Show Placings
Boston & DCS Championship Show
11th Jan 2009
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
A great honour to judge the breed at this show where Borders were the only breed in the terrier group to have CCs on offer & for the first time. Thank you to all exhibitors who braved the exceptionally cold weather at Newark. Remarkably there were only 6 absentees in the dog classes & 19 in the bitch classes out of a total entry of 114 (2 late entries increased the published catalogue entry).
In general I was looking for skulls like that of an otter, the late Walter Gardner told me 30 years ago to place the ears of a Border back to really appreciate the shape of an otter skull & this holds true today. I was also looking for a Border who was easily spanned & most importantly one with good movement & of a size to enable this working terrier to go to ground. I have to say that front movement in many cases was worse than rear movement, with pinning-in & platting much in evidence, while a few were cow-hocked at the rear. All dogs were entire, temperaments overall were excellent, dentition in a few cases incorrect & essentially for the breed, thick pads were noticeably lacking in some exhibits. As always coats were in varying stages of growth, several toplines were not typical with low set tails, otherwise I was delighted with the first placements in each class, all of which were representative of the Standard.
RDCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
in superb condition, fit, well muscled & matching the Standard in most departments, typical workmanlike Border from this kennel & a worthy winner of a strong class. RCC.
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2009
Judge: Mr David Winsley
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Crufts
5th Mar 2009
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
A demanding day with 247 entered, my sincere thanks to all who entered and showed patience when decisions needed time. Also my gratitude goes to our ring stewards who were simply outstandingly efficient. I was very proud of the ticket line-ups and thought the BOB looked superb in the group. What was encouraging was there were many dogs down the line that would not have been out of place there and ?splitting hairs? became a routine technique in several classes to find class winners. Reflecting on the day leaves some lasting impressions. There is no doubt the breed has made great advances in head conformation. Good otter heads with strength in muzzle and strong teeth were very much in evidence. Ears by and large are good but with a trend towards largeness and heaviness which we must reverse. It is very difficult to change the ear shape so embedding any coarseness now must be of concern. Movement too has improved over the years largely driven by progress on stifle angulation but let’s not go too far here as some excess is creeping in. Shoulders still need attention with many severely lacking lay back and of more concern some foreleg assemblies are placed too far forward so fore-chests are vanishing. This produces flashiness but it is wrong. Coats and pelts were generally good and the majority were capable of being spanned. Flat feet were in evidence perhaps driven by a tough winter and lack of exercise but remember this is a sporting breed and needs fitness to be fully appreciated. As a result many nice dogs lost out because of a lack of muscle or flat feet. We have a healthy breed and this was supported by those in the veteran classes and with an 8 year old winning BOB perhaps this is proof enough.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Quality dog, similar all round to 1. Longer cast with typical head. Preferred the ears of 1. Excellent harsh coat and thick pelt. Well made shoulders and hind quarters but not happy on the move so did not show his best form.
Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2009
Judge: Marjorie Staveley (Dykeside)
It was indeed an honour to be invited to judge this show. My thanks to the offficers and committee for their warm welcome and to my ring stewards Glenise Hyslop and Marylynne Winder for all their hard work and efficiency. Special thanks must go the exhibitors for an excellent entry of 301 from 237 dogs (6 NFC) that I very much enjoyed judging. I thought the depth of quality varied although I was pleased with my final line-up of both dogs and bitches. Heads in general were good although I noticed there were a few exhibits rather heavy in ear. Coats and pelts varied considerably. A number of quality exhibits were devoid of coat and were penalised accordingly. I found a few exhibits, in my opinion, too heavy and unspannable; feet and nails would also benefit from more attention. Temperaments were good.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Northern BTC Open Show
11th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Another typy head with strong muzzle and big teeth larger dog than winner but still easily spanable loose pelt with coat just starting to come through could change places with winner on another day
Joint BTBC Championship Show
2nd May 2009
Judge: Mr A Tomlinson (Lyndhay)
A few pointers that need addressing. Coat, the standard requires harsh and dense with a close undercoat, not a single one, as many exhibits carried today. Feet and nails, nails were unduly long, hair around the feet needed lots of attention. Also movement, it is not getting any better may be worse, rear movement was worse than front and appeared as if they were on stilts. On the positive side mouths seemed better, I found many with excellent strong teeth set correctly with a good bite
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Birmingham National Dog Show
7th May 2009
Judge: Mrs Betty Judge (Plushcourt)
I judged the breed just two years ago & I was alarmed at the change for the worse in the type & quality. The number of dogs entered was 115 with few absentees, four more being added to the original entry due to a catalogue error, an entry of which I was pleased with, especially in these financially hard times & terrier day being on a Thursday.
I was really surprised to find exhibitors showing dogs with incorrect dentition & I found several of these. I was puzzled as to why upright shoulders & straight hind legs, some with hocks barely defined had become so prevalent. Generally movement was poor, but with construction so poor & with so many dogs with straight hind legs what else would you expect?
Several single coats & thin skins. Heads, where have all the beautiful otter heads gone. I found round skulls, some with a distinct brow over the eyes, large round shaped ears & they were not close to the cheek. Several dogs & bitches I was unable to span due to round ribs, with no carryback of rib. There were two dogs with kinks in their tails.
More seriously, bad temperaments on a couple of dogs was also depressing, I have never had a Border Terrier snap at me before until this show. In some of the classes, when the dogs came into the ring, overall quality was so poor I nearly lost the will to live.
However, I was very pleased with my CC & RCC winners & both my BD & BB puppy winners, & several other class winners, so there are still some breeders out there with the correct interpretation of the Standard. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the less experienced breeders & exhibitors to take note of these experienced breeders? & exhibitors? good dogs & learn from them.
I was delighted to see my BOB go G4 in a very strong group & then to see my BP winner go PG3 in an equally strong puppy group.
RDCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
very typy dog, excellent head & kind expression, up to size, beautifully balanced, moved very well & sound. Needed more coat to finish the picture, close up. RCC
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2009
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
30th May 2009
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Southern Counties Canine Association
6th Jun 2009
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your huge entry, it?s a good job we went outside for Limit Dog as we would not all fit into the inside wet weather ring. I really enjoyed judging the dogs more than the bitches not often is the case but today it was.
Coats were either non existence, blown or half and half, just a handful were in double coat and they looked the part. One bad mouth, one had a front tooth missing, all dogs were entire and no bitches in season
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Southern Border Terrier Championship Show
13th Jun 2009
Judge: Mr William Gillot (Weegee)
It was a great honour to judge this show and I appreciated the large entry and the sporting way my decisions were received by the exhibitors. My overall impression is that the dogs have more quality in depth at the moment and that mouths no longer seem to be a problem in the show dogs. Size and movement are a constant worry, especially front movement where quite a lot were actually crossing in front, something not helped by exhibitors stringing up their dogs. Other judges have remarked that some of the dogs are getting too coarse in the head with too short a muzzle, but on the other hand a lot of the bitches seem too snipey and weak in the jaw, not what we want in a working terrier.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
solid red, good length of back with ribs well back and strong loins. Pushed hard in the challenge.
Class Critique
Probably the best class of the day; some good dogs went unrewarded and my winners could change places any day.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
16th Jun 2009
Judge: Mrs. Marie Sharp (Rhozzum)
Thanks are due to exhibitors for a good turn out of quality Borders, Mr & Mrs Hall for their expert and unobtrusive stewarding, and to the weatherman who forecasted a dry day and delivered. Most Border folk know that I favour a Border that is on the leg to enable it to cover the terrain found in Border Hunt country, yet narrow enough to follow the quarry to ground. Those in the cards today fulfilled most of the criteria set down in the Standard, so my individual critiques could become repetitive. True otter heads were not abundant, and those with a proper skull sometimes lacked muzzle strength. Coarse and/or upright shoulders featured too frequently, along with short and/or rounded ribcages. Not too many straight stifles were seen, but one or two were over-angulated in their hind quarters, an exaggeration which has crept into other breeds, let?s hope it will not do so in Borders. The Standard asks for a deep and narrow body, but many were deep in brisket only, with a cut-up underline. A worrying find which I have not encountered before to this extent was the number of kinky tails - not obvious to the eye but feeling lumpy to the hand. A warning to future judges of Borders - take plenty of wet-wipes. No Border appeared dirty, but the evidence appeared on my hands.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2009
Judge: Mr Ernie Hill (Tynecourt)
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Blackpool & District CS
26th Jun 2009
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
DCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Stood out in such a strong class for his type and quality, presented on top form. Attractive head and expression with strong neck into a cleanly defined wither with a super topline and an equally good underline with a length of body, well ribbed back and strong loin. Balanced well angulated quarters with a particularly good layback of shoulder and length in upper arm and racy hindquarters with a good bend of stifle and well placed hocks, standing on good legs and feet. Excelled in movement which can be attributed to his sound and balanced construction. Moved out with an economical free easy stride, with plenty of forward reach and drive, holding his topline on the move. Tracked most precisely. Pleasing in outline with nothing overdone and presented in superb fettle. Delighted to award him his first DCC.
Paignton & District Fanciers Association
3rd Aug 2009
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for a lovely entry. Some quality exhibits to go over in both dogs and bitches and I was pleased with my winners. Temperament was excellent throughout. Such a shame we couldn?t be outdoors.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Richmond Championship Show
12th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Sincere apologies to my exhibitors, the committee failed to inform me the proposed order of group judging had changed & the Terrier group was brought forward, the tannoy call was the 1st thing I knew about it. My back spasm during junior dog meant I was reduced to shuffling, sorry.
Most dogs were new to me & temperaments in the ring were good, my winners could do the job they were intended for being free from coarseness & lumber, spannable & narrow, with corresponding good construction & movement.
Several heads were short in skull & blocky, more resembling the balance of an Asian Short Clawed Otter, than an English one, the latter have longer than broad flat skulls, clean cheeks & relatively short muzzles parallel in profile to their skull, Borders should have large teeth with good scissor bite to be effective. Today, square, deep skulls, often with round eyes & very short narrow muzzles with small teeth were in evidence. These too strong square heads tended to have heavy fronts & frames to match.
Many fronts were placed too far forward with pro-sternum behind point of shoulder, which lacked length & layback, the too short & steep upper arms having no support, badly affecting movement, the dogs moved away with their fronts crossing, when only two legs should be visible. As an alternative a few were close behind & swung in front, so again "four legs". Profile movement lacked ?travel?, being up & down short choppy strides rather than smooth & forward going with drive off the hocks.
Although bone wasn't generally too fine nor too heavy some didn't have enough through pasterns into feet, & they lacked the depth of pad to ensure soundness if worked regularly.
My major concern, however, was coats & especially pelts. When I came into the breed Borders were shown in deep double coat, always.Dogs then looked heavier than they were due to these double coats & lots of pelt which the standard says MUST be thick - not because they had big frames with drum tight skins.. Coat density & pelt are directly related, no coat, thus thin skin, but they should still be loose & pliant. Tight, paper thin skins without depth of under or topcoat is not what the standard calls for, nor any use to a working terrier. A great advantage to the dog is a continuous double coat that can be worked or shown all year round.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Darlington Championship Show
18th Sep 2009
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
A very good entry in both quantity & quality. I was very pleased with the challenge line ups in both sexes.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
Excellent class
Driffield Championship Dog Show
3rd Oct 2009
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to Driffield Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Championship Show. I had a good entry of 169 from 162 dogs and had a large number of quality exhibits to go over. It was a shame that the weather, being extremely windy, meant that because of health and safety reasons I had to judge indoors. This meant that at first the ring was not as spacious as I would have liked and the noise from the wind in the marquee at times disturbed some of the younger exhibits. In addition, the length of the grass and the unevenness of the surface were problematic for some of the exhibitors.
