Show Placings
Blackpool Championship Show
24th Jun 2011
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society, for inviting me to judge at this level, for the first time. Even the weather was kind to us!!
A special thank you, to the exhibitors for your support, giving me the highest terrier entry, and the sheer joy of going over every exhibit, thank one and all.
It was a fabulous entry, numerically and depth of quality.
On the downside I found one cryptorchidic, one suspect tail, and a lot of dirty teeth, although mouths were generally good.
Coats were at various stages and in some cases they were the deciding factor, movement not too bad, the odd one “pinning in”.
There were some attractive exhibits of both genders, that went ‘cardless’ today, for me, there was just too much of them.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
Scottish Kennel Club
28th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Though pleased with my winners, depth of quality within the entry was mostly lacking. It is fair to say that Border Terriers still come in every size and shape imaginable. Though I am aware that it is a matter that sharply divides opinion within the breed, I for one would prefer the breed standard to be more specific in detail of what is desirable. Maybe, perhaps that might head to a more uniform type in the show ring.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Championship Show
24th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Marie Sharp
My thanks to the Committee for their hospitality, and to the stewards, Anita Harrison and Kevin Green who kept everything running smoothly. I always read the Standard before judging and decide where my priorities will lie. This time, I decided that for an essentially working terrier, narrow, lithe bodies are a must, not forgetting those features which distinguish a Border Terrier. Indeed most Borders are narrow when compared with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, for instance, but far too many in this entry were too broad in the chest to be able to follow a fox to ground. When the chest is wider than my hand, it is far too wide. Going to ground is but one part of a working terrier’s life - he has to cover rough ground so needs sufficient length of leg, and a flexible loin to enable him to gallop, getting his hind quarters under his body. Following a horse is no walk in the park, it requires stamina - lung capacity which comes from sufficient length of ribcage. One word in the Standard always causes me trouble – “but” in the sentence “Head like that of an otter, but moderately broad in skull..” I found lots of otter shaped heads, a few with too much stop, few with too short a muzzle, so on the whole heads pleased me.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Driffield Championship Show
1st Oct 2011
Judge: Mrs Jean Willets
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. Also the exhibiters for giving me the top entry in the terrier group and some good dogs went home card less. A big thanks to both the stewards for being so efficient and making everything run so smooth especially on such a hot day.
I was pleased with the temperaments of the dogs, and there wasn't as many short backs. As a working dog they do need to turn in a tight corner so require a flatter rib and longer back, not short and square which has been the fashion recently.
Movement on the whole was o.k., but the ground did not help as it was uneven with dips everywhere. The heat wave did affect some dogs adversely.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Nice feminine head, with correct bite. Good shoulder and flat rib. In good coat and pelt with neat tight feet. Good outline on the move.
Class Critique
Nice Class could swap places on another day
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2011
Judge: Mr. Stuart Plane (Stuane)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this show and I was truly grateful for such a very good entry
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Oct 2011
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and to my stewards on the day for making things run smoothly.
Also thanks to the exhibitors for their support and making it an enjoyable day.
On the whole I thought the standard of the exhibits was high and I was happy with both line ups. I was delighted with my main winners as they could hold their own in any company.
Coats were of various lengths, but when top coats were in the vast majority were what is required, dense and harsh.
Although a working terrier, some tidying up, especially around the feet could help some exhibits go further when pressing for top honours.
Most dogs were in fit hard condition but two or three adult dogs were lacking any substance whatsoever and would be no match for Charlie on any day of the week.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Members Show
29th Jan 2012
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
What an honour to be asked to judge SBTC Limit show and many thanks to the committee for the invitation. Many thanks to Joyce Orr, an excellent steward. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and had a good entry of 43 dogs making 65 entries.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
Placing Critique
Litter sister to my winner of this class, she was a little finer in bone and I preferred coat of 1. Head and muzzle OK .Happy youngster.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2012
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first breed club open show in the UK. I sincerely thank the officers and membership for inviting me and most importantly, I would thank those exhibitors who attended and valued my integrity and opinion enough to give me the opportunity of going over their dogs.
