Show Placings
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge this show. It was a great privilege to be asked and I would like to thank my two ring stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright for keeping everything moving smoothly for me throughout the day.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Just 6 months this grizzle bitch has a good head and with a feminine expression and short muzzle. I see she is the litter sister to my MPB winner. She is a taller bitch with a lovely topline and tail set and tight feet and thick pads and is narrow throughout. She has a good tight double jacket. Moved well, just preferred the overall size of 1.
Wigan & District Canine Society Open Show
6th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, and for their warm hospitality, and also to my ring steward who kept things running smoothly. Thank you to all of the exhibitors who gave me such a wonderful entry of well turned out, quality dogs, which I felt privileged to go over.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch, a 6 month old baby really enjoying her day out. Lovely feminine head with short, strong muzzle and good bite. Easily spannable with narrow ribs carried well back. Good length of body, level topline and wellset on carrotty tail. Narrow in shoulder, good angulation front and rear. Correct double coat and loose pelt. Moved correctly and confidently for one so young. BP
Class Critique
What a wonderful class full of promising puppies! I honestly wished that I had more cards to give out.
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Smaller pup than winner. Liked her type. Feminine with pleasing expression. Narrow and easily spanned. Good coat and topline. Neat feet.
Southport and Birkdale Canine Society Open Show
26th Nov 2016
Judge: Andrea Keepence--Keyte
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
15th Jan 2017
Judge: Ms J. Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and for their kind hospitality. Thank you also to my ring steward, Mark Lowry, who kept things running smoothly - I very much enjoyed my day.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for the privilege of going over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and I found no kinked tails.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
little sister to my Junior winner. Feminine head with nice expression and neat ears. Good body proportions. Out of coat today. Moved soundly enough round the ring.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs. A. Heathcote (Saxheath)
My thanks to the Committee for asking me to judge this show , my Stewards Callie and Ian for their invaluable assistance and all the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs . I had some quality dogs to go over with some close decisions in some classes , however , I found front movement in particular was rather disappointing in the lower classes .That aside I thoroughly enjoyed my day .
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
This girl has a lovely straight front, good reach of neck into a level topline and nice underline a well set carrot tail and thick pelt. Unfortunately in her underwear today. Moved soundly.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
eyecatching bright red bitch, in good order, liked her head and expression and good topline on the move, moved well coming and going on lovely neat feet, carroty tail.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Head and expression was ok, racy with a good topline and tail well set on. Little straight in shoulder but moved ok, first class jacket and pelt, overall well balanced.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Typical otter head, good fill under the eye with small ears set close to cheek, strong jaw and correct bite. good reach of neck going into well put together front, rib and loin. level topline with a carroty tail set on well good rear angulation and standing on four good tight feet. Moved well both ways and shown to advantage by handler. (BPB&BP)
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Best of heads, dark eye, strode out with lots of drive from her well angulated rear
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Took this difficult class with her excellent length of body and her lovely reach of neck, with her beautiful otter-like head with correct ratio again and dark eyes with very alert, varminty expression. Perfect ear set. Good straight front as usual from this kennel. Lovely body lines. Again, as usual from this kennel, thick, pliable, loose pelt and excellent coat. Not many kennels are so consistent in this type and quality.
Class Critique
Another very hard decision between the first five in this class.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Nice size, well proportioned, super topline and hind angulation. Good head with a keen expression.
Class Critique
Very little to choose between these two.
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
RBCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Red grizzle shown in full coat lovely head big teeth ,good reach of neck harsh double coat on loose pelt easily spanned good length of back in hard fit condition moved very well.RCC
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Another beauty with good head and keen eye, good front and tight neat well padded feet, racy quarters and moved out well both ways.
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Lovely head; strong but feminine. Good reach of neck. Straight front, easily spanned. Lovely level topline, nice bend of stifle. Shown in heavy double coat. Moved true and with lots of drive. Had a tendency to stand untidy in front.
Driffield Championship Show
30th Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Apologies to my exhibitors , my technology has failed to send this when first done.
Trying conditions for the society due to heavy rain meant that parking was a long way from the rings unlike the behind the tent easy access we are used to. The ground underfoot was very trying, but thankfully our ring was only churned up in a couple of places. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my day and appreciated the tenacity of the exhibitors for coming and their sporting acceptance of my decisions. Only one o two fine showers marred the day.
