Show Placings
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2014
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
I would like to thank my stewards who kept the event running smoothly. My decisions were made on the exhibit on the day
I found heavy ears are creeping in, detracting from the otter head and keen expression. An excessive amount of exhibits were not in hard, toned condition. ‘Couch potato’ dogs come to mind. Front movement is also a cause for concern. I found two level mouths, one just level and a puppy , had a tooth out of line. My decision on some unplaced exhibits were a culmination of a long foreface and untypical expression, unspannable even though I gave some leeway and poor front movement.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Ernie L Hill
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
7 months old, pleasing head with good ear placement, nice front for one so young, good topline and spring of rib, moved well.
Welsh Kennel Club
16th Aug 2014
Judge: Mr A E Small (Bethane)
Thanks for a lovely entry, sorry for the delay but I could not be in both my breeds rings at the same time! It was nice to be outside at WKC, which hasn't happened for 9 years. Thanks to the Committee for the invite & looking after us, I really enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Milton Keynes & District Canine Society
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Richmond Championship Dog Show
6th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr W Gray (Pontbeck)
Thanks go to my stewards for making the day run smoothly and to the exhibitors for their enthusiasm for the breed and the sporting way they took my decisions.
Since the hunting bill I 've been concerned how the breed would keep to the line in the breed standard " Essentially a working terrier " as the opportunities for work have been reduced and the spin off as to why we require a double coat and the dog to be narrow all through may be lost to some exhibitors who haven't the opportunity to work or know someone who does or has worked their dogs. There was evidence today that we may have lost sight of the fact that this is a working breed. I'm not suggesting that all Borders should work but that all Borders should be capable to work and those who are closest to the breed standard should be able to do the job required of them.
There were a few exhibits with single coats today, look very smart but would soon pay the price on a cold wet winters day if they had to be out in the elements for any length of time. Some exhibits were carrying a little too much weight and quite a number would benefit from a good walk, some with little muscle.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier club for inviting me to judge and for their fabulous hospitality. The new venue had light inside much improved from the old venue and was in a beautiful setting . My appreciation goes to my ring stewards Andrew Mooney , Bev Marsh & Jane Roberts who ensured the entrants were in order, and kept the classes running smoothly.
A good entry ,numerically and in quality , which gave way to some close decisions. Coats were as always at different stages , I found myself forgiving lack of coat or blown coats in favour of correct movement .Some exhibits that on first glance I thought were my winners let themselves down on the move , there were a couple who “crabbed” and some who’s front movement was very untidy .From ringside these dogs looked wonderful stacked . Some dogs were moved rather fast which may have contributed to their wayward movement.
A few dogs had too much beard and cheek hair left on , this stood out even more when the rest of the dog was immaculately presented .
On the plus side I found fit, well conditioned dogs , teeth and bites were good ,and excellent temperaments - bar a couple who were uncharacteristically shy . I was extremely pleased with both line ups and was spoilt for choice with the top honours.
Thank you for allowing me to go over your lovely dogs.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin
Best Puppy
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
8 month B/T smart puppy with lovely outline, good head, teeth and bite, narrow straight front, excellent reach of neck , very good length of rib, topline and tailset correct and held well on the move, very good accurate movement which secured her Best puppy bitch and BPIS.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My grateful thanks to the committee and officers for their brilliant hospitality and to stewards Doreen Rushby and Graham Richardson for their hard work and attempts at keeping me out of trouble. An excellent entry with real quality present in both dogs and bitches. Unfortunately, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, front movement was a real problem in quite a few exhibits, not I might add in the top winners, but unfortunately occasional compromises had to be made in this respect in some classes when filling some of the lower placings.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Grantham & District Canine Society
18th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr K. Green (Terabyte)
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Hitchin & DCS Open Show
19th Oct 2014
Judge: Margaret Yates (Okarito)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Huntingdon CS Open Show
22nd Nov 2014
Judge: Mrs Vanessa Cox (Petaz/Pettipaw)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Nov 2014
Judge: Jane Moreton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge at the show, and to all those who entered under me. Also thanks to my two stewards Robert Brewster and Jeremy Young and for those who prepared lunch.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and was very happy with my winners. In a couple of classes the decision was very close. There were no kinked tails, temperaments were good on the whole, with only 3 that were roughly handled, subsequently the dogs were behaving nervously. I had a couple of bad bites and a couple of level bites. All bar two were spannable. Coats again on the whole were good. Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions, apart from one unsportsmanlike behaviour in the ring!! The class I enjoyed judging the most on the day was Veteran Bitch. Lovely classy bitches in good condition and very close decisions between them all.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin
Best Puppy
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A very promising puppy. Lovely head, dark eye and correct ear placement. Good bite. Catlike feet. Nice carroty tail and tail set. Good length of rib. In good jacket with thick pelt. Good angulation. Moved very well and with drive. BPIS
Luton Canine Association Open Show
29th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Boston & District Canine Society
11th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
Thank you to all exhibitors for your entries I had a good cross section of dogs to choose from. Some dogs that I have admired in the past were either not in coat or didn’t move well and others that I've not noticed before, were 'found ' on the table. We must all remember judging should be on the day and not on what something has won or not won, beforehand. I'm sure the same dogs could be placed differently on another day under me, some that did or didn't perform affected their placings accordingly.
