Show Placings
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Class Critique
A very hard class with a lot of lovely puppies and I ended the class by thanking the first three placed for making my life difficult!
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
lovely bodylines, straight front, narrow throughout. Not the head of 1.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with a good front, ok in head, tight coat, good hind angulation, good tailset.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr. Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Open Show . The club and officers were very welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed my day . I would like to thank my very helpful stewards Liz Barratt and Janice Johnson who kept things flowing through the day . I was pleased with my entry with some quality dogs to handle. It was also good to see some promising pups coming through . I was very pleased with my winners on the day
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Good topline with neat feet, correct head and eye, in good condition
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Penrith & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Lee Reynolds (Etterbern)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
15th Jan 2017
Judge: Ms J. Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and for their kind hospitality. Thank you also to my ring steward, Mark Lowry, who kept things running smoothly - I very much enjoyed my day.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for the privilege of going over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and I found no kinked tails.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Cumberland CS Open Show
5th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
With reference to the above please find my critique for Border Terriers Thank you to the committee for this appointment and for my stewards on the day.. Most importantly to the exhibitors for their entries on the day...
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Typical head, Good body lines with a narrow front, good in rib and strong loin.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch not over done in anyway, nice expression, neat front good in rib with good length of body, she moved freely around the ring.
Selkirk & District CS Open Show
16th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs Judy Carr
Thanks to the Committee for their invitation to judge and also their tremendous hospitality. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered the show and allowed me the opportunity and privilege of going over their dogs. I’m also grateful to my two young stewards who did an excellent job. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and hope you all did too! I really appreciate everyone’s sporting attitude to my, sometimes difficult, decisions.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Keebank Withy Song
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
2 year old bitch well presented in good coat. Nice head and eye with keen expression. Good straight front, well ribbed back and narrow throughout. Thick loose pelt, good tailset and carriage, strong loin. Good topline which she held well on the move. BoB. Very pleased to see her go Group 2.
Goosnargh & Longridge Agricultural Society Open Show
8th Jul 2017
Judge: Amelia Bovill (Ingwine)
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
another very feminine bitch with a lot to like. Good head, dark eye and correct bite. Good jacket and pelt.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
RBCC
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Liked her overall size and balance, this grizzle of 2 ½ years has a typical feminine head, short strong muzzle, well placed eye and ear. Moderate neck into well placed shoulders, straight front, level topline, racy rear with low set hocks. Moved out well both ways. Tight harsh double jacket. Certainly caught my eye in the class and the bitch line up and was pleased to award her the Reserve CC.
Driffield Championship Show
30th Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Apologies to my exhibitors , my technology has failed to send this when first done.
Trying conditions for the society due to heavy rain meant that parking was a long way from the rings unlike the behind the tent easy access we are used to. The ground underfoot was very trying, but thankfully our ring was only churned up in a couple of places. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my day and appreciated the tenacity of the exhibitors for coming and their sporting acceptance of my decisions. Only one o two fine showers marred the day.
A diversity of size and construction came forward, and I was struck by how many took a rather short stride going round the ring. Some paid the price on the day for lack of coat, but mainly for being big in rib and heavy when picked up.
I was very pleased with my line ups and thought them a good representation of what I consider "essentially working terriers" being lithe in body with narrowness, free moving soundness and good type to fulfil the criterion of the standard.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Another with harsh double jacket and good thick pelt, soft feminine expression, good rib and overall well proportioned with super well set on tail.
Class Critique
Had a real battle to place top two in a nice post graduate class which demonstrated the depth of quality present at the show.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (nee Marwood) (Annesuz)
It was an absolute honour and pleasure to judge the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in Low Hesket and I would like to thank a very hardworking committee for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the exhibitors and spectators for their warm welcome and genuine applause at my placings. There was a good atmosphere throughout the day and good to see so many still ringside to see the top honours at the end.
I was greeted with an excellent entry of 104 dogs making 122 entries and from these I was able to select some top specimens truly representative of our breed. I am not going to wax lyrical about the breed in general but suffice to say in my humble opinion a watch needs to be kept on heads, movement and coats/pelt.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my Best Dog is the grandsire of my Reserve Best Dog and my Best Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch share the same sire as each other.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
North West Canine Association Open Show
7th May 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Brannan (Brankell)
Thank you to the officers and committee for their invitation to judge this show, thanks to the 2 stewards for their work and also a big thank you to the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
3yr old g/t bitch with pleasing head, good bite, shallow stop and neat ear. She’s of a good size overall and holds a level topline and tail straight of her back which is a nice size. Well angulated hind quarters which she used to drive her around the ring, in new tight coat.