I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with the correct physical construction to be able to cover the rough hilly ground of the region from which the breed originated. I thoroughly went through the entry to find these attributes, and judged with these thoughts in mind right down to my 4th placings.
I am pleased to be able to say that I had no dirty oily coats, or smelly dogs and that every dog had clean white teeth. This is all down to good housekeeping (or dog keeping) and I must commend you all on these points.
However, I was very disappointed to find that three exhibitors presented me with dogs, which had kinked bumpy tails.
I only found one tooth problem and that was a set of badly twisted lower incisors, which were slightly obstructing a scissor bite, but unfortunately, I was further disappointed to find dogs with weak muzzles and no strength to the underjaw. A Border needs to be able to force home an attack on its advesary and to do so must use his//her strong jaws and big teeth. This part of the borders anatomy is of immense importance to its function. I would consider this a fault, which would seriously interfere with a terrier’s ability to work.
I found a variety of movement problems. Some had stilted rear movement, with feet in underneath the dog and lacking propulsion. One dog that crabbed. Dogs with fronts toeing in, some more so than others, and some with wide front movement, or flicking one, or other foot.
Ultimately, there were some very good examples of our breed, that possessed all, or most, of the qualities I was searching for. Some of these did not get top awards on the day, but nevertheless had enough breed type and quality of movement to forge ahead and have a promising future I am sure.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Good decent blue and tan coat with nice ticking. Correct body and spannable. Good reach of neck. Not to heavy in bone. Beaten on movement of first today.
Crufts
11th Mar 2012
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge at Crufts, possibly the pinnacle of anyone’s judging career. My thanks must go to the exhibitors for the entry of 264 dogs, making 304 entries, by far the largest entry for a single judge in the Group, which made for a very long day. Thanks also, must, go to my Stewards, Kim Lathaen and Eddie Bishop, for their efficient services, which ensured we finished just in time for my BOB to make the Terrier Group.
I last judged the Breed at LKA, just over three years ago. This was always going to be an interesting entry, after my preamble then, which was a bit “fire and brimstoneâ€, where I stated my deep concerns about the, in my opinion, untypical heads that were creeping into the Breed, gradually being accepted, as being correct, particularly the excessively broad skulls and high set ears. Therefore, knowing my preference for the otter like, MODERATELY broad skull, asked for in the Standard, I have to say, not without a little amusement, the “lollipop on a stick†type “Teddy Bear†heads with deep stops were almost conspicuous by their absence today!
While upper arm length was a major problem last time, in the younger classes, I found far fewer today that were totally unable to stand with their front legs underneath them, perpendicular to the floor, which, hopefully, was a good sign that Breeders are recognising and attempting to remedy the problem.
Movement, on the whole was pretty acceptable, behind especially. Front, maybe not quite as good, a small minority being rather less than accurate, flicking out, or toeing in. Most covered plenty of ground on the move.
The majority were spannable.
Most were in good, harsh coat, or evidence of texture coming through. I realise it’s the start of the show season, so those short of coat weren’t unduly penalised. My reasoning being, that, coats are transitory, whereas poor conformation will always be poor conformation, regardless of the wrapping.
I know they are a working Terrier, but, I have to say, considering the occasion, I was shocked at how dirty some of the dogs were. Some were thick with grease and would certainly have benefited from a bath, if only for their own comfort!
I was very pleased with both my line ups in the challenge for the CC’s, indeed, the first three in most classes. I felt that they all fitted my interpretation of the Standard and could, if required, do the job of a working Terrier.
