Show Placings
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Another very nice grizzle and tan puppy who is litter brother to the class winner, and has also many positive attributes. Looked balanced in profile. Owns a nice head and expression. Ribs laid well back. Spanned easily with a loose pliable pelt. Racy hindquarters. Moved out well and confidently.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
A very promising entry on paper but unfortunately the weather took its toll !
However I was more than happy with my main winners all were typical of what I look for in a Border Terrier and the proof that careful breeding pays off was demonstrated by the very promising progeny found amongst the youngsters.
As is my approach to critiques, generally the winners in most respects all meet the standard which calls for a working terrier with an otter like head on reasonable length neck set into well laid shoulders, a moderate length body, well ribbed back, strong shortish loin, racy but moderate rear angulation allowing the dog to move with drive, in harsh double coat and with thick pelt. I do not therefore repeat this for each individual dog but I have highlighted the dog’s best points and the reasons for their placings .
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Light grizzle with well proportioned head and body, flowing top line, good quarters moved out well to win class.
Class Critique
These youngsters may change places as they develop, as this was such a promising group of babies.
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Lichfield Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Very nice 10mth Grizzle with a lovely head. Very good depth & strength of muzzle, nice dark eye of good shape & well set neat ears. Well angulated fore & aft with a level topline held on the move. Narrow all through, chest not too deep. Thick pelt & easily spanned. Coat of good texture. Good bone & tight feet. Racy hind-quarters. Moved out well. BPD & RBPIS.
Gloucester & DCS Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Gillian Knight (Talanors)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Judged him recently at an Open Show in a Puppy Group, liked him then and he didn’t disappoint in breed company. Typey sort of good overall confirmation. Dark eye along with a keen and alert expression. Very clean over the neck and shoulders, good body shape and well developed quarters. Moved well.
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you to the club for the invitation to judge and the exhibitors for their entries. Judged inside due to weather, some exhibits found the floor a bit distracting. Thank you to the committee for a well-run show and my tasty lunch. Thank you to my steward and their young helper, always encouraging to see the youth being encouraged.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
11.5-month G&T dog. Lovely otter head. Easily spannable, tight feet, good tail set and nice double coat. Preferred overall balance and movement of 1st
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
27th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
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.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Nice grizzle, up to size for me but of very nice general conformation. Nice masculine head with strong muzzle and bite. Nice expression with dark eyes, well setted ears. Narrow all through, Balanced angulations front and rear, spannable, excellent pelt and coat, level topline kept on the move. Moves well
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Nice grizzle, up to size for me but of very nice general conformation. Nice masculine head with strong muzzle and bite. Nice expression with dark eyes, well setted ears. Narrow all through, Balanced angulations front and rear, spannable, excellent pelt and coat, level topline kept on the move. Moves well
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
13 months old grizzle, top size with masculine head, dark eyes and scissor bite, although tall he makes a nice shape and lots to like, front legs viewed straight with good bone and racy rear quarter, moves free and even.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
REPEAT
North Staffs Canine Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
31st May 2023
Judge: Marion Sargent (Tegwani)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Slighter in bone than 1. Shown in a good harsh coat and condition with a thick pelt. Dark eye. Moved with drive.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Light G/T. Excellent head with little stop and strong muzzle. Balanced outline. Very good length of neck into narrow shoulders and straight front. Good feet. I liked his length of rib. Spannable. Presented in good coat and pelt. Covered the ground well in profile.
Northwich & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
G&T. Nice headed dog with a dark eye, well laid shoulder and good reach of neck, good topline and tailset. Nicely put together, in super condition, really good thick harsh coat and pelt. Easily spanned with good rib, straight forelegs with well padded feet. Well angulated hindquarters. Moved well
Newport Agricultural Society (Shropshire) Open Show
8th Jul 2023
Judge: Alison Kenny-Marriot (Millingford)
Thank you to the Society for inviting me to judge at this lovely, friendly dog show. Thanks to the committee for all their hard work and to my friendly stewards who kept the ring moving at all times. Thanks also to the exhibitors who brought some quality dogs for me to judge and braved the threat of thunderstorms on the day! Border Terriers A quality entry
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Striking male who took your eye as he entered the ring. Slightly on the larger size but excellent breed type and in good form. Lovely otter head of correct proportions. Liked his eye and expression. Good angulations and level topline.Good depth of body. Correct tailset. Spannable and in super coat and condition. Moved effortlessly round the ring. RBD
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
16th Jul 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge the Border Terriers today; and my thanks also to our steward, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. If I have a plea to exhibitors it would be this: please pay attention to cleanliness of teeth and overall presentation especially feet and nails. Thank you.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
One-year-old grizzle and tan dog. Good ‘Otter-like’ head with dark eye strong jaw and large teeth. Super thick coat and loose pelt. Right reach of neck, nicely narrow throughout with ribs carried well back on correct length body with a good strong loin. Managed to keep topline on the move despite being a little unsettled today. Reserve Best of Breed.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Morecambe and District Canine Association Open Show
12th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rob Jones (Silverluka)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Lancaster & District Canine Society Open Show
12th Aug 2023
Judge: Louise Hetherington (Newent)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Class Critique
A strong class of good dogs, especially the first
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Was Reserve in Junior Dog. Just found him a little heavy when spanning him. Superb head with keen expression. Lovely ear placement. Excellent harsh jacket and thick pelt. Good tail set. A good all round dog.
