Show Placings
Exonian CA Open Show
7th Dec 2024
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge at this lovely show. It was such a shame that a ‘red alert’ for a storm was declared the day before the show, understandably meaning that the entries were hit hard. A huge thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the wind and rain to make it a super show. Delighted with the quality of dogs, it was an immense pleasure to have the opportunity to judge them. Spirits were high, which made for a lovely atmosphere.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Another puppy that stole my heart today, at just 6 months old and at her first show this Border Terrier bitch showed herself of with confidence and style. When stood she presents such a lovely outline, nothing is overdone, but shapely and very feminine. Lovely otter head, with dark mischievous eyes, short strong foreface and good bite. Good length of neck and a firm topline and super carrot tail. Her chest is well let down, but easily spannable. Shown with a good harsh texture to the coat. Smart and tidy on the move
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
OH my, just fell for this 6 month old bitch at her first show, see RBPIS
Class Critique
What a super class of puppies, all very worthy
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Totnes & District Canine Society Open Show
22nd Dec 2024
Judge: Miss D Inett (Carradine)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Taunton & DCA Open Show
5th Jan 2025
Judge: Bethany Stockton (Marlablue)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
11th Jan 2025
Judge: Mr T Harrison (Glenbrows)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Manchester Championship Show
19th Jan 2025
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
25th Jan 2025
Judge: Jan Fiers (Lokeren)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Terrier Club of South Wales
9th Feb 2025
Judge: Veteran/Dog Judge: Valerie Atkinson, Bitch Judge: Sue Spafford
Val Atkinson - Dogs
Thank you so much to the committee for inviting me to judge. The welcome was warm and the standards of exhibits high. Sportsmanship was very evident to see and this made for a really lovely atmosphere.
I apologize for the delay in these critiques but I took very poorly and spent some time hospitalized.
Sue Spafford - Bitches
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at the show. Together with my fellow judge, Valerie Atkinson (Read Wolf) – dogs. We had a super entry but a shame there were so many absentees on the day. We both agreed on our joint decisions for BoB, RBoB and BP.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
7-month-old, feminine head maturing nicely, good expression, good length of neck, straight front narrow and easily spanned. Well laid back rib, good topline, short carroty tail, well set on, good hind angulation. Lacking coat today but liked her construction enough to award BP.
Camborne and Redruth CS Open Show
15th Feb 2025
Judge: Paige Evans
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Best Puppy
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
16th Feb 2025
Judge: Kathleen Haugh (Oxbeck)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Mar 2025
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock OBE (Sleepyhollow)
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Exeter & County CS Open Show
15th Mar 2025
Judge: Mick Oxley (Digelsa)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2025
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
Thank you to the National Terrier for the invite to judge, and to the exhibitors for an amazing entry,
I really enjoyed the day, and the chance to go over some lovely dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
25th Apr 2025
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to everyone who entered on a Friday and gave me the biggest entry of the two groups on the day and the forth highest in the whole show! Pat and Paul my stewards were great and helped me to get through the dogs in an efficient way.
We were lucky enough to be outside on a perfect dog showing day weather wise.
Some super quality classes with hair splitting decisions and even lovely dogs unplaced. Whilst essentially a working terrier was a priority, I wanted my males, to look like males and my bitches easily recognisable as females, it sounds obvious but with some they could’ve passed for either.
Some really lovely dogs looked super stood, but failed on the move, not just coming and going, but more importantly to me, the side gait.
I think we need to be careful of mouths, I was surprised to find several with teeth out of line. Level bites, although allowed and not penalised on the day, some were in very young dogs and it makes me wonder if they will last.
Having said all that, I enjoyed my day and the dogs, who also seemed to enjoy being outside.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Grizzle in great coat and condition with a lovely feminine head, neat ear, expressive eye and good mouth. Very easy to span, just enough bone, hopefully she will lay some flesh on them as she matures. Has a level topline but croup just spoils her tailset,but it is short and is carried well on the move, which she does soundly and with great enthusiasm, could easily swap places another day.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
4th May 2025
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I’d like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge Border Terriers at this lovely show, we had a big ring to see the dogs get into their stride and show what they are made of, movement was on average ok, a few crabbing around corners, size varied a lot with some difficult to span, coats were generally good with only one fully stripped. Thank you to my two stewards keeping things running on a windy day!