Special Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2012
Judge: Miss Betty Rumsam (Wildercot)
The Border Terrier CIub held a Championship Show where bitch BIS was Bramblebrae Violet at Shiftyfox, this bitch has it all & I was pleased to award her her third CC & BIS. She was in immaculate condition, feminine, handy size, wonderful coat & pelt, just right for bone, so well balanced, movement was a joy. I loved her; RBIS, Ethlancoral Pip of Ottaswell, I liked this dog for his size & balance, in super condition, not overdone in any way, good head, narrow in shoulder, ribs well back, strong loin & hindquarters, moved soundly; & BP, Nantcoch Ffion, very pretty feminine pup, good for size, outline & balance, good head & bite, small tight feet, good tail. Very promising.
A big thank you to the officers and committee for the lovely gift and to my two excellent stewards for the day, Jim Stewart and Ken McKenzie who made my task a pleasure. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the entry of 229 (200 dogs and 4 nfc) and for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. I was pleased with my final line up. Mouths and teeth were generally good, coats were mixed, some in heavy coat and others with only undercoat. It was good to find plenty of thick, loose pelts, so important in a Working Terrier. Poor movement was the downfall of many.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
It was a great pleasure to judge at this show and I would like to thank the Club for their hospitality and the exhibitors for the excellent entry of 130 dogs. Thanks also to my stewards, Mark Lowry and Angela Cranson.
I was very impressed with the number of quality dogs present and I found all males to be entire and no major mouth faults, just a couple of misplaced incisors. Many dogs were sporting good, tweedy jackets and temperaments were excellent. Although I could span almost all, size is a concern, many, particularly in bitches, being up to size. Front movement in some was a bit erratic.
My thanks again to everyone who afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Blue and tan with good coat and head, not the best shoulder but better constructed behind.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
The Scottish Border Terrier Club held an open show where BIS was Lairehope Lord Of The Glen at Tweedburn; RBIS, Picer Gilliflower; & BP, Keycharm Phantom by Ridgebow.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Border Union Championship Show
17th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
After an absence from the Showring and judging for the past 18 months, due to illness I was interested to find almost a new generation in my entry. Not even the appalling June weather and the resultant sudden switch from outdoor to indoor rings could dampen my enthusiasm hut I do apologise to exhibitors for the lack of adequate space in the indoor wet-weather accommodation. Thank you all so much for your sporting patience and to my two excellent stewards for their assistance in moving us under cover so efficiently. After Open Dog. I just could not record legibly in my judging book! I much enjoyed looking over and handling this large entry with relatively few absentees. I was very impressed by the standard and quality of my main winners and in the way the dogs adapted to the change of rings. It was a pity that the benching for the congested indoor ring was so far away. I felt particularly sorry for all the bitch exhibits who were obliged to show in such a small muddy ring, especially those in the big classes which had to be split and the fact that other terrier breeds with smaller entries were given larger rings, Considering the conditions, all temperaments were excellent. Only one level mouth and two slightly out of alignment. All dogs were entire. Movement is still an overall problem. Some exhibits could be tidier!
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Jul 2012
Judge: Mrs. A. C. Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Northern Club for the opportunity to judge their 40th Championship show and for their wonderful hospitality; to the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry and to my stewards Doreen Rushby & Tracy Peacock for their assistance through the day.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my day, as we expect from this club there was a wonderful atmosphere all day with good support for the winners and, of course, very impressive rosettes!
I was pleased with the entry and thought the Veteran class outstanding. In general exhibits were good types of Border, presented clean and reasonably well muscled. I dislike over handling and excessive stacking of exhibits, these are working terriers and if made right they will – eventually – stand right. In general heads were typical, some with excellent expressions. Coats, of course, were all over the place but where present were of good quality and in the main pelts were OK with some very good examples. Feet generally were OK but good tight well padded feet were definitely in the minority. Similarly ears were generally OK but small, well set, well shaped thick ears were scarce. Tails and tailset were very much a plus with some very good examples, just a few rather long or thin ones. I was pleased to find enough well made dogs who covered their ground cleanly without fuss and flicking but good movement was definitely one of the major problems, particularly in the bitches.
Shoulder placement was a problem in a significant number of exhibits, mostly these were upright shoulders out at the withers giving big problems with front movement. These may look good standing but these dogs are not sound on the move, a vital requirement for a Border.
