Show Placings
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Just 6months old eye catching rich red dog who excels in breed type, stunning head with lovely expression, finer in bone to my minor puppy dog winner, shown in good coat with good pelt, just very unsettled on the move today which cost him a higher place in previous class, one I will watch with interest.
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Sunderland & DCS Open Show
26th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Mandy Kenna (Cynetkoy)
I would like to thank the officers and commitee for inviting me to judge Border terriers at their show today, The day was made even more special by my BOB Tyneaster undercover agent for Vandamere, ( Pollit ) also winning the Terrier group and then going on to win BIS.
Congratulations to his owners.
The catering was excellent, and my ring steward very efficient thank you.finally thank you to all the exhibitors for a lovely entry.
On the whole mouths were good, coats were at various stages as i would expect for this time of the year, some exhibits would benefit from tidying coats. Some muzzles and heads were lacking in depth and width, loosing that " otter head".
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Caught my eye on entering the ring, liked his keen expression. He looked very smart and alert with a good strong coat. He moved with confidence with good length of neck with well laid shoulders and good top line. Moved out effortlessly and I hope that he does not over grow.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Again he showed himself well in a good class, worthy winner from the first class.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Class Critique
Three very nice puppies topped this class, many virtues amongst them & I am sure they will change places many times.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Full of breed type. Red dog that fills your eye. Great head, strong throughout, dark eye & good ears, with lovely expression. Ok for bone. Shown in decent coat with good pelt. Good through body, balanced, narrow & well ribbed. Not settled on the move which cost him higher rewards
Cumberland CA Open Show
14th Jan 2018
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to extend my thanks to the society for their invitation to judge, to my efficient steward Christine, who ensured things ran smoothly. To the exhibitors, it was a privilege to judge your dogs. Temperaments were excellent; all dogs were entire; and mouths were good. However, coats varied, and some dogs paid the price.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Eight month old rich red grizzle & tan dog with a masculine head and keen expression, although a little heavy in ear. Straight front, ribs well back and easily spanned, good angulations and bend of stifle, he moved well, once settled. In good coat with a loose pelt.
Class Critique
A lovely class of promising puppies, I look forward to seeing them in the future.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Litter brother to winner of previous class - a little heavier in type. He has an excellent skull and strong muzzle. Good coat and thick skin. His tail set is a little low and this detracts from his topline.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2018
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to thank the club for the invitation to judge and the hospitality I received. Thanks also to my steward Mr Ian Hopper for his great assistance. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day.
I was impressed with the quality of the majority of dogs present and although some were top size all placed dogs were easily spanned and had correct bite.. I felt overall movement was good, coats were variable some full and some lacking however in the run up to Crufts this is to be expected. The majority had good pelts which was pleasing. Mouths were generally good most with large teeth but I was disappointed to see many with dirty teeth.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
8mth grizzle/tan dog has a good balanced head with keen expression. Good length of rib he moved out well straight and true. Preferred coat and top line of 1st.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the warm welcome and hospitality shown on the day. Special thanks go to the Show Secretary Kathy Wilkinson, my two efficient stewards Liz Barrett and Judy Carr, and Carol Mackenzie for a lovely lunch. Most of all I would like to say a very big thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry, and for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. The depth of quality in some classes, particularly the bitches, meant that I truly wished for more top places to give out. However, I was very pleased with my main winners, who all looked as though they could manage a day’s work. Most exhibits were in hard, fit condition and well turned out. All dogs were entire, I found just a couple of kinked tails, and, understandably, there were a few missing/misplaced teeth in the veteran class. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, and this had to affect a few places as it is not only a necessity on a working terrier, but completes the picture. I was pleased to have some very promising puppies, and at the other end of the scale a wonderful class of veterans.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Lovely ottery head of correct proportions and with strong muzzle and jaw. He has a straight, narrow front, plenty of bone and neat feet. He is ribbed well back and spannable, and has a thick, loose pelt but was short of topcoat on the day. Moved well.
Class Critique
Two grizzle and tan litter brothers of almost 9 months, and very similar in size and type.