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Another promising puppy, grizzle bitch of good size, with feminine otter head, well placed ears, strong muzzle and good dentation, coat of good texture, spanned easily, good angulation throughout, moved well for a youngster, close call between two. Preferred overall outline of one on the day.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Partnership Championship Show
8th May 2025
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Many thanks to the Midland committee for this appointment which l thoroughly enjoyed, despite the weather which sent us indoors after bitches. Many thanks to my stewards. As an aside l was pleased to see that moderately short tails are coming back! I was also pleased to find that three of the youngsters from the previous time l judged had developed as hoped and received top honours today. The exception was the outstanding dog which took BIS, my first time judging this one and what a treat! This blue and tan dog meets the standard so well, essentially a working terrier, the most important requirement of our breed, but with the quality of a top show dog .
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Just preferred the scope of 1 but this grizzle has well proportioned head, good shoulders, ribs ok, strong loin, good second thigh, moved out well and in harsh coat.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
2nd in Junior.
Birmingham National Dog Show
8th May 2025
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Premier Open Show
18th May 2025
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the committee of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Premier Open Show. I thank them further for managing to arrange glorious weather! I thoroughly enjoyed my day and I must thank the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry and some super dogs to go over, and to my Steward Marie, who carried on to steward for the next class as well.
I am glad to note that I found no kinked tails, or suspect mouths. Coats as usual were in all stages of growth and in general fronts were good; and there were some good Otter-like heads in evidence. I was pleased with my final line up, who all moved with super reach and drive – essentially a working terrier!
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch who turned 1 at start of show. She caught my eye as she entered the ring with her confident demeanour, and super level topline that she kept whilst on the move. She worked with her handler to produce a balanced movement with excellent reach and drive, producing a powerful flowing movement. She possesses a feminine head with shallow stop, lovely reach of neck into well placed shoulders, and is narrow through with strong loin and good length of back. Excellent rear angulation, and racy hindquarters; correct underline with no tuck up; finishing with a carrot-like tail which was held in the correct position. Immaculately presented, with harsh coat and thick pelt. Pleased to be able to award her Best Puppy in Breed and to watch her gain further honours with PTG1 and then RBPIS.
Bath Canine Society
24th May 2025
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the Society for their kind invitation and to the exhibitors for their support. Special thank you to Liesel Thorner for her efficient stewarding.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Class Critique
A strong class.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2025
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Thank you to everyone that entered and attended my first judging appointment at Championship level. Many thanks to my stewards, who kept the day running smoothly. We were very lucky with the weather, a little warm at times but the dogs all managed well and did not flag in the heat.
I was thrilled at the quality of dogs that I had to go over and extremely pleased that I had very few absentees. There were some super quality of classes that made my decisions quite hard. Finding a dog that most fits the standard is important to me, and I feel my winners did just that. I was extremely pleased with my main winners, and even more thrilled to see that I made up two Champions!
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
A different type pf bitch, smaller in size and not the length of body and rib as 1. She has good angulation and a lovely topline and tail set. I liked her otter head and her dark eye and expression. She was handled extremely well and flowed round the ring with drive.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
5th Jun 2025
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry especially for a Thursday, I found the Bitches better in Quality than the Dogs on the day, I feel I can speak little about what I found as I have worked them, shown them and bred them, But I wont criticize, has many showing this wonderful breed forgotten more than I know, but its my observation on the day,
There were a few I really liked but lacked jackets on the day, I found a few with ears to big, and some needed more power moving from behind, but that can be improved, please don't over stretch when you stacking them, And now my biggest bugbear please don't keep shoving bait into their mouths when a judge is trying to go over their heads this is happening a lot now why I don't know, never seen it so bad as lately but in most terrier exhibitors, moan over lol, Also thank you to both my stewards Gavin Argyle and Penny Winger, who done an amazing job Thank you both.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
good in skull, strong underjaw, neat ears, enough spring of rib, easily spanned, covered the ground well when moving both ways liked her a lot
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
2nd in Junior bitch
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Jun 2025
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge at the club’s championship show on 7th June. Congratulations to them for providing such an excellent and well run show. Thanks also to my stewards Sian Mckay and Sophie Leggat for their cheerful and efficient help. Many thanks to all who entered. It is always a priviledge and pleasure to go over your dogs and I thank all the exhibitors for that opportunity. It was also an honour to be the 51st judge to award a DCC to CH Otterbobs Tolson, making him the Breed CC record holder. Many congratulations to his owners.
