Show Placings
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
6th Jun 2009
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your huge entry, it?s a good job we went outside for Limit Dog as we would not all fit into the inside wet weather ring. I really enjoyed judging the dogs more than the bitches not often is the case but today it was.
Coats were either non existence, blown or half and half, just a handful were in double coat and they looked the part. One bad mouth, one had a front tooth missing, all dogs were entire and no bitches in season
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Gorgeous B/Tan with perfect ticking, liked her for overall shape and the way she moved, she took in all in her stride pleased to award her Best Puppy in Breed.
Southern Border Terrier Championship Show
13th Jun 2009
Judge: Mr William Gillot (Weegee)
It was a great honour to judge this show and I appreciated the large entry and the sporting way my decisions were received by the exhibitors. My overall impression is that the dogs have more quality in depth at the moment and that mouths no longer seem to be a problem in the show dogs. Size and movement are a constant worry, especially front movement where quite a lot were actually crossing in front, something not helped by exhibitors stringing up their dogs. Other judges have remarked that some of the dogs are getting too coarse in the head with too short a muzzle, but on the other hand a lot of the bitches seem too snipey and weak in the jaw, not what we want in a working terrier.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
7 month B/T strong head but still feminine; right amount of bone, nice carroty tail; moved well & with a lot of confidence for such a youngster. One to watch. BPIS.
Blackpool & District CS
26th Jun 2009
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Nicely made youngster beautifully presented with the most superb harsh pinwire coat of correct blue and tan colour. Femine otter head with a good neck into a sound forehand with a good layback of shoulder, balanced with a well angulated hindquarter with a bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Nice bone and feet. Lovely size and outline, liked her overall symmetry and clean lines. She moved so soundly and particularly tracked well. BP
East Of England Championship Show
10th Jul 2009
Judge: Mr T H Johnston
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Most promising puppy, really well made with excellent shape, standing four square, good topline and tail set, good shape to skull, well placed features, lovely expression, moved true. BP.
Northern Border Championship Show
19th Jul 2009
Judge: Mr Gerald Baker (Jaslou)
It was an honour to have been asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I wish to thank the officers and committee for their great hospitality and catering, Special thanks to my stewards Doreen and Claire, Overall the dogs were in better coat and condition than the bitches, with some short of coat or none at all, Although level bites are acceptable in the breed there were more today than expected, I was very pleased with my class placing. And final line up.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Reserve Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
good b/t feminine head, good length of body, sound hindquarters, moved true front and back, showed well,
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2009
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to express my appreciation to the exhibitors for their support. On the whole, rear movement was satisfactory. However I observed front movement on some exhibits was unsatisfactory. I found one mouth with a misplaced tooth and another with a just passable level bite. Presentation of most dogs was of a high standard but some exhibits shown today would benefit greatly from regular daily exercise.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
A very promising blue and tan pup. Lovely feminine head with a good ear set, correct bite and dark eye. She has a straight front, correct bone and neat feet. I found her easily spannable. She has a good coat with ticking evident and a thick pelt. Moved true and showed well for one so young. BEST PUPPY
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2009
Judge: Mr T Tuck (B) & Mrs J Tuck (D)
Dogs, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge the dog classification at their 25th anniversary show, also my very able stewards Christine Horner, and Chris Wallace who did a great job with the organisation of my ring.
Bitches,
I thoroughly enjoyed this appointment, thanks to my experienced stewards and an entry that contained some really outstanding examples of the breed. I really liked my winners, and handled some extremely promising youngsters. Having said that, the early classes were much more variable, with fewer exhibits that combined quality and breed type. Later classes were more consistent, and it was nice to find a few more classy otter-like heads and neat front construction.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Very well constructed all through, typey, with a lovely head and expression, excellent coat, just pipped 2 on hind angulation, scored over dog pup on movement for Best Puppy.
Paignton & District Fanciers Association
3rd Aug 2009
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for a lovely entry. Some quality exhibits to go over in both dogs and bitches and I was pleased with my winners. Temperament was excellent throughout. Such a shame we couldn?t be outdoors.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Top quality blue and tan with a strong yet feminine head. Excels in neck and shoulders, carries ribs well back. Moved so well for a youngster and never stopped showing. Best Bitch Pup and BPIB.
City of Birmingham Canine Association
5th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
An excellent entry awaited me at the City of Birmingham show, not only in numbers, but also in the depth of quality. In many classes, I found myself wishing for more than 5 places to award and sadly, dogs left the ring which I really liked and would have been happy to place on another day. In more than a couple of classes, it was very hard to decide on the 1st 5 in order and many went down the line because of coat texture and thickness, although on another day, in better coat, they would have fared better. As I have not been to many shows this year, it was good to view some dogs for the first time, including my Best of Breed, who I was pleased to ?find?, only to later discover she has already been found on a number of occasions, although not at this level!
I apologise for the lateness of this critique. Besides flying out to an appointment to judge in Italy only a couple of days after the show, we have had some personal and medical issues to deal with regarding the welfare of my elderly mother in law. As I write this, we have still not finalised arrangements for her, but hope to do so soon, so I hope you will understand that sometimes, dog shows do not come first.
On the way to the showground, my car made some terrifying noises when I touched the brake pedal and so, that will explain to anyone wondering, why I had to stop judging for a second or two to find my car keys for the AA man, who kindly fixed it at the hotel car park for us and saved us a long trip home on the back of a low loader.
An eventful weekend, made wonderful by the number of top class Border Terriers present at the show.