Maiden - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
See 1st in Puppy Dog.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
See 1st in Puppy Dog and 1st in Maiden Dog.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Another red grizzle in this class. Coat just coming in. Large masculine head with excellent dentition. Moved OK.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Birtley and District CS Open Show
1st Apr 2018
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee and Secretary for the invitation to judge at your show, the hospitality was second to none. Thanks to the NBTC for sponsoring the class, my steward Dave and all the exhibitors for bringing your dogs under me.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
11 month old grizzle and tan shown in new coat just coming in with plenty of pelt. Moves well with a true tracking motion driving from the rear which is well toned but his top line does drop off at the croup. Broad head but would prefer a smaller ear to frame his expression. Correct bite with large teeth.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
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
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
didn’t have as much coat as the winner but was very pleasing in head and expression. Moved well in front and behind. Didn’t have as good a topline as the winner but good tailset. Scored over 3 today for behaviour and showmanship and was slightly easier to span.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
G/tan 11 months. Slightly larger type but spannable, scores in head with dark expressive eyes and strong muzzle with a bite of large teeth. Good front and sufficient bone. What coat there was is harsh. Would prefer a more level topline.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
See 2nd Puppy Dog
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would firstly like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and for their lovely hospitality – lunch was very tasty. Thank you also to the committee for their lovely gift. My two stewards, Graham Richardson and Geoff Sugars, kept things moving along nicely – well done. This was my first breed club show and I was absolutely delighted with the excellent entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs. As expected coats were at various stages but on the whole were good; only a couple of exhibits on the day had no coat at all. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two missing or broken teeth, especially in the veteran class and one or two untidy mouths. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some really good quality dogs to judge.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Broad head and strong muzzle. Good coat and pelt. Moved OK but a little close behind. His top line could be better and his tail set is slightly low.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
2nd in Puppy dog
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr C Dixon (Thornheswin) D, Mr P Brannan (Brankell) B
I would like to thank the offices and committee for their invitation to judge their well organised terrier group open show, Thanks also to the two stewards for their help in making it all run smoothly. Finally a big thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, giving me a nice entry. Mr P Brannan (Brankell)
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
has a good head, strong muzzle and is well proportioned. Good front movement but a shade close behind at times. Nicely presented and handled he spanned well and had a new jacket of good texture, but couldn't match the topline or tailset of the winner.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
(2nd in Puppy)
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th May 2018
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee of the YLBTC for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Stewards Ian Hopper and Bridget Singh. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Best In Show
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Very smart young dog, Mature for his age. Strong head with good strong jaw and big teeth, flat skull and good neck and rib. Harsh double coat with loose pelt. Carrot tail set on well. Shown in fit condition. Moved confidently both ways,. BP BOB
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
as above
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
otter head, good big teeth, nice ears, lovely feet, in great coat, spanned easily, nice tail, moved well both ways
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Looked heavy when he came into the ring but shown in very full coat, and I’ve no problem with that, well angulated which shows in his good movement, nice head.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
13 month Grizzle and tan. Beautiful Otter head with strength of muzzle and broad skull, excellent scissor bite with large teeth. He has a good narrow straight front with enough bone. Narrow body with well carried back ribs. Very easy to span. Coat is due renewal. He falls slightly at the croup. Moved with precision, lovely honest type of Border of correct size.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Spannable though bigger all through than 1st. Great coat and skin. Stood on good feet and moved soundly, keeping his topline.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge today. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me, by far, the biggest Terrier entry of the day. A big thank you to my two stewards, Nev and Liz Holmes-Leak, who kept things running smoothly and efficiently thus ensuring that we finished in time for my BOB to make the Group.
Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, and in some cases this was the deciding factor. Some exhibits were too fine in bone, particularly in the earlier classes. Some heads had ears set too high, some had deep stops with muzzles that were too short which gives a foreign expression. There were more than a few exhibits which would have benefited from having their feet tidied and nails cut. Soundness of movement in some dogs gave cause for concern. If a Border is to be fit for the function it was intended, it needs to be sound on the move. I found varying degrees of unsoundness in front movement from toeing in, crossing in front to paddling and out at the elbows. Hind movement in some exhibits was also less than desirable with hocks too close together when going away, cow hocks, lack of drive from hindquarters and, in some cases, lack of muscle tone. All of which would not allow a Border to be ‘capable of following a horse’ over rugged terrain. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners. I was also pleased to see my BOB shortlisted in the group.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Bigger dog than 1, broad skull, strong muzzle, large teeth with scissor bite, keen expression, slightly big ears, narrow, spannable, straight front, good angulation, moved out well, low tail set and coat not his fortune .