I accept that an older dog can lose teeth or have a bite move but I was disappointed to find a number of young dogs with incorrect bites, missing and broken teeth. I thought a number of heads were weak, particularly across the jaw and these seem to go with rather small teeth, I wonder if these are related problems?
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Class Critique
Movement was a problem for quite a few bitches here, with a lot of feet flipping about.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Reserve in a good yearling class, OK in head and well balanced, she was beautifully presented in an excellent b/t coat and looks a picture standing but today really failed on the move.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2012
Judge: Mrs M Sneddon (Kersfell)
Many thanks to my stewards who were well organized and efficient. We were allocated a large ring, conveniently placed for the wet weather tent, although fortunately we did not need to make use of this facility as the weather was good with only a few spots of rain – a nice change during this rather poor summer.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
blue and tan of excellent colour, harsh topcoat and thick pelt; lovely head and expression, strong muzzle and big teeth. Lovely neck and shoulders, super body shape which was narrow and easily spanned and nicely angulated hindquarters which she used to advantage on the move.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Oct 2012
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge their open show at Otterburn. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my winners. Many thanks to my stewards Lesley Gosling and Allen Horner who kept everything running smoothly throughout the day. I would also like to thank all exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs.
Driving across to the venue on the morning of the show was a timely reminder of the terrain that Borders Terriers were bred to encounter whilst out hunting. Bearing this in mind I was looking for fit dogs whose structure and movement allowed them to cover the ground economically.
Positives were that the dogs were generally fit, they were shown in coats that had not been over trimmed and temperaments were good. A couple of negative points that I felt applied to a number of exhibits: there were few dogs with really big teeth and also there were rather a lot of thin tight skins. Really thick pliable skin was a rarity.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Oct 2012
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first breed club show appointment and I must thank the exhibitors for their support and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. The show was extremely well organised, with a very pleasant atmosphere. I was given a warm welcome and generous hospitality, together with two very efficient ring stewards; Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, who kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.
There were some good quality dogs, and a few classes where I wish there had been more prizes. Coats were variable which sadly had to affect the placings in some classes. Some exhibits were on the large side and barely spannable, plus a few short ribs and barrel chests. All dogs were entire and all mouths were good barring a couple of missing teeth in the veteran class.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr M G Rushby
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Good type of B/T, pleasing size and very well made throughout. Typical head with a good dark eye, best of fronts, excellent body shape, firm topline that she keeps on the move. Correct tailset and carriage, well put down on the day, moved soundly.
Driffield A S
21st Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee, for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this show. We were truly blessed with some lovely autumn sunshine, and a well laid out ring.
Thank you, to all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to “go over†your dogs, however, I had concerns about the size and movement of some of the exhibits. I have a fair span and struggled to get anywhere near some dogs, which reflected in the placings.
Consequently, some heavy shoulders, and wide fronts.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
just over 2 ½ years old, b/t with excellent full jacket, which may have made her look heavy, easily spannable, lovely dark eye, little stop, ottery head, plenty of bone, well angulated, moved out well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Chris Davis (Hesslemere)
Many thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge this show. I was very pleased with my entry and thank all competitors who entered under me. I really enjoyed my day and thank you for the opportunity to judge your dogs. All temperaments were good, as were mouths. No kinked tails.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Nice sized 3 yr old B/T with super ticking, lovely head and neck into good shoulder, narrow throughout. Good tailset. Tight feet. Movement good.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs S Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the Scottish Club for the invitation. It was an honor to judge at this friendly and hospitable club’s show. Huge thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Steward Joyce Orr and her excellent helpers, Jim Stewart in the morning and Helen McKenzie in the afternoon. All did a super job.
Thanks too to the kitchen ladies for the amazing lunch.