Many thanks must go to the very experienced and helpful ring stewards, Mr and Mrs Wright, who had the dogs present and ready for inspection at the start of every class and so enabled me to finish in plenty time for the Terrier Group. Good ring management was important with an entry of 185 dogs, making 193 entries (plus one or two whose entries had not been received and less a couple of NFC). This was the highest number in the Terrier Group today and I would like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs. The absentee rate of dogs entered was 23.5%.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
BCC
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Another class where I found I was comparing all the others to this one, as she stood away even in this good class. Beautiful blue and tan with correct ticking throughout the coat. Fabulous otter head with the darkest of eyes. Lovely straight, narrow front. Moved so well both coming and going, for one so young. She has the star quality, while being an honest, workmanlike bitch. She has all the necessary essentials for a working terrier, with a good narrow front, lovely shaped rib, carried well back and was easily spanned. She has a good topline and excellent length of body. She is just at the right stage of development for a 10 month bitch and if I could have found a way of sneaking her out of the door and onwards to Durham, I would have done. She is not overdone in any way, has all the essentials and is very eye catching. Lovely neck into well laid shoulders. Had to concentrate hard during the remainder of the show, to get her out of my mind. In the line up, found myself drawn to her with my eye and my heart. The type to give you goose bumps. Had a stiff talk to myself when I realised I was drawn to her in the bitch line up You’re not giving it to a puppy, are you?? ? something I have never done in all my years of judging the breed. Then I realised that if I allowed myself to be swayed by anything other than choosing which was the best one, I would not be doing myself or the breed a service and so, drum roll, awarded her Bitch CC, Best of Breed and Best Puppy In Breed. Pleased to see her go on to Terrier Group 4 and Terrier Puppy Group 2 in hot competition.
Richmond Championship Show
12th Sep 2009
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Sincere apologies to my exhibitors, the committee failed to inform me the proposed order of group judging had changed & the Terrier group was brought forward, the tannoy call was the 1st thing I knew about it. My back spasm during junior dog meant I was reduced to shuffling, sorry.
Most dogs were new to me & temperaments in the ring were good, my winners could do the job they were intended for being free from coarseness & lumber, spannable & narrow, with corresponding good construction & movement.
Several heads were short in skull & blocky, more resembling the balance of an Asian Short Clawed Otter, than an English one, the latter have longer than broad flat skulls, clean cheeks & relatively short muzzles parallel in profile to their skull, Borders should have large teeth with good scissor bite to be effective. Today, square, deep skulls, often with round eyes & very short narrow muzzles with small teeth were in evidence. These too strong square heads tended to have heavy fronts & frames to match.
Many fronts were placed too far forward with pro-sternum behind point of shoulder, which lacked length & layback, the too short & steep upper arms having no support, badly affecting movement, the dogs moved away with their fronts crossing, when only two legs should be visible. As an alternative a few were close behind & swung in front, so again "four legs". Profile movement lacked ?travel?, being up & down short choppy strides rather than smooth & forward going with drive off the hocks.
Although bone wasn't generally too fine nor too heavy some didn't have enough through pasterns into feet, & they lacked the depth of pad to ensure soundness if worked regularly.
My major concern, however, was coats & especially pelts. When I came into the breed Borders were shown in deep double coat, always.Dogs then looked heavier than they were due to these double coats & lots of pelt which the standard says MUST be thick - not because they had big frames with drum tight skins.. Coat density & pelt are directly related, no coat, thus thin skin, but they should still be loose & pliant. Tight, paper thin skins without depth of under or topcoat is not what the standard calls for, nor any use to a working terrier. A great advantage to the dog is a continuous double coat that can be worked or shown all year round.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Another blue of handy size, just 10 months from a more contemporary mould, & much more mature for age. Pretty head with dark eye & well set ears. Neat front assembly, spannable rib, firm well angulated hindquarters. Moved well if a little puppyish in front. Outstanding coat of harsh texture well silvered with depth & good pelt. Not quite the strength of muzzle, big teeth nor length of rib of the winner, but stylish & has quality.
Darlington Championship Show
18th Sep 2009
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
A very good entry in both quantity & quality. I was very pleased with the challenge line ups in both sexes.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
outstanding winner in this class, 10 months bl/t, beautiful outline held on the move, superb coat for texture & colour, excellent head proportions, good eye, ultra sound on the move. In the challenge had a new handler & was not as co-ordinated. BP & PG1
Driffield Championship Dog Show
3rd Oct 2009
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to Driffield Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their Championship Show. I had a good entry of 169 from 162 dogs and had a large number of quality exhibits to go over. It was a shame that the weather, being extremely windy, meant that because of health and safety reasons I had to judge indoors. This meant that at first the ring was not as spacious as I would have liked and the noise from the wind in the marquee at times disturbed some of the younger exhibits. In addition, the length of the grass and the unevenness of the surface were problematic for some of the exhibitors.
I was extremely pleased with my final line ups and there were many classes where deserving dogs went unplaced due to the quality of the entry. Overall coats, were very good and temperament was excellent. However, I did find two examples of the odd tooth out of place and a number of dogs which could have been tidier particularly around feet and tail.
In my winners I was looking for a correct size Border with a harsh double coat, well muscled, correct bone and looking like it could do a good days work. I found those qualities in my winners.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Striking b/t puppy bitch with a very mature attitude. Lovely in profile and didn’t disappoint on the table. Excellent feminine otter head with plenty of width and strength in foreface. Scissor bite with correctly placed white teeth. Straight front with a good length of neck into well laid back shoulders. Lovely body lines, level top line and carrot- like tail straight off the back. The best of harsh b/t coats with plenty of ticking. Well angulated at the rear and she moved out with confidence that belied her young age. Very pleased to give her Best Puppy in Breed. I am sure that she has a very bright show future in front of her.
Class Critique
What a lovely class of puppies, a joy to judge! I was spoilt for choice and I wish that I had more cards as some really nice examples of the breed went without places
Midland Counties Championship Show
22nd Oct 2009
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
The first sentence of the Standard reads, General Appearance: Essentially a working terrier. Bearing this in mind, I was most impressed with the quality of the coats. The great majority had really tough outer coats, and nice loose pelts. Though some of the blue & tans were showing white hairs (ticking), which is the hallmark of the blue & tan, there were some black all over which is incorrect. Pads were on the whole good with well shaped feet. Ears should be neither too thin nor too thick, and should hang correctly. Not always the case today. There were several atypical heads, with a few over long noses, and several being overlarge. Only one suspect mouth. Some with narrow muzzles had rather crowded incisors. In the past I have been very critical of movement, for if a Border cannot move properly it is not put together properly. Today there was both good and bad movement. There were problems with front movement, where many exhibits were moving too close. Strange to say there were very few wide in the front. Previously, from the ringside, I had thought there were too many Borders with overlong tails. There were some today, but a lot of this was due to the tail not being groomed properly. Tails should not be scissored, but over long hairs at the end should be judiciously removed. In every class there were always two and generally three exhibits which shone out. In some case it was difficult to pick out the remaining places. ( I was slightly perturbed when picking up my documents from the secretary’s office, that though I had a “Judging Book”, I was not in fact a judge but an “Adjudicator”, or so my badge said. Have we taken leave of our senses?
