Show Placings
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club Open Show
21st Apr 2013
Judge: Sue Wilson (Olderhill)
Many thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge and to my two young and very efficient stewards
Best Puppy
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Loved this puppy, she had such a happy attitude, showing beautifully on a loose lead for one so young. Pretty head and expression, good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Nice topline. Lovely racy body with good hind angulation enabling her to move positively and with drive.
WELKS
28th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
My first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the officers and committee of WELKS for the invitation. Grateful thanks to my stewards who kept everything moving so efficiently and thanks to all the exhibitors who gave me the privilege of going over their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and fully appreciated the opportunity to judge some high quality exhibits. Some decisions were difficult and places could change on another day.
On a positive note temperaments were good, as were mouths and feet. On the down side I felt that there were not enough exhibits that moved with drive and there were several with wide fronts - these are faults that would impact on the dog's ability to work.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Class Critique
This was a lovely class to judge and there were some promising puppies who were unplaced. As one would expected at this age there was varying degrees of maturity and it will be very interesting to see how they develop.
National Dog Show
9th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to Birmingham National for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and for providing me with two excellent stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly, also to all the exhibitors that gave me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
The quality in some classes was superb especially the limit and open of both sexes, leaving me with more dogs I liked, than cards to award. Temperaments and presentation were good.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2013
Judge: Mr Hans T Lehtinen (Finland)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
A very promising puppy bitch I like very much. Nicely put together. Excellent proportions. Well laid rears. Moves well. BP
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
A pleasing head with a very typical expression. Very good front with well laid shoulders, well ribbed back, with a good coat and pelt. She moved well and has very good hind angulation. Best puppy bitch.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Well proportioned bitch with pleasing neck, good shoulder and super narrow ribs correctly carried back to a strong loin. Moved well
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
2nd in Junior Bitch
Crufts
7th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a record entry for the breed of 303 exhibits making 340 entries and indeed the largest entry for a single Judge at this prestigious show, also for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted. Thank you also to my two Stewards, Roger and Heather Chaston, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, for their assistance in ensuring that I was able to get through this huge entry in plenty of time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Group.
It was an interesting entry with some difficult decisions having to be made such was the high standard of exhibits present. I felt that movement had improved since the last time I judged. Heads and expressions were good, although a few were a shade heavy in ear. Mouths overall were much improved with a marked reduction in the number of dogs presented with overcrowded jaws of small teeth, only the odd few having either a chipped, or in the case of an older exhibit, a missing tooth. The majority of teeth were clean with just a small number needing more attention in this area. All dogs were entire.
I was pleased that so many were presented with the correct double jacket that the standard asks for, unfortunately some exhibits that really appealed for type and size had very little evidence of, or no, jacket and on another day could have done better. Attention to feet was very evident, many of whom I believe may have benefited from plenty of roadwork, resulting in tight thick pads and short claws. Inevitably with any entry of this magnitude I had to let a number of worthy exhibits leave the ring without a prize card, which I really did not enjoy doing.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
well constructed bitch, correct for size and bone. Good head and expression complemented with small v-shaped ears falling close to the cheek. Straight front and clean shoulders, she is nicely ribbed back and moved with enthusiasm to secure her placing. Shown in a double jacket covering a good thick pelt she spanned with ease,
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
winner of Yearling Bitch
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this group championship show. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Doyle and John Callow for their help and assistance in keeping me organised and the ring running smoothly. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for such a large entry in these tough financial times.
The ring was large with lots of space for dogs to move freely without being forced to stop/start. In general the dogs were in good condition. I found 1 dog that was not entire. Although teeth were mostly OK, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly in size. Coats varied as always but I judge on the day and lack of coat is taken into account when placing exhibits. I was concerned at the number of exhibits down on their pasterns, not giving the small feet as required. Many younger exhibits would really benefit from regular ringcraft experience.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
VHC in yearling. This 20 month g/tan is of a different type being ideal for size. Her head is of nice proportions giving keen expression, with a large nose and correct bite. Liked her forechest and has a straight front, flat ribs and holds her topline well. Coat in prime condition. Muscular rear end used to move smartly from the rear but tends to flap a little at the front..
