Show Placings
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
6mth grizzle nice size good length of body and well angulated hind quarters thick pelt and harsh coat keen expression and good scissor bite teeth, moved well but a bit loose in front spanned easy.
Gillingham and Shaftesbury AS Open Show
15th Aug 2018
Judge: Raewyn O ‘Brien (Tteswood)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog of 6 months old. Racy lines throughout, very balanced dog, Good head and expression carried his ears high at some points but corrected this. Nice length of neck good shoulder and rib .Good topline and tailset shown in harsh dense coat which won him the class, with small neat feet. Moved well both ways and covered the ground with ease. BPD .
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Smart, balanced of good type. Pleasing head with dark eye with a spark. Strong muzzle and underjaw. Ribs lead well back and spans. Good behind. Goes on well with true foot fall. Pleasing jacket.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Overall preferred the balance of this one to 2nd. Good ear and expressive eye. Moderate neck into a good straight front with correct bone. Correct depth of brisket, with a good topline and tail carriage on the move. Well made rear construction.
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
good head, with dark eye keen expression, nice neck and shoulders, straight front, good ribs and body, pleasing in outline and overall balance, moved well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Lovely body on this 10 and 1/2 month's boy - he was VERY easily spanned. Nice tight jacket. Just failed a little in head and would prefer better ear placement, but loved his narrow front.
Boston & District Canine Society
6th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge. Thank you to Boston Show Society for inviting me to judge and putting on a very well organised event. Running these events is hard work and takes a lot of organising. The breed has changed a lot in the thirty years I have owned and been part of. Heads are very varied and lack strength under the eye so giving a weaker muzzle and too many domed skulls. Good movement is hard to find too many borders just mark time. Coats were varied but it is a difficult time of the year and I am not a fan of the over tidied coat or worrying about perfect presentation but a little attention to detail helps. A lot of long nails and excess hair on the feet, and a lot of long hair left on sides of the head and muzzles. My judging is based on good shape and conformation in accordance with the breed standard and of course good movement that allows the dog to cover the ground with ease. No animal is perfect and we all judge in our own way but I enjoyed today's challenge.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Liked this one to go over. Flexible and very spanned. Ottery shape to his head flowing into nice length to neck. Well ribbed back. Excellent outline on the move.Moved well when handler and dog got it together.
Devon County Show
17th May 2019
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Devon County Show for the invitation to judge today. The exhibitors gave me a lovely entry and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. My stewards Trudi Conibere and Caitlin Channon were very efficient, and did a great job managing to keep the paperwork dry when the weather turned against us.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
15 month old grizzle & tan dog, who stood out for his balanced construction, both standing and on the move. Attractive head, moderately broad with a short, strong muzzle and correct bite. He had a straight front, narrow body with ribs carried well back, level topline and well set tail. Well presented with a harsh, dense coat and thick pelt. Correctly constructed, he moved soundly, although could have been more animated in the challenge.
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Slightly bigger dog. Short of coat today. Pleasing head. Well presented.Correct bite and big teeth
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Poole CC Open Show
16th Jun 2019
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for my first judging appointment in Border Terriers, also to the exhibitors for entering.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
16 month old grizzle dog who stood out from the moment he walked in. Strong masculine head, ears well set and used to frame his expression, large teeth set in correct scissor bite. Good reach of neck that flowed into a good shoulder and straight front. Lovely rib into a strong loin. Moved well holding his topline throughout with a good tailset. Put down in super jacket with a thick pelt. BOB and pleased to see him go Group 1.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee of this fantastic, friendly and well organised show for the appointment to judge originally the Border Terriers, but due to the group judge Colin Richardson falling fowl to a dodgy Chinese I was extremely honoured to be able to cover his breed classes with Darwin Martin completing the AV and Group. I wish Colin a speedy recovery. Thank you to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Masculine grizzle and tan male that could not be ignored. Strong head with good bite, correct ears and strength of jaw. Well set shoulders and upper arm allowing him true reach in his front action when covering the ground in profile. I could span him due to his good rib shape. Presented in good coat with a real handful of pelt. A pleasure to go over. Please to see him go Group 3 in a large terrier group.
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog, stronger dog of good type & balance, nice feet, spanable with good coat, went well.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
another nice dog good head built on narrow lines, good topline which he maintained on the move. Moved very well behind, just needs to tighten up in front.
