but most were in a good fit condition.
I was pleased with my entry and enjoyed going over some lovely exhibits, most were a credit to you.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Driffield A S
21st Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee, for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this show. We were truly blessed with some lovely autumn sunshine, and a well laid out ring.
Thank you, to all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to “go over†your dogs, however, I had concerns about the size and movement of some of the exhibits. I have a fair span and struggled to get anywhere near some dogs, which reflected in the placings.
Consequently, some heavy shoulders, and wide fronts.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Jan 2014
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
I enjoyed my day judging and would like to thank exhibitors for entering under me.
A big thank you to Carly and Anita who were very efficient in there stewarding duties.
I found on the day that the bitch classes were stronger than the dogs; coats were at various stages which you would expect at this time of year. All dogs and bitches were spanable. There were no bad mouths one concern is that some teeth are in need of cleaning. Movement in the main winners was excellent and they were shown in fit hard condition.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another nice dog good head, good bite and strong muzzle narrow body loose pelt short of coat today preferred the head of the winner.
Darlington and District Canine Society Open Show
1st Feb 2014
Judge: Mr J R Mann (Valger)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
My thanks to the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to undertake my first Breed Club judging appointment and my stewards Ken Mackenzie and Margaret Warren for their assistance in the ring.
My enjoyable day started with the picturesque drive to the venue, in the sunshine, a rarity lately! Grateful thanks also to the competitors for an entry of 111 (5 NFC) making 141 entries affording me the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs and sportingly accepting my choices.
The majority were in good coat and condition, a couple difficult to span, due more to being a little plump rather than in construction. All males were entire (a few would have benefited from a hygienic wipe for better presentation !), no kinked tails, one incorrect mouth and a couple of 'acceptable' level bites and some teeth really needed cleaning. I was surprised by the amount of untidy feet and overlong claws considering how claws can ultimately affect posture, balance and movement. I was pleased with both my line ups and had some close decisions to make.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
I wish to thank the YORKS LANCS AND CHESHIRE BORDER TERRIER CLUB for the opportunity to judge at this level many thanks to the stewards Carolyn Richardson, Cally Harris and Julie Price for the help in the smooth running of the show I would also like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Jane Parker (Conundrum)
I would like to thank the BTC club, for giving me a second chance to judge this, the most prestigious of the breed clubs championship shows. I was judge elect in 2010, but caught the awful Noro virus the night before I was due to judge and spent the next two days flat out.
The new venue that the committee has found, has to be lauded. It is large, airy, light, the flooring is excellent. The car park looked huge. From a judges point of view I could see all the dogs clearly at any time. Congratulations on a super venue.
My two stewards, Chris Davis and Liz Barratt were so very organised and kept me informed and on time throughout the day, with good humour lots of smiles and attention to detail. With such a lovely entry numbers wise, it was a long day. Thank you both.
Living in Canada now, it was a real pleasure to judge dogs that I had mostly not seen. Obviously some of the older ones were mere youngsters before I left and it was nice to see how they had progressed through the years. I found no missing testicles, mouths on the whole were good, with only a few missing teeth or one or two misaligned. Heads were in general better overall than when I left, with more who carried a moderately broad backskull and also a lot more with very good underjaw, something one had to look hard to find a few years ago. Coats were on the whole, good, there were a very few however, who had greasy and dirty coats, this I feel is completely unnecessary. A few arrived without their coats, this is just unfortunate as dogs do not know about our ambitions in regard to shows, and if the coat needs to come out then so be it! Feet in some instances were weak, with some flat footed and others harefooted, this breed needs to have really good tight feet, small with thick pads and be well knuckled, poor feet make the whole outline of the dog look wrong. The worst fault I found, as usual were fronts, all the usual suspects were there, wide fronts, narrow fronts, flicking wrists etc. I do begin to wonder if we will ever get this completely right, but if we are breeders looking to the future, we must be hard on this most prevalent fault, and do not use these dogs and bitches in our breeding programmes. Bitches had the most quality through the entry, again, this is usual, however the dogs that were good, were very very good, and the best, were exceptional. Size does need to be watched, this is a somewhat cyclical thing, but there were some big dogs and bitches in the ring. The first and most important words in our standard...â€Essentially a working terrierâ€...if it cannot be spanned, it is too big. In general I feel the breed in the country of origin is in pretty good shape, the top percentage of the dogs I judged were quite lovely and had breed type to spare. In my critique you will no doubt notice expressions I use again and again. I find certain things are ubiquitous (but none the less hugely important to breed type) and have my pet ways of describing them, I hope you forgive my industrial repetition in some regards.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Birtley & District Canine Society
6th Apr 2014
Judge: C & G Richardson
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association
19th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs J Newport (Digaden)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
West Of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr A Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries and to my two stewards.