Best Puppy
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
A blue and tan with the true type of coat. Unusual for one so young. Also extremely harsh. Well constructed and steady on the move.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2009
Judge: Mrs I Jackson (Haughbrae)
I would like to thank all exhibitors, spectators and my stewards for a most enjoyable day. A big thank you to Pat for the excellent lunch. What a delight to see and feel so many correct double coats. Size was also very good apart from a few being overweight and some lost out on places due to lack of coat.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Nice feminine yet strong head. Dark eye with keen expression. Good lay shoulder, length back, topline. Narrow front. Moved very well.
Boston & District CS
10th Jan 2010
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
I was the replacement judge for Carolyn Muirhead who sadly died in November. Firstly I want congratulate all the exhibitors who made it to the show in spite of the atrocious weather conditions. I was very afraid there would be few dogs there for me to judge. What a tough lot border folk are. I had plenty of quality dogs to fill the top placings but as a general comment I felt a number lacked sufficient rear angulation.
RBCC
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
b/t. A very shapely bitch, full of breed type, lovely ottery head, well ticked harsh blue and tan jacket, moved out with precision to win RCC.
Manchester Canine Society
21st Jan 2010
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It was, again, a pleasure to judge the breed. I thought that there was a lack of depth in quality in some classes though those which were placed were more representative of the Breed Standard. A few entries lacked true breed type and one almost questioned what other breed was involved in their lineage. The most recurring fault was in front movement which was a testament to some loaded shoulders.
BCC
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A true blue and tan with correct ticking. A lovely front with pleasing head good reach of neck and correctly placed shoulder. Well angulated behind and moved true. Shown in tip-top condition. BCC
Midland BTC Open Show
14th Feb 2010
Judge: Mrs D. Rayner (Stoneygin)
Best In Show
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Bitch
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
What a beauty. Lovely otter head with nice expression. Neat ears and strong bite. Good reach of neck, correctly placed front. Level topline and tailset and nicely angulated rear quarters. The best of blue coats and a loose pliable pelt. Strong in loin. Moved extremely well.
Crufts
12th Mar 2010
Judge: Mrs L.A. Crawley
BCC
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Special Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
for me she walked in and conquered all other bitches, with just a touch more maturity would have beaten the male as well, a beautiful true blue full of style and presence, wonderful Border type, most attractive head, elegant well made body, correct for ribs, topline and tail set when she looked at you had such perfect Border expression, shown in fantastic order, beat the winner of an excellent Open class for CC. Will be even better by next Crufts.
Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Mar 2010
Judge: Mr. Jim Stewart
Judge elect, Jane Parker, was cruelly taken down with food poisoning just before the show and sadly was unable to undertake this prestigious appointment. I was honoured to be asked to stand in for Jane who had attracted a super entry of 271 from 237 exhibits.
Having been "out the scene" for some years, I was pleased with the overall quality of the entry. Mouths and temperaments were commendable, as one would expect with a working terrier. I noted more alien expressions than I would expect, even with the size of the entry and many exhibitors must pay more attention to presentation. Erratic front movement, like the poor, is always with us. Nevertheless, there was sufficient depth of quality to provide worthy winners in dogs and bitches throughout the card.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Placing Critique
Has all the essentials. Moved soundly and in tip top condition. Handy size.
Class Critique
The most difficult class of the day. The first three could easily change places on another day.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2010
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Committee for my appointment, and a well run show. The stewards Doreen Rushby and Dave Mitchell, and the exhibitors for the entry.
I was looking for a Border that could fulfil the standard, essentially a working terrier. Judging is about achieving that balance of the desired essentials of the standard, breed type, construction, movement, condition, and the true otter like head. I was disappointed to find so many lacking strength of muzzle, and some with narrow set eyes, with a lot, light in eye colour giving an untypical expression. Some with very small teeth and others very big on the rib, also some very long tails!
That said there were some lovely borders present, and I was pleased with the final line ups, all fulfilling my interpretation of the breed standard.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A well balanced B/T . Well made throughout, with good body lines and thick double coat. Very attractive and typical bitch. Well presented and shown.
Class Critique
A hard decision between the first three as all are excellent bitches and worthy CC winners.
National Dog Show
7th May 2010
Judge: Mr P Bakewell
RBCC
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
soundly made quality bitch who can change places with I ,good head & expression, strong jaw, nice neck forequarters, good ribs & body, strong loin & muscular hindquarter, good overall balance. RCC
Bath Campionship Show
28th May 2010
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for an extremely nice entry and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. A warm sunny day with a welcome breeze made conditions ideal. A bonus was the neatly mown grass in the ring which was ideal to assess movement. I was fortunate to have two extremely efficient Stewards who ensured the smooth running of the ring, enabling me to finish my task in good time, despite a delay in the start of judging.
On the whole I was pleased with the exhibits presented to me which were clean, although many lacked the correct double jacket that the standard asks for. Front movement is still a concern as indeed was the variation in the size of some of the exhibits. Heads generally were good although some exhibits were rather heavy in ear. Temperament’s were excellent, just one or two not too keen on being handled on the table. Two exhibits had teeth missing and I found a couple with incorrect dentition.
Feet can tell you a lot about a dog and its lifestyle. The standard asks for feet to be small with firm pads. Flat feet not helped by long nails are most undesirable and indeed would be a drawback if the dog was carrying out the task for which he was originally bred. Scissor marks unfortunately were very much in evidence on some exhibits which spoilt their overall appearance.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A really well balanced B/T who is so well constructed with good body proportions and was set down in a correct double coat of excellent texture. She has a narrow front with a pleasing head, nice reach of neck and good shoulder placement, good topline and racy well angulated rear quarters. This is one who I have admired on many occasions but today, she was just lacking that extra sparkle and enthusiasm which was disappointing.
