Show Placings
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank my stewards for all their hard work on the day, and to the committee for inviting me to judge there show. Also to the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. I was pleased with my winners and placed dogs. I found that some had short muzzle coupled with round eyes which does not give a border expression.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Quality grizzle puppy of 6 months nice head and expression. Good length of neck into nice shoulders and good ribs, narrow all though Moved well round the ring keeping topline straight and true. In hard coat with thick pelt, good tail shape and carriage with neat tight feet. B.D.P. B.P.I.S.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2013
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
It was a great pleasure to be invited to judge this show and I wish to thank the committee for their great hospitality, a superb home cooked lunch and pleasant show. The gift was lovely and will be treasured. Special thanks to my stewards today Allen Horner & Norma Todd.
I was pleased with my overall entry of dogs and glad to see size is becoming more uniform with not so many oversized dogs. Mouths & tails were better than they have been but feel front movement needs watching, as does the loose pelt. I was able to span most exhibits. Thank you to the exhibitors who gave me the privilege to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day in a sporting manner.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
red with typical head, eye & ear, strong neck, good front & rear which he uses. Double coat of good texture, excellent body condition, tail well set, more settled on move than 2
Class Critique
both raw but promising. Liked these 2 very much
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
(BDP & BPIS) Striking rich red dog is lovely fit condition. Well balanced, lovely racy build with super narrow front and flat rib; typical otter head and keen dark eye. Good thick pelt and harsh coat. Moved with purpose and showed like a veteran. I will watch his progress with interest.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
24th May 2013
Judge: Mr Martin P Phillips
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
7 mth old dog, lovely quality and type, very well balanced, good bone and shape, excellent head & eye, good strength of muzzle, excellent shoulders, and good front, well bodied for age with good quarters, moved with drive and purpose, in lovely jacket, should have a big future. Best Puppy
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2013
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was an honour to be invited to judge the Southern Border Terrier Club’s Championship Show for the second time, the last time having been exactly twenty years ago in 1993. The entry on this occasion was 215 from 203 dogs of which 14 were entered NFC. My thanks go to the Show Manager, Officers and Committee of the Club for their hospitality and organisation and to the exhibitors for their entries and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Special thanks to Wendy and Andrew Mooney and Bev Marsh for stewarding so efficiently and for organising the collecting ring which allowed us to finish in good time.
As usual there were more bitches than dogs entered. It was encouraging to see some good quality entries through the various classes and not just at the senior end, I thought that by and large heads and expressions were good with not many narrow long skulls there. My feeling was that while there were still plenty of dogs with poor fronts of one kind or another present, there were more good fronted exhibits around from which to find winners than the last time I judged. Coats were mixed and at times I had to forgive some lack of coat. As always there was a good deal of variation in size as always, but in the end I felt I was able to find winners of good enough size with enough scope and lines. I felt that tails were mixed and at times, in looking for overall quality, I had to reward dogs with tails that I felt were less than perfect in shape, length or carriage. By and large the dogs behaved pretty well and were presented clean. I was keen to see the dogs moving around the ring and not ‘stacked’. That is surely the most revealing in conformation terms.
DCC and BOB was Jenkins’ Badgerbeck Uncle Fester. RDCC was Stockleys’ Ch Foxfactor Pied Piper. BCC and RBIS was May and Whisker’s Thistlestone Jenny Wren. RBCC was Higham’s Comberdown Thistle. BP was Hall and Ellis’ Brackenfell Bok To Bach and BPB was Clark’s Gameway Fortune Cookie. BV was Stockleys’ Foxfactor Hornblower
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
a close decision. This one is a young dog that stands up and shows well with excellent neck, shoulders and topline, good overall proportions and narrow through with good rib. Moved well in front and behind and held his outline well on the move. Head developing well and excellent in eye.
Class Critique
A good class with some very promising youngsters.
Blackpool & District Championship Show
21st Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
What a lovely day, no rain in sight!!
Thank you to all the exhibitors and especially my steward Alisan, she was excellent at her job. I enjoyed judging many dogs that I had not be over or seen before. Many dogs had little or no coat at all, Border Terriers must have a harsh double coat when showing not just stripped out and in their under coat, also there was hardly any muscle tone, no level backs, no slim straight narrow fronts and the movement should of been better. In a few of the older classes I could not span a few dogs and they were heavy when I lifted them up off the table, I found all the mouths clean with full dentations and I *placed those that were nearest the standard in each class*. Very pleased with both dog and bitch winners and their reserves and best puppy.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
nicely turned out red dog, slim all the way through, racy hindquarters, two very nice pups.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and my stewards for keeping me on track. Special thanks to the Border Terrier Club of Victoria, Australia and their secretary Denise Worthington for presenting a special sash to the Best of Breed winner providing a welcome highlight at the end of judging.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
8 months. Pleasing head, straight front. Level topline held on the move. Harsh coat. Moved well.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
2nd in Minor Puppy.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I have to thank the society for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who accepted my decisions sportingly. Thank you also to my steward, on his own, for keeping things moving.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
(G/Tan) A nice puppy with alot of style, nice head with strong jaw and correct teeth, good topline and tail set, plenty of bone but not too much, tight feet on thick pads moved well.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Durham County Canine Association
14th Jul 2013
Judge: Miss C Tutin
Best Puppy
Name at show: G2, Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Smart puppy, liked his bodylines, narrow and racy, presented in harsh jacket, pleasing head with strong jaw and good eye, very positive on the move. BP,G2
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jul 2013
Judge: Mr. G. Pickering (Picer)
I was honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I had an excellent entry, but was a little disappointed with the number of absentees. However the weather has been a challenge of late with some very high temperatures which I understand prevented some exhibitors from further afield attending.
I would particularly like to thank the NBTC committee for looking after me so well and also for my expert stewards, Allan Horner and Doreen Rushby, who ably assisted me ensuring that everything ran smoothly. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for their entries and for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
As for the dogs on the day, coats varied as you would expect, but I do think movement is improving and although there were a few ‘flicking’ fronts, rear movement was in the main correct. I had one dog with a bad mouth and a few with misaligned teeth. This, I believe, is to be avoided in the show ring. All the dogs were entire and I could span all the exhibits. All in all, I was very pleased with both the dog and the bitch line ups, which meant that I had some real quality Border Terriers to pick from. All the winners looked the part – all in hard condition, with good heads and coats – able to do the job that they were bred for.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
A very nice grizzle puppy – has pleasing proportions. Nice otter head with correct bite and teeth. Good straight front and plenty of bone. Good length of neck, well laid shoulder and good straight topline. Moved out well and with confidence. Short of coat today.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr M G Rushby
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
what a lovely pup, everything going for him, excels in head & expression, good front & topline, correct tailset, good rear angulation, nice tight catlike feet, good thick pads, coat & pelt very good, in excellent condition. Moved soundly. BP
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2013
Judge: Sharp & Bailey
*Dog Critique*
My thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Championship Show for the second time, the first being 10 years ago, and thanks to my Stewards for their efficiency. The entry of 103 with only 9 absentees was pleasing.
Some judges concentrate on heads, others on shape of eyes, or on small dark ears, some on presentation, others on neat accurate movement. As for me – I judge on a whether a dog is “fit for function†as a working terrier plus whether it looks like a Border Terrier and no other type of terrier.
A good proportion of the entry had major faults of construction which would render them, not useless, but inefficient at the job Border Terriers are designed to perform. For instance, short rib cages do not allow for lung room for the stamina a terrier needs to run all day, and these short rib cages (often sprung) were very much in evidence in the entry. Some were accompanied by long loins which might give the impression to the ringside that the dog had good length.
Secondly, upright shoulders, often with steep upper arms are a major design fault. A well laid shoulder with well angulated upper arm which brings the elbow under the body is not just a pleasure to look at – these act as shock absorbers when the dog is running so that his joints are not jarred, leading to wear and tear, thus shortening his effective life as a working terrier.
Finally, wide fronts, often associated with the previous construction – a Border should be able to creep into any space occupied by a fox, and these, despite their chunky appearance have very little body under that fur.
Coats were mixed as to be expected – and there were some really good pelts, only a couple with paper thin pelts. Undercoat was often missing on the back, but present on the sides. A handful of bad mouths, perhaps some all rounders might accept these but I could not. Few really outstanding otter heads which stay in one’s memory for years, but most were adequate.
My critique will not contain descriptions of the dogs, but will give an indication of why they were placed as they were. If your dog was not as high in the placings as you had hoped, take a good objective look at him, and you might find out why.