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
14mo. Good type, well made, with good head. Racy lines. Coat OK. Moved well in front would prefer more drive behind.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
As before
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Close up to winner, nice dark eyes, good width of skull, in good coat with thick pelt, moved true both ways.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Red grizzle with good head. well set ears. Nice reach of neck, with good top line and tail set. Moved well.Slightly larger than 1.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Masculine head with a strong jaw, strong in the neck, straight front legs with decent bone, would prefer a leveller top line and higher tail set.
Sedgefield Agricultural Society Open Show
11th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs C E Samsom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Sedgefield Agricultural Show for the invitation to judge today and the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely quality entry. My steward Tom Hall was very efficient, there was a super ringside atmosphere in the warm sunshine.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
15 month old grizzle dog, with a keen expression who showed with presence that really caught my eye. Masculine head, with a nice dark eye and correct bite, coarse double coat and strong loin and hind quarters. He moved with drive and purpose, but unfortunately in the challenge he appeared a little tired and may have been affected by the rather warm weather.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
What a privilege it was to judge my breed again at the Scottish Kennel Club. I am very grateful for the invite.
I would really like to thank all of those who exhibited their dogs under me and for putting trust in my opinion and my integrity. I would also like to thank my very capable stewards Kate Scott and Lindsay O’Neill, who were very confident, efficient and jovial on the day.
My general findings were that the breed is showing a good in-depth quality. Movement is still a bit erratic here and there as one would expect, but I saw plenty of good borders on the day. However, I did notice that thickness of skin was not as evident as in the past and I honestly only found a few really good thick pelts. I found one dog had a very slight deformity near the very end of its tail. I had one or two level bites and one that obviously had recently had a tooth come out and its owner, very honestly, informed me of what had happened. None of these dogs were penalised in any way re mouths. Some exhibits were tallish but spannable, however, there were some that were two heavy in chest and had a rounder shape rib rather than the correct ‘v’ or heart shape.
As usual I was looking for borders that fulfilled the type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well as they would have had to when our standard was written all those years ago.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere
Placing Critique
Red dog with good head and big teeth with correct bite and good expression. Straight narrow front and neat feet. Neck flows into good shoulders with flat ribs easily spanned with nice rear angulation, harsh jacket, slightly low tailset, moved well both ways
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Presents an alert picture. Soundly made with balance. Decent head, thick skin firm loin. Not quite the quarters of the winner yet, but a tidy dog all through
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Class Critique
All 5 placed juniors have qualities that will stand them all in good stead for future success.
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Close up to 1, nice head shape, good body weight, good coat and pelt, well presented, preferred the rear movement & profile of 1.
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
good head with short strong muzzle, good ear, dark eye, keen expression, good spannable ribs well carried back, nice hindquarters.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
14th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs Judy Carr (Wreighaugh) & Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Dogs. I’m very grateful to the NCSTA for their invitation to judge today. Thank you also to the stewards who kept things flowing smoothly and also of course to the exhibitors who kindly entered and allowed me privilege of judging their dogs. Judy Carr (Wreighaugh)
Bitches Many thanks to the club for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry. Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
17 month old grizzle dog with a strong head, good bite and strong neck. Good shoulders and straight narrow front, easily spanned. Harsh coat with a good pelt. Moved with drive. Close challenge for BD, (RBD)
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
a well angulated grizzle, with a strong head/ muzzle, big teeth, well muscled, a little heavy on the shoulders, short of coat, moved out well on neat feet.
Sunderland and District CS Open Show.
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs K. Lothian (Lairehope)
I really enjoyed judging the Border Terrier classes at the Sunderland & District Canine Society Open Show, at The Temple Park Leisure Centre, South Shields, on 25 November 2018. I would like to thank Marie & the Committee for the superb hospitality and Bill Howe for the top quality food. Thank you also to Marcia, my efficient Steward. The Centre provided a pleasant atmosphere for the day.
I was delighted with the number of Border Terriers entered, away above the entry for other Terriers. It was a pleasure to judge in a ring of racy, showy, high quality Border Terriers – with the youngsters having a developed ring-craft for their age.. Predominant in the classes were Border Terriers with strong otter-heads for both male & female, with good dentition and harsh coats.
