Show Placings
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
23rd Mar 2013
Judge: Janet Alford
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Bridgewater & District Canine Society Open Show
24th Mar 2013
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
National Terrier
6th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks to all of the exhibitors who gave me such a nice entry of 201 dogs, giving 245 entries. My thanks go to my two stewards, with some large numbers in the classes they kept everything running smoothly and helped me to finish on time. Many decisions were difficult and some decent dogs went unplaced.
There were things that came to hand while going over the dogs on the table, short ribs and over long in the loin and long hocks. Some of these short ribbed dogs were not over sprung and quite narrow through the body, but our standard states ‘ribs well back‘, something to be watched in your future breeding programs. Some dogs looked on the heavy side when I first looked around the ring, but on the table I was surprised how so many of these dogs came to hand no problem. Upright shoulders were noticeable and front movement in some classes was a problem, along with some very straight stifles and sickle movement. Puppies and youngsters you would expect to be forgiven for movement, along with the size of ears - within time the head develops and things start to balance out.
Jackets were at all stages, spot on, starting to blow - with some owners trying to scissor or part strip them into shape, other coats were coming through with harshness and one or two had just undercoat. There were some that could have done with just a tidy up which would have helped the overall picture.
General overall condition and the spanning on most dogs was acceptable, with good thick pelts. I did feel some of the puppies were thin and were quite hollow behind the ribs. I only had one bad mouth but plenty with strong jaws and large teeth. In general the shape and length of tails were good. A few low set tails, which when a dog is in a full jacket you can feel the low set when on the table but not necessarily see it on the move.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank my stewards for all their hard work on the day, and to the committee for inviting me to judge there show. Also to the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. I was pleased with my winners and placed dogs. I found that some had short muzzle coupled with round eyes which does not give a border expression.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Quality 6 month grizzle of lovely size Feminine head with good eye. .Good reach of neck into nice shoulders, with good length of rib. Kept topline on the move, with good tailset.
Class Critique
This was a really nice class. First three could change places on another day.
Camberley & District Canine Society
21st Apr 2013
Judge: Felicity Freer
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Tarkaswell Double Agent
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
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 /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
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.
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
5th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
I was thrilled to be awarded this prestigious appointment and would like to thank everyone for making this a very enjoyable day. I have always been a fan of the joint show and the opportunity it gives for the clubs to come together. The entire organising team was marvellous but special mention must go to my stewards Peter Roderick and Colin Girling for all their support and assistance, and to collecting ring organisers Wendy and Andrew Mooney for keeping the action flowing. Also thanks to Kathy Wilkinson and Su Williams for all their help in organising the event.
Overall I was pleased with the quality of my entry although there was more quality in depth in bitches. Movement was generally good and there were very few wry mouths. True otter heads seem somewhat in decline and there were several single coats. However, I was delighted with all of my winners.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Promising puppy built on racy lines with lovely balance and strong hind angulation. Pleasing head and expression.
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Devon County Show
17th May 2013
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
24th May 2013
Judge: Mr Martin P Phillips
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
8 mth old, again good type, lovely head & expression, good eye, neat ears, well laid back & length of neck, moved out well back & forth.
Guildford & District Canine Society
29th May 2013
Judge: Bev Marsh (Badgerlaw)
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Quality 8 month grizzle bitch of lovely size. Feminine head with neat v-shaped ears good reach of neck into well placed shoulders. Ribs carried well back super pelt and jacket. moved well.( BP & RBoB)
Royal Cornwall Show
7th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Margaret Rose (Bannside)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: BP, TG4, PTG1, Tarkaswell Double Agent
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Poole Canine Society Open Show
23rd Jun 2013
Judge: Howard Ogden (Beauview)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Tarkaswell Double Agent
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and my stewards for keeping me on track. Special thanks to the Border Terrier Club of Victoria, Australia and their secretary Denise Worthington for presenting a special sash to the Best of Breed winner providing a welcome highlight at the end of judging.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
9 months. Promising head with neater ear. Straight front, well laid back shoulders. Harsh, dense coat with thick pelt. Well set on tail. Moved well.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
1st in Puppy Bitch
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs B Jackson (Clipstone)
I thoroughly enjoyed judging at Paignton Championship Show. The new venue (well, new to me) was very pleasant and the show was efficiently run by the helpful and friendly committee. I had an excellent entry which contained lots of quality dogs to choose from. Some classes were, however, a real mix of types, again the Fox Terrier type with high ear carriage are appearing, as are those with almost "hound like" ears, far too large and which ruin the head. Ultimately I judged to my interpretation of the Standard. I like a dog to be a real stallion dog and a bitch, his feminine counterpart. I do not like bitchy dogs and masculine bitches. I was incredibly pleased with my winners, neither of which I have judged before and who to my mind are excellent examples of the breed, both home bred too, not bought in.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Another very nice puppy with a beautiful head and expression. Excellent coat, harsh and double. Lovely straight front. Moved very well with drive from her lovely rear angulation. These two pups could swap places as they are both incredibly good examples of the breed. This bitch is very polished and has everything going for her. She should have a bright future.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2013
Judge: Sharp & Bailey
*Dog Critique*
My thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Championship Show for the second time, the first being 10 years ago, and thanks to my Stewards for their efficiency. The entry of 103 with only 9 absentees was pleasing.
Some judges concentrate on heads, others on shape of eyes, or on small dark ears, some on presentation, others on neat accurate movement. As for me – I judge on a whether a dog is “fit for function†as a working terrier plus whether it looks like a Border Terrier and no other type of terrier.
A good proportion of the entry had major faults of construction which would render them, not useless, but inefficient at the job Border Terriers are designed to perform. For instance, short rib cages do not allow for lung room for the stamina a terrier needs to run all day, and these short rib cages (often sprung) were very much in evidence in the entry. Some were accompanied by long loins which might give the impression to the ringside that the dog had good length.
Secondly, upright shoulders, often with steep upper arms are a major design fault. A well laid shoulder with well angulated upper arm which brings the elbow under the body is not just a pleasure to look at – these act as shock absorbers when the dog is running so that his joints are not jarred, leading to wear and tear, thus shortening his effective life as a working terrier.
Finally, wide fronts, often associated with the previous construction – a Border should be able to creep into any space occupied by a fox, and these, despite their chunky appearance have very little body under that fur.