*Bitch Critique*
A big thank you to the MBTC committee for asking me to judge the Ch. Show it was a great honour. Thank you also to my stewards Ray & Sharon for making the classes run so smoothly. A nice entry of 144 bitches. I enjoyed the day; it was lovely to judge the bitches. The depth of quality in most of the classes was very pleasing. However, the fronts are still a problem within the breed & need to be addressed in future litters. Some quality bitches went cardless, unfortunately there is only 5 cards & many went without being placed. I was so delighted that my fellow judge Marie, agreed that my BCC & BRCC, should win the top honours, Best in Show and RBIS.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Bournemouth Championship Dog Show
10th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Best Puppy
Name at show: TG2, Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Red 10 months old very nice puppy, well balanced nice head strong muzzle, good neck and top line well carried tail, super legs and feet moved well. Best Puppy & nice to see him get Puppy G2
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Most attractive young man with excellent red jacket, attractive head, good eye and mouth, alert expression, loved his overall type, correct length of neck, level topline, very fit with excellent muscle tone, unlike many, looks good standing and shows with a sparkle unusual in Borders. BP.
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
RDCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Quality youngster who shows much promise. Very well balanced throughout and presents a very pleasing outline. Best of heads, dark eye and a keen expression. Good reach of neck set in well placed shoulders, firm topline that he kept on the move, well developed hindquarters. Sound positive mover with excellent reach and drive, BP & Res.CC.
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation to judge, my two stewards and the exhibitors for their entries. It was an honour to judge this numerically strong entry 169 with 29 absent, the breed being represented from around the UK made it a very enjoyable day.
Front movement is still a problem in the breed, with heavy upright shoulders in many. Size varied as did coats. There are some long necks creeping into the breed, which look very stylish, the standard does state “Neck of moderate length†and a few long tails again incorrect. Saying that it was a very nice entry to judge and in some classes
I would have liked to have been able to award more placings, and could have awarded more CC’s.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Richmond Championship Dog Show
7th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs K M Irving (Dandyhow)
In my view the breed still has problems with movement, particularly front movement. Hind action in bitches was also poor on this occasion. There was some variation in coats and some were shown without much jacket but others were somewhat blown in coat. However there were several with excellent coats and pelts – such an important feature of the breed. Dentition and temperaments were very good.
Because I don’t enjoy judging, and quite frankly never have, I decided before this appointment that is would be my last judging assignment. I hope that more younger Border Terrier enthusiasts will come forward as judges to ensure the successful future of the breed.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
excellent head and expression with a good eye. Shown in the peak of coat condition. Very good in neck and toplline. He moved out very well in front and behind with drive and style. Ended up as Best Puppy in Breed.
Class Critique
Two very good puppies which made this a class of quality rather than quantity. Both had many virtues.
Darlington D S S
13th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
I would first of all like to thank the society for inviting me to judge this show.
I would also like to thank Bob my steward for a sterling job.
I am sorry to bring this up again but I was most disappointed yet again to find a few exhibits that were far too thin. This determined placings as they are not fit for purpose.
Coats were at various stages as normally is the case, I had a few unspannable, but most were in a good fit condition.
I was pleased with my entry and enjoyed going over some lovely exhibits, most were a credit to you.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
11 mnths Red Grizzle dog, beautiful head, lovely tight coat, good in shoulder, nice bend of stifle. Moved and showed well, a real showman. BPD
Driffield A S
21st Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee, for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this show. We were truly blessed with some lovely autumn sunshine, and a well laid out ring.
Thank you, to all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to “go over†your dogs, however, I had concerns about the size and movement of some of the exhibits. I have a fair span and struggled to get anywhere near some dogs, which reflected in the placings.
Consequently, some heavy shoulders, and wide fronts.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
up on the leg, 11 months, dark grizzle, strong head, neat ear placement, lovely dark eyes, excellent jacket, tail set not his fortune, but moved out well. BPD
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
22nd Sep 2013
Judge: Anne Higham (Comberdown)
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Beautifully balanced 11 month grizzle and tan dog. Excellent head with nice dark eye. Correctly shaped and well placed ears. He has a strong muzzle with good teeth and scissor bite. Good bone, straight forequarters and tight feet with thick pads. Good reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Level topline, which he held while on the move. Moved out very confidently, driven by his strong hindquarters. Correct coat and thick pelt. In excellent fit condition. BP, RBOB and BPIS.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Eye catching rich red dog in super harsh coat. He has a pleasing masculine head with strong broad skull, neat ears and dark eye. A good reach of neck, good ribs easily spanned and well laid back. Good in loin and length of back. Racy hindquarters. He really shows himself off to best advantage and I could not deny him Best Puppy Dog & Best Puppy in Show.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Puppy
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
11 month red with the most appealing head and expression with excellent large teeth & gorgeous dark eye, good straight front with strength of bone, ribbed well back giving correct underline, moved out accurately , thick pelt ,coat going over but still harsh , tail set though correct was obscured by too much coat over his croup .Won best puppy over the bitch on his outstanding head and movement. BPD & BPIS
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
My most sincere thanks to all exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry of 117 making 153 entries, the highest in the terrier group and one of only a few to break the 100 mark in the whole show.
It is human nature for us all to ringside judge and we are all guilty of this, but going over an exhibit first hand, is further revealing, a privilege for which, I was truly grateful.
Some lovely dogs, some more workman like than others, some in better condition than others, a few outstanding ones and the odd one or two I’d love to own!
I am the first to admit I love a flashy dog who will stand up and show, but along with that must come the workman like qualities that make it able to be essentially a working terrier. There is nothing to suggest in my mind, that the two trains of thought can’t co-exist, they can and they must.
Nervous or aggressive dogs and there were just one or two, were not rewarded, this is surely a temperament to be discouraged. Dour is a different matter altogether, especially when its nearly always on an otherwise, super exhibit, a frustrating combination.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Beautiful rich red, strong headed dog of lovely type. Coat was a bit heavy and hiding his good bodylines, but still of super texture with a lovely thick pelt. He demonstrated a very sound, positive action on the move from his straight front and his well angulated rear with his tail nicely carried, albeit a bit low set. Look forward to seeing him in a new jacket and troubling the best I’m sure.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Chris Davis (Hesslemere)
Many thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge this show. I was very pleased with my entry and thank all competitors who entered under me. I really enjoyed my day and thank you for the opportunity to judge your dogs. All temperaments were good, as were mouths. No kinked tails.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Taller and Rangier than winner, 11 mths red grizzle not in enough coat today.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs S Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the Scottish Club for the invitation. It was an honor to judge at this friendly and hospitable club’s show. Huge thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Steward Joyce Orr and her excellent helpers, Jim Stewart in the morning and Helen McKenzie in the afternoon. All did a super job.
Thanks too to the kitchen ladies for the amazing lunch.
I was very pleased to have such a super quality entry. I could have easily given out more tickets if they had been available. Some close decision at times, a true reflection on the high quality of the entries. Presentation of the dogs was very good, mouths too on the whole were correct with only the odd exception. Feet, I was pleased to see a vast majority of neat cat like feet on the dogs, no long hare feet. Tails again seem to be improving, not as many of the over long sickle ones that I have noticed in the past. Coats and pelts: while coats are transient and of course some had more than others on the day, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts. I think the breed overall is in a good place.
Just one point I noticed, some dogs had to take a lot of steps to cover the ground, watching out that our dogs move with drive is very important and I was happy with my winners in that they, in my opinion, covered the ground well.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Placing Critique
Wow! Say my notes, This eye catching deep red dog has a wonderful outline and moved with ease covering the ground with drive. he stood on tiptoe on neat catlike feet showing off his lovely bodylines . Lovely typical head and expression. I liked him a lot. Sadly he was short of coat today, which stopped him getting higher honors. A dog I will watch in the future.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
My thanks to the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to undertake my first Breed Club judging appointment and my stewards Ken Mackenzie and Margaret Warren for their assistance in the ring.
My enjoyable day started with the picturesque drive to the venue, in the sunshine, a rarity lately! Grateful thanks also to the competitors for an entry of 111 (5 NFC) making 141 entries affording me the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs and sportingly accepting my choices.
The majority were in good coat and condition, a couple difficult to span, due more to being a little plump rather than in construction. All males were entire (a few would have benefited from a hygienic wipe for better presentation !), no kinked tails, one incorrect mouth and a couple of 'acceptable' level bites and some teeth really needed cleaning. I was surprised by the amount of untidy feet and overlong claws considering how claws can ultimately affect posture, balance and movement. I was pleased with both my line ups and had some close decisions to make.
Best In Show
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
have watched this 16mths red dog maturing from the ringside and he was certainly 'in it to win it' today,well proportioned masculine head with correct bite and big clean teeth,keen expression from dark eyes,moderate reach of neck into well laid and angulated front assembly,stands up well on tight neat feet with thick pads,straight front,good in rib ,easily spanned,moves soundly and true with drive from his well muscled rear assembly,held his top line well going around,has a carroty good length tail and creates a well balanced picture,in very good harsh coat and condition,never stopped showing so couldn't be denied the top spot today BD,BIS
Crufts
7th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a record entry for the breed of 303 exhibits making 340 entries and indeed the largest entry for a single Judge at this prestigious show, also for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted. Thank you also to my two Stewards, Roger and Heather Chaston, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, for their assistance in ensuring that I was able to get through this huge entry in plenty of time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Group.