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Apr 2014
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
It was a great pleasure to judge my own club’s championship show. The venue is excellent, and I was able to experience this from the judge’s side of the table. The show was run very smoothly, and I was particular grateful to Beverley Jackson who, as chief steward, saw that everything was in the right place at the right time. I was pleased with my class winners, though some of the lower placing were a little problematic. As one would expect at this time of the year, with a few exceptions, coats were excellent. I seem to go on about movement every time I judge. I was pleased to note that wide fronts were fewer than before, however we seem to be going in the opposite direction,, with front paws nearly touching on the move. In my opinion the top-line should either be level or slightly sloping downwards to the hind legs. There were several exhibits in which the slope was the other way, with the top of the hind legs above the front legs. This is a wrong. There were several tails that were far too long. There was only one really bad mouth, the dog in question should not in my opinion be shown, and a couple with an incisor out of alignment. And that raises a question. The first line of the standard states ‘Essentially a working terrier’. Does a minor tooth misalignment affect the ability of the dog to work? Any judge can see a fault in the mouth and penalize it, and yet miss other faults which can indeed affect the working ability. Similarly how important are missing teeth? Many a Border has one or more of the first premolars missing or not properly erupted. The standard makes no mention of teeth other than in the context of a scissor bite. At least we are not obsessed with counting teeth as are the Germans.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Quality bitch, most beautiful head and lovely expression, correct topline and tail, excellent ribcage, correct angulations and excellent movement. I would like to meet this lovely bitch in proper coat.
Bath Championship Show
23rd May 2014
Judge: Mr S Plane
Thankyou to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry for the first time awarding challenge certificates. Although we had a super sized ring with short grass and level surface, the weather prevented us from using the outer part in some classes. Most of the exhibits were undeterred by the rain and dampness
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Very nice headed bitch with a beautiful neck and shoulder, true front, very racy in outline, happy on the move, will look better with more coat.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
G/t. Another nice bitch. Good size. Correct in body, shapely flat rib, ribbed well back. Showed in good in coat. Moved well.
Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Jun 2014
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Congratulations to the committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for running an excellent show at a new venue under extreme circumstances. Due to a nasty virus the appointed judge, Mrs Betty Judge, was taken ill the day before and was not well enough to carry out her duties. I know that she was absolutely devastated and had been looking forward to the appointment for a long time.
Faced with such an emergency, show manager, Mr David Hunt managed the situation with complete calm and professionalism. I was both honoured and shocked to be invited to step in to judge and here, I must say a huge thank you to the committee for asking me but in particular to the exhibitors who had entered under and were expecting another judge and took the situation so sportingly.
I am grateful to everyone who accepted my decisions and placings so graciously and to my great team of stewards: Andrew Mooney, Elspeth Jackson and Bev Marsh, who kept everything running smoothly and between them managed to multi-task and juggle photographs, collecting ring, announcing, paperwork awards etc etc.
And so to the dogs themselves – there were some superb entries and it was an absolute pleasure to go over and place them. Some of the classes were so strong that even good dogs didn’t get placed.
Coats and presentation were generally excellent - something, which was not so apparent the last time I judged. This I put down principally to the time of year (for both shows).
Movement today seemed in many of the dogs to be lacking the drive that I would have wished for. In part, I think the surface may have been to blame (but not in all instances) and had we been outside on the grass this might have been different. I do slightly regret that I did not decide to judge the dogs outside.
Mouths were good in all but one (suspect) case, as were the temperaments. Size I think will need to be kept in check, there seemed to be a fair number who seemed to be heavy enough, others who were too deep to be easily spanned.