I was extremely pleased with my final line ups and there were many classes where deserving dogs went unplaced due to the quality of the entry. Overall coats, were very good and temperament was excellent. However, I did find two examples of the odd tooth out of place and a number of dogs which could have been tidier particularly around feet and tail.
In my winners I was looking for a correct size Border with a harsh double coat, well muscled, correct bone and looking like it could do a good days work. I found those qualities in my winners.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
South Wales Kennel Association
9th Oct 2009
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
DCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
My first thoughts a good, honest border, not flashy but workmanlike, big strong teeth, well placed ears, good shoulders, harsh weather resistant coat, easily spanned, good set on, moved true both ways. Pleased to give him the CC.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Oct 2009
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
It was a great honour to judge my first breed club show here, at Otterburn, heart of the country where the Border terrier originated. My thanks to the Club, and to all entrants. I enjoyed my day, and was very pleased with my final line up.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Another favourite of mine, same comments apply as 1, just preferred the front of 1. Well shown.
Midland Counties Championship Show
22nd Oct 2009
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
The first sentence of the Standard reads, General Appearance: Essentially a working terrier. Bearing this in mind, I was most impressed with the quality of the coats. The great majority had really tough outer coats, and nice loose pelts. Though some of the blue & tans were showing white hairs (ticking), which is the hallmark of the blue & tan, there were some black all over which is incorrect. Pads were on the whole good with well shaped feet. Ears should be neither too thin nor too thick, and should hang correctly. Not always the case today. There were several atypical heads, with a few over long noses, and several being overlarge. Only one suspect mouth. Some with narrow muzzles had rather crowded incisors. In the past I have been very critical of movement, for if a Border cannot move properly it is not put together properly. Today there was both good and bad movement. There were problems with front movement, where many exhibits were moving too close. Strange to say there were very few wide in the front. Previously, from the ringside, I had thought there were too many Borders with overlong tails. There were some today, but a lot of this was due to the tail not being groomed properly. Tails should not be scissored, but over long hairs at the end should be judiciously removed. In every class there were always two and generally three exhibits which shone out. In some case it was difficult to pick out the remaining places. ( I was slightly perturbed when picking up my documents from the secretary’s office, that though I had a “Judging Book”, I was not in fact a judge but an “Adjudicator”, or so my badge said. Have we taken leave of our senses?
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A rugged individual, one can imagine him spending a day on the fells. A coat to withstand all weathers. Strode out well.
Border Terrier Club Open Show
31st Oct 2009
Judge: Mrs. Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge, and to them and my stewards, Frank Nicholls and Paul Cheeseman for looking after me so well on the day, and lastly to all those who exhibited and accepted my decisions so graciously. It was a long, exhausting but very enjoyable day for me. I absolutely loved my best dog, best bitch and best puppy, they were all lovely and narrow, well balanced with small tight feet, sound movement and not overdone in any way. I would take any of them home in a heartbeat.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
What a super class, there were so many really nice dogs they were very hard to split
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2009
Judge: Mrs I Jackson (Haughbrae)
I would like to thank all exhibitors, spectators and my stewards for a most enjoyable day. A big thank you to Pat for the excellent lunch. What a delight to see and feel so many correct double coats. Size was also very good apart from a few being overweight and some lost out on places due to lack of coat.
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
DCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Good size of dog. Shown in full double coat . Under all that coat I found a well put together body. Narrow throughout, plenty bone and tidy feet. Strong head with keen expression. Moved well both ways. C.C. & B.O.S.
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2009
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thank you to the LKA committee for this appointment, my first time giving CC’s, my thanks to my stewards who kept the judging flowing smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment and overall was pleased with the quality of my entry. My final line ups were all good examples of the breed, both in type, conformation and also in movement, which is what I was looking for. In some classes I was delighted at the quality forward, in particular limit and open bitch, which meant some very good bitch’s were unplaced. Overall I found movement better than I have seen it in the past, although there is still a lack of drive from a number of dogs. Not sure that they could do a full days work as they were meant to, without tiring. Front movement still needs looking to as well. I was disappointed to find one or two with misplaced teeth and some with untypical expressions and light eyes. My principal winners were exactly what I was looking for in the breed, as I do feel that what we are lacking in the breed at the moment is real stallions of dogs and femininity in the bitch’s. I was delighted to learn after judging that my best puppies were litter brother and sister.
RDCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Another workmanlike dog that has always caught my eye, great expression, otterhead, big teeth and so very typical of the breed. Good shoulder and front and moved with drive. It was a hard decision between 1 and 2, but he just hadn’t got the same look at me attitude. RDCC
Manchester Canine Society
21st Jan 2010
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It was, again, a pleasure to judge the breed. I thought that there was a lack of depth in quality in some classes though those which were placed were more representative of the Breed Standard. A few entries lacked true breed type and one almost questioned what other breed was involved in their lineage. The most recurring fault was in front movement which was a testament to some loaded shoulders.
RDCC
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Strong headed dog, narrow in front with a good lay of shoulder allowing for free movement. This combined with good quarters provided drive. Should be very capable of following a horse. Shown in full, harsh, dense coat. Res C.C..
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2010
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Committee for my appointment, and a well run show. The stewards Doreen Rushby and Dave Mitchell, and the exhibitors for the entry.
I was looking for a Border that could fulfil the standard, essentially a working terrier. Judging is about achieving that balance of the desired essentials of the standard, breed type, construction, movement, condition, and the true otter like head. I was disappointed to find so many lacking strength of muzzle, and some with narrow set eyes, with a lot, light in eye colour giving an untypical expression. Some with very small teeth and others very big on the rib, also some very long tails!
That said there were some lovely borders present, and I was pleased with the final line ups, all fulfilling my interpretation of the breed standard.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Lovely otter like headed dog, very masculine. Good for bone with good neck and shoulder. Spans well, tip top condition today.