I think size needs to be watched in the breed as a working terrier. I have a large span but a number of dogs were not spannable by me, this reflected in my placings. We also seem to loosing the otter like head, some with too much stop, some with weak muzzles and others lacking under jaw. This results in a loss of type which defines the breed. We should try and adhere to the breed standard laid down by the original border terrier breeders.
The over baiting of dogs on the table is totally unnecessary. In my opinion they do not need to be constantly fed on the table. It makes judging difficult when a dog is constantly looking for food.
I was very surprised to see border terriers with coats on around the ring, as they should have their own double coat for warmth and protection. I hope this isn’t the start of trend with the breed becoming just another show breed and losing its identity as the standard states “essentially a working terrier”.
DCC
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Red grizzle dog with good otter like head. Nice ear and eye. Moderate neck into well laid shoulder. Thick pelt with harsh double coat. Very fit condition with good muscle tone. Moved out well with drive on good legs and feet, thick pads. Comes to hand well balanced. CC. BOB. Nice to see him shortlisted in the group.
Northumberland County Agricultural Society
26th May 2014
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show despite having to overcome the queues, mudbath and delays they faced before the start of judging. A few exhibits were borderline spanable, a couple had poor dentition and several had weak muzzles but there were plenty of loose pelts, harsh coats, neat feet and quality dogs. It was particularly pleasing to see some full and natural coats which seemed most appropriate for the wild and beautiful surroundings of the show. Ground conditions didn’t help movement but all the exhibits were well behaved and most well presented. I have a view that bitches tend to suffer a little in mixed classes but I tried to be even handed in this respect.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2014
Judge: Jane Allison (Tividale)
Many thanks to the exhibitor’s and the committee for a very enjoyable day. Also to the hard working ladies of the committee in the kitchen and my exellant steward Jim Stewart.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another nice dog of good size, good front and shoulders moved well round ring.
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Ernie L Hill
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My first appointment at this level. My thanks to the society for inviting me and to my two very efficient stewards, Lorrraine and Barbara, who kept things moving.
I was very pleased with both my line ups and feel that my main winners were excellent examples of the breed. Many dogs were sporting dense, tweedy jackets but, as is always the case, some were lacking in coat and this did influence some of the placings. Mouths were good and only one dog was unspannable. On the downside, size is an issue and some of the minor puppies are already up to size. Front movement could be better in a number of exhibits and a few were carrying too much weight.
My sincere thanks to all those who entered and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
Good class.
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
Close decisions between all of them
Darlington Championship Show
12th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank the Darlington society for my invitation .The stewards were on the ball all day so I would like to thank them for making my day an easy one.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for taking my decisions so sportingly.
However I feel that some exhibits would benefit from a little more food, feeding less does not make them any smaller!
One thing that particularly drew my attention was the dirty teeth in some of the younger exhibits, feet need improving by trimming nails. Nails on some were what a Hawk would be proud of!
Also scissor cuts do not enhance a coat , we are not a trimmed breed we are a breed where hand stripping is paramount.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Keen expression with strong muzzle and broad skull, correct teeth and bite, Nice topline and tailset, narrow right through, enough bone and small tight feet with thick pads moved well.
Selkirk & District Canine Society
21st Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Geoff Sugars (Foxcraig)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: BIS, TG1, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
North and South Shields Canine Society
4th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Well muscled and fit grizzle dog with harsh tight coat and thick pelt, good head with strong muzzle, nice body lines, he moved well on neat tight feet BOB
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
31st Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Claire Tutin (Riseburn)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for their invitation to judge their open show, and their warm welcome and hospitality. I would also like to thank my two efficient stewards on the day, Ian Hopper and John Thomas.
The entry was very pleasing but there were quite a few absentees on the day, especially the dog classes. However I enjoyed my day and was pleased with all my class winners, making a very satisfactory final line up, including some promising puppies, with some difficult decisions to be made. I found one bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Jarrow and Hebburn CS Open Show
8th Feb 2015
Judge: Mrs C Richardson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Spennymoor and District Canine Society Open Show
15th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr David Robbins (Chenting)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Feb 2015
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to say thank you to the Border terrier club, committee and its membership for allowing me to judge their show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Ken and Paul who helped the proceedings run smoothly. Last but certainly not least the exhibitors who sportingly accepted my decisions many thanks to you who allowed me to judge your dogs.
I was more than happy to present my main winners with their relevant top awards. Many of the terriers shown were in fine fettle and we can look forward to a positive future.
Temperaments seemed to be sound. Mouths on the whole were generally good. Coats were at various stages many had good texture and thickness to them with ample undercoat. However I did find a few kinked tails some of which were quite severe some also quite long and thin.