I was so thrilled with my “stars” of the show. It was a pleasure to judge all of your dogs; they were a lovely, quality entry.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Light grizzle and tan of 22 months. I loved her narrowness throughout and racy shape. She was easily the best mover of the class. Very nicely proportioned and showed well for her handler.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Class Critique
This was not your typical novice class, full of first class bitches. I was spoilt for choice
Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship Show
20th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
A soundly bitch, good size, good head, eye and expression, neat well carried ears, straight front, well placed shoulder, good spannable, ribs, nicely made body, good pelt.
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr S Jackson (Clipstone)
Very sorry for the late publication of this report. Unfortunately the original was on a device that was stolen. It was an honour again to judge Windsor which is one of my personal favourite shows, and also my local!
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
3rd Aug 2014
Judge: Bainbridge & Dandy
*Dogs*
Many thanks to the Midland Committee for this appointment and to all those especially the stewards who made for an enjoyable day. The entry in general reflected the type the exhibitors by now know I like. However there were a number up to size and exhibiting poor front angulation and short deep ribs and paid the price. I was looking for dogs with a typical otter head straight narrow front well laid shoulders ribbed back spannable and racey rear quarters with thick pelt in harsh double coat all of which we should be looking for in the ideal Border Terrier that is essentially a working terrier.
I was very pleased with my winners overall and had good depth of quality in the limit and open classes that generally displayed the above attributes.
The dog CC and ultimately BIS Ch Olderhill Afortunado is the ideal border terrier that shows with confidence and has class. He has a good border head of otter type strong jaw with keen expression on strong neck set into well laid shoulders ,narrow ribs carried back ,ideal length strong loin and the desired rear quarters ,shown in double coat and top condition moved with drive to cover the ground. Pleased my co-judge agreed this boys qualities worthy of BIS.
The RCC Tythrop Timepiece this excellent blue and tan displayed similar qualities to the above and with his good turn of stifle and short hocks and tight feet moved so well and with top presentation took this award over the quality 2nd in Open and Limit winner and with time maturity should complete the picture.
The Bitch CC winner and BOS,RBIS Ploughdown Placida is a top quality exhibit but for me just not the strength in loin of the dog but a close decision .
*Judge: John Bainbridge*
*Bitches*
A great honour to judge bitches at this breed club show, my grateful thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for their warm and friendly hospitality and to my two competent and hardworking stewards. I had a most enjoyable day and was delighted that my final line-up comprised of excellent and true to type examples of the breed, with some really promising youngsters amongst them. It is always foremost in my mind when judging this breed that it is essential that the dog’s conformation and movement should demonstrate its capability to work and follow a horse. I found this a challenge today, rather too many exhibits failing to demonstrate free ground covering movement or any length of stride to ‘follow a horse’: with weak pasterns resulting in uneconomic paddling action and poor reach; and sickle hocks impairing effective drive. I was also struck by the number of short ribs and untypical ‘cut up’ underlines. On a positive note temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance, although I felt numerous exhibits were neither ‘active’ nor ‘game’ in their demeanour. I was delighted to co-judge BIS with John Bainbridge and pleased that we agreed on all of our joint decisions today.
*Judge: Sarah Dandy*
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
Though the standard calls for a narrow body I found many dogs who were too skinny & I could easily feel their ribs! Heads were quite disappointing, many had long weak muzzles not the proportions one associates with an Otters head. Many exhibits lack the small round foot & I doubt if they would cope with the exercise it needs to follow a horse. Coats were mixed & many just a seasonal problem.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Boston & District Canine Society
11th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
Thank you to all exhibitors for your entries I had a good cross section of dogs to choose from. Some dogs that I have admired in the past were either not in coat or didn’t move well and others that I've not noticed before, were 'found ' on the table. We must all remember judging should be on the day and not on what something has won or not won, beforehand. I'm sure the same dogs could be placed differently on another day under me, some that did or didn't perform affected their placings accordingly.
Some super puppies coming through, with all four of my puppy class winners looking very promising. They gave me some hair splitting decisions.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Very feminine light red who shows her socks off. Is well made throughout with good neck and shoulder and has a thick pelt. Is very workmanlike and strides out around the ring with great confidence. Certainly is game and active and would get to ground without any trouble.
Crufts
7th Mar 2015
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
First of all I would like to thank the Kennel Club for the honour and pleasure of judging this prestigious show. I must then thank my efficient and capable stewards who kept me on track and looked after me through the day. Most of all I would like thank the exhibitors who rose from their beds at early hours and drove many miles to give me an entry of Border Terriers to be proud of and one which is was a delight to judge. It was not only strong numerically strong but also in depth of quality. It is a cliché to say that there were not enough cards to go around but in this entry it was certainly true. Determining all the final line up in each class was difficult and also in many deciding who should make the short list was also a challenge. Good dogs went without a card, ones who in a different entry I would have been happy to see as winners. In the challenges decisions remained tough and more than those that took the top honours were worthy of doing so and I would have been very pleased to have had more awards to give out.
In the days following this year’s show Crufts, dog shows and those who participate in them came in for some criticism. The picture painted by the media at this time was certainly not my experience. Before, during and after the show I found show people to be nothing but good natured, genuine and supportive. I enjoyed every minute of my day and hope that those that supported me with an entry or as spectators at the ringside did so too
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Another bitch narrow throughout who comes to hand nicely, pleasing head with a feminine expression, good lay of shoulder with spannable ribs. Moved out well.
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
very nice type, nice for size, very nice head shape, good muzzle, lovely expression, narrow front, good neck & topline, well-muscled quarters, thick pelt good coat, moved well, looked really good in profile, held her shape well. RCC
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Would have like more depth of coat on this light grizzle bitch and more muscle tone, but she handles well and spans easily. Good pelt, flat broad skull with good dentition.
Three Counties Agricultural Society
4th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
a lot of quality in this bitch, could change places on another day. Very nice head with dark eye & big teeth, good shoulders & front, ribs carried well back, tail well set on, moved with drive. Well earned RCC
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
My thanks, to the Club, for the invitation to judge their Club Show and the hospitality shown to Peter and myself. Thanks, also, to my Stewards, Wendy Mooney and Denise Townsend, who valiantly coped with the paperwork in the, at times, rather blustery conditions, keeping everything going smoothly! Thank you to the exhibitors, also, who entered for my opinion. The grass, in the ring, wasn’t exactly “bowling green”, so it certainly sorted out the good from the bad, on the move!
As is usual, from me, not an “everything in the garden is rosy” preamble! After 35 years, living and breathing Border Terriers, I tell it, as I see it!
As with my last appointment, Crufts, it is just over a 3 year gap, since I judged the Breed in the UK. I had obviously made my point, last time, that I wouldn’t pass the excessively broad skull, almost caricature like, that had become popular, despite the Standard asking for “Head like that of an Otter. Moderately broad in skull”, as there were none I thought overdone, on the day. I think, the problem lies, possibly, that the Standard doesn’t specify, as I was taught, that it refers to English River Otter, some people, mistakenly thinking the commoner headed Sea Otter, or deeper stopped Asian Short Clawed Otter is being referred to. There is a big difference between the three! Not helped by critiques, apparently, praising “broad” skulls, which, to me, sends out the wrong signals!
