Show Placings
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2008
Judge: Stuart McPherson (Brumberhill)
Thank you to those exhibitors, who, in the present financial climate, gave me the highest entry in the Terrier Group, by a considerable margin, nearly half as many again as the next breed. Friday, M6, NEC, extortionate car park charges are not a good combination!!
Thank you to my very efficient steward, who kept things running smoothly, so we could finish in good time, after the very late start due to the problems on the M6.
Now, to the dogs themselves! I know that I was very lucky, in that when I started in the Breed, in 1980, I was taught about type, construction and movement by Ted Hutchinson, a master of the sport, who had campaigned the then Breed Record Holder, plus a string of Champions across many other breeds. This knowledge, plus, I would like to think, a natural eye for quality, has served me well over the following years. Therefore, it saddens me to see the type and constructional faults that are creeping into the breed. These faults are now so prevalent, that newer breeders, exhibitors and some judges, probably think, and accept they must be correct, so widespread are they.
The Standard asks for an "otter" like head, moderately broad in skull. Too many have excessively broad skulls, giving an exaggerated, almost caricature look, rather than the refined beauty of an otter. Ear set is also a cause for concern. The standard calls for small, V- shaped, dropping forward close to the cheek. Too many ears are perched high, above the line of the skull, dropping forward to the temple, rather than the cheek, giving a foreign, almost Lakeland / Fox Terrier expression. While, I am sure, this may appeal in some quarters, it is totally incorrect on a Border Terrier.
Now, to shoulders, and especially upper arms, a major problem today, particularly in the younger classes. Upright shoulders and very short upper arms, mean the front assembly of the dog appears "tacked on". The shoulder should be clean and well laid, with a long upper arm, meaning that the dog can stand with their front legs under them, perpendicular to the floor, rather than like a “milking stool. This, affects movement, giving an action that can only be described as "peddling a bike" and causing no reach on the move .They are, after all, a working breed, who are supposed to be capable of "following a horse".
On the plus side, most were in good coat, and moved soundly behind, something which is much easier to achieve. Two exhibits were so thin, I felt their entry fee would have been better spent on a bag of quality food.
My top winners are examples of Breeders who have stuck to their ideals, of breeding sound, honest, typical Border Terriers, bred to last, not following fashion by breeding, what, to my mind, are shorter coupled, flashier "terrier" types to appeal to the more modern way of thinking. They wouldn't have looked out of place from when I first started in the Breed, matching beautifully for type and construction.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Red grizzle with excellent head and expression. Well constructed all through and moving well. Excellent coat and pelt. Just not quite so narrow in front and rib as 1st, but very typical.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
what a super coat, most attractive bitch with so many good qualities, soundly constructed with everything in proportion to give a well balanced picture, handled to advantage with excellent movement, a worthy winner of this strong class.
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2009
Judge: Mr David Winsley
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Yorks, Lancs, & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Jan 2009
Judge: Mr Kevin Green
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
nice head & coat, nice straight front, good topline & bend of stifle.
Midland BTC Open Show
15th Feb 2009
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to take this opportunity to say many thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for giving me the privilege to judge their Open show and for giving me such a wonderful entry.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Similar type to 1 with broad skull and strong muzzle. Deep in chest and level topline. Liked her shoulders and straight front. Lacked the angulation behind of 1 but good on the move
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 - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Another well turned out exhibit in good coat, pleasing neck and shoulders, held her topline on the move, just preferred the head of 1.
National Terrier
4th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr. Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Many thanks to everyone for an excellent entry, both in numbers and quality. While there were many well made exhibits it became a frustrating experience at times trying to find those with a decent coat, many having presumably been stripped out following Crufts in preparation for the season ahead, after all they can’t be in coat all of the time! Front movement again was a problem, not so much due to under reaching or circus pony, high stepping, but pinning and knitting. Heads were a mixed bag, one or two with excessive stops and rounded skulls but none excessively broad. There were some “snipey” muzzles present.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Very close between these first two, smaller than 1 and moved very well but not quite the drive of 1, and shorter in the back, but certainly not too short, lovely head, narrow build, excellent coat.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Champioship Show
19th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
I was honoured to be invited by the Club to judge this show, which has always held a special place in my heart. My thanks to everyone involved at the Club for a super day, and exhibitors for a high quality entry.