It was an interesting entry with some difficult decisions having to be made such was the high standard of exhibits present. I felt that movement had improved since the last time I judged. Heads and expressions were good, although a few were a shade heavy in ear. Mouths overall were much improved with a marked reduction in the number of dogs presented with overcrowded jaws of small teeth, only the odd few having either a chipped, or in the case of an older exhibit, a missing tooth. The majority of teeth were clean with just a small number needing more attention in this area. All dogs were entire.
I was pleased that so many were presented with the correct double jacket that the standard asks for, unfortunately some exhibits that really appealed for type and size had very little evidence of, or no, jacket and on another day could have done better. Attention to feet was very evident, many of whom I believe may have benefited from plenty of roadwork, resulting in tight thick pads and short claws. Inevitably with any entry of this magnitude I had to let a number of worthy exhibits leave the ring without a prize card, which I really did not enjoy doing.
RDCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Special Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
What a fine showman this dog is, commanding attention from the time he entered the ring and not putting a foot wrong. He has a very nice head and keen expression, strong teeth in well set jaw, excellent reach of neck, good shoulders and is narrow throughout with good body proportions. He moved around the ring with purpose whilst retaining his lovely topline. Looked good from all angles and I could not deny him the Reserve DCC.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
I wish to thank the YORKS LANCS AND CHESHIRE BORDER TERRIER CLUB for the opportunity to judge at this level many thanks to the stewards Carolyn Richardson, Cally Harris and Julie Price for the help in the smooth running of the show I would also like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A deep red dog with a masculine head complemented by big teeth and a good keen expression, a nice reach of neck that flows into good shoulders and a narrow front, easily spanned with good rear angulation that provided plenty of drive covered the ground well. RBD
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Jane Parker (Conundrum)
I would like to thank the BTC club, for giving me a second chance to judge this, the most prestigious of the breed clubs championship shows. I was judge elect in 2010, but caught the awful Noro virus the night before I was due to judge and spent the next two days flat out.
The new venue that the committee has found, has to be lauded. It is large, airy, light, the flooring is excellent. The car park looked huge. From a judges point of view I could see all the dogs clearly at any time. Congratulations on a super venue.
My two stewards, Chris Davis and Liz Barratt were so very organised and kept me informed and on time throughout the day, with good humour lots of smiles and attention to detail. With such a lovely entry numbers wise, it was a long day. Thank you both.
Living in Canada now, it was a real pleasure to judge dogs that I had mostly not seen. Obviously some of the older ones were mere youngsters before I left and it was nice to see how they had progressed through the years. I found no missing testicles, mouths on the whole were good, with only a few missing teeth or one or two misaligned. Heads were in general better overall than when I left, with more who carried a moderately broad backskull and also a lot more with very good underjaw, something one had to look hard to find a few years ago. Coats were on the whole, good, there were a very few however, who had greasy and dirty coats, this I feel is completely unnecessary. A few arrived without their coats, this is just unfortunate as dogs do not know about our ambitions in regard to shows, and if the coat needs to come out then so be it! Feet in some instances were weak, with some flat footed and others harefooted, this breed needs to have really good tight feet, small with thick pads and be well knuckled, poor feet make the whole outline of the dog look wrong. The worst fault I found, as usual were fronts, all the usual suspects were there, wide fronts, narrow fronts, flicking wrists etc. I do begin to wonder if we will ever get this completely right, but if we are breeders looking to the future, we must be hard on this most prevalent fault, and do not use these dogs and bitches in our breeding programmes. Bitches had the most quality through the entry, again, this is usual, however the dogs that were good, were very very good, and the best, were exceptional. Size does need to be watched, this is a somewhat cyclical thing, but there were some big dogs and bitches in the ring. The first and most important words in our standard...â€Essentially a working terrierâ€...if it cannot be spanned, it is too big. In general I feel the breed in the country of origin is in pretty good shape, the top percentage of the dogs I judged were quite lovely and had breed type to spare. In my critique you will no doubt notice expressions I use again and again. I find certain things are ubiquitous (but none the less hugely important to breed type) and have my pet ways of describing them, I hope you forgive my industrial repetition in some regards.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Dog with a great attitude, commanding the ring, he has presence and he knows it. His head is good in all ways, his mouth, muzzle and head planes are all correct so giving a super otter like look. His neck blends well into nicely angulated shoulders and he is well ribbed back, he stands on good legs and feet. He has a racy hindquarter which powers him along well, and his movement is good both ways. His jacket and pelt were as they should be, harsh, and thick respectively. Topline and tailset are excellent, he has a good carroty tail. For me there was just a bit too much of him but his quality cannot be denied.
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this group championship show. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Doyle and John Callow for their help and assistance in keeping me organised and the ring running smoothly. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for such a large entry in these tough financial times.
The ring was large with lots of space for dogs to move freely without being forced to stop/start. In general the dogs were in good condition. I found 1 dog that was not entire. Although teeth were mostly OK, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly in size. Coats varied as always but I judge on the day and lack of coat is taken into account when placing exhibits. I was concerned at the number of exhibits down on their pasterns, not giving the small feet as required. Many younger exhibits would really benefit from regular ringcraft experience.
DCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
No hesitation in awarding this exhibit the DOG CC & BEST OF BREED, pleased to see him make the cut in the group. Everything comes together so well. Super headed dog full of expression Short strong muzzle & wide jaw full of large teeth. Spannable with excellent lay of shoulder and ribcage, through to muscular rear end and short thick carrot tail. Coat at its best, harsh with a dense undercoat and pliable pelt, carried on straight front legs, neat feet and thick pads. Moved so truly & with confidence he powered around the ring. All border whenever you looked at him.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Apr 2014
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
It was a great pleasure to judge my own club’s championship show. The venue is excellent, and I was able to experience this from the judge’s side of the table. The show was run very smoothly, and I was particular grateful to Beverley Jackson who, as chief steward, saw that everything was in the right place at the right time. I was pleased with my class winners, though some of the lower placing were a little problematic. As one would expect at this time of the year, with a few exceptions, coats were excellent. I seem to go on about movement every time I judge. I was pleased to note that wide fronts were fewer than before, however we seem to be going in the opposite direction,, with front paws nearly touching on the move. In my opinion the top-line should either be level or slightly sloping downwards to the hind legs. There were several exhibits in which the slope was the other way, with the top of the hind legs above the front legs. This is a wrong. There were several tails that were far too long. There was only one really bad mouth, the dog in question should not in my opinion be shown, and a couple with an incisor out of alignment. And that raises a question. The first line of the standard states ‘Essentially a working terrier’. Does a minor tooth misalignment affect the ability of the dog to work? Any judge can see a fault in the mouth and penalize it, and yet miss other faults which can indeed affect the working ability. Similarly how important are missing teeth? Many a Border has one or more of the first premolars missing or not properly erupted. The standard makes no mention of teeth other than in the context of a scissor bite. At least we are not obsessed with counting teeth as are the Germans.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Strong masculine dog with excellent head and correctly placed ears. Good coat and pelt. Not happy about his topline.Strode around the ring with purpose.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
4th May 2014
Judge: Mrs E Weijenborg-Weggemans
What a big honour it is to judge the Border Terrier in the native country. I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been to Crufts or other shows to have a clean look at what I was presented on that May, 4th, 2014.
I myself live with Border Terriers most of my life now and I have seen the breed changing through the years. What the old breeders feared for years and years ago seems to happen: changing a working terrier into a show terrier. Meaning that the trimming is too short therefore missing the tweedy look, clipping belly, tail and buttocks, overangulation especially in hindquarters. Saying this I was really pleasantly surprised finding so many genuine Border Terriers during this show. Of course I know that coats can’t be in the best condition all year long so some specimens were rather short in trim but as long as I could feel the required harshness and see the correct double coat it was fine for me and only played a role in placing when there were more Borders with the same qualities. I didn’t see any faulty mouths, found only big strong teeth. Movement is – as in the rest of the world – still a problem in the breed. Especially front movement is an issue. When placing, movement was one of the criteria to place one Border higher than the other, but the right type, body proportions, spannability, thick pliable pelt and harsh double coat came first.
In some classes the quality was so high that some of the Borders left the ring unplaced while they were of excellent quality.
I really want to thank all the exhibitors for their sporting attitude in taking my decisions, for entering their dogs under me and give me a hard day’s work with 222 entered dogs and of course the committee for trusting me this honourable job and their hospitality during this weekend for me and my sister, who accompanied me. My congratulations to the breeders and owners for presenting such nice Border Terriers and keeping the breed on such high standard.
DCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best In Show
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
DCC, BIS, Red grizzle, caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring, he is a real showman, nice sized, excellent span, lovely strong otter head and nice keen expression, narrow all through, well angulated, hocks well let down, lovely tail set, thick pliable pelt, nice harsh double coat but it shouldn’t have been shorter in trim than today, sound mover moving with a lot of drive.
