Show Placings
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Strong muzzle with a broad skull, slightly wider in front, but still easily spanned, ribs carried well back, & covered with a thick harsh coat.
Selby Canine Society Open Show
28th Oct 2023
Judge: Jill Young (Chadbrook)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
25th Nov 2023
Judge: Knut Sigurd Wilberg
Best Dog
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Promising puppy with a very nice head. He is well constructed with a superb outline. Moved very well. BD
Bridlington & District Canine Society Open Show
26th Nov 2023
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
My thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge at this show.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
this 7.5 month old smart grizzle and tan dog stood alone but a worthy winner. Beautifully presented in great double coat with a loose and pliable pelt. Lovely otter head housing large strong teeth with correct bite, dark eye and good ear placement. Nice straight front with plenty of bone, good rear angulation and a great narrow scannable rib carried well back to a strong loin. He moved with ease both ways. BPIB and please to see him take TPG2.
Burton on Trent KA Open show
3rd Dec 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee and volunteers of BOTKA for putting on this well organised show, under rather challenging circumstances, with sunny smiles and cheery dispositions. But, above all, my thanks go to the stewards, Margaret and Julie, and the brave exhibitors- the hardy few- who endured the awful road conditions to make it to Newark today.
In the ring, unfortunately both the colder than expected temperature, and the fan blowing warm air right next to the ring did affect most of the dogs to a varying degree- mostly in movement unfortunately. There were no kinked tails, all were of sound temperaments with keen gaze. Every dog had a strong scissor bite and clean strong teeth, and were spannable, with some good pelts and jackets on show today.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
This grizzle and tan dog of 7 months ticked all the boxes this morning. Super Ottery head; correct proportions in head with enough fill under eye; strong teeth and an inquisitive alert gaze. Straight front with good bone on small thick padded feet. Good reach of neck flowed into well laid back shoulders, with level topline and lovely underline. Narrow through- easily spanned with excellent ribbing, loin and hindquarters displaying a good turn of stifle and thick carroty tail. Shown in a harsh coat with good pelt. Moved efficiently around the ring, with a balanced gait. Best Puppy in Breed, and pleased to note he went on to TPG2.
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Boston DCS Open Show
17th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank Boston & District C.S. for inviting me to judge the breeds allocated.
Unfortunately there were no Kerry Blues entered.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TG4, Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
8 month old grizzle & tan dog with strong muzzle, neat ears & good angulation front & rear. Good coat & pelt & easily spanned. Moved well forward & back on neat feet. Happy to award him BPIB,he also gained TPG4.
Coventry Ladies’ Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2024
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Another smart dog pup just 9 months old and set down in super condition/jacket, good head with a keen expression and a nice dark eye. Spans easily and he’s a handy size coming to hand easily. Just preferred the length of loin in the winner which reflected in an overall picture but again a close decision.
Wellingborough & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Mysulan Byards Legend
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
9 month old grizzle & tan dog. Super otter head with strong muzzle and keen expression, leading to good reach of neck with level topline. Good hind quarters with nice small feet. In thick double coat, moved well & balanced around the ring. In challenge scored over kennel mate for showmanship & balance. BD, BP, RBoB.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Best Puppy
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
A super Grizzle and Tan puppy of almost 10 months. Looked really eye catching on first appraisal and going over him does not disappoint. Owns a typical otter shaped head, short strong muzzle and ample length of neck fitting into well placed shoulder. Spanned easily with ribs carried well back, a lovely level topline and correctly set on tail. Moved well around the ring with good forward reach and racy well musclelled hindquarters which gave him real strength in hind movement. Today shown in a harsh jacket. My BEST PUPPY DOG and subsequently BEST PUPPY IN SHOW
Newark & DCS Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mick Oxley (Digelsa)
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
The Sporting Terrier Association of Yorkshire Open Show
18th Feb 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Best Puppy
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
I liked this dog very much last time I judged him and nothing much has changed. He takes your eye as soon as he enters the ring. Moved well and balanced and was in good coat. BP, RBIB
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge their open show held at Jedburgh, the home of the border terrier. It was a great privilege, and I had some amazing dogs present who are a credit to their owners, thank you for bringing them.
Thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly and keeping me on track so we finished at a reasonable time. The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank the whole committee for this.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
10-month-old mature grizzle and tan puppy presented in top order, coat of correct texture with depth of undercoat and pelt in evidence. Typical head with well set ears, dark eye, strong jaw housing large teeth. Nice shoulder, front and rib making him very easy to span. Sound steady movement around the ring.
Wath, West Melton & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Mar 2024
Judge: Anne Speake
I'd like to thank the officers and committee for the kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at there open show and for the excellent hospitality and lunch provided. I had a super entry and I'd like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over your dogs. My thanks to my very efficient steward Lynda for keeping the ring running smoothly
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Mysulan Byards Legend
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
(d) this 11 month old g/t dog caught my eye on entering the ring, with a strong masculine head, lovely dark eye and keen expression, good length of neck into well angulated shoulders. Ribs carried well back, good topline & tailset. Has a strong loin and muscular rear, enabling him to move out with real drive to win the class. Correct coat with a thick pliable pelt. BPIB and TPG3
Class Critique
What a lovely class to start the day with
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Narrow grizzle of lovely size. Broad skull, keen expression. Very good coat texture and excellent feet.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Golden Jubilee Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Many Thanks to the Society for inviting me to judge at their Golden Jubilee Open Show. Thank you to my two stewards who kept things running smoothly and also my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors who came under me and gave me a lovely entry.
