Show Placings
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Red grizzle dog with good head, big teeth, coat just coming through, spanned ok, moved ok.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
My grateful thanks to the Club for inviting me to judge their July Open Show. I had a lovely day. I'd like to thank the exhibitors for a super entry
Also thanks to my very capable Steward, Allen Horner, who kept everything on track, Valerie Atkinson for a lovely lunch and to the club for their hospitality. The show was well organised considering the difficulties with Covid restrictions. I had difficulty in spanning quite a few exhibits and I was surprised to see a lot of small teeth. Also there were a lot of exhibits who could have do with their nails trimming. All dogs were entire and there were no kinky tails.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Nice type, but not quite in as good order as 1.
Maiden - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
2nd in junior
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
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.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Class Critique
Close decision between these two!
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge BorderTerriers, and thank you to my two very efficient stewards who kept things moving along in the ring.
Sadly today, rudeness to the stewards and a lack of sportsmanship seem to be on the increase.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Nice size of dog with good topline and tailset. Narrow ribs and a thick pelt. Neat, cat-like feet and moved out well.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Also in good coat, balanced head dark eyes moved well, slightly longer tail than 1st.
Wolsingham Open Show
5th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
I would like to thank the committee of Wolsingham Show Dog Section for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at the Open Show. I had a lovely entry and thank the Exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to go over there dogs. I enjoyed the day very much.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Nice size of dog with a masculine head, good topline and tail set. Narrow in rib. Harsh coat and thick pelt. Moved well with drive.
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Liked this dogs overall balance , not a flashy boy but he's moderate & of good length.Lovely head and expression , good reach of neck , correctly angulated front and rear.I loved his super long flat rib making him easily spannable ,top line and tail set excellent. Presented in full coat which was of correct texture.
Class Critique
This was such a nice class of junior males .
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Novice - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2022
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would sincerely like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely well run show and for their kind hospitality on the day. Also for the lovely gifts received from the Club.
Many thanks also to my two stewards Judy and Marina, who were a great help and kept things running very smoothly.
I was extremely flattered by the wonderful entry and would like to thank each and every exhibitor for kindly allowing me to go over their dogs, and for their sportsmanship when accepting my decisions.
Coats, as always were very varied at this time of year, and some had to pay the penalty for not having enough topcoat. Nearly all dogs were spannable, all males were entire and dentition was good overall. I found I had some difficult decisions to make, and I was sorry I could not give more places.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Super head and expression, coat and pelt in good order. Good angulation all round and nice length of rib, easily spannable, moved well to take this class.
Billingham & Synthonia CS Open Show
27th Feb 2022
Judge: Becky Johnson (Downstream)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr. Tim Ball (Kaitak)
A thoroughly enjoyable day and my thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their well-run Open Show. I was delighted with the excellent entry and what a pleasure it was to spend a day with the Borders and their owners. There were some well-filled classes which gave me lots to think about and some decisions were extremely close. A lovely atmosphere prevailed and applause for the winners was consistent throughout.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
15th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to the committee/officers of the Sunderland & District Canine Society for asking me to judge the Border Terriers at today’s Premier Open Show. A lovely entry of 25 dogs so a big thank you to the exhibitors for supporting my entry today and presenting some really nice dogs.
Also a big thank you to my steward for the day, Mr Tom hall who kept not only my classes but all of the terrier ring for the day finishing off with the group.
Borders were first in the ring today so I had the chance to see all of the terrier classes develop during the morning and then pleased to see my Best Of Breed go Terrier Group 2 – well done.
A lovely friendly show well supported and being an outside event weather held and the sun shone for most of it. Thank you all again for a lovely day and your support -
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Northumberland County Show
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I would like to start with thanks to the Northumberland County Show Canine committee for inviting me to judge and for a well run show and the most excellent hospitality. Thanks also to my steward for stepping in at short notice and delivering a very well run ring.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Approaching 2 year old strong male grizzle dog. Good head, dark eye, excellent scissor bite and great expression. Strong neck, correct shoulder placement, kept his top line on the move with a well set tail. Easily spannable with a strong loin. Good for bone, ok coat with a good pelt. Moved freely around the ring with drive. Liked this dog a lot.
Durham & County Canine Assoc. Premier Open Show.
17th Jul 2022
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this extremely well run event, especially for pulling off such a great show despite being let down at such a late stage with their original venue. The Committee must have really pulled together, so very well done. I must say that they even had far more toilet facilities than some Championship Shows of late !.
I was delighted to be greeted with a super entry, not just numerically, but in quality too !. Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing their Borders for my opinion today.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Handsome grizzle dog with a good head of classic proportions, dark eye, good finish to muzzle and correct dentition. Standing, he looked so well balanced. Good reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Flat ribs making him easily spannable and with good rear hindquarters. Moving, he held his topline well and carried his tail correctly. Signs of a good harsh coat coming through.
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
4th Sep 2022
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and providing the steward, Lesley. She was brilliant keeping the ring and me in order! The classes were supported by the Northern Border Terrier Club which I know is greatly appreciated and lovely rosettes provided. I believe that not only did we have the biggest terrier entry but the biggest breed entry in the show. Thank you to everyone who entered, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The weather held and no umbrellas required resulting in a pleasant ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge giving me a lot to think about.
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
26th Mar 2023
Judge: Anne Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank The Northern Border Terrier Club for nominating me and the committee of the Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association for inviting me to judge at this wonderful friendly and hospitable show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept everything running smoothly and to the exhibitors for their entry and attendance on such a cold day.
I found all males entire and one level bite.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
3rd Sep 2023
Judge: David Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this buzzing, well organised, show. It was an extremely hot day so I moved dogs less than I perhaps would normally, to allow for the extreme temperatures we were all enjoying but the dogs were not. There was a good public attendance who seemed to enjoy the array of breeds on show. Thank you for the marvellous entries in the terrier breeds which made for a very enjoyable day indeed.
Border Terrier
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Micustins Little Tiger
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Placing Critique
Smartly made sporting outlook on this chap who really appealed overall and in all department. Good head with length and strength in muzzle. He has a strong neck, cleanly leading to a well laid shoulder and strong topline. Well ribbed back and strong in loin, he has a neat well set on tail and well angled and muscled quarters. Doesn’t disappoint on the move, where the moves out with reach and drive covering plenty of ground with ease. BoB & G2
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Golden Jubilee Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Many Thanks to the Society for inviting me to judge at their Golden Jubilee Open Show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept things running smoothly and also my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors who came under me and gave me a lovely entry.
Most of the exhibits were presented in a good clean condition, but a few could have done with a little finer tuning on their presentation. Just one level bite.
I find the true otter head is disappearing and movement left a lot to be desired, fronts were knitting and rears were moving close behind. Apart from that, I had an enjoyable day, thank you all.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Valger)
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Micustins Little Tiger