Some super puppies coming through, with all four of my puppy class winners looking very promising. They gave me some hair splitting decisions.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
blue/tan another good mover who showed off to advantage on the move. Nice head, and expression on a decent forehand and narrow body of good confirmation and length. Covered the ground well in profile and just needs to mature and firm up in body to complete a very nice picture.
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first Championship Show appointment and I would like to thank the Society for the invitation and generous hospitality. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Attwood and Anne Speake who did a sterling job keeping the good sized, well appointed ring running smoothly throughout the day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over some very high quality dogs. Generally the standard was good with the majority of exhibits showing and moving well. I was concerned by the number of short rounded ribs I found, especially in the bitch classes. There were several noses lacking pigment, some very long thin tails, and I found a few broken or out of line teeth. Coats were at various stages and some otherwise good dogs had to be penalised for lack of coat in the stronger classes. Whereas others with little coat made it into the line up on overall quality. I was very pleased with my main winners, and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
12 months old blue bitch of nice size, good head and ear set, straight front, good bone, level top line and good tail set. Moved well, presented in good coat and condition.
Cambridge & County C.S. Open Show
25th Jan 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Harding
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Isle of Ely C.S Open Show
7th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr.M. Walshaw
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
This was my 1st Breed Club Show appointment and I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club Committee for the opportunity to judge the show. Thanks also to my stewards, Bob & Liz Wright who did a great job ensuring the smooth running of the ring throughout the day. Thanks also to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over your Borders’.
All Borders were in good health, had good mouths and were complete. I was impressed with most coats and particularly pelts which were mainly loose and thick. A number of coats were clearly coming through to be at their best for Crufts.
I like “moderate” Borders, not exaggerated in any way. Of importance, straight, narrow fronts, good shoulders. Hind quarters racy, body fairly long as described in the standard. Equally I like movement to be a good length of stride with purpose & drive. On movement, some front and rear movement was not great, some wrists were astray, some “knitting” and some were better shown on a loose lead and not “strung up”. In summary, I was pleased with my winners & many down the line in some classes, I enjoyed the day, thank you all again for bringing your Borders’, it was appreciated.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Woolwich, Bexley and DCS Open Show
15th Mar 2015
Judge: Robert Brewster
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
21st Mar 2015
Judge: Meriel France (Torbrae)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Retford Canine Society Open Show
22nd Mar 2015
Judge: Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Bombax) Sweden
I will thank the club and the show committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, I feel very honoured to be invited. I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with huge entries. My winner was really top quality border terriers, excelling in type and heads. The overall quality was very good, but I hoped to see more quality in the younger classes. Size was ok, coats in different stages because of the time of year. It was about 40 years since I judged my first CCshow in England and I still enjoy it so much. My stewards did a fantastic job on the day, keeping both me and the dogs in order. They make it running very smooth and efficient, thank you!!!
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Another nice youngster, unlucky to meet 1st today. Good otter head, correct front and shoulder placement, well placed ribs and level top line. Blue and tan with excellent loose pelt coming into good coat. Moved out well for and aft.
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club Open Show
19th Apr 2015
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A blue and tan bitch with a nice otter head and keen expression with almond shape dark eye. She has a racy outline with a lovely short carrot tail and is a handy size, just a bit finer in bone than one. Shown in good coat. She moved well coming and going.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
27th May 2015
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
Thank you to the Society for the invitation and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders' along. It was a pleasure to go over a fine group of Borders on a warm, sunny day in a super venue.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blu&T, sound construction, well-schooled. Good head, dark eye, easy span, short thick tail, good angulation front & rear, strong hocks, accurate coming and going.
Class Critique
1 & 2 different types
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
As above
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Three Counties Agricultural Society
4th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
well shaped head, good clean bite, straight front with tight feet, narrow body, moved with drive
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
My thanks, to the Club, for the invitation to judge their Club Show and the hospitality shown to Peter and myself. Thanks, also, to my Stewards, Wendy Mooney and Denise Townsend, who valiantly coped with the paperwork in the, at times, rather blustery conditions, keeping everything going smoothly! Thank you to the exhibitors, also, who entered for my opinion. The grass, in the ring, wasn’t exactly “bowling green”, so it certainly sorted out the good from the bad, on the move!
