Show Placings
Scottish BTC Championship Show
13th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the Club for the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs, and to the exhibitors for bringing them along. I was pleased to find , overall, a better standard of movement than I had expected, particularly in front; likewise coats, in general, were of good quality and quantity. I was, however, disappointed that so many seemed to have small teeth; mostly technically correct with only a couple with missing teeth. One male was not entire.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Well made pup, just 6 months. Richly coloured coat of correct harsh and dense texture. Neatly made, well angulated, moving soundly and as steadily as you could expect from one so young. Well laid shoulder, ribs carried well back, good tailset, spans well. Enjoying his day. BPIS
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Open Show
27th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
I was very pleased with the entry I received for this well run and friendly show, hut owing to the bad weather and motorway closed for some time, some exhibitors were unable to attend, so thanks to those who did arrive and gave me the pleasure to go over their dogs.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Scottish BTC Limited Show
30th Jan 2011
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
It was on my part a great honour and privilege to be asked to judge this club show. As usual the reception and hospitality north of the border was of the highest order. I would like to thank the committee and members of this fine club, and offer a huge thank you to my steward on the day Mr E Houston.
Overall, and with only a handful of exceptions, I found movement generally to be below standard, but, maybe due to the recent cold weather, coats on the whole were very good.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Slightly more on the leg than class winner but still a nice pup. Preferred head and expression of class winner. Good coat.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2011
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
May I take this opportunity to thank the Officers and committee for inviting me to judge their show and for their warm welcome and hospitality. My two stewards, Eddie Houston and Jimmy Gilpin had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a quality entry of 141 dogs making 177 entries.
My sincere thanks to all exhibitors, who entrusted me with their dogs and accepted my placings in a sporting fashion, the day was a most memorable experience.
The North can be proud of their dogs, as there were many quality examples on display, all temperaments appeared steady, with just an occasional bored one! Not unusual, as most, I think, would rather be out chasing vermin!!
A handful of kinked tails didn’t surprise me, but youngsters with poor mouths did! Having said that, there were some lovely dogs in the puppy classes and placings were hotly contested with very little to separate them. My interpretation of the standard for balance ie: fairly long, is slightly longer than tall.
I feel that a border needs length as well as narrowness to negotiate a fox earth, but still retaining heart/lung room to enable it to follow a horse. Coats were at varying stages, but as long as I could find evidence , I didn’t let it rule out, an otherwise, good exhibit.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Red with lovely head and expression. Good enough in body and has a harsh textured coat on a good pelt. Holds a good topline on the move, but couldn't match winner for tailset. Has ample bone and substance, without being overdone anywhere and moves well on tight feet.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Crufts
12th Mar 2011
Judge: Mrs Elaine Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this prestige show, and a privilege to be able to handle so many good borders. With an entry of 254 dogs, 306 entries, and with the help of my very efficient stewards this enabled me to finish on time for the BOB to go forward into the group. With the large classes it would have been nice to have had more time and more prize cards.
Many borders were in very fit condition and in gleaming coats, others sadly were not. I was very surprised at the numbers that were overweight, a few under and some in poor coat. There is a difference of being short of coat and being untidy which some were, several having scissor cuts in evidence which is totally unnecessary.
Some nice otter type typical heads were in evidence, some with quite large ears which seems to be creeping into the breed, and close set eyes giving an alien expression. Quite a few were upright and heavy in shoulder, with a shorter back than desired. Most were spanable although many had a rounder rib than required. This reflected in my placing's as the fitness and welfare of the dogs is of the uppermost importance, as the breed standard states, the breed being essentially a working terrier.
I thought my principle winners were excellent representatives of the breed, and I enjoyed seeing my BOB being short listed in the group.
Special Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Young dog with lots of maturing to do. Built on racy lines, with good shoulder and rib, easily spannable. Rich red coat of good texture. Good type throughout.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the Club for the invitation to judge, it was both an honour and pleasure to do so. My thanks also to the committee for their most excellent hospitality, to my capable stewards, Marjorie Wanless and Anjela Cranson, and to the exhibitors for their entries and support.
I had some good quality dogs to go over today and was well pleased with my winners. While I found hind action, on the whole, to be good, I did find a number of poor fronts. Front movement pinning in, weak pasterns, flat feet and feet that turned out or turned in. Some dogs also lacked forward reach. To be fit for the function it was intended, a Border needs, as well as strong sound hindquarters, a sound forehand with tight, thick padded feet.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
East Anglia BTC Championship Show
17th Apr 2011
Judge: Miss Julie Price
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Red Grizzle dog, larger but racier and lighter than the others and his movement was better. Span able with flat ribs and nice rear angulation.
Southern BTC Championship Show
11th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
It was a great honour and privilege to judge your wonderful breed. Thanks to all, the committee, my stewards and everybody who made my day so wonderful. Thanks to all the exhibitors for their excellent sporting attitude. The hospitality was outstanding and many thanks for the beautiful present. I have been thinking of the overall standard and I have to say your dogs represent a very high quality.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Well balanced lovely junior, beautiful head and expression, correct topline and tail, well angulated, good drive in movement, correct coat and skin.