I was very pleased to have such a super quality entry. I could have easily given out more tickets if they had been available. Some close decision at times, a true reflection on the high quality of the entries. Presentation of the dogs was very good, mouths too on the whole were correct with only the odd exception. Feet, I was pleased to see a vast majority of neat cat like feet on the dogs, no long hare feet. Tails again seem to be improving, not as many of the over long sickle ones that I have noticed in the past. Coats and pelts: while coats are transient and of course some had more than others on the day, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts. I think the breed overall is in a good place.
Just one point I noticed, some dogs had to take a lot of steps to cover the ground, watching out that our dogs move with drive is very important and I was happy with my winners in that they, in my opinion, covered the ground well.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
A very pleasing B/t with a super harsh coat and good pelt, she is racy and appealing, she moved well and I really liked her head and expression.
Carlisle and District Canine Society Open Show
5th Jan 2014
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake at Lexmar
Placing Critique
Loved the make and shape of this blue and tan bitch. Nice head without being overdone, kind eye and neat ears. Neck just right into a good topline. Just the right length of body to present a balanced picture. Topcoat just coming in but good undercoat. Lovely profile movement, sadly moved a little close in front in the challenge.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
26th Jan 2014
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
I would like to thank the committee of the Scottish BTC for their warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you also to my ring stewards Joyce Orr and Helen McKenzie for keeping things running smoothly. I am grateful to those exhibitors who braved the weather to attend the show. All the dogs were entire and mouths were very good. Coats were on the whole just on their way in which I expected just before the coming show season. A number of exhibits were carrying rather too much condition for a fit functional terrier.
Best In Show
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Best Bitch
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Lovely coloured blue and tan bitch I have judged before and today she just shone. Nice head and expression with strong muzzle and good bite. Just right for bone and loved her balanced outline. Well ribbed back with good topline and underline and easily spanned. Correct rear angulation with no exaggeration. Shown in a tight double coat which was in superb condition. Moved well coming and going, balanced and presenting a lovely picture in profile. I had no hesitation in awarding her BB and BIS
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
My thanks to the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to undertake my first Breed Club judging appointment and my stewards Ken Mackenzie and Margaret Warren for their assistance in the ring.
My enjoyable day started with the picturesque drive to the venue, in the sunshine, a rarity lately! Grateful thanks also to the competitors for an entry of 111 (5 NFC) making 141 entries affording me the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs and sportingly accepting my choices.
The majority were in good coat and condition, a couple difficult to span, due more to being a little plump rather than in construction. All males were entire (a few would have benefited from a hygienic wipe for better presentation !), no kinked tails, one incorrect mouth and a couple of 'acceptable' level bites and some teeth really needed cleaning. I was surprised by the amount of untidy feet and overlong claws considering how claws can ultimately affect posture, balance and movement. I was pleased with both my line ups and had some close decisions to make.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
3yo b and t with a very good texture and colour coat,another with a typical otter head with correct bite,built on narrow lines with a good rib carried well back,easy span,tail of good shape and length and moved well all ways.
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
16th Mar 2014
Judge: Mr S McArdle (McArmadale)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this group championship show. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Doyle and John Callow for their help and assistance in keeping me organised and the ring running smoothly. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for such a large entry in these tough financial times.
The ring was large with lots of space for dogs to move freely without being forced to stop/start. In general the dogs were in good condition. I found 1 dog that was not entire. Although teeth were mostly OK, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly in size. Coats varied as always but I judge on the day and lack of coat is taken into account when placing exhibits. I was concerned at the number of exhibits down on their pasterns, not giving the small feet as required. Many younger exhibits would really benefit from regular ringcraft experience.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
4th May 2014
Judge: Mrs E Weijenborg-Weggemans
What a big honour it is to judge the Border Terrier in the native country. I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been to Crufts or other shows to have a clean look at what I was presented on that May, 4th, 2014.