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd May 2010
Judge: Mrs M A Bailey
A privilege to judge the SKC. With lovely weather. Good stewards which made the show run very smooth. I was sorry to see a few exhibits with straight shoulders which affects the front movement and a few with incorrect mouths. However, on the positive side there was a lot of quality and correct size in the breed, which where fit for function. Unfortunately the grass in the ring was very long, which made it difficult to access the movement.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Masculine throughout. Super border terrier. Stronger in bone than first 2. Well balanced. Moved out well. In excellent coat.
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
DCC
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
I like him a lot, Nice allover red dog attractive otterhead with good expression, very good coat. Real nice mower. A pleasure to give him my first CC.
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr J Bainbridge (Risdene)
A pleasing entry of 231 dogs with 55 absent on the day made for a representative entry without the classes being over sized. Generally the classes produced good winners none of whom looked out of place in the final line-ups. All were spannable and generally those in the cards were correct in this respect. Most exhibitors probably know by now what I look for in a typical Border Terrier and this was generally evident in today's entry.
Dog CC and BIS Hobholt Harrier JW (Mrs M A Wallace) such a lithe, mature 4 year old grizzle dog of impressive outline in super double coat and thick pelt, well presented, has a correctly proportioned otter head with keen expression, good length of neck into well laid shoulders, straight narrow front, ribbed back body into racy rear quarters which he used to move out well with long loping stride that is so economical for a dog that could go all day and get anywhere when required.
Dog RCC Brumberhill Blue Tempest (Mr S A McPherson) super outline and so well made throughout, and well presented in good coat and moved out well to take this award, just loved him for type.
BCC and RBIS, Brumberhill Breeze (Mr S A McPherson) in full, double grizzle coat and well conditioned. She has a super well balanced head, keen expression, terrific outline with correct flowing topline and well carried back ribs, shows a good underline, this bitch won the CC after much deliberation as all 3 bitches under consideration met the standard well and were active in movement and would have been worthy CC winners but today maturity held sway.
RBCC Yeomeadow Heather for Tyrian (Mrs K Dean). A lovely B/T bitch who was on top form today and has an excellent otter head and expression which finally decided the RCC over the yearling bitch winner.
BP Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer) a mature dog puppy, shown in good coat and condition, well made throughout with good otter head and body lines, moved so well with long free gait to clinch this award.
BV CH Gameway Kiwi JW (Mrs P Clark) who was not showing his years, well presented in good coat and looking his best and a worthy champion
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Border Union
20th Jun 2010
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
Another good class. All placed dogs worthy of winning the class.
Northern Border Championship Show
18th Jul 2010
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What an honour and a pleasure it was to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club's Championship Show. An entry of 202 and good Northern hospitality ensured I had a most enjoyable day. Many thanks to my capable stewards for keeping the day running smoothly.
I was very satisfied with both my challenges and all the top honours were strongly contested. I was especially pleased with my puppies and will watch their progress with interest.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Border through and through from his strong head through his dense coat to his short thick tail. Well proportioned fit dog who moved and showed well on a loose lead.
South Wales KA
8th Oct 2010
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
this dogs colour always amazes me so rich in colour and as always in full jacket, another cracking dog one I would love to own, stunning otter type head, nice body, level top-line, neat in tail, well handled
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Oct 2010
Judge: Mrs A K Bergh (Sweden)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge, it was a great honour to be asked. A big thank you also to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over your dogs. Many thanks to my able stewards Doreen Rushby and John Todd, they were a great help to me and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I found the general quality very good and I had some hard decisions. Temperaments were very good. Movements are difficult to judge in a small indoor area, but I noticed some exhibits that really stood out in hind action. Coats and pelts were certainly better than I have seen in Sweden lately, as well as toplines. I liked my winner very much and wish her good luck for the future!
The entry was good for this time of the year I was told, 120 dogs making 129 entries, with some absent.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Attractive dog, good otter head with good expression, nice neck and topline, narrow body, ribs carried well back, coat needs time, excellent movements with good drive behind
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Oct 2010
Judge: Mrs. Barbara Roderick (Barterhound)
My thanks go to my efficient stewards Eddie Houston and Mark Lowry and of course to the exhibitors for the sporting way in which they accepted my placings. I was pleased that mouths were good and only found one kinked tail. Feet on some exhibits were not very well padded, not sufficient in my view to do a day’s work. Most terriers were in good coat.
Best Dog
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A true workman looking dog in excellent condition. Strong head with keen eye and alert expression. Moves very well as one would expect from this kennel, a worthy champion. Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show.
Midland Counties CS
29th Oct 2010
Judge: Phil D Sharp
A magnificent entry, the highest in the terrier group. Some exhibits did not have a good otter head & appeared too coarse. Movement was also an issue, as it should be the hindquarters that provide the propulsion, with the topline remaining reasonably level as the dog moves. Tails were somewhat better than when I last judged at this level. I was pleased with my final line-up for both dogs & bitches.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
National Dog Show
7th May 2011
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. My two stewards were very efficient and experienced; they managed to keep my ring running smoothly. I found the quality in the dogs overall to be higher than last time I judged, with in both sexes a slight improvement in movement. Although there are still some that are not driving from behind and covering the ground, and some with short, choppy, odd front movement, sometimes coupled with too narrow fronts and lack of muscle tone. Maybe more road walking would help in some cases to build up muscle, but in others is down to a problem with shoulder construction and pasterns. I found no incorrect mouths, there were a couple with broken teeth, hopefully indicative that we still work some of our show dogs. But there was a shortage of those lovely strong big teeth that the breed is known for and small teeth are on the increase. What also did disturb me was that large heavy ears seem to be creeping into the breed, which affects that lovely typical expression. In a lot of classes places could alter on another day, in fact in some classes I was spoilt for choice and would have liked more than one red card. I was delighted with my top winners who all fitted my criteria very well, every one of them displaying correct Border type coupled with sound and true movement.
