Show Placings
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.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
similar remarks as 1 but in a smaller frame, i liked both these dogs both, very workman like, good front, strong bac
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
A nice example who strode out well to gain this place. Liked his skull and head pattern generally. Good coat and pelt. Well proportioned.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limited Show
6th Mar 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Firstly I would like to thank The Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and for their hospitality on the day. Also many thanks to everyone that gave me the privilege of going over their dogs and congratulation to all my winners.
All males were entire. All tails straight. One or two untidy mouths but nothing to be classed as a fault.
Maiden - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
19 months just able to span, harsh coat coming, thick pelt. Broad skull with well set ears and dark eye. Level topline, straight front, ribs well back, sufficient angles front and rear, over enthusiastic on the move today.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
See first in maiden
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Not so strong in head would have liked a shorter muzzle expression was ok, nice neck topline and lay back of rib and easy span, stood upright in the shoulder and standing very close in the front, good harsh jacket and pelt.
The Terrier Club of South Wales
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this very friendly well run show and thank you for the lovely lunch , I thoroughly enjoyed myself and thank the Exhibitors for your fabulous entry but such a shame COVID showed it's ugly head again meaning there were quite a few absentees however I had some really nice dogs to go over
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Handsome Grizzle and tan , good top line and easily spanned , fabulous temperament, good head with nothing over done , good bite and big teeth , good angulations and narrow throughout, good pelt and jacket best mover today and stood out in the final line up BOB and I believe short listed later on
Llanelli & DCS Open Show
10th Apr 2022
Judge: Ian Biddlestone
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Dog. Balanced dog, enough strength of skull with strong muzzle, dark eye, correct ear placement, good body, level topline, good bend of stifle, moved ok.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Rather shorter coupled than 1 and 2, moved well, has a good harsh coat
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan. 21 months. Excellent head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat and pelt. Sound on the move.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Premier Open Show
22nd May 2022
Judge: Miss E W Newton (Nevedith)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
in good coat covering balanced frame. Moved with enthusiasm
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Nice size, harsh coat with good pelt. Good head, nice expression. Level top line and moved out well.
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 - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle and tan. Good bite, strong muzzle neat ears and a lovely flat skull with little stop. Excellent forequarters with well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Good topline and well set tail. Shown in an excellent harsh topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. A sound and balanced dog who moved freely.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
A dark grizzle of good type who carries a typical head and has a good scissor bite, with a nicely shaped dark eye. Carries a harsh double coat and decent pelt. Just spans, has sufficient bone and moves steadily. Just lacking a little in bend of stifle.
Three Counties Championship Show
9th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Otter type head good bite harsh double coatv thick loose pelt moved well both ways.
Pembrokeshire CA Open Show
18th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr N Merrick
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Llandysul DCS Open Show
31st Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs N Evans (Pendevour)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Dark grizzle dog, nice size, comes to hand well, head in proportion with nice expression, not over done in any aspect good shoulder rib loin, and rear construction, excellent coat and pelt he moved well and was considered in the challenge, he was well presented and a credit to his owner
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Masculine head, dark eye and good bone, legs and feet. Body of good depth, not too wide. Ribs good and tail well set. Active on the move but today preferred coat of winner.
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 - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, nice size with level topline moved ok
Darlington Championship Dog Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge Border Terriers. Huge thanks to my two efficient stewards Laura Jordan-Smith and Julie North who kept me on track and finally the exhibitors for a super entry. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front as there were too many swinging fronts, wide movement and toeing in. There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to choose from and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
another quality male of good type, excellent otter head with a strong jaw. Correct shoulders, front okay, good topline and tailset. Moved out well.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
This dog is one I have admired from ringside, handy size dog of lovely breed type, he is not overdone in any way, typical head with a nice dark eye giving him a pleasing expression, good reach of neck good front and shoulders, well angulated, shown in super double jacket, in good condition, sound on the move, considered in the challenge but he had lost his sparkle.