I myself live with Border Terriers most of my life now and I have seen the breed changing through the years. What the old breeders feared for years and years ago seems to happen: changing a working terrier into a show terrier. Meaning that the trimming is too short therefore missing the tweedy look, clipping belly, tail and buttocks, overangulation especially in hindquarters. Saying this I was really pleasantly surprised finding so many genuine Border Terriers during this show. Of course I know that coats can’t be in the best condition all year long so some specimens were rather short in trim but as long as I could feel the required harshness and see the correct double coat it was fine for me and only played a role in placing when there were more Borders with the same qualities. I didn’t see any faulty mouths, found only big strong teeth. Movement is – as in the rest of the world – still a problem in the breed. Especially front movement is an issue. When placing, movement was one of the criteria to place one Border higher than the other, but the right type, body proportions, spannability, thick pliable pelt and harsh double coat came first.
In some classes the quality was so high that some of the Borders left the ring unplaced while they were of excellent quality.
I really want to thank all the exhibitors for their sporting attitude in taking my decisions, for entering their dogs under me and give me a hard day’s work with 222 entered dogs and of course the committee for trusting me this honourable job and their hospitality during this weekend for me and my sister, who accompanied me. My congratulations to the breeders and owners for presenting such nice Border Terriers and keeping the breed on such high standard.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Blue&tan bitch, excellent blue colour, she is on the bigger side, nice feminine otter head, a bit short ribbed, easy to span, hocks well let down, nicely angulated, feet could be a touch stronger, lovely tail set, tick pliable pelt, harsh double coat, moves well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2014
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole (Travella)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2014
Judge: Jane Allison (Tividale)
Many thanks to the exhibitor’s and the committee for a very enjoyable day. Also to the hard working ladies of the committee in the kitchen and my exellant steward Jim Stewart.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr J R Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Attractive b/t well made through out, nice head & expression, good shoulders with a narrow front, lovely shape & length to her body, nice bend of stifle.
Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship Show
20th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My first appointment at this level. My thanks to the society for inviting me and to my two very efficient stewards, Lorrraine and Barbara, who kept things moving.
I was very pleased with both my line ups and feel that my main winners were excellent examples of the breed. Many dogs were sporting dense, tweedy jackets but, as is always the case, some were lacking in coat and this did influence some of the placings. Mouths were good and only one dog was unspannable. On the downside, size is an issue and some of the minor puppies are already up to size. Front movement could be better in a number of exhibits and a few were carrying too much weight.
My sincere thanks to all those who entered and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Nov 2014
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the Scottish Committee for the invitation to judge our prestigious annual Championship Show; to my excellent steward Joyce Orr, and to the exhibitors for such a good entry.
I was happy with my class winners which were super examples of the breed. On the down side a number of exhibits were short in the leg and in the body, giving an unbalanced appearance and it’s very unlikely that they would be capable of following a horse, as the breed standard requires. Some pelts were too thin and too many dogs were single coated.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
I would like to thank the committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge the show. Thanks also to my very able steward Joyce Orr and to the ladies in the kitchen for the excellent lunch. There were no bad mouths and all the males were entire. Coats were at various stages of growth on some exhibits but my principal winners had good double coats.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Lovely balanced outline,with good length of body and rib. Good head ear and eye. Harsh double coat. Level topline both standing and on the move. Moved well using her well angulated hindquarters.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Class Critique
This was a really strong class, a pleasure to judge.
Scottish Kennel Club
22nd May 2016
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
Once again full thick rich correct double coat and pelt, good strong movement, solid head. Well put together but just a little weaker in head than 1st.
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
BCC
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Placing Critique
CC, Res BIS, BOS - Superb blue jacket, rich, deep and harsh forming a thick pelt. Head just right with ears set on well, neat and dark. Soft feminine expression. Lovely reach of neck into flowing top-line. Good bone, low hocks and well constructed making her very efficient on the move. Carrot tail is her final flourish. A little more attention to presentation would complete a very good picture.
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Class Critique
Another very good class.
Dumfries & Galloway Canine Society Open Show
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs Judy Carr
Thank you to the Society for my invitation to judge at this show. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to judge the Border Terriers. Thanks to all the exhibitors who entered, I really enjoyed the day.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Merumhor Suzy Snowflake of Lexmar