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Darlington Championship Show
16th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg
My thanks go to the exhibitors who showed their dogs under me. I was very pleased with my entry, both numerically and depth of quality of the exhibits. The ring was large, even and the grass cut very short. I had two very able stewards and the predicted rain stayed away. What more could I ask for ?.
On the whole the presentation was good although some dogs lacked condition. Temperaments were good. Coats were variable. I found one kinked tail, one wrong mouth but more than a few small teeth.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Driffield Championship Show
1st Oct 2011
Judge: Mrs Jean Willets
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. Also the exhibiters for giving me the top entry in the terrier group and some good dogs went home card less. A big thanks to both the stewards for being so efficient and making everything run so smooth especially on such a hot day.
I was pleased with the temperaments of the dogs, and there wasn't as many short backs. As a working dog they do need to turn in a tight corner so require a flatter rib and longer back, not short and square which has been the fashion recently.
Movement on the whole was o.k., but the ground did not help as it was uneven with dips everywhere. The heat wave did affect some dogs adversely.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
South Wales KA
9th Oct 2011
Judge: Mr David Winsley
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Oct 2011
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and to my stewards on the day for making things run smoothly.
Also thanks to the exhibitors for their support and making it an enjoyable day.
On the whole I thought the standard of the exhibits was high and I was happy with both line ups. I was delighted with my main winners as they could hold their own in any company.
Coats were of various lengths, but when top coats were in the vast majority were what is required, dense and harsh.
Although a working terrier, some tidying up, especially around the feet could help some exhibits go further when pressing for top honours.
Most dogs were in fit hard condition but two or three adult dogs were lacking any substance whatsoever and would be no match for Charlie on any day of the week.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
another dog with good harsh coat and strong head, more on the leg than the winner but narrow and spannable, preferred movement and top line of winner.
Midland Counties
30th Oct 2011
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Timoray)
Thanks for a lovely entry. I thougherly enjoyed my day. Special thanks for the invite and to my two lady stewards who kept things moving along nicely. I was particularly impressed with the young stock which augurs well for the breed. Coats were at all stages, from coming in to on the turn.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
nice otter head, correct bite, lovely coat & condition, pleasing body with ribs back & spanable, thick pelt. Moved & handled well.
Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2011
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson
Thank you to the Members for inviting me to judge what has been for me and many others, one of the favourite shows on the calendar every year. Having won the Bitch CC and Best in Show here at the very first ScBTC Ch show in 1985 with Otterkin Blue Bouquet JW, perhaps I am slightly biased by good memories, but I think most people who attend consider it one of the most popular shows of the year, as there is always a warm welcome guaranteed from the Officers and Committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club to exhibitors and spectators alike and a good atmosphere at all of their shows.
Many thanks to Marjorie Wanless who officiated as an uncomplaining and efficient steward all on her lonesome all day; what a star! Thanks too for the lovely gift from the Club.
It is good when decisions are accepted with grace, be it win or lose and I thank the exhibitors for that. It is not easy being a judge, knowing you disappoint some but please others, but one has to just judge the dogs and go with your instincts, please yourself, select those you like the best and hope others appreciate that you did your best, to your ability, without fear or favour.
Overall, the quality was high, with a lot to like. There were only a couple who felt too thin, so I will not dwell on this too much this time, except to say that a working dog needs some substance, some strength and endurance and this is NOT achieved when you starve a big dog to try to make it look smaller, as any judge fooled by that is not to be applauded. Going over a dog on the table, I hate to feel all the backbone and see the ribs sticking out. It is cruel and unkind to keep your dog too thin. Borders like their food. Not as many thin ones here as were at Crufts in 2007, just a couple. This is just something for people to watch please.
Teeth were not a big problem – only one slightly undershot and a couple with one tooth out of line. I will not penalise a dog/bitch for one tooth out of line and refuse to put that in the individual dog/bitches critique – that is for me to know (I am sure the exhibitors already know) and for other judges to find (or not) and do as they will. For me, there is so much more that is important than one tooth out of alignment. If such a dog/bitch with one tooth out of line still had a scissor bite and all other good attributes, then it was placed accordingly. I have seen critiques which say “Only one if” – I will not lumber any dog/bitch with that and have everyone wanting to know what it was.
I was surprised to find a couple with kinks in their tails, as exhibitors can feel this easily themselves. This has been touched upon in the 2007 BTC Year Book and judges (including me) have their own views on this, although there is nothing in the UK breed standard about it.
A couple had peculiar coats, with what seemed like some substance in them, which did not make them feel harsh, more sticky and stuck together and although that meant I could not see the skin, it was not because they had good coats and it gave me grubby hands after going over them. Substance in a terrier’s coat fools no-one – please do not do it! On the down side, there were a few more which left my hands dirty after examination. Although they are a working dog, please present them to the judge in clean condition. I didn’t turn up grubby and neither should they!
Overall though, I thought the breed to be in a good place and I was very pleased with all my top winners (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I)?