Southern Counties
5th Jun 2010
Judge: Tinna Grubbe (Denmark)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Very beautiful racy and a true border with good expression and the right otterhead Nice topline and front, short tail, perfect blue coat. The best mover today.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
10th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr G Corish
Was delighted to watch my BOB go G4 & my BP go PG1
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
gave this bitch a PG1 & delighted to see how well she has come on, lovely outline, moves with reach & drive, very feminine all through but yet has the strength to do a day’s work, quite lovely. CC & BOB
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Jun 2010
Judge: Mr J Bainbridge (Risdene)
A pleasing entry of 231 dogs with 55 absent on the day made for a representative entry without the classes being over sized. Generally the classes produced good winners none of whom looked out of place in the final line-ups. All were spannable and generally those in the cards were correct in this respect. Most exhibitors probably know by now what I look for in a typical Border Terrier and this was generally evident in today's entry.
Dog CC and BIS Hobholt Harrier JW (Mrs M A Wallace) such a lithe, mature 4 year old grizzle dog of impressive outline in super double coat and thick pelt, well presented, has a correctly proportioned otter head with keen expression, good length of neck into well laid shoulders, straight narrow front, ribbed back body into racy rear quarters which he used to move out well with long loping stride that is so economical for a dog that could go all day and get anywhere when required.
Dog RCC Brumberhill Blue Tempest (Mr S A McPherson) super outline and so well made throughout, and well presented in good coat and moved out well to take this award, just loved him for type.
BCC and RBIS, Brumberhill Breeze (Mr S A McPherson) in full, double grizzle coat and well conditioned. She has a super well balanced head, keen expression, terrific outline with correct flowing topline and well carried back ribs, shows a good underline, this bitch won the CC after much deliberation as all 3 bitches under consideration met the standard well and were active in movement and would have been worthy CC winners but today maturity held sway.
RBCC Yeomeadow Heather for Tyrian (Mrs K Dean). A lovely B/T bitch who was on top form today and has an excellent otter head and expression which finally decided the RCC over the yearling bitch winner.
BP Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer) a mature dog puppy, shown in good coat and condition, well made throughout with good otter head and body lines, moved so well with long free gait to clinch this award.
BV CH Gameway Kiwi JW (Mrs P Clark) who was not showing his years, well presented in good coat and looking his best and a worthy champion
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
strong class but this bitch stood away, beautiful bitch to go over, in super B/T coat and put down well and fullfills the requirements of the standard so well and with more maturity will be one of the best
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2010
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to the officers and committee of The Blackpool Dog Show Society for their hospitality and also for giving me this privileged appointment. This being my first appointment to award CC’s I would like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I found a couple of mouths with teeth out of line and considering the quality of some of the exhibits they had to pay the penalty. I also found a couple of kinked tails which really surprised me. Thanks go to my able stewards for keeping things moving; allowing the BOB to be ready for the group which he was placed G4.
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
What more can I say about this lady that has not been already said, other than what you see is what you get, a lovely expression with dark eyes well filled out under the eye, strong jaw and broad skull, good reach of neck, lovely front and top line and well set on tail, good bone, tight small feet, an excellent thick and loose pelt with double coat that felt like pin wire and moved out well both ways, pleased to award her BCC, BOS
Windsor Championship Dog Show
2nd Jul 2010
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the exhibitors for such a super entry of dogs for me to judge, I thought the standard overall was very good and I found it very encouraging to find some really nice youngsters coming up through the ranks. I had to make very tough decisions in some classes and many good dogs went card less but I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with my winners.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Very striking and confident as she entered the ring, plenty of ticking in her very good blue coat, loved her head and expression, dark eye and neat V shaped ears, nice neckline into shoulder, excellent topline and tailset, liked her overall profile which she retained on the move, easily spanned, ribbed well back and strong loin, racy hindquarters, good legs and feet, moved well. BCC & BOB
East of England Championship Dog Show
10th Jul 2010
Judge:
Thanks to exhibitors for the entry, which thankfully, was undercover on such a very hot day.
I was surprised at the size of the Minor Puppy dogs, which were up to size at such a tender age. I was disappointed at the lack of foot and claw care on some exhibits ? feet not properly trimmed and claws much too long for a working breed or any breed shown at a Championship show. Shaved bellies are becoming more evident - why? It's obvious and unattractive. There were too many single coated exhibits, and not enough clean ones. I was pleased with my winners.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Another lovely, quality blue and tan bitch with correct ticking through the coat. Similar remarks apply as to the winner but I preferred the balance of 1. RBCC.
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2010
Judge: Mrs F A Somerfield
A good entry with lots of quality Borders in both sexes. It was the last time I shall judge the breed at this level & I enjoyed every minute. It was particularly pleasing to see how much movement had improved since the last time I judged.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Midland BTC Championship Show
1st Aug 2010
Judge: Small & Baxter
I thoroughly enjoyed the day judged outside at Asfordby. The weatherman certainly smiles as all the Club’s Championship Shows to date have been blessed with clear sky’s. Thanks to the committee for the invite, to my two Stewards on the day, for the wonderful roast lamb lunch, but not least, to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of assessing your Border Terriers. Thanks for coming. (Judge: Mr A Small)
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
RBCC, B/T flecked well, a lot to like, looked good stood and moving, put down well credit to her owner
City of Birmingham Canine Society
4th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss A D Swales
This was a lovely entry, I send my good wishes for a speedy return to the ring to the scheduled judged Miss E D Rumsan. Coats were at all stages & I have to say that there were some which had no evidence of a second coat. Mouths were good except for, unusually, one overshot, Temperaments appeared to be OK, although a few lack confidence & were hesitant. The green carpet helped to show up some wide fronts & movement which did not extend & lacked drive, needed to follow a horse. All my placed dogs spanned comfortably. I was not happy with some exhibitors who were constantly feeding their dogs, even on the table.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
my first opportunity to go over this beautiful bitch, what a joy, feminine, well balanced & of excellent construction, flat ribs, well laid back, super set of shoulders, good topline & tailset, well angulated quarters used to advantage to move with drive, excellent hard double coat with think pelt, loved her head & intelligent expression & I could see her working, shown & presented to perfection. CC & BOB
Class Critique
Another good class headed by three super bitches, but others could well have been contenders.