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Very stylish dog, well balanced, good head, excellent ribcage, well angulated, very good topline and tail, moves very well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2014
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole (Travella)
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, correct bite, easily spanned, excellent tail set and mover, should do well.
Bath Championship Show
23rd May 2014
Judge: Mr S Plane
Thankyou to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry for the first time awarding challenge certificates. Although we had a super sized ring with short grass and level surface, the weather prevented us from using the outer part in some classes. Most of the exhibits were undeterred by the rain and dampness
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Slightly bigger than the winner but very attractive, he is well made and so has the correct shape well set tail, spans easily, close up to the winner. Not quite the head qualities of the winner
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Jun 2014
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Congratulations to the committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for running an excellent show at a new venue under extreme circumstances. Due to a nasty virus the appointed judge, Mrs Betty Judge, was taken ill the day before and was not well enough to carry out her duties. I know that she was absolutely devastated and had been looking forward to the appointment for a long time.
Faced with such an emergency, show manager, Mr David Hunt managed the situation with complete calm and professionalism. I was both honoured and shocked to be invited to step in to judge and here, I must say a huge thank you to the committee for asking me but in particular to the exhibitors who had entered under and were expecting another judge and took the situation so sportingly.
I am grateful to everyone who accepted my decisions and placings so graciously and to my great team of stewards: Andrew Mooney, Elspeth Jackson and Bev Marsh, who kept everything running smoothly and between them managed to multi-task and juggle photographs, collecting ring, announcing, paperwork awards etc etc.
And so to the dogs themselves – there were some superb entries and it was an absolute pleasure to go over and place them. Some of the classes were so strong that even good dogs didn’t get placed.
Coats and presentation were generally excellent - something, which was not so apparent the last time I judged. This I put down principally to the time of year (for both shows).
Movement today seemed in many of the dogs to be lacking the drive that I would have wished for. In part, I think the surface may have been to blame (but not in all instances) and had we been outside on the grass this might have been different. I do slightly regret that I did not decide to judge the dogs outside.
Mouths were good in all but one (suspect) case, as were the temperaments. Size I think will need to be kept in check, there seemed to be a fair number who seemed to be heavy enough, others who were too deep to be easily spanned.
I was so thrilled with my “stars” of the show. It was a pleasure to judge all of your dogs; they were a lovely, quality entry.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Smart looking dark red grizzle of 20 months. Good reach of neck and clean outline, this one was presented in good coat. Moved well but up to size for my liking.
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr J R Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
In excellent show coat, strong broad muzzle, good reach of neck, very good shoulders, ribs carried well back,
Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship Show
20th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
DCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Champion subject to KC confirmation
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A soundly made well balanced dog with good outline, good head and type, dark eye with keen alert expression, strong muzzle, good neck and well placed shoulders good spannable ribs and body, good feet, good hindquarters and tail, good coat and condition, moved soundly and true, showed well. DCC and Best of Breed.
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr S Jackson (Clipstone)
Very sorry for the late publication of this report. Unfortunately the original was on a device that was stolen. It was an honour again to judge Windsor which is one of my personal favourite shows, and also my local!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Youngster who filled the eye showing correctness in all aspects. Intelligent expression and character. Well put together resulting in good movement with drive covering the ground. Hard coat with thick pelt. Won over other excellent examples. CC BOB.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2014
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
I would like to thank my stewards who kept the event running smoothly. My decisions were made on the exhibit on the day
I found heavy ears are creeping in, detracting from the otter head and keen expression. An excessive amount of exhibits were not in hard, toned condition. ‘Couch potato’ dogs come to mind. Front movement is also a cause for concern. I found two level mouths, one just level and a puppy , had a tooth out of line. My decision on some unplaced exhibits were a culmination of a long foreface and untypical expression, unspannable even though I gave some leeway and poor front movement.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
lovely red grizzle dog, this dog was in excellent pin wire coat with undercoat evident. He was presented in first class condition. He has an excellent otter head, little stop, short strong muzzle with a good bite. He has good neck and shoulders, rib and a strong loin. He has correct angulation, excels in showmanship and presence. He is up to size, overall a pleasing dog.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Ernie L Hill
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
3rd Aug 2014
Judge: Bainbridge & Dandy
*Dogs*
Many thanks to the Midland Committee for this appointment and to all those especially the stewards who made for an enjoyable day. The entry in general reflected the type the exhibitors by now know I like. However there were a number up to size and exhibiting poor front angulation and short deep ribs and paid the price. I was looking for dogs with a typical otter head straight narrow front well laid shoulders ribbed back spannable and racey rear quarters with thick pelt in harsh double coat all of which we should be looking for in the ideal Border Terrier that is essentially a working terrier.
I was very pleased with my winners overall and had good depth of quality in the limit and open classes that generally displayed the above attributes.
The dog CC and ultimately BIS Ch Olderhill Afortunado is the ideal border terrier that shows with confidence and has class. He has a good border head of otter type strong jaw with keen expression on strong neck set into well laid shoulders ,narrow ribs carried back ,ideal length strong loin and the desired rear quarters ,shown in double coat and top condition moved with drive to cover the ground. Pleased my co-judge agreed this boys qualities worthy of BIS.
The RCC Tythrop Timepiece this excellent blue and tan displayed similar qualities to the above and with his good turn of stifle and short hocks and tight feet moved so well and with top presentation took this award over the quality 2nd in Open and Limit winner and with time maturity should complete the picture.
The Bitch CC winner and BOS,RBIS Ploughdown Placida is a top quality exhibit but for me just not the strength in loin of the dog but a close decision .
*Judge: John Bainbridge*
*Bitches*
A great honour to judge bitches at this breed club show, my grateful thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for their warm and friendly hospitality and to my two competent and hardworking stewards. I had a most enjoyable day and was delighted that my final line-up comprised of excellent and true to type examples of the breed, with some really promising youngsters amongst them. It is always foremost in my mind when judging this breed that it is essential that the dog’s conformation and movement should demonstrate its capability to work and follow a horse. I found this a challenge today, rather too many exhibits failing to demonstrate free ground covering movement or any length of stride to ‘follow a horse’: with weak pasterns resulting in uneconomic paddling action and poor reach; and sickle hocks impairing effective drive. I was also struck by the number of short ribs and untypical ‘cut up’ underlines. On a positive note temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance, although I felt numerous exhibits were neither ‘active’ nor ‘game’ in their demeanour. I was delighted to co-judge BIS with John Bainbridge and pleased that we agreed on all of our joint decisions today.
*Judge: Sarah Dandy*
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Welsh Kennel Club
16th Aug 2014
Judge: Mr A E Small (Bethane)
Thanks for a lovely entry, sorry for the delay but I could not be in both my breeds rings at the same time! It was nice to be outside at WKC, which hasn't happened for 9 years. Thanks to the Committee for the invite & looking after us, I really enjoyed my day.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
cracking red grizzle with so much to like about him, good all round & of lovely type, otter headed with good muzzle & correct bite, dark eye, pleasing neck & out line with good quarters, correct shoulders which gave him lovely front movement, in good double coat spanable with well set tail. Went well.
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Richmond Championship Dog Show
6th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr W Gray (Pontbeck)
Thanks go to my stewards for making the day run smoothly and to the exhibitors for their enthusiasm for the breed and the sporting way they took my decisions.
Since the hunting bill I 've been concerned how the breed would keep to the line in the breed standard " Essentially a working terrier " as the opportunities for work have been reduced and the spin off as to why we require a double coat and the dog to be narrow all through may be lost to some exhibitors who haven't the opportunity to work or know someone who does or has worked their dogs. There was evidence today that we may have lost sight of the fact that this is a working breed. I'm not suggesting that all Borders should work but that all Borders should be capable to work and those who are closest to the breed standard should be able to do the job required of them.
There were a few exhibits with single coats today, look very smart but would soon pay the price on a cold wet winters day if they had to be out in the elements for any length of time. Some exhibits were carrying a little too much weight and quite a number would benefit from a good walk, some with little muscle.
RDCC
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
What a disappointment , not in the dog which is one of the best dogs I've had the privilege of handling but in the fact he came without any coat, bald. This dog is totally what I want in a Border Terrier and fits my brief perfectly. He has his fathers ring presence which is the icing on the cake as he excels in all departments . I had no hesitation in awarding him the Reserve CC and look forward to seeing him in the ring with his father when more equally matched in coat.
Darlington Championship Show
12th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank the Darlington society for my invitation .The stewards were on the ball all day so I would like to thank them for making my day an easy one.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for taking my decisions so sportingly.
However I feel that some exhibits would benefit from a little more food, feeding less does not make them any smaller!
One thing that particularly drew my attention was the dirty teeth in some of the younger exhibits, feet need improving by trimming nails. Nails on some were what a Hawk would be proud of!