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Lovely otter head on this dog and good ear placement; would just prefer a better topline and tailset, although he has a good length of neck. Nice bend of stifle and lovely small, tight feet
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
It was a great pleasure to judge at this show and I would like to thank the Club for their hospitality and the exhibitors for the excellent entry of 130 dogs. Thanks also to my stewards, Mark Lowry and Angela Cranson.
I was very impressed with the number of quality dogs present and I found all males to be entire and no major mouth faults, just a couple of misplaced incisors. Many dogs were sporting good, tweedy jackets and temperaments were excellent. Although I could span almost all, size is a concern, many, particularly in bitches, being up to size. Front movement in some was a bit erratic.
My thanks again to everyone who afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Balanced but strong dog with a good otter head and good ear placement. Shown in best of coats, thick pelt. Good head, sufficient neck, moved well with drive from behind. Good tight, small feet.
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs P McLellan
I enjoyed my day very much and must thank the exhibitors for an excellent entry. I was pleased with my principle winners. Some dogs were penalised today for lack of coat. I know coats will grow but at this level of showing dogs really need to be in good coat and in good coat condition. Movement in some exhibits left a lot to be desired.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Border Union Championship Show
17th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
After an absence from the Showring and judging for the past 18 months, due to illness I was interested to find almost a new generation in my entry. Not even the appalling June weather and the resultant sudden switch from outdoor to indoor rings could dampen my enthusiasm hut I do apologise to exhibitors for the lack of adequate space in the indoor wet-weather accommodation. Thank you all so much for your sporting patience and to my two excellent stewards for their assistance in moving us under cover so efficiently. After Open Dog. I just could not record legibly in my judging book! I much enjoyed looking over and handling this large entry with relatively few absentees. I was very impressed by the standard and quality of my main winners and in the way the dogs adapted to the change of rings. It was a pity that the benching for the congested indoor ring was so far away. I felt particularly sorry for all the bitch exhibits who were obliged to show in such a small muddy ring, especially those in the big classes which had to be split and the fact that other terrier breeds with smaller entries were given larger rings, Considering the conditions, all temperaments were excellent. Only one level mouth and two slightly out of alignment. All dogs were entire. Movement is still an overall problem. Some exhibits could be tidier!
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
I would first like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar. I have looked forward to the appointment for several years and I must say I was not disappointed with my day. The entry was full of quality, especially in the bitch classes, with the open bitch class being the best class I have ever judged.
I have been concerned, over the past few years, on how the breed would develop after the fox hunting ban. If todays entry is typical of the breed as a whole, I can only say it is in safe hands. Movement is still a problem but a much smaller problem than the last time I judged. The number of exhibits with short carrot tails pleased me greatly and the majority of the entry had good double coats, some exceptional and thick pelts. There were a few exhibits with level bites and one with a crowded mouth. One exhibit had a kinked tail.
The show was very quiet with little noise from the exhibits, well done everyone, terriers need a bit of spark but should not show aggression to each other and the temperaments here today were to be commended to the dog`s owners.
I didn’t have any under fed dogs showing all had a good covering of flesh but there were a number of poor, soft muscled dogs which needed more exercise.` The ability to follow a horse` is there in the breed standard, get the dogs out and get them fit.
I thank my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and attentiveness which made the day run smoothly.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Close decision, could change places on another day. Nice red but short of coat which sealed 1st place.
Blackpool Championship Show
22nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
Movement was difficult to assess under these circumstances, but most dogs seemed to cope remarkably well despite knee high mud & a water logged ring – living proof of the hardiness of the breed!
Despite the appalling weather I enjoyed my day with the Borders very much & was impressed with the overall quality of the dogs & the keen sportsmanship of the exhibitors.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
very good overall type, excellent otter head with true expression, good body & topline. Would have liked more coat & a stronger rear. Good legs & feet
Class Critique
Difficult class to judge with considerable variation throughout
Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Jul 2012
Judge: Mrs. A. C. Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Northern Club for the opportunity to judge their 40th Championship show and for their wonderful hospitality; to the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry and to my stewards Doreen Rushby & Tracy Peacock for their assistance through the day.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my day, as we expect from this club there was a wonderful atmosphere all day with good support for the winners and, of course, very impressive rosettes!
I was pleased with the entry and thought the Veteran class outstanding. In general exhibits were good types of Border, presented clean and reasonably well muscled. I dislike over handling and excessive stacking of exhibits, these are working terriers and if made right they will – eventually – stand right. In general heads were typical, some with excellent expressions. Coats, of course, were all over the place but where present were of good quality and in the main pelts were OK with some very good examples. Feet generally were OK but good tight well padded feet were definitely in the minority. Similarly ears were generally OK but small, well set, well shaped thick ears were scarce. Tails and tailset were very much a plus with some very good examples, just a few rather long or thin ones. I was pleased to find enough well made dogs who covered their ground cleanly without fuss and flicking but good movement was definitely one of the major problems, particularly in the bitches.
Shoulder placement was a problem in a significant number of exhibits, mostly these were upright shoulders out at the withers giving big problems with front movement. These may look good standing but these dogs are not sound on the move, a vital requirement for a Border.