It is always satisfying for my winners to go on to succeed in the Group classes. Delighted, therefore, that my Best of Breed ~ Pollit's Brackenfell Rock the Boat for Vandamere, went on to win: Group 3 ~ Terrier Group, and that my Best Puppy in Breed ~ Golding's Valicetarn Blue Cosmos went on to win: Group 2 ~ Puppy Group - both groups judged by Jane Maxwell.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Another good class, and not much between 1st and 2nd places …. but this young dog pitched to win a little more with his confident movement, showy stance and his stunning masculine otter- head with strong muzzle and jaw and good dentition. Good length of rib and red grizzle coat. Small thick pads on feet. Pleased to award Best of Breed, and that he went on to win Group 3 in the Terrier Group.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Yearling - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
The Northern Dog Club Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Prof. David Brigden (Braithwaite)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
27th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr P Lothian (Lairhope)
I would like to thank the Scottish Border Terrier Cub for inviting me to judge their 2019 Limited Show and to Exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day. Thank you also to the Committee for the excellent hospitality. Many thanks...
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Reserve Best Dog, Strong head with keen expression. Good muzzle & strong teeth. Nice length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders with okay topline, good pelt & jacket. Moved well.
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.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Good head, nice strong muzzle, well set ears. Good for bone, good angulations fore & aft, Shown in good coat and moving out OK, quite a showy dog.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
24th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw) & Dr M Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown), Bitches, Thank you to the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at their group open show. I’d also like to thank my stewards for their sterling work in keeping things flowing. There was a lovely atmosphere at the show and the officers and exhibitors were very welcoming. I had a great entry of Border Terrier bitches and my placings were greeted with gracious courtesy. It was a bracing, sunny day and it was good for the Border Terriers to be judged outside, which largely seemed to suit all.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
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.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Good for bone and well angulated. Nice length and flat rib. Well-presented and shown but lacking in coat on the day.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Very well presented grizzle shown in short,harsh jacket.Masculine head with good biteWell put together,sound on the move and handled to advantage.
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.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Close up to 1. Strong head and muzzle. Nice reach of neck into good lay of shoulders. Also moved well. Just preferred topline of 1.
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.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
23 month old balanced dog. Strong otter head with scissor bite, big teeth. Narrow throughout ,harsh double jacket with thick pelt. Good length of rib, well angulated and muscled rear . Moved with ease. Pleased to award him R.B.I.S.
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
21st Apr 2019
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Many thanks to the committee for a lovely day and to the exhibitors for a super entry.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Strong red dog with the best of otter heads I would prefer to see less face furnishings, strong muzzle with good bite and nice thick ears set on well, nice length of rib he comes to hand well easily spanned, he was in good coat with super pelt he secured Best of Breed on his sound movement.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Loved this dogs size, smartly presented, OK for head with dark eye and mouth good, loved his expression, standing appeared a bit roached but moved well and as in good coat, an attractive, quality dog.
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.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
What a beautiful head this boy has, he is masculine without being coarse in any way He moved out well with good coat & good bend of stifle.
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
R gr with an excellent head and dentition , straight front , good reach of neck , level topline , well bent stifle and good jacket and pelt.
Class Critique
A challenging class of differing types. All 3 dogs moved soundly .
Hawick & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Dark red grizzle dog. Possesses a lovely strong head yet without any coarseness. Adequate reach of neck. Narrow in front. Good shoulder placement. Well muscled. Good topline and correct tailset. Good bend of stifle. Decent coat and pelt. Neat tight feet. Moved well
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Narrow racy dog, good front and well angulated rear positive on the move
Durham County Canine Association Premier Open Show
14th Jul 2019
Judge: Dogs - Mr. Peter Armstrong (Atron) Bitches - Mr. Paul Brannan (Brankell)
A well-organized show layout, an obviously hard working committee, beautiful picturesque setting, good sized well mown rings, excellent convenient car parking, fine weather and an excellent entry of quality dogs. What more could a judge ask for !.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Dark red grizzle dog. Another I done well for before. Has a good strong masculine head, kind expression, good eye shape & colour. Adequate reach of neck. Straight front. Good topline and well set on tail. Overall well constructed body. Shown in hard condition. Moved fluidly around the ring with drive.
