Show Placings
Cartmel AS Open Show
3rd Aug 2022
Judge: Mr R Mann (Lynsett)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
6mth bitch with a good head. Well angulated with a good coat, loose pelt & was easily spanned. Moved OK
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Novice - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Lancaster & DCS Open Show
20th Aug 2022
Judge: Carol Dunford (Quixol)
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Morecambe & Heysham CA Open Show
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Gareth Thomas (Gazstaff)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Feminine head of good proportions, dark eye, good ears and lovely expression. Good neck into body of good shape, straight legs and good feet. Tail well set and moved with good action holding a balanced shape. In good harsh coat, well spanned, promising youngster. BPB
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Nice type feminine head, pleasing expression, narrow throughout with good rib and top-line, spannable in good harsh coat. Moved ok.
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
8mths Nice Size, Not the head as 1, Level topline , neat tail set, Moved out well for a youngster.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Northern Border terrier club,
for inviting me to judge at this show. I considered this a great honour and privilege.
Many thanks to my two ring stewards Andrea Dixon and Mark Atkinson for keeping the ring running smoothly. I am immensely grateful to all of the exhibitors for a supper entry and the chance to go over so many lovely dogs and for taking my decisions with good sportsmanship. Some decisions could have been different on another day
In general, most were in tip top condition a few were a bit over weight.
Dentition was mostly good. I was happy on the whole with temperaments.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Maiden - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2022
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge The Border Terrier Club Open Show at Low Hesket and big thank you for my lovely judge’s gifts. I would also like to thank my two stewards for the day, Judy Carr and Marina Flemming for doing a sterling job and keeping the ring running smoothly through the day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors for their fantastic entry and for excepting my decisions on the day. I had a lovely entry of borders who on whole were of good quality.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Lovely headed red bitch. Liked her size. Nice eye and good bite. Lovely reach of neck flowing into a level top line which she held on the move. Stood on tight feet. Easily spanned and narrow throughout. Moved out really well.
Maiden - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
See Minor Puppy Bitch
Lancashire Sporting Terrier Club Open Show
12th Nov 2022
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE (Sleepyhollow)
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS3, Nottorg Nekesa
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Attractive 9 ½ month old bitch, presented in excellent coat, super head, excellent front, correct width of rib, well laid back, correct tail. Moved very well and with confidence.
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs. Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Scottsway )
Thank you to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this, their first Premier Show. It was a very well run Show with both exhibitors and judges in mind. Thank you to my able steward, Eliza Hajdas, who kept the ring running smoothly with a constant smile. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, unfortunately there were a few absentees, but I was delighted with the quality of my entry. Thanks must also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the chance to go over their dogs.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Maghull and Merseyside Canine Society Open Show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Claire McCusker (Zaracle)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Dr. Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to thank Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their January Open Show. It was a privilege. I was given a really warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none. The venue was bright and airy and provided for a large ring with plenty of room for exhibitors. I was very ably assisted on the day by my two stewards, Margaret Davis and Sian McKay, who organised the ring with cheerful good humour and efficiency. It was also super to be present for the presentation by the Club to Pat and Brian Baxter, who always add a convivial and kindly presence to any gathering. Lastly I’d like to thank the exhibitors for coming out in numbers in chilly January and who accepted my placings with such good grace.
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Strong head throughout, showing depth of muzzle and skull. Good length of rib and strong loin. Well angulated behind and movement OK. Short thick tail. Spanned well and showed depth of pelt. Out of coat today.
Wath,West Melton and District Canine Society Open Show
4th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at your show. Thanks to Paul and Yvonne the stewards on the day. A big thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your lovely borders on the day.
The quality of the entries was very good, not enough cards to go around! I made my decisions based on the dog on the day, another day many could swap places. I was looking for good confirmation and movement on the day, I let presentation take a back seat as coats can come and go, but confirmation and movement never change.
One or two were hard to span and a couple with tight almost level bites.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Nottorg Nekesa
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
14 month old grizzle bitch with a lovely strong but feminine head, strong big teeth. She’s a good handy size, narrow front. Correct tail set, neat feet. Good length of body, not too deep, well proportioned. Best mover of the day, moved with purpose and drive. Pleased to award her BOB and great to see her go TG2.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Apr 2023
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge this show. It was originally planned for me to judge in April 2020, but this was rearranged due to the pandemic and other outstanding appointments. I would like to thank the Committee for the wonderful hospitality shown to me throughout the day, and thank you to my Steward who kept things running smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
I have not judged for just over 4 years, so it was a pleasure to see so many new dogs and new faces around the ring. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and quality throughout the classes, and pleased to see a return to a more narrow dog, as I was seeing a trend for wide fronts last time I judged.
All dogs were entire and temperaments throughout were good. Bites were correct, with just the odd broken, misplaced or dirty tooth. Coats were, as to be expected, at various stages. There were a few close decisions, and some classes where I wish I had more prize cards to give out. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs, and also for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
Lastly, can I please apologise for the delay in submitting my critique, as I usually have them done within a day or two of the show. There has been an ongoing issue with the health of a close relative which has taken up a lot of my time, so again, apologies for the delay.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Class Critique
A really strong class
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Pollard CS Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr P Bradwood
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Lancashire Sporting Terrier Club Open Show
29th May 2023
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
15 month old grizzle bitch of a medium build, nice feminine head and well set on ears. Good in shoulder and nice flat rib, moved true and made up a pleasing outline. A little short on jacket but texture coming through.
