Show Placings
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
EABTC Betty & Brian Dickinson Memorial Special Awards
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you very much to the club for inviting me to judge these special awards. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs.
Special Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
a well presented grizzle and tan bitch in good coat. Spannable with good tail set. Unsettled on the move which let down her overall appearance.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge their show , & for the excellent ring stewards Mr Brewster & Mrs Armstrong who made the day run smoothly & kept me going with refreshments ! I enjoyed being with fellow BT fanciers & their dogs , as I always do .
I had a very good entry come forward & after such a long time away from the ring , a few were ring rusty & some youngsters were a little overawed , which I considered quite acceptable given so many had missed out on their early education & socialisation & tried to give them opportunity to shine , though a few very nice dogs could have been higher placed but the occasion was too much for them .
I found very good examples , but also had some whose construction fell a little short of the standard …….deep unspannable bodies or brisket below elbow standing or on the move on much shorter than their depth legs , forward placed & too little angulation in their fronts due to upright shoulders & short steep upper arms which shorten their strides or make them goosestep , & flat croups with extra high set tails carried like hound sterns ,or conversely short steep croups with low tailsets , often thin & long tails too & some poor downhill or lumpy/hinged toplines became apparent in profile movement , however the most common thing that struck me was how many have too little bone in pasterns & east-west feet when our standard calls for straight legs & good tight feet . As I lift every dog to see how their fronts ‘’drop’’ into place I found lack of bone through pasterns into feet was a common fault today & so some had feet not facing forward naturally . Most came in good condition , but a few were too thin & their pelvic bones were sticking up & they felt shelly with no depth of loin so their rears lacked muscle accordingly , conversely a handful had indulged during lockdown a little too much ! Coats were as ever , mixed , but the top winners all came in very good order with double coats .
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Sep 2021
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Congratulations to the committee on finding a splendid new venue. It is so nice to be able to evaluate exhibits in natural surrounding and this was ideal. I understand some did not care completely for the ground but while some exhibits did not excel on the terrain those that did displayed good conformation and moved accordingly.
Generally: there were some mouth faults present today which affected some results in the context of the classes they were in and the degree of the fault. Fronts came in many shapes and sizes not all straight and narrow unfortunately and I was surprised at the number of large and rather thin, spreading feet. Finally I just want to get off my chest that for me the term racy hindquarters does not carry with it a high tuck up.
The unexpected heat, especially in the earlier classes, was a little overwhelming and I thought both exhibits and exhibitors coped admirably. I loved my line ups and very much appreciated my entry, thank you.
Thanks also to my stewards who in these strange times were really kept at it all day.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
I liked her size and overall type. Ok for bone. Could be a tad stronger in skull and muzzle but nevertheless pleasing expression with good shaped and placed eye. Neck and shoulders satisfactory, well ribbed back and consequently has a more correct underline. In excellent coat and with correct pelt.
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Nice bitch in excellent harsh coat and plenty of thick pelt. Pleasing head with correct dark eyes and ears. Lovely rib and good topline flowing into correct tail set.Tail thick and carrot shaped, just a bit longer than I prefer and spoils her otherwise good profile.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the hard work and smooth running of the show. I would also like to thank my two stewards for doing an excellent job. The exhibitors seemed to enjoy the show judging by the popularity of my top honours. Unlike one particular exhibitor who needed his teddy putting back in his cot judging by his unsporting behaviour. 4 were found to be unspannable with a couple of bad mouths, also some were far to thin, which is unacceptable and one or two could have smelled a little sweeter. It's all well and good getting dressed up, you are letting your dogs down if they pong.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Beautiful head with good dentition. Easily spanned, ribbed well back. Moved well from sound hindquarters
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
A pretty headed bitch with a strong muzzle, good coat and loose pelt, excellent tail carriage. Good turn of stifle went well
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
It was an honour to judge my favourite show. Many thanks must go to all who made it run so smoothly. Special thanks go to Janice Johnson and Judy Carr for their stewarding. So helpful.
Had some lovely dogs to go over. Temperaments were good. Just a couple of grumbles. A few shown with no coat and placings reflected this. Bites were good. Some teeth larger than others. Front movement in particular let some down. I did find more than a few which were difficult to span. Needs watching.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Feminine head with a lovely reach of neck. Spannable. Good in shoulder. Narrow. Well ribbed back. Harsh jacket.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Taunton & DCA Open Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Mr Keith Jones (Darlaur)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
12th Feb 2022
Judge: Carolyn Fry (Bedaslea)
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
20th Feb 2022
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and to the Southern Border Terrier Club for their support of the classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, there was a friendly ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge. I could span all the exhibits and found no mouth faults or kinked tails.
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Attractive grizzle bitch of good size but was carrying a little bit too much condition today and couldn’t match 1 on the move due to appearing to be a little distracted.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limited Show
6th Mar 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Firstly I would like to thank The Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and for their hospitality on the day. Also many thanks to everyone that gave me the privilege of going over their dogs and congratulation to all my winners.
All males were entire. All tails straight. One or two untidy mouths but nothing to be classed as a fault.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
18 months A lot to like about this young bitch, nicely balanced, straight front and narrow throughout, thick pelt and harsh coat, good width of thigh giving her nice drive behind but front movement needs to tighten.
The Terrier Club of South Wales
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this very friendly well run show and thank you for the lovely lunch , I thoroughly enjoyed myself and thank the Exhibitors for your fabulous entry but such a shame COVID showed it's ugly head again meaning there were quite a few absentees however I had some really nice dogs to go over
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan , nice size bitch and moderate throughout, nice head and expression good bite , in great coat and thick pelt , nice tail and set ok , well angulated front and back and moved soundly nothing over done RBOB
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality.