A diversity of size and construction came forward, and I was struck by how many took a rather short stride going round the ring. Some paid the price on the day for lack of coat, but mainly for being big in rib and heavy when picked up.
I was very pleased with my line ups and thought them a good representation of what I consider "essentially working terriers" being lithe in body with narrowness, free moving soundness and good type to fulfil the criterion of the standard.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Litter sister to Junior Bitch winner. Stylish red grizzle, built on similar lines to her sister, but a little more leg. Attractive head, eye and expression with neat ears. Light in frame thus easily spannable, in good double coat, moved very well driving of her hocks with a long free stride. Considered for top honours.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Best In Show
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
A real pleasure to go over and discover a well laid back rib under her full but harsh double jacket, slightly longer in body than some she maintained her topline when on the move. Dark nose and eyes completed what was for me a super otter like head which was the best of the day. Tight cat like feet and thick pads are necessary attributes for a day’s activity, whatever the ‘terrier terrain’ and she excelled here too. This combined with her fitness and condition allowed her to move with drive, never putting a foot wrong, it gave me great pleasure to award her Best in Show.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (nee Marwood) (Annesuz)
It was an absolute honour and pleasure to judge the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in Low Hesket and I would like to thank a very hardworking committee for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the exhibitors and spectators for their warm welcome and genuine applause at my placings. There was a good atmosphere throughout the day and good to see so many still ringside to see the top honours at the end.
I was greeted with an excellent entry of 104 dogs making 122 entries and from these I was able to select some top specimens truly representative of our breed. I am not going to wax lyrical about the breed in general but suffice to say in my humble opinion a watch needs to be kept on heads, movement and coats/pelt.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my Best Dog is the grandsire of my Reserve Best Dog and my Best Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch share the same sire as each other.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Great type. Lovely otter head, correct shoulders, length of back, level topline. Bone ok. Showed well.
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.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
grizzle/tan presented in excellent coat, good length of rib , strong loin. Good quarters which she used well on the move to drive round the ring. Strong head with keen expression. Pleased to award to her RBB
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.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Best In Show
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Absolutely gorgeous grizzle and tan bitch who caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring, moving with accuracy and purpose, holding a lovely level topline and with a well set on, short, carrot shaped tail. She is just right for size, being narrow and easily spanned, and has so much breed type. She has a lovely straight front and is just right for bone. Her moderate neck flows into well placed shoulders, and she is ribbed well back. Her ottery head is both feminine but strong with very little stop, a strong jaw and big teeth in a scissor bite. She has good angulation front and rear, and sturdy hindquarters from which to drive, along with a good reach of upper arm, enabling her to really stride out. She is beautifully presented in a correct double coat with harsh topcoat and thick, pliable pelt, and stands on neat, well padded feet. Was delighted to award her Best Bitch and Best In Show.
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
18th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
This was not my judging appointment but due to adverse weather conditions on the day meant Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm) was unable to make the show I was happy to stand in.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch nice for breed type, strong head with correct bite, she stands on neat feet and has a lovely shape carrot tail. Moved well.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Shiow
3rd Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs J Lilley (Kensing)
What a privilege it was to judge Border Terriers actually at their home in the Borders! Thank you to all exhibitors for such a flattering entry of charming dogs and thank you to all the committee and officers for your welcome, hospitality and generosity. complete with a delicious lunch. Certainly it was one of the best halls that could be imagined for a breed open show with the option to judge outside had the weather been better. I was most impressed with the hard condition of the vast majority of the entry and particularly with the thickness of pelts and short thick carrot tails. There seemed to be a sporting friendly atmosphere throughout to give me such a memorable happy day. I must just add an extra thank you to my helpful steward, Katie Hamilton, and to Margaret Boulcott, for whose great kindness, hospitality and long distance driving skills I was so grateful.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Rich coloured Grizzle and tan in new tight jacket, super fit condition with a striking outline.