At Crufts, I had thought the breed had turned a corner, with regard to forehands ie. shoulder and upper arm construction…….how wrong was I?!!! I think I had the full range of faults today, upright shoulders, short upper arm, out at the elbow, sometimes all on the same exhibit! The widest part of a Border Terrier, “Essentially a working Terrier”, bred to go to ground, shouldn’t be the elbows, this fault usually being because the forehand isn’t set on the body correctly, being too far forward, due to a short, steep upper arm, usually, although not always, accompanied by an upright shoulder. These faults also affect that other line from the Standard “Capable of following a horse”, as, due to the incorrect angles, the movement is no longer efficient, being restricted to a shorter, hackneyed, step in profile, almost as though they are walking on hot coals, due to the foreleg not reaching full extension. It may look ok, coming and going, being accurate, as the shorter stride means there is less room for error, but the lack of a ground covering stride would mean the dog working twice as hard on the move, doing its job, soon becoming exhausted. This was brought home to me, discussing the stamina of various dogs with a friend, his son exercising their two Border Terrier champions chasing after him, on horseback, around a field. The accurate mover, with the shorter stride was soon exhausted, having had to work twice as hard, whereas the more angulated one, with the longer, ground covering stride, was up for more! Like, usually breeds like, good forehands being bred for. They don’t appear as if by magic! I am well aware that these faults are seemingly being passed by Judges, not just in the UK, at the very highest level, but that doesn’t mean that they are either correct or desirable and they are very difficult to breed out. I’m left wondering, having read a number of critiques, then having seen, or judged the dogs being praised, are the Seminars failing to educate the correct mechanics of economical movement, or are people just not seeing the movement faults, as long as its trots up and down, with its head and tail up, showing nicely for the Judge! Conversely, as ever, hind movement was pretty good.
It was interesting to note that those I have rewarded in the past, with the correct forehands and narrow fronts, at Crufts and previous engagements, came back, having retained their virtues and have also passed the same, narrow, lithe bodylines on to the next generation. If they are made right, they last right! A working Terrier, whose front is going, or has gone, by the time it is reaching maturity, is neither use nor ornament and is a liability to itself and its owner.
I would like to think, from ring side, that it was obvious that I was looking for Borders with a pattern of moderation and workmanlike construction, with sound, free, scopey movement, who also had quality and style. It wasn’t always easy, in some classes, but I thought my final line ups, in both sexes, demonstrated my priorities.
On the whole, coats and pelts were good, as always my opinion being that coats are transient. I don’t expect them to be aimed specifically, time wise, for me, as I am more concerned with correct construction, but it is “the icing on the cake.” As long as there was evidence of the correct textures, no one was unduly marked down, until it came to the top honours.
Most were spannable, although very few were easily spannable, slightly worrying, as my hands have a big span! This isn’t just a UK problem!
Mouths were all acceptable, a few with the odd broken tooth, which is only to be expected in a working Terrier and certainly wouldn’t be penalised by me.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good rib, easily spanned. Excellent top line and tail set. Good tail. Good hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Real showgirl. Moved out well, in the class, but just throwing her front, a little, in the challenge.
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Engaging individual who was a real contender for the top spot, free showing and standing evenly on her toes, every fibre was firm and long for athleticism without bulk, flawless presentation, beautifully headed, with shapely clean neckline, well laid shoulders, correct depth and length of body, strong quarters with best of tails, she really used her well let down hocks to drive over the ground, all typical I found my CC winner a shade more positive coming towards me but it is the sort of quandary one has to enjoy RCC
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Paignton & District Fanciers’ Association Championship Show
1st Aug 2015
Judge: Miss Diane Swales (Grabbist)
My thanks to the Secretary and Committee for inviting me to judge at this most enjoyable show and to my two extremely efficient stewards, Felicity Snook and Lady Elain Macdonald, who kept the ring flowing smoothly. I am grateful to the exhibitors for a good entry including some very nice Borders and some promising youngsters. Overall mouths were good with strong, clean teeth and correct bites except for one overshot. Skins were an improvement on my last judging appointment, the majority being thick and loose but I do not like the tendency to strip coats out leaving little evidence of a harsh, dense coat. Remembering that a Border is 'essentially a working Terrier' it concerns me that there are a number being shown that really do not measure up to that description both in jacket and the lack of drive and ability to cover the ground when moving. These comments do not apply to my winners and I was so pleased to find many that really measure up to most points in the standard.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Had everything I like to find in a Border and I really liked her but she seemed a little unsettled.