Also scissor cuts do not enhance a coat , we are not a trimmed breed we are a breed where hand stripping is paramount.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Came into ring saying look at me, good head ,nice dark eye, neat ears, good in neck, narrow front, level topline carried well on the move on tight feet and thick pads , unfortunately his coat let him down today.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
20th Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs A C Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry and to my stewards for keeping the ring running efficiently throughout. We had a good day with a very very slight drizzle; the exhibitors and exhibits seemed untroubled but it did cause the ringside to flee temporarily! There were some very good dogs present and I enjoyed all my winners but there are always some buts, and looking through my notes there was a preponderonce of “OK” over “good”. The standard asks for a dog that has the soundness to follow a horse; this, of course, must be understood in the context of a terrier working with the Hunt on rough moorland ground, but even so only the minority of exhibits could meet this requirement. Inadequate angulation leads to poor ground covering ability and untidy front movement – evident in a lot of exhibits. Whilst most exhibitors take the trouble to present their dogs as well as possible, a number were unfit and lacking muscle tone and would one of the Breed Clubs please put on a grooming seminar which shows exhibitors how to prepare feet and nails?? It is clearly needed. I forgive coats since these are outwith your control and sadly some excellent dogs had to pay the price for coming without a jacket.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A lovely strongly built Border, excelled in head, lovely eye and ear, good in skull, strong jaw and a keen expression, good for bone and very good feet, well angulated with good balance, strong loin, tail OK. Moved out well presenting a very attractive picture, another who was desperately short of coat today or would have put up a stiffer challenge.
Class Critique
A really good class of Borders.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My grateful thanks to the committee and officers for their brilliant hospitality and to stewards Doreen Rushby and Graham Richardson for their hard work and attempts at keeping me out of trouble. An excellent entry with real quality present in both dogs and bitches. Unfortunately, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, front movement was a real problem in quite a few exhibits, not I might add in the top winners, but unfortunately occasional compromises had to be made in this respect in some classes when filling some of the lower placings.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2014
Judge: Jeff Luscott
Thank you for the invitation to judge a most enjoyable show, it was good to receive very homely hospitality and I was well looked after by my two very efficient stewards, Norma and Scott. Thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting atmosphere created around the ring. I enjoyed judging the overall entry with most of the classes having close decisions to be made, with the junior, limit and open classes being particularly strong.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Dog
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A stunning well built example, with quality through his frame , he has the typical otter head with a strong jaw and a good U/jaw, keen eye and well set ear, I liked the muscle tone in his spannable body, top line and rear end, he moves with an easy style on good angles, he is well presented in a good coat and handled to show his alert and active gameness to take the class, Best Dog and Best In Show.
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Kevin Holmes
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
CC, BOB and Gp 2. On top form, demands attention, in hard condition, clean racey lines, balanced throughout, nice for size and spannable, good topline and tailset, good head, dark eye, clean neck and shoulder, in good coat, true parallel mover in both directions, with drive, showed all out, could not fault him.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
First of all I would like to thank the committee and membership of the border terrier club for inviting me to judge this show. I would also like to thank all those who entered their dogs under me, and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. I only found a couple of teeth out of position and one level mouth. There were no kinked tails, although there were a lot of long tails. I thought that on the whole movement was somewhat better than I have judged in recent years. There were some tremendous coats but not many thick pelts. The one shock I had was the poor physical condition of some exhibits, although all exhibits were clean, some had no muscular condition at all, and I found two that were severely under conditioned. There were very few exhibits who were in good hard condition, the ones that were, mainly took the top places. A working terrier has to be in good physical condition with plenty of hard muscle in the right places. Some exhibits today would be hard presses to get to ground, never mind stay there and work for a few hours. Please be reminded that this wonderful breed is a WORKING terrier, and therefore, should be shown in a condition that reflects this.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Dog
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
This is a very smart & well made grizzle & tan dog who I noticed as soon as he entered the ring. Lovely head, big teeth, strong muzzle. Front ok. Good shaped body with a nice flat rib. Strong loin and in excellent hard condition. He has a good bend of stifle which gave him good drive on the move. I was pleased to award him B.I.S.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Beautifully presented 2 year old red dog, he has the best of heads, strong jaw, well placed eye and ear and keen expression. Good reach of neck that flows into a well placed shoulder, straight front, good length of body, level topline. Easily spanned. Coat of good harsh texture and loose pelt. Fit and sound, well angulated hind quarters that he used to move with drive and purpose. A pleasure to award him the Dog CC and ultimately the BOB today.
Class Critique
This was the class of the day, a privilege to go over the 5 placed Champions, all a credit to their owners and the breed.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Nov 2014
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the Scottish Committee for the invitation to judge our prestigious annual Championship Show; to my excellent steward Joyce Orr, and to the exhibitors for such a good entry.
I was happy with my class winners which were super examples of the breed. On the down side a number of exhibits were short in the leg and in the body, giving an unbalanced appearance and it’s very unlikely that they would be capable of following a horse, as the breed standard requires. Some pelts were too thin and too many dogs were single coated.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Another well presented dog in good overall condition. Well proportioned head. Preferred expression, topline and tailset of the winner.
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
Though the standard calls for a narrow body I found many dogs who were too skinny & I could easily feel their ribs! Heads were quite disappointing, many had long weak muzzles not the proportions one associates with an Otters head. Many exhibits lack the small round foot & I doubt if they would cope with the exercise it needs to follow a horse. Coats were mixed & many just a seasonal problem.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
an outstanding young male who stood out in this class. He is totally balanced throughout & a nice size. He has one of the best heads with a keen expression & well placed ears. A good reach of neck, clean well angulated shoulders with a straight front. Correctly made body that was well ribbed back, good topline & tailset. Strongly made hindquarters with a good turn of stifle, & one of the minority with good feet! Quality coat of the right texture, a good pelt & the right amount of coat. Moved around the ring effortlessly & showed all out. Well deserved CC & BOB then he won G2
Crufts
7th Mar 2015
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
First of all I would like to thank the Kennel Club for the honour and pleasure of judging this prestigious show. I must then thank my efficient and capable stewards who kept me on track and looked after me through the day. Most of all I would like thank the exhibitors who rose from their beds at early hours and drove many miles to give me an entry of Border Terriers to be proud of and one which is was a delight to judge. It was not only strong numerically strong but also in depth of quality. It is a cliché to say that there were not enough cards to go around but in this entry it was certainly true. Determining all the final line up in each class was difficult and also in many deciding who should make the short list was also a challenge. Good dogs went without a card, ones who in a different entry I would have been happy to see as winners. In the challenges decisions remained tough and more than those that took the top honours were worthy of doing so and I would have been very pleased to have had more awards to give out.
In the days following this year’s show Crufts, dog shows and those who participate in them came in for some criticism. The picture painted by the media at this time was certainly not my experience. Before, during and after the show I found show people to be nothing but good natured, genuine and supportive. I enjoyed every minute of my day and hope that those that supported me with an entry or as spectators at the ringside did so too
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A true showman who makes the most of all his attributes. Even in this strong class of quality border dogs he stood away. However, he is not just an eye catcher and when you get your hands on him you find a quality, right sized, spannable dog with a strong masculine head with a keen expression. He is balanced and narrow with good ribs carried well back to a good loin with strong racy quarters and a super turn of stifle. He was my best puppy last time I judged and I could not deny him the Dog CC and Best of Breed this time and I was thrilled to see him go 3rd in the group.
Class Critique
I really needed more cards for this hotly contested class where some super dogs did not make the line up.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Bombax) Sweden
I will thank the club and the show committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, I feel very honoured to be invited. I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with huge entries. My winner was really top quality border terriers, excelling in type and heads. The overall quality was very good, but I hoped to see more quality in the younger classes. Size was ok, coats in different stages because of the time of year. It was about 40 years since I judged my first CCshow in England and I still enjoy it so much. My stewards did a fantastic job on the day, keeping both me and the dogs in order. They make it running very smooth and efficient, thank you!!!
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Attractive dog, excels in type, head and conformation. Excellent show condition. Excellent mover. "Absolut Border Terrier" ! CC and BOB
National Terrier
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Overall, I felt there was reasonable quality in those forward. Some exhibitors continue to have their dogs underfed and/or carrying little muscle, both to the detriment of a terrier expected to put in a day’s work. There were a number of untypical heads – lacking width to the skull and strength to the muzzle. Please keep in mind the shape of an otter’s skull.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Found this a well balanced dog, nicely put together. He has a fairly broad skull and a good eye. Good reach of neck and pleasing shoulder. Deep, narrow body with ribs carried well back. Well constructed in hindquarters and carrying good muscle. He moved freely and positively with a long stride, drive and tracked up well. Shown in the best of coats and has a thick pelt. I felt that he was truly ‘fit for function’ and very pleased to later learn that he was made RBIS. DCC, BOB.