As is usual, from me, not an “everything in the garden is rosy” preamble! After 35 years, living and breathing Border Terriers, I tell it, as I see it!
As with my last appointment, Crufts, it is just over a 3 year gap, since I judged the Breed in the UK. I had obviously made my point, last time, that I wouldn’t pass the excessively broad skull, almost caricature like, that had become popular, despite the Standard asking for “Head like that of an Otter. Moderately broad in skull”, as there were none I thought overdone, on the day. I think, the problem lies, possibly, that the Standard doesn’t specify, as I was taught, that it refers to English River Otter, some people, mistakenly thinking the commoner headed Sea Otter, or deeper stopped Asian Short Clawed Otter is being referred to. There is a big difference between the three! Not helped by critiques, apparently, praising “broad” skulls, which, to me, sends out the wrong signals!
At Crufts, I had thought the breed had turned a corner, with regard to forehands ie. shoulder and upper arm construction…….how wrong was I?!!! I think I had the full range of faults today, upright shoulders, short upper arm, out at the elbow, sometimes all on the same exhibit! The widest part of a Border Terrier, “Essentially a working Terrier”, bred to go to ground, shouldn’t be the elbows, this fault usually being because the forehand isn’t set on the body correctly, being too far forward, due to a short, steep upper arm, usually, although not always, accompanied by an upright shoulder. These faults also affect that other line from the Standard “Capable of following a horse”, as, due to the incorrect angles, the movement is no longer efficient, being restricted to a shorter, hackneyed, step in profile, almost as though they are walking on hot coals, due to the foreleg not reaching full extension. It may look ok, coming and going, being accurate, as the shorter stride means there is less room for error, but the lack of a ground covering stride would mean the dog working twice as hard on the move, doing its job, soon becoming exhausted. This was brought home to me, discussing the stamina of various dogs with a friend, his son exercising their two Border Terrier champions chasing after him, on horseback, around a field. The accurate mover, with the shorter stride was soon exhausted, having had to work twice as hard, whereas the more angulated one, with the longer, ground covering stride, was up for more! Like, usually breeds like, good forehands being bred for. They don’t appear as if by magic! I am well aware that these faults are seemingly being passed by Judges, not just in the UK, at the very highest level, but that doesn’t mean that they are either correct or desirable and they are very difficult to breed out. I’m left wondering, having read a number of critiques, then having seen, or judged the dogs being praised, are the Seminars failing to educate the correct mechanics of economical movement, or are people just not seeing the movement faults, as long as its trots up and down, with its head and tail up, showing nicely for the Judge! Conversely, as ever, hind movement was pretty good.
It was interesting to note that those I have rewarded in the past, with the correct forehands and narrow fronts, at Crufts and previous engagements, came back, having retained their virtues and have also passed the same, narrow, lithe bodylines on to the next generation. If they are made right, they last right! A working Terrier, whose front is going, or has gone, by the time it is reaching maturity, is neither use nor ornament and is a liability to itself and its owner.
I would like to think, from ring side, that it was obvious that I was looking for Borders with a pattern of moderation and workmanlike construction, with sound, free, scopey movement, who also had quality and style. It wasn’t always easy, in some classes, but I thought my final line ups, in both sexes, demonstrated my priorities.
On the whole, coats and pelts were good, as always my opinion being that coats are transient. I don’t expect them to be aimed specifically, time wise, for me, as I am more concerned with correct construction, but it is “the icing on the cake.” As long as there was evidence of the correct textures, no one was unduly marked down, until it came to the top honours.
Most were spannable, although very few were easily spannable, slightly worrying, as my hands have a big span! This isn’t just a UK problem!
Mouths were all acceptable, a few with the odd broken tooth, which is only to be expected in a working Terrier and certainly wouldn’t be penalised by me.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Newmarket & DCS Open Show
14th Jun 2015
Judge: Graham Richardson
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Derbyshire County Show
28th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Windsor Championship Show
2nd Jul 2015
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first judging experience at this level and thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs of such good quality in front of me and accepting my decisions with good grace. In some of the classes there was only a hairs breadth between some exhibits and on another day the results would have been different. I like Borders that are narrow, strong and good movers. I do not consider coat to be a major factor except when differentiating between dogs of equal quality, As a Championship Show judge told me many years ago “bad coats can get better, many other faults cannot.”
