Show Placings
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Class Critique
Nice class of young pups
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Class Critique
some in this class were at their first show but took it all in their stride
Bath Canine Society
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mr T Ball
Best Puppy
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
7 mth old who I thought very promising. Only a baby but she scored for type and outline and was so good to go over. Excellent neck, topline, croup and tail for both set and carriage. Feminine headpiece of good proportions, excellent eye and ear and correct dentition. Nice and narrow with good length to ribcage. Super pelt and nice harsh jacket. She stands straight in front on small, tight feet with excellent pads and moves out freely with good carriage. Best Puppy.
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Another 7-month-old very similar remarks as 1 but she seemed a little spooked today it was very noisy in the hall, she had a nice head, nice bone, i think these two will change placing in the coming years
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Class Critique
That was a v nice class, all show promise.
Kent County CA Open Show
22nd Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Mandy Kenna (Cynetkoy)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Another promising pup. Lovely otter head with sweet expression. Nicely proportioned with good bend in stifle. Coat not at its best today. She moved and showed well.
The London & Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
10th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you the committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers today, 2nd biggest entry of the day so a big thank you also for the exhibitors on the quality of the dogs for me to go over today. Also a big thank you to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the sponsorship of the classes on the day.
A lovely well run show with a great atmosphere and a great ending to the show when you get to see your Best of Breed/Best Puppy go on and get Best Puppy In show. Also a big thank you to my steward Mandy Holmes for keeping the dogs coming and going in correct order.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
9 month old Grizzle bitch with a good head with a keen dark eye and nice teeth/bite, correct for size and/bone and maturing nicely. Has lovely tight cat like feet and moves well.
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
16th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jack Wood (Nasabe)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Derek Pearmain (Delandmar)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Feminine & of good size. Ex head & expression. A touch upright in front, good ribbing & quarters, good bone & feet, well set tail. Not moving as well as 1 today.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Unlucky to meet first today. Liked this girl. Preferred her size to first but overall balance of first, won on the day. Lovely head and dark eye. In good jacket. Like first easy to span. Good top line and tail set. Moved well.
Guildford & District Canine Society
28th Nov 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Woolwich, Bexley DCS Open show
5th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr A Bicknell (Shimano)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge at this Show, It really seemed to be a success judging by the happy atmosphere in the venue and congratulations must go to all the hard working Committee for the superb organization on the day despite the Covid regulations and the inclement weather. My thanks must also go to my two efficient stewards, Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Joyce Whiting, for their invaluable assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly and keeping me in check.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Class Critique
Very strong class with very close decisions separating the first three
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
19th Mar 2022
Judge: Ruth Gee (Watercroft)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
loved this young typy bitch she caught my eye the minute she came in the ring. lovely head and expression neat ears, good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders,easily spanned level topline which she held on the moved, front to tighten but a lovely Border bitch in excellent jacket. BOB.
Chichester & District Canine Society Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr I H Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
10th Apr 2022
Judge: Janet Robertson (Renevis)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Chelmsford & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd May 2022
Judge: Lorraine Sheppard (Polanca)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society Open Show
7th May 2022
Judge: Simon Burton (Glencorrie)
I enjoyed judging this breed for the first time. All dogs were spannable (a couple only just) and had the correct thick, pliant skin.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Arunmere Annie Oakley
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Neat, typy r/gr bitch with a lovely outline. Feminine in head but with that classic ‘ottery’ look from the correct head proportions and slight stop with a strong muzzle and good sized teeth. Keen expression from dark eyes and nice neat ears which she used well. Enough length of neck, excellent front, straight forelegs with neat feet, forehand balances with a neat rear with good turn of stifle and low set hocks. Correct depth of chest, correctly narrow, ribs carried well back and perfect topline. Carrot tail set and carried well. In excellent coat, harsh, dense and well presented. She’s been well trained to give her best on the move, going with a free, active stride and a lovely rhythm, holding a super outline with that lovely topline and the more she moves the better she goes. BOB and pleased to see her take a well deserved G3 later in the day.
Wickford, Basildon & District Canine Society Open Show
14th May 2022
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Nice sized feminine head and expression. Level top line and tail set. Moved ok.
Reading & District Kennel Association Open Show
1st Jun 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to the committee/officers of Reading & District Kennel Association for asking me to judge the Border Terriers at today’s Premier Open Show. A lovely entry of 20 dogs so a big thank you to the exhibitors for supporting my entry today and presenting some quality dogs. Also a big thank you to my steward for the day Mr Graham Smith who kept the classes moving along not just for the Borders but a number of the Terrier breed classes. It is always nice to have the day to see the Terrier Classes develop and see the quality that comes through into the group and it did not disappoint but always nice to see your Best Of Breed go Terrier Group 1 and to top it off be awarded Best In Show from an entry of well over 1,000 dogs
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Good head showing expression, good outline, moved well both ways
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
A lovely grizzle bitch who is not over done in any way. Typical border head with dark eye, well-shaped ears, and a keen expression. She has a strong jaw and a good set of teeth with a correct bite. Straight front, small tight well-padded feet. Just the right length of back leading onto a well set tail. Excellent double jacket with loose pelt. Moved ok front and back.