Overall standards were high with a number of classes where exhibits genuinely worthy of placing went without reward, which was a nice position for me in, and an encouraging one for the breed to be in if this is replicated at other events.
I am pleased to say that I found only two incorrect bites. However, I am frustrated at the inability of some exhibitors to appreciate the correct speed of movement of their dogs, which if correct would improve the appearance of the dogs on the move, many dogs were moved too slowly, thereby preventing the dog from driving out.
Incorrect movement cannot be hidden by moving the dog slowly, likewise, correct movement can easily be displayed if the dog is just allowed to move freely, even if this means the exhibitor running with their dog. Do what the dog needs to get the best out of it.
It was a pleasure to judge in such a venue which is light, airy, clean and "exhibitor friendly". Please excuse the slight delay in providing this critique, with the newly resurrected Joint Show following 2 weeks after this, and my involvement in the management of that show, time has been tight.
I was heartened to find youngsters being youngsters, playful, awkward and proper babies, far too often these days we see perfectly turned out and immaculately school puppies which appear almost "models", let the youngster be so, this is a sport that we, and the dogs, are meant to enjoy. Puppies jumping over the dark lines in the carpet is a cute, if a little frustrating for the handler!
I was very impressed with my main winners. My Best in Show I have been aware of for some time and watched her develop with interest. I was excited on close examination of her to find her a superb example of the breed in every aspect, and was delighted to award her her first CC and Best in Show. I am sure she will have an illustrious career.
The Dog on the other hand was a total stranger to me and a highly pleasant surprise. On winning his class he took my eye and stole the Dog CC. It gave me great pleasure to also award him his first CC. My best to him for his future.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Super typy feminine bitch, pinwire grizzle double coat, thick pelt. Lovely in loin, and correct in rib. Very nice well placed shoulders. Excellent movement. In contention for top honours.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2009
Judge: Mrs Siv Jernhake (Sweden)
RBCC
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Nice quality bitch with a lovely expression. Well balanced and very sound. Beautiful condition. Moved well. I awarded her the res CC as she appealed to me in most details and good form.
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
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
East Of England Championship Show
10th Jul 2009
Judge: Mr T H Johnston
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Northern Border Championship Show
19th Jul 2009
Judge: Mr Gerald Baker (Jaslou)
It was an honour to have been asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I wish to thank the officers and committee for their great hospitality and catering, Special thanks to my stewards Doreen and Claire, Overall the dogs were in better coat and condition than the bitches, with some short of coat or none at all, Although level bites are acceptable in the breed there were more today than expected, I was very pleased with my class placing. And final line up.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
close between 1 & 2 pleasing head and outline, good lay of shoulder, narrow, good top line, good rear angulation, moved well.
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2009
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to express my appreciation to the exhibitors for their support. On the whole, rear movement was satisfactory. However I observed front movement on some exhibits was unsatisfactory. I found one mouth with a misplaced tooth and another with a just passable level bite. Presentation of most dogs was of a high standard but some exhibits shown today would benefit greatly from regular daily exercise.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
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 - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
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 - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
beautiful size & balance, ultra sound, in wonderful coat, beautiful head. Could be just a little stronger over the loin but great stride & full of quality. Made the last cut in the CC challenge
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 - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Class Critique
A superb class full of quality exhibits that again meant that I had some really difficult decisions to make.
South Wales Kennel Association
9th Oct 2009
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Class Critique
A very difficult class of different types.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Midland Border Terrier Open Show
22nd Nov 2009
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
My appreciation goes to the MBTC officers and committee for the opportunity to judge such a good entry of BT?s and the stewards for their support during the show. Also to the many entrants who braved the adverse weather conditions. I trust none of them had to swim home.