Coats were mixed as to be expected – and there were some really good pelts, only a couple with paper thin pelts. Undercoat was often missing on the back, but present on the sides. A handful of bad mouths, perhaps some all rounders might accept these but I could not. Few really outstanding otter heads which stay in one’s memory for years, but most were adequate.
My critique will not contain descriptions of the dogs, but will give an indication of why they were placed as they were. If your dog was not as high in the placings as you had hoped, take a good objective look at him, and you might find out why.
*Bitch Critique*
A big thank you to the MBTC committee for asking me to judge the Ch. Show it was a great honour. Thank you also to my stewards Ray & Sharon for making the classes run so smoothly. A nice entry of 144 bitches. I enjoyed the day; it was lovely to judge the bitches. The depth of quality in most of the classes was very pleasing. However, the fronts are still a problem within the breed & need to be addressed in future litters. Some quality bitches went cardless, unfortunately there is only 5 cards & many went without being placed. I was so delighted that my fellow judge Marie, agreed that my BCC & BRCC, should win the top honours, Best in Show and RBIS.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
The North Devon Show
7th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Frank Kane
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Bournemouth Championship Dog Show
10th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Novice - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2013
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Racy, elegant youngster, correct for skull and eye but would prefer a stronger muzzle, pleasing neck and shoulders, good body for age, moved quite well, in good coat.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Newton Abbot & South Devon Canine Society Open Show
24th Aug 2013
Judge: John Finney
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Canine Society Open Show
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Timoray)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Tarkaswell Double Agent
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Richmond Championship Dog Show
7th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs K M Irving (Dandyhow)
In my view the breed still has problems with movement, particularly front movement. Hind action in bitches was also poor on this occasion. There was some variation in coats and some were shown without much jacket but others were somewhat blown in coat. However there were several with excellent coats and pelts – such an important feature of the breed. Dentition and temperaments were very good.
Because I don’t enjoy judging, and quite frankly never have, I decided before this appointment that is would be my last judging assignment. I hope that more younger Border Terrier enthusiasts will come forward as judges to ensure the successful future of the breed.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Camborne and Redruth Canine Society
15th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs M R Nixon (Brackenacre)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
My most sincere thanks to all exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry of 117 making 153 entries, the highest in the terrier group and one of only a few to break the 100 mark in the whole show.
It is human nature for us all to ringside judge and we are all guilty of this, but going over an exhibit first hand, is further revealing, a privilege for which, I was truly grateful.
Some lovely dogs, some more workman like than others, some in better condition than others, a few outstanding ones and the odd one or two I’d love to own!
I am the first to admit I love a flashy dog who will stand up and show, but along with that must come the workman like qualities that make it able to be essentially a working terrier. There is nothing to suggest in my mind, that the two trains of thought can’t co-exist, they can and they must.
Nervous or aggressive dogs and there were just one or two, were not rewarded, this is surely a temperament to be discouraged. Dour is a different matter altogether, especially when its nearly always on an otherwise, super exhibit, a frustrating combination.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Val Furness
Thank you to M.C.C.A for the appointment also my stewards and a thank you to the exhibitors. Coats and size were mixed and a few entries i could not span the one thing that was apparent was the number of very lean exhibits. You BREED for size not FEED for it.
It was also nice to see that most of the early classes looked as they should be and not looking like they should be in open class
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
Tight jacket good top line and tail set but did not move as good as 1st
Torquay & District Canine Society
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs Beverley Deacon
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Tarkaswell Double Agent
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Plymouth & District CS
16th Nov 2013
Judge: Sharon Clark
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Exonian Canine Association Open Show
7th Dec 2013
Judge: Miss Judith Haydon
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Placing Critique
A lovely feminine bitch with a super head, good reach of neck and clean narrow front. Beautifully presented with a harsh double jacket. Confident and easy on the move. RBoB
Ladies Kennel Association
15th Dec 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
I was honoured to accept this appointment at short notice, due to Kathy Wilkinson’s ill health. I was impressed with the new halls and layout this year.
I was able to judge with no preconceptions, as I have only been to two shows this year, so the majority of dogs were new to me. A good size entry with some good quality dogs present in a number of classes in which I was splitting hairs I had two very good stewards who handled the large classes with calm and efficient precision allowing me to get on with my job.
Overall movement, has improved considerably. In my opinion Borders should move soundly, positively and with the minimum of effort needed to cover the ground well, this means that they use far less energy when travelling distances, and my principal winners all fitted this criteria. Nice large teeth and good bites were very much in evidence. At long last I am starting to see definition between dogs and bitches, I like to see a masculine dog and a feminine bitch. The other thing I was pleased to see was the majority had good tight feet. Some exhibitors seem to be under the impression that an underweight dog is a way to make them easier to span, it doesn’t work! I hate to be able to feel bone and not muscle.
I learnt after judging that there was some kind of aggression in one of the classes, unfortunately I did not witness this personally, as I was going over a dog on the table, if I had of seen it then I would have taken appropriate action as this type of temperament is totally unacceptable in our lovely breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent
Boston & District Canine Society
12th Jan 2014
Judge: Mr David Maggs
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show, and to my two stewards who were very efficient and good natured throughout. I was a little dissapointed at the lack of coat on quite a few of the exhibits today, apparently many had been stripped ready for Crufts,I found no bad mouths, movement on the whole was good and I was very pleased with the overall condition and soundness, had no problem spanning any of the exhibits.
RBCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
very feminine head, keen dark eye, strong teeth, good reach of neck, level topline with ribs carried well back, tail set at good angle, well bent stifle enabling her to move out with plenty of drive, lovely coat and pelt. RCC.
Manchester Dog Show Society
16th Jan 2014
Judge: Mr Philip J Greenway
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Newton Abbot and South Devon Canine Society Open Show
25th Jan 2014
Judge: Margaret Hughes
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Plymouth & District Canine Society Open Show
8th Feb 2014
Judge: Phil Davis
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Ilfracombe & District Canine Society Open Show
15th Feb 2014
Judge: John Scanlon
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Gloucestershire & District Canine Society
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Mr Darren Lockley (Chatmoss)
My thanks to the Committee & Officers of the Club for inviting me to Judge this show but more so to the exhibitors who entered and attended, making the Border Terriers the largest entry in the Terrier Group. Having read the Breed Standard again prior to judging I was looking for exhibits which I would be happy to take out in the fields and woods for the day without worrying if they could handle it.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
17 mth Grizzle bitch. Another presented in excellent condition. Much the same as 1 on the day with the exception of coat. Easily spanned, well muscled and lovely when moving. Great head, neck and front. Teeth in correct scissor bite. Well ribbed and strong loin. Although coats are transient, today it was my only deciding factor between the two.