I would also like to thank my stewards for keeping me in order.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
another blue and tan bitch, similar to 1, nicely balanced, moved well, good reach of neck, close up in quality to 1 but unfortunate to meet her today
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
strong blue bitch who surprised me by being easily spanned, very good coat and pelt, excellent front and rear giving her good movement, typical head and expression. Won this class with a bit in hand
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
well-made b/t, close up with lovely typical outline, pleasing head proportions, good neck, topline & tail, shown in good jacket.
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Nice length of body on this blue and tan bitch, who moved very well. Lovely neck. Needs ticking to start coming through on body (it is through on the legs). Would prefer a little more fill under the eye.
Bedford & DCS Open Show
27th Sep 2015
Judge: Mr R Brewster
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
b/t, got second place on movement, covering the ground effortlessly. Good enough head, well constructed throughout, especially good hindquarters
Grantham & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Oct 2015
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Smart blue and tan bitch. Strong but feminine head with good bite. Good neck and shoulders, well ribbed back and just right for bone. Standing on small neat feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Harsh coat with thick pelt. Very balanced and free on the move and well handled.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
See 1st in Yearling class
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
B & T with a lovely feminine head and good expression correct scissor bite, Came to hand well easy span and narrow throughout the body with super racy outline where she scored over 2nd, liked her neck ,body proportions and rear with good tail well set on, she was in quality coat and condition with thick pelt, Strode out well in the ring she really covers the ground both standing and on the move.
Class Critique
Another good class
Walsall & District Kennel Association Open Show
8th Nov 2015
Judge: Mr Billy Henderson (Tuwos)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Nov 2015
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Really pleased to be invited to judge the midland open show, so my thanks to the committee for inviting me and for the hospitality received. Many thanks to Margaret Bailey and Paul Brannan for stewarding and making things run smoothly and keeping me on track. Also my thanks to the competitors for taking my decisions so well and for bringing real quality to the show ring it was hugely appreciated, whether you were first or third there were some close decisions and exceptional quality.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Another Blue and Tan bitch with lovely outline with good head and expression, correctly placed ears, good bite and teeth. Harsh coat and thick pelt she was easily spanned and moved well with nice rear angulation and narrow with straight front, just lost out on the day to alertness of winner.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show, to the exhibitors for giving me such a super entry and especially to Robert Brewster for his excellent stewarding. I really enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Guildford and District Canine Society Open Show
29th Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
11months b and t bitch,2nd in previous class,a handy size with a feminine head with correct bite,she has everthing in moderation as it should be,developing on the right lines,shown in good correct jacket over a loose pelt.Easily spanned.Lovely length and shape tail held well on the move where she moves true coming and going.
Lincoln Canine Society Open Show
6th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs K Stockley (Foxfactor)
I was disappointed to find no mat available on the rather slippery trestle table,rectified by myself purchasing one from a trade stand! Also disappointed to find a totally unmarked catalogue when I got home.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
almost 12 months b and t bitch that I judged the previous week,my opinion remains the same,she has all the essentials,correct bite,feminine head with keen expression,nothing overdone,catches the eye going around where she moves enthusiastically with drive from her well angulated rear assembly,shown in a good top coat of good colour,loose pelt,spans easily,well ribbed back,best mover in class.ResBOB
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
As above.
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Coventry Ladies Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2016
Judge: Mr Steve Thomas (Samtan)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Nuneaton & DCS Open Show
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mr Richard Bott (Quensha / Allenie)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
30th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs. Tracy Butler (Ycart)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there show,and there hospitality throughout the day.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for there lovely entry,and there sportsmanship,wether you agreed with my desision or not.
On the whole exhibits had good dentation,coats where varied,but evidence of good coat was there,temperments where good.
Sadly i found a few dogs that where pityfully thin,and would benefit from a good meal,and some free running exercise,some exhibits would benefit from a good tidy up of removel of dead coat,and please leave the clippers in the box.
Best In Show
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue/tan,this bitch demands a look,feminine head moderatley broad in skull,short strong muzzle,with good strength of underjaw,correct dentation,striaght narrow front,good bone and tight well padded feet,clean neck into good shoulders,spans with ease,ribbed well back,strong well muscled loin and racy rear quarters,tail well set on,in good harsh coat and thick pelt,moves with drive from all angles. BB,BIS.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Matlock and district Canine Society Open Show
21st Feb 2016
Judge: Helen Bates (Peakrunner)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
captivating blue bitch who presented herself with confidence. She was in tip top condition and moved well, a difficult choice between 1st and 2nd.