I was delighted with the entry, a small number of which were more pet than show but I was happy to go over them, pleased to see their handlers? pride in them and hope they enjoyed their day out irrespective of placing. It is a reminder to us all that this is fundamentally a hobby to enjoy and to the more critical of us when we nit-pick that we are generally doing it to the cream of the breed.
The quality was for the most part high with some of the bigger classes bringing too many good dogs for the limited places which were very hard fought and I was disappointed to turn some otherwise good dogs away. A few were weighty, my small hands still spanned all but one at a stretch, one mouth was bad and two borderline but there were a couple that would have been better served having a square meal, a groom and a good walk than coming in the ring.
Coats were an issue. I found it difficult to penalise a good dog when it obviously had a double coat but had little to show for it due to grooming. So despite some dogs being well placed I would still have preferred to see them with a more natural coat.
There was a lot going on with front movement which often paid a penalty and thigh muscle tone was at a premium so perhaps the weather also affected exercise regimes. It was particularly difficult to ignore movement completely in some of the very promising puppies but I'm hopeful there will be a dramatic improvement as they mature.
Well done to the more junior handlers who did a good job but were obviously shown no quarter in the placings. Don't be discouraged, you've got plenty of shows ahead of you.
I was well pleased with all my winners and the fact that others could have done the positions justice too. So here we go:
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Boston & District CS
10th Jan 2010
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
I was the replacement judge for Carolyn Muirhead who sadly died in November. Firstly I want congratulate all the exhibitors who made it to the show in spite of the atrocious weather conditions. I was very afraid there would be few dogs there for me to judge. What a tough lot border folk are. I had plenty of quality dogs to fill the top placings but as a general comment I felt a number lacked sufficient rear angulation.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Lovely head, straight front and compact feet, good shoulders but rather straight in stifle. Presented in good harsh coat with thick pelt.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2010
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to the officers and committee of The Blackpool Dog Show Society for their hospitality and also for giving me this privileged appointment. This being my first appointment to award CC’s I would like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I found a couple of mouths with teeth out of line and considering the quality of some of the exhibits they had to pay the penalty. I also found a couple of kinked tails which really surprised me. Thanks go to my able stewards for keeping things moving; allowing the BOB to be ready for the group which he was placed G4.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2010
Judge: Mrs F A Somerfield
A good entry with lots of quality Borders in both sexes. It was the last time I shall judge the breed at this level & I enjoyed every minute. It was particularly pleasing to see how much movement had improved since the last time I judged.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
well bodied, good head, used herself well standing & moving, nice racy quarters, very good coat & condition
Midland BTC Championship Show
1st Aug 2010
Judge: Small & Baxter
I thoroughly enjoyed the day judged outside at Asfordby. The weatherman certainly smiles as all the Club’s Championship Shows to date have been blessed with clear sky’s. Thanks to the committee for the invite, to my two Stewards on the day, for the wonderful roast lamb lunch, but not least, to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of assessing your Border Terriers. Thanks for coming. (Judge: Mr A Small)
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Scottish Kennel Club
28th Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs A M Gregory
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to judge their championship show. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I enjoyed day very much one or two dogs needed a wee tidy up coats were not too bad but movement still needs attention.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
smart showy bitch in good condition, excellent double coat, loose pelt, pleasing head, moved & showed well
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Scottish BTC Championship Show
13th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the Club for the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs, and to the exhibitors for bringing them along. I was pleased to find , overall, a better standard of movement than I had expected, particularly in front; likewise coats, in general, were of good quality and quantity. I was, however, disappointed that so many seemed to have small teeth; mostly technically correct with only a couple with missing teeth. One male was not entire.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
East Anglia BTC Open Show
14th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I greatly enjoyed judging this well-run show, held in such a pleasant venue. My thanks to the Club for their hospitality, to my efficient stewards Bev Jackson and Vicky Docwra, and most especially to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Overall, there were a good number of quality Borders present. Almost all were spannable, the only male not entire was a neuter, only 1 kinked tail and no severe mouth faults. I was concerned to find several younger exhibits with level bites. Although this is permissible, and therefore dogs were not penalised, I would be worried that some of these mouths will “go” at an early age. Another area of concern is front movement.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Grizzle with a lovely head and a wicked expression. Correct size, well-balanced, good harsh coat and ample pelt and a nice tail. Well muscled and moved with drive. Showed with attitude. BB, RBIS.