As custodians of the breed as well as breeders and show people a like we must take a careful look at some of the issues creeping into the breed, Foreign head shapes with ear sets which would not go amiss on a working Lakeland terrier. Weak muzzles and skulls which fall away under the eye.
Front assembly’s wide fronts, bad shoulder placement weak pasterns and poor feet were in evidence on some exhibits and they paid the price in the ring for this. Bodies and rib shape are another concern the breed standard states "deep, narrow, fairly long ribs carried well back" not short bodies and sprung ribs! Condition and muscle tone are key factors along with many of the other points in the breed standard which all contribute to the overall picture of a working terrier. After all the breed standard starts with the first sentence "essentially a working terrier" a sentence which must be adhered too now and in the future...
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Billingham Synthonia Canine Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2015
Judge: Mr K Green (Terrabyte)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Tweedmouth Canine Society Open Show
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Sandra Johnstone (Burnvale)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Birtley and District Canine Society Open Show
5th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
another nice type strong head with correct bite, no coat but good angulation and moved well.
Consett Canine Society Open Show
11th Apr 2015
Judge: Fran Kaye (Danfrebek)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr R Mann (Valger)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers and committee of The Northern Border Terrier club for the invitation to judge my first Breed Club show and also acknowledge the help and assistance in the ring by my stewards Ann Maltby and Scott Cranson.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would like to thank the exhibitors for providing me with the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs.
I found the majority to be in good fit condition and in good coat. There was a variation in head type but most fit the standard in my interpretation.
Mouths were generally good with only a couple with an acceptable level bite. In some presentation could have been better with a few having untidy feet. I was impressed with both line ups and some decisions were very close.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another quality grizzle dog with a lovely head, movement is his strongest point very straight and true, a joy to watch. He was a little short on coat today but pushed hard for top spot.
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northumberland County Show
25th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks to the committee for inviting the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show.
My thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and the sporting manner they accepted my placings on the day
To be judging in the County where the Border Terrier originated from felt quite special, the landscape certainly gives you an appreciation of the environment that the breed was built to work in.
I was pleased to find the majority of exhibits, presented in the correct tweedy jackets, which I’m sure they appreciated being in , with the inclement weather we experienced on the day.
I found most exhibits to be of correct size and with typical heads, on the flip side I found some exhibits quite heavy in the front giving a somewhat ‘beefy’ appearance and also some round eyes giving a rather untypical expression.
I felt that my winners fitted the criteria of essentially a working terrier.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
another quality dog and of similar type to 1. Good size and another presented in hard condition, easily spanned, correct shoulder placement, good in head, strong muzzle, keen expression, excellent rear angulation, moved out well covering the ground well.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
My thanks, to the Club, for the invitation to judge their Club Show and the hospitality shown to Peter and myself. Thanks, also, to my Stewards, Wendy Mooney and Denise Townsend, who valiantly coped with the paperwork in the, at times, rather blustery conditions, keeping everything going smoothly! Thank you to the exhibitors, also, who entered for my opinion. The grass, in the ring, wasn’t exactly “bowling green”, so it certainly sorted out the good from the bad, on the move!
As is usual, from me, not an “everything in the garden is rosy” preamble! After 35 years, living and breathing Border Terriers, I tell it, as I see it!
As with my last appointment, Crufts, it is just over a 3 year gap, since I judged the Breed in the UK. I had obviously made my point, last time, that I wouldn’t pass the excessively broad skull, almost caricature like, that had become popular, despite the Standard asking for “Head like that of an Otter. Moderately broad in skull”, as there were none I thought overdone, on the day. I think, the problem lies, possibly, that the Standard doesn’t specify, as I was taught, that it refers to English River Otter, some people, mistakenly thinking the commoner headed Sea Otter, or deeper stopped Asian Short Clawed Otter is being referred to. There is a big difference between the three! Not helped by critiques, apparently, praising “broad” skulls, which, to me, sends out the wrong signals!