DCC
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
wonderful masculine head, with dark eye, strong muzzle, big teeth, good bite. Thick pelt with double jacket, underneath which is a very typical honest type of border and this dog can really move, he drove from behind with purpose and covered the ground easily.
Scottish Kennel Club
20th May 2011
Judge: Mr. David Hunt (Ottaswell)
Thanks go to the committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to judge for the first time north of the border, Special thanks to my stewards on the day Messrs Goudie & Jackson for organising the ring so efficiently and ensuring everything ran smoothly during my judging. Good stewards are a welcome bonus for any judge. Despite the disappointing weather, thanks also to the exhibitors who attended and for giving me the second highest breed entry of the whole show.
With a large ring and mown grass, I was able to see the dogs move accurately. In general I thought the bitches were stronger than the dogs, but was pleased with all my class winners, and thought my CC winners a credit to the breed. Size was generally good with only a couple being difficult to span. As always coats were at various stages but I was surprised to find 2 very undershot bites in mid range classes.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A size larger but spannable, this well known red champion is also well put together and balanced. His strong otter head has good width across the skull. Fine reach of neck leads to a body with good length of ribs that extend well back. Coat growing through, his muscular rear end is put to good use when covering the ground with purpose.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to express my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge their show, my second opportunity at a Breed Open Show.
I was struck by the wonderful atmosphere in the hall with every result being greeted with spontaneous, enthusiastic applause. The exhibitors in Scotland certainly are a very sporting lot!
I found no bad mouths but front movement in some exhibits left a lot to be desired. However my class winners did not disappoint me
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
dark grizzle dog, excellent coat and pelt, correct otter head with typical Border expression, well balanced, nice front with good rear angulation, moved well
Border Union
18th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Tony Tomlinson
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
good sized, in good condition, well constructed, moved well.
Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2011
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson
Thank you to the Members for inviting me to judge what has been for me and many others, one of the favourite shows on the calendar every year. Having won the Bitch CC and Best in Show here at the very first ScBTC Ch show in 1985 with Otterkin Blue Bouquet JW, perhaps I am slightly biased by good memories, but I think most people who attend consider it one of the most popular shows of the year, as there is always a warm welcome guaranteed from the Officers and Committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club to exhibitors and spectators alike and a good atmosphere at all of their shows.
Many thanks to Marjorie Wanless who officiated as an uncomplaining and efficient steward all on her lonesome all day; what a star! Thanks too for the lovely gift from the Club.
It is good when decisions are accepted with grace, be it win or lose and I thank the exhibitors for that. It is not easy being a judge, knowing you disappoint some but please others, but one has to just judge the dogs and go with your instincts, please yourself, select those you like the best and hope others appreciate that you did your best, to your ability, without fear or favour.
Overall, the quality was high, with a lot to like. There were only a couple who felt too thin, so I will not dwell on this too much this time, except to say that a working dog needs some substance, some strength and endurance and this is NOT achieved when you starve a big dog to try to make it look smaller, as any judge fooled by that is not to be applauded. Going over a dog on the table, I hate to feel all the backbone and see the ribs sticking out. It is cruel and unkind to keep your dog too thin. Borders like their food. Not as many thin ones here as were at Crufts in 2007, just a couple. This is just something for people to watch please.
Teeth were not a big problem – only one slightly undershot and a couple with one tooth out of line. I will not penalise a dog/bitch for one tooth out of line and refuse to put that in the individual dog/bitches critique – that is for me to know (I am sure the exhibitors already know) and for other judges to find (or not) and do as they will. For me, there is so much more that is important than one tooth out of alignment. If such a dog/bitch with one tooth out of line still had a scissor bite and all other good attributes, then it was placed accordingly. I have seen critiques which say “Only one if” – I will not lumber any dog/bitch with that and have everyone wanting to know what it was.
I was surprised to find a couple with kinks in their tails, as exhibitors can feel this easily themselves. This has been touched upon in the 2007 BTC Year Book and judges (including me) have their own views on this, although there is nothing in the UK breed standard about it.
A couple had peculiar coats, with what seemed like some substance in them, which did not make them feel harsh, more sticky and stuck together and although that meant I could not see the skin, it was not because they had good coats and it gave me grubby hands after going over them. Substance in a terrier’s coat fools no-one – please do not do it! On the down side, there were a few more which left my hands dirty after examination. Although they are a working dog, please present them to the judge in clean condition. I didn’t turn up grubby and neither should they!
Overall though, I thought the breed to be in a good place and I was very pleased with all my top winners (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I)?
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Short of coat today, but a lovely dog. Liked his neck and shoulders, topline and tailset. He has good small tight cat like feet. Beautiful otter head with a lovely small, dark eye and good ear placement. Unlucky to meet the first on such good form today.
Boston Championship Show
8th Jan 2012
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
I appreciate that at this time of year with both dark mornings and early sunsets travelling and showing your Borders might not seem like the most enjoyable way to spend your weekend. So a sincere thank you to all those exhibitors who attended my first Championship Show appointment. We were the only terrier breed to have CC’s on offer and I had a lovely entry of 122 dogs. The venue and ring allocated were both excellent. No draughts or noisy blow-heaters. It was actually very civilised. Thank you to my steward who was efficient and supportive throughout. It made my task so much easier.
I was surprised to find that many exhibits, whilst prima facie, moved soundly, lacked the drive that is so important if they are to do a real day’s work. I was also a little disappointed that many Borders had tight pelts, which sometimes were thick but lacked that looseness that could get them, quite literally, out of a tight hole!
I was delighted with my overall winners and, I thank all those who graciously accepted my decisions.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2012
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks to the Committee of the Border Terrier Club, who were the hosts of this year’s Joint Border Terrier Club show, for inviting me to judge such a prestigious event. My thanks go, particularly, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly and enabled me to get through a big entry in an unrushed way.