Class Critique
A really good class which had insufficient places for those worthy of recognition
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Another real quality dog, who is a showman through and through. He showed himself to be a quality exhibit as he moved around the ring with sound movement front and aft. A racier built dog than 1st, with another excellent otter head with neat correctly placed ears which fall close to his cheeks. Pleasant in profile, good length of neck, running into clean shoulders, straight front, well-muscled body, good hindquarters, tidy feet and a good double coat. Very little to choose between 1st and 2nd, shame he met 1st place in such good condition today.
Class Critique
A class out of the Top Draw, some exceptional borders which are a joy to go over – a lovely class to judge.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for super entry, it was an honour to go over so many excellent quality border terriers . I had some close decisions in many classes and some quality dogs had to go cardless. Overall I was impressed with the standard of both dogs/bitches and with the condition of them. Almost all were in fit condition with muscle tone,spanning wasn't an issue I'm pleased to say. Which means the breed is in a good way.. Mouths too on the whole were correct with many having good sized and clean teeth. .While coats are of course transient, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts.
Last but not least Huge Thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Stewards who made my day so much easier.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Wow! what a dog. I love everything about this red grizzle boy. he is so fit masculine & full of breed type.it is impossible to look past him. He was shown in the peak of condition,super harsh coat with good pelt, he has good length of neck, running into clean shoulders a straight front, well muscled body, good hindquarters. A true showman who finds it hard to put a foot wrong, he moves effortlessly and with drive.I was pleased to give him the class, CC, BOB and then delighted to watch him take the Terrier Group.
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Opportunities to not only breed but own an outstanding dog are very rare but here is one . It gave me one of the most significant times in my career to assess such a dog - an absolute dream. He is such an outstanding showman whilst having all the points that a Border Terrier should possess. All I would say is that the breed standard is met in every aspect. Nothing more needs to be said except I was more than pleased to see him D.C.C. & B.O.B.
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
very well balanced smart dog, in super coat & condition, very good head & muzzle, narrow front, stood on good legs & feet, excellent body, well-muscled hindquarters, moved well, lovely profile, top quality dog. CC & BOB
Bath Canine Society
22nd May 2015
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
excellent head & expression, nice reach of neck, shoulders well laid back, correct balance throughout, nice bend of stifle, a real showman, moved with purpose & true. CC, BOB, G1, RBIS
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging at Border Union showground. Such a pleasant show. Many thanks go to my two very able stewards. They had the ring (& me) running like clockwork. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered under me. Had some lovely dogs to go over & some hard decisions to make. Coats were probably the best I have seen for some time. Thick pelts, too, were much in evidence. Mouths were good. Fronts continue to be a problem & movement letting some otherwise promising dogs down.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
so typy. Just right for size & shape. Wonderfully balanced. A pleasure to go over. Best of heads, strong muzzle, lovely expression. Scores in shoulder & rear angulation. Spans well. Catlike feet. Enough coat with thick pelt. Good topline & tailset completed a lovely picture. CC & BOB. Went on to G1 & RBIS
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Superb G&T male. Beautifully balanced with everything coming together just right to make the overall dog a joy to the eye. He had enough coat for me to assess as good. His skin is thick enough. He has the best of heads, strong and masculine. Very pleasing correct eyes, ears and teeth with strong muzzle. He excels in movement with a straight narrow front coming and the same going and in direct alignment front and rear. He is perfect for bone. In profile he stands proud with a level topline and good tail set and he carries his tail perfectly both standing and moving. When he moves, in profile he has drive from his rear and in my opinion he has ample reach to his front. He is easily spanned with correct shaped ribs, which are well back and is strong in loin. He stands away and would be hard to miss, therefore, I am not surprised that so many judges have given him the top awards. DOG CC AND BEST OF BREED. When I was leaving the show I bumped into him and his rightly proud owner, who told me that he had been informed on the day that the dog was Britain’s Top Show Dog, all breeds, at this time.
Class Critique
I was informed of one withdrawn having been stung by a bee. I hope he was ok. My first three from this class were all, in my opinion, very good Border Terriers and all of them I would consider worthy champions of our breed.
Windsor Championship Show
2nd Jul 2015
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first judging experience at this level and thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs of such good quality in front of me and accepting my decisions with good grace. In some of the classes there was only a hairs breadth between some exhibits and on another day the results would have been different. I like Borders that are narrow, strong and good movers. I do not consider coat to be a major factor except when differentiating between dogs of equal quality, As a Championship Show judge told me many years ago “bad coats can get better, many other faults cannot.”
I would also like to thank my stewards for keeping me in order.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Class Critique
A very good class of 6 quality dogs with little to differentiate between them apart from personal preference
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
confident, free showing specimen, not as well made over the forehand and preferred the underline and tail set of winner, but very attractive masculine head properties with good skull and foreface, lovely eye shape and well set ears, moves athletically and certainly has presence
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
striking red dog, very neat all over, strong otter head big teeth strong muzzle, lovely length of neck, ribs well back, good hind angulation, I would like a better tail set and more drive in movement. Res Dog CC and Res Best in Show.
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Showy dog with the best of heads, level topline wth good tail set, strong rear, moves true, well turned out
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Red, eyecatching male with great ring presence and good rapport with his handler, good feet and firm pasterns, rather overdone throughout for me, and not the narrow shoulders or rib of my winner although I could span him, moved well enough coming and going but lacked reach and drive in profile movement of my one and two. Not much depth of coat today.
Bournemouth CS
10th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, the stewards for unobtrusively keeping things running smoothly and the exhibitors for bringing their good dogs and accepting my decisions with grace. I was gratified to have only 3 absentees despite the awful weather forecast. The necessary inside ring, albeit slightly sloping and uneven, was a decent size giving each exhibit the opportunity to get into stride. Coats varied but there were many good textured topcoats over dense undercoats and on the whole pelts were thick. My worst issue was that some exhibits, despite being narrow and not fat, were very heavy and also a difficult span. Pads were generally thick but feet could be better trimmed as some that looked large and flat actually weren’t on examination. I look for shortish carrot-like tails and although some were thick at the base and tapering correctly they were overly long. I only found 2 with misplaced teeth and it was delighted to find most today had large well set white teeth in good scissor bite. In the past I’ve commented on lack of condition and poor muscle tone in hindquarters so was happy that all today’s entry was presented fit and in hard condition. Overall type was good, I was pleased with both line ups and the veteran classes were a particular treat
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
An immediately eye-catching dog with a striking rich red coat. He has a good ottery head with dark eye and lovely expression. He is spannable, ribbed well back and has a good turn of stifle. Such a showman but giving way today to my preferred size and the narrower front of the winner. RCC.
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
I very much enjoyed judging this quality entry and I left there were some particularly good bitches. As always, some classes were better than others, but my winners and the bitch line-up in particular pleased me. Heads varied considerably and also movement and fronts which still seem to be problems in the breed.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
top class dog presented in grand condition, really good head with correct eyes and ears and he has a good strong muzzle, excellent legs and feet, good topline, would have benefitted from a little less weight, perfect coat, very good tail, natural showman and he won the dog CC
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: TG2, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
up to size but plenty of quality about this dog, body proportions correct with good angulation both ends, liked his head & expression, very well presented in harsh red grizzle coat, stands himself very well, an excellent showman both standing and on the move, CC & BOB, pleased to see he went G2 later in the day.
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Presented in first class order with his coat spot on today. He could do with carrying a little less weight which would be to his advantage. This dog has the very best of otter type heads with an excellent expression, this was the deciding factor that give him the Open class and C.C. Overall he is quite a strong dog he has a good top line and a good bend of stifle, showing on a loose lead he stands four square with ease if a little wide in front. Moving around the ring he covers the ground well and is a worthy Champion.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
One of the best heads in the breed, this dog looked immaculate and shows so well. He has good front legs of sufficient bone, although he was slightly wide in front today. He moved really well. Just found him a little difficult to span and so he paid the price today as he was up against 2 males who spanned so easily and also looked the part. Lovely harsh jacket and such a showman, he is indeed a good ambassador for the breed.
Class Critique
Another very strong class with hard decisions here. Some excellent dogs not in quite the best of coats today and in such good company, they had to be down the line, but could change places on another day, in better condition and coat.
Driffield Agricultural Society
3rd Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
Many thanks to my two efficient stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly. On the day I was surprised to find 4 level mouths, although a level mouth is acceptable in the standard, a scissor bite is preferable. Some exhibits could have been shown in a fitter condition and have their long nails clipped.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A very eyecatching red dog, he has a superb otter head with a short, strong muzzle and a lovely expression. He was presented in excellent coat and hard condition, carrying the right amount of weight. His front was straight, well laid shoulders and good angulated hindquarters, neat feet. His movement was sound both ways and is an excellent showman. DCC & BOB & TG3
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
well known dog who richly deserved another CC to add to the total already achieved. Good otter head, beautiful rich red coat, thick pelt. Covered the ground well on the move, but when he came across the bitch later for BOB, he just lacked the sparkle today
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Class Critique
Dog Lovely class with quantity & quality a plenty
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A very eye catching dog who is such a super showman, he has a nice head with a short, strong muzzle and a lovely expression. He was presented in superb condition. Narrow in front he has well laid shoulders good length of back with well angulated racy hindquarters and neat feet. He moved soundly and with style. I was pleased to award him the DCC and BOB and was thrilled to watch him win TG2.