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.
RDCC
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
A lighter grizzle with a strong masculine head and excellent dentition. Straight in front, excelled in upperarm into a lovely lay of shoulder. Neat feet. Correct bend of stifle which he put to good use with his effortless movement. My type of border. Pleased to award him R CC.
Stafford & District Canine Society Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Miss G Lowe (Rockslade)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their show for my first judging appointment. The show was well run, friendly and I received a warm welcome upon arrival. I would also like to thank all those who entered under me especially in the current climate with travelling costs.. A big thank you to my very capable steward Richard Wright for ensuring that the ring ran well.
I was pleased with my entry and there were some quality exbibits in attendance. I did find a number of exhibits to be short on undercoat and one untidy mouth. Some long nails and dirty teeth which need addressing.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Masculine otter head with dark eye and good expression, well sized teeth in a scissor bite. He moved well coming and going with a good topline and tail set which he held on the move. Thick tweedy jacket, harsh texture on a thick loose pelt. Ribbed well back and spannable. Straight front with good angulation front and rear. Presented in good order and shown to his advantage.
Class Critique
The first 3 were excellent quality exhibits and the most difficult class of the day
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
As First in Yearling
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.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
strong headed grizzle with powerful jaw, well set , slightly heavy ear, set on a strong neck and good front. Lovely coat and pelt covers a good sized body, scannable rib and strong rear. A little sloping at the croup affected his tailset. Moved ok.
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Made on slightly taller lines, excellent for type, made on racey lines in good order, with a excellent weather proof coat, good length of body which was carried level on the move, nice bend of stifle.
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Amélie Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Nice size with keen expression, narrow front, well laid shoulders, pleasing in body, topline and tail set and carriage
Litchfield CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr John Finney (Sanguliano)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
A size larger, he was in lovely coat and body condition, thick pelt, easily spanned, good bone, legs and feet, moved well
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Strong headed masculine dog show in good jacket on good pelt. Good moderate length of neck, narrow in front, spannable rib and strong in loin. Good front and rear which he used well on the move. Presented in excellent order.
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.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan of a nice size and it was nice to see him free standing the whole time in the ring. Typical head and expression with a nice dark eye and good bite. Excellent neck and shoulders, and good return of upper arm. Straight front legs not too heavy in bone. Standing on neat feet. Excellent in rib and topline, easily spanned and narrow throughout. Racy hindquarters. Another beautifully presented sporting a good harsh topcoat. Very sound on the move from all directions.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
See 1st in Graduate
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Another top size male with pleasing head and expression. Ribs well back and deep. Angles ok front and rear. Harsh coat with loose pelt. Not moving as freely as 1st.
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Nice headed boy with strong bite, moved well good coat and pelt
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
29th May 2024
Judge: Carmel Clarke O'Neill (Lemracdream)
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Top size but looks balanced, good head and broad skull with good strength of muzzle, good bone , narrow front with good body length. Very deep in brisket i couldn’t span. Thick pelt, a nice looking dog. Moved true both ways well handled and presented
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
2 year old light grizzle. Bigger type of dog but spans OK. Good looking exhibit with masculine head, nice neck and shoulder. Super coat and pelt, well set tail. Neat feet and the best mover in this class
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
upstanding, masculine light grizzle with a good otter head with nice length of flat skull and strong jaw with big teeth, dark eyes with keen expression. Nice length of neck flowing into clean shoulders, level topline; narrow, straight front with well boned legs and tight feet with thick pads. Good length of rib, narrow and spannable; presented in deep, double coat with a thick, loose pelt. Shown free-standing on a loose lead, strode out sound and free on the move.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
Light grizzle dog who has an appealing head. He has a dark eye and a keen expression. With correct dentition. He is narrow and balanced throughout. Easy to span. Shown in a harsh double jacket. Moved well.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Placing Critique
grizzle, on the leg, very narrow, racy, moved well.
Leeds Championship Show
28th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I enjoyed my judging and appreciated the good sportsmanship around the ring with applause for all class placings, this is so often lacking these days. In the males there were a lot shown in single coat so these were not in contention on the day, also quite a few were difficult to span. I did not find these problems in the bitches However as many judges before me have commented, good front movement is the exception rather than the norm and these Borders would easily tire following a horse all day.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the YLCBTC for giving me the honour of judging their Championship Show . My thanks also to my very efficient stewards Tracy and Marvin who kept both the ring and myself in order . It also goes without saying that I very much appreciated the exhibitors who trusted me to go over their dogs , Thank you .
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
24th Nov 2024
Judge: Karon Jackson (Jackabyte)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill