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
A handy sized bitch, narrow throughout with keen expression, short strong muzzle and big teeth. A pretty bitch but at the same time workman like in her overall appearance, she is easily spanned with a lot to like about her, moved well both ways with a good top line on the move
Kent County Canine Association Open Show
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Firstly my thanks must go, not only to the hard working committee for the kind invitation to judge today , my helpful and capable ring steward Kevin but also the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their lovely dogs
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Arunmere Annie Oakley
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
20 month old grizzle bitch.Narrow throughout with flat rib and strong loin , easily spanned with a lovely loose pelt.Feminine head with lovely width of skull and fill under the eyes, ears of a good size and well set , correct sized teeth in a powerful jaw. Lovely dark coloured eyes.All topped off with a super harsh jacket . Moved well … Pleased to award her B.O.B and to see her take a Group 3 later
Horley & DSS Open Show
28th Aug 2022
Judge: Krystyan Greenland
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
South West Essex CA Open Show
29th Aug 2022
Judge: Sue Fewings (Komidions)
Special Yearling /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
City of Birmingham Championship Show
3rd Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs K Newsome (Kighills)
I would like to thank the City of Birmingham committee for inviting me to judge the Border terriers today. It was a most enjoyable day and to top it off I had some quality dogs and bitches to go over. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries and excepting my decisions.
The quality of borders were good and adhered to the breed standard. All mouths were good and all the dogs were entire. Heads on the whole were very good but some lacked a strong broad muzzle. The movement was good and many moved with drive. Many coats were harsh and thick and pelts were nice and loose. I would like to see some exhibitors pay a little attention to trimming the feet and nails.
It would also benefit a few exhibitors to take their young dogs to ring-craft more to socialise them. This would get them use to unfamiliar situations i.e. hands on the dog etc.
To my surprise my main winners Best Puppy Dog, 2nd Grad Bitch, Bitch CC & Bitch RCC were all related to the Glebeheath Kennels so well done to you.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Racy lines had a good head strong muzzle front narrow good length of back moved well front and rear
London and Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
4th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr Thomas West (Tomlyndon)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2022
Judge: Dogs Nicola Foster, Bitches Sarah Pateman
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at their well run open show. A big thank you to my ring steward George who kept things moving along nicely and many thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over your lovely dogs.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
a mature handy size workman like g/t bitch with a feminine head and varmity expression, good in neck and shoulders, built on narrow lines with a good top line and tail set. Easily spanned won on her movement today
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at this show. I would also like to thank my Steward, for keeping the classes running smoothly and efficiently.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Bitch of good size, feminine head, coat just coming through. Has well-muscled quarters, moved ok.
Portsmouth & Southsea KA Open Show
12th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs L Wilson (Sibra)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Arunmere Annie Oakley
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
London Airedale & Fox Terrier Club Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge border terriers at what turns out to be their last show, having to close the club due to lack of support and mounting costs. It is sad to see this club and so many others finding it hard to keep afloat.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Bitch with feminine otter shaped head. Well placed ears, good topline and tailset. In super harsh coat and moved well. BOB
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Chichester & DCS Open Show
26th Mar 2023
Judge: Jennifer Millard
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
2 year old bitch, who presents an appealing clean outline when stood. She has a pleasing head, with good width to the back skull, and strength to the foreface, with neat ears. Straight front legs onto tight feet. Holding a firm topline, racy hindquarters. Moving out soundly all directions. Not quite the coat of winner today but close up. RBOB
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Chelmsford & District Canine Society Open Show
1st May 2023
Judge: Nicola Sturrock (Forfarian)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Bitch of good size and type, good head with typical expression, strong muzzle and bite.Correct neck and shoulder placement. Good ribcage but a bit long in loins for me. Easily spannable. Good topline standing but not always kept on the move. Moved well coming and going with enough reach.
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
This girl powered around the ring looking fabulous in profile, striding out with purpose and into top place. Short muzzle with strong underjaw and neat ear. Good coat and no exaggeration in any quarter just lacked front precision coming towards.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
This grizzle and tan with dark eye, a well filled muzzle and moderately thick ears. Body rangy and narrow throughout; has correct height to body length ratio. Level topline, spannable Carrying a thick pliable pelt, although her coat is a little sparse is of good texture. Moved freely.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Chelmsford & District Canine Society Open Show
6th May 2024
Judge: Dave Lee (Socksdown)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Annie Oakley
Placing Critique
Narrow, well balanced and sound movement.
