Show Placings
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Head ok a bit over rawed on the day preferred movement of the winner
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
lovely otter head, neat ears, good muzzle & bite, ample bone, still developing in body, narrow through, low hocks, good pelt & tidy jacket, movement free flowing,
Bath Canine Society
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mr T Ball
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
7 mth old who was a comfortable winner in this class. He pleased in outline with neck of moderate length, level topline, correct ribbing, good croup and tail of correct set and carriage. Nicely proportioned head with good expression; dark eyes, decent ears and strong muzzle. Pleasing angles front and rear, standing straight in front. Good pelt and fair coat texture. Moving well in profile and when viewed from the rear but needs to tighten in front.
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
7-month-old, good type ,head of good proportion for age, good bone, in nice jacket, moved ok
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
He has a v good, masc head. Enough neck. Slightly too short in back and steep in croup. Well ribbed. Coat just holding on. Super feet.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS:
A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head.
Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect.
Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements.
My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended.
I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards.
BITCHES:
My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly.
I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced.
Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable.
Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
g/t Masculine head, with strong muzzle and big teeth, easily spanned, narrow body, presented in a harsh jacket, over a thick pelt, stood on straight front legs with neat feet, well muscled hind quarters, moved well.
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The London & Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show
10th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you the committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers today, 2nd biggest entry of the day so a big thank you also for the exhibitors on the quality of the dogs for me to go over today. Also a big thank you to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the sponsorship of the classes on the day.
A lovely well run show with a great atmosphere and a great ending to the show when you get to see your Best of Breed/Best Puppy go on and get Best Puppy In show. Also a big thank you to my steward Mandy Holmes for keeping the dogs coming and going in correct order.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
9 month old grizzle dog, nice strong head with a strong muzzle and nice big/sound bite. Good in shoulder and rib just lacking a little in length of loin, jacket in good order and a nice thick pelt.
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
16th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jack Wood (Nasabe)
Puppy /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Derek Pearmain (Delandmar)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
10-month-old Grizzle & Tan dog. Lovely head leading into nice neck. Good shoulder placement. In good double jacket. Narrow throughout. Moved well. Best Puppy Dog
Guildford & District Canine Society
28th Nov 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Woolwich, Bexley DCS Open show
5th Dec 2021
Judge: Mr A Bicknell (Shimano)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
What a weekend it proved to be for Border Terriers
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Attractive dog who could have carried a little more coat, true front lovely head and eye correct mouth, spans easily coat of good texture
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge at this Show, It really seemed to be a success judging by the happy atmosphere in the venue and congratulations must go to all the hard working Committee for the superb organization on the day despite the Covid regulations and the inclement weather. My thanks must also go to my two efficient stewards, Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Joyce Whiting, for their invaluable assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly and keeping me in check.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Just preferred the head of this boy to my winner. Pleasing otter type head, not too broad with a good dark eye of correct shape. Neat ears. Decent narrow front. Strong neck set into well laid back shoulders. Slightly shorter in body than the winner. Strong in loin. Good angulation fore and aft. Decent hard coat and thick pelt. Moved well.
Guildford & District Canine Society Open Show
19th Mar 2022
Judge: Ruth Gee (Watercroft)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Chichester & District Canine Society Open Show
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr I H Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
10th Apr 2022
Judge: Janet Robertson (Renevis)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
grizzle dog with a strong head with big teeth and well set ears; harsh double coat with a thick loose pelt. Moved soundly.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
16 month old grizzle with a lovely strong head and nice big teeth making a lovely expression, made up of a little bit more of a shorter construction and his top line not quite as good as the winner. Excellent in jacket/pelt
Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society Open Show
7th May 2022
Judge: Simon Burton (Glencorrie)
I enjoyed judging this breed for the first time. All dogs were spannable (a couple only just) and had the correct thick, pliant skin.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Really liked this typy, r/gr dog of 16 months. Soundly constructed and so good to go over. Masculine head and expression with good breadth of skull and strength of muzzle. Perhaps a little deeper in stop than I would’ve liked but bright intelligent eyes, well placed and ears well set and used. Super neck and correctly angulated front bringing his forelegs nicely under his withers. Narrowish body of good depth, straight forelegs. Lovely topline with perfect set on of carrot tail. Super neat hindquarters with correct turn of stifle and low set hocks. In great coat, harsh, dense and good feet. Moved out superbly with great activity using his angulation to give the outline I was looking for, holding a perfect topline and tail carriage. RBOB. Just losing out in the challenge to what I later found was his litter sister who was better in stop and a settled showgirl whereas he got a bit over exuberant and lost focus but he’s a quality boy
Wickford, Basildon & District Canine Society Open Show
14th May 2022
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Bath CS Championship Show
27th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank Bath Canine Society Committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers at their show. I would also like to thank my steward as she was on her own, and did an excellent job of running the ring and dogs smoothly. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors who entered, I had a very enjoyable day going over each of the dogs.
On the whole most of the dogs were in good condition. Most dogs presented had good pelts and coats, however there were a few with thin pelts. There were a few long tails and some large ears. The movement on the whole was sound.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
In good condition. Good head and expression. Moved ok.
Reading & District Kennel Association Open Show
1st Jun 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to the committee/officers of Reading & District Kennel Association for asking me to judge the Border Terriers at today’s Premier Open Show. A lovely entry of 20 dogs so a big thank you to the exhibitors for supporting my entry today and presenting some quality dogs. Also a big thank you to my steward for the day Mr Graham Smith who kept the classes moving along not just for the Borders but a number of the Terrier breed classes. It is always nice to have the day to see the Terrier Classes develop and see the quality that comes through into the group and it did not disappoint but always nice to see your Best Of Breed go Terrier Group 1 and to top it off be awarded Best In Show from an entry of well over 1,000 dogs
Junior /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Open Show
2nd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs G Vaughan (Holteal)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
An exhibit of decent type and good size. A nicely shaped head with good width and short muzzle to give a keen expression with a bite of large teeth. Well boned, in double coat with a well set tail, moving OK. My notes say would benefit from ringcraft training.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Three Counties Championship Show
9th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
RDCC
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
well shaped otter type head good bite well set on small ears dark eye shown in full double coat loose thick pelt spannable moved well both ways pleased to award him RCC
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Night type of dog but totally out of coat today. Nice masculine head & expression. He has a good depth to his body & well made hindquarters. Moves well both ways.
East of England
9th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Good in head and profile, good topline, moved well both ways
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Red grizzle of good size. Masculine head with correct bite and keen expression. Spanning well, he had a good length of body, strong, well-muscled hindquarters. A little unsettled on the table today but he won this class on his movement.
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Another good example of the breed, strong head, big teeth and correct bite. With a keen expression he was well presented in a good double coat, narrow straight front, good rear angulation, and moved well both way’s, A shame he is no longer with us, condolences to his owner
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Arunmere Midnight Cowboy
Placing Critique
Nice head with good skull and short strong muzzle, Dark eye, good ears. Moderate neck, good legs and feet. Good ribs, loin and well set tail. Harsh coat, good pelt. Moved with active gait.
