Show Placings
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Well presented in good tight coat.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Close up but not the confidence of 1 but in good coat and moved out well.
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
16th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch with good head and small ears, narrow front with good topline on neat feet.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Torquay & DCS Open Show
5th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr Martin Saunders (Castellcoch)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Dowgri Demelza
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Dowgri Demelza
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Plymouth & DKA Open Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Anne Moore
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Dowgri Demelza
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
19th Feb 2017
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
The Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
5th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, with special appreciation to show manager Jane Roberts, and ring stewards Sandra Girling and Sheila Hales. Most of all, I would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their lovely dogs.
With the phrase “Essentially a working terrier” in mind, I was satisfied that my main winners fitted the breed standard and moved soundly with good reach and drive. Coats also played a part, and although I appreciate that coats come and go, they did matter on the day. All the dogs were entire, there were a couple of level bites and the odd tooth out of line, but most exhibits were really nicely turned out. The puppy classes were very promising, and at the other end of the scale it was nice to see the veterans enjoying their day.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Absolutely gorgeous 11 month old grizzle and tan girl who made the ring her own. Has a strong but feminine head with a broad muzzle and flat skull, strong jaws containing a scissor bite, and a keen, dark eye. Lovely straight front, enough bone, a good body length and ribbed well back, with good all round angulation. Just the right size, spanning easily , with a good topline, tailset and tail carriage which was maintained as she moved with ease and accuracy around the ring. Lovely thick coat and loose pelt. Very promising. Pleased to award her Best Puppy.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
stood out in this class, lovely typey puppy, looked so balanced, feminine head, dark eye and neat ears, good topline and tailset, and lovely carroty tail, nicely angulated for and aft, looked a picture in profile movement covering the ground well, good depth of coat and thick pelt. Best Puppy Bitch.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association Canine Open Show
9th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr John Scanlon (Pantycelyn)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Liskeard & DCS Open Show
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Jen Bowden
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Yeovil and District Canine Society Premier Open Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
She too could be in better coat, although carrying more tan 1. Has a fem head. Good eye and expression. Lengthy neck. Just a bit longer in back. Rear matches front with well let down hocks.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch built along the same lines as 1. Very feminine with good level topline maintained on the move. Small neat feet and up on her toes. Preferred the overall balance of 1.
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Larger type throughout but in good proportions, nice head and neck, another who was shown in the best of coats, moved out well.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Delightful young bitch moving very soundly, full of promise – I note I placed her dam second in open and they are very alike. Good head with keen dark eye, good reach of neck into good shoulders and deep narrow ribs. Easily spanned and in good coat. Best Junior.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
racy in body, easy to span rib, firm loin, loose & thick pelt good head & moderate length of neck, she has a good dark eye & keen expression, well set V shaped ears, neat feet with good pads, strong quarters with good strong hocks, moved well fore & aft, presented & handled well, good sound quality bitch
Liskeard Open Show
15th Oct 2017
Judge: Barry Blunden
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Dowgri Demelza
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Another one that appeals with her nice breed type & size. She has a really nice expressive head, good neck & straight front Similar body's line as 1. Carrying quite a full coat today that has a good harsh texture. Moving soundly behind, unfortunately today she was a little loose in her front movement.
Truro & DCS Open Show
25th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, Dowgri Demelza
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
18th Feb 2018
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Thank you so much to the Society for this invitation to judge, and for their hospitality. Many thanks to my stewards for their hard work. Also, thanks to the exhibitors. All my winners were easily spannable and good representatives of the breed. I thoughly enjoyed my day.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza
Placing Critique
Attractive little bitch, moving out better than the dog, good head and expression, nice reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulder. Good topline and tailset, nice hind angulation with well let down hocks. Good coat and pelt.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Another typey bitch with a typical BT expressive and attractive head. Good jacket, level topline and good tail and tailset. Spanned easily.
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.