I accept that an older dog can lose teeth or have a bite move but I was disappointed to find a number of young dogs with incorrect bites, missing and broken teeth. I thought a number of heads were weak, particularly across the jaw and these seem to go with rather small teeth, I wonder if these are related problems?
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
A very nice type of border, a very good head if not as strong in jaw as1. OK for bone, well angulated, particularly behind, feet OK. Presented in a reasonable coat & moving well over his ground.
Class Critique
A bit of a mixed class but the first two stood away.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2012
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
Not a numerically strong entry, but plenty of quality – I had no difficulty finding enough good ‘uns. The Border Terrier standard is short on detail, and needs interpretation. I see the key to that interpretation to be in the first two lines of the standard – ‘Essentially a working terrier‘, and ‘capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness‘. It is further necessary to fully understand that the work the terrier is expected to do, is to go to ground to bolt a fox; that the horse in question is typically a sturdy hill pony, and the ground to follow it over is typically rough, upland country such as the Cheviots or North Pennines. Hence a sturdy dog is required, with enough scope and length to move economically on rough ground, enough lung and heart room to do it at speed all day, yet small enough to follow a fox to ground. Too short, or too narrow or sprung in the rib will not do this; nor will steep shoulders or under- or over-angulated hind quarters. Coat and pelt must be fit to protect from both weather and fox; quality is of more importance than grooming. Other than one senior citizen with missing teeth (understandable), a few exhibits with chipped teeth (no problem) and several with bites no better than level (not incorrect, merely undesirable), I found no bad mouths. All males were entire.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Lightly made, head still needs to develop. Nicely balanced dog with good angulations. Not very settled on the table or on the move, particularly needs to settle in front movement. Good quality coat, good pelt.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2012
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
I was honoured to judge at this what I consider a BIS of championship shows. I would like to extend my thanks to the society for the invite, the warm hospitality and friendly relaxed atmosphere made for a superior judging experience. Also much thanks to my ring steward Mr Eddie Bishop, who did a splendid job in his management of the ring in a professional and efficient manner. A super entry of 188 which understandably presented me with many varieties of type. Mouths across the entry were good with only one level bite. A few with chipped teeth and the missing tooth (which should not penalise all things being equal an otherwise quality exhibit in a working breed) no kinks in tails and all males were entire .It was also pleasing to see more shown in the correct double jacket, but sadly some of dogs that appealed to me for breed type paid the penalty as although their jackets pleased for depth they lacked the weatherproof quality essential in a working terrier coat. I was very pleased to see my entry thankfully lacking the “showy boxy terrier types†of late.
It was a pleasure to judge dogs of correct border type, temperament, fit , healthy exhibits who were presented in such good condition. Needless to say the exhibits were a credit to their owners and throughout the day the quality was first rate making lots of my decisions close ones with many leaving without a placing. The puppy classes in particular were numerical high and it was a pity I had to discard many good exhibits of the breed. But this quality can only bode well for the future. It was also nice to be told that the exhibits in the Good citizens classes apart from gaining a good citizen award the entry also had dogs who took part in Obedience, Agility and Gundog send aways proving once again that borders can really turn their paw to all manner of activities outside of their already busy show calendar.
I felt that my principle winners fulfilled the “Essentially a working terrier†breed standard requirement with that extra something that makes top winner .
I was delighted to learn that I had the top entry in the terrier group Thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, particularly appreciated in these difficult economic times and for making it such an enjoyable day
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
loved this male for type he has a super otter head, powerful underjaw and scissor bite. He was shown in a cracking jacket , Rich Red with required undercoat. Lovely racy lines, narrow front, well angulated rear quarters, Pressed hard for 1st ,sadly not fully cooperating with his handler and although sound lacked the more positive movement of 1st on the day.
Class Critique
A very mixed class for type
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2013
Judge: Mrs G Small (Bethane)
I enjoyed my day with The Yorks. Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club’s Open Show. Thanks to every one who braved the atrocious arctic weather conditions. Thorpe Willoughby village Hall offers an excellent venue, plenty of space for the dogs & their pens with good kitchen facilities. Perhaps not so many there but it was a nice show, well run. I found my BIS in a young grizzle dog, Stoneygin Chesta Coppapot, so much to like about him. Best puppy was Comberdown Thistle, a lovely b/t bitch that won well in a strong class.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
grizzle with good head, correct mouth, ribs back & spanable, nice feet, in good coat with thick pelt, moved & handled well.
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
National Dog Show
9th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to Birmingham National for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and for providing me with two excellent stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly, also to all the exhibitors that gave me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
The quality in some classes was superb especially the limit and open of both sexes, leaving me with more dogs I liked, than cards to award. Temperaments and presentation were good.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation to judge, my two stewards and the exhibitors for their entries. It was an honour to judge this numerically strong entry 169 with 29 absent, the breed being represented from around the UK made it a very enjoyable day.