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
quality bitch of great type, strong head carried well, nicely made front & well set shoulders, deep body, spanned with ease & moved soundly. RCC
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
a class act, enamoured by her lovely head, eyes & expression, backed up by firmly articulated balance, well angulated body, good coat, moves true with reach & purpose, retaining her profile. CC, against stern competition
South Wales KA
8th Oct 2010
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
first time for me to see this B/T Bitch but read a lot about her and I can see why she has done so much winning a very nice well made border and again ozzes quality but to me she seemed a little tired but well deserved 2
Class Critique
What A Class Any Of This Ten Could Have Taken A Red Card
Boston & District CS Championship Show
9th Jan 2011
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
Many thanks to my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and to all the exhibitors for a nice entry. Type and quality varied and today coats were at various stages although this didn't materially affect placing's. Last time I judged I noted that small teeth were prevalent and today I was surprised to find that level bites (although acceptable) predominated, I had 2 undershot mouths and large teeth set in a really good scissor bite were like gold dust. A major concern was movement, partially caused by stifles being too straight so limiting drive and causing a stilted action also often not helped by lack of thigh muscle and there were a number of wide fronts coupled with loose fore action. My final concern was the amount of exhibits that came very heavily to hand. This cannot be discerned by eye since some of the larger dogs were a desirable weight whilst some of the smaller ones were heavy. All that said, I enjoyed the day and was able to find class winners and others of correct type, size and sound movement. Both Open classes were composed throughout of quality exhibits and the CC and RCC winners were fit and worthy ambassadors for the breed.
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Really typey and feminine harsh coated B/T who shouts Border. Otterlike head with strong muzzle and alert expression. Ideal size, with moderate bone and substance and comes to hand well. Well angulated both ends and moved out with drive. Quality and type from nose to tail. CC.
Crufts
12th Mar 2011
Judge: Mrs Elaine Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this prestige show, and a privilege to be able to handle so many good borders. With an entry of 254 dogs, 306 entries, and with the help of my very efficient stewards this enabled me to finish on time for the BOB to go forward into the group. With the large classes it would have been nice to have had more time and more prize cards.
Many borders were in very fit condition and in gleaming coats, others sadly were not. I was very surprised at the numbers that were overweight, a few under and some in poor coat. There is a difference of being short of coat and being untidy which some were, several having scissor cuts in evidence which is totally unnecessary.
Some nice otter type typical heads were in evidence, some with quite large ears which seems to be creeping into the breed, and close set eyes giving an alien expression. Quite a few were upright and heavy in shoulder, with a shorter back than desired. Most were spanable although many had a rounder rib than required. This reflected in my placing's as the fitness and welfare of the dogs is of the uppermost importance, as the breed standard states, the breed being essentially a working terrier.
I thought my principle winners were excellent representatives of the breed, and I enjoyed seeing my BOB being short listed in the group.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Another super bitch, lovely head and strong border type throughout. Super body, well balanced. The condition of Twist give her the edge today. RCC.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
a great picture of a Border Terrier, excellent in all departments, Bitch CC and B.O.B
Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
1st May 2011
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling
My thanks to my two excellent stewards who kept exhibits moving along, making my task easier, and to the Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Club for inviting me to judge.
Coats were generally very good with undercoats evident and few showed signs of scissoring and shaving. I was pleased that all the puppy dogs were of a sensible size for their ages and almost all exhibits were spannable; however, shoulder construction problems remain an issue, with short upper arms and poor shoulder angulation resulting in wide, or tied fronts, spoiling otherwise quality exhibits. I noticed that some were roaching over the loin, creating bouncing back ends on the move with the loss of level toplines, and many had a distinct lack of stifle bend, resulting in a lack of driving action on the move. Consider feet - a few needed claws trimming (or more road work).
Some heads were untypical and snipey; there were a number of suspect mouths and one undershot puppy, but I was impressed with the overall condition of the entry in general and the winners were a credit to their owner/breeders. The well filled Limit bitch class was outstanding and it was a pity not to have more awards to present. My thanks to everyone for accepting my decisions so sportingly and congratulations to the top winners, whose dogs were so deserving of their wins.
Here’s a plea - please use bait sparingly, and not while your dogs are on the judging table. It’s a pity that a number of exhibitors are slaves to baiting their dogs on the table, making the dogs move around and become unsteady, while making it difficult for judges to access mouths and assess facial features. Baiting also affects movement round the ring, with exhibits “crabbing”, watching for the treats.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A well known blue and tan bitch who has been a consistent winner. Pretty girl, not too big or overdone and having fun today. Good well proportioned typical head with a good bite set on a graceful neck into clean, well angulated shoulders giving a parallel front. Ribs carried well back. Racy loins and a good bend of stifle giving good propulsion from behind. Harsh double coat well ticked. Neat feet with thick pads.
Southern Counties
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Lovely broad head with bright eyes, shown in a good double coat with plenty of room for her to move in, and excellent size & body lines looked a picture in profile on the move. BCC & B.O.B
Three Counties
8th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Ron Wheatley
Thanks for the large and interesting entry. Although quality was variable there were many good entries to examine. Most were of a good size and generally coats were good, feet very variable, particularly hind ones. Although many moved out with drive, movement in many others was a concern. Many would benefit from more exercise and muscle development. There was only 1 kinked tail and mouths were mainly good. Finally, please realise that if you bait your exhibit on the table the judge can't see it!
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
different type to 1, good head, coat and pelt
Blackpool Championship Show
24th Jun 2011
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society, for inviting me to judge at this level, for the first time. Even the weather was kind to us!!
A special thank you, to the exhibitors for your support, giving me the highest terrier entry, and the sheer joy of going over every exhibit, thank one and all.
It was a fabulous entry, numerically and depth of quality.
On the downside I found one cryptorchidic, one suspect tail, and a lot of dirty teeth, although mouths were generally good.