Newark & District Canine Society
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
s to the exhibitors for the super entry, such a pity half were absent.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
2 yr. old blue bitch. Super hindquarters which she used to advantage and she moved well both ways. One of the few with a spot on tailset. Varminty expression although slightly heavy in ear and she would insist on standing wide in front. Res. B.O.B.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue and tan in good coat with ticking. Correct length of back in proportion to the overall dog. Nice parallel front legs and a good rear action.A happy showgirl who moved well.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
BCC
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Attractive blue bitch, well construction, fantastic silhouette, excellent expression, excellent bones, racy long body, moves with correct drive, Harsh blue coat with thick pelt. Well present.
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Well angulated and very neatly put together; nice bone, driving well behind
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club Open Show
17th Apr 2016
Judge: Tan Negrecha
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Different type, very well constructed and attractive bitch, good head, excellent rear angulation, good texture to her top coat however it’s a great shame she had little or no ticking.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Another very good bitch. Good head & expression if slightly heavy in ear. Well made with a good rib and good driving movement. Shown in a harsh bl/t coat, which was not as well ticked through as 2, showed very well for her handler, a very close decision.
Class Critique
This was a really strong class, a pleasure to judge.
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
feminine head with good expression, soundly made with good quarters fore and aft, good spanned ribs, well-made body, good coat and pelt, moved well. Well balanced with good outline.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
This blue and tan bitch has a super coat and she was the best mover in the class. I would prefer a slightly shorter muzzle, but it has strength and houses good teeth, she has a very good front, which is straight and narrow, a good body with a level topline and I liked her back end. She has a good tail and set and a decent pelt as well
Class Critique
I found this class hard work to judge, nothing grabbed me at all and it was very much a case of balancing one bit against another in all of them.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Lovely racy outline and very well balanced. Nice otter head. Well angulated both in the front and rear. Moved well.
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 - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Quality head correct proportion, well laid shoulders level top line, good rear angulation
Narrow throughout, in excellent show condition
Class Critique
3 lovely bitches very hard decision, all deserving 1st place
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
RBCC
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
liked this bitch as well, pleasing in head, neck & shoulders, narrow front, good in body & coat, well presented, moving out well to get the RCC
Class Critique
Another very good class.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, a very balanced dog in excellent condition, longer in body than 1, well laid shoulders, narrow body, moved and showed well
Class Critique
What a lovely class, first three could easily change places on another day.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Nice size with good coat. Spannable. Good head and expression, dark eye. Tail good. Feet tight. Handled and moved well RBB
Bedford & DCS Open Shoiw
25th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Class Critique
A very good class of quality bitches
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Club Show
22nd Oct 2016
Judge: Anne Speake (Dogs) & Lucy Mudd (Bitches)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge the Border Terrier dogs, with my co judge, Lucy Mudd. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was very enjoyable. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole and thanks to the stewards who kept things moving along nicely. My thanks to the exhibitors, who did me the honour and privilege of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. Anne Speake, Dog Judge
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Quality blue & tan bitch, with a lovely expression on a feminine head, short strong muzzle with scissor bite. Narrow straight front leading into good shoulders, ribs well back, has good bone with well padded feet, and lovely racy outline. Easily spanned, being narrow throughout her body. Excellent front with good rear angulations, she moved with drive around the ring. Harsh coat with thick pelt.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge this show. It was a great privilege to be asked and I would like to thank my two ring stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright for keeping everything moving smoothly for me throughout the day.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A blue and tan bitch with a good otter head and broad skull. She is narrow build of moderate length with hocks well laid down. She has good catlike feet and a short carrot tail straight off the back. She has thick skin and a thick harsh coat. She moved well coming and going.
The Sporting Terrier Association Of Yorkshire Open Show
13th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to the committee for the appointment, my very capable steward and the exhibitors for bringing a fine group of Borders’ to the show. Pleased to see the Best Puppy go BPIS under Bill Browne-Cole.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blu & T bitch, Good head, nice bite, good reach of neck, narrow and easily spanned, good feet with thick pads, liked her overall shape & balance, moved out well which was better than 2 today
Huntingdonshire Canine Society Open Show
19th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks to the Society for the kind invitation to judge, the friendly and efficient stewards and most of all the exhibitors.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Lovely bodylines on this blue and tan bitch that pushed winner hard to take reserve best of breed. Turned out in super coat and condition showed well, just slightly less balanced in front than 1st.