Class Critique
Good trio headed this class.
Welsh Kennel Club
22nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
I very much enjoyed judging this quality entry and I left there were some particularly good bitches. As always, some classes were better than others, but my winners and the bitch line-up in particular pleased me. Heads varied considerably and also movement and fronts which still seem to be problems in the breed.
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
very feminine bitch and a true Border Terrier, She handles beautifully on the table and ticks all the boxes for breed specific points with her lovely otter head, wonderful coat and tail and she spans easily, ideal body properties, extra sound behind with good tail carried perfectly, moved well although she can be a little untidy in front coming towards you but her overall type in combination with outstanding breed points far outweigh this, just unlucky to meet another bitch of top quality here today. Res CC
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Class Critique
This was a most interesting class to judge with so many pleasing bitches.
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
very nice head, nice dark ears. Good coat & pelt. Good hindquarters, straight front & covered the ground well when moving & kept her topline. Happy disposition. RCC
Class Critique
A huge class, which took some sorting as there were a number of very nice bitches.
West Midland Terrier Society Open Show
28th Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
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.
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
well constructed feminine bitch, who scored for her correct size and bone. She has a lovely otter shaped head and keen expression complemented with small v-shaped ears falling close to the cheek. Straight front and clean shoulders, she is nicely ribbed back and has a good length of back into sound racy quarters. Shown in a double jacket covering a good thick pelt she spanned with ease and moved out freely. She was my clear winner for the class and pressed really hard in the challenge. RBCC.
Boston & District Canine Society
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Society for my invitation to judge at Boston show . Thanks too to my stewards who were both efficient and unobtrusive , great timesavers and cheerful ! I very much enjoyed my day on the woolsack and had some lovely dogs and bitches who I felt could do a days work , having the construction to enable them to run the equivalent of a marathon over rough terrain , as well as being narrow , lithe and spannable to get in underground and ultimately back out again . Some did pay the penalty of being too big in rib and thus were heavily over standard for weight when picked up or too wide in front to get in , others failed in their construction to move in a sound , balanced , long , free striding way making one think they could not follow a horse any distance ! All bar 1 male were entire , there were a few with kinks in their tails and I had more than the usual number of level bites , some with very jumbled or small teeth which I feel must be watched carefully and please try to breed out as they are the defence of a working terrier – Border Terriers should have big scissor bite dentition . I still believe a BT should be capable of free standing and moving on a looser lead as of yore , rather than having their legs screwed on and being too strung up , I understand some dogs do not make the most of themselves free stood , but a lot are pushed into a very strange shape by their handlers ,and lose the vivacity and ‘active and game’ outlook that is part and parcel of the breed , making them very depressed , even some of the puppies looked as though they would rather be anywhere else but in a show ring , either from being over shown or over handled . There were a few dogs who I felt needed more weight on them , their coats hiding their stuck up spine & pin bones – this may be to try and make them more easily spannable or weigh nearer the standard , but it is very unfair on any adult or puppy to starve them , and they did pay the price in some classes as they could not work as thin and lacking strength as they were. In other words they should be made right not starved into shape .
Both my challenge line ups pleased me , and I was especially pleased to have such a good even bitch challenge where I was spoilt for choice , ultimately the dog and bitch I could visualize most easily following horse and hounds and then working gained top honours , being well made , spannable , good coats and pelts , sound free accurate movers with quality and breed type .
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
BCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
A stylish quality b from times past – full of old fashioned Border type , she looked absolutely lovely today – fits the standard so well being workmanlike in build , sound , and of a size that could easily get in and back out again. Liked her as a puppy , then in her ‘teens’ she was rather betwixt’n’between , but has come out of that gawky stage and now looks the part . A consummate showgirl she can stand free and show off her lovely outline – firm topline , good underline ,well balanced with good length of bone throughout , which gives her free accurate movement with drive off her hocks keeping the firmest of backlines . Like her well balanced feminine head , length of neck and carrot tail she never stops using , has enough leg underneath her easy span correct shaped body to get there too. Came in deep double tweedy coat of correct texture with good pelt .BCC & BOB , good luck for the future .