Coats were at various stages and in some cases they were the deciding factor, movement not too bad, the odd one “pinning in”.
There were some attractive exhibits of both genders, that went ‘cardless’ today, for me, there was just too much of them.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
what a cracker, looks, as well as the tools for the job! B/t bitch that truly sparkled today, a dream to go over, so well constructed, of the right size, lovely feminine head with typical expression, good bone narrow front, neat feet that carried her effortlessly around the ring, showing off her wonderful thick harsh jacket, with great ticking, was pleased to hear she was shortlisted in the group. BCC BOB
Windsor Championship Dog Show
30th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Bill Browne-Cole
Since I last judged the breed I do feel movement is a concern. A lot of back ends need to strengthen and capabilities to follow a horse were not always there today. I was however extremely pleased with my main winners who were from the ‘top drawer’ and so very typical of the breed.
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A lovely bitch. Keen head and expression with dark eye. Strong muzzle and big teeth. Lovely length of neck and good lay of shoulder. Superb topline and in excellent jacket. Extremely sound on the move. CC
East of England
10th Jul 2011
Judge: Mrs Kate Irving
The entry of 141 was a pleasing one for these days and I thank exhibitors for their entries. By and large I was pleased by the coats of many exhibits and though some were rather short of coat, coat texture was generally speaking quite pleasing. Presentation however left a good deal to be desired in many instances Hindquarters were good in the main. But once again my view was that fronts in the breed require much more attention than they are being given by either breeders or judges. It seems to me that we have in the breed various front faults, mostly I think coming from poor shoulders. There are flicking fronts, loaded fronts, high stepping fronts, horseshoe fronts, bowed fronts and so on and not enough of the dogs have fronts which fit the standard. In the main I was satisfied that there were many more typical heads and expressions than on some previous occasions when I have judged
DCC and Best of Breed went to ORANGEBOX FIRECRACKER (MR M & MRS T ANSCOMBE) a dog with a very pleasing head and expression, good skull and correct eye and ears to complete the picture. He has a good neck and typical outline and is well proportioned with a good tailset. He is OK for size and was shown today in plenty of coat. Moved out really well and scored for showmanship. He has a good deal of quality and type about him.
BCC went was won by BANDICOOT JAZZ (MR G E & MRS V L K DOCWRA) a bitch with an excellent head and a lovely typical expression. She is up to size and was shown in pretty full coat today. She moved very well in front and behind. She shows very well indeed and presented an excellent picture all round. She too has a great deal of breed type and quality and has good body lines and scope.
Best Puppy went to the dog OLDERHILL AFORTUNADO (MRS S WILSON) a very typey dog which excels in head and has a really good eye and expression. He is very good in topline and tailset. I thought that he was good in shoulder and presented a good typical picture all round.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
another typey bitch. Has a good head and expression and a good topline and tail. Moved well behind and scores for quality in many respects but didn?t move as well in front as the winner.
Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Jul 2011
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show and for their kind hospitality during the event. I notice that the last time I judged this show was as long ago as twenty five years ago in 1986! The entry of 226 from 207 exhibits was satisfactory but of course there were several absentees which brought the actual number of dogs present down to just over 140. That enabled us to finish judging in good time. Thanks to my very efficient Steward Mrs Rushby.
My general comments on the breed continue in similar terms to my previous remarks on the subject. But in the main I thought that heads and expressions were, by and large, pretty good. Coats were of course variable in the stage at which they presented but again, by and large they were of quite good texture. I had no bad mouths and only a couple of kinky tails. And tails were, overall, not too bad for shape and length Size is of course variable but again the majority were spannable but some dogs (and bitches) were far too big and too heavy in bone. My biggest problem was with fronts and exhibit after exhibit appeared with fronts which were far from correct. We have a multitude of different front problems and somehow we must tackle this issue and breeders and judges have to pay more attention to this problem. I believe that we are beginning to find the breed accepting bad fronts as the norm. Horseshoe fronts, wide fronts, swinging front legs, flicking front feet and dogs which single track in an excessive way in front ? all of these things need to be penalised to a greater or lesser extent.
Best in Show and the Dog CC went to Orangebox Firecracker (Mr M & Mrs T Anscombe). He has a very typical head, skull and expression with a good muzzle and not over exaggerated. Good neck and shoulder and correct topline and tailset. Correct compact feet. He is balanced and well proportioned being neither too short nor too long and he moved soundly both in front and behind. In the final challenge for the CC he scored for showmanship and went on to be Best of Breed. The Bitch CC and Res Best in Show went to Ch Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW (Mrs P Clark), another with a most typical head and expression. She has a very good coat of the right texture and pelt of the right thickness and she moved very well behind. Enough bone, she presents a good outline going around the ring and exudes quality. Best Puppy was Olderhill Afortunado (Mrs S Wilson). He has a good head and skull, again without being in any way overdone, good neck and topline, good front and moved better there than behind, correct pelt, good tailset and tail and well balanced throughout.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
see Bitch CC report above.
Paignton
1st Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Tom Johnston
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Had the edge here on maturity and ring presence, good head with pleasing skull shape, dark eye with lovely expression, good body, topline and rear quarters, excellent coat, moved well.
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A well known b/t bitch of excellent confirmation and breed type. Good head, correctly proportioned with keen expression. Straight front with smooth shoulders and is easily spanned. A good level topline and tail set with good angulation of hindquarters. She has the best of blue and tan coats. Moved out well. Not quite as narrow as 1st place.
Class Critique
As I would expect, a class of lovely Border Terriers, all from the top draw, none of them disappointed.
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
National Terrier
7th Apr 2012
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Thank you for a super entry. At times I felt I had been let loose in a sweetie shop such was the quality of the exhibits before me. Indeed because I was spoilt I was hard on jaw and dentition faults and Borders that were more smart terrier than true Border in type. My experience over the years leads me to believe that such faults are heart-breakingly likely to continue to bite in the future if not stamped on. My main winners were true Borders. You read of “a-ha moments†and happily for me there were some rather nice ones here. Good times indeed.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Looking as if she has “been there, done that†she takes “laid back†to a new art form. This ultra typical individual refused to stand over her feet on her toes and did not move with the enthusiasm of 1 today but despite that she failed unequivocally to hide her classic construction which cannot be faulted, sound, balanced and well made she is a lovely example and I enjoyed going over her.