Overall, I thought there was plenty of quality from puppies through to the veterans. I thought that size was good, as were coats and heads. I was really pleased that I also found an improvement in length and shape of tails. Downside was front movement as there were a significant number who were not accurate in this department.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Lovely balanced grizzle bitch. Good otter head with dark eye and keen expression. Narrow rib easily spannable. Well angulated hindquarters. Correct length and shape of tail. Moved accurately and with purpose covering the ground well. In very good double jacket and thick pelt. Well handled.
Taunton & DCS Open Show
14th Jun 2025
Judge: Sharon Clark (Canequiss)
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2025
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
Firstly i would like to thank Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to Judge at their show. Thank you also to all those that entered and allowed me to judge their dogs on what was an exceptionally hot day for both exhibitor and dogs.
I had some quality dogs to judge and on another day some placings could easily be swapped around. I was more than happy with my top award winners. It was a pleasure to watch the Group judging and see my B.O.B, Best Veteran and Best Special Beginners placed in their respective groups.
In general I found the majority of dogs to be in a good fit condition. I did find 2 or 3 dogs with kinked tails. I would also ask that exhibitors refrain from giving dogs tit bits as the judge is trying to check mouths. nothing wrong with baiting your dogs but not while trying to check mouths. Also one or two exhibitors trying to hold onto the dog as though they are trying to restrict you assessing them.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Partnership Championship Show
5th Jul 2025
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Many thanks to East Anglia B.T.C. officers and committee for giving me the opportunity to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. Special thanks to my two stewards, Richard and Julie for making sure everything ran smoothly on the day.
Overall, I thought the quality was good and I was pleased with my main winners, very balanced with lots to like and it was a pleasure to go over them.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
5th Jul 2025
Judge: Tan Nagrecha (Chandimore)
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
City of Birmingham Championship Show
30th Aug 2025
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Thank you to the Committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association for inviting me to judge at their Championship Show. It was an honour to judge Borders Terriers on the day. I would like to thank especially the Border Terrier exhibitors for giving me such a super entry and for their graciousness and sporting manner. The venue was airy and the ring was roomy. I realised afterwards that the carpet could be rather slippery and I think that this may have provided somewhat of a challenge at times. I had many lovely dogs to go over and sometimes making decisions was like splitting hairs.
Finally thank you to my stalwart stewards who were super organized and kept me on the straight and narrow.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Placing Critique
Stood alone but represented the class well. Strong, feminine head with short muzzle and flat skull, set off by a dark eye that held a keen glint. Just right for size, narrow throughout and spanned with ease. Short strong tail, set on well. Well-turned stifles completed the picture. Moved well around the ring.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
31st Aug 2025
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
Many thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge what turned out to be the last Joint Ch Show. I had a wonderful day, & I was very ably and efficiently aided by my two stewards Tracey Anscombe and Peter Armstrong & I send my thanks out to them again (shows can’t run without good stewards).
My main down side to a lot of the Borders I went over was the front movement (I’m not immune to this either)! This needs watching and careful breeding to try and improve on this fault - not easy I know, but something to aim for. Again very few Borders with a good thick pelt which we used to have. Top lines have much improved generally and good to see that most of the exhibits were in good fit/hard condition.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Liskeard & DCS Premier Open Show
6th Sep 2025
Judge: Joanna Moakes (Jomoaka)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2025
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Exeter & County CS Open Show
13th Sep 2025
Judge: Alan Carter
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Itsaso A Beacon Of Hope