Front movement is still a problem in the breed, with heavy upright shoulders in many. Size varied as did coats. There are some long necks creeping into the breed, which look very stylish, the standard does state “Neck of moderate length†and a few long tails again incorrect. Saying that it was a very nice entry to judge and in some classes
I would have liked to have been able to award more placings, and could have awarded more CC’s.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Very typical throughout. Nice head shape with dark ear and eye. Nice body line, good in rib easily spanned. Rich red coat of good texture.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Typical and masculine throughout shown in coarse jacket. Pleasing head, broad in skull with keen expression. Good in neck, shoulder and rib, easily spanned and well laid back. Racy hind quarters, well muscled right through.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Val Furness
Thank you to M.C.C.A for the appointment also my stewards and a thank you to the exhibitors. Coats and size were mixed and a few entries i could not span the one thing that was apparent was the number of very lean exhibits. You BREED for size not FEED for it.
It was also nice to see that most of the early classes looked as they should be and not looking like they should be in open class
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs S Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the Scottish Club for the invitation. It was an honor to judge at this friendly and hospitable club’s show. Huge thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Steward Joyce Orr and her excellent helpers, Jim Stewart in the morning and Helen McKenzie in the afternoon. All did a super job.
Thanks too to the kitchen ladies for the amazing lunch.
I was very pleased to have such a super quality entry. I could have easily given out more tickets if they had been available. Some close decision at times, a true reflection on the high quality of the entries. Presentation of the dogs was very good, mouths too on the whole were correct with only the odd exception. Feet, I was pleased to see a vast majority of neat cat like feet on the dogs, no long hare feet. Tails again seem to be improving, not as many of the over long sickle ones that I have noticed in the past. Coats and pelts: while coats are transient and of course some had more than others on the day, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts. I think the breed overall is in a good place.
Just one point I noticed, some dogs had to take a lot of steps to cover the ground, watching out that our dogs move with drive is very important and I was happy with my winners in that they, in my opinion, covered the ground well.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Another very attractive red grizzle in great coat, very close between 2/3 ,the topline just tipped it for 2
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
I wish to thank the YORKS LANCS AND CHESHIRE BORDER TERRIER CLUB for the opportunity to judge at this level many thanks to the stewards Carolyn Richardson, Cally Harris and Julie Price for the help in the smooth running of the show I would also like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
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.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2014
Judge: Jane Allison (Tividale)
Many thanks to the exhibitor’s and the committee for a very enjoyable day. Also to the hard working ladies of the committee in the kitchen and my exellant steward Jim Stewart.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Another nice dog, good head and eye large teeth, in good coat nice straight front moved with drive.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers and committee of The Northern Border Terrier club for the invitation to judge my first Breed Club show and also acknowledge the help and assistance in the ring by my stewards Ann Maltby and Scott Cranson.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would like to thank the exhibitors for providing me with the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs.
I found the majority to be in good fit condition and in good coat. There was a variation in head type but most fit the standard in my interpretation.
Mouths were generally good with only a couple with an acceptable level bite. In some presentation could have been better with a few having untidy feet. I was impressed with both line ups and some decisions were very close.
Best In Show
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Best Dog
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
This is one I have admired previously what a pleasure to go over. He was presented in great condition with a rich red harsh coat. Is narrow right through with correct angulation both front and rear. Has a beautiful head with correct bite and large clean teeth and an expression to die for. He covered the ground well with great forward reach and drive from behind. I’d have happily taken him home with me, pleased to award him BD & BIS
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
3rd May 2015
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club committee for the opportunity to judge this year’s Joint club show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Bob and Liz Wright for the smooth running of the ring and the cups of coffee. It was an experience to go over so many dogs of different types; this made my job difficult at times, as each one had different attributes to the next. A few classes I found very hard to decide who my winners would be for this reason. Is the breed getting better or worse? I do not think I am the first to mention that there are too many foreign heads and plain faces with no expression. The breed standard states “a head like that of an otter” and “essentially a working terrier”. Confirmation and movement, I think has improved a little, but the heads and strength of the dogs has declined. When I looked at some of the dogs, I liked them but then had to remind myself that they where dogs not bitches. Thank you to all exhibitors for letting me go over your dogs and the gracious way most of you accepted my decisions.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
I very much enjoyed judging this quality entry and I left there were some particularly good bitches. As always, some classes were better than others, but my winners and the bitch line-up in particular pleased me. Heads varied considerably and also movement and fronts which still seem to be problems in the breed.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
very good type and size, sound front and rear, rather short of coat today, head and ears not so pleasing, accurate mover and his overall type and balance are pleasing, could perhaps have done with better pelt.