Class Critique
Two great exhibits.
Torquay & District Canine Society Open Show
1st Mar 2014
Judge: Graham Hughes
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
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.
Special Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
another nice youngster and similar comments apply, good ribs carried well back, nicely angulated and well muscled racy quarters. Good Jacket and pelt, spanned with ease. I just preferred the topline of my winner on the move.
Exeter and County Canine Society
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr Ken Jessup
Special Yearling /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Jane Parker (Conundrum)
I would like to thank the BTC club, for giving me a second chance to judge this, the most prestigious of the breed clubs championship shows. I was judge elect in 2010, but caught the awful Noro virus the night before I was due to judge and spent the next two days flat out.
The new venue that the committee has found, has to be lauded. It is large, airy, light, the flooring is excellent. The car park looked huge. From a judges point of view I could see all the dogs clearly at any time. Congratulations on a super venue.
My two stewards, Chris Davis and Liz Barratt were so very organised and kept me informed and on time throughout the day, with good humour lots of smiles and attention to detail. With such a lovely entry numbers wise, it was a long day. Thank you both.
Living in Canada now, it was a real pleasure to judge dogs that I had mostly not seen. Obviously some of the older ones were mere youngsters before I left and it was nice to see how they had progressed through the years. I found no missing testicles, mouths on the whole were good, with only a few missing teeth or one or two misaligned. Heads were in general better overall than when I left, with more who carried a moderately broad backskull and also a lot more with very good underjaw, something one had to look hard to find a few years ago. Coats were on the whole, good, there were a very few however, who had greasy and dirty coats, this I feel is completely unnecessary. A few arrived without their coats, this is just unfortunate as dogs do not know about our ambitions in regard to shows, and if the coat needs to come out then so be it! Feet in some instances were weak, with some flat footed and others harefooted, this breed needs to have really good tight feet, small with thick pads and be well knuckled, poor feet make the whole outline of the dog look wrong. The worst fault I found, as usual were fronts, all the usual suspects were there, wide fronts, narrow fronts, flicking wrists etc. I do begin to wonder if we will ever get this completely right, but if we are breeders looking to the future, we must be hard on this most prevalent fault, and do not use these dogs and bitches in our breeding programmes. Bitches had the most quality through the entry, again, this is usual, however the dogs that were good, were very very good, and the best, were exceptional. Size does need to be watched, this is a somewhat cyclical thing, but there were some big dogs and bitches in the ring. The first and most important words in our standard...â€Essentially a working terrierâ€...if it cannot be spanned, it is too big. In general I feel the breed in the country of origin is in pretty good shape, the top percentage of the dogs I judged were quite lovely and had breed type to spare. In my critique you will no doubt notice expressions I use again and again. I find certain things are ubiquitous (but none the less hugely important to breed type) and have my pet ways of describing them, I hope you forgive my industrial repetition in some regards.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch very similar in all ways to the winner and much the same comments apply. Moved correctly both coming and going in a harsh double coat. Just preferred the rear construction of the winner who had a better turn of stifle.
Chertsey & District Canine Society Open Show
18th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs Penny Sands (Krakenexis)
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
West Of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr A Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries and to my two stewards.
I think size needs to be watched in the breed as a working terrier. I have a large span but a number of dogs were not spannable by me, this reflected in my placings. We also seem to loosing the otter like head, some with too much stop, some with weak muzzles and others lacking under jaw. This results in a loss of type which defines the breed. We should try and adhere to the breed standard laid down by the original border terrier breeders.
The over baiting of dogs on the table is totally unnecessary. In my opinion they do not need to be constantly fed on the table. It makes judging difficult when a dog is constantly looking for food.
I was very surprised to see border terriers with coats on around the ring, as they should have their own double coat for warmth and protection. I hope this isn’t the start of trend with the breed becoming just another show breed and losing its identity as the standard states “essentially a working terrier”.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
A quality racy neat bitch with otter like head, neat ears and good strength of muzzle. Liked her body lines, good rib shape, spanned well. Good topline, good angulation. Balanced throughout. Considered for top honours.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
4th May 2014
Judge: Mrs E Weijenborg-Weggemans
What a big honour it is to judge the Border Terrier in the native country. I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been to Crufts or other shows to have a clean look at what I was presented on that May, 4th, 2014.
I myself live with Border Terriers most of my life now and I have seen the breed changing through the years. What the old breeders feared for years and years ago seems to happen: changing a working terrier into a show terrier. Meaning that the trimming is too short therefore missing the tweedy look, clipping belly, tail and buttocks, overangulation especially in hindquarters. Saying this I was really pleasantly surprised finding so many genuine Border Terriers during this show. Of course I know that coats can’t be in the best condition all year long so some specimens were rather short in trim but as long as I could feel the required harshness and see the correct double coat it was fine for me and only played a role in placing when there were more Borders with the same qualities. I didn’t see any faulty mouths, found only big strong teeth. Movement is – as in the rest of the world – still a problem in the breed. Especially front movement is an issue. When placing, movement was one of the criteria to place one Border higher than the other, but the right type, body proportions, spannability, thick pliable pelt and harsh double coat came first.
In some classes the quality was so high that some of the Borders left the ring unplaced while they were of excellent quality.
I really want to thank all the exhibitors for their sporting attitude in taking my decisions, for entering their dogs under me and give me a hard day’s work with 222 entered dogs and of course the committee for trusting me this honourable job and their hospitality during this weekend for me and my sister, who accompanied me. My congratulations to the breeders and owners for presenting such nice Border Terriers and keeping the breed on such high standard.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Elegant nice sized bitch, narrow all through, in nothing exaggerated, good feminine otter head, well set carroty tail, strong topline, harsh double coat though she fails a bit of undercoat today, thick pliable pelt, well angulated, lovely strong neat feet, moves with good drive.
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Lovely head and expression, correct topline, correct ribcage, well angulated, correct coat, moving so well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2014
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole (Travella)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Pleasing head and eye, correct topline and depth, not quite as positive as one in front.
Devon County Show
22nd May 2014
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
7th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to my two highly efficient stewards who, whilst never obtrusive, always had everything in the right place and ensured that I could get on with judging the dogs efficiently and smoothly.
A very pleasing entry, many classes had winning quality beyond the number of cards available. I found no missing teeth, no serious mouth faults, and all males were entire. Coats were variable; ranging from several in profuse double coat (not a problem if still of good weatherproof quality); to some who had only undercoat and a few who had adequate top coat but completely lacked undercoat (both incorrect and adversely affecting placings). There were a number of very smartly prepared and presented terriers on show; but however smart and showy a terrier may be, as 'essentially a working terrier' it must be 'capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness' in order to be a BORDER Terrier. Too many exhibits were deficient in shoulder construction, front movement and drive.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Neat little grizzle & tan, not as good in the shoulder; nice head, good balance of body proportions
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.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship Show
20th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
A nicely made typey bitch, nice head balanced with neat ears, strong muzzle, alert expression, good shoulders, quarters fore and aft, good outline.
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!
RBCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Very typical bitch with a good front which, coupled with a sound back end, lead to good movement. Lovely in rib and body. Pretty otter head and ears. Lovely coat on day. Reserve CC.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2014
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
I would like to thank my stewards who kept the event running smoothly. My decisions were made on the exhibit on the day
I found heavy ears are creeping in, detracting from the otter head and keen expression. An excessive amount of exhibits were not in hard, toned condition. ‘Couch potato’ dogs come to mind. Front movement is also a cause for concern. I found two level mouths, one just level and a puppy , had a tooth out of line. My decision on some unplaced exhibits were a culmination of a long foreface and untypical expression, unspannable even though I gave some leeway and poor front movement.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
a nice head with a correct bite and dark eyes. She has a nice racy outline and is balanced throughout, I preferred the front movement of the winner. Showed well.
Stithians Agricultural Show
14th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Alan Jenkins
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
2nd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
3rd Aug 2014
Judge: Bainbridge & Dandy
*Dogs*
Many thanks to the Midland Committee for this appointment and to all those especially the stewards who made for an enjoyable day. The entry in general reflected the type the exhibitors by now know I like. However there were a number up to size and exhibiting poor front angulation and short deep ribs and paid the price. I was looking for dogs with a typical otter head straight narrow front well laid shoulders ribbed back spannable and racey rear quarters with thick pelt in harsh double coat all of which we should be looking for in the ideal Border Terrier that is essentially a working terrier.
I was very pleased with my winners overall and had good depth of quality in the limit and open classes that generally displayed the above attributes.
The dog CC and ultimately BIS Ch Olderhill Afortunado is the ideal border terrier that shows with confidence and has class. He has a good border head of otter type strong jaw with keen expression on strong neck set into well laid shoulders ,narrow ribs carried back ,ideal length strong loin and the desired rear quarters ,shown in double coat and top condition moved with drive to cover the ground. Pleased my co-judge agreed this boys qualities worthy of BIS.
The RCC Tythrop Timepiece this excellent blue and tan displayed similar qualities to the above and with his good turn of stifle and short hocks and tight feet moved so well and with top presentation took this award over the quality 2nd in Open and Limit winner and with time maturity should complete the picture.
The Bitch CC winner and BOS,RBIS Ploughdown Placida is a top quality exhibit but for me just not the strength in loin of the dog but a close decision .
*Judge: John Bainbridge*
*Bitches*
A great honour to judge bitches at this breed club show, my grateful thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for their warm and friendly hospitality and to my two competent and hardworking stewards. I had a most enjoyable day and was delighted that my final line-up comprised of excellent and true to type examples of the breed, with some really promising youngsters amongst them. It is always foremost in my mind when judging this breed that it is essential that the dog’s conformation and movement should demonstrate its capability to work and follow a horse. I found this a challenge today, rather too many exhibits failing to demonstrate free ground covering movement or any length of stride to ‘follow a horse’: with weak pasterns resulting in uneconomic paddling action and poor reach; and sickle hocks impairing effective drive. I was also struck by the number of short ribs and untypical ‘cut up’ underlines. On a positive note temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance, although I felt numerous exhibits were neither ‘active’ nor ‘game’ in their demeanour. I was delighted to co-judge BIS with John Bainbridge and pleased that we agreed on all of our joint decisions today.
*Judge: Sarah Dandy*
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
A most stylish youngster with much to like, well-proportioned with super clean outline. Good head, skull and expression and lovely neck. Scored in front assembly with a good lay back of shoulder, balanced with angulated racy hindquarters, standing on straight legs with moderate bone and tight feet. Excellent clean wither, topline, croup and tailset. Pleasing underline with a length of rib and firm loin. Smartly presented in good grizzle coat and condition. Moved around the ring with ease and tracked well, really stood out in this class, particularly on movement, most promising.
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
10th Aug 2014
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
A very enjoyable appointment in spite of the wind and rain. I found some lovely borders for the top awards. The line up for the bitch challenge was especially pleasing, each one of top quality with some very promising youngsters. On the minus side there were too many that were wide in front. This is a serious fault in a breed who need to get through narrow spaces underground. Whilst I am always critical of dogs that lack rear angulation there are one or two appearing in the breed who are over angulated which is not correct for a border.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Class Critique
Super class with some good ones going home cardless
Welsh Kennel Club
16th Aug 2014
Judge: Mr A E Small (Bethane)
Thanks for a lovely entry, sorry for the delay but I could not be in both my breeds rings at the same time! It was nice to be outside at WKC, which hasn't happened for 9 years. Thanks to the Committee for the invite & looking after us, I really enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
tidy grizzle bitch with lovely otter head, neat ears, nice well set dark eye, correct bite, nice front & feet, pleasing over all length with good spanable body, good pelt & correct double coat, moved & handled well.
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My first appointment at this level. My thanks to the society for inviting me and to my two very efficient stewards, Lorrraine and Barbara, who kept things moving.
I was very pleased with both my line ups and feel that my main winners were excellent examples of the breed. Many dogs were sporting dense, tweedy jackets but, as is always the case, some were lacking in coat and this did influence some of the placings. Mouths were good and only one dog was unspannable. On the downside, size is an issue and some of the minor puppies are already up to size. Front movement could be better in a number of exhibits and a few were carrying too much weight.
My sincere thanks to all those who entered and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Very stylish grizzle bitch.Well balanced,straight front,good bodylength,well set on tail.Shown in good double coat.Attractive head,nice expression.Very fluid movement.Liked her a lot.