Midland BTC Open Show
21st Nov 2010
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge, it was a great honour to be asked. I would like to say a big thank you to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I would also like to say many thanks to my stewards for the day Margaret Bailey and Chris Wallace, they were a big help to me and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day. I was told that for the November show that the entry was very good, having 120 entries and a total entry of 165 minus absentees.
The overall quality was good and I had some hard decisions. Temperaments were very good. I was pleased to see good mouths with correct bites and good large teeth, only a couple were found with poor teeth development and incorrect bites. My only criticism on the day would be that not enough attention is being paid to the dog's feet and nails. However, I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with my winners.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Pleasing bitch, spanned easily, good head and feminine expression, lovely level top line, nice length of tail and good tail set. Moved well.
YL & C BTC Open Show
29th Jan 2011
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
This was a great day for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my thanks go to all exhibitors. Also to the club for the invitation and my two super stewards.
I thought that some of the young ones had a bit too much stop, and like most other folks seem to think I thought front movement was an issue. As proper concerns, I thought one dog was painfully thin and one bitch was what I can only describe as stinking. Neither condition is good enough, for either the dogs or the owners
Best In Show
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
This bitch was the easiest winner thus far. I think she is very typy, I liked her head a lot and she has what I think is a correct expression. She has a good front and topline, good bone, a good coat, decent back end and she moved as well as any. I was well taken with her and she was my BIS winner.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
26th Feb 2011
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
May I take this opportunity to thank the Officers and committee for inviting me to judge their show and for their warm welcome and hospitality. My two stewards, Eddie Houston and Jimmy Gilpin had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a quality entry of 141 dogs making 177 entries.
My sincere thanks to all exhibitors, who entrusted me with their dogs and accepted my placings in a sporting fashion, the day was a most memorable experience.
The North can be proud of their dogs, as there were many quality examples on display, all temperaments appeared steady, with just an occasional bored one! Not unusual, as most, I think, would rather be out chasing vermin!!
A handful of kinked tails didn’t surprise me, but youngsters with poor mouths did! Having said that, there were some lovely dogs in the puppy classes and placings were hotly contested with very little to separate them. My interpretation of the standard for balance ie: fairly long, is slightly longer than tall.
I feel that a border needs length as well as narrowness to negotiate a fox earth, but still retaining heart/lung room to enable it to follow a horse. Coats were at varying stages, but as long as I could find evidence , I didn’t let it rule out, an otherwise, good exhibit.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Another nice grizzle with feminine head and keen eye. Good for size and general type with harsh coat and thick pelt on a spannable body with level topline. Looks workman like and as though she could do the job, just fractionally preferred one in body.
The Border Terrier Championship Show
26th Mar 2011
Judge: Miss Jean Singh (Vandamere)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the Club for the invitation to judge, it was both an honour and pleasure to do so. My thanks also to the committee for their most excellent hospitality, to my capable stewards, Marjorie Wanless and Anjela Cranson, and to the exhibitors for their entries and support.
I had some good quality dogs to go over today and was well pleased with my winners. While I found hind action, on the whole, to be good, I did find a number of poor fronts. Front movement pinning in, weak pasterns, flat feet and feet that turned out or turned in. Some dogs also lacked forward reach. To be fit for the function it was intended, a Border needs, as well as strong sound hindquarters, a sound forehand with tight, thick padded feet.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
different type from 1, with a good flat skull and strong muzzle, good length of rib, level topline with well set on tail, good front with well placed shoulders, strong hindquarters, tight harsh coat.
