Show Placings
Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society Open Show
7th May 2022
Judge: Simon Burton (Glencorrie)
I enjoyed judging this breed for the first time. All dogs were spannable (a couple only just) and had the correct thick, pliant skin.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Correctly proportioned and soundly made 9 months wheaten puppy bitch with a very typical outline. Quality head with good breadth of skull and strength of muzzle with slight stop. Lovely eyes well placed giving an alert expression. Ears perhaps a touch on the larger side but correctly set. Good length of neck into a beautiful front, well angulated and straight front legs and neat feet. Perfect length of body with good depth of chest and strength of loin and correct set on of carrot tail. Super hindquarters with good turn of stifle and low set hocks. The only thing she’s lacking at the moment is coat but I gave her the benefit of the doubt on that due to her age. That apart she was a clear winner of the class, moving out so soundly on a good length of stride, holding her outline. BP.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Nearly 3 years bl/tan bitch with a super temperament. Has a pleasing head with breadth of skull and good strength of muzzle with big teeth. A little short in neck and upright in shoulder which combined with a well angulated rear with ample turn of stifle meant she was a little unbalanced both standing and moving with a dip in her topline and a lower tail set. The one area she excelled over her daughter, at this point in time, was in coat which is harsh, thick, dense and in great condition. She moves out with rear drive but tends to short step in front as her construction would suggest.
Whitstable & DCS Open Show
19th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Beverley Jackson (Clipstone)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
I really liked this girl, she was all together for me. Good for size & shape at this age. Very nice head, dark eye & good expression. Good in neck & shoulder, straight front. Good depth of body, level back, nice turn of stifle. Correct tailset, in good coat, an ultra sound mover. BP
Kent County Canine Association Open Show
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Firstly my thanks must go, not only to the hard working committee for the kind invitation to judge today , my helpful and capable ring steward Kevin but also the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their lovely dogs
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Thirteen month old grizzle bitch , nice for size and very easily spanned . Super jacket , deep, with correct texture. Lovely feminine head with great expression, ears are tidy and well set on. Short carroty tail and topline excellent , both held correctly, standing, and on the move. Rib and loin were in acceptable proportions . Moved well. Pushed hard in the challenge ..pleased to award her Reserve B.O.B
London and Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
4th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr Thomas West (Tomlyndon)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Jane Peakin (Byzantine)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Cath Moffat (Kyleca)
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Kent County Canine Association Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Francis Goldfinch
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: David Burrage (Sametova)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Would prefer a stronger foreface. Has a lovely ribshape and moved very well today on small feet.
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Feminine 2 yr old grizzle who pleased for outline with neck of correct length to balance, firm in topline, ribcage carried well back with correct spring of rib, strong loins and tail set on well. Nicely proportioned head with moderate breadth of skull, eyes are dark enough and correct dentition but expression not quite that of winner. Straight forelegs and fairly narrow in front as desired and stands on good feet. Moving pretty well all through. Good quality coat.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of The Southern Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging their Open Show. I first signed the contract for the show in 2017, but due to Covid and the Lockdown I have only just fulfilled my judging appointment. Whist remembering those who are no longer with us due to the Covid Pandemic. I was happy with my entry and would like to also thank the exhibitors for entering under me and thank them all for taking my decisions, some of which were difficult, in a sportsmanlike way. I found most exhibits to be in good order, but I was quite worried that I found some younger exhibits with a build-up of scale on their teeth. This should be addressed as soon as possible. I was also delighted with a young exhibitor, attending her first show, on a whole handling her young dog so well whilst full of nerves and inexperience. We need to encourage these youngsters as they are the custodians of our breed
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Another nice sized girl who came to the hand well. Good otter head with correct dentition. Good reach of neck, top line and tail set. Just preferred the length of rib on first. Shown in a good double jacket. Moved well
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Dale Elliot (Lyndham)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
East Kent Canine Society Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Jen Bowden (Chellowside)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Folkestone, Hythe & DCS Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs J Lilley (Kensing)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Debbie Willett (Debeaux)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
Another feminine bitch who is good for size and shape. Pleasing head. Good shoulder. Correct front. Nice topline. Out of jacket today and wasn’t so enthusiastic today sadly. Moved ok.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
A lighter grizzle/tan with a lovely head, neat v shaped ear. Slightly stronger than my winner but spans easily, she was shown in a dense coat and has a lovely loose thick pelt. She moved well covering the ground and has a lovely outline with a firm top line and correct tail carriage. One I have admired from ringside previously, I liked her a lot now I have had my hands on.
Bournemouth Championship Show
12th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to my stewards, Hayley and Malcolm and to all the exhibitors who endured the heat and accepted my decisions sportingly, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year. Overall the quality of the entry was good with some lovely dogs. Mouths, tails and size were generally good. Coats varied (as they always do) in both quality and the stage of growth. There were a number of pelts that could have been thicker and loose which was disappointing as this is mentioned in the standard and important from a working point of view. I was surprised and disappointed to see evidence of scissorwork on some coats and grooming was not always done to the dog’s best advantage – this does not affect the ability to work but this is a dog show and presentation therefore does count to a degree when placing the dogs. Compared to the last time I judged, I felt that size had improved and in most cases the dogs today were closer to the standard.
Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Kent County Canine Asociation Open Show
18th Aug 2024
Judge: Sarah Richardson (Talyot)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Horley & DSS Premier Open Show
25th Aug 2024
Judge: Philip Fricker (Calavey)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2024
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
Placing Critique
A good bitch with a shaped head, with a good front, enough body, good topline and tail, moved well, good coat and pelt.
Beckenham & DCS Open Show
6th Oct 2024
Judge: Mr Anthony Hadley
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Torryburn Fidelity