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
nice size, good feminine head, moved well, had a nice coat and pelt;
Richmond Championship Dog Show
6th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr W Gray (Pontbeck)
Thanks go to my stewards for making the day run smoothly and to the exhibitors for their enthusiasm for the breed and the sporting way they took my decisions.
Since the hunting bill I 've been concerned how the breed would keep to the line in the breed standard " Essentially a working terrier " as the opportunities for work have been reduced and the spin off as to why we require a double coat and the dog to be narrow all through may be lost to some exhibitors who haven't the opportunity to work or know someone who does or has worked their dogs. There was evidence today that we may have lost sight of the fact that this is a working breed. I'm not suggesting that all Borders should work but that all Borders should be capable to work and those who are closest to the breed standard should be able to do the job required of them.
There were a few exhibits with single coats today, look very smart but would soon pay the price on a cold wet winters day if they had to be out in the elements for any length of time. Some exhibits were carrying a little too much weight and quite a number would benefit from a good walk, some with little muscle.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Nice type, correct dark grizzle double coat. Moved well both ways.
Darlington Championship Show
12th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank the Darlington society for my invitation .The stewards were on the ball all day so I would like to thank them for making my day an easy one.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for taking my decisions so sportingly.
However I feel that some exhibits would benefit from a little more food, feeding less does not make them any smaller!
One thing that particularly drew my attention was the dirty teeth in some of the younger exhibits, feet need improving by trimming nails. Nails on some were what a Hawk would be proud of!
Also scissor cuts do not enhance a coat , we are not a trimmed breed we are a breed where hand stripping is paramount.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
20th Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs A C Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry and to my stewards for keeping the ring running efficiently throughout. We had a good day with a very very slight drizzle; the exhibitors and exhibits seemed untroubled but it did cause the ringside to flee temporarily! There were some very good dogs present and I enjoyed all my winners but there are always some buts, and looking through my notes there was a preponderonce of “OK” over “good”. The standard asks for a dog that has the soundness to follow a horse; this, of course, must be understood in the context of a terrier working with the Hunt on rough moorland ground, but even so only the minority of exhibits could meet this requirement. Inadequate angulation leads to poor ground covering ability and untidy front movement – evident in a lot of exhibits. Whilst most exhibitors take the trouble to present their dogs as well as possible, a number were unfit and lacking muscle tone and would one of the Breed Clubs please put on a grooming seminar which shows exhibitors how to prepare feet and nails?? It is clearly needed. I forgive coats since these are outwith your control and sadly some excellent dogs had to pay the price for coming without a jacket.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Another good bitch, not as strong in head but a good jaw, nice ear and set, OK for bone, good in rib, well angulated behind, in a good coat, moving quite well but couldn’t quite match 1 in front.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My grateful thanks to the committee and officers for their brilliant hospitality and to stewards Doreen Rushby and Graham Richardson for their hard work and attempts at keeping me out of trouble. An excellent entry with real quality present in both dogs and bitches. Unfortunately, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, front movement was a real problem in quite a few exhibits, not I might add in the top winners, but unfortunately occasional compromises had to be made in this respect in some classes when filling some of the lower placings.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Decent red grizzle with excellent coat and pelt. Narrow all through with nice outline.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Nov 2014
Judge: Mrs P McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the Scottish Committee for the invitation to judge our prestigious annual Championship Show; to my excellent steward Joyce Orr, and to the exhibitors for such a good entry.
I was happy with my class winners which were super examples of the breed. On the down side a number of exhibits were short in the leg and in the body, giving an unbalanced appearance and it’s very unlikely that they would be capable of following a horse, as the breed standard requires. Some pelts were too thin and too many dogs were single coated.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Nice, typical dark grizzle bitch. Another in good coat condition. Heavier in bone than the winner but moved out steadily.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
this girl was close up to 1 in many ways but I felt she was a little heavier in shoulder. Straight front & well made body. Great coat quality moved soundly both ways & showed very well
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first Championship Show appointment and I would like to thank the Society for the invitation and generous hospitality. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Attwood and Anne Speake who did a sterling job keeping the good sized, well appointed ring running smoothly throughout the day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over some very high quality dogs. Generally the standard was good with the majority of exhibits showing and moving well. I was concerned by the number of short rounded ribs I found, especially in the bitch classes. There were several noses lacking pigment, some very long thin tails, and I found a few broken or out of line teeth. Coats were at various stages and some otherwise good dogs had to be penalised for lack of coat in the stronger classes. Whereas others with little coat made it into the line up on overall quality. I was very pleased with my main winners, and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
super head and expression, lovely straight front, good rib but slightly deeper and not quite as narrow as my winner, moved well, presented in good coat and condition.
Cheltenham & District Canine Society
8th Feb 2015
Judge: Mrs Tina Jones (Otterholme)
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge at this well run show. My thanks to my steward for keeping things running smoothly and to the exhibitors who entered their borders under me and the sporting manner they accepted my decisions on the day. We had a lovely big ring which I made full use of. Coats were mixed as to be expected, pleasing to find all exhibits of correct size and spannable. Some quality exhibits making for difficult decisions.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
quality bitch who looked a picture in profile. Lovely head, dark keen eye, excellent bite, good front and length of body, narrow throughout. Excellent harsh jacket and plenty of pelt. Moved well BOB
Plymouth & District Canine Society
14th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr Frank H Whyte
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Gloucester and District Canine Society
21st Feb 2015
Judge: Mr Brian Atwell (Xnawll)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Swindon & District CS
28th Feb 2015
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the show committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly, well run show, and also to my efficient steward, and to the exhibitors who entered their dogs and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. I found no kinked tails and all males were entire.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
2 year grizzle and tan bitch of excellent size and type. Good length of body, pleasing topline and tailset held well on the move. Good head with excellent bite and strong muzzle. Well presented in harsh double coat, with loose pelt and neat feet. Correct length of rib and easily spannable. Well angulated, and moved well with plenty of drive from the rear. BOB and TG2.
Class Critique
Some quality exhibits leading to close decisions.
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
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Showy bitch in great order. Good reach of neck, pleasing top line, strong loin, good tail and tail set. Neat tight feet.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Bombax) Sweden
I will thank the club and the show committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, I feel very honoured to be invited. I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with huge entries. My winner was really top quality border terriers, excelling in type and heads. The overall quality was very good, but I hoped to see more quality in the younger classes. Size was ok, coats in different stages because of the time of year. It was about 40 years since I judged my first CCshow in England and I still enjoy it so much. My stewards did a fantastic job on the day, keeping both me and the dogs in order. They make it running very smooth and efficient, thank you!!!
