Show Placings
Coventry Ladies KS Open Show
1st Jan 2017
Judge: Mr Paul Reynolds (Biddle)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Nuneaton & DCS Open Show
15th Jan 2017
Judge: Wendy Steel (Upend)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
8m old grizzle and tan dog. Up on the leg. Narrow throughout. Excellent straight front. Nicely angulated at the rear. Strong head, good fill under the eye. Moved true from all angles. Very smart puppy. BPD
Gloucester DCS Open Show
18th Feb 2017
Judge: Mrs L Payton (Tonpay)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
The Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
5th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, with special appreciation to show manager Jane Roberts, and ring stewards Sandra Girling and Sheila Hales. Most of all, I would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their lovely dogs.
With the phrase “Essentially a working terrier” in mind, I was satisfied that my main winners fitted the breed standard and moved soundly with good reach and drive. Coats also played a part, and although I appreciate that coats come and go, they did matter on the day. All the dogs were entire, there were a couple of level bites and the odd tooth out of line, but most exhibits were really nicely turned out. The puppy classes were very promising, and at the other end of the scale it was nice to see the veterans enjoying their day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
stood alone but worthy of his 1st place, readily spanned, narrow build but not lacking required substance, pleasing head and expression, correct bone, well shaped body, good coat and pelt, should continue to develop well
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Really nice youngster to go over and in good coat and pelt. Not just as good in topline and tailset as my winner but stood well on good feet, nice head and expression, nice rib.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Best Puppy
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Best Puppy in Show. Very smart puppy, lovely expression with nice dark eye and good reach of neck and topline, very well balanced when standing.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Good front. Strong head with small neat ear. Nice turn of stifle at the rear. Very smart and moved well (BPD)
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Excellent size and good proportions. Very good topline. Excellent head with good expression. Good angulations. Spannable. A bit short coat today but good quality. Loose pelt. Good movements, a bit loose in front.
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
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
11mth old Grizzle and tan who appealed for breed type, super otter head, strong scissor bite A balanced pup, lovely rib, shown in, correct harsh jacket, he moved well fore and aft. Outline just spoilt by tail carriage.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Promising puppy liked him a lot. Nice size and good in body. Liked his head and expression. Good topline and length, moved out with enthusiasm. Best puppy.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
red dog. Liked his length to height proportions, straight front, well angulated, ottery head. A bit short of coat today but coming.
Class Critique
This was a hot class. All 5 placed dogs have qualities to offer the future of the breed.
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Red grizzle dog – lovely type. I liked his head very much. Good mouth, dark eye and neat ears. Super coat and pelt. Lovely cat-like feet with thick pads. His front needs to tighten up - which held him back today.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Nice red dog with lovely head and expression and big teeth. Liked his length of leg and firm topline with well angulated rear. Is a little proud of his tail occasionally and needs to settle on the move, but was In good coat with thick pelt.
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
15mth grizzle dog. Lacking in confidence today but could have the makings of a nice dog. Finally moved ok when settled. Good overall structure.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Thame & Oxfordshire County CS Open Show
21st Sep 2017
Judge: Debs Channon (Thandiwe)
Yearling /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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!
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
This is a dog with attitude, love it. A handsome red grizzle dog, with a good otter head and a very keen expression. He is balanced, with a pleasing outline. He has a good length of neck flowing into laid back shoulders, flat ribs and was easily spanned A little erratic on the move but he was really on his toes. A masculine dog without being overdone
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously.
I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Another lovely headed male with a keen eye he had quite a bit of furnishings and actually when you examine his muzzle and jaw he is strong in this department. I really liked him for breed type and size he’s a free standing showy border that can’t be ignored. He can occasionally crab on the move but he got himself together for me to assess his stride.