Carlisle & DCS Open Show
11th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
What a privilege it was to judge my breed again at the Scottish Kennel Club. I am very grateful for the invite.
I would really like to thank all of those who exhibited their dogs under me and for putting trust in my opinion and my integrity. I would also like to thank my very capable stewards Kate Scott and Lindsay O’Neill, who were very confident, efficient and jovial on the day.
My general findings were that the breed is showing a good in-depth quality. Movement is still a bit erratic here and there as one would expect, but I saw plenty of good borders on the day. However, I did notice that thickness of skin was not as evident as in the past and I honestly only found a few really good thick pelts. I found one dog had a very slight deformity near the very end of its tail. I had one or two level bites and one that obviously had recently had a tooth come out and its owner, very honestly, informed me of what had happened. None of these dogs were penalised in any way re mouths. Some exhibits were tallish but spannable, however, there were some that were two heavy in chest and had a rounder shape rib rather than the correct ‘v’ or heart shape.
As usual I was looking for borders that fulfilled the type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well as they would have had to when our standard was written all those years ago.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Westmorland County Agricultural Society Open Show
13th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Roberts (Mindlen)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Workman like racy bitch who was beautifully balanced. Strong but femine head with lovely expression. Nice reach of neck narrow front and spannable ribs. Moved out soundly, a bit lacking coat today but could not deny her bob
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Oct 2018
Judge: Gemma Vaughan nee Alpe (Holteal)
My thanks goes to Northern border terrier club firstly for the invite to judge, its was a great honour to judge in a geographically different area to myself. Thank you to all who had entered and all that showed under me.
The hospitality at the show was second to none with a fantastic lunch on offer.
Thank you to my steward Allen Horner on the day who helped run my ring very smoothly.
I was overall very pleased with the quality of dogs that were shown under me just one dog with a bad mouth and another dog with a kinked tail. Varying stages of coats today but I will not place down if I can see what I'm looking for coming through.
Again thank you for your entries and allowing me to judge your dogs.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
RBB In ok coat,again not a lot there but signs of tightness coming,great size and overall balance,good feminine head with good expression,moved well.
Terrier Club of Scotland Open Show
14th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr David Robbins (Chenting)
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Best Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Super bitch, well balanced throughout, lovely ottery head, well ribbed, in good condition, neat feet that moved her so well, another very strong contender for higher honours.
Lancashire Sporting Terrier Open Show
1st Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs Alison Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the committee for the appointment to judge here and huge thanks to my stewards Julie North, the lovely Lucy and Rose being super efficient and helpful.
Huge thanks to everyone that entered today giving an entry of great quality.
My B.O.B. is a bitch I have long admired but never had the good fortune to go over.
The winner of open being from the same kennel, I can say what pleasure it was to see them both today. Giving me a very hard decision between them. The second point I must make is that this is a kennel built by judicious breeding and to have the quality they have throughout has to be applauded.
Huge congratulations to Debbie Lorraine getting BEST PUP IN SHOW with the lovely Daisy.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Penrith & District Open Show
9th Dec 2018
Judge: Mr M Oxley
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Keebank Withy Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Mature bitch with a lovely feminine expression, I liked the head shape and ear set, good lay of shoulder, straight front, well proportioned throughout, good ribs and span, very good topline which was held on the move, super tail set. In good harsh jacket with a good thick pelt. The best mover of the day. BOB & TG1.
Spennymoor & DCS Open Show
28th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you to Mrs Claire Reed and the committee for inviting me to judge this show and to my very able stewards who ran the ring with great efficiency. The wonderful hospitality and very warm welcome extended to me by the club and exhibitors gave this show a great atmosphere.
I had an excellent entry of Border Terriers who, on the whole, were in good condition with only a couple of level bites and no kinked tails. Coats were in various stages but coats come and go so, as long as there was evidence of coat coming through, I did not penalise. On the day, my final line up consisted entirely of bitches, which reflected the number of quality bitches we have in the breed at present.
