Show Placings
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”.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Beckenham Canine Association
27th Apr 2014
Judge: Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
4th May 2014
Judge: Mrs E Weijenborg-Weggemans
What a big honour it is to judge the Border Terrier in the native country. I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been to Crufts or other shows to have a clean look at what I was presented on that May, 4th, 2014.
I myself live with Border Terriers most of my life now and I have seen the breed changing through the years. What the old breeders feared for years and years ago seems to happen: changing a working terrier into a show terrier. Meaning that the trimming is too short therefore missing the tweedy look, clipping belly, tail and buttocks, overangulation especially in hindquarters. Saying this I was really pleasantly surprised finding so many genuine Border Terriers during this show. Of course I know that coats can’t be in the best condition all year long so some specimens were rather short in trim but as long as I could feel the required harshness and see the correct double coat it was fine for me and only played a role in placing when there were more Borders with the same qualities. I didn’t see any faulty mouths, found only big strong teeth. Movement is – as in the rest of the world – still a problem in the breed. Especially front movement is an issue. When placing, movement was one of the criteria to place one Border higher than the other, but the right type, body proportions, spannability, thick pliable pelt and harsh double coat came first.
In some classes the quality was so high that some of the Borders left the ring unplaced while they were of excellent quality.
I really want to thank all the exhibitors for their sporting attitude in taking my decisions, for entering their dogs under me and give me a hard day’s work with 222 entered dogs and of course the committee for trusting me this honourable job and their hospitality during this weekend for me and my sister, who accompanied me. My congratulations to the breeders and owners for presenting such nice Border Terriers and keeping the breed on such high standard.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Stonechester Question
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Placing Critique
Similar in quality,well angulated, lovely head, excellent coat and skin, moving well, needs more ring training.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Placing Critique
Good body and topline, strong, broad skull for his age, well angulated, free movement.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship Show
20th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr S Jackson (Clipstone)
Very sorry for the late publication of this report. Unfortunately the original was on a device that was stolen. It was an honour again to judge Windsor which is one of my personal favourite shows, and also my local!
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Guildford and District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jun 2014
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
Though the standard calls for a narrow body I found many dogs who were too skinny & I could easily feel their ribs! Heads were quite disappointing, many had long weak muzzles not the proportions one associates with an Otters head. Many exhibits lack the small round foot & I doubt if they would cope with the exercise it needs to follow a horse. Coats were mixed & many just a seasonal problem.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stonechester Question
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Stonechester Question
National Terrier
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Overall, I felt there was reasonable quality in those forward. Some exhibitors continue to have their dogs underfed and/or carrying little muscle, both to the detriment of a terrier expected to put in a day’s work. There were a number of untypical heads – lacking width to the skull and strength to the muzzle. Please keep in mind the shape of an otter’s skull.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stonechester Question von Jrasamuyr
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
Class Critique
I was informed of one withdrawn having been stung by a bee. I hope he was ok. My first three from this class were all, in my opinion, very good Border Terriers and all of them I would consider worthy champions of our breed.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
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.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Fr/It/Slov/Cro Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
Placing Critique
Good looking well constructed dog, Tough coat. . Good mover and well handled..
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Fr/It/Slov/Cro Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Fr/It/Slov/Cro Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr
Placing Critique
topsize male carrying a bit too much weight which made him hard to span, coat past its best today.
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Very punishing head with varminty expression, though a wry mouth. Moved round the ring with confidence and joie de vivre, though he was a little difficult to span.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Class Critique
And another good class
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Special Garw Open Working Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Okay in head. Up to size, heavy in rib. Too big for me.
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Large dog with decent coat, strong head and good mouth. Deep in brisket. Movement could be much better.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Special Open Working - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Grizzle male with head and eye that I found a little foreign. Has a good coat and topline and moved ok but was far too heavy for me.
London and Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
10th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Firstly may I thank the SBTC Committee for inviting me to judge this Open Show. I felt very honoured. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The ring ran smoothly with the help of my stewards and the whole venue had a pleasing and pleasant atmosphere. It was nice to see some old and many new faces. May I also thank the exhibitors for handling their dogs confidently and accepting my decisions. I was very impressed with the quality of the dogs and I only found one bad mouth and two sprung ribs. I had a few challenging decisions to make and uncoated dogs had to be penalised. Mostly the dogs were all in fit condition and able to do a day’s work. I was very impressed with my final line up and to have such sound dogs
representing the breed.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Not the strongest of heads but moved ok. Coat going over.