At Crufts, I had thought the breed had turned a corner, with regard to forehands ie. shoulder and upper arm construction…….how wrong was I?!!! I think I had the full range of faults today, upright shoulders, short upper arm, out at the elbow, sometimes all on the same exhibit! The widest part of a Border Terrier, “Essentially a working Terrier”, bred to go to ground, shouldn’t be the elbows, this fault usually being because the forehand isn’t set on the body correctly, being too far forward, due to a short, steep upper arm, usually, although not always, accompanied by an upright shoulder. These faults also affect that other line from the Standard “Capable of following a horse”, as, due to the incorrect angles, the movement is no longer efficient, being restricted to a shorter, hackneyed, step in profile, almost as though they are walking on hot coals, due to the foreleg not reaching full extension. It may look ok, coming and going, being accurate, as the shorter stride means there is less room for error, but the lack of a ground covering stride would mean the dog working twice as hard on the move, doing its job, soon becoming exhausted. This was brought home to me, discussing the stamina of various dogs with a friend, his son exercising their two Border Terrier champions chasing after him, on horseback, around a field. The accurate mover, with the shorter stride was soon exhausted, having had to work twice as hard, whereas the more angulated one, with the longer, ground covering stride, was up for more! Like, usually breeds like, good forehands being bred for. They don’t appear as if by magic! I am well aware that these faults are seemingly being passed by Judges, not just in the UK, at the very highest level, but that doesn’t mean that they are either correct or desirable and they are very difficult to breed out. I’m left wondering, having read a number of critiques, then having seen, or judged the dogs being praised, are the Seminars failing to educate the correct mechanics of economical movement, or are people just not seeing the movement faults, as long as its trots up and down, with its head and tail up, showing nicely for the Judge! Conversely, as ever, hind movement was pretty good.
It was interesting to note that those I have rewarded in the past, with the correct forehands and narrow fronts, at Crufts and previous engagements, came back, having retained their virtues and have also passed the same, narrow, lithe bodylines on to the next generation. If they are made right, they last right! A working Terrier, whose front is going, or has gone, by the time it is reaching maturity, is neither use nor ornament and is a liability to itself and its owner.
I would like to think, from ring side, that it was obvious that I was looking for Borders with a pattern of moderation and workmanlike construction, with sound, free, scopey movement, who also had quality and style. It wasn’t always easy, in some classes, but I thought my final line ups, in both sexes, demonstrated my priorities.
On the whole, coats and pelts were good, as always my opinion being that coats are transient. I don’t expect them to be aimed specifically, time wise, for me, as I am more concerned with correct construction, but it is “the icing on the cake.” As long as there was evidence of the correct textures, no one was unduly marked down, until it came to the top honours.
Most were spannable, although very few were easily spannable, slightly worrying, as my hands have a big span! This isn’t just a UK problem!
Mouths were all acceptable, a few with the odd broken tooth, which is only to be expected in a working Terrier and certainly wouldn’t be penalised by me.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Rich coloured Grizzle and Tan. Excellent head and expression. Straight front, but not quite the forehand construction of 1st and 2nd, being a shade short in upper arm, giving a shorter stride on the move. Good hindquarters, which he used well. Excellent coat and pelt.
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging at Border Union showground. Such a pleasant show. Many thanks go to my two very able stewards. They had the ring (& me) running like clockwork. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered under me. Had some lovely dogs to go over & some hard decisions to make. Coats were probably the best I have seen for some time. Thick pelts, too, were much in evidence. Mouths were good. Fronts continue to be a problem & movement letting some otherwise promising dogs down.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the society for my appointment & their hospitality, & to the exhibitors & my steward Bob Potts. Quite a mixed entry today of type & size with some being on the lean side & others rather overweight! I was surprised to find a couple totally oversized & therefore they paid the penalty. The over treating dogs I think is getting worse in the ring & on the table. Trying to assess a dog when it is fidgeting around looking for food is not satisfactory. Surely a dog can stand for a minute while being examined without having to be fed handfuls of food. The standard calls for a harsh & dense coat & the skin must be thick, many today were very short of coat & quite a number with thin pelts. A good coat is essential which seems to being overlooked in the breed today. The breed standard leans towards moderation not exaggeration & I hope this is maintained with the emphasis being on ‘essentially a working terrier’ & not ‘essentially a show terrier’.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
What a brilliant class some super dogs had to go down the line or go cardless some very close decisions
Driffield Agricultural Society
3rd Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
Many thanks to my two efficient stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly. On the day I was surprised to find 4 level mouths, although a level mouth is acceptable in the standard, a scissor bite is preferable. Some exhibits could have been shown in a fitter condition and have their long nails clipped.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr J Thomas (Daluce)
It was an honour to be invited to judge such a prestigious show as "The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show " I would like to humbly thank the committee for their invitation and their warm welcome on the day.
I would also like to thank my stewards on the day Allen Horner, Anne Maltby and Dave Mitchell, who kept the ring running smoothly for me.
Finally would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the pleasure of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
Super class. Top 5 could change places on any other day.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Loved this balanced rich red who appealed greatly for breed type, He has the best of ottery heads and strong jaw ,excelled in ear and ear set with lovely dark eye, straight front, short tail well carried well muscled quarters and lovely racy rear hindquarters, Although sound on the day not the verve of 1st and sadly didnt give of his best in the challenge for RCC
Class Critique
Dog Strong class
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Smart dog of smaller proportions. Moved true. Shown to advantage. Preferred the head and size of 1.