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the society for my appointment & their hospitality, & to the exhibitors & my steward Bob Potts. Quite a mixed entry today of type & size with some being on the lean side & others rather overweight! I was surprised to find a couple totally oversized & therefore they paid the penalty. The over treating dogs I think is getting worse in the ring & on the table. Trying to assess a dog when it is fidgeting around looking for food is not satisfactory. Surely a dog can stand for a minute while being examined without having to be fed handfuls of food. The standard calls for a harsh & dense coat & the skin must be thick, many today were very short of coat & quite a number with thin pelts. A good coat is essential which seems to being overlooked in the breed today. The breed standard leans towards moderation not exaggeration & I hope this is maintained with the emphasis being on ‘essentially a working terrier’ & not ‘essentially a show terrier’.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
another nice sized rich red coated dog. Strong head with alert expression. Good jaw & correct bite. Spannable with good rib shape
Cumberland Canine Association Open Show
7th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show despite the current inclement conditions.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Whitehaven & DCA Open Show
20th Mar 2016
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me this appointment, and for their excellent hospitality. Thanks also to the ring steward/show secretary who kept things running smoothly. Mostly, of course, I would like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me not only the privilege of going over their dogs and their sporting acceptance of my decisions but also their patience whilst waiting for our ring to become free! Temperaments on the day were excellent; coats were quite varied. I found no dogs with incorrect bites and all male dogs were entire.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
RDCC
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Top quality red grizzle, shown in full double coat of correct harsh texture. Super head on this dog which is typical of this kennel. Good straight narrow front, correct reach of neck and a good length of back. He moved soundly and looked a picture standing. Very pleased to award him the Res CC.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Class Critique
Overall, best class of the day, any of the placed dogs could have won on another day.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Cumberland CS Open Show
5th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
With reference to the above please find my critique for Border Terriers Thank you to the committee for this appointment and for my stewards on the day.. Most importantly to the exhibitors for their entries on the day...
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Red grizzle dog... another top breed example from this kennel... strong head and muzzle... a fit for purpose dog... easily spanned with narrow front and sound proportions... neat feet ... dentition ear size and placement correct not much between him and class winner..
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
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.
RDCC
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Best Veteran
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Pleasing very fit red dog, in lovely coat and condition. nice otter like head, with big teeth. Easily spanned, well angulated. Moved with drive. Pleased to award him Res.CC.
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.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Absolutely beautiful head on this richly coloured red grizzle, big teeth, neat ear and keen eye. Good for size and is border all through, just lost out to 1 and 2 in topline and was very unlucky to not get his title in his prime.
Class Critique
An extra special thank you to the owners of these veterans for bringing them and allowing us all to see them. So important I think to see how an animal develops throughout its life, something with show dogs we dont often get to see once their show careers are over and they stay at home to make way for the next generation.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (nee Marwood) (Annesuz)
It was an absolute honour and pleasure to judge the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in Low Hesket and I would like to thank a very hardworking committee for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the exhibitors and spectators for their warm welcome and genuine applause at my placings. There was a good atmosphere throughout the day and good to see so many still ringside to see the top honours at the end.
I was greeted with an excellent entry of 104 dogs making 122 entries and from these I was able to select some top specimens truly representative of our breed. I am not going to wax lyrical about the breed in general but suffice to say in my humble opinion a watch needs to be kept on heads, movement and coats/pelt.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my Best Dog is the grandsire of my Reserve Best Dog and my Best Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch share the same sire as each other.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Shown in hard condition. Superb otter head, good bite, narrow front, well ribbed, easily spanned. Carrying a harsh coat. Sound fore and aft but he does not make the best of himself.
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.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Nice sized rich red coated dog, Good head with strong jaw and teeth. Nice for size, good span with ribs carried well back.
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
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Nice smart dog and slightly finer that the 1st Placed .He had a good head, correct teeth and pleasing expression. Well-muscled dog with good body length, did not show as well on the day
Penrith & District Open Show
17th Dec 2017
Judge: Joanne Vickers (Jodean)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the warm welcome and hospitality shown on the day. Special thanks go to the Show Secretary Kathy Wilkinson, my two efficient stewards Liz Barrett and Judy Carr, and Carol Mackenzie for a lovely lunch. Most of all I would like to say a very big thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry, and for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. The depth of quality in some classes, particularly the bitches, meant that I truly wished for more top places to give out. However, I was very pleased with my main winners, who all looked as though they could manage a day’s work. Most exhibits were in hard, fit condition and well turned out. All dogs were entire, I found just a couple of kinked tails, and, understandably, there were a few missing/misplaced teeth in the veteran class. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, and this had to affect a few places as it is not only a necessity on a working terrier, but completes the picture. I was pleased to have some very promising puppies, and at the other end of the scale a wonderful class of veterans.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
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.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
At nearly 8 this dog is nicely made and of ideal size being narrow throughout. Good in head with a short strong muzzle, dark eye and keen expression. Carrying a good coat and with well laid shoulders he looked good in outline and moved with purpose.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would firstly like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and for their lovely hospitality – lunch was very tasty. Thank you also to the committee for their lovely gift. My two stewards, Graham Richardson and Geoff Sugars, kept things moving along nicely – well done. This was my first breed club show and I was absolutely delighted with the excellent entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs. As expected coats were at various stages but on the whole were good; only a couple of exhibits on the day had no coat at all. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two missing or broken teeth, especially in the veteran class and one or two untidy mouths. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some really good quality dogs to judge.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
8 year old red grizzle with masculine head, strong jaw and lovely big teeth. Spanned easily. Flat ribs carried well back and narrow throughout. Good jacket and pelt. Sound on the move.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr C Dixon (Thornheswin) D, Mr P Brannan (Brankell) B
I would like to thank the offices and committee for their invitation to judge their well organised terrier group open show, Thanks also to the two stewards for their help in making it all run smoothly. Finally a big thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, giving me a nice entry. Mr P Brannan (Brankell)
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
masculine 8 year old rich red dog of correct size. Good head and small neat well set ears with strong jaw and large teeth. Flat rib carried well back. Strong loin. Well angulated. Nicely presented in good fit condition, with good coat and pelt.