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
a lovely b in profile, fit for function & would have no problem doing a days work, well balanced otter head, good muzzle & bite, easily spanned, ribs well back, racy quarters moved with reach & drive, well padded feet,
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
A very typical bitch, racy and narrow throughout in hard muscular condition, Very good to go over and much to like her for. Easy and free on the move. She responded well to her handler. Pleased to award her the RCC but pressed very hard by the limit winner.
Richmond Championship Dog Show
10th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch who is so beautifully put together and flows from head to tail on very clean lines. Balanced head with a very typical outlook and the keenest of expressions. Excellent front assembly as one would expect from this kennel, good body shape and the best of hindquarters. Lovely sound positive mover.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Light G/T. Not exaggerated in any way, just made well. Very narrow to go over with excellent movement on good feet. Was enjoying her day very much.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
1st Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Driffield Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge at their show.
I was grateful to have the use of an excellent sized ring. The surface was rather undulating and rough cut in places, which proved more of a challenge to those dogs whose movement did not have “the soundness to follow a horse”. It was a very raw start to the day with the dogs being judged under rather cold and misty conditions although the sun did break through as the bitch classes began.
Grateful thanks to my stewards Anne and Sarah, who kept everything moving so efficiently and were good company for the day. My thanks to all the exhibitors, it really is a privilege to go over your dogs and is always a learning curve. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and there were some top quality exhibits and some promising youngsters, whose progress I will watch with interest. Some decisions were hard, and limit dog, junior and limit bitch had quality in depth.
It was extremely rewarding to find some very good double jackets amongst the entry but felt there were several others who had thin pelts or lacked undercoat. There were a couple with teeth out of alignment and too many dogs whose movement lacked the necessary drive from the hindquarters.
I was mindful of the job that Border Terriers were bred to undertake and I was pleased with my class winners; making the challenge for both dogs and bitches an enjoyable if difficult task.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
BCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Red grizzle with super otter head, so well proportioned throughout, such a classic outline, good front assembly, ideal body length, ribbed back into strong loin and quarters with good second thigh and super hocks in full double coat but of good harsh texture, best carrot tail, moved and showed with verve, really enjoying her day CC.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
RBCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Close up to 1. Lovely girl with traditional feminine head, straight front and narrow throughout. Correct construction throughout producing flowing movement with good reach and drive. Unlucky to meet 1 in such good condition. RCC.
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
BCC
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
CC and BOB and I understand elevated to the upper house today. Headed a smashing class of high class, free showing specimens boding well for the future with the qualities needed for the breed to continue well. I have judged this one before and thought very highly of her but this time she went one better. Radiates classic type and moderation, all of a piece, lovely size and in proportion, comes up beautifully balanced, conditioned to perfection, good jacket and long, supple muscles, no bulk yet strong throughout with excellent bone and substance but light and readily spannable with a liveliness that never let up right into the group ring. Scores in skull and muzzle with that bright, anticipatory, keen expression which is so appealing. Has a lovely neck and head carriage, well laid shoulder and really good upper arm, firm backline and moves with reach and drive using her excellent well let down hocks to produce that seemingly effortless rear propulsion. She also has an undeniable presence and I would snaffle her in a heart beat.
Class Critique
Undoubtedly some very nice ones went cardless
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
BCC
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
True Border Terrier with an excellent head, double harsh coat, well set tail. Easy to span and well ribbed back, correct bone and feet. Moved freely. CC & BOB. Pleased to see she was pulled out in the group.