Most of the exhibits were presented in a good clean condition, but a few could have done with a little finer tuning on their presentation. Just one level bite.
I find the true otter head is disappearing and movement left a lot to be desired, fronts were knitting and rears were moving close behind. Apart from that, I had an enjoyable day, thank you all.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
another nice pup who was presented well. He has a good head, nice eye, neat ears, correct dentition, good lay of shoulders, level topline which he carried well on the move. Just preferred overall conformation of winner.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Very smart youngster who really catches the eye. Good body built on racy lines. Pleasing in neck and shoulder with straight front. Masculine otter head with broad skull, strong in muzzle with a nice dark eye. He moved out soundly to take the class. BPD
Class Critique
A class headed by two very nice puppies
Norfolk & Norwich CS Open Show
9th Apr 2024
Judge: Judith Rule (Overbore)
Thank you to the hard-working secretary and committee for inviting me to judge at your lovely show, organised with such dedication. We must not forget to offer our support at these great regional open shows. Many thanks to my lovely stewards Christy and Ellen for your support. Border Terriers: Having owned the breed for some years alongside horses, I’m looking for a functional working terrier fit for purpose in addition to documented breed standard. I noted bites were good, most were sturdy under hand and although not assessing handling, appraisal requires a degree of control. Ear size and tail length are elements to consider.
Puppy /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan, twelve months old. Lovely handy size and narrow throughout. Good otter head. Keen expression, good bite and dark eye. Moderately angulated front construction, but has excellent straight front legs and small well padded feet. Nice short tail. True on the move.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Red/Grizzle with an alert expression correct dentition,head with little stop and ears carried well, good length of neck into shoulders with a narrow front,spannable with length of body, well muscled rear quarters,short carrot tail held topline stood and moving,lovely thick pelt, jacket had good texture.
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
13mth old grizzle dog, smart boy, presented well and showed beautifully today. Good head, with flat skull, neat ears and a strong jaw. Excellent shoulder placement, narrow body of good length and level topline, short carrot tail. Moved out well with an effortless stride.
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
liked the size of this dog, easily spanned, well presented, and handled well, narrow body lines and racy hindquarters with well set on short tail, moved out well, close decision for first.
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
RDCC
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Best Junior
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
I liked this young dog who impressed on his overall balance and type. He has a very nice headpiece and a lovely expression. Super neck and shoulder. Good bone throughout and not overdone. Correct topline and tail set. Nicely ribbed and easily spannable. Correct hindquarters. Good thick skin and best of jackets. I just thought he was a very honest border, moderate, with little to dislike. In the class he moved ok bit upped his game in the challenge. Was pushed very hard by the minor puppy. RCC
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
14 months grizzle, good all round. Masculine head with a moderately short, strong muzzle and large teeth. Correct angulation front and rear, straight front with good bone and tight feet .Shown in correct double coat overlying loose pelt. Level topline, tail well set on and moving freely.
Class Critique
Good class
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Good head & expression, Nice length of neck & level topline, short tail well set on. Moved well. Showed in excellent condition.
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
13th Jun 2024
Judge: Ms Raewyn C Downey
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Border Union Agricultural Society
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the Society for the invitation to Judge one of my favourite shows, it didn’t all go to plan with the weather playing its part. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for going along with my decision to stay outside despite the weather, and my special thanks to stewards Judy Carr and Audrey Coltart for braving the weather also. Also my thanks to Euan for posting my judging book and critique notes and to whomever handed it in.
Sorry for delay, holidays and work have played their part. I had some lovely dogs to go over and thank you all for bringing them.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog with a pleasing head of correct proportions, good bite, nice in profile and well balanced, a good handy size easily spanned and shown in harsh double coat with thick pelt. He moved well both ways, with narrow straight front and covered the ground well maintaining a level topline on the move.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all of you who entered your dogs for me to judge. I really enjoyed my day and having the privilege of judging your dogs. The weather was kind and our ring was good. I had excellent stewards and I thank them for their hard work.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Another nice grizzle boy who has a lovely head neat ears and a keen expression. Narrow throughout and easy to span. Shown in a good grizzle double jacket. Moved out well. Shame to of met 1st today.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
grizzle, with good head, taller than 1, narrow throughout and racy, moved very well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Leeds Championship Show
28th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I enjoyed my judging and appreciated the good sportsmanship around the ring with applause for all class placings, this is so often lacking these days. In the males there were a lot shown in single coat so these were not in contention on the day, also quite a few were difficult to span. I did not find these problems in the bitches However as many judges before me have commented, good front movement is the exception rather than the norm and these Borders would easily tire following a horse all day.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
G/t smaller mould than my winner. Lovely head and expression, tail and set correct. He moved ok but not as ground covering as 1st.
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
A beautifully presented grizzle dog, shown in super condition. He had a masculine head with a flat skull, dark eyes and a short, strong muzzle. A lovely reach of neck flowed into a well laid back shoulder and narrow body, well ribbed back. He had small, neat feet and moved freely with a good length of stride. However, I preferred the overall balance of my winner.
Darlington Championship Show
13th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs L Roberts
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Grantham & DCS Open Show
19th Oct 2024
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog, presented in smart order, good head with short, strong muzzle. Narrow with ribs well laid back. Moved well around the ring, in good coat today.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
RDCC
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Mysulan Byards Legend
Placing Critique
G/tan Lovely handy size and narrow throughout with a correct double jacket and loose pelt. Good otter head. Keen expression, good bite and dark eye. well angulated front construction, has excellent straight front legs and small well padded feet. Nice short tail, set well coming of a level topline. True on the move both ways and profile. Really liked this dog enough to award RCC.