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Smart elegant bitch with very nice head and expression, well balanced body with nice proportions. Excellent coat. Moves very well.
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Very close decision here, many of the same comments apply. Nice feminine otter head, correct front and good rear angulation. Moved well. Just preferred the proportions of 1st place.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for super entry, it was an honour to go over so many excellent quality border terriers . I had some close decisions in many classes and some quality dogs had to go cardless. Overall I was impressed with the standard of both dogs/bitches and with the condition of them. Almost all were in fit condition with muscle tone,spanning wasn't an issue I'm pleased to say. Which means the breed is in a good way.. Mouths too on the whole were correct with many having good sized and clean teeth. .While coats are of course transient, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts.
Last but not least Huge Thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Stewards who made my day so much easier.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
3rd May 2015
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club committee for the opportunity to judge this year’s Joint club show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Bob and Liz Wright for the smooth running of the ring and the cups of coffee. It was an experience to go over so many dogs of different types; this made my job difficult at times, as each one had different attributes to the next. A few classes I found very hard to decide who my winners would be for this reason. Is the breed getting better or worse? I do not think I am the first to mention that there are too many foreign heads and plain faces with no expression. The breed standard states “a head like that of an otter” and “essentially a working terrier”. Confirmation and movement, I think has improved a little, but the heads and strength of the dogs has declined. When I looked at some of the dogs, I liked them but then had to remind myself that they where dogs not bitches. Thank you to all exhibitors for letting me go over your dogs and the gracious way most of you accepted my decisions.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
A red grizzle bitch, with a lovely body and racy too. Balanced, but her head was not the quality of the 1st. shown in excellent condition.
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2015
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
another lovely well balanced bitch with a good outline, very good coat, moved well, pushed 1 very close
Bath Canine Society
22nd May 2015
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
appealing feminine head with a dark eye, good neck & shoulders, topline & turn of stifle, looked well in profile, harsh jacket
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging at Border Union showground. Such a pleasant show. Many thanks go to my two very able stewards. They had the ring (& me) running like clockwork. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered under me. Had some lovely dogs to go over & some hard decisions to make. Coats were probably the best I have seen for some time. Thick pelts, too, were much in evidence. Mouths were good. Fronts continue to be a problem & movement letting some otherwise promising dogs down.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
took my eye straight away. Very feminine. Straight front. Good length of neck. Well angulated hindquarters. Lovely topline & tailset. Balanced. Moved so well
Windsor Championship Show
2nd Jul 2015
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first judging experience at this level and thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs of such good quality in front of me and accepting my decisions with good grace. In some of the classes there was only a hairs breadth between some exhibits and on another day the results would have been different. I like Borders that are narrow, strong and good movers. I do not consider coat to be a major factor except when differentiating between dogs of equal quality, As a Championship Show judge told me many years ago “bad coats can get better, many other faults cannot.”
I would also like to thank my stewards for keeping me in order.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
BCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
a neat dark grizzle bitch of a nice size, stood out in this class, good ,balance, excellent coat, moved straight and true front and rear and with drive, kept her excellent topline when moving round the ring, good front conformation and rear angulation, good reach of neck. Bitch Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
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.
RBCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
A very good bitch with lovely racy outline. Good pelt, super head. Moved out well and stood and showed freely. RCC
Class Critique
Good trio headed this class.
Bournemouth CS
10th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, the stewards for unobtrusively keeping things running smoothly and the exhibitors for bringing their good dogs and accepting my decisions with grace. I was gratified to have only 3 absentees despite the awful weather forecast. The necessary inside ring, albeit slightly sloping and uneven, was a decent size giving each exhibit the opportunity to get into stride. Coats varied but there were many good textured topcoats over dense undercoats and on the whole pelts were thick. My worst issue was that some exhibits, despite being narrow and not fat, were very heavy and also a difficult span. Pads were generally thick but feet could be better trimmed as some that looked large and flat actually weren’t on examination. I look for shortish carrot-like tails and although some were thick at the base and tapering correctly they were overly long. I only found 2 with misplaced teeth and it was delighted to find most today had large well set white teeth in good scissor bite. In the past I’ve commented on lack of condition and poor muscle tone in hindquarters so was happy that all today’s entry was presented fit and in hard condition. Overall type was good, I was pleased with both line ups and the veteran classes were a particular treat
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
BCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Placing Critique
Stood out. Lovely handy sized feminine bitch well presented in crisp jacket. She has a lovely feminine ottery head with good breadth of skull well-set dark eyes with super expression short muzzle and large nostrils. She has a neat front and feet and her head is well set on to a clean neck flowing through well laid shoulders to correct topline and tailset. She showed good reach in front, her racy and well-toned hindquarters gave good drive and she held her topline whilst on the move. Pulled out all the stops in the challenge to take a well-deserved CC and then showed a clean pair of heels to take BOB.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW
Scottish Kennel Club
30th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the society for my appointment & their hospitality, & to the exhibitors & my steward Bob Potts. Quite a mixed entry today of type & size with some being on the lean side & others rather overweight! I was surprised to find a couple totally oversized & therefore they paid the penalty. The over treating dogs I think is getting worse in the ring & on the table. Trying to assess a dog when it is fidgeting around looking for food is not satisfactory. Surely a dog can stand for a minute while being examined without having to be fed handfuls of food. The standard calls for a harsh & dense coat & the skin must be thick, many today were very short of coat & quite a number with thin pelts. A good coat is essential which seems to being overlooked in the breed today. The breed standard leans towards moderation not exaggeration & I hope this is maintained with the emphasis being on ‘essentially a working terrier’ & not ‘essentially a show terrier’.
BCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Champion subject to KC confirmation
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
a very feminine bitch presented in lovely coat & condition. Liked her size & typical otter like head. Lovely expression with correct bite & strong muzzle. Good shoulder placement with good rib shape & size. Good topline & tailset. Steady showgirl, pleased to award her the CC & to hear this was her third. Congratulations
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
Wow! What a class they were all quality down to VHC and those that left the ring on another day I would have been very happy to place. Two blues bitches headed this class both had fabulous blue jackets with undercoat something I noticed lacking in some exhibits and both beautifully presented – newer exhibitors please note how the good ones are turned out.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
dark red grizzle bitch here which had a lot to like, typical outline in profile with everything in good proportion, slightly smaller than winner, but another good bitch moving well.
