Show Placings
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Placing Critique
A real baby at just 6 months , he gave a lovely account of himself and was very brave with the noisy nearby crated dogs.
Attractive head with a good bite. Easily spannable Presented in enough coat with good pelt.
Moved well out and back with a correctly carried tail.
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Ms Cara Davani (Kebulak)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
3rd Nov 2024
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
London and Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
24th Nov 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the London and Home Counties Terrier Club for affording me the opportunity to judge at this year’s Premier Open Show, and to my very capable steward Sharon, who kept things moving in the ring.
Regarding the exhibits: I had some lovely examples that exemplified what I look for in a Border Terrier. The stamp of the breed the head- its proportions such, that it is capable of doing its job underground, and a body constructed to deal with the terrain and weather of Northumberland; so, in good fit hard working condition.
I did not find any suspect mouths and no kinked tails.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Placing Critique
7-month-old dog with a good strong otter head in the making-big teeth and inquisitive gaze from well-placed dark eyes. Temperament sound. Good reach of neck flowing into level topline both when static and on the move. Correct proportions fore and aft, underline and tailset- good for bone, and standing on good cat-like feet. Lovely carrot-like tail. Worked well with handler and presented a super silhouette. Presented with a harsh thick jacket and good thickness of skin and loose pelt. Still a little loose at the front, but forgivable for a baby.
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
1st Dec 2024
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I would like to thank the Committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers, and also to my steward for keeping things moving smoothly. I had a quality entry of dogs, and would like to thank the exhibitors for their entry. I was very pleased to see my Best Puppy in breed go on to win Best Puppy In Show. Well deserved!
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Placing Critique
Beautiful 7 month puppy with masculine head, well set ears and good bite. Strong neck flowing into level topline , excellent harsh jacket and easily spanned. Well balanced with good bone and angulation, moved with confidence, pleased to award him RBOB.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlemead Fortitude
