Show Placings
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Placing Critique
Good coat and texture. Not quite the front construction of 1st. Correct topline and well set tail and carriage on the move. Racy rear construction. Good dentition with pleasing head.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Placing Critique
Preferred the movement and demeanour in the ring of this exhibit. In good coat and harsh texture. Correct depth of brisket and spring of rib, Correct topline and tailset.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Exeter & County CS Open Show
17th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs M Hughes
Best Puppy
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Class Critique
Top three all very good junior dogs
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Jerchava Singapore Sling
Placing Critique
Excellent size and lovely outline. Tight coat and good pelt. Typical head and expression. Good angulation and drive on the move. Neat feet.