BCC
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
2 years old grizzle bitch in full coat with feminine head and expression, large teeth, dark eyes, small neat ears, straight front, good neck and shoulder flowing into level topline with strong loin, good tail and tail set, ribbed well back, correct turn of stifle and small tight feet. She moved with drive to take the BCC.
Penzance and District Canine Society Limit show
20th May 2018
Judge: Amin Carrol
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
RBCC
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
another pleasing one, typical head and expression, narrow all through with good bone, neat well padded feet, well presented good on the move,
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
BCC
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Lovely red bitch. Excellent construction, lovely head, narrow build, excellent angulation front and back, lovely ribs and strong loin, moved true and with drive from the back, C.C.
Class Critique
Excellent class.
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Lots to like here. Tall enough but balanced and spannable. Good head and shoulder. Stands on good feet and has good topline and tailset.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
BCC
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Otter head with little if any stop, strong muzzle, scissor bite, dark eyes, neat ears, straight front, nice topline with carrot tail well set on, harsh double coat, narrow with ribs well back, good for bone, strong loin, well muscled with good angulation front and rear, well up on thickly padded neat feet, drove out from the rear for best mover of the day, clear empathy with her handler and this was her day, understated with no exaggeration she excelled in all aspects and drew the eye even against the strongest opposition, no wonder Poldark fell for her, I certainly did. BCC, BOB.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Apart from a shortage of coat, had just about everything going for her. Strong head and muzzle, nice length of body, well ribbed back, correct shoulder placement and angulation, rear assembly equally good. Coat of good quality, but will be better in a few weeks. Moved true both ends, and covered her ground excellently. Just got decision for BCC despite lack of coat, on her overall excellence in balance, head and movement.
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
BCC
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
a soundly made well balance bitch with good outline, good type, feminine head, dark eye, good expression, good neck, shoulders and forequarters, good ribs well carried back, strong loin, good hindquarters, good coat and pelt, moved very well, C.C.
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
21st Oct 2018
Judge: Tina Morgan (Blewecourt)
Thankyou to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this show and to the exhibitors for a quality entry as well as accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. It was an enjoyable day and one where the classes are also sponsored by The Southern Border Terrier Club. We enjoyed a good atmosphere and ample sized ring and a steward who kept everything in order.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Another I have admired since she was a puppy and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to go over her. Strong but feminine head with large teeth, dark eye and small neat ears. Straight front, well ribbed back with good angulation fore and aft. Good coat and pelt and well balanced which showed off her level topline and strong loin on the move. Moved well and effortlessly demonstrating her good construction, a worthy champion. BOB.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
17th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. I was very pleased with my winners on the day and also pleased to see my BOB going Best in Show, this was the icing on the cake from a very enjoyable weekend spent in Cornwall.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Beautifully put together bitch of correct size. Feminine head with good strength of jaw and correct bite. Good reach of neack, narrow front, good length of back and rib, narrow. Shown in fit condition. Correct tailet. Harsh double jacket with loose pelt, easily spanned. Strong loin and well muscled rear enabling good movement around the ring.She moved with purpose and drive. BOB. ( & BIS )
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.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
A very attractive bitch with a great style about her, presented in beautiful coat and condition. Good head, good eye & expression, slightly heavy in ear. Good neck and shoulder, OK for bone, well balanced with a well carried rib and strong loin. Nice tight feet and a good tail & tailset. She was moving very strongly to take the class. In the Challenge she was unsteady on the move and had to settle for the reserve CC
Class Critique
This was an absolutely belting class, I could have placed another stack of these bitches, there were dogs here that in the past I have awarded top honours that today had to go well down the line so some hard decisions had to be made. Difficult to split the first three all of whom had great virtues so it came down to splitting hairs and personal preference for style and type.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch who I loved for size and balance. Good head with keen expression. Lovely to go over with narrow ribs of good shape carried nicely back to good loin. Pleasing in front and has sound hind quarters. Unlucky to meet 1 on such good form.
Class Critique
Quality class of super bitches