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 - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
I was honoured to be asked to judge this show, as I have enjoyed exhibiting at this well run, friendly society over many years. While the indoor rings are large, well lit and have lots of space around them for exhibitors and spectators, given the nice weather, it was disappointing not to be able to use the normal show arena, but this was not possible due to a request from The Royal Welsh Showground management.
I was pleased for find only one “bad” mouth, but I was disturbed to find a small number of mouths which, while exhibiting a "correct scissor bite", the placement of the upper teeth was awry in such a manner, that it caused the exhibits to appear to have an over bite. A few others had strange face furnishings resulting in a “Griffon Bruxellois” like expression which is incorrect and spoils the looks of a Border Terrier.
I would also like to thank my stewards, Vicky and Tina Pierson for their smooth handling of the ring. I would also like to thank all exhibitors, some of whom travelled many miles which is very expensive in these economic times.
BCC
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Rather surprised to discover this lady’s age, not that one should ask a lady?s age, and the fact that she has not been made up yet. Very nice, very hard close double coat. Super head and expression. Strong feminine lines and ground covering movement. Very much what I would like in a Border Terrier bitch. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC.
Manchester Championship Dog Show
19th Jan 2012
Judge: Mrs F A Somerfield
BCC
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
very good bitch, good for size, shape & movement, typical head, very expressive, good outline, moved & showed well, in very good coat & condition. CC
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2012
Judge: Mr E Castel (Flutorum)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality I received at their Open Show. This was a new venue for the Club and offers excellent facilities with a large spacious ring. Special thanks to my two stewards Anita Harrison and Brian Dickinson. Although not the largest of entries I was pleased with both my dog and bitch line up, I found the bitches to be of greater quality than the dogs, and was pleased that most exhibits were shown in good, well muscled condition. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs today.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
very pleasing grizzle of nearly 6 years, good head and expression, well placed ear and dark eye, she is well balanced with nice bodylines. Lovely harsh coat and loose pelt, in fit condition and moved soundly. Reserve Best Bitch
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Apr 2012
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
It was a great pleasure to judge at this show and I would like to thank the Club for their hospitality and the exhibitors for the excellent entry of 130 dogs. Thanks also to my stewards, Mark Lowry and Angela Cranson.
I was very impressed with the number of quality dogs present and I found all males to be entire and no major mouth faults, just a couple of misplaced incisors. Many dogs were sporting good, tweedy jackets and temperaments were excellent. Although I could span almost all, size is a concern, many, particularly in bitches, being up to size. Front movement in some was a bit erratic.
My thanks again to everyone who afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
6 year old grizzle with a lovely feminine head and a wicked expression. Well proportioned, free moving and possessing a correct, double coat and loose pelt. Well angulated, good length of rib and correct tailset. Scored well for size. Reserve Best Bitch.
Border Union Championship Show
17th Jun 2012
Judge: Mrs Kate Walton (Enterlaw)
After an absence from the Showring and judging for the past 18 months, due to illness I was interested to find almost a new generation in my entry. Not even the appalling June weather and the resultant sudden switch from outdoor to indoor rings could dampen my enthusiasm hut I do apologise to exhibitors for the lack of adequate space in the indoor wet-weather accommodation. Thank you all so much for your sporting patience and to my two excellent stewards for their assistance in moving us under cover so efficiently. After Open Dog. I just could not record legibly in my judging book! I much enjoyed looking over and handling this large entry with relatively few absentees. I was very impressed by the standard and quality of my main winners and in the way the dogs adapted to the change of rings. It was a pity that the benching for the congested indoor ring was so far away. I felt particularly sorry for all the bitch exhibits who were obliged to show in such a small muddy ring, especially those in the big classes which had to be split and the fact that other terrier breeds with smaller entries were given larger rings, Considering the conditions, all temperaments were excellent. Only one level mouth and two slightly out of alignment. All dogs were entire. Movement is still an overall problem. Some exhibits could be tidier!