Class Critique
Having seen quite a few exhibits in earlier classes with poor movement it was a pleasure to judge this class where not one exhibit displayed poor front or rear movement.
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Driffield Agricultural Society
3rd Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
Many thanks to my two efficient stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly. On the day I was surprised to find 4 level mouths, although a level mouth is acceptable in the standard, a scissor bite is preferable. Some exhibits could have been shown in a fitter condition and have their long nails clipped.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
slightly longer made than my winner, I was able to span her and she had a pin wire coat, was in excellent condition. She has a good otter head and a strong muzzle, the right amount of bone and a good front. I preferred the overall size and balance of my winner.
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.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
my notes start off with the words ‘very feminine’ & this is evident in all her many virtues. She kept showing from start to finish both in this class & when she came up against the dog. In great condition & in first class coat. Really good hindquarters helped her cover the ground with ease. Beautiful head in all aspects. I gather this is her fourth CC this year, so well done to her & her owner! CC & BOB
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
Excellent class brimming with quantity & quality
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Racy, showy, lovely size and not overdone. Strong but feminine head with a short broad muzzle, dark eye with sweet expression. Good reach of neck into well placed shoulders. Straight narrow front. Ribbed well back and easily spanned. Lovely level topline flowing into a correct tailset and carroty tail. Shown in hard condition and a pin wire coat. Moved true and with good length of stride. Never stopped showing and didn’t put a foot wrong. CC & BIS.
Class Critique
Lovely class.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
another very nice bitch who was longer cast but in proportion. Lovely head shape and furnishings, dark eye and keen expression. Presented in excellent condition she had a good jacket and pelt. Moved well retaining her top line and looked nice in profile.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Dec 2015
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
Thank you to the Society for the invitation, the warm welcome by all and thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry and bringing your Borders’. The quality of exhibits was good, some tough decisions were made, I was really pleased with my final line up and that BOB and BP went well in the Group. It was unfortunate the Veteran class wasn’t called more clearly as not all the Veterans present were in the ring.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
B, 3 yrs, Dark Gr/T, smaller bitch than most shown today, liked her moderate otter head, good teeth / bite, dark eye, nice ear set, good front, up on her pasterns, easy span, well ribbed back, good jacket and pelt, liked her back end angulation. Presented extremely well. RBOB.
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 .
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
BCC Refined bitch but not over fine in bone. Good balance throughout and excellent movement. Nice carrot like tail well set on. Preferred head over the second.
Portsmouth and Southsea CS Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Angela Reed (Roxambor)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Maidenhead & DCS Open Show
20th Feb 2016
Judge: Vera Harcourt-Morris (Lenacourt)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
Another excellent class with plenty of quality.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A most attractive dark grizzle who moves very well and confidently around the ring. Nothing for me to dislike here and I can see why she has been elevated to CH of which she should be truly proud but my heart of heart attracts me to those slightly longer cast, as are the first two exhibits
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Feminine expression, correct bite, good neck, topline and tailset, well angulated in front and behind, nice coat and pelt, moves with good drive.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A well balanced, neatly made, well groomed bitch. Good head, front and feet, level topline , enough bone. Good positive mover, driving well. Hard, tight coat.
Class Critique
A nice class, quality in depth beyond the available placings
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
24th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
An excellent entry, with real quality in both dogs and bitches. I’m only sorry we were forced indoors after the puppy bitch class to get out of the biting wind bouncing off the Malvern Hills. Heads were generally good, just a few snipey muzzles, and three or four light noses. I found no bad mouths. Quite a few had short, round rib cages with weak loins. Coats were pretty good overall. The biggest problem, and has been for quite some time, was poor front movement, with exhibits moving quite reasonably, and as one would expect from a breed expected to run whilst carrying out its job, when viewed from the side, only to wave their legs all over the place when coming towards me.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Very attractive showy grizzle, in lovely condition. Smaller than 1 and nicely constructed, good head, excellent coat and pelt, moved very well. Res.CC.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
1st May 2016
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their entry, always an honour to be allowed to go over their dogs, I did thoroughly enjoy my day. My thanks also to my stewards who helped to keep things on the move throughout.
It was in many ways an interesting entry, the standard asks for a dog that is essentially a working terrier and I wonder how many breeders keep this in mind when planning their litters? This implies a dog of correct size, capable of going all day and with strength but not coarseness. Whilst there were many good dogs present that could answer these requirements, there were many that could not.
The quality was very much in the upper classes of both sexes with a few notable exceptions. The major problem is movement, particularly in front, and the puppies were disappointing in this respect. Many otherwise excellent dogs simply could not cover their ground with any ease; it was an excellent ring with good mats so no excuses there.
In general coats and pelts were good, some could have been tidied to effect, feet and nails were poorly presented and fitness varied, which I always find very disappointing in a breed that does so love to run! I was surprised to find a number of mouths that at best could be described as “iffy”, whilst these would not necessarily effect the dogs ability to work it is a worrying trend. I did, however, have some lovely dogs to go over and I was very pleased with my winners, not enough cards to go round in many classes.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Good head with a typical expression, good neck & shoulder. Good angulations both ends, so moving out strongly. Shown in an excellent coat. Very nice picture overall, she is a very showy bitch well handled to take this very strong class.
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
RBCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
nice size, well balanced, good outline, good head, eye and expression, good neck and well placed shoulder, straight front, good hindquarters and tail set, moved well. Res. C.C.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
This lovely bitch is slightly more on the leg than 1&2, she is typy and sound, having a good head, a straight front, a good neck onto good shoulders, a level topline and a good backend. She has a very good coat, pelt and tail and she moved well. She never let up for a minute and was puishing hard right until the final whistle.
Class Critique
Having seen all of the above (first three placed) since they were puppies, I never imagined for one second I would ever judge them, thank you for doing me the honour of bringing them.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2016
Judge: Miss S Dandy
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Stylish and feminine grizzle, with a confident ring presence, presented immaculately in a fit, honed condition. Pleasing size and balanced proportions with a shapely, clean outline. Most attractive classic head and expression, lovely reach of neck into a cleanly defined wither and correctly proportioned front assembly. So well put together with a super topline, equally matched with an excellent underline, a length of rib and firm loin, everything flows on this bitch with well-matched soundly constructed quarters and good legs and feet to finish the picture. Impressed on the move with accurate tracking both fore and aft and a good ground covering stride with great forward reach and drive in profile, holding a firm topline & tailset on the move. BCC & BOB
Class Critique
I awarded both these bitches first placings as youngsters and they have certainly fulfilled their promise. Both are top drawer.