Overall, I felt the quality was reasonably high, with a lot to like. There were only a few which I felt could have done with a few square meals as they were a bit on the thin side. Exhibitors should know how to balance food intake with exercise to produce dogs in the correct condition. Lack of muscle on more was a greater problem. While the standard states ‘capable of following a horse’ many would have been tired following one round a stable yard let alone across country. This is evident when dogs are moved but not giving an active breed sufficient exercise also has an effect on their mental wellbeing.
There were a number of untypical heads. I wonder if some people don’t understand the proportions of an otter’s skull as some muzzles were lacking in breadth giving a ‘foxy’look, while other heads were too rounded giving the impression of a teddy bear. Mouths were not a big problem with only a couple incorrect and coats were also, generally, good. Most exhibits had an undercoat though there were quite a number which had thin skins. A good, thick, loose pelt is essential for a working terrier. Very few could not be spanned, so most would have been capable of getting to ground. A ‘one size fits all’ attitude does not really apply to working terriers as there are a variety of jobs and situations to be encountered but they do have to be able to get there in the first place.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Still a little short of coat today, but a really nice dog. His head is correct with a keen dark eye and well set ears. I liked his neck and shoulders, topline and tailset. He has good feet and moved very soundly. Unlucky to meet the others ahead of him.
Class Critique
A really good class which had insufficient places for those worthy of recognition
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
I would first like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar. I have looked forward to the appointment for several years and I must say I was not disappointed with my day. The entry was full of quality, especially in the bitch classes, with the open bitch class being the best class I have ever judged.
I have been concerned, over the past few years, on how the breed would develop after the fox hunting ban. If todays entry is typical of the breed as a whole, I can only say it is in safe hands. Movement is still a problem but a much smaller problem than the last time I judged. The number of exhibits with short carrot tails pleased me greatly and the majority of the entry had good double coats, some exceptional and thick pelts. There were a few exhibits with level bites and one with a crowded mouth. One exhibit had a kinked tail.
The show was very quiet with little noise from the exhibits, well done everyone, terriers need a bit of spark but should not show aggression to each other and the temperaments here today were to be commended to the dog`s owners.
I didn’t have any under fed dogs showing all had a good covering of flesh but there were a number of poor, soft muscled dogs which needed more exercise.` The ability to follow a horse` is there in the breed standard, get the dogs out and get them fit.
I thank my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and attentiveness which made the day run smoothly.
DCC
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Rich red Border with the best of heads, good reach of neck, level topline, good tail well set, narrow straight front, correct coat and pelt, moves well both ways. Should be looking over his shoulder as his grandson is approaching fast. DCC & RBIS
Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2012
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
It was a real pleasure to be invited to judge this show. Having been a member of the Club since its beginning, it was great to come back to Selkirk, to what I have always regarded as my ‘home’ club. There was the usual happy atmosphere, and everything was so well run.
As to the exhibits, I was impressed with the overall quality of the coats, so many with really harsh substantial topcoats and warm undercoats. Several exhibitors seemed to have had difficulty with the hairs around the neck. I know that they grow in different directions, but it is possible with hard work to get an even look. Borders should not be shown with a ruff. Many tails had not been stripped properly, not being tidy and not flowing from the end of the back. Some even had feathering on the underside. I wish exhibitors would not push the tail upright so that it is vertical to the spine.
They are not Airedales, and it spoils the topline. Front movement was very varied, but cow hocks were almost absent. Teeth were good. Far too many, in my opinion, were too big, and I had difficulty in spanning them. (Though looking back in the literature, this has been a complaint since the beginning of the breed!)
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jul 2013
Judge: Mr. G. Pickering (Picer)
I was honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I had an excellent entry, but was a little disappointed with the number of absentees. However the weather has been a challenge of late with some very high temperatures which I understand prevented some exhibitors from further afield attending.
I would particularly like to thank the NBTC committee for looking after me so well and also for my expert stewards, Allan Horner and Doreen Rushby, who ably assisted me ensuring that everything ran smoothly. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for their entries and for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
As for the dogs on the day, coats varied as you would expect, but I do think movement is improving and although there were a few ‘flicking’ fronts, rear movement was in the main correct. I had one dog with a bad mouth and a few with misaligned teeth. This, I believe, is to be avoided in the show ring. All the dogs were entire and I could span all the exhibits. All in all, I was very pleased with both the dog and the bitch line ups, which meant that I had some real quality Border Terriers to pick from. All the winners looked the part – all in hard condition, with good heads and coats – able to do the job that they were bred for.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
A lovely class with quality – could easily change places at another time.
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Different type to the winner and in full coat on the day but very good to handle and appreciate his many virtues. Pleasing head and eye, stands on good legs and feet, firm topline, strong muscular hindquarters that he uses to advantage on the move.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
My thanks to the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to undertake my first Breed Club judging appointment and my stewards Ken Mackenzie and Margaret Warren for their assistance in the ring.
My enjoyable day started with the picturesque drive to the venue, in the sunshine, a rarity lately! Grateful thanks also to the competitors for an entry of 111 (5 NFC) making 141 entries affording me the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs and sportingly accepting my choices.
The majority were in good coat and condition, a couple difficult to span, due more to being a little plump rather than in construction. All males were entire (a few would have benefited from a hygienic wipe for better presentation !), no kinked tails, one incorrect mouth and a couple of 'acceptable' level bites and some teeth really needed cleaning. I was surprised by the amount of untidy feet and overlong claws considering how claws can ultimately affect posture, balance and movement. I was pleased with both my line ups and had some close decisions to make.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
7yo red with a great attitude,another lovely Champion to have the opportunity to go over,a lovely type with a good masculine ottery head,good bite with big teeth,under his good harsh jacket he is good in rib shape and length,spannable,strong loins,fit,hard condition good angulation fore and aft,hocks well let down and good straight action coming and going,presents a good outline going around and a great ring attitude BV.