It was a long day for all as we were scheduled after several other breeds but the dogs, including the puppies, took it all in their stride. I was very happy to see my BPIB go on to will PG1 and my BOB be awarded TG2 with TG1 going to the dog who eventually won BIS.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch three and a half years old. Very attractive and confident she is nicely constructed with well muscled hind quarters. Good head with strong muzzle and big teeth. Narrow rib she kept her top line on the move. Another with a good harsh jacket and thick pelt, narrowly lost out to the BOB today.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Limited Show
27th Jan 2019
Judge: Mr P Lothian (Lairhope)
I would like to thank the Scottish Border Terrier Cub for inviting me to judge their 2019 Limited Show and to Exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day. Thank you also to the Committee for the excellent hospitality. Many thanks...
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Strong head with good stretch of neck on good level topline with carrot tail. Good pelt & harsh coat. Straight front moved well with drive.
Cumberland Canine Association Open Show
3rd Feb 2019
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Society for inviting me to judge at this show and for their hospitality, and also my Steward who kept things moving smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors who entered under me. As to be expected at this time of year, coats were at various stages. All dogs were entire.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Keebank Withy Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
4 year old grizzle and tan bitch with lots to like. Nice for size, strong but feminine otter head with lovely expression and good scissor bite. Narrow, with straight front and good layback of shoulder and just enough length of rib. Spanned easily. Thick pelt with plenty undercoat, jacket just about to go over but still of excellent, harsh texture. Good topline and tailset with well muscled hindquarters. Moved with drive. Pleased to award her BOB.
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
RBCC
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Lovely Border head, eye & expression, strong muzzle, well set ears, super for size, type & shape, good layback of shoulders, level top line with well set tail, strong hindquarters, excellent mover with no exaggerations. RBCC.
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Class Critique
Another quality class of lovely bitches!
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson
My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin!
It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future!
I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride.
Only a very few were difficult to span.
As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter.
Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride.
A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Well made bitch of pleasing type and size and presents a very balanced outlook, liked her a lot. Best of heads with a lovely eye and a keen and alert expression. Well made front standing on good legs and feet. Firm body and a good topline that she held on the move. Best of tails and excellent strength of hindquarters. Another who was so well presented on the day in the best of coats. Soundest of movers both fore and aft.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Julie North, for being efficient and keeping me on track.
I found no bad mouths and as always in our breed, coats at various stages. Lots of spannable dogs and bitches which I like.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs. L. Roberts (Mindlen)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge their open show the hospitality was second to none. Thanks must also go to the efficient stewards and sporting exhibitors for their support
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Best Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Cracking workmanlike bitch beautifully presented with excellent harsh jacket. Lovely head keen expression Nice front and feet. Flexible, muscular, balanced body spannable rib. Moved and handled well.
The Terrier Club of Scotland Open Show
13th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Best Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2019
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging the open show at Low Hesket, with this show and venue being very memorable from a young age I was delighted and privileged to accept the invitation to judge the show. A huge thank you goes to my two stewards on the day who kept my ring moving smoothly, also appreciation goes to the club as a whole for the great hospitality shown. The standard of the exhibits on the day was overall pleasing with quality of bitches slightly outweighing the dogs, many thanks to all exhibitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs and making my day such a pleasure.
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Best Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch oozing type and flowed around the ring with style and quality. Shown in a lovely jacket with a good pelt. Dark eye with short strong muzzle and good scissor bite with large teeth. Good length of neck leading to a correct shoulder and straight front, ribs carried well back and narrow body throughout with a good length and topline. Well angulated behind with good stifle and racy hindquarters. Beautiful bitch shown in tip top condition. Best Bitch, Best Opposite Sex & Reserve Best In Show
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs J Johnson (Ratcheugh)
Firstly my thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for giving me the opportunities to judge their Championship show, the committee for their hospitality and my stewards for keeping me on track. My thanks also to Joyce Martin for giving me memories of the day.
Secondly my appreciation to all exhibitors some who had travelled many miles on a very cold and frosty morning, it was a privilege to go over your dogs and thank you for accepting my decisions.
I was extremely pleased with my main winners, it’s very pleasing to have a class of borders and find one which ticks all your boxes.
