Show Placings
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the committee and members of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire border terrier club for the invitation to judge at this friendly club show. My stewards Tracey Anscombe and Sian Mckay were very efficient and kept the day running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. It was a privilege to judge your dogs.
I had some quality borders to go over, and my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard, on the day.
Some exhibits lacked the typical otter head, moderately broad with a short, strong muzzle and keen expression, which is definitive in our breed. Coats were generally good, harsh and dense with thick pelts, but several exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet trimmed. I found no kinked tails, dentition was generally good and all dogs were entire.
There was a lovely atmosphere, especially during the challenges, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
This 6 month old grizzle and tan puppy was litter sister to the winner of MPD. They share many qualities, and I am sure that they will change places at times in the future. Although immature, she had a feminine head with a dark eye and keen expression, lovely reach of neck, straight forelegs and small, neat feet. Narrow in her construction, she was fairly long with her ribs carried well back and a well set, carrot like tail.Her coat was harsh and dense, with a thick pelt. She moved out well. Pleased to award her BPB and RBPIS.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Placed 1st in MPB
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
A 6 month old lovely bitch puppy in excellent coat. Well proportioned and balanced, moved with drive and perfectly straight front and rear.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Grizzle. 6 ½ months. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good topline and tailset. Good rib and underline. Super hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Totally balanced, her movement was free and easy, keeping her super outline, on the move. Has a mind of her own, she’s no cardboard cut out, but she can’t stand wrong! Loved her, nothing I’d alter for her age. Looking forward to seeing her mature, she should have a very bright future! Best Puppy.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Super feminine girl, a real youngster with bags of promise. Pretty head with broad skull and neat ears. On the leg she possesses a nice reach of neck to good rib, carried back to decent loin giving her a super top line finished with a good tail well set on. Good in front and racy behind. BPB & BPIS.
Class Critique
Two lovely young bitches lovely to judge and difficult to split.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
1st in MPB
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
7 month old grizzle built on racy lines, lovely feminine head and dark eye with beautiful front construction – she flows from the neck into her shoulders and a super rib. Nice short carrot tail set on and making a lovely top line stacked/moving, her profile is structure is excellent and topped off with a lovely crisp jacket. Pleased to award her best bitch puppy and best puppy in show.
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
elegant grizzle bitch with an attractive head and expression. Good neck and shoulders, straight front and good legs and feet; excels in topline both standing and on the move. Excellent coat and pelt, lovely outline, easy to span. Superb movement, flowing round the ring on an easy stride. A very promising puppy, I will watch her progress with interest. BP
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Nice sized, top quality bitch with a typical feminine head and expression. Neat ears. Straight front with good feet. Excellent neck and shoulders. In good condition with correct coat and pelt. When moving round the ring she kept her top line and tail set. Moved well all ways. BPB Best Puppy.
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
1st Jun 2022
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Light grizzle and tan. Excellent bite, dark eye and still looking very much a baby which is no bad thing. Excellent neck, shoulders and forequarters. Not too heavy in bone, standing on small, well padded feet. Narrow throughout. Good topline and short well set tail. Racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Excellent harsh and dense topcoat with excellent undercoat and thick pelt to match. Lovely free movement in profile. Think she’s just a bit special, time will tell. BPIB
Class Critique
Two lovely puppies
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
See 1st in MPB
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.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Litter sister to winner of M.P.D. and the same comments apply, although she is not quite as on the leg. Dark expressive eyes and is just right for bone at this age with a straight narrow front and good all through. She moved confidently in the class but in the challenge for B.P. despite being given several chances was too enthusiastic for her handler. Best Puppy Bitch.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
See MPB 1st
Three Counties Championship Show
9th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
feminine head dark eye level top good coat moved ok.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Good puppy, typical head and ears, showing expression, enough bone, spanable, good racy backend, moved well, good coat and pelt
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Another lovely puppy, nice for overall size and balance. Nice in head and expression. Good reach of neck, good tail and set on. Good texture of coat on loose pelt. Moved well.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Rangy, G/T with pleasing head and expression. Excellent bite. Lovely neck leading to well-placed shoulders. Narrow throughout she spans well. Good top line and tail set. She moved well enough to win her class.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
10 month old grizzle, quality puppy, presented in excellent coat. Excellent front angulation, narrow throughout with good length to body, level topline and good rear angulation. Nice head, flat skull, strong jaw and nice big teeth, dark eye and a keen expression. Moved out well, covering the ground, a game bitch that could go all day. Close decision between 1 & 2.
Class Critique
Another very nice class of puppy bitches, a pleasure to judge.
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Good confirmation and well balanced feminine head with keen expression, good length of neck, rib slightly long but carried it well level top-line with a nice carrot like tail set. Moved out well around the ring
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
I preferred the overall balance, make and shape of this one compared to 2nd. Correct bone and feet. Straight front. Super harsh wiry coat and texture. Good rear movement with some purpose about her.
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.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Class Critique
A quality class of bitches that could have easily won this class
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.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
13mth. Very feminine, strong young bitch, good straight narrow front, ribs of good length, angles ok front and rear. Easy to span, thick loose pelt, thick harsh coat. Firm topline with racy hind quarters. Moved with ease. Reserve best bitch.