My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable.
To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time.
To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us.
To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes.
I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs.
I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Jun 2022
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at this show on such a special occasion as the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration day, I am sure the celebration cakes were enjoyed by all. Thanks also to the various stewards who organised the entries on the day and kept the classes running smoothly. Having been show manager of this show for the past 12 years I appreciate the effort that was made by the committee members present on the day. A final thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With showers forecast and cool blustery weather outside it was decided to judge inside using a good sized ring that had good lighting with exhibitors/visitors able to view from 3 sides. I thought the entry was of a high quality, with several entries of both dogs and bitches deserving higher honours. In general the entries were in good condition. All males were entire and I found no kinked tails. Bites were of a good standard with just a few misplaced teeth, although teeth size varied considerably. Several exhibits would benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front. As usual coats were at various stages, with some exceptionally thick pelts to examine.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
A decent dark g & t who spans well. Moderate in head with dark eye and sufficient width of skull. She has a good length of rib and a coat coming through to show off a well set short tail. She moves steadily but stands a little wide and down on her front pasterns.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2022
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
I last judged the breed in 2017 so most of the dogs were new to me. I felt that the breed is losing that ‘ otter head’ appearance, fore-faces appearing to be too long. Poor front construction in many was a deciding factor in my placing, our ring didn’t help, but the conditions were the same for everyone.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Minehead & DCS Open Show
27th Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of Minehead & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge at their open show, held in conjunction with the Dunster Country Fair. My steward Vicky Prince, was a great help and kept the ring running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
I had some quality borders to go over that were a privilege to judge, and as always, my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. I was delighted with the winners that came forward for the challenge.
The weather was kind and not too hot, there was a friendly atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
A workman like border, shown in harsh condition yet still with feminine qualities. Well balanced typey bitch. Feminine head with a typical border expression. Lovely straight front, stood on neat, tidy feet. Narrow and with just the right amount of muscle. Moved out well.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for asking me to judge, and also thanks to my two more than able stewards. It was a really hot day topping 35 degrees C, if I had entered I wouldnt have attened so I understand perfectly why we had quite a few absentees, and a outbreak of covid from a previous show, added to this ,many thanks to everyone who entered. I had some really nice examples of the breed to go over, and some hard decisions. The tent provided us with some much needed shade, and the dogs behaved very well and coped with the heat admirably. I had a couple of dogs not move as well as I know they can so gave them another opportunity to move again, and they put in a much better performance .The dogs were all presented in good order, clean teeth, short nails and tidy coats. A few coats were outstanding, harsh and dense, among the best I’ve come across.
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
A two year old bitch pretty bitch quite feminine ,with good expression a handy size, in proportion with narrow straight front on neat feet, nice neck and shoulder placement comes to hand well, two nice examples of the breed
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
2 yr old Grizzle bitch, of a handy size, workmanlike in appearance, nice head, correct bite and good double coat with loose thick pelt, correct top line and tail set she carried well on the move, nothing over done, a nice example of the breed
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
19th Feb 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Gloucester & DCS Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Gillian Knight (Talanors)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge today , also to my stewards who kept things moving along nicely, your help was much appreciated. A big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over your dogs and accepting my decisions
in a sporting manner. General observations were, no kinked tails found and the males were intact . I did see a few animals with slightly untidy bites affecting some placings. On the subject of ring presentation I may suggest that perhaps some animals would have benefitted from more attention being paid to nail clipping and feet trimming … even with the long grass, once on the table the feet are very visible. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had a quality bunch of Borders before me. Thank you to everyone who made it possible !
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
2 and ¾ year old grizzle bitch, another that was a pleasure to handle. Feminine head with nice lively expression . Good proportions , dentition ok … There is evidence of a new jacket coming through. Topline and tail set are good . Compared to the first ,was not as refined in the shoulders. Moved well.
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to start by thanking the Officers and Committee of The Terrier Club Of South Wales for asking me to judge such a well organised and supported show and the wonderful hospitality on the day. Secondly to the exhibitors for the wonderful support and entry on the day of 54 dogs.
I enjoyed having the chance to go over some real quality dogs on the day and in a couple of the classes the placings could easily of been reversed. My Best Of Breed youngster showed himself really well on the day and continued to do so through to the Best In Show line up where he secured the grand honours of being awarded Best In Show by BIS Judge Mark Ord.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Devon County Agricultural Association Premier Open Show
18th May 2023
Judge: Justine Monaghan
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
Handy sized bitch, feminine head of good shape and proportions, easily spanned narrow body, good reach of neck, good shoulder placement, sporting a nice tight jacket over a good pelt, moved well
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Class Critique
My top three were worthy of their stud book numbers and could be placed in any order on another day.
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
26th Jul 2023
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the kind invitation to judge some of the terrier breeds at this well run show, set in the beautiful setting of Dunster Castle. My thanks to my two excellent stewards Mel & Vera for keeping the ring running smoothly. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely quality entry of dogs over all the breeds to judge, making for some difficult decisions in some classes.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Placing Critique
nearly 3 yr old feminine g/t bitch, lovely for size and breed type she has a good otter head, good eye and well placed ears with a keen expression. Good reach of neck, well laid shoulder, with pleasing length of body and muscular hind quarters. Lovely harsh top coat with a good pliable pelt. Covering the ground well on the move RBOB
Bournemouth CS Open Show
11th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Beverly Deacon (Cassencarrie)
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
Torquay & DCS Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Mrs S Anderson (Kerrykeel)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Gypsy Heart
