Show Placings
Truro & DCS Open Show
25th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Exonian CA Open Show
2nd Dec 2017
Judge: Mr Jamie Mace (Janastaff)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Overall 3 nice puppies in this class. Winner was a confident puppy with good movement, neat eye and nice expression. I feel she has good promise with everything in proportion.
Taunton and District Canine Association Open Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Miss Judith Haydon
My thanks to the Committee at Taunton & District Canine Association for kindly inviting me to Judge the Border Terrier classes at their Open Show in January. I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment, and although I only had a small entry, all the dogs were of an excellent quality and a pleasure to go over. My final decisions were only made on the smallest of margins.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Lovely young bitch puppy with a pretty head and correct scissor bite, a super shoulder flowing into narrow ribs and loin. Good rear angulation and correct tail set. Shown in super harsh coat with excellent pelt, and moved around the ring with confidence for a youngster.
BPiB
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Class Critique
Good class - full of promising puppies.
Newton Abbot & South Deveon CS Open Show
27th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Andrews (South Wales)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
18th Feb 2018
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Thank you so much to the Society for this invitation to judge, and for their hospitality. Many thanks to my stewards for their hard work. Also, thanks to the exhibitors. All my winners were easily spannable and good representatives of the breed. I thoughly enjoyed my day.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch puppy, sadly out of coat. Full of energy and moving a bit eratically, when she settled moved out well. Attractive feminine head. Nice narrow body with good topline and tailset. Easily spannable. Love to see her with full coat.
Okehampton and District Canine Society Open Show
24th Feb 2018
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limit Show
15th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My sincere thanks to the committee for the kind invitation to judge at my first club show, I enjoyed the day immensely. Thank you to my efficient stewards Tina Morgan, Rachel Larner and Wendy Mooney, show manager for keeping things running so smoothly.
My thanks must go to the exhibitors for bringing along their dogs today, and the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
I did note some untypical heads, which for me lacked for me the characterising feature of the breed, I found such heads to be somewhat exaggerated with too much stop, not the ‘moderately’ broad skull I was looking for.
On the whole, I found mouths were good, a couple of level bites, and one or two with misaligned teeth, but it was pleasing to find big strong teeth in most exhibits.
I was very pleased with my class winners; some decisions were very close especially in the bitch classes. In both sexes there were some promising youngsters coming through which can only auger well for the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Class Critique
Another pleasing puppy class
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
different stamp to 1, confident and happy showgirl, I found her well proportioned and balanced throughout, level topline with well angulated hindquarters, enough bend of stifle, just preferred substance of 1.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
10 months old grizzle, Attractive head, straight front, good bone, small neat feet, lovely level topline and well ribbed back, good turn of stifle, moved well with drive.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Lovely proportions & size from this young lady. Good reach of neck, tailset & carroty tail. Neat feet on thick pads. Correct bite. Good thick pelt. Nice length of ribs. Correct angulations front and rear & bend of stifle. Moved well & covered the ground with ease.
Devon County Show Open Show
17th May 2018
Judge: Miss Helen Axford
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly, well-run show, to my stewards Jenny and Sandra and to the exhibitors for both entering under me and the sporting way they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and all bites were in accordance with what is required by the breed standard, as is usual coats were at various stages. Some of the exhibits could do with rather less dinner.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Well presented, feminine 11 month grizzle bitch puppy, good coat and pelt, straight front, level topline, good tailset. Moderately broad in skull nice in ear moved ok, well muscled, good for size, spannable
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
femmine head nice expression pleasing in neck and shoulders straight front with good bone and feet spannable coat correct and thick pelt.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Very nice young red grizzle bitch, pleasing in outline and head, well made, lovely character.
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Class Critique
Super class of quality young bitches, even some unplaced on another day could feature.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Close call, preferred the head of 1 but still a feminine head with pleasing expression and good dentition, good coat and thick pelt, straight front, good for bone, nice topline and stifle, moved out well.