Sporting Terrier of Yorkshire Open Show
13th Nov 2022
Judge: Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would first like to thank the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this lovely show, also Julie for stewarding for me and last but by no means least the super entry you all gave me; it was such a pity there were so many absentees. I am pleased to say all the exhibits who came under me were presented in super condition.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
nice bitch who stood alone in this class. Good head, nice dark eye and well set ears. Good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Good front and nice feet. Moved well.
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
19th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association Premier Open Show
27th Nov 2022
Judge: Mrs. Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Scottsway )
Thank you to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this, their first Premier Show. It was a very well run Show with both exhibitors and judges in mind. Thank you to my able steward, Eliza Hajdas, who kept the ring running smoothly with a constant smile. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, unfortunately there were a few absentees, but I was delighted with the quality of my entry. Thanks must also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the chance to go over their dogs.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
My notes say what a quality bitch. However today she just did not seem to want to show herself off to advantage at all. She was just so enjoying herself. I found her head and eye so typical feminine, with a super varmity expression. Excellent dentition. Really did not want to stand for her owner on the table but going over her I found everything just fitted into place from her straight front, neat feet and good length of neck. Ribbed well back and has an excellent underline and topline with a neat carrot like tail to her well developed hindquarters. When asked to move she was so enthusiastic, giving her handler a hard time trying to keep her under control . It was refreshing to see such enthusiasm and I did see correct movement once she decided to co-operate a little with her handler. At only 13 months she has time to settle and her quality shines through, despite her willfulness.
Burton on Trent KA Open show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Sarah Hemstock (Jolihem)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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 .
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
racy grizzle, lots to like about this girl with everything in the right place but I feel she needs more time to mature.
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Light red, narrow body very spannable and light in weight, ribs well back racy hind quarters, tended to lean inwards when on the move
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
19 months old grizzle, I liked this one a lot she is taller than winner but very nice, good otter head with broad scull, scissor bite, moderate length neck into her firm body that is well ribbed so easy spanned, harsh jacket and good pelt, front legs long and straight viewed with ample bone, nice topline and underline with tail set high, racy rear quarter, moved free and even.
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Another very nice bitch. Right in size and type. Nice feminine head with good flat skull, dark eyes and well setted ears. Moderate and narrow all through. Good reach of neck and well laid shoulders. Easily spannable and ribs carried well back, level firm topline and good loins, nice tail set well carried on the move. Right amount of bone. Balances angulations front and rear. Neat feet. Moves freely coming and going.
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Beautiful type. Shown in an excellent harsh coat and condition. Moved with drive. Easily spanned, correct rib, good pelt. Straight narrow front. Thick pads and nice feet. Lovely topline, tail well set and carried.
Riddings & DCS Open Show
4th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Roger Mann (Lynsett / Valger)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Tojamatt Lacemaker
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
G/T bitch that I liked for construction and type. Good size. Lovely head with correct proportions and keen expression. Correct reach of neck into well laid shoulder. Liked her length of body. Excels in top line and tail set. Good length of ribs. Strong loin. Easily spanned. She moved with excellent reach and drive from well angulated hind quarters. Presented in thick double coat with very good pelt. Close up to 1
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
A finer-boned bitch who stood and showed well. A little wider in the front than previous two with a weaker head and expression. Nice reach of neck, straight forelegs with small, neat feet, she was long in body with her ribs carried well back and a well-set, carrot-like tail.
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
G&T. Not as mature as my winner but so well constructed. Lovely narrow shoulders and front assembly, well ribbed back with good underline and so easy to span. Uses her good fore and aft angulation to advantage on the move. Stands well on good legs, not too heavy in bone, small neat feet. Turned out in good coat and pelt
Stafford & District Canine Society Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Miss G Lowe (Rockslade)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their show for my first judging appointment. The show was well run, friendly and I received a warm welcome upon arrival. I would also like to thank all those who entered under me especially in the current climate with travelling costs.. A big thank you to my very capable steward Richard Wright for ensuring that the ring ran well.
I was pleased with my entry and there were some quality exbibits in attendance. I did find a number of exhibits to be short on undercoat and one untidy mouth. Some long nails and dirty teeth which need addressing.
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Quality bitch and one who I have admired ringside. Feminine otter head with keen expression and scissor bite. I really liked her for size and type. Excellent construction front and rear, moderate length of neck flowing into a level topline, good tail set and a short carroty tail. Excellent in rib, easy to span. Harsh double jacket with a thick loose pelt. Sadly she didn’t settle on the move today which cost her a placing.
Class Critique
The first 3 were excellent quality exhibits and the most difficult class of the day
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
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 - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Lacemaker
Placing Critique
Finer bitch all round compared to first but with lots to like about her. I liked her for her size and balance which was evident on the move and she went round the ring with drive. Good in head with a lovely ear set. Rib flowed into a strong loin and topline was held well both moving and standing. Presented in good double jacket and easily spanned she was well muscled and in fit condition