Class Critique
I am fortunate indeed to have the chance to go over such a high class field and it was difficult to separate the principals of this and the previous class.
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2012
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
It was a real privilege to be asked to judge this show. I had a very good entry which pleased me and hope I did it justice. The dogs were generally in good fit condition, came across a few that were too thin, you can’t expect a young active dog to gain good muscle tone if you don’t feed them enough. They must feel miserable kept in that condition, constantly hungry. It was a very hot day, but we tried to keep them in the shade as long as possible but a few were showing signs of the heat. There were a few that looked rather scruffy with long nails and looked as if they had forgotten to take off their carpet slippers. But most were a pleasure to go over.
I was very pleased with my winners.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
I would first like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar. I have looked forward to the appointment for several years and I must say I was not disappointed with my day. The entry was full of quality, especially in the bitch classes, with the open bitch class being the best class I have ever judged.
I have been concerned, over the past few years, on how the breed would develop after the fox hunting ban. If todays entry is typical of the breed as a whole, I can only say it is in safe hands. Movement is still a problem but a much smaller problem than the last time I judged. The number of exhibits with short carrot tails pleased me greatly and the majority of the entry had good double coats, some exceptional and thick pelts. There were a few exhibits with level bites and one with a crowded mouth. One exhibit had a kinked tail.
The show was very quiet with little noise from the exhibits, well done everyone, terriers need a bit of spark but should not show aggression to each other and the temperaments here today were to be commended to the dog`s owners.
I didn’t have any under fed dogs showing all had a good covering of flesh but there were a number of poor, soft muscled dogs which needed more exercise.` The ability to follow a horse` is there in the breed standard, get the dogs out and get them fit.
I thank my stewards for their unobtrusive efficiency and attentiveness which made the day run smoothly.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Wow, blue and tan out of the top draw. Haven`t seen this bitch before but understand she has had a more than successful show career and well deserved. Best jacket of the day, so tight and dense, excellent head so feminine but strong, moving well both ways. Hard to split the two
Blackpool Championship Show
22nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
Movement was difficult to assess under these circumstances, but most dogs seemed to cope remarkably well despite knee high mud & a water logged ring – living proof of the hardiness of the breed!
Despite the appalling weather I enjoyed my day with the Borders very much & was impressed with the overall quality of the dogs & the keen sportsmanship of the exhibitors.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Windsor Championship Show
1st Jul 2012
Judge: Mr K Holmes
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
East of England Championbship Show
6th Jul 2012
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
I thought the quality of the dogs has improved since the last time I judged. They were on a par with the bitches in depth
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A worthy champion, very good type, lovely shoulders and front, easily spanned, kept a good topline on the move, let down by coat today
Crufts
7th Mar 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
I was indeed a great pleasure to judge at Crufts, in fact I loved every minute of it, and it really completed the Crufts experience for me having won the Dog CC and Best of Breed a couple of times, a bitch CC and Best Puppy there as an exhibitor in the past. I must thank all the exhibitors for their tremendous support with a record entry of 274 dogs making 307 entries, it was truly an international occasion as Crufts seems to be these days, with dogs and handlers representing I think, ten countries giving me a really good sample of winning dogs from around the world.
You often read in critiques that judges say they didn't have enough cards to go round, and with the class sizes I had, this was certainly the case, and the only downside of the day for me was that some very tough descisions had to be made with many, many really good dogs leaving the ring without a card. Overall it was an interesting entry with a large variety of sizes and types, but then the standard allows for that as we have quite a wide weight range, no height reference and only the fact that they should be spannable to guide us.I never get too hung up on differing types or kennel types,as I can appreciate them all, providing they fit the standard.
When judging I am looking for a dog fit for function, well constructed, not exagerrated in any way, fits the breed standard, and is capable of doing the job it was originally bred for.I was very pleased with my winners, my Best of Breed winner had it all, well constructed, in fabulous hard, fit condition, moved as though he could follow a horse all day and had a wonderful attitude in the show ring.
I was thrilled to see him put in a faultless performance in the Group ring and winTerrier Group 4. My thanks go to Frank and Roger my very capable stewards who kept everything running smoothly, enabling me to get through the large entry in good time.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A beautifully presented blue and tan with a fantastic harsh coat and thick pelt, loved her head and expression and lovely ear placement,easy to span rib and ribbed well back, strong loin, lovely bone, legs and neat feet, nice angulations both ends which contributes to her really good movement which ultimately secured her the Reserve CC.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks to all of the exhibitors who gave me such a nice entry of 201 dogs, giving 245 entries. My thanks go to my two stewards, with some large numbers in the classes they kept everything running smoothly and helped me to finish on time. Many decisions were difficult and some decent dogs went unplaced.
There were things that came to hand while going over the dogs on the table, short ribs and over long in the loin and long hocks. Some of these short ribbed dogs were not over sprung and quite narrow through the body, but our standard states ‘ribs well back‘, something to be watched in your future breeding programs. Some dogs looked on the heavy side when I first looked around the ring, but on the table I was surprised how so many of these dogs came to hand no problem. Upright shoulders were noticeable and front movement in some classes was a problem, along with some very straight stifles and sickle movement. Puppies and youngsters you would expect to be forgiven for movement, along with the size of ears - within time the head develops and things start to balance out.
Jackets were at all stages, spot on, starting to blow - with some owners trying to scissor or part strip them into shape, other coats were coming through with harshness and one or two had just undercoat. There were some that could have done with just a tidy up which would have helped the overall picture.