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2012
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
An interesting entry. I found some very good class winners. I was disturbed by the frequency of poor hindquarters, often a result of poor croups & tailsets & lack of angulation & second thigh resulting in lack of drive.
RBCC
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
6 years, lovely type & movement, spannable ribcage, excellent head & eye, very good legs & feet. I would prefer a little more coat on her to finish. Her movement & topline won her this class & RCC
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Oct 2012
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge their open show at Otterburn. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my winners. Many thanks to my stewards Lesley Gosling and Allen Horner who kept everything running smoothly throughout the day. I would also like to thank all exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs.
Driving across to the venue on the morning of the show was a timely reminder of the terrain that Borders Terriers were bred to encounter whilst out hunting. Bearing this in mind I was looking for fit dogs whose structure and movement allowed them to cover the ground economically.
Positives were that the dogs were generally fit, they were shown in coats that had not been over trimmed and temperaments were good. A couple of negative points that I felt applied to a number of exhibits: there were few dogs with really big teeth and also there were rather a lot of thin tight skins. Really thick pliable skin was a rarity.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
An old fashioned type of bitch. Very fit and looks like she could definitely do a days work. Good otter head with flat skull. Strong muzzle. Really excellent reach of neck into well angulated shoulders. Narrow front. Ribs well laid back. Good for bone. Small tight feet. In wonderful condition with good thick skin and pinwire top coat. One of the best movers of the day. Covering the ground well. BB BOS
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Mar 2013
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the club and committee for inviting me to judge at this show. It was unfortunate for the club, exhibitors and myself that the adverse weather conditions dictated a large proportion of absentees. My thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend.
I’m pleased to say that temperaments were good and that no ‘sparks’ flew!! My only plea to handlers is that they show their dogs on a slacker lead! Dogs that are strung up are unable to move freely, and it is neither pleasant for the dog nor for anyone to watch.
Apart from two level bites, mouths were good and most were in good coat. Most were also spannable.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
A lovely type of bitch with beautiful femine head and expression. Nice topline and well set on tail. Would like a little more bend of stifle. Moved ok.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank my stewards for all their hard work on the day, and to the committee for inviting me to judge there show. Also to the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. I was pleased with my winners and placed dogs. I found that some had short muzzle coupled with round eyes which does not give a border expression.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs B Jackson (Clipstone)
I thoroughly enjoyed judging at Paignton Championship Show. The new venue (well, new to me) was very pleasant and the show was efficiently run by the helpful and friendly committee. I had an excellent entry which contained lots of quality dogs to choose from. Some classes were, however, a real mix of types, again the Fox Terrier type with high ear carriage are appearing, as are those with almost "hound like" ears, far too large and which ruin the head. Ultimately I judged to my interpretation of the Standard. I like a dog to be a real stallion dog and a bitch, his feminine counterpart. I do not like bitchy dogs and masculine bitches. I was incredibly pleased with my winners, neither of which I have judged before and who to my mind are excellent examples of the breed, both home bred too, not bought in.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
At 7½ she is still in excellent form, super hard condition but very much a girlie. The harshest of coats and wonderful pelt. She moved with more drive than some youngsters! Lovely topline which she held on the move. Very fit. BV
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2013
Judge: Sharp & Bailey
*Dog Critique*
My thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Championship Show for the second time, the first being 10 years ago, and thanks to my Stewards for their efficiency. The entry of 103 with only 9 absentees was pleasing.
Some judges concentrate on heads, others on shape of eyes, or on small dark ears, some on presentation, others on neat accurate movement. As for me – I judge on a whether a dog is “fit for function†as a working terrier plus whether it looks like a Border Terrier and no other type of terrier.
A good proportion of the entry had major faults of construction which would render them, not useless, but inefficient at the job Border Terriers are designed to perform. For instance, short rib cages do not allow for lung room for the stamina a terrier needs to run all day, and these short rib cages (often sprung) were very much in evidence in the entry. Some were accompanied by long loins which might give the impression to the ringside that the dog had good length.