Aberystwyth & DCS Open Show
16th Oct 2022
Judge: Paula Meacham
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Amman Valley CS Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs J Monaghan
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
A very promising entry on paper but unfortunately the weather took its toll !
However I was more than happy with my main winners all were typical of what I look for in a Border Terrier and the proof that careful breeding pays off was demonstrated by the very promising progeny found amongst the youngsters.
As is my approach to critiques, generally the winners in most respects all meet the standard which calls for a working terrier with an otter like head on reasonable length neck set into well laid shoulders, a moderate length body, well ribbed back, strong shortish loin, racy but moderate rear angulation allowing the dog to move with drive, in harsh double coat and with thick pelt. I do not therefore repeat this for each individual dog but I have highlighted the dog’s best points and the reasons for their placings .
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Grizzle,broad flat skull,strong muzzle,striaght front,enough bone,tidy feet,in good coat & thick pelt,moved ok,prefered overall balance of one.
Class Critique
Very mixed class for type
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Has type and could be no other breed. Good for overall size and proportions. Not quite the appeal of winner in head or feet.
Bridgend & DKA Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
A big thank you to the committee for my invite to judge at their show which was run very efficiently, and everyone was so friendly. I was happy with my entry and felt honoured to be able to go over some quality dogs today and the exhibitors entrusting me to do so and taking my decisions on board with grace. Only a couple of absentees but those that were, sent their apologies which I did appreciate, thank you!
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan dog, nice type throughout, good front and forearm, flat laidback rib into correct hindquarters, correct rear angulation and tail set. Good jacket and loose pelt. Balanced on the move and held his top line. Strong contender for BOB, had there been a RBOB I would have happily awarded him this merit.
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to start by thanking the Officers and Committee of The Terrier Club Of South Wales for asking me to judge such a well organised and supported show and the wonderful hospitality on the day. Secondly to the exhibitors for the wonderful support and entry on the day of 54 dogs.
I enjoyed having the chance to go over some real quality dogs on the day and in a couple of the classes the placings could easily of been reversed. My Best Of Breed youngster showed himself really well on the day and continued to do so through to the Best In Show line up where he secured the grand honours of being awarded Best In Show by BIS Judge Mark Ord.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Deeper in chest than first two and carrying a bit of extra weight today
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society Open Show
9th Aug 2023
Judge: Jerry Robertson
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
good head with dark eye, small V shaped ears, straight front legs, moderate length of neck, good body, well ribbed back, racy quarters, good mover.
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Class Critique
A quality class
Pontardulais Agricultural & Horticultural Society
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Aberystwyth & DCS Open Show
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
A pleasing head, tidy front, good bone and substance, clean neck and well placed shoulders, firm over the loin with a well muscled rear, moved well both fore and aft. BOB & GP4
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for a lovely entry and also to the Scottish BTC for this opportunity. Special thanks go to my two stewards for the day who kept everything running smoothly and for their good company. Although the lighting in the hall isn’t the best, it was adequate and the large square ring was perfect for watching movement, something I feel is very important in a border terrier. On that note I found my main winners to excel in this department. I was pleased to judge some strong puppy classes and also some strong adult classes
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Bridgend & DKA Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Mid Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Ideal sized male with good coat and pelt. Positive and driving on the move. Neatest of feet on good pads. Typical broad breed head and good expression.
Llanelli & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Angie Nettle (Onziemehurst)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Llanelli & District Canine Society to judge the Border Terriers at their show in Carmarthen, Wales. Nice to see my BOB got Group 2 in the Terrier Group judged by Rob McLeod
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
Placing Critique
Harsh coat, thick pelt. Broad skull with well set ears and dark eye. Level top-line, straight front, ribs well back, sufficient angles front and rear, positive excellent drive on the move today. Neatest of feet on good pads. Typical broad breed head and super expression on his face. BOB TG2
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Gwynfe Carreg Glas of Foxchapel