Reading & District Kennel Association
31st May 2017
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at your show. The venue was super light and airy I understand that this was the first dog show held here. Thanks also to my two stewards that kept me in check.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, CH Mansergh Plusfours
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
My notes just say 'she's lovely!' You really need to get your hands on this bitch to really appreciate her. Presented in a tweedy jacket of correct texture and with undercoat. So easy to span with correct rib well carried back. Sound movement holding her shape and topline around the ring. The most gorgeous head and expression with a dark eye, small ears and big teeth! Stands on small feet and is such a happy showgirl using her carrot tail to evidence this.
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
rising 5yrs old this Beautiful Grizzle and Tan bitch was just lovely to go over she simply, spanned with ease. Not difficult to see why she's done so well and carries her title I just loved her outlook, she and her handler were at one in the ring, her tail never stopped wagging, wanting to please. Sound fore and aft she presented a lovely picture . Such a pleasure to watch.
Class Critique
What a super class
Windsor
1st Jul 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
Firstly, my thanks must go to the committee for the invitation to judge at their show and to those exhibitors who entered, for my opinion, always an honour, to judge their dogs, giving me the highest entry in the Terrier Group. My thanks, also, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly, with good humour.
An interesting entry, most were sound and typical. The thing that struck me most was front profile movement. An alarming number, due to an incorrect shoulder and upper arm placement, lacked full reach on the move, the leg lifting, hackney like, but not straightening out to reach full extension on the move. It may appear to be accurate coming and going, but it doesn’t actually cover much of the ground, so is therefore uneconomical movement, meaning the dog would have to work twice as hard to keep up, as the Standard asks for “capable of” and the “soundness to follow a horse”. Just because it’s possible to win with this type of movement doesn’t make it correct!
I was very pleased with my top winners, shown free standing, giving the, in my opinion, correct outlines, with no need to “assemble“ them in to a shape! All were sound, free movers. Typical “old school” Border Terriers! Pleased to hear that their qualities were recognised in their respective Groups!
RBCC
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
Grizzle & Tan. Typical, feminine head & expression. Super neck, shoulder, front& feet. Narrow, all through, with super rib, carried well back. Excellent topline & tailset. Coat & pelt good, but not quite in the super bloom of 1st. Comes in to her own on the go round, with a super ground covering action, keeping her outline, but just not quite so accurate as 1st coming towards me. Res CC.
Class Critique
Superb class, with quality right down the line.
Leek & DCS Open Show
29th Jul 2017
Judge: Mr G Richardson
Thank you to the society for inviting me to judge at their show and all the exhibitors who entered and allowed me to judge their dogs on the day. I was pleased with all the dogs placed on the day and to see my B.O.B .go on to take B.I.S.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
I’ve been itching to get the opportunity to go over this bitch! I’ve admired her from the ring side and I wasn’t disappointed. Lovely size and balance with just the right amount of bone and flowing racy lines; easily spanned. Very feminine and true to type. Moved well in the class but not as freely in the challenge. RCC
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
5yrs; dam of 2nd in JB; so feminine; struck me as truly defining "fit & functional"; a little plainer in head; ex outline being not only narrow & deep but also of fair length & well ribbed back; ex jacket; racy quarters; gd tail carriage; her balanced angulation provided ease of movement with a gd stride.
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
28th Aug 2017
Judge: Miss Helen Axford
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this well-run show, to my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for both entering under me and the sporting way they accepted my decisions. All dogs were entire and all bites were in accordance with what is required by the breed standard.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, CH Mansergh Plusfours
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
Placing Critique
It was a privilege to go over this well known champion bitch, she was in super full coat and has a thick pelt & level topline which she held on the move. Going round the ring she really covers the ground. She has a moderately broad skull with a short strong foreface. She has a classic carrot tail which really finishes the picture. She was shown on a loose lead and is at one with her handler, she is a real show girl. I was delighted to hear that she had gone TG1 & then went on to take RBIS.
Kingston Horse Show & AS Open Show
8th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Kinsey (Kitarn)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Mansergh Plusfours