East Anglian Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to The East Anglian Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge the November Open Show also my stewards Rob Brewster and Bev Jackson for their help throughout the day. It was a lovely venue and atmosphere and a very well run show. Thanks also to all the exhibitors who entered the show and accepted my decisions with great sportsmanship.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan bitch with a good outline not overdone in any way good head neck and shoulder level topline and correct tailset enough bone but still narrow, easily spanned a nice balanced bitch, in good harsh jacket thick loose pelt moved with drive both ways, Best Bitch Reserve Best in Show
Lincoln CS Open Show
4th Dec 2016
Judge: Mrs C Richardson (STAYNORWOOD)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Nice type of bitch; typical otterhead, with flat skull and neat ears. Good reach of neck into good shoulders and length of rib. Correct tail set on well. Harsh double jacket. Moved well.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs. A. Heathcote (Saxheath)
My thanks to the Committee for asking me to judge this show , my Stewards Callie and Ian for their invaluable assistance and all the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs . I had some quality dogs to go over with some close decisions in some classes , however , I found front movement in particular was rather disappointing in the lower classes .That aside I thoroughly enjoyed my day .
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Racy girl with a good head, straight front and good front and rear angulation. She had a level topline held on the move topped off with a hard jacket. RBB
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
3years old blue and tan bitch. Typical head and expression. Harsh coat, beautiful rear angulation, Straight narrow front, nice top line and tail set with short carrot tail. Excellent bone. Moved true
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
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
sound proper Border exhibited in good harsh double coat, lots to like, good head and expression set on good length of neck, well shaped body, good underline, racey quarters which are perhaps a shade out of proportion but used them well to cover the ground moving with rather more enthusiasm than 2,
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
23rd Apr 2017
Judge:
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge the Border terrier bitches, with my co judge, Bridget Singh. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was one I really enjoyed. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole, and that the borders had attracted the largest entry in the terrier group, my thanks to our two capable stewards, who kept things moving along nicely. Thanks also to the exhibitors who did me the honour and privilege of going over their bitches and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. All exhibits were of good quality and fit for purpose and I was delighted with my entry. Bridget and I agreed on the bitches for BOB and BPIB.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A different type to winner, 3 year old blue & tan bitch, with a lovely expression on a feminine head, nice flat skull, neat ears, short strong muzzle with good scissor bite. A narrow front leading into good shoulders, ribs well back, good for bone with well padded feet, lovely racy outline, thick loose pelt with nice harsh topcoat. Could easily change places on another day, I just preferred movement and length of body of winner.
Class Critique
What a lovely class to judge with some good quality bitches that could easily change places on another day
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A very close second. Lovely balanced proportions, and well put together from her typey head through to her well angulated and racy hindquarters, making an eye-catching outline. Just preferred the front of winner.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th May 2017
Judge: Mr. J. Thomas (Blaisdon)
Thank you to officers and committee for inviting me to judge and to stewards for excellent work and also to the exhibitors for supporting the show.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Super B/T bitch good head neck & shoulders level topline movement spot on BB RBIS BOS.
Boston & District Canine Society Open Show
30th May 2017
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
blue and tan bitch, prepared and handled to the usual high standard of this kennel and sharing the same sire as the puppy winner, large teeth with correct bite, nice feminine head, good reach of neck into level topline and well set carrot tail, harsh coat and loose pelt, good angulation front and back, strode out well moving smoothly on neat well padded feet. BOB,TG1.
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!
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Well presented typical B/T bitch in very good condition. Nice head, with good body lines, standing on good legs and feet. Comes to hand well balanced and spans easily. Moved around the ring with drive.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Windsor
1st Jul 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
Firstly, my thanks must go to the committee for the invitation to judge at their show and to those exhibitors who entered, for my opinion, always an honour, to judge their dogs, giving me the highest entry in the Terrier Group. My thanks, also, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly, with good humour.
An interesting entry, most were sound and typical. The thing that struck me most was front profile movement. An alarming number, due to an incorrect shoulder and upper arm placement, lacked full reach on the move, the leg lifting, hackney like, but not straightening out to reach full extension on the move. It may appear to be accurate coming and going, but it doesn’t actually cover much of the ground, so is therefore uneconomical movement, meaning the dog would have to work twice as hard to keep up, as the Standard asks for “capable of” and the “soundness to follow a horse”. Just because it’s possible to win with this type of movement doesn’t make it correct!
I was very pleased with my top winners, shown free standing, giving the, in my opinion, correct outlines, with no need to “assemble“ them in to a shape! All were sound, free movers. Typical “old school” Border Terriers! Pleased to hear that their qualities were recognised in their respective Groups!
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Class Critique
Excellent class for quality.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
b/t A scopier type of bitch who moved really well Straight front & nicely angulated. Harsh coat but would prefer more white hairs present.
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Heckington &district Agricultural Society
29th Jul 2017
Judge: Miss Kirstie Forster
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
She has a super head, maybe ears could be a little neater, good neck. Well laid shoulder with a good return of upper arm. Not the coat texture of 1. She is well ribbed back. Stands on good legs and feet. Well made rear.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Strong head and muzzle. In good coat, thick pelt. Well muscled. Moved well.