Paignton
4th Aug 2018
Judge: Professor A S Milton
I suspect I shall retire from judging now. I certainly have no intention, when it comes into effect, of paying the Kennel Club to get on their judging lists. I have always assumed, though I may be wrong, that I have been invited to judge because people wanted me to. I have no intention of 'prostituting’ my art by paying money for the privilege. If I may reminisce, I have never sought a judging appointment, indeed in the beginning I had never even thought about judging. Then one day a letter arrived from the secretary of a large open show in Scotland. Would I judge the terrier breeds and the terrier group at their next open show? I have, to this day, no idea who suggested my name. I had never judged before, not even a match or a limited show, I was on no judging list, they didn’t exist in those days, I had never stewarded, and have never done so to this day, I have to this day never attended any hands on or assessment seminar. After my first appointment invitations came at fairly frequent intervals, including two breed clubs, and eventually I received an invitation to judge at a Championship show. However, when I replied, with my judging cv, the committee told me that they couldn't continue with my appointment, as the Kennel Club would not accept the nomination owing to the 'parochial' range of my judging, which had, with one exception, all been in Scotland. Notwithstanding that for example two of the shows had been over 200 miles apart, and from my home to the breed club show in England over 500 miles. Peter Thompson (Thoraldby) and Sybil Churchill came to my rescue and I found myself judging at LKA.
A few thoughts on Border Terriers. Size has always been a problem, right from the beginning of the breed, with there being far too many large dogs, outside the weight standard, and the numbers seem to be getting larger (forgive the pun). I blame the breeders for this. In one class at Paignton, there was only one dog, which I could span. Movement is another problem; the trend at the moment seems to be very narrow hindquarters, with the feet nearly touching. In 1991, I made a video of Crufts with the late R.A. Williams judging. Almost without exception all the dogs are in full coat. (A few years ago there was a pirated video made of this tape). In the book 'About the Border Terrier', Walter Gardner says 'It is difficult to judge Border coats today because so often the dogs are stripped, well nigh skinned'. Two personal gripes, Border should be walked on a loose lead, not strung up, and should stand naturally, I do particularly dislike those exhibitors who are continually fussing with their dogs, moving a foot a cm here, a cm there and the like.
I should like to thank the committee of the Paignton show for inviting me to judge. They were all very helpful, and also the vets at the show who kindly looked after my young puppy which I had, perforce, to bring with me, whilst I was judging.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
This bitch needs to mature. Head OK. Top line dipped at tail. Coat and pelt OK. Good mover.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Red bitch nice head varmity expression dark eyes and small v shape ears moderate length of neck into well placed shoulders good top and loin nice angulation and low in hocks showed and moved with drive spanned ok.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
red bitch, nice head, teeth and neck which was of good proportiion, ribs carried well back, racy hindquarters good coat and pelt, moved well
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
feminine, nice head, neck and shoulders, straight front, well ribbed, good hindquarters, good pelt.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Truro & DCS Open Show
24th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Bristol and District Open Show
9th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs C Hand
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Southern Border Terrier Club Limited Show
3rd Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
I would like to thank the SBTC committee for inviting me to judge their show and for the lovely gift,a day I thoroughly enjoyed with some lovely exhibits to have the pleasure of going over.
A big thank you to my stewards Jill Stevens and Tina Morgan who very efficiently kept the classes running smoothly throughout the day.
Thanks also to all the exhibitors who entered and those present on the day.
I found a great percentage of the exhibits in good muscle tone and condition, coats as always at different stages but many in good harsh double jackets, disappointingly quite a few thin pelts and a lack of real carroty tails, just a couple with incorrect dentition and one kinked tail. All dogs were entire and all dogs and bitches displaying good temperaments in the ring.
I was pleased with both my final line ups. There were some lovely puppies forward which I love judging and some close decisions there.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Lovely head on this girl, correct for proportions, eyes dark and full of expression, she looked better standing with her correct Border outline, but would like more angulation behind and tail a tad low set. Good coast but only just holding in.
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Light gr with a strong feminine head ,nice reach of neck , good in shoulder , topline and bend of stifle. She had plenty of harsh jacket , a thick pelt and moved soundly with reach and drive.
