Show Placings
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Mrs L.K. Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Thank you to the Officegrs and Committee for the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show; I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, Benattivo Charlie Brown
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
At just shy of 9 months this grizzle and tan puppy is extremely eye catching. He has a lovely otter head, correct bite and dark eye. His rib is narrow, spannable and carried well back into a firm loin. A straight front and excellent hindquarters means he moves with such balanced and drive. A well set on tail and a great pelt and correct double coat completes the overall picture of this lovely confident young man, who pushed hard for BOB today and whose career I shall watch with interest. BPIB and thrilled to see him go BPIS.
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
6th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs S Thompson (Ashgate)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, enattivo Charlie Brown
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
A very sound and honest dog of good size and presents a very typical outlook. Pleasing head, eye and expression. Well made front assembly, straight with good legs and feet. Narrow body of good length which is easily spanned. Strong level topline and a good tailset and carriage. Moved soundly both fore and aft.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
RDCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
g/t beautifully balanced dog, not overdone in any way, very attractive head with neatly set ears, set off with lovely dark points, bright keen eye, well off for bone, in super condition, with well set tail, moved out with ease on neat feet. RCC
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Quality grizzle appealed greatly for his type and ideal size. Very well balanced, and well-constructed all through with attractive head and expression. Scores in forehand with a layback of shoulder and length in upper arm, balanced with sound hindquarters, standing on good legs and feet with nice bone and well let down hocks. A free and easy mover who used his angulation to great effect around the ring in profile keeping a firm topline and displaying the most accurate tracking in this class. Smart dog, presented as always from this kennel in top form and who was a real contender today.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
RDCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
wow what a beautiful dog, lovely masculine head with a melting expression, nice reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulder, level topline and correct tailset. Straight front, nicely angulated front and rear, ribs carried well back presenting a balance picture and not overdone in any department. Carrying a lovely double coat and finished off with a carrot tail. Moved and showed to advantage. In the challenge it was a close call but just preferred the carriage and showmanship of the open winner. RCC
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
27th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
A lovely grizzle and tan, balanced dog, nothing overdone, who gives a clean outline. Very attractive head with well sized and set ears. He has a dark bright keen eye, which give a typical expression. Well angled, clean ribbing and well off for bone. Strong loin and tidy tailset. Put down in great condition, sporting his best jacket. He moved out very well with ease and purpose. Looked the part in the challenge.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Best In Show
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
DCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
My star of the day, very typical otter shaped head, neatest of ears, neck sloping nicely in to well laid shoulders, enough depth of body for his age, straight narrow front, just right amount of tuck up, well-muscled and nice bend of stifle, harsh double grizzle jacket of great texture, pelt pliable and thick.
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Grizzle of good size and bone. Well balanced . Nice masculine head with right expression, strong muzzle and bite. Nice reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Spannable. Firm topline. Well angulated behind and well muscled. Nice tail well set and carried. Another good mover.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Short of a coat today which was a shame as I liked this boy a lot. Superb outline, thick tail and well set. Carried himself well on and off the move. Strong head and muzzle, dark eye, ears well set. Lovely tight feet. Easily spanned and nicely balanced. Moved well both ways.
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Class Critique
Close decision between first 3 in this class.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
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.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
G&T. Stood out in this class. Lovely otter like head with short strong muzzle, good teeth and neat ears, eye and keen expression. Not a big dog and quite easy to span. Stood well on good legs, thick pads and small neat feet. Very stylish dog who moved out well and has a really lovely short carroty tail.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Similar in type and construction to 1. Nicely made all round but lost out on coat quality. Moved well. 3 was also close up.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Another grizzle dog that was really well presented. He has really good head with flat skull with strong muzzle, neat ears and a keen expression . Slightly smaller in size to my winner but has many of the same qualities and is well balanced. Shown in good double coat with good topline and a lovely short carroty tail. Moved well.