Some puppies were in my opinion are too big and some I found difficult to span. I also prefer if handlers allowed the puppy to walk loosely and not strung up, this throws the front movement.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
lovely head and expression, good strong teeth and muzzle, racy body lines with level topline correct tail set, easily spanned.
Penrith & DCS Open Show
1st Dec 2019
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Keebank Withy Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Cumberland CA Open Show
2nd Feb 2020
Judge: Darren Pearson (Winoski)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
5 year old in fine form. Could be stronger in head, yet dentition could do some damage. Lovely reach of neck to well laid shoulders, in excellent coat and pelt, good rear, moved sound.
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Class Critique
A class teeming in quality.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
My grateful thanks to the Club for inviting me to judge their July Open Show. I had a lovely day. I'd like to thank the exhibitors for a super entry
Also thanks to my very capable Steward, Allen Horner, who kept everything on track, Valerie Atkinson for a lovely lunch and to the club for their hospitality. The show was well organised considering the difficulties with Covid restrictions. I had difficulty in spanning quite a few exhibits and I was surprised to see a lot of small teeth. Also there were a lot of exhibits who could have do with their nails trimming. All dogs were entire and there were no kinky tails.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Liverpool Terrier Club Open Show
20th Feb 2022
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like the Committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers, my first appointment back after the Covid break, I thoroughly enjoyed myself too
I thank the exhibitors for my entry and allowing me to go over their lovely dogs , a shame a few were missing but the weather had not been kind
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2022
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would sincerely like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely well run show and for their kind hospitality on the day. Also for the lovely gifts received from the Club.
Many thanks also to my two stewards Judy and Marina, who were a great help and kept things running very smoothly.
I was extremely flattered by the wonderful entry and would like to thank each and every exhibitor for kindly allowing me to go over their dogs, and for their sportsmanship when accepting my decisions.
Coats, as always were very varied at this time of year, and some had to pay the penalty for not having enough topcoat. Nearly all dogs were spannable, all males were entire and dentition was good overall. I found I had some difficult decisions to make, and I was sorry I could not give more places.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
My thanks must go to the hard working committee for the kind invitation to judge
Border Terriers at this show. The welcome was warm and the hospitality on the day
was excellent.
There was a lovely entry and my gratitude goes to the exhibitors for their support ,also
the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken.
My general observations were as follows, bites mostly correct , males appeared intact ,
no tail kinks but what I did find was a few dogs quite broad chested and rather wide at
the front, rears were less of a problem .As breeders we must remember that
narrowness throughout is not only desired but needed if Borders are to be capable of
doing the job that they were bred for.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
7 year old tidy, workmanlike grizzle girl. Head was ok but would have liked a little more strength in the jaw . Excellent coat and texture, topline and tailset very good . Movement was ok . Was unlucky to meet the winner today who was on top form .
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
7 yr old. Lovely feminine head with good teeth and jaw. Narrow body of good size with good coat and pelt. Moved well.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Another good bitch, just 7 years old, not as strong in head as 1, well balanced all through but not moving too well in the very windy conditions.
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
7 year old light grizzle, one I have done well for before, nice head proportions with well placed ear. Lovely for size and balance and narrow throughout. Nice carroty tail and set on. Moved well.
Annandale CS Open Show
17th Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs Lesley Roberts (Mindlen)
Best Veteran
Name at show: TVG1, Keebank Withy Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Workmanlike bitch beautiful front and shoulder, spannable flexible rib good length racy rear moved ok. BVIG
AV Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Nicely put together, well balanced, grizzle bitch with moderate head, nicely placed neat ears and excellent bite. Good angulation front and rear, good length of body and well-muscled hindquarters. Good jacket and pliable pelt. Moved OK.
Carlisle & District Canine Society Open Show
31st Jul 2022
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to offer my thanks to Carlisle and District Canine Society for asking me to judge Borders on the day and to the committee of the Border Terrier Club for proposing me for the appointment. It was a very bright, sunny day so being inside the arena gave the exhibitors and the exhibits some relief from the heat. Although generally Borders prefer the open air and often give of their best outside. I’d like to offer my appreciation to my steward on the day for his efficient and effective management of the classes; he was super. My thanks also go to the exhibitors who entered their dogs and were so pleasant and sporting in accepting my placings. My decisions were based on how I saw the dogs on the day and some decisions were very close.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: VTG1, Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Another balanced grizzle bitch with narrow body lines. Nice length of neck leading to a nicely shaped rib and a strong loin. Pleasing head set off by dark v shaped ears lying close to her head. Coarse jacket with decent pelt. Easily spanned. A little untidy on the move today.