Devon County Show
17th May 2019
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Devon County Show for the invitation to judge today. The exhibitors gave me a lovely entry and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. My stewards Trudi Conibere and Caitlin Channon were very efficient, and did a great job managing to keep the paperwork dry when the weather turned against us.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Rising 2 year old grizzle & tan bitch who caught my eye from the moment she entered the ring. Full of character and confidence, she stood out for her balance, size and sound construction. She had a feminine head, with a dark eye and keen expression. Lovely short, strong muzzle and correct bite. Narrow throughout, with a level topline and well set tail, carried gaily on the move.Shown in full coat with a thick pelt. Moved soundly with purpose and drive. BOB
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
nice headed bitch easily spanned loose pelt but left her top coat at home moved ok
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
North Devon Agricultural Show
7th Aug 2019
Judge: Margaret Hughes (Forgevale)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
A lovely feminine bitch in excellent coat and condition. Excellent head, eye and ears giving a super expression. Well laid shoulders and good bone structure throughout. Really good movement both ways with correct footfall. BB, BOB & Gp 4
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
lovely grizzle bitch, otter headed with dark eye, well set ears, correct bite, lovely front & feet, well laid shoulders, pleasing body with ribs back & spanable, nice overall length with good quarters, went well carrying a level top line.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
g/t shown in fit condition, good head, strong muzzle, lovely reach of neck set in well laid shoulders, good length of rib and body. Firm level topline which she kept on the move covering the ground well and with confidence, scored over 2 on movement today.
Mid Somerset Agriculture Society Open Show
18th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss Bethany Cawley
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
RBCC
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
the more I looked at this bitch the more I liked her. She excels in front and shoulders and has a lovely head, very good easily spanned body, good coat, pelt and topline, sound quarters, perhaps a little overangulated behind for perfection but a very good bitch indeed who pressed hard here and landed the bitch res CC
Class Critique
Excellent class with two particularly lovely bitches, ultimately won by:
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
South Wales Kennel Association
12th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
My thanks go to SWKA for their kind invitation to judge at this good venue. Also to my stewards Sue and Wendy who kept things flowing.
Thank you too all those who entered and accepted my decisions so sportingly. All mouths were good, all dogs entire and coat quality was excellent , especially in the dog classes. Pleased with my winners, and my final line-up, and to see my bob and bp be shortlisted in their groups.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall Open Show
20th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Breckgreen / Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall for inviting me to judge at this well-run show. I would also like to thanks my 2 stewards for the sterling job they did. Also, the exhibitors for their lovely entry of border terriers. Thanks for entering under me.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan bitch of nice type. Lovely head and epression. Correct scissor bite. Easily spanned. Moved well. Just preferred 1st today.
Southern Counties Canine Association
27th Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Southern Counties Canine Association for inviting me to judge their show for Border Terriers. It was my first judging appointment for a CH Show and I was very pleased with my entry also I would like to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. Last but not least I would like to thank my steward who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing very well.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Bath Canine Society
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mr T Ball
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Feminine 4 yr old who is such a good type and presented a beautifully balanced outline with excellent neck, topline, croup and tail for both set and carriage. Attractive, well proportioned head with dark expressive eyes, ears of good size and set, short strong muzzle and correct dentition. Narrow ribcage of good depth. Standing on small, tight feet with nice thick pads and firm rear with good bend of stifle. Jacket of good texture and super pelt. Moving so well on the go around with excellent carriage, true when going away and good enough when coming towards. Well handled. Reserve Best Bitch.
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show
15th Aug 2021
Judge: Karl Gawthorpe (Waterbrook)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
sweet bitch, feminine head and expression, nice angles both front and rear, good depth of chest, lovely coat texture, moved well.
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
She is v typy and in bette coat than 3. A bit deep in stop. V good neck. Slightly steep in upper arm. Well ribbed. Enough hind angulation.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Sarah Richardson
Best Bitch
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Minehead & District Canine Society 9pen Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: .Mr Peter Boot (Barotoba)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Exonian C A Open show
4th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr K Andrew
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
12th Feb 2022
Judge: Carolyn Fry (Bedaslea)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Torquay & DCS Open Show
26th Feb 2022
Judge: Jen Bowden (Chellowside)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Oakhampton & DCS Open Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Gareth Thomas
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Marlborough & DCS Open Show
2nd May 2022
Judge: Mr Ken Andrews (South Wales)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
14th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for offering me my first appointment.