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Pleasing head, straight front, ribbed well back. Well angulated front and rear. Level topline and correct tailset. Moved with purpose. Very showy. Preferred the head and overall balance of one.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
another quality bitch who has a lot to like, very good skull & strong jaw, good strong teeth, moderate length of neck, racy body & good strong rear, racy quarters well set hocks, good tail set & carriage, neat feet, in good jacket & presented to perfection
Class Critique
Good quality class.
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously.
I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A very well presented blue and tan headed this strong class. She was in tip top condition with plenty of white banding through her jacket which was of good quality. I particularly liked her for size and her ring presence. She was handled so well to get the best out of her but perhaps a little over extended at the rear in the challenge. She is also narrow and has a lovely rib which is carried well back. Her movement was very good.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue & tan. Good head with flat skull, strong muzzle and well set ears. Good neck and well angulated front. Good bone with strong pasterns and well padded feet. Well ribbed back with excellent topline. Well set short tail. Shown in a good topcoat with thick undercoat and pelt. Moved well from all directions.
Newark and District Canine Society
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Mike Ritchie (Northsaltire)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Wath, West Melton & District Canine Society Open Show
3rd Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
Lovely entry marred by absentees but understandable due to the weather conditions
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
excellent mover which went well in front and behind. Again good in neck and topline and better for size than 3.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A b/tan of good quality with lots to like. Of good size her head has a flat skull with good width between the ears and strong muzzle. Just right for bone with a straight front and neat feet. Good length of rib leads to racy hindquarters and a well set tail. With both topline and underline looking good she moves better at the rear than the front.
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge at this twin group open show. Thanks also to my two stewards, Karen and Andrea who kept the ring running smoothly. I found all temperaments to be excellent and all male dogs were entire. There were a couple of misplaced teeth but generally all bites were correct .Thank you to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
4 ½ year old blue and tan bitch of a lovely type. Gorgeous typical otter head with lovely expression. Strong scissor bite. Straight front with tight feet. Narrow and spanned with ease with good length of rib. Nice for size with thick, loose pelt and jacket with correct ticking. Moved well both ways and strode out with drive around the ring. Pleased to award her BOB.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
4 years old blue & tan, lighter build with good neck and shoulder, topline and tailset. Racy quarters excellent mover which went well in front and behind.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
a well presented b & t with a good head and strong muzzle and correct mouth. Straight and narrow in front with a good neck and well proportioned bodylines, good tailset and racy quarters, she moved enthusiastically covering the ground well on her firmly padded feet, whilst retaining her topline.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
10th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would firstly like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to judge their February Open Show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also thank you to my very efficient stewards Julie Price ad Jem Thomas and by no means least my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors for a super entry.
A few exhibits were wide in front, one or two I couldn't span, movement left a lot to be desired and some could have done with a little more tidying up.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Quality bitch with excellent coat and pelt. Good head, well placed ears. Good front and topline which she carried well on the move. good reach of neck and good shoulder placement. Moved well. Well presented, as one would expect from this kennel.
Wath West & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Mar 2019
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
B/T feminine head of correct proportion ,width of skull,length of muzzle,one ive admired before,clean neck of good reach,into well placed shoulders,striaght front,good bone,lovely tight feet,easily spanned,well ribbed back,good muscle tone throughout ,lovely harsh coat and thick pelt,well set on tail,moves with drive BOB
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Class Critique
A very strong class.
Retford |CS Open Show
17th Mar 2019
Judge: Fran Kaye (Danfrebek)
I thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their well-run show my hard working stewards also the exhibitors for their entry and friendly sportsmanship.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Class Critique
1st two could change places
Newark & DCS Open Show
23rd Mar 2019
Judge: David Taylor
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
excels in head skull not too broad and in proportion to muzzle,ears forward and close to cheek,overall giving a keen expression,good body proportions and spanable,harsh coat and thick pelt,in the choice for BOB I preferred the movement of the winner.RBOB
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A very striking blue and tan bitch with much to admire. Everything in the right place with level topline, strong hind angulation. Up on her toes and moved well.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge their Open Show and also the sporting way in which the exhibitors accepted my decisions. Also thank you to my stewards Anna Duxbury and Bridget Singh for keeping the ring moving smoothly throughout the day. Most exhibits were shown in a fit condition although there were one or two that were a little over weight and nervous on the day.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, with feminine otterhead. Good reach of neck with good shoulders. Narrow straight front , correct double jacket with loose pelt. Level topline with well set on tail carried well as she strode out. Peased to award her Best bitch.