Appealing head but not as strong as 1st, was full of herself and showed her good long ground covering stride. She has good narrow bodylines with excellent length of body and well carried back narrow ribs. Strong topline and correct tailset .Expertly handled and looked a picture free stacked.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Ex type and size. Ex head, dark eyes. Ex top line Good angulation, good mover. Ex coat.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
The first three in this class were a pleasure to judge, powerful underjaw, good length of neck, clean shoulders, in good coat, moved with plenty of drive from strong back end.
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
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Light red harsh coated bitch, stronger in the bone than 1st, she was slim and spanable under her thick coat. Correct tail set and carriage .
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Lancashire Sporting Terrier Open Show
1st Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs Alison Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the committee for the appointment to judge here and huge thanks to my stewards Julie North, the lovely Lucy and Rose being super efficient and helpful.
Huge thanks to everyone that entered today giving an entry of great quality.
My B.O.B. is a bitch I have long admired but never had the good fortune to go over.
The winner of open being from the same kennel, I can say what pleasure it was to see them both today. Giving me a very hard decision between them. The second point I must make is that this is a kennel built by judicious breeding and to have the quality they have throughout has to be applauded.
Huge congratulations to Debbie Lorraine getting BEST PUP IN SHOW with the lovely Daisy.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Couldn’t help but smile looking at her, everything to like in this bitch. The most exquisitely feminine head with such a kind eye and expression. Good dentition and neat ears. Lovely length of neck into great shoulders and excellent flat rib carried well back with good angulation and well set on tail and level topline. Her coat is just a little further on in the growing than her Kennelmate in Open with a nice loose pelt. Her proportions and length are just lovely I just couldn’t resist her she looked fabulous. Lovely showy girl. B.O.B.
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.
BCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Also Bitch CC. What a strong yet feminine bitch this is, standing beautifully over the ground on good tight feet. As always from this kennel, she has an exceptional thick pelt and super jacket. Lovely otterhead with superb ear placement and a good 1/3rd to 2/3rds proportions and a lovely keen expression. Good shaped body with ribs carried well back and an excellent bend of stifle, with tail coming straight off the back. A very worthy winner of this class. I was delighted to award this lovely bitch the CC in hot competition. This kennel are to be congratulated for the excellent type and style they consistently produce.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
It was an honour and pleasure to Judge at this great club show, I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors, my entry was fantastic full of quality, I’m sorry but some really good dogs were not in the top honours today. I thought the bitches in general were of better quality than the dogs which is good for the breed, and in the dogs, I also noticed some exhibits were lacking coat, a sign of Crufts approaching, but in general they were good.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Excellent bitch, good typical head, eye and well set ears, showing expression, good clean neck and shoulders, well balanced and constructed, moved well both ways with good reach, holding a good topline and tail carriage, good coat and pelt.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson
My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin!
It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future!
I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride.
Only a very few were difficult to span.
As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter.
Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride.
A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Red grizzle. Typical head and expression. Not dissimilar in make and shape to the first. Not quite so narrow, over the shoulder and rib, but, perhaps, a better underline. Very good topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Stylish, sound, free mover.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2019
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
I would first like to thank all the exhibitors for a lovely entry, and for making the effort to travel to the N.E.C on a dark winter’s morning. There was a variation in breed type to a degree, which is always the case, but I was very happy with both my final lineups and only wish I could hand out more awards.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
res bitch with nice head and dark eye, showed in excellent coat, good bodylines, with level topline, good tailset with strong hindquarters. Showed well.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and also to my very efficient ring steward who kept things running smoothly. I had a lovely day and felt it was a great honour and responsibility. I really appreciated each and every entry, and had some lovely exhibits to go over, the depth of quality in some classes meaning that some nice dogs went cardless. Coats were understandably at different stages, and although this has no bearing on the construction of the dog, a good coat does complete the picture of what is essentially a working terrier.
RBCC
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ridgebow Rusty Rivet
Placing Critique
Eye catching grizzle and tan bitch who is just right for size, being narrow and easily spanned, and with the correct amount of bone. She has a lovely straight front and strong neck into nice shoulders. Her head is feminine but strong with very little stop, strong jaws and big teeth in a scissor bite. She is ribbed well back, strong in loin and has sturdy hindquarters giving plenty of drive. She is well muscled and beautifully presented in a harsh, dense coat, and moved soundly holding her level topline. RCC.