The weather was kind to us and there was a friendly atmosphere. I was lucky to have some lovely dogs to go over, however several were unsettled and distracted on the move making it difficult to assess movement. I was pleased with my winners and really enjoyed the day.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Nice feminine head, in full coat, moved well both ways, RBOB.
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch who is slightly heavier all through than 1 & 2, but with everything as it should be. Head well set on with strong muzzle, scissor bite and good width of skull framed with dark ears. Good in neck and shoulder with straight front standing on the neatest of feet. Deep enough she has a good length of body, well set tail and strong hindquarters with well developed 2nd thigh. In good jacket she moved steadily.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Devon County Show Premier Open Show
2nd Jul 2022
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you very much to the club for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Minehead & DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of Minehead & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge at their open show, held in conjunction with the Dunster Country Fair. My steward Vicky Prince, was a great help and kept the ring running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
I had some quality borders to go over that were a privilege to judge, and as always, my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. I was delighted with the winners that came forward for the challenge.
The weather was kind and not too hot, there was a friendly atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
This grizzle and tan bitch had a feminine head with a dark eye, small neat ears and a short, strong muzzle with a correct bite. She had a good reach of neck, which flowed into a moderately long body with a good top line and tail set. Correct angulation enabled her to move with purpose and drive. She was presented in a full coat, which was just passing its best and I preferred the slightly narrower construction of my winner.
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Class Critique
A lovely class with quality exhibits being shown.
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Mrs L.K. Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Thank you to the Officegrs and Committee for the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show; I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Camborne and Redruth CS Open Show
18th Feb 2023
Judge: Maria Clarke
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge today , also to my stewards who kept things moving along nicely, your help was much appreciated. A big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over your dogs and accepting my decisions
in a sporting manner. General observations were, no kinked tails found and the males were intact . I did see a few animals with slightly untidy bites affecting some placings. On the subject of ring presentation I may suggest that perhaps some animals would have benefitted from more attention being paid to nail clipping and feet trimming … even with the long grass, once on the table the feet are very visible. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had a quality bunch of Borders before me. Thank you to everyone who made it possible !
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
5 year old grizzle bitch , handy size and pleasant to go over . Head is strong but still feminine . Nice dark and well shaped eye , plenty of muzzle strength and fill under the eye. A little short on coat today but texture is present .Moves well on the out and back and on the go round.
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Slightly bigger type than 1. Short of coat today. Moved true both ways. Held topline both on and off the move. Correct tail set.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Sound, with good head, overall pleasing lines. Coat harsh but not at its best.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
light grizzle, loved her make and shape, very feminine, neat head, straight front, tidy feet, spanned easily, in good coat with correct undercoat, thick pelt, well carried ribs , good in stifles, moved well fore and aft,
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Nice quality bitch with good length of body, well laid back ribs, good bite & pelt, spannable. Coat just coming in. Covered the ground well on the move.
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
6 year old bitch with lovely outline. Beautiful feminine head with ears well placed, dropping forward close to the cheek. Dark eye and strong muzzle. Narrow in body, she has a good rib and could still be spanned
North Devon CA Open Show
9th Sep 2023
Judge: Poppy Wynter
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBOBTG2, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Another nice sized grizzle with feminine head, dark eye and short strong muzzle. In good jacket and thick pelt with a balanced body and well set tail. Can just knuckle over in her enthusiasm to please, which cost her the class, but is so typey, she moved well and it was a close decision.
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2023
Judge: Bethany Cawley (Marlablue)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Totnes & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Sue Thomson (Ashgate)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
24/05/2017. A lot to like about this girl, nice type, true otter head and expression, keen dark eye, strong muzzle, shallow stop, strong neck, laid back shoulders allowing her to reach in front and cover the ground needed. Topline you could rest your dinner plate on. Correct tail and carriage, moderate bone and small feet, thick pads. Moved well.
The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Red grizzle 61/2yr old bitch in brilliant condition and in great coat. Lovely head and spannable body. Moved out withn drive on the neatest of feet.