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Jarrow and Heeburn Canine Society Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle and tan, six years old. Nice headed dog with strong muzzle, dark eye and little stop. Good neck and narrow well laid shoulders. Good in body and ribs and narrow throughout. Not too heavy in bone. In harsh topcoat with good undercoat and excellent thick pelt. Very true movement coming and going.`
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
5th Mar 2016
Judge:
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge my first BTC open show special thanks to the committee and members for a lovely show and exhibitors for my entry, thank you to my ring stewards Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh for keeping things running smoothly. I was very happy with all my placings I had some tough decisions and some placings on another day could easily change place. All dogs were entire and I was pleased to see many dogs shown in correct double coat. On a negative note I had two exhibits with teeth out of line and a few level bites although acceptable a scissor bite is preferable. As the first line of the breed standard states ‘essentially a working terrier’ personally I would like to see more dogs in fitter harder condition ‘fit for purpose’.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle and tan dog another with lots to like excellent typey head with strong muzzle, good front shown in excellent double jacket with good pelt, nice carrot tail, shown and presented well, just preferred the length of body of 1
Tweedmouth Canine Society Open Show
25th Mar 2016
Judge: Mrs Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for offering me this appointment and for their excellent hospitality . I had a lovely entry and would like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
6 years old dark grizzle, good head and varminty expression. Well boned with a pleasing outline. Well ribbed back, strong loin and hindquarters standing on neat feet. Shown in excellent harsh topcoat with thick pelt. Moved well.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another shown in full coat of good texture. If you have the racy lines of a dog like this you can carry off showing in a full coat without detriment. Lovely head, good length of back and he moved true both ways. Was up against stiff opposition but accounted for himself very well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My thanks go to the Northern Border committee for their warm welcome and for the honour of judging their Open show. I really enjoyed my day, and the ladies put on a lovely lunch and Christine’s apple pie was the best pudding of the day. I received a lovely entry and I was very pleased with my winners. My thanks also go out to the exhibitors for allowing me to inspect their dogs on the day. My thanks also go to my two stewards who were a great help on the day.
It is only my opinion, but I think that the size of the border terriers is slowly returning back in line with the breed standard which I am pleased about as I thought that Border terriers were getting too long in the leg. Mouths were good, all dogs were entire, but just a few exhibits were a bit close at the rear. A few exhibitors could do with spending a little time learning how to tidy their dogs and how to get the best out of the dog on the day.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Sunderland & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Some lovely dogs to go over thank you for the sportsmanship in accepting my decisions.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
A lovely type presented a good picture stacked and didn’t disappoint when asked to move, good border head and dark eye, strong coat and thick pelt, well muscled and in tip top condition.
Scottish Kennel Club
22nd May 2016
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Border Union Agricultural Society
19th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs M Wanless
My sincere thanks go to the officers and committee of Border Union for this appointment, this is such a well run, friendly show, with outstanding hospitality!
My thanks also to my two Stewards on the day, Ella Linton, and Alan Small. Thank you too to all those who entered under me, and came, and accepted my decisions with good grace. I was pleased with my winners. I do wish though that dogs were shown on a loose lead, and stacked freely. Big ears are becoming prevalent, not as in the standard. Presentation and condition played a large part in my decisions.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
The first three were presented in the super correct double coat with correct thick pelts.
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2016
Judge: Professor A S Milton
It was a pleasure to come back to Scotland, even though for just a day, and to judge Border Terriers at the Scottish Kennel Club's August Show. Looking at the catalogue I was surprised to find that Border Terriers had the fourth largest entry at the show. It was a very satisfactory entry, with many dogs that I had not seen before. I was particularly impressed with the overall quality of the coats. There was only one really bad mouth, a few crooked teeth, so what, as long as they can bite! I was concerned about size, not only those outwith the standard, but also even more worrying, those that I could not span. I should like to thank Joyce Martin for sending me a CD with photos of all the class winners.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
7 year old grizzle and tan in excellent condition. Lovely bodylines, super otter head and dark eye. Coat just coming in but showing texture, moved well for and aft.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Steward Allen Horner and Dave Mitchell. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Good head, and expression, correct double jacket, moved ok.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
9th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm) & Dr S Fraser (Achnagairn)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2017
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Firstly I would like to thank the club and its committee members for inviting me to judge their show, it was an honour and privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my two lovely stewards, Liz Barrett and Anna Duxbury, for their help and assistance and for keeping the show running smoothly. Lastly I would like to thank all the exhibitors for entering and bringing their lovely dogs for me to judge. I have done the majority of my judging, so far, in the south west and wales so it was a real pleasure to go over some dogs that I have not had the pleasure of judging, Northern dogs are a lot hardier than our southerners!!
I had some quality dogs to go over which gave me some tough decisions to make and wish I could have given out more cards. I found all dogs to be entire and no bad mouths, apart from the odd missing tooth in the Veteran class!