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Club Open Show
27th Apr 2019
Judge: Dogs Angela Read, Bitches Bridget Singh
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Boston & District Canine Society Open Show
28th May 2019
Judge: Mr. Peter Armstrong ( Atron )
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue & tan bitch with a lovely strong, but pleasing feminine head. Adequate reach of neck. Narrow in front. Good shoulder placement. Well muscled and strong in loin with a level topline and correct tailset. Good coat and pelt. Neat tight feet. Moved with fluidity around the ring. Very pleased to award her a well deserved Best of Breed.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
B&T, a different type to my winner, but a real showgirl who was really on her toes, easy to span but not just as narrow across the shoulders and as good in the rib as my winner, and shorter in stride but had a super neckline, topline and tailset in profile. Small neat feet and straight forelegs.
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Class Critique
Another quality class of lovely bitches!
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank my stewards Lesley and Peter Armstrong-Rodgers for the excellent way they controlled the ring in a peaceful and confident way ensuring a good natured atmosphere to reign.
The exhibitors also deserve thanks for entering and accepting my decisions in a sporting way and spectators applauding each class in turn.
The quality of the majority of the exhibits was good but some of them had suspect front movement which seems to be common in certain Borders.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Julie North, for being efficient and keeping me on track.
I found no bad mouths and as always in our breed, coats at various stages. Lots of spannable dogs and bitches which I like.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Grantham & District Canine Society Open Show
19th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr John Ashe
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Selby Canine Society Open Show
26th Oct 2019
Judge: Dogs: Dr. M. Armstrong (Ploughdown) Bitches: Mrs. J. Carr (Wreighaugh)
Saturday was a very rainy day but the inhospitable weather outside contrasted sharply with the friendly atmosphere in the hall and the very warm welcome from committee members. I’d like to thank the exhibitors for braving the awful weather to come to the show, for their very good entry and their sporting spirit. I’d also like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge on the day and my stewards who organised the ring with great efficiency, courtesy and good humour.
Dr Margaret Armstrong
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Border Terrier bitches at this very friendly, hospitable and well run Open Show. Thanks also to my stewards who were a great support. I was very grateful to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry of bitches and for the sporting way in which they accepted my, often difficult, decisions. I was pleased that my fellow Border judge, Dr Margaret Armstrong, and I were able to agree on both Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed without reference to our referee.
Judy Carr
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
5 year old blue and tan. Lovely typical head, strong jaw and teeth whilst maintaining femininity. Good shoulders and length and depth of ribs, easily spanned. Strong loin and good tailset. Very good coat and loose pelt. Her movement was very sound and fluid. Overall she presented very well indeed. Best Bitch, Best of Breed, TG4.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Nov 2019
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this my second breed club show. Thank you to the committee for their kind hospitality and the lovely gift I received at the end of the day. My two stewards, Sharon Pickering & Beverley Barber, kept things moving along nicely – thank you. I was delighted with the entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. As expected coats were at various stages – some were good, some going over and a couple of exhibits were freshly pulled out. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two untidy and a couple of level mouths. I had one main concern on the day – size. There were some exhibits who were just too big to span and weighed heavy and this was reflected in their placings. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some good quality dogs to judge.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue/Tan bitch with strong head and muzzle. Spannable. Very good pelt and jacket. Well angulated front and rear – liked her length of body. Good top line and tail set. Sound on the move.
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
10th Nov 2019
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the Officers and committee for inviting me to judge their show today. My thanks also to Colin my ring steward. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. All mouths were good and all male dogs were entire.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch with best pelt of the day, Coat also in good order, nice expression with lovely eye and strong muzzle. Straight front with good angulation all round, moved very well today to take BOB.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
I must thank the officers and committee for allowing me to judge their Club Open show which was a great honour and which I really enjoyed. The hospitality and the friendly atmosphere made for a nice show and the quality of the dogs was exceptional. I must thank the Club for the lovely gift and Jan Hollingsbee for the flowers which are still alive and looking good. I must also thank my steward Julie Green who gave up her entry to steward for me.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
Placing Critique
A different type than my winner being taller and much longer in back making her a little unbalanced. Stronger in head with a strong skull, well set ears, dark kind eyes, I would like some definition between eyes, short strong muzzle. Good length of neck well laid-back shoulders, spanned. Firm back line to well held and carried tail. Angulated front lacking in depth to chest stands wide between straight well boned fore legs, compact feet. Body a little long with ribs being short, could be further back into loin. Blue and tan coat is harsh textured and well presented. Moderately developed hindquarters. Moved out soundly with good reach and drive.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
This was my last judging appointment so thank you to all who entered under me today. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some very nice dogs. I would also like to thank my stewards Linda and Natalie who kept the ring running smoothly.
I was very happy to see my BOB take Group 4 and my BP Puppy Group 2.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin'