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A quality girl who pushed hard for top spot in this class. Similar type to 1, well made throughout with great head, coat and pelt. One of the handful who was ribbed back well. Just didn’t move well enough today.
Border Union Agricultural Society
19th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs M Wanless
My sincere thanks go to the officers and committee of Border Union for this appointment, this is such a well run, friendly show, with outstanding hospitality!
My thanks also to my two Stewards on the day, Ella Linton, and Alan Small. Thank you too to all those who entered under me, and came, and accepted my decisions with good grace. I was pleased with my winners. I do wish though that dogs were shown on a loose lead, and stacked freely. Big ears are becoming prevalent, not as in the standard. Presentation and condition played a large part in my decisions.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Another lovely bitch, dark grizzle carries herself beautifully. Good head, excellent coat, thick skin. Correct tail and tail set. Neat feet, moved out well.
Class Critique
This was a hard class, many went cardless that would be in on another occasion.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Liked this bitch as soon as she came into the ring and thought she would be my winner, dark grizzle coat which was harsh and dense. A lovely mover, she shows off her racy outline well both stood and going around. Lost to winner as I felt she could have carried more condition over her rib today .
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A high quality bitch who is difficult to fault. She is of a good type and size and so well schooled. A good feminine head with pleasing expression. Her mouth has a strong bite of large teeth, good eye and well placed ears. Her underline is good with her straight, narrow front carrying just the right amount of bone. The tail is correctly set and she moves out well with confidence both coming and going. In good harsh coat and pelt she was close up but just preferred the topline and angles of the winner.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Handy sized, good head with flat skull, dark eye and good expression, well constructed straight front with neat feet and well placed shoulders, level topline, well set on tail, slightly straighter behind than 1st place, sound mover.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
What a border bitch. Everything fitted the standard to perfection, not seen her before what a star. She is quality throughout, excellent head & coat. Moved with drive, never put a paw wrong all day, she is so feminine, with varmity expression. Well deserved BCC & BIS
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A high quality bitch, free and sound mover. Balanced throughout. Crisp coat. Lovely head, good length of neck and well laid shoulders. Well set tail.
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
What a super class
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Very close between the first 3 bitches in class. Typical head with keen expression. Lovely body lines worthy Champion moved and well shown.
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
a quality bitch, who was only beaten today by coat and pelt today. Excelled in head with good bite and expression. She moved soundly and true.
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Well proportioned b, balanced in angulation but slightly more moderate than 1. V good head with a flat skull. Enough neck. She is a fraction broad in chest. Well ribbed. In super jacket.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Classy bitch with great ring presence that moves and shows to perfection. Like her overall style and admire her beautiful harsh jacket. Maybe just preferred the head of my previous two placings in this class.
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"
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
4yrs; half sister to 2nd in OD; as you work your way through your entry so you are always looking to find THE exhibit that not only most represents YOUR interpretation of the breed standard but also screams "quality" and here she stood! classic breed type; superb stance; has some breadth & depth across her flat skull; stop not too pronounced; dark eye with keen expression; neat ear; clean front; correct degree of bone; spannable; well ribbed back; deep & narrow of fair length; strong loin; thick pelt; harsh, dense jacket; racy quarters; well let down in hock; straight; rhythmical' effortless mover on ex feet. Bitch CC & BOB.
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Not hard to understand the Ch prefix in front of her name and fully deserving, liked outgoing temperament, size, shape and outline, very nice head with heat ears, , clean cut front, well made shoulders, good hindquarters, moved out with ease and style. Bitch CC.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Beautifully presented rich grizzle with lovely feminine head and expression. Clean neck into well placed shoulder, straight front, super topline and racy quarters. Tight harsh jacket. Moved soundly.
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch put down in perfect condition. Good harsh coat and thick pelt. Good head with keen expression, well balanced all through and moves very soundly. Good front and neat tight feet, racy quarters and good tail set.
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
RBCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
A very showy bitch with a lot of style. Good head and eye. Clean neck and shoulders. In good coat condition, thick pelt. Moved well. RBCC.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
Fabulous class & a delight to handle many top quality bitches. I could have given top awards to the first 5 in this class today.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
An accomplished showgirl shown in top class condition, she had to pull out all the stops to win this class Good head of correct proportions, very keen & alert expression, uses her ears well. Mature in body with a good depth & well ribbed back. First class hindquarters that have power & drive, showing her lovely free movement. In a quality coat and at one with her owner. CC
Class Critique
Wow this was a Top Quality class, many lovely bitches were unplaced today.
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2017
Judge: Mrs Angela M Gregory (Manx)
My thanks to the LKA for their kind invitation to judge the Border terriers at this year’s championship show. My thanks go to the Stewards who assisted at the event and to you all who were very helpful and supportive. Sadly we were victims to the weather and this did have a marked impact on attendance which was a real shame but the association still managed to deliver a quality show. Thanks are also extended to the exhibiters who help support the show. Congratulations to those who did brave the inclement weather and I felt that despite the low attendance the standard of dogs offered a competitive environment. I was delighted to have seen the Border Terrier Group as having a high level of entries this year
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Again good BT type, similar in style but the winner had the edge today, lots to like about her, unlucky to meet the winner today
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
What a cracking class, so much quality to choose from, it was really a pleasure to judge.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
Another well known quality bitch who is all border. Her lovely feminine head is all in proportion with neat dark ears and good bite. She has a clean narrow front and stands on neat feet. Good shoulder placement and a deep body with ribs carried well back. Her hindquarters are good and muscular, carrying a well set short tail. In harsh double coat with decent pelt, she moves with confidence and purpose at both ends..
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Class Critique
Excellent class.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
BCC
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Tarkaswell Double Agent JW ShCM
Placing Critique
BCC shortlisted in the groupe. mpressive quality bitch. Ex otter head, dark eyes and expression. Ex neck and top line. Ex angulation and mover. Ex pelt. BITCH CC and BOB. Shortlisted in the Grope.
.
Class Critique
Strong class.
