Show Placings
Northern BTC Open Show
11th Apr 2009
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
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.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2009
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
30th May 2009
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2009
Judge: Mr Ernie Hill (Tynecourt)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
good head and outline, nice topline and tail set, good tight feet, moved ok.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Scottish BTC Limited Show
30th Jan 2011
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
It was on my part a great honour and privilege to be asked to judge this club show. As usual the reception and hospitality north of the border was of the highest order. I would like to thank the committee and members of this fine club, and offer a huge thank you to my steward on the day Mr E Houston.
Overall, and with only a handful of exceptions, I found movement generally to be below standard, but, maybe due to the recent cold weather, coats on the whole were very good.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike
Placing Critique
3yr grizzle & tan. Strong head & muzzle. Good coat & pelt, moved ok.