General overall condition and the spanning on most dogs was acceptable, with good thick pelts. I did feel some of the puppies were thin and were quite hollow behind the ribs. I only had one bad mouth but plenty with strong jaws and large teeth. In general the shape and length of tails were good. A few low set tails, which when a dog is in a full jacket you can feel the low set when on the table but not necessarily see it on the move.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Nov 2015
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Really pleased to be invited to judge the midland open show, so my thanks to the committee for inviting me and for the hospitality received. Many thanks to Margaret Bailey and Paul Brannan for stewarding and making things run smoothly and keeping me on track. Also my thanks to the competitors for taking my decisions so well and for bringing real quality to the show ring it was hugely appreciated, whether you were first or third there were some close decisions and exceptional quality.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Just in Veteran and just had pups I think14 weeks ago, in excellent condition. Probably the best coat and pelt you’ll find, this bitch is a credit to the breed. Lovely head and expression with big teeth and correct bite, from her head to her toes she just flows from the elegant neck into beautiful shoulders and rib, excellent topline and tailset she just looks a picture. She is a lovely size and beautiful in profile her underline is perfection and something to be noted, she moved with drive both ways. A credit to the breed the breeder and owner.
Class Critique
Wasn’t expecting a Veteran class like this, but my it was very much appreciated, thanks to the exhibitors for bringing them and for excepting my decisions so sportingly. A class full of quality.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show, to the exhibitors for giving me such a super entry and especially to Robert Brewster for his excellent stewarding. I really enjoyed my day.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
just 7 years, with the harshest of b/t coats, plenty of ticking, thick loose pelt, she doesn’t show her age at all, feminine head, keen expression, well made, good size and moved effortlessly around the ring. BV, BB, BIS
Class Critique
A lovely class, with the oldest veteran at 15 years, still enjoying her dayy.
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
it is hard to believe that this blue and tan bitch is now 7 years old. She has a lovely head and expression, good teeth and correct bite, good shoulders with flat ribs carried well back. She was presented in an excellent jacket over a good pelt and moved around the ring with such presence. BV.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
one to which I have previously awarded a CC very pleasing in head and expression with a good skull and correct head proportions. She was good in coat of the right texture and had a pelt of the right thickness, good neck and moved very well behind where she was very well muscled. Enough bone, she presents a good outline going around the ring and has a great deal of quality.
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.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A bitch I have admired from the ringside in the past, but never had the chance to go over. I'm pleased to say she handles as well as she looks, and is still going well into her eighth year. Strong but feminine head on a good neck. Ribs carried well back. Well angulated and balanced, of correct size; shown very fit and well muscled. Quality coat in good order, pelt thick and loose. Moved with great presence and poise; showing as if she enjoyed it. No hesitation in awarding her the bitch CC.
Class Critique
a very nice class throughout
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Very attractive bl/tan in an excellent coat and pelt; good head & expression, nice tight feet. Lovely balance and well made all through so moving out with drive, looking very well for her 7 years, pleased to award her Best Veteran.
Class Critique
A very good class of old ladies.
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Best Veteran - 7 yo. Liked this one in her youth. Still a marvellously typical border with good head, super blue coat and constructed correctly. Moved well, covering the ground. Considered her closely for the top honours.
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.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Lovely feminine bitch, short muzzle correct size & bone, straight front, well laid shoulders into level top line, excellent coat& in super show condition, well presented worthy CH. At 8yrs
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Best Veteran - Bitch
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A lovely blue and tan who has had a fantastic showing career, Still has the same magic and presents a lovely balanced picture, excellent coat, moved very well.BVIS
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
A blue and tan bitch with a superb head, front, lovely reach of neck going into well laid shoulders, good topline and tailset, strong loin, superb balance and excellent coat and pelt. I was delighted to award her RCC and Best Veteran Bitch in Show.
Class Critique
A Lovely class
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
Classic b/t very laid back but what she occasionally lacks in enthusiasm she more than makes up for in sheer type and quality, scores in head properties, beautifully proportioned and well bodied she is utterly feminine and a treat to go over
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
a quality blue & tan who I have judged and given top honours to in the past, a real credit to her owner to present her looking so fit, she has an amazing coat and pelt and a lovely head and expression, looked good standing and on the move, she pushed my Reserve CC winner hard. Best Veteran.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
8yrs+, worthy champion winning the best blue and tan jacket award today. She fits the standard well, moves very sound but lacked a little drive today.
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
BCC
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
So, the best waited today until the very last class to make an appearance in Veteran Bitch. Until I saw her, I had in my mind the outstanding star who had won the previous class as the most likely to be taking this top award, but Betty Boo blew that idea away. I first judged her at the City of Birmingham Ch show in 2009 when she was only 10 months old, but she was an outstanding Border even at that young age (just at the right stage of development for a puppy) and despite giving myself a good talking to in 2009, as I had never awarded a CC to a puppy before, she won the Bitch CC and Best of Breed that day and so was to repeat it here today, now as an 8 and 1/2 year old Veteran. A spine tingling moment for me and no doubt for her owner and for her breeder.
When I judge, for the top awards I want to feel the excitement, of seeing such a good one, in my heart as well as in my head. As I walked around the Veteran bitch class, I was marvelling at how lovely they all were and then, there in the ring, the last one at the end of the line made me pull up sharply. The last one to be gone over on the table in this whole show, was Betty Boo and I melted. She did not disappoint on the table and it was difficult at this moment to maintain my composure as she still has it all and was so beautifully presented in top form. My notes on tape include "She is as perfect now as she was when a puppy." That otter like head, with those keen dark eyes and good proportions and strong jaw while at the same time being refined, that workmanlike body, lithe and graceful but purposeful. The best of blue and tan jackets with excellent "ticking" and her thick, pliable pelt. She is so easy to span now, as she was as a puppy. From her previous critique, the same comments still apply as she has reached maturity - a lovely straight, narrow front, moving so well both coming and going, moving round the ring like she owned it, which she actually did today. She has the star quality, while being an honest, workmanlike bitch. She has all the necessary essentials for a working terrier, with a good narrow front, lovely shaped rib, carried well back and was easily spanned. She has a good topline and excellent length of body, topped off by a good tail, well set on. Thank you for letting me have the pleasure of going over her again and to see that she fulfilled her early promise, given that I now understand this is her 17th CC - well done!
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW
Placing Critique
At 8 and 1/2 years old, this star took the Best Veteran Bitch, Bitch CC and Best In Show. I had to stop myself being overawed when I saw her standing on the table. There are many lovely Borders, especially today, but not that many that stop you in your tracks as she did. For full report, see above.