Class Critique
This was a class full of quality and I’m pretty sure placings will change with these lads on other occasions.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
See Junior Dog critique
Coventry (Foleshill) Canine Association Open Show
5th Nov 2017
Judge: Maureen Ward
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Lovely feet on this 17mth Red/Grizzle dog, liked his length to height ratio, strong head, keen eye expression with lovely ear set and muzzle, ribs well back and good stifles, no problem on the move, little between placings just slightly preferred front of first to take RBOB.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Another good young dog in good coat and condition . Liked his typical head, strong bite and nice expression. He is well balanced throughout and spans well. Nice showman and considered for top honours
Walsall & DKA Open Show
18th Nov 2017
Judge: Richard Gunn (Katanga)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
25th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr. S. Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the Club and Committee for inviting me to judge and for the wonderful hospitality, and thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs.Thank you to the Club and Committee for inviting me to judge and for the wonderful hospitality, and thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
What a head on this dog! Super expression, he has a lovely neck and shoulders, he was shown in a super correct double jacket with good pelt, unfortunately on the move he was tending to crab today which made it hard to access his movement.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Please see 2nd in Junior Dog
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association
26th Nov 2017
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
17 month grizzle male shown in the best of harsh coats which just gave him the edge on 2nd place. Excels in head with a kind expression, full dentition of correct size. Front and rear angles were sufficient, moved with ease when he felt like it, thick pelt and spannable. Tail carried a bit high on the move. I was told by his owner that this win gives him his last point for his Junior Warrant. Nice young male with a lot more to give.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Nice dog with expression, good strong jaw and pleasing head but not as good in movement as the winner
Oakengates & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2017
Judge: Mr Jeremy Goddard (Minard)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
DCC
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Racy, elegant but masculine red youngster caught my eye as he stood in the line-up. Handled sparingly, he moved easily and positively round the ring on tight, neat feet, driving strongly from behind with plenty of reach, covering the ground well. Lovely masculine head, not overdone, keen varminty expression, good strong teeth and correct bite. Coat of correct depth and texture. I would have like a thicker tail, but it completed the picture. Delighted to award DCC.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
a very pleasing dog which needs a bit more coat to complete the picture. Excellent head with a typical expression. Good skull and strong jaw. Really good small tight feet. Excellent neck and topline. Good hindquarters and moved well. Ribs carried well back. A well balanced and typey dog of good proportions
Class Critique
None of the dogs here were small.
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Another from the top drawer this red grizzle was unlucky to meet the winner on top form. He is of correct size with a nice flat skull has a strong muzzle and large teeth. Looks good in outline and well constructed both ends. With a harsh coat and pelt, his condition is excellent, which he uses to move truely both coming and going.
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.
DCC
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Best In Show
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Almost two years old he has a pleasing otter shaped head with a keen expression and a powerful jaw with strong teeth, nice reach of neck and shoulder placement and was well ribbed back. His double jacket was of good texture covering a pliable pelt and he spanned with ease. He is very well balanced which was demonstrated by his lovely free movement as he strode around the ring on his neat firmly padded feet. His firm topline and nicely shaped tail completing the picture. I was delighted to award him the Dog CC, his second I understand, and also the ultimate award of Best In Show.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Bit short of coat today. Hadn’t quite the drive from behind of some when on the move. Good bone and stood on good feet.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Also close up, would prefer stronger teeth. Tightly spanned and up to size, good coat. Prefer a narrower front, not so well ribbed as 1. Nice honest border.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Red dog lovely masculine head good width of skull big teeth level topline in tight coat and good pelt tail carried slightly high moved ok.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
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.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Nice head, good shape , correct front and rear construction, v good coat and pelt, perhaps a trifle on the cobby side. Moved OK
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.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Loved this dog. Super expression. He had a very tight jacket. Just preferred the overall rib shape of the first. Super topline and hindquarters of the best.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My first judging appointment at a Championship show and what a lovely day I had. Firstly I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Society for inviting me to judge their show, and also to all the exhibitors for showing their support.
I had a lovely selection of dogs and I was very pleased with the quality that came before me. All dogs were entire and mouths were good. Some dogs could have done with being tidied up a little more.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett
Placing Critique
Good head and mouth, straight front, a little deep in the chest and just spannable. Moved ok.