I really did have a fabulous day and just want to apologise for not getting this critique out sooner.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another 8 year old dog who was in good condition and coat. A lot of comments for 1 apply to this boy too. He has a good head with a lovely expression, neat ears and dark eye. Good length of neck and nice straight front. Good level topline with a well set tail. Good mover.
Class Critique
A lovely class of veterans, a joy to judge.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
shapely individual with lots to like, stands balanced with good angulation fore and aft, racy and fit
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association
18th Mar 2017
Judge: Dogs Mrs Val Mann - Bitches Mrs Norma Ellis
Thankyou for the nice entry of bitches spoilt for choice. A nice friendly show with a hard working Committee. Norma Ellis
Thank you to the Committee of this friendly, well run show for inviting me to judge the Border Terrier dogs. Val Mann
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
This boy is lovely to go over a nice sized mature male with good masculine head and dark eye, best of shoulders and front with tight feet, Crisp short jacket of good wire texture, Looked well stacked and moved so soundly keeping topline well and using his tail. In spanking condition showing well for his handler
Best Dog
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Handsome dog of good construction. Lovely masculine head with little stop, well placed ears & keen expression. Strong neck leads to well placed shoulders. Firm level topline held on the move. Narrow all through & easily spanned. Thick pelt with the best of coats having harsh outer coat with undercoat. Presented in tip top condition. Stands on straight limbs with tight feet. Moved well. BOB in concurrence with my co-judge.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
One I have judged before as a youngster he still does not disappoint, excels in breed type with the best of heads, good front and shoulders shown in excellent double jacket, unfortunately he was just carrying a little too much condition today.
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Loved the head and neck on this boy. Lovely small, dark eye. Excellent straight front. Just the right amount of bone and a good topline and tailset. Good double coat. He was moving very well both ways.
Class Critique
A very hard decision right down the line in this class as I liked all five placed very much. These are the highs and lows of judging, when good dogs that a judge really likes, have to be placed and you would prefer five firsts!
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Good for overall size and balance, nice masculine head and expression. Good front and rear assembly, short carroty tail well set on. Lovely harsh coat. Sound on the move. Best Veteran and awarded 2nd in Terrier Veteran Group.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
I called this dog back into the dog challenge having placed the class winner as top dog, I genuinely like this chap who was slightly unlucky to be in such good company today.
Class Critique
A mixed class of mature but still strong and active ‘gentle folk’ which made for a great class.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
7th Oct 2017
Judge: Dogs, MR. S. GRIFFITHS (DRIGOTHE) Bitches, MISS A. DIXON (OTTERPAWS)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. A warm welcome and great catering. Thank you to my steward Barry Merchant for keeping everything running smoothly. Thank you most to those who entered and to the exhibitors who kindly allowed me to go over their dogs and accepted my decisions. All entries had correct bites. Many of the entries struggled to move as well as they might have done due to the hall floor. Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
From the dogs on show I was able to identify different types and endeavoured to apply my knowledge of the breed to finding the characteristics in the different types which I would be happy to have passed on to future generations, so the better the points of the breed, the higher the placing. Judge Steve Griffiths (DRIGOTHE)
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Another fine example of the breed, with typical otter head and excellent conformation. Moved well. Recently stripped, on the day just lacked the coat for a higher placing.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Well presented eight year old dog headed this nice class of veterans. He has a nice type head, strong muzzle with good teeth. He is a handy size well muscled and very fit. Moved with purpose, well handled. BV.
Newton Aycliffe & District Canine Society Open Show
3rd Dec 2017
Judge: Mr Geoff Sugars (Foxcraig)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
North and South Shields CS Open Show
14th Jan 2018
Judge:
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2018
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to thank the club for the invitation to judge and the hospitality I received. Thanks also to my steward Mr Ian Hopper for his great assistance. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day.
I was impressed with the quality of the majority of dogs present and although some were top size all placed dogs were easily spanned and had correct bite.. I felt overall movement was good, coats were variable some full and some lacking however in the run up to Crufts this is to be expected. The majority had good pelts which was pleasing. Mouths were generally good most with large teeth but I was disappointed to see many with dirty teeth.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Best Dog
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
grizzle/tan 8 year old dog who belied his age, he looked good in profile he is well constructed which showed in his movement which was straight and true with good drive. Balanced head with keen expression, presented in good firm condition, he was in good coat which was harsh and dense. Pleased to award him BV BD BOS & RBIS
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would firstly like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and for their lovely hospitality – lunch was very tasty. Thank you also to the committee for their lovely gift. My two stewards, Graham Richardson and Geoff Sugars, kept things moving along nicely – well done. This was my first breed club show and I was absolutely delighted with the excellent entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs. As expected coats were at various stages but on the whole were good; only a couple of exhibits on the day had no coat at all. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two missing or broken teeth, especially in the veteran class and one or two untidy mouths. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some really good quality dogs to judge.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Class Critique
A lovely class to judge.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr C Dixon (Thornheswin) D, Mr P Brannan (Brankell) B
I would like to thank the offices and committee for their invitation to judge their well organised terrier group open show, Thanks also to the two stewards for their help in making it all run smoothly. Finally a big thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, giving me a nice entry. Mr P Brannan (Brankell)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge today. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me, by far, the biggest Terrier entry of the day. A big thank you to my two stewards, Nev and Liz Holmes-Leak, who kept things running smoothly and efficiently thus ensuring that we finished in time for my BOB to make the Group.
Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, and in some cases this was the deciding factor. Some exhibits were too fine in bone, particularly in the earlier classes. Some heads had ears set too high, some had deep stops with muzzles that were too short which gives a foreign expression. There were more than a few exhibits which would have benefited from having their feet tidied and nails cut. Soundness of movement in some dogs gave cause for concern. If a Border is to be fit for the function it was intended, it needs to be sound on the move. I found varying degrees of unsoundness in front movement from toeing in, crossing in front to paddling and out at the elbows. Hind movement in some exhibits was also less than desirable with hocks too close together when going away, cow hocks, lack of drive from hindquarters and, in some cases, lack of muscle tone. All of which would not allow a Border to be ‘capable of following a horse’ over rugged terrain. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners. I was also pleased to see my BOB shortlisted in the group.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
good sized 9 year old, masculine head with keen expression, well constructed, good in topline and tailset, harsh jacket, moved true.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
9 yo Fit, racy and spannable, Great coat and pelt, typical head, a reach of neck into level topline. Well made, moved OK. BV
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
What a privilege it was to judge my breed again at the Scottish Kennel Club. I am very grateful for the invite.
I would really like to thank all of those who exhibited their dogs under me and for putting trust in my opinion and my integrity. I would also like to thank my very capable stewards Kate Scott and Lindsay O’Neill, who were very confident, efficient and jovial on the day.
My general findings were that the breed is showing a good in-depth quality. Movement is still a bit erratic here and there as one would expect, but I saw plenty of good borders on the day. However, I did notice that thickness of skin was not as evident as in the past and I honestly only found a few really good thick pelts. I found one dog had a very slight deformity near the very end of its tail. I had one or two level bites and one that obviously had recently had a tooth come out and its owner, very honestly, informed me of what had happened. None of these dogs were penalised in any way re mouths. Some exhibits were tallish but spannable, however, there were some that were two heavy in chest and had a rounder shape rib rather than the correct ‘v’ or heart shape.
As usual I was looking for borders that fulfilled the type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well as they would have had to when our standard was written all those years ago.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Gr&T, 9 years old, lightly framed, moderate head, big teeth, thick, double coat with loose pelt, moved well. BV
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2018
Judge: Gemma Vaughan nee Alpe (Holteal)
My thanks goes to Northern border terrier club firstly for the invite to judge, its was a great honour to judge in a geographically different area to myself. Thank you to all who had entered and all that showed under me.
The hospitality at the show was second to none with a fantastic lunch on offer.
Thank you to my steward Allen Horner on the day who helped run my ring very smoothly.
I was overall very pleased with the quality of dogs that were shown under me just one dog with a bad mouth and another dog with a kinked tail. Varying stages of coats today but I will not place down if I can see what I'm looking for coming through.
Again thank you for your entries and allowing me to judge your dogs.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
14th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs Judy Carr (Wreighaugh) & Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Dogs. I’m very grateful to the NCSTA for their invitation to judge today. Thank you also to the stewards who kept things flowing smoothly and also of course to the exhibitors who kindly entered and allowed me privilege of judging their dogs. Judy Carr (Wreighaugh)
Bitches Many thanks to the club for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry. Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank the club officers & committee for inviting me to judge their show. I would also like to thank the stewards Anna & Judith for doing an excellent job and for keeping the show flowing so well. I was very pleased with the entry and thank you to all the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I had such lovely dogs & bitches to go over on the day, they had good coats and pelts overall, I was a little disappointed on movement. All dogs were entire.
Once again I would like to thank the Club for a well-run show and such enjoyable day.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Nice headed, good teeth & bite with strong muzzle. Nice dark V shaped ears with good length of neck and good top line. Moved and showed well correct coat and pelt.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
9 years old dog, a lovely headed grizzle dog, with great expression, in decent jacket, not the bone of 1, not the drive, but moved well.
Sunderland and District CS Open Show.