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
16th Mar 2024
Judge: Gentle Lowe (Rockslade)
Firstly I would like to thank the show and its organisers for the warm welcome and my stewards for their smooth running of the ring during my appointment. I would also like to thank the competitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs. I had a quality entry of dogs and there were some tough decisions in the classes.
I would just like to point out some exhibits had dirty teeth, some longer untrimmed nails which whilst I didn’t penalise would give a nicer shape and finish to the feet and overall presentation. Overall dogs were presented in good condition.
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Excellent otter head with a dark eye, good bite with well sized teeth, good strength of jaw. Nice length of neck flowing into a straight topline. Well angulated front and rear. Good underline and well ribbed. Harsh double jacket with a good pliable pelt. Well-presented and shown just preferred narrowness of one.
Oakhampton & DCS Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Lee Cox (Vanitonia)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Lovely seven-year-old G & T. Looked good on the move. Feminine head with good muzzle and teeth, but lacking coat today.
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Class Critique
These more mature ladies were all a credit to their owners.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
nice size 7 years grizzle with a feminine head and keen expression, nicely made throughout with good legs and feet; well balanced and spannable. Moved very well. BVIS
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch in great condition with good rib, attractive outline, moved well.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch. Lovely head and expression. Preferred the length of rib of 1st. Moved out well.
North Devon Agricultural Open Show
7th Aug 2024
Judge: Peter Young
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Bournemouth Championship Show
12th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to my stewards, Hayley and Malcolm and to all the exhibitors who endured the heat and accepted my decisions sportingly, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year. Overall the quality of the entry was good with some lovely dogs. Mouths, tails and size were generally good. Coats varied (as they always do) in both quality and the stage of growth. There were a number of pelts that could have been thicker and loose which was disappointing as this is mentioned in the standard and important from a working point of view. I was surprised and disappointed to see evidence of scissorwork on some coats and grooming was not always done to the dog’s best advantage – this does not affect the ability to work but this is a dog show and presentation therefore does count to a degree when placing the dogs. Compared to the last time I judged, I felt that size had improved and in most cases the dogs today were closer to the standard.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
Nice sized veteran at 7 years. In good condition and in good wiry coat. Well-presented she moved well and won on this and had a longer rib and body to 2.
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Best Veteran
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
A 7 year old in super form, good head and eye, correct ear set, true front of good bone well placed shoulders into a good topline and in super tight well textured coat
North Devon CS Open Show
24th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Andrew Scourfield (Danton)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
A well balanced bitch who is well put together and in excellent condition. Good otter head of correct proportion, with dark eye, keen expression and correctly placed ears. Good length of neck, smooth shoulder and correct for rib and loin. Good front of correct bone and stood on small tight feet with thick pads. Level topline with a nice carrot tail straight off the back. Correct angulation, which meant she moved with drive around the ring. Shown in good, harsh double coat.
Class Critique
A lovely class of older ladies, all shown in hard fit condition. A real credit to their owners.
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
This 7 y o grizzle bitch was presented in super condition with a harsh double coat and thick pelt. She had a very attractive otter like head, with dark eyes, small, neat ears and a short, strong muzzle. A good reach of neck flowed into a level topline, strong loin and well set tail. She moved out soundly with purpose and drive. Very attentive to her handler, she showed beautifully to take this class. Unfortunately, by the final challenge, she was feeling the effect of two shows in one day, and lacked the presence that she showed earlier.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Placing Critique
A lovely , and lively, 7 year old grizzle girl. Nice head and expression . Really handy size and her proportions were spot on , lovely textured coat. Still sound on her legs and feet , moves out well. Not an easy decision between the 2 veteran winners but on the day the dog just had the edge.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the YLCBTC for giving me the honour of judging their Championship Show . My thanks also to my very efficient stewards Tracy and Marvin who kept both the ring and myself in order . It also goes without saying that I very much appreciated the exhibitors who trusted me to go over their dogs , Thank you .
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Dave Lee (Socksdown)
Best Veteran
Name at show: VG4, Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Gameway French Fancy Avec Orangebox