Ryedale & Pickering Lyth Agricultural Society (Canine Section) - Open Show
30th Jul 2019
Judge: Linda Pearson (Kiltondale)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
and he nearly did just that, lovely head, so full of typ, good front & shoulders, spanable body with ribs back, nice overall balance, in good coat, lovely mover
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Good type of dog who was in excellent coat and condition. Very good body. Tight feet, good bone, easily spanned. Moved steadily, but not with the freedom of first.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
a little different in type but with lots to like, very good head with correct eye and expression, excellent lay-back of shoulders, coat rather short but of correct texture, tail rather thin and he would have benefitted from less streamlined trimming, good mover
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
8th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs. V. Mann (Valger)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
2yr old grizzle dog. Masculine head with strength of muzzle & keen expression. Narrow all through, spannable & standing on straight legs. Good coat texture with a thick loose pelt. Moved well.
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.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
grizzle dog with level top line, strong rear with good angulation, good in profile, well balanced, excellent coat and pelt, nice front construction.
Stanhope Agricultural Society Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Katrina Golding (Beaconpike)
Many thanks to the society for asking me to judge what a wonderful warm welcome from the committee, thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Strong headed dog that oozes breed type, what a lovely dog to go over with lots to like, secured this class on his sound movement.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs J Johnson (Ratcheugh)
Firstly my thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for giving me the opportunities to judge their Championship show, the committee for their hospitality and my stewards for keeping me on track. My thanks also to Joyce Martin for giving me memories of the day.
Secondly my appreciation to all exhibitors some who had travelled many miles on a very cold and frosty morning, it was a privilege to go over your dogs and thank you for accepting my decisions.
I was extremely pleased with my main winners, it’s very pleasing to have a class of borders and find one which ticks all your boxes.
Some puppies were in my opinion are too big and some I found difficult to span. I also prefer if handlers allowed the puppy to walk loosely and not strung up, this throws the front movement.
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Lacking in coat today but thick pelt, very nice head and expression, narrow throughout, good mover.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2020
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge the first of their centenary shows this year and for their warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you to my two stewards, Judy Carr and Judith Fawcett who had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a large quality entry. Thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a wonderful entry of 143 dogs, sadly the serve flooding at the time made for several absentees, but I’d like to thank everyone who braved the floods and made the journey. This was my first breed club appointment, which was a truly memorable experience and one I won’t forget. Thank you for the lovely gifts which I will treasure. I was generally very pleased with the overall quality of the dogs entered under me. Coats were at varying stages, and some dogs paid the price today. The quality in some classes made for some difficult decisions, especially in the limit/open classes, and I would have liked more first places.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
another quality male with a lovely shaped body, good in rib and carried well back, easy to span, strong loin, good size & shape, in hard condition & moved well fore & aft, neat feet with thick pads, tail well set & correct length.
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Mid Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Very similar to (1) only slightly lacking in coat. Great head. Good type. Moved and shown well.
Scarborough & DCA Open Show
18th Jul 2021
Judge: Tracy Morgan
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Yet another out of the top drawer, showing his heart out, sharing his excellent type and soundness with everyone ringside
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful typy lad with correct mouth, eye and ear, lovely head furnishings garnishing an excellent expression, strong neck into an excellent front assembly standing on tight feet. Good harsh jacket clinging tightly to a cobby strong body and effective rear quarters with a strong tail which was set on just right to give a beautiful ballanced outline. Moved very well in all directions and never failed to stand squarely, a good showman who was complimented by excellent handling BOB and Group 4 in exceptional competition.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW ShCEx
Placing Critique
gr masculine headed dog, srong muzzle, good shoulders, thick harsh jacket also moved well.
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to Darlington Committee for the invitation to my ring stewards and the exhibitors for your entries. Not having attended a show since they started up again it was quite a surprize and worry to handle some very big dogs. I know size has always been a talking point in the breed but today it was a problem with some of the dogs, bitches were a much better size with some close decisions in their classes.
Another noticeable difference is some exhibitors deciding to run with their dogs, why I don’t know it’s something never seen or needed in the border ring. With some handlers in a class walking around and others deciding to run its not what is expected. Watching a dog and handler move in unison on a good, collected pace is much more acceptable.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW ShCEx