Great Harwood Agricultural Society Open Show
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs. K. Rimmer (Kylini)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
good overall outline, correct head shape, good bite, nice dark eye good expression clean neck down to good shoulder, tight feet, good pelt and spanable but a little lacking in coat at the moment, well angulated in rear and moved with drive.
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
31st May 2023
Judge: Marion Sargent (Tegwani)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Riddings & DCS Open Show
4th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Lynsett / Valger)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Ruthin Canine Society Open Show
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jacqueline Ann Ward (Mianja)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Northwich & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Otley CS Open Show
1st Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs R Barney (verrami)
Yearling /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
RBCC
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
seriously underrated handy sized red grizzle bitch, short muzzled strong head with plenty of substance, great stop, big teeth with scissor bite, good length of neck to level topline and short thick tail well set, full harsh coat hiding a good length of flat rib, well muscled hind quarters with good angulation and neat feet, moved smoothly out and back, well deserved RBCC
Special Challenge - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
as Yearling
Lancaster & District Canine Society Open Show
12th Aug 2023
Judge: Louise Hetherington (Newent)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Morecambe and District Canine Association Open Show
12th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rob Jones (Silverluka)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: TSBBG2, Nottorg Nekesa
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Smart grizzle bitch, good size, lovely feminine head, excellent coat and pelt, presented in top condition, nice length of body, flat rib, good outline and moved well
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Second yearling bitch
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
3rd Sep 2023
Judge: David Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this buzzing, well organised, show. It was an extremely hot day so I moved dogs less than I perhaps would normally, to allow for the extreme temperatures we were all enjoying but the dogs were not. There was a good public attendance who seemed to enjoy the array of breeds on show. Thank you for the marvellous entries in the terrier breeds which made for a very enjoyable day indeed.
Border Terrier
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Useful size on this nicely made youngster. Scores in head, front and rear angles, topline and overall outline and balance. Really impressed on the move, with an accurate and ground covering easy stride. Fit & well conditioned
Rhyl Canine Society Open Show
10th Sep 2023
Judge: Louisa Henry
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Nottorg Nekesa
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Belfast Championship Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Mr John Scanlon (Pantycelyn)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Stockport Canine Society Open Show
25th Nov 2023
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to thank the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge some of the terrier breeds at there show today. My thanks to my 2 very capable stewards Aaron and Alex for keeping things running smoothly. To the exhibitors it was a pleasure to judge your dogs.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
nicely made smart 21mth old g/t bitch with a feminine attractive head and keen expression, good neck in to correct shoulders, level top line, with a good croup and tail set, with well angulated hindquarters. Moved well
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
A nice all round bitch, liked her shape and size, best of coats, well ribbed, narrow all through, harsh coat, moved well to get the class
Oakengates & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Andrew Westwood (Nethertonion)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Wigan and District Canine Society Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the Committee of the Wigan and District Canine Society for the opportunity to judge today (we were kept well fed and watered!), and to my steward for her assistance in the ring. The show was very well attended and was therefore very busy and noisy. The Border ring was right next to an open door which unfortunately did appear to have a detrimental effect on a few exhibits, leading to some inconsistent and unsettled presentations. That aside, there were some lovely dogs to go over – no major faults to note, and all had very pleasing loose pelts. Coats, as to be expected, were in various stages of growth.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Much to like about this balanced 2-year-old grizzle and tan bitch with an excellent otter head with all that entails; including a kind alert gaze, and strong muzzle with big teeth. She is of a handy size with good shoulder placement flowing from a good reach of neck, though well back ribs to a rear assembly with good turn of stifle. Shown today in an excellent thick dense coat with loose pelt. Moved ok, not as positive as 1 today.
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
2 year old red grizzle bitch that is really nice to go over, she moves soundly and covers the ground with ease. Has a nice head and good length of neck with clean shoulders, set down in a good jacket and thick pelt. Moves true with little effort.
Heywood and Radcliffe CS Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Tony Allcock MBE (Sleepyhollow)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Ms Cara Davani (Kebulak)
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Barrow and District Kennel Association Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Jacqui Ward (Mianja)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
lovely 2 year old well constructed bitch, feminine head with short strong muzzle good rib and easy to span, stood well on small neat feet. She was turned out to perfection, super outline in profile movement BOB
St Helens & DCS Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Nottorg Nekesa
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
29th Mar 2024
Judge: Jo Hughes (Arunmere)
I would like to thank Edwinstowe & District CS for their kind invitation for my first judging appointment and also to my two stewards who kept the ring running smoothly. I had a very good entry with quality dogs that could of swapped places on another day, I’d like to thank all exhibitors for their generous entry. All had good coat texture however some might benefit from tidier presentation to improve their overall outline especially around the feet, movement on the whole was good.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch with similar attributes of 1st, handy size, feminine otter head with neat ears, harsh jacket, spanned easily, good tail set & balanced throughout, 1st had the edge on movement today.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Nottorg Nekesa