Secondly, upright shoulders, often with steep upper arms are a major design fault. A well laid shoulder with well angulated upper arm which brings the elbow under the body is not just a pleasure to look at – these act as shock absorbers when the dog is running so that his joints are not jarred, leading to wear and tear, thus shortening his effective life as a working terrier.
Finally, wide fronts, often associated with the previous construction – a Border should be able to creep into any space occupied by a fox, and these, despite their chunky appearance have very little body under that fur.
Coats were mixed as to be expected – and there were some really good pelts, only a couple with paper thin pelts. Undercoat was often missing on the back, but present on the sides. A handful of bad mouths, perhaps some all rounders might accept these but I could not. Few really outstanding otter heads which stay in one’s memory for years, but most were adequate.
My critique will not contain descriptions of the dogs, but will give an indication of why they were placed as they were. If your dog was not as high in the placings as you had hoped, take a good objective look at him, and you might find out why.
*Bitch Critique*
A big thank you to the MBTC committee for asking me to judge the Ch. Show it was a great honour. Thank you also to my stewards Ray & Sharon for making the classes run so smoothly. A nice entry of 144 bitches. I enjoyed the day; it was lovely to judge the bitches. The depth of quality in most of the classes was very pleasing. However, the fronts are still a problem within the breed & need to be addressed in future litters. Some quality bitches went cardless, unfortunately there is only 5 cards & many went without being placed. I was so delighted that my fellow judge Marie, agreed that my BCC & BRCC, should win the top honours, Best in Show and RBIS.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
7 yrs old
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Another stylish bitch who pushed hard for the 1st place. Good for size, easily spanned and with good bodylines. A relative youngster at 7.
Class Critique
As with the Veteran Dog Class this was a pleasure to judge not just because I love the oldies but also because of the quality dogs I had the pleasure to judge.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
7.5 year G/T bitch another favourite who was in immaculate fit condition , well presented thick coat and pelt , Pretty head and expression with good dark eye ,excellent front with enough bone, very good top line and tail set, she was another who showed non stop and moved extremely well, so close up to 1st – wish there was a separate class of sexes for the veterans.
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Best Veteran
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
9 year old kept her lines, very pleasing head, narrow body could get any where
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
BCC
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart
Placing Critique
Well I can only say that I am so pleased that this bitch was brought under me today and i had the pleasure of not only judging her for the first time but the privilege of awarding her , her most worthy crowning CC .They say that once in a while a dog comes under you that you covert and she truly filled that emotion in me. I adored her and wouldn't need to change anything on her but transfer her ownership. I just loved this girl's overall proportions. Fitting the first line of the breed standard with ease "Essentially a working terrier" she epitomises all that is Border for me " From her superb otter head, throughout her correct bodylines to the tip of her thick carroty tail" -and if you ever need to check for the eye you should be breeding for this quality girl has it, Her eye and expression is to die for varminty with a capital "V" and dark, dark, eyes. She is so well balanced filling your eye from all angles with so many good qualities, Soundly constructed with everything in proportion to give a well balanced picture standing and on the move .She comes to hand beautifully spanning with ease. Moderate neck set into well-laid shoulders narrow throughout with correct shape and length of rib, firm top line, which she held on the move. The best of cat feet small and well padded Her jacket was harsh and dense with the thickest of pelts ,water would simply bead on top of it. She was in excellent muscle tone so fit, and presented and handled to perfection, a real credit to her owners. At 8 years old she was the best mover of the day and showed the youngsters how it was done. Striding out powering around the ring with excellent reach and drive, covering the ground effortlessly i could have watched her all day and built as she is she could have gone all day too. In a strong line up of bitches I could do nothing else but award her the BCC . She stole the show today not only for me but going by the ringside applause for many others. In the final watching her taking full advantage of the ring her ground covering gait coupled with her "joie de vivre" pipped her BOB over the DCC winner.
Class Critique
Excellent class brimming with quantity & quality