Class Critique
a lovely class,3rd placed a credit to her owner belying her age at 13 years.
Northumberland County Agricultural Society
26th May 2014
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show despite having to overcome the queues, mudbath and delays they faced before the start of judging. A few exhibits were borderline spanable, a couple had poor dentition and several had weak muzzles but there were plenty of loose pelts, harsh coats, neat feet and quality dogs. It was particularly pleasing to see some full and natural coats which seemed most appropriate for the wild and beautiful surroundings of the show. Ground conditions didn’t help movement but all the exhibits were well behaved and most well presented. I have a view that bitches tend to suffer a little in mixed classes but I tried to be even handed in this respect.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Jun 2014
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Congratulations to the committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for running an excellent show at a new venue under extreme circumstances. Due to a nasty virus the appointed judge, Mrs Betty Judge, was taken ill the day before and was not well enough to carry out her duties. I know that she was absolutely devastated and had been looking forward to the appointment for a long time.
Faced with such an emergency, show manager, Mr David Hunt managed the situation with complete calm and professionalism. I was both honoured and shocked to be invited to step in to judge and here, I must say a huge thank you to the committee for asking me but in particular to the exhibitors who had entered under and were expecting another judge and took the situation so sportingly.
I am grateful to everyone who accepted my decisions and placings so graciously and to my great team of stewards: Andrew Mooney, Elspeth Jackson and Bev Marsh, who kept everything running smoothly and between them managed to multi-task and juggle photographs, collecting ring, announcing, paperwork awards etc etc.
And so to the dogs themselves – there were some superb entries and it was an absolute pleasure to go over and place them. Some of the classes were so strong that even good dogs didn’t get placed.
Coats and presentation were generally excellent - something, which was not so apparent the last time I judged. This I put down principally to the time of year (for both shows).
Movement today seemed in many of the dogs to be lacking the drive that I would have wished for. In part, I think the surface may have been to blame (but not in all instances) and had we been outside on the grass this might have been different. I do slightly regret that I did not decide to judge the dogs outside.
Mouths were good in all but one (suspect) case, as were the temperaments. Size I think will need to be kept in check, there seemed to be a fair number who seemed to be heavy enough, others who were too deep to be easily spanned.
I was so thrilled with my “stars” of the show. It was a pleasure to judge all of your dogs; they were a lovely, quality entry.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan 7 ½ year old in full coat. Correct thick pelt and with a good otter head with good strong teeth and jaw. Up to size. Moved ok but seemed to be slightly feeling the heat today.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2014
Judge: Jeff Luscott
Thank you for the invitation to judge a most enjoyable show, it was good to receive very homely hospitality and I was well looked after by my two very efficient stewards, Norma and Scott. Thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting atmosphere created around the ring. I enjoyed judging the overall entry with most of the classes having close decisions to be made, with the junior, limit and open classes being particularly strong.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
great turn out for this class, good to see them enjoying their day out.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
First of all I would like to thank the committee and membership of the border terrier club for inviting me to judge this show. I would also like to thank all those who entered their dogs under me, and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. I only found a couple of teeth out of position and one level mouth. There were no kinked tails, although there were a lot of long tails. I thought that on the whole movement was somewhat better than I have judged in recent years. There were some tremendous coats but not many thick pelts. The one shock I had was the poor physical condition of some exhibits, although all exhibits were clean, some had no muscular condition at all, and I found two that were severely under conditioned. There were very few exhibits who were in good hard condition, the ones that were, mainly took the top places. A working terrier has to be in good physical condition with plenty of hard muscle in the right places. Some exhibits today would be hard presses to get to ground, never mind stay there and work for a few hours. Please be reminded that this wonderful breed is a WORKING terrier, and therefore, should be shown in a condition that reflects this.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A wonderful Border Terrier to get ones hands on. Although he may have grown on a tad with age, nonetheless, this was one quality animal. Nothing had sprung or sagged over the years, and he was in as good condition as any dog here today. He took everything in his stride like a great veteran would. His movement was effortless, and he really strode out to cover the ground with ease. I was honoured to award him Reserve Best Dog.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Nov 2014
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the Scottish Committee for the invitation to judge our prestigious annual Championship Show; to my excellent steward Joyce Orr, and to the exhibitors for such a good entry.
I was happy with my class winners which were super examples of the breed. On the down side a number of exhibits were short in the leg and in the body, giving an unbalanced appearance and it’s very unlikely that they would be capable of following a horse, as the breed standard requires. Some pelts were too thin and too many dogs were single coated.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Eight yr old grizzle dog in good coat order. Nice head with dark eye; nice ear placement. Good reach of neck and topline. Ample bone and moved out well.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
I would like to thank the committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge the show. Thanks also to my very able steward Joyce Orr and to the ladies in the kitchen for the excellent lunch. There were no bad mouths and all the males were entire. Coats were at various stages of growth on some exhibits but my principal winners had good double coats.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
8 year old dog with a masculine head, flat,strong jaw with big teeth and correct bite. Nice length of spannable rib. Strong loin and level topline. Double coat with pliable pelt. Good angulation, Moved with a good straight action coming and going RBD
Paignton & District Fanciers’ Association Championship Show
1st Aug 2015
Judge: Miss Diane Swales (Grabbist)
My thanks to the Secretary and Committee for inviting me to judge at this most enjoyable show and to my two extremely efficient stewards, Felicity Snook and Lady Elain Macdonald, who kept the ring flowing smoothly. I am grateful to the exhibitors for a good entry including some very nice Borders and some promising youngsters. Overall mouths were good with strong, clean teeth and correct bites except for one overshot. Skins were an improvement on my last judging appointment, the majority being thick and loose but I do not like the tendency to strip coats out leaving little evidence of a harsh, dense coat. Remembering that a Border is 'essentially a working Terrier' it concerns me that there are a number being shown that really do not measure up to that description both in jacket and the lack of drive and ability to cover the ground when moving. These comments do not apply to my winners and I was so pleased to find many that really measure up to most points in the standard.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A first class Border with a superb jacket. Confident with eye catching presence.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
rich coloured Grizzle & Tan probably the youngest in the class at 9 years, but really impressed me with his fitness and could still complete in Open Dog. Jumped on the table and stood wagging his tail inviting me to go over him, what a character. Typical head and expression, looks every inch a Border, lovely overall type presented in thick coat, just on the turn, could span him and moved OK, really strode out in side gait covering the ground well.