Class Critique
A super class to judge with my first three places being awarded to three very worthy champions.1st
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
DCC and BOB Nicely balanced throughout, very sound and fit. Beautiful head. Driving short hocks. Spot on in presentation, and showed enthusiastically throughout while in the ring.
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
In the second spot I chose another top class dog, the Border Terrier, Ch Brackenfell Bok to Bach, looking his very best presented in first class order and moving and showing faultlessly. Masculine otter head, good eye and expression, sound front and typical racy hindquarters, ideal overall proportions, excellent tail, good thick pelt and the very best of coats. I liked him very much indeed and felt he was a worthy runner-up in this group. Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A very sound and showy dog. He has a good head with a really strong muzzle. Good skull and the right amount of stop giving him a typical otterlike expression. He moved out extremely well and is sound in front and behind. He was shown in just enough coat. He is well proportioned and displays a good neck, outline and tailset and is not at all overdone. Good bone and feet and very well muscled behind. Spannable. It is his head, outline and carriage that take him to the top. I awarded him DCC and BOB and was pleased to see him take second in the Group later in the day.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
This dog fits the standard in every way. He has the best of heads, good reach of neck, level topline and super thick coat. He moves so well but with a touch of arrogance which makes him stand away from his competitors. So pleased to have judged this dog as he's one in a generation.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Very nice all over dog, well constructed, Nice otter head with good expression, Nice neck, topline and tailset, racy hindquarters, good bones and feet. Moves with nice drive, correct coat and thick pelt, well present.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A very smart terrier, well prepared and handled. Well proportioned strong head and jaw. Coat in good nick, very harsh and dense but perhaps lacking a little depth. Overall cobbier than 1. Moved precisely and economically, technically very well in all directions, on small, tight feet. Great ring presence.
Class Critique
Again, any of these placed dogs has the quality for top honours, but I had eventually to decide between two top class dogs of markedly different types.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Lovely stallion dog. Good head into lovely neck and clean shoulders, narrow all through with good ribs, firm loin and tail set, excellent coat and pelt. Good rear angulation. Very fit and moved with precision. Res. CC.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
There is a lot to like about this dog, lovely head but I preferred the eye of 1, good neck and shoulder, good bone, good feet, good tail, nice balance. In good coat today, he shows himself off very well and was moving out well just not the ground-covering stride of 1 and sometimes a little choppy on the move.
Class Critique
Another very good class with a mixture of types, making for some very difficult decisions.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A very good dog indeed, he has a strong head, straight and narrow front, good topline, hindquarters and movement, excellent coat and pelt, and is presented to a very high standard. I preffered the head and size of my CC winner. RCC.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Super outline. Masculine. Excellent head with beautiful eye. Coat of good texture. Moved and showed well.
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
RCC - High quality class of dogs. Smartly presented, a real showman. He has a good head and expression. Good size, good in bone, nicely made in hindquarters but lost his shape at front, on the move. Coat was dense and harsh but on the change and thus not at its best
Border Union Agricultural Society
19th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs M Wanless
My sincere thanks go to the officers and committee of Border Union for this appointment, this is such a well run, friendly show, with outstanding hospitality!
My thanks also to my two Stewards on the day, Ella Linton, and Alan Small. Thank you too to all those who entered under me, and came, and accepted my decisions with good grace. I was pleased with my winners. I do wish though that dogs were shown on a loose lead, and stacked freely. Big ears are becoming prevalent, not as in the standard. Presentation and condition played a large part in my decisions.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Class Critique
The first three were presented in the super correct double coat with correct thick pelts.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
RCC Well known champion about which a lot has been written. Typey dog with lots to like, masculine head with good bite and big teeth, good reach of neck, straight in front, good feet and a well muscled rear. Balanced and in fit, hard condition, moved out soundly. Today he couldn’t match the CC winner for depth of coat.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Have admired this dog from the ringside, what a privilege to go over him & was not disappointed, very little to say that hasn’t been said before. All terrier strong muzzle & skull but not over done, lovely arched neck into well laid shoulders, level top line which he kept on the move, racey hindquarters so moved with drive. he fills the eye when stood for presentation & show condition, showed to perfection DCC, BOS RES BIS
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
a well made dog with good bone, good head & expression, double coated, thick pelt, moved & showed well to get CC
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
this masculine dog moved around the ring saying look at me, he was so well balanced, presented in great coat, otter like head with dark expressive eyes, correct ear set, strong scissor bite, good slope of neck falling into laid back shoulders, good straight front, balanced rib to loin, muscular rear, great tail set, easily spanned with loose pelt, the complete picture. CC & BOB;
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
RDCC, lovely otter head, good ear set, muzzle & bite, straight front, well padded feet, well ribbed back, easily spanned, well muscled quarters, parallel hocks, preferred depth of coat & topline of 1
Richmond Championship Dog Show
10th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Very worthy champion who I did well as a youngster. Pleasing make and shape and presented in hard muscular condition. Good head and eye, very clean over the neck and shoulders, good body shape with a pleasing topline and tailset. Moved well but felt on the day he was not as positive in front action as the top winners.
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Eye catching dog with a natural arrogance about him.Super head,strong neck,well proportioned throughout.Jacket in excellent order,pliable pelt .Looks bigger than he is-spans easily.Fit,well muscled and completely attentive to his handler.Moving well,never put a foot wrong. Well deserved CC,BOB,G1.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Strong upstanding dog with very attractive profile and great ring presence. Very strong head, with short strong muzzle and nice big teeth. Straight front with well laid back shoulders flowing into level topline held well on the move. Nicely spannable, well ribbed back with harsh double coat and thick pelt. Thick carrot tail well set on. Moved soundly with drive. CC & BOB
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
(G/tan) Nothing much I can say about him that hasn’t already been said he is a great example of a Border Terrier, worthy of his success, only that he came without a coat today.
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Well, what a thrill to judge this boy again today. He gave me chills when he was moving in the triangle. Fabulous head and so well put together. Put down in immaculate order as usual. Good refined otter head with lovely dark eye and keen expression, ears dropping forward close to the cheek and a strong jaw. Quite the showman. Reserve Dog CC, just preferring the length of body of the CC winner.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
For critique, see above
Class Critique
Another very difficult class, with so many stars right down the line. Such a privilege to judge so many good dogs.
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog with the best of heads good ear set, strong muzzle, good length of neck, hard double coat with loose pelt. Spanned ok in very hard fit condition never stopped showing in tune with is handler. DCC BOB I was pleased to see him go on to win the terrier group.
Class Critique
Some very nice dogs in this class pleasure to go over them.
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
To class champion dog with an excellent outline, good size. Otterhead with keen expression, well developed narrow body who is easy to span, balanced angulation. Well presented coat and thick pelt. Moved freely. Pleased to award him CC
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Eye catching dog with super topline. The most beautiful head with keen expression. Excellent eyes and ear placement. Excellent angulations. Very good body and easy to span. Excellent harsh coat. In super show condition. Thick pelt. Sound and balanced movements. A real show man. Happy to award him CC and BOB. TG1
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Well, I wasn’t disappointed with this dog!! Strong otter head, keen dark eye, ear placement finished the head off just nice. Straight flow, lovely shoulders, flowing into level topline held on the move. Harsh jacket, possibly just going over. Stood like a pot dog!! And move very nice. Best opposite sex, DCC.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
a very worthy champion, excellent head, dark eye and good big teeth. Sound on the move. Not in the best of jackets today and I preferred the size of 1.
Class Critique
The first three in this class were all excellent examples and on another day could change places I was splitting hairs.
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Fairly comfortable winner of this class, and as it turned out the breed. Liked his outline and size. Super head, well balanced with strong muzzle. Super eye and expression. Correct neck. Well laid shoulder. Ribs go well back to a short loin. Well turned stifle with a low hock. In good coat. V good mover. CC & BOB
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
4yrs; a d. with an understandably mighty reputation; Dandyhow sired; choc full of breed specifics; ex otter headpiece w/o pronounced stop; the epitome of balance; outstanding body proportions & bodylines; ribs carried well back; correctly narrow & deep; ex tailset & carriage; short of coat & whilst he moved absolutely sound he could not match the long, straight profile stride of the two placed above him in the challenge.
Class Critique
Competitive class
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Well known Champion and fully deserving of his Title, one I have only previously judged in the Group were I placed him G1, and today had no reason to change my opinion, liked overall size and outline and outgoing temperament, nicely made head with strong muzzle, good length of neck, well made shoulders, well ribbed but still spannable, in good coat, ,moved with purpose. Dog CC and BOB.