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
26th Jul 2023
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the kind invitation to judge some of the terrier breeds at this well run show, set in the beautiful setting of Dunster Castle. My thanks to my two excellent stewards Mel & Vera for keeping the ring running smoothly. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely quality entry of dogs over all the breeds to judge, making for some difficult decisions in some classes.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Benattivo Charlie Brown
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
this 18mth old g/t dog stood out for quality and breed type. A well balanced dog with an attractive masculine head, with correct ear set, dark eye and keen expression. Lovely big teeth set in a strong jaw, good reach of neck, excellent shoulders, straight front with good tight feet, and a level topline, easily spanned with muscular hindquarters Presented in good coat. Good angulations fore and aft, enabling him to move out with reach and drive to take BOB TG4
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
A trio of cracking dogs who will go on to do well i think
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Class Critique
A quality class
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
RDCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Lovely size and type. In good harsh jacket, pelt ok. Nice length of rib, angulation & bend of stifle. Beautiful head & expression. Small well placed ears, good bite, neat feet. Moved well.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
RDCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Balanced and well proportioned, good head, narrow front, well laid shoulder moved soundly and true, well presented in good coat RCC
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
DCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Well made. Good in outline & balanced, an attractive head with pleasing expression & strong muzzle, Good in neck into a clean wither & level topline, which he held on the move, soundly constructed chest, correctly boned, with good length of body & ribs carried well back, excellent rear angulation which was put to good use on the move. DCC.
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
16th Mar 2024
Judge: Gentle Lowe (Rockslade)
Firstly I would like to thank the show and its organisers for the warm welcome and my stewards for their smooth running of the ring during my appointment. I would also like to thank the competitors for giving me the chance to go over their dogs. I had a quality entry of dogs and there were some tough decisions in the classes.
I would just like to point out some exhibits had dirty teeth, some longer untrimmed nails which whilst I didn’t penalise would give a nicer shape and finish to the feet and overall presentation. Overall dogs were presented in good condition.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Benattivo Charlie Brown
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
A quality, masculine otter head with a good dark eye, large teeth with a strong jaw. Good length of neck flowing into a level topline. Excellent shoulder angulation with straight front and good bone leading down to neat feet. Tight fresh jacket with a thick pliable pelt. Spannable with a good length of rib and presented in fit condition. A dog I have admired ringside and found him equally as pleasing after going over him. Pleased to hear he took TG1
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
A handy sized sound and fit dog. He has well-muscled hindquarters and moved out well keeping his topline. A beautifully presented quality dog just outshone today.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Smart dog of super type. Shown in tip top condition with super jacket on a good pelt. Good for bone and stands well on good tight feet. Super strong otter head with strong muzzle, broad skull, dark eye and neat ears giving him a masculine expression. He is balanced throughout and moved well using good well muscled quarters.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan and another just right for size. Lovely otter head with short strong muzzle. Dark keen eye and neat well set ears. Moderate neck into good shoulders. Just right for bone and lovely straight front legs right through to his small, well padded feet. Good in ribs and easily spanned. Short tail. Excellent racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Beautifully shown and presented in a correct double coat. He moved soundly and was true coming and going. Really had to split hairs between him and 1
Class Critique
An excellent class with several good dogs having to go without cards today.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
RDCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Another quality male with an excellent otter head. Thicker set than 1st place. Harsh coat with good pelt. Correctly angled front and rear which he used on the move. Balanced throughout. Pleased to award him the RDCC
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
Well presented dog with keen expression and strong muzzle, good reach of neck and thick loose pelt , moved true
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Class Critique
A great class of males. I was spoilt for choice.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Class Critique
Lovely class
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
DCC
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
has an excellent otter shaped head, strength of jaw with strong bite, very expressive keen eye, well set ears of correct size & shape, correct in front, has a well laid shoulder & good upper arm, excellent ribbing so easy to span, firm flexible loin, well presented double coat, thick loose pelt, neat compact feet, good carrot tail well set on, highly desirable dog who moves so well both fore & aft. Today he stood out for me as my C.C. winner & delighted to be told this was his crowning C.C. Well worthy of his title.
Paignton Championship Show
2nd Aug 2024
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for my first-time appointment at this level. This show is my ‘local’ which made it even more special, If you have never been it is worth the trip down the M5 a warm welcome will meet you.
I was thrilled with the quality of my entry, one observation I did find a lot of untidy feet, splayed toes, long nails and thin pads, I did however find no kinked tails and only one mouth fault.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Charlie Brown
Placing Critique
This extremely competitive class was headed up by the upstanding grizzle male and he is all male. Masculine head, housing large teeth in a strong scissor bite, Dark eye and well-set small ears framed his expression. Well placed rib and muscled hind quarters allowed him to move with a free stride covering the ground. In consideration in the challenge.