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs K. Lothian (Lairehope)
I really enjoyed judging the Border Terrier classes at the Sunderland & District Canine Society Open Show, at The Temple Park Leisure Centre, South Shields, on 25 November 2018. I would like to thank Marie & the Committee for the superb hospitality and Bill Howe for the top quality food. Thank you also to Marcia, my efficient Steward. The Centre provided a pleasant atmosphere for the day.
I was delighted with the number of Border Terriers entered, away above the entry for other Terriers. It was a pleasure to judge in a ring of racy, showy, high quality Border Terriers – with the youngsters having a developed ring-craft for their age.. Predominant in the classes were Border Terriers with strong otter-heads for both male & female, with good dentition and harsh coats.
It is always satisfying for my winners to go on to succeed in the Group classes. Delighted, therefore, that my Best of Breed ~ Pollit's Brackenfell Rock the Boat for Vandamere, went on to win: Group 3 ~ Terrier Group, and that my Best Puppy in Breed ~ Golding's Valicetarn Blue Cosmos went on to win: Group 2 ~ Puppy Group - both groups judged by Jane Maxwell.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
A nice, young-looking 9-year old grizzle dog in super shape and condition. Lovely otter-head with good reach of neck flowing into level topline and tailset. Good narrow front-quarters and body with tidy harsh double-coat. Moved well ~ racy ~ showed himself well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Very pleased to have such another lovely dog to judge. So thrilled to have these two in the Veteran dog class. This 9 year old was a little bit down on the pasterns today, but he is a lovely handy size and had a great thick jacket and pelt and a lovely head
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Feb 2019
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Janice Johnson, for being so efficient and keeping me on track.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
A few observations from the day, I felt rear movement on the whole was good but a few lacked the drive that I looked for, whilst in others it was their elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal. Today I saw too many that were far too wide in front, lacking the narrowness to go to ground. I like to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
Heads which are such a defining aspect of this breed, varied greatly, I found some too exaggerated and coarse for my liking, whilst others were narrow and somewhat snipey in muzzle, neither are correct.
Today I found coats at all stages, perhaps a sign that Crufts was not far around the corner, so perhaps not the best month to find a thick double jacket, so I found myself forgiving a lack of coat if the construction and balance I look for was there.
I found temperaments superb, dentition all good and all dogs entire. I felt the depth of quality was in the bitches, and in some classes I was spoilt for choice. Both puppy bitch classes were high in quality, and I look forward to seeing how they mature.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
24th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw) & Dr M Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown), Bitches, Thank you to the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at their group open show. I’d also like to thank my stewards for their sterling work in keeping things flowing. There was a lovely atmosphere at the show and the officers and exhibitors were very welcoming. I had a great entry of Border Terrier bitches and my placings were greeted with gracious courtesy. It was a bracing, sunny day and it was good for the Border Terriers to be judged outside, which largely seemed to suit all.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Veteran - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
10 year old grizzle dog with a lovely head and good expression.Good size,spans well.Correct double coat overlying thick pelt.Moving well on good feet.Best Veteran
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2019
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me my first club show in this lovely light, large hall. The hospitality was wonderful! Thanks also to the efficient ring stewards and most of all to all the exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. Sincere thanks for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. Temperaments on the day were excellent, coats were very varied - some good dogs were penalised for not having double coat. No mouths were undershot and all male dogs were entire.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
10 years old, typical Border head, good for size, laid back shoulders, lovely straight front, good top line & tail set, shown in coat & condition, moved well
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and committee for inviting me to judge their show. My ring steward on the day Lesley Roberts kept things flowing wonderfully for us all. I must pass my complements to the chef. Lunch and hospitality on the day was fantastic. All of this and some very nice dogs to go over on the day. Thank you all very much for a wonderful day.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan dog. Another beautiful headed dog. Shown in short tight pin wire coat. Nice carrot tail. Just preferred the overall balance, length of body and picture of 1
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
A dark g/t dog almost 10 years old. He has a good otter head, little stop and neat ears. Built on narrower lines than winner and with nice outline which e carried on the move. Today his coat was not at its best. He moved well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
10 years old good body lines narrow in front with well laid shoulders, level top-line, good loose pelt
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Best Veteran
Name at show: VTG3, Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Has a good typical head, decent construction all through, and a balanced overall outline. In a really good harsh coat, and moved well. Looking really good at two days short of his tenth birthday, Best Veteran. Delighted to see him come fourth in the Terrier Veteran Group.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Similar to first. Great head, dark eye. Good body portions and well muscled hindquarters. Moved out well.
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
Placing Critique
Stood alone but a worthy winner. Good size, make and shape and easily spanned. Pleasing head with a good eye and alert expression. Well made front assembly, firm topline and correct tailset. A sound and positive mover. Just between coats on the day.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs. L. Roberts (Mindlen)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Grettacs the Wizard ShCM