Mid Somerset Agriculture Society Open Show
18th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss Bethany Cawley
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Salisbury & South Wilts CS Open Show
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Hilary Fulker
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Lovely sized attractive grizzle and tan 18 month old male. Loved his head and expression. Neat ears. Excellent coat. Good length of neck and shoulder and straight front. Moved well with pleasing outline. Small neat feet. BOB Pleased to hear he won group 2.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
I liked the type on this dog and he has many good points: typical body and outline , very good hard dense coat, sound legs, excellent tail, ears set too high not helping head and expression and I felt he could have showed with more enthusiasm
Class Critique
Difficult class with considerable variation
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Stood away for correct construction presenting good otter type head and excellent body outline with no exaggeration has good second thigh and let down hocks enabling easy ground covering movement topped by harsh double coat. Another considered in the challenge.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Helen Bakewell (Norwelston)
Thank you to the committee and exhibitors for such a lovely day. Overall the quality was good, a lot of nice breed types, good feet, mouths, and was able to span most on the day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Nice overall well balanced, good head, eye, muzzle and bite. Nice neck, shoulder, front, well made rear. Moved well but lost the top line slightly.
Minehead & DCS Open Show
10th Nov 2019
Judge: Miss Judith Haydon
My thanks to the Committee at Minehead & District Canine Society for kindly inviting me to Judge the Border Terrier Classes at their Open Show in November 2019. I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment, and although I had a relatively small entry, all the dogs were of an excellent quality and a pleasure to go over. My final decisions were only made on the smallest of margins, and I am grateful to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a true sporting manner. My thanks also to my organised and efficient stewards on the day.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
A super grizzle dog with a pleasing head, good reach of neck and correct shoulder. Lovely and narrow with a flat rib, level top line and correct tail set. Another one short of coat today, but nevertheless correct, and again moved well around the ring.
BoB, TG2
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2019
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
I would first like to thank all the exhibitors for a lovely entry, and for making the effort to travel to the N.E.C on a dark winter’s morning. There was a variation in breed type to a degree, which is always the case, but I was very happy with both my final lineups and only wish I could hand out more awards.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan in excellent coat, nicely balanced head with dark eye, tight feet, nice topline with good bend of stifle, showed well.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
This was my last judging appointment so thank you to all who entered under me today. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some very nice dogs. I would also like to thank my stewards Linda and Natalie who kept the ring running smoothly.
I was very happy to see my BOB take Group 4 and my BP Puppy Group 2.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Swindon & DCS Open Show
29th Feb 2020
Judge: Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
1st Mar 2020
Judge: Tina Morgan (Blewecourt)
Thankyou to the officers and committee for the support and courtesy extended to me at this well-run breed club show. I also want to thank and congratulate Sheila Hales the show manager, David Hunt and Lyn Aldrich my stewards and Andrew Mooney for ensuring everything was in order and ran smoothly. My last thanks must go to the exhibitors for a quality entry and allowing me to go over their dogs, as well as the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
It was a great atmosphere, all the dogs and bitches displayed good temperaments, all males entire, a couple of level bites which is of course acceptable and a wide variety of types with some carrying too much condition which I couldn’t span and were heavy. Coats were at varying stages of growth and I was pleased to feel a number of good thick pelts. I judged as I saw the dogs on the day and had at the fore the essentials required for ‘essentially a working terrier’.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Another lovely headed G/T with great scissor bite and dark eye. Lovely neck into well laid shoulder, narrow all through, good for bone on tight feet and good bend of stifle. Easily spanned who moved well keeping a level topline and shown in good harsh coat. Unfortunate to be up against 1st today.
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!
Mid Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Again the quality came right down the line. Nice head although not quite as finished as (1) and (2). Good neck and front. Great topline continuing into a good strong tail.
Southampton & DCA Open Show
20th Jun 2021
Judge: David Mathias (Eyrescot)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Devon County Show
2nd Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the show committee for offering me this appointment and I was very grateful to both my ring stewards for their help on the day.
This was a lovely show to come back too after such a long time away from the show ring. The weather today got very warm in the ring for some exhibits. I would like to have seen a couple of exhibits which were without coat on another day as I feel this is an important aspect when I judge the breed. All dentition was correct and was shown by the handler, all males had two testicles.