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
RDCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Well known dog and easy to see why he won all his top awards. Very typical all through. Lovely head and expression. Good bone, legs and feet. Easily spanned. Well carried tail. A bit short of coat on the day which affected his outline on the day, and not showing as well as I have seen RDCC
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
upstanding masculine dog with a strong but not overdone head with best of expressions. Straight front with good upper arm angulation. Spanable with ribs carried well back giving a good underline. Level topline and correct tailset. Racy well-muscled quarters with low set hocks. Good muscle tone. Steady true mover and carries himself well around the ring. Real showman. CC, BOB, TG4
Class Critique
Three lovely champions headed this class all worthy of the CC.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
C.C. & B.O.B. Hall & Ellis’s Ch. Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW, gave this dog minor puppy class 4 years ago & delighted to see he has gone beyond expectation. Well worthy of top awards correct eye & expression, well set & shaped ears of velvety texture, he has an excellent head, moderately broad in skull with that desired short & strong muzzle, strong dentition, correct length of neck leading to well laid shoulder & upper arm, good body with firm loin, neatest of feet & strong pads, strong powerful rear, & tail of correct shape, size & set, in very harsh coat, loose & thick pelt, presented in hard condition & handled to perfection moves with minimum effort, soundly and precise, pure quality male
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Easy to see why this young man does so well. Looks a picture stood and certainly doesn't disappoint hands on. Strong otter head, keen dark eye, clean bite, tidy ears, with correct set. Strong neck leading into clean shoulders & straight front. Lovely through body, with good ribbing & level topline, which was held on the move. Short harsh jacket, covered his balanced well boned & muscled body. He stacked to perfection on command, stood on clean tidy well-padded feet. He moves out with style and did enough movement wise to clinch top awards, I have however seen him more positive.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
A model for breed type and he has had several good wins under me including his recent German Winners Title. Unbeatable in head but couldn't match the winner on the day in scope and cleanness of front action. Res DCC.
Class Critique
Excellent class full of quality.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
3 and a half years old with similar remarks to 1. On the day I preferred the overall shape and presence of the winner.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful red dog in good condition, but coat just coming in. Excellent front and rear angulation, although he is a little over angled on the bend of stifle. Good length of neck. Excellent bite. Easily spanned. Well set on tail. Ribs well laid back. Lovely head & expression.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
I can see why this dog is the breed record holder so similar to one so remarks are more than less the same, such a stylish dog so only one first place so nick picking, but one the breed should be very proud of RCC
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Lovely masculine dog, very fit as always, moved true with plenty of drive from his well angulated rear end, in excellent coat. In the line up for the C.C I preferred the front upper arm angulation of Beyond The Stars. R.C.C.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge today. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me, by far, the biggest Terrier entry of the day. A big thank you to my two stewards, Nev and Liz Holmes-Leak, who kept things running smoothly and efficiently thus ensuring that we finished in time for my BOB to make the Group.
Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, and in some cases this was the deciding factor. Some exhibits were too fine in bone, particularly in the earlier classes. Some heads had ears set too high, some had deep stops with muzzles that were too short which gives a foreign expression. There were more than a few exhibits which would have benefited from having their feet tidied and nails cut. Soundness of movement in some dogs gave cause for concern. If a Border is to be fit for the function it was intended, it needs to be sound on the move. I found varying degrees of unsoundness in front movement from toeing in, crossing in front to paddling and out at the elbows. Hind movement in some exhibits was also less than desirable with hocks too close together when going away, cow hocks, lack of drive from hindquarters and, in some cases, lack of muscle tone. All of which would not allow a Border to be ‘capable of following a horse’ over rugged terrain. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners. I was also pleased to see my BOB shortlisted in the group.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Well known, worthy champion and one I have judged before, has lots to like but would like to see him with more coat, moved well coming and going but on the day didn’t move round the ring quite as effortlessly as the main winners.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
Placing Critique
Ex type and size. One more quality dog! Ex head dark eyes, good expression. Excellent topline. Ex angulation and mover. A little short in coat. RDCC
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
The ultimate showman, excellently presented as always and a pleasure to go over, there’s nothing that hasn’t already been said about his qualities so much so that he can easily stand closer scrutiny - being picky I’ve seen his coat better, front movement could have been cleaner and he does have a lot of rear angulation yet still an outstanding exhibit. DCC.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
Turned out in very good order, a balanced, mature dog made well throughout. Typical head and expression, attractive reach of neck flowing through to a great topline and tail set. A deep spannable chest and well ribbed back. Good length of leg with good bone and neat tight feet. Nicely made all over translating into high quality movement. Dog CC & BIS
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
Very nice to handle, good bite, in harsh coat, moved very well, just a bit short in back for me.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
I have judged and rewarded this chap before, but that meant he has to be really on form today, and he was. A real quality dog. Super head and construction. His muscle and condition was bang on. Thick skin, super coat and presentation. He is sensible yet has terrier attitude. Works with his handler and produces a stand out performance. CC, BOB & Group 3.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
very attractive well known champion, difficult to span, a little heavy on the shoulder, lacking in jacket, moved well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
Very showy dog with superb movement and a super thick jacket and pelt. One of the best otterheads in the breed with correct 1/3rd to 2/3rds proportions and good ear placement. A worthy Champion with a super outline, just today, for me a little bit more difficult to span than the first.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My first judging appointment at a Championship show and what a lovely day I had. Firstly I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Society for inviting me to judge their show, and also to all the exhibitors for showing their support.
I had a lovely selection of dogs and I was very pleased with the quality that came before me. All dogs were entire and mouths were good. Some dogs could have done with being tidied up a little more.
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
I have always liked the look of this dog and I had the luck of getting my hands on him today, and I wasn’t disappointed. Lovely lines and well –constructed, good reach of neck with a good strong head. Top-line was level on the move and looked stunning in profile just can’t miss him, on top form today, Well-deserved DCC & BinB.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Best In Show
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17
Placing Critique
I awarded this dog best puppy in show in 2013 and said in my report that I would watch his progress with interest! His record since speaks for itself, and he is in top condition and as fit as a fiddle. Lovely flowing body lines with super flat rib and clean straight front. Strong head with dark eye and keen expression, strong muzzle and strong teeth. Moved and showed to perfection with real ring presence. DCC & BOB.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
Love this one, really fills the eye, he is a most attractive 6 year old red in full maturity. Last time I judged him I made him Best Puppy and certainly doesn’t disappoint as an adult. My notes say “ ear a little big, but the rest superb, love him” Love his movement, his balance and his general outline, being not overdone in ribs or any where else. Wish they all moved with this effortless reach and drive. Cc and BOB.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
well known quality grizzle dog, type, balance & movement...it's all there, owned the ring, lovely head, best of fonts, nice neck to well laid shoulders, up on his toes with good feet, pleasing spanable body with good coat & pelt, went with drive from strong quarters, has style presenting a pleasing outline with nice depth & a level topline & well set tail. Pleased to award him Dog CC, BOB and short listed in the Terrier Group.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
DCC
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
Well known dog who was on top form today. Lovely outline. In excellent coat and condition. Moved and shown superbly. Pleasure to judge. DCC & BOB.
Boston & DCS Championship Show
12th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
This was my last judging appointment so thank you to all who entered under me today. I thoroughly enjoyed going over some very nice dogs. I would also like to thank my stewards Linda and Natalie who kept the ring running smoothly.
I was very happy to see my BOB take Group 4 and my BP Puppy Group 2.
RDCC
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
Well known champion who certainly is keeping his looks and showmanship. Very impressed with his good bite of very white teeth. Well turned out, strong head level topline well set tail. Shows steadily and moved true but not with the stride of the younger CC winner today. Nevertheless pleased to award him RCC. And Best Veteran.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and also to my very efficient ring steward who kept things running smoothly. I had a lovely day and felt it was a great honour and responsibility. I really appreciated each and every entry, and had some lovely exhibits to go over, the depth of quality in some classes meaning that some nice dogs went cardless. Coats were understandably at different stages, and although this has no bearing on the construction of the dog, a good coat does complete the picture of what is essentially a working terrier.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Veteran - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
Beautifully turned out 7 year old grizzle and tan who is such a showman. He has a lovely masculine, otter like head with dark eye and keen expression, and super bite of big white teeth, His strong, muscular neck flows into good shoulders, and he has a level topline and well set on carrot shaped tail. Being fit and well muscled, he is strong in loin and moves with plenty of drive from sturdy hindquarters. Excellent double coat and thick pliable pelt. BV.
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Veteran - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
He hasn't changed much since I last judged him. Again, classic strong otter head and keen expression. Level topline, good in front and behind. Moved well.
Class Critique
The start of a very common theme for the day. Absolutely fantastic coat! Was this due to the wet weather this winter? The whole class of very high quality and something that also continued a theme.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18
Placing Critique
Red gr male of 9 years our breed record holder still looking good, strong head with dark eyes and keen expression good shoulders neck and hind angulation, correct tail set. Moved steadily coat o.k.