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.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
8 years old and extremely fit, this dog is narrow throughout and so nice for size. Masculine head and dark eye, has a strong jaw and a real varminty expression. Built on good bodylines he had a thick harsh double jacket, the most pliable of pelts, good rib and strong loin. Easily spanned, he is well angulated and moved with drive.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
8 year old very nice dog another who don't look his age very workmanlike I have to say this Exhibitor dogs/bitches under me today all were so fit in A1 condition a credit to this Gentleman thank you
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
8 year rich grizzle and tan , another veteran who has kept his lovely narrow lines, he’s also neat in front with correct bone and good shoulder placement .I adored his head which is strong with little stop . Super white teeth in a true scissor bite. His coat wasn’t as perfect as winners today and his topline not as strong .Moved with an accurate long stride.
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.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Little bit bigger than those placed above. Really strong head of good ‘otter’ shape and slight stop. Moved with good length of stride showing his correct basic construction.
Class Critique
This was the class with, consistently, the best movers.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Class Critique
The border terrier is famous for long and healthy life and it was nice to see so many veterans in good condition.
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.
Veteran - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Looked able to do a days work, 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
Veteran - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
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.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
slightly rangier dog, exceptionally good coat, not quite as good in front movement, larger all round but still well spannable, feet not as good. Strong head.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2018
Judge: Gemma Vaughan nee Alpe (Holteal)
My thanks goes to Northern border terrier club firstly for the invite to judge, its was a great honour to judge in a geographically different area to myself. Thank you to all who had entered and all that showed under me.
The hospitality at the show was second to none with a fantastic lunch on offer.
Thank you to my steward Allen Horner on the day who helped run my ring very smoothly.
I was overall very pleased with the quality of dogs that were shown under me just one dog with a bad mouth and another dog with a kinked tail. Varying stages of coats today but I will not place down if I can see what I'm looking for coming through.
Again thank you for your entries and allowing me to judge your dogs.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
It was an honour and pleasure to Judge at this great club show, I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors, my entry was fantastic full of quality, I’m sorry but some really good dogs were not in the top honours today. I thought the bitches in general were of better quality than the dogs which is good for the breed, and in the dogs, I also noticed some exhibits were lacking coat, a sign of Crufts approaching, but in general they were good.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
I judged this dog as a puppy and awarded him best of breed then, I still like him today, strong masculine dog, good head strong jaw and well set ears showing expression, good body and tail carriage, moved well both ways, good coat and pelt.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
27th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr P Lothian (Lairhope)
I would like to thank the Scottish Border Terrier Cub for inviting me to judge their 2019 Limited Show and to Exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day. Thank you also to the Committee for the excellent hospitality. Many thanks...
Best Veteran
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Eight & half year Red Dog. Otter head with great expression. Nice stretch of neck into good topline and set-on tail. Good harsh double coat. Moved very well. BEST VETERAN.
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
A smaller dog of a really nice type, lovely head, neat ears, good for bone and well angulated, presented in a super red coat, moving very well round the ring.
Class Critique
A lovely class of oldies, all presented fit and a credit to their owners.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
5th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for the invitation & thank my 2 very capable Stewards Carolyn Richardson & Liz Barrett for their help on the day. I would also like to thank those exhibitors who entered under me and who accepted the placing's sportingly. I was pleased to have a number of high quality entries but the down side of that is, some good dogs went card less
Mouths are a bit of a worry as I noticed a few with a tooth or teeth out of line, small teeth and one even undershot. Movement on the whole was good especially in my winners. Coats & Pelts were good too,with just a few thin pelted dogs.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
9yr old on the day, a very attractive racy dog I have judged and liked before. he like 1st-2nd in this class hid his age well. Good coat, bend of stifle and he moved out well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs. L. Roberts (Mindlen)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
Workmanlike dog of nicely balanced. Masculine head, narrow front. In excellent hard condition easily moved well defying his 9 years
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
13th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs Julie Green (Breckgreen) & Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan)
*Judge Dogs: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)*
Firstly, I would like to thank Gill Griffiths and the committee for asking me to judge border terrier dogs at their fantastically well-run show for Northern Sporting Terrier Association. Also, to wish Arthur Cuthbertson a well earnt retirement as Chairman and Show Manager of this lovely show. Secondly, I would like to thank the exhibitors for my fantastic entry of border terriers.