Class Critique
I was pleased to see these entries.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
23rd Sep 2017
Judge: Miss J Price
Thank you to the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge this show and for their great hospitality. It was an honour to stand in for Cynthia Knight who sadly passed away in April 2015. My stewards for the day, Cally and Anna did a sterling job in keeping things running smoothly, thank you, to both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and I was delighted with my top winners. In general some exhibits, even though made well were just too big and heavy, these would never get to ground to do the job, therefore not fit for purpose. I like a dog to be masculine and a bitch feminine, but both have to spannable and not overloaded in their shoulders, sadly quite a few exhibits were just this and were penalised for it. I found one exhibit to have a testicle with an abnormality. Some of the younger dogs were up to size already and have yet to stop growing. It will be interesting to see how some of them turn out.
Not everybody accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, but the general atmosphere was great. I didn’t go to the pub at lunch time but did see the pictures afterwards. Glad you all had a great time!
Special Dog or Bitch Holding a Working Certificate /
Third Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
West Midland Terrier Society
10th Feb 2018
Judge: Alison Daly (Laurel Glen)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
a 4-year-old nice otter type face with dark eye grizzle and tan coat in good condition straight front that moved well, age starting to take its toll, moved and handled well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Champion Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
A much heavier type who is difficult to span, but has a decent head and good bite. Carrying a coat that was very full he was difficult to judge and left the ring early.
Special Working Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
See 3rd Champion Dog – Preferred the better head shape and front of the winner, his body is deep enough but with well angulated hindquarters. Moving rather wide at the front.
Class Critique
2 very similar 4 year old g/tans from the same kennel both being top size and looking rather heavy but with thick double coats and pelts.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
a dog who is up to size and a shade wide in front, he has a masculine head, strong muzzle and good mouth. Very deep in body he has well angulated quarters and good muscle but was not easy to span. He moved better behind than in front.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Not the quality of the winner as a too big and comparatively stuffy in the neck. Moved OK.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Special Open Working - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
harsh grizzle coat, keen expression, good length of neck, ribs carried well back ,spanable.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Special Open Working Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Little more substance all over. Good coat, moderate rear construction well carried tail on the move.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Championship Show
30th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for an enjoyable day; and to my stewards Kevin and Julie who ensured that all flowed smoothly and that my only task was to judge the dogs. Thanks also to the rest of the committee and helpers who ensured a well run show. I was well pleased with the entry; real quality beyond the available cards in many classes. I had no bad mouths (a few lost and broken teeth, not a major problem to me); but quite a few with small teeth in a technically perfect bite. All males were entire. I had expected (from recent ringside observation) to find front movement, in particular, a problem; so was pleasantly surprised in the entry on the day in this respect. However, too many of the dogs did not have the construction and fitness to appear able to move efficiently over rough ground all day. Coats were variable, most being well prepared and tidy; pelts, on the whole, were good, but feet were often weak with thin pads.
Special Dog or Bitch Holding a Working Certificate /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Very similar type (litter mates) so most of above applies. Moved with a bit more animation, but less accuracy.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks for the invitation to judge and for the warm welcome and support received on the day, special mention to my lead steward Robert Brewster. I was pleased that I received such large minor puppy entries in both dogs and bitches; it was lovely to see the youngsters and so many new and enthusiastic exhibitors too. The show represented a first outing for some and I hope the day was enjoyable for both four and two legged beginners. Overall the exhibits were well turned out and in good condition with only a few slightly overweight and some dirty or stained teeth; coats were at both ends of the scale. I really did feel the show had a good sporting atmosphere throughout the day and I thank all those who attended for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Special Working Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
Short strong muzzle on this nicely headed grizzle dog, good coat with thinner than expected pelt, liked his shoulder and rear angulation was ok, nice tail but not well placed. Sorry to hear the sad news about the absent bitch entered in this class.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Special Open Working - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CIB CH FR/IT/CRO/SLO Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr MFH
Placing Critique
A little heavier throughout than 1st. Broad in skull with a decent muzzle and good bite. In good order with harsh coat, well-muscled hind quarters.
Class Critique
Two similar dogs who were very difficult to split and both up to size.