The level of quality throughout the entry was in my opinion outstanding. Which in some classes having only one first prize was not enough! Many of the exhibits today I believe will have bright futures ahead of them.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
A very handsome 3 year old grizzle & tan male that was shown in very good order with lots of breed type. He’s a very nice dog to get your hands on from his lovely lay of shoulder into a good shape rib and correct hind quarters. Another exhibit with a very good rib and narrow body lines, good top line maintained standing and on the move. He has a good stride that covered the ground well. His overall balance and good construction secured him the class win and RBOB.
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show
15th Aug 2021
Judge: Karl Gawthorpe (Waterbrook)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
masculine head and expression, firm strong neck, good front and rear angles, good depth of chest and spring of ribs, correct coat texture, moved well.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
DCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Lovely fully mature grizzle of 3 years , Super head eye & expression , with strong muzzle , good jaw & big teeth , & a super big nose leather ( getting rare now ) Good neck into clean well placed shoulders & narrow front with straight medium boned legs into tight feet . very nice body shape , having well carried back good shape ribs & strong loin , with good underline , spans well . Has medium angulation racy & well muscled hindquarters , with nice carroty tail which is set well . Came in tight harsh double coat & moved with total balance around the ring with equal reach & drive & good travel keeping his outline , moved straight & firmly out & back . Not a flashy dog , but true border type ,being workmanlike & totally sound , he pulled out all the stops today& showed himself off very well . Well deserved DCC , & RBIS , good luck for the future .
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
RDCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
This equally impressive male pushed the winner all the way and was pleased to award him a Reserve CC as he is worthy of gaining champion status. His head is moderately broad with little stop with good fill under the eye. His coat and condition matched that of the winner and his slightly longer and narrow lines will be preferred by some when these two compete. He also moved very true with drive and purpose.
Class Critique
Although only four in this class, the quality was outstanding and it was a real pleasure to go over these top quality dogs that all have so much to offer the breed.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
RDCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
One of those that catches the eye from all directions and for good reason as it was hard to find many points I wanted to change from head to toe. In perfect fettle, fit and toned but nothing overdone. So typical with good, normal conformation and movement to match, really strides out. Correct forehand with good neck and shoulders and legs and well padded feet which he stands on evenly. Excellent rear assembly with nicely developed second thigh and good rear pasterns. Well bodied with good rib. Lovely bright expression. RCC.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
g/t close decision between 1 and 2, good head of balanced proportions, straight front with neat feet, spans easily, well ribbed back, narrow throughout with good front and rear construction, presented in a lovely harsh coat over a good pelt, moved out soundly.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
It was an honour to judge my favourite show. Many thanks must go to all who made it run so smoothly. Special thanks go to Janice Johnson and Judy Carr for their stewarding. So helpful.
Had some lovely dogs to go over. Temperaments were good. Just a couple of grumbles. A few shown with no coat and placings reflected this. Bites were good. Some teeth larger than others. Front movement in particular let some down. I did find more than a few which were difficult to span. Needs watching.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Smaller type but liked a lot.Good head and expression. Spans easily. Good topline and tailset. Moved well.
Class Critique
Quality Class, plus 1 WD
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Best Dog
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Best In Show
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Loved this grizzle & Tan boy. He was a pleasure to go over. Lovely head with dark eye and big teeth. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders. In good harsh double jacket. Lovely length of rib. Spanned with ease. Good top line and tail set. Well-muscled. Moved round the ring with ease. Pleased to award him Best Dog & Best in Show.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
What a weekend it proved to be for Border Terriers
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Appealing in head and eye with a good expression, correct mouth well placed shoulders which flows into a good topline, good tail set , spans well short in coat of good texture
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
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.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Class Critique
Good class with strength in depth, very close decisions for the places with several good ones not in the cards.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
a difficult class as type and size were varied. Scored in bone and overall racy lines. His head was of a nice otter shape with a strong muzzle and correct bite. He has a good reach of neck and shoulders. He was spannable and was balanced in appearance. Movement was sound, showed well.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
A well balanced grizzle dog, good mover, strong rear end and correct front.
Class Critique
.