*Judge Bitches Sue Baxter (mySulan)*
Firstly may I say a thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge , also the great food and hospitality received on the day . A hearty thank you to all the exhibitors for the super entry, providing me with the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs, also for the sporting way that my decisions were accepted. I am happy to say that all the bitches were easily spannable and there was only one that presented with a less than perfect scissor bite. No kinked tails were found and the overall quality was high. In all of the classes the decisions were very close and on another day placings could possibly change. Thank you again, I thoroughly enjoyed the day
In the final challenge for BOB, after taking a few minutes to discuss with fellow judge, Julia Green the merits of both the lovely specimens before us it was agreed that we call upon the services of the referee judge ( B.I.S judge Mr. R. Garbutt ..Aireview...) who made the decision that the dog was to be awarded Best of Breed and the bitch Best of Opposite. Well done to all the exhibitors....
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2019
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging the open show at Low Hesket, with this show and venue being very memorable from a young age I was delighted and privileged to accept the invitation to judge the show. A huge thank you goes to my two stewards on the day who kept my ring moving smoothly, also appreciation goes to the club as a whole for the great hospitality shown. The standard of the exhibits on the day was overall pleasing with quality of bitches slightly outweighing the dogs, many thanks to all exhibitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs and making my day such a pleasure.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Jan 2020
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (Annesuz)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their very warm welcome and hospitality, and the exhibitors for their entries and generous applause for the winners. There was a fabulous atmosphere throughout the day which made it a real pleasure.
Having last had my hands on the breed at this level in October 2017 I am concerned about just how narrow some of the dogs are. Whilst the breed standard calls for the body to be ‘deep, narrow, and fairly long’ it should not be taken to the point of exaggeration. That being said my winners are very pleasing, well balanced specimens without recourse to any exaggeration and in my opinion fit for the original purpose of a Border Terrier.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
9½ years dog. Lovely otter head, front and shoulder placement, narrow, well ribbed and easily spanned. Shown in good hard condition. Not moving today as positively as the last time I judged him. A worthy Best Veteran.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2020
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge the first of their centenary shows this year and for their warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you to my two stewards, Judy Carr and Judith Fawcett who had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a large quality entry. Thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a wonderful entry of 143 dogs, sadly the serve flooding at the time made for several absentees, but I’d like to thank everyone who braved the floods and made the journey. This was my first breed club appointment, which was a truly memorable experience and one I won’t forget. Thank you for the lovely gifts which I will treasure. I was generally very pleased with the overall quality of the dogs entered under me. Coats were at varying stages, and some dogs paid the price today. The quality in some classes made for some difficult decisions, especially in the limit/open classes, and I would have liked more first places.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
My grateful thanks to the Club for inviting me to judge their July Open Show. I had a lovely day. I'd like to thank the exhibitors for a super entry
Also thanks to my very capable Steward, Allen Horner, who kept everything on track, Valerie Atkinson for a lovely lunch and to the club for their hospitality. The show was well organised considering the difficulties with Covid restrictions. I had difficulty in spanning quite a few exhibits and I was surprised to see a lot of small teeth. Also there were a lot of exhibits who could have do with their nails trimming. All dogs were entire and there were no kinky tails.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
Placing Critique
11 year old dog who was shown in excellent condition. He has a lovely head, ears and expression. Good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Nice straight front and good feet. Good level topline which carried well on the move. Easily spanned. He is a credit to his owners. Pleased to Award him Best Veteran in Show.
Class Critique
I wish I could have given more cards out in this class — they all deserved one.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Mr M Ord
Massive Thank You to The Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge your Championship Show today. This club I was a member of in the formative years and have fond memories of the very first Championship Show where I was an exhibitor. It is good to see a club go from strength to strength and the committee worked very hard to put on this event in what has been difficult times to plan ahead. Thank you everyone who entered today and I was honoured with an entry of 150 Dogs, 192 Entries & 0 NFCs. Like every show absentees were inevitable but I hope those present today took my decisions sportingly.
A few general observations on todays entry which are my thoughts and because I care so much for this lovely breed. Driving to the venue today was a perfect way to view the countryside where this breed was developed and all could see the rough terrain they would need to work in. It is essential you judge a breed with the work they were bred to do foremost in your mind and learn why they are built the way they were and why the breed standard exists. It is a dog show and we now want to see them clean, healthy and well presented but I was sad to see today several exhibits with very clear evidence of scissor work on the coats and not just on tidying feet etc. Please stop this trend NOW. Several were scissored from hip to hock, no need to do this & does nothing to enhance the dog. Good otter heads were not in abundance today and I witnessed a lot of fly away ears. We have always witnessed the odd one but today quite a number could be seen when the dog was in action & not always on youngsters either.
Coats as always were in various stages today but you must judge the dog on the day and find evidence of the correct texture and undercoat which is vital to stop the working dog getting wet through to the skin. Mouths were very good today as where tails which have thankfully improved greatly. Some exhibits in my opinion had lovely conformation however where far too big and long in leg. I though ribs were good with only a few that would be unable to be spanned with the average size hands. I did find today the bitches were more uniform for size so just need to work on the males not becoming big, leggy & heavy.
Veteran - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Beaconpike Red Saturn