Cartmel AS Open Show
3rd Aug 2022
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch. 7yr old with a good head. Well angulated all through with a firm topline held on the move. Double coat of correct texture. Easily spanned with a thick loose pelt. Moved OK
Morecambe & Heysham CA Open Show
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Gareth Thomas (Gazstaff)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Driffield Championship Dog Show
26th Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank you all for allowing me to go over your dogs and also our Stewards John and Marvin for keeping everything running smoothly enabling me to finish in good time .
I have to say that I found movement in a number of classes worrying . Although most dogs looked ok in profile when viewed from the front and rear there were too many moving closely and a few flicking wrists . This was reflected in my placings with the soundest being placed highest .
Mouths were good with just one level bite but there were both dogs and bitches which I could not span . Coats were , on the whole , pretty good .
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Darlington Championship Dog Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge Border Terriers. Huge thanks to my two efficient stewards Laura Jordan-Smith and Julie North who kept me on track and finally the exhibitors for a super entry. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front as there were too many swinging fronts, wide movement and toeing in. There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to choose from and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
super bitch, well balanced throughout, lovely otter head, well ribbed, neat feet, in good condition, moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club (October Show)
1st Oct 2022
Judge: Mr G Richardson
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for offering me the chance to award C.Cs for the first time, thanks to their hospitality i had a very enjoyable experience . Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner . Also thank you to my very efficient Steward on the day Judy Carr , with her experience she kept the day flowing excellently. Overall I was very pleased with the dogs placed on the day, generally there was a better quality bitch entry compared to dogs. Movement and wide fronts was an issue with some exhibits but generally ok. I was happy to see my B.P, take Puppy Group 2 and B.S.B.I.B. take S.B. Group 1 .
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song
Placing Critique
Feminine otter head ,good strength of jaw with scissor bite, nice length of neck, spannable , shown in full coat .Moved ok.
Penrith & DCS Open Show
18th Dec 2022
Judge: Gillian Knight (Talanors)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Penrith & DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to both the Penrith & District Canine Society and the Border Terrier Club for considering me to judge a super entry of some quality dogs. The show committee were most welcoming and kept the judges well fed and watered. My stewards – Sue, Jane and Katrina keeping the proceedings flowing smoothly- my thanks.
All dogs presented today were of sound temperaments, all found to be spannable and, as to be expected, various stages of coat with some excellent coats and pelts on display. Movement overall was most pleasing; with some excellent examples of strong reach and drive making for fluid balanced movement. In some classes I found myself splitting hairs due to the quality of the exhibits. Again, my one plea is for clean teeth!
Best Veteran
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Placing Critique
8-year-old Grizzle and Tan bitch that moved lightly on her feet with a good reach and drive. Lovely feminine head with powerful jaw and big teeth and the required dark keen gaze. Neck flows well into well laid back shoulders, and she maintained her level topline on the move and when static- Good balanced movement. Easily spanned with correct depth of chest. Presented in good order with harsh jacket and super pelt. Pleased to award her Best Veteran In Breed.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr. P. Appleby (Hollexby)
Firstly I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge this show, it was an honour and a privilege, secondly thank you to the exhibitors for entering a lovely selection of dogs for me to go over, and lastly but not leastly to my Stewards, Liz Barret and Val Mason for keeping me right.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Cumberland CA Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Keith Derry (Vistca)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge their open show held at Jedburgh, the home of the border terrier. It was a great privilege, and I had some amazing dogs present who are a credit to their owners, thank you for bringing them.
Thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly and keeping me on track so we finished at a reasonable time. The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank the whole committee for this.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Class Critique
This is always one of my favourite classes and all are credit to their owners. I absolutely loved my top two.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Class Critique
lovely class of veterans.
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch in excellent coat and condition. Lovely head with flat skull and keen expression. Excellent front assembly, level topline and well angulation rear. Moved out well with an effortless gait.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Keebank Withy Song VW
Placing Critique
G/tan Coming up to 9 years of age and looking very good for it ,nice head good neck front and topline ,thick double coat and loose pelt. Moving true and steady for her age.