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
DCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan. Super head and expression, with a lovely dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Super rib, giving a good underline, easily spanned. Excellent topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Totally balanced, front and back, which showed in sound, free, accurate, movement. Not a “flashy” dog, but he is one who has always caught my eye, from ringside, for his typical “old school “ qualities. Delighted to get the chance to go over him, he certainly pulled out the stops, today, in a big ring, in the dog challenge, which gave him the chance to show off that fabulous long, even stride, giving ground covering movement, keeping his outline on the move. Delighted to award him his second CC, and, even more pleased to see he gained his well deserved crown, and title, at Birmingham National, with a Group shortlist! Congratulations!
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
RDCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Neatly presented dog lovely to go over. Good for length allowing narrow ribs to be well let back to good loin. Good reach of neck through to a good top line. Narrow in front and strong behind. RDCC.
Class Critique
Another class with a tough but pleasant choice for the winner.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
DCC
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Best Dog
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
classy, elegant, well balanced grizzle dog with a lovely otter head; long flat skull with a strong jaw and big teeth, dark eyes with keen expression. Nice length of neck flowing into clean, well laid shoulders, good legs and feet. Super straight front, narrow body with correct length to ribs resulting in a particularly good underline. Level topline ending in correct tailset and short tail. Double coat with harsh, close-fitting topcoat and thick, loose pelt. He was in superb hard, fit condition and moved true with a long, easy stride around the ring. DCC, his 3rd I believe, and BOB and I was very pleased to see him short-listed in a strong Terrier Group.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
4 Y/O grizzle built on really fine/neat lines but having plenty of bone, lovely headed dog with a super keen expression and a strong bite – his reach of neck into lovely shoulders makes for a really clear and level top line stacked/on the move. His movement is very clean and he glides effortlessly around the ring. Really pleased to award him best dog and reserve best in show. As I have highlighted it was nice to see him go onto represent the breed in the group and also get short listed. Very well done and a worthy Champion.
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Well balanced smart dog. Good head and expression. Nice neck and shoulders. Excellent top line and tail set. In good, harsh coat with a good pelt. Moved well round the ring.
Class Critique
This was a very nice class and was a close decision between first and second.
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
DCC
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Workmanlike grizzle and tan of a nice size. Masculine head, excellent bite, short strong muzzle and dark eye. Very good neck and shoulders which flowed into his top line. Good angulations and straight front legs. Just right for bone with good pasterns and small, thickly padded feet. Excellent in body and ribs and narrow throughout. Racy muscled hindquarters. Shown in an excellent dense topcoat with thick undercoat and pelt. Free and accurate on the move. I love the fact that he has nothing overdone or exaggerated. Pleased to award him the dog CC and BOB
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Another who catches the eye as an honest border. Good for size he is built on classic lines. Appealing in head with good bite, flat skull, dark eye and small neat ears. Good neck with well constructed front, body and rear end, slightly deeper in chest than 1 & 2. Nice topline with short tail. Good harsh double coat and pelt. A smart mover to and fro. Also likes a treat.
Class Critique
3 worthy champions all hard to fault and really splitting hairs here – all 3 spanned well.
Three Counties Championship Show
9th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Good head correct ear set level top line kept on the move harsh double coat moved well.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Another good example of what a Border Terrier should look like. Very unlucky to meet 1st place today. A narrow, typey, smart looking dog who is not over done or exaggerated in any way. He is well balanced, with a good otter head, dark eye with an alert expression and correct ear placement. Good reach of neck, smooth shoulders, and a narrow straight front. He has just the correct amount of bone and muscle and was shown in a good tweedy double coat. Moved out well fore and aft. Well deserved RCC.
Class Critique
There was a lot of quality in this class, which made decisions difficult. On another day 1st and 2nd could easily change places.
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
A dog I judged as a puppy and liked him then and still do. He is a grizzle dog with a nice head of correct proportion, and keen expression, narrow throughout and easily spanned, he moved well both ways. A smart dog that moves well, covering the ground with ease, unfortunate to meet one today
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Class Critique
What a super class to judge with 4 worthy champions!
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 .
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Placing Critique
Considered this boy for top honours when I last judged, has since matured into the complete picture, well constructed throughout, shown in ideal grizzle coat and condition and comes into his own on the move covering the ground with ease.
DCC
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Thistlestone Glenfiddich
Class Critique
three outstanding dogs that do and will change places but for me this boy scores on his free flowing movement.
