Show Placings
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Promising youngster at 6 months old. Feminine head with good coat and pelt, presenting a balanced picture, she was a little nervous on the table, but moved well
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Another nice puppy, moderately broad in skull with good dentition. Keen expression. Harsh jacket with a loose pelt, just preferred overall balance of 1st.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
lovely young grizzle in excellent coat and pelt. A little unsure but did enough in her class to win comfortably. Ottery head, well made all through with lovely balance and great breed type Good topline and strong rear with plenty of bone right down to her neat feet. Moved ok, just needs to settle to the job, very promising.
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Thank you to the Committee for organising such a well run show. The quality of the the dogs was very good, making my decisions more difficult in a good way. Nice atmosphere plus friendly sportsmanship prevailed.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Presented a nice balanced picture overall for one so young. Appealling head with strong muzzle. Narrow straight in front, easily spanned ribs, excellent harsh double jacket with thick pelt. Moved with drive.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Nice size and moved well once settled, good shape of head, correct length of neck and shape of ribcage, really good coat.
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Caught my eye when she came in the ring, 8 months old, lovely size for her age nice length and width of muzzle, ears correctly placed, narrow throughout, easily spanned, with ribs carried well back and slender stomach, shown in a pliable harsh double grizzle coat, good bend of stifle, and small feet,
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for a lovely entry and also to the Scottish BTC for this opportunity. Special thanks go to my two stewards for the day who kept everything running smoothly and for their good company. Although the lighting in the hall isn’t the best, it was adequate and the large square ring was perfect for watching movement, something I feel is very important in a border terrier. On that note I found my main winners to excel in this department. I was pleased to judge some strong puppy classes and also some strong adult classes
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Another quality grizzle pup in full coat. Pleasing head, keen dark eye. Excellent topline and tailset with strong hindquarters.
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Penrith & DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to both the Penrith & District Canine Society and the Border Terrier Club for considering me to judge a super entry of some quality dogs. The show committee were most welcoming and kept the judges well fed and watered. My stewards – Sue, Jane and Katrina keeping the proceedings flowing smoothly- my thanks.
All dogs presented today were of sound temperaments, all found to be spannable and, as to be expected, various stages of coat with some excellent coats and pelts on display. Movement overall was most pleasing; with some excellent examples of strong reach and drive making for fluid balanced movement. In some classes I found myself splitting hairs due to the quality of the exhibits. Again, my one plea is for clean teeth!
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, TPG1, Carrock Complicated
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
10-month-old Grizzle and Tan bitch. Super girl presented in correct harsh double coat with good pelt. Correctly proportioned feminine otter-like head with dark keen and alert eyes; strong teeth and muzzle. Narrow throughout, hence easily spanned, with straight front and good bone, standing on small cat like feet. Great outline, both topline and underline- she kept a level topline and correct tailset both on the move and when she came to a balanced unforced stand. Rear angulation; good turn of stifle and second thigh, with well let down hocks. Her construction led her to have excellent reach and drive. I was pleased to award her Best Puppy In Breed and was delighted to watch her go on to win TPG1 and then Best Puppy In Show- Congratulations.
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Good for size and typy all through, excellent coat and body condition, dark eye, neat ears, giving good expression, thick pelt, well muscled quarters, moved well when she settled
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Eye catching 9 month old grizzle bitch I liked for her for balance and size as she moved around the ring, lovely head with a keen expression and dark eye. Neat in the shoulder and rib and her rear construction/bend of stifle gives her the lovely drive as she moves comfortably – lots to like. Best Bitch Puppy and Best Puppy In Show.
Cumberland CA Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Keith Derry (Vistca)
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Barrow and District Kennel Association Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Jacqui Ward (Mianja)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
11 month old puppy bitch who has a nicely balanced outline, good head a with strong muzzle. Narrow front, straight forelegs easily spanned ribs, good harsh double jacket with thick pelt. Moved well.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge their open show held at Jedburgh, the home of the border terrier. It was a great privilege, and I had some amazing dogs present who are a credit to their owners, thank you for bringing them.
Thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly and keeping me on track so we finished at a reasonable time. The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank the whole committee for this.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Lovely bitch of correct size and she moved out beautifully on neat feet. Typical feminine Border head with dark expressive eyes.
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Firstly, I would like to thank the organisers of the show for the warm welcome and hospitality. Also, The Border Terrier Club for supporting the entry.
On the day I was presented with some nice exhibits, I also found one bad mouth and not the best of movements on some. I found my winners based on size, type and movement.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Lovely feminine head. Good ear placement, short strong muzzle, good length of neck, level topline, nice carroty tail, good hind angulation. Moved well around the ring, liked her for size and type. BB, BOS, RBIS
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Placing Critique
Good for type with feminine head and kind expression. In deep coat.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
Class Critique
Although not a numerically strong class, all four could change places another day.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Carrock Complicated