Class Critique
What a lovely class of oldies, several of which were old Champions I have judged and liked previously, great to see them all in good form and good to see how they had held together well despite their years. A credit to their owners. Thanks for bringing them, it’s class I really enjoy judging.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Masculine head with broad muzzle. Up to size but well balanced. Would like to see him with a bit more coat. Moved with drive. Preferred front of 1
Boston & District Canine Society
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Society for my invitation to judge at Boston show . Thanks too to my stewards who were both efficient and unobtrusive , great timesavers and cheerful ! I very much enjoyed my day on the woolsack and had some lovely dogs and bitches who I felt could do a days work , having the construction to enable them to run the equivalent of a marathon over rough terrain , as well as being narrow , lithe and spannable to get in underground and ultimately back out again . Some did pay the penalty of being too big in rib and thus were heavily over standard for weight when picked up or too wide in front to get in , others failed in their construction to move in a sound , balanced , long , free striding way making one think they could not follow a horse any distance ! All bar 1 male were entire , there were a few with kinks in their tails and I had more than the usual number of level bites , some with very jumbled or small teeth which I feel must be watched carefully and please try to breed out as they are the defence of a working terrier – Border Terriers should have big scissor bite dentition . I still believe a BT should be capable of free standing and moving on a looser lead as of yore , rather than having their legs screwed on and being too strung up , I understand some dogs do not make the most of themselves free stood , but a lot are pushed into a very strange shape by their handlers ,and lose the vivacity and ‘active and game’ outlook that is part and parcel of the breed , making them very depressed , even some of the puppies looked as though they would rather be anywhere else but in a show ring , either from being over shown or over handled . There were a few dogs who I felt needed more weight on them , their coats hiding their stuck up spine & pin bones – this may be to try and make them more easily spannable or weigh nearer the standard , but it is very unfair on any adult or puppy to starve them , and they did pay the price in some classes as they could not work as thin and lacking strength as they were. In other words they should be made right not starved into shape .
Both my challenge line ups pleased me , and I was especially pleased to have such a good even bitch challenge where I was spoilt for choice , ultimately the dog and bitch I could visualize most easily following horse and hounds and then working gained top honours , being well made , spannable , good coats and pelts , sound free accurate movers with quality and breed type .
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
9 yrs young & still sound moving with deep double coat. His head is improving again with age – gorgeous ! Heavier build than winner so slightly more of him to span , but he is a lovely veteran , another in excellent condition.
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Still competitive, nice dog throughout. In heavy coat on the day with a great hide. Preferred head and movement over second.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle and tan, nine years old. Lovely otter head with short strong muzzle, dark eye and well set ears. Good angulations and well ribbed back. Handles a lot narrower than he first appears. Well muscled hindquarters with good bend of stifle. Shown in a fabulous double coat with a thick pliable pelt. Happy and active on the move, a very sound moving dog with plenty of drive. Reserve Best Dog
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Fit 10yr old & worthy CH. Broad head, strong muzzle level topline, into well carried tail, moved out well, good front & rear angulation. Stronger than 2 but well balanced throughout, coat not at its best but a thick pelt.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
Yet another worthy champion in this class. In good order throughout with good coat and in fit well muscled condition. He has the best of heads with a super keen expression.
Class Critique
I always love judging a veteran class and today was no exception as I was treated to a class of quality dogs who were a pleasure to go over.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2016
Judge: Professor A S Milton
It was a pleasure to come back to Scotland, even though for just a day, and to judge Border Terriers at the Scottish Kennel Club's August Show. Looking at the catalogue I was surprised to find that Border Terriers had the fourth largest entry at the show. It was a very satisfactory entry, with many dogs that I had not seen before. I was particularly impressed with the overall quality of the coats. There was only one really bad mouth, a few crooked teeth, so what, as long as they can bite! I was concerned about size, not only those outwith the standard, but also even more worrying, those that I could not span. I should like to thank Joyce Martin for sending me a CD with photos of all the class winners.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
BV. 10 year old champion. Rugged looking individual, with excellent tough coat. Still looked good enough to spend a day on the fells.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Veteran - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
A worthy Champion, a tad rangier than the previous two, and not quite their front angulation.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Steward Allen Horner and Dave Mitchell. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Placing Critique
10yrs+, good breed type and a nice size, harsh jacket and good pelt, moved ok. Worthy veteran champion, close decision with 1st.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
Class Critique
What an excellent class and on another day any of these dogs could swap places.
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Veteran - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Feb 2019
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Janice Johnson, for being so efficient and keeping me on track.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
A few observations from the day, I felt rear movement on the whole was good but a few lacked the drive that I looked for, whilst in others it was their elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal. Today I saw too many that were far too wide in front, lacking the narrowness to go to ground. I like to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
Heads which are such a defining aspect of this breed, varied greatly, I found some too exaggerated and coarse for my liking, whilst others were narrow and somewhat snipey in muzzle, neither are correct.
Today I found coats at all stages, perhaps a sign that Crufts was not far around the corner, so perhaps not the best month to find a thick double jacket, so I found myself forgiving a lack of coat if the construction and balance I look for was there.
I found temperaments superb, dentition all good and all dogs entire. I felt the depth of quality was in the bitches, and in some classes I was spoilt for choice. Both puppy bitch classes were high in quality, and I look forward to seeing how they mature.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Irton Up Helly Aa
