Show Placings
Scottish Kennel Club
19th May 2013
Judge: Mrs M J Alexander (Glenbucket)
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for their kind invitation to judge this my first championship appointment. I would also like to thank my stewards who kept things running smoothly and the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Northumberland County Show
27th May 2013
Judge: Miss Tracey Peacock (Ragatam)
I would like to thank all of the exhibitors for giving me a great entry and allowing me to go over their dogs. There were lots of quality dogs that went without places today. Thanks also to the steward Colin Woodward who kept the ring running smoothly. Unfortunately the grass in the ring was long which made movement difficult for some dogs. I’m sure that this will be noted for future shows.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
I would like to thank the ScBTClub for their hospitality at this show. I enjoyed my day, and despite the disappointing number of absentees, I had some lovely dogs to go over. I was very pleased with my main winners, and interested to find that myBIS, and my BPIS are full brother and sister!
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
I like this pup a lot, she shows a lot of promise, but had no coat today. A nice feminine head, neat ears, a good level topline, correct tailset. Good bone and neat feet. Moved well.
Border Union Championship Show
15th Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
Showers, wind and sunshine made for a tactically difficult day for my solo steward, Elaine Waddington, who managed to keep the paperwork dry and get dogs moving in and out of the ring very smoothly. My grateful thanks to her and to all the exhibitors who stoically remained outside as the rain continued to plague us throughout the judging. Not weather the dogs enjoyed much either while standing about.
The entry was very mixed. The dog classes were marginally better and more consistent than the bitches. Fronts are improving but movement still needs attention, both fore and aft, with some hackney front action creeping in. Most heads were breed typical with one or two exceptions which were rather boxy and out of proportion. I was surprised and dismayed to find a large number of dentition problems in both puppies and adults. There were very small teeth, dirty teeth, teeth misaligned and one undershot mouth. Several lacked any depth of coat and were in their undercoats or single coated, with no undercoat at all. Feet were mostly good, but a couple of exhibits were down on their pasterns; claws were in need of attention on one or two exhibits.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Durham County Canine Association
14th Jul 2013
Judge: Miss C Tutin
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jul 2013
Judge: Mr. G. Pickering (Picer)
I was honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I had an excellent entry, but was a little disappointed with the number of absentees. However the weather has been a challenge of late with some very high temperatures which I understand prevented some exhibitors from further afield attending.
I would particularly like to thank the NBTC committee for looking after me so well and also for my expert stewards, Allan Horner and Doreen Rushby, who ably assisted me ensuring that everything ran smoothly. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for their entries and for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
As for the dogs on the day, coats varied as you would expect, but I do think movement is improving and although there were a few ‘flicking’ fronts, rear movement was in the main correct. I had one dog with a bad mouth and a few with misaligned teeth. This, I believe, is to be avoided in the show ring. All the dogs were entire and I could span all the exhibits. All in all, I was very pleased with both the dog and the bitch line ups, which meant that I had some real quality Border Terriers to pick from. All the winners looked the part – all in hard condition, with good heads and coats – able to do the job that they were bred for.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
A lovely grizzle puppy with a good head and expression. Straight front and good shoulder. Just right for muscle at this stage. Good coat of correct texture and with a thick pelt. Moved around the ring with confidence
Class Critique
A lovely class of babies who all looked like puppies. Some promising puppies went without a card today
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr M G Rushby
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Cleveland Canine Society Open Show
27th Jul 2013
Judge: Mrs L Hall (Geordiestaff)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2013
Judge: Mr D W Shields (Wilholme)
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
Good type of youngster, pleasing size and good body proportions. Balanced head with a lovely dark eye and alert expression. Well made front, best of hindquarters, in excellent coat of good texture, very sound on the move, BPB.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
22nd Sep 2013
Judge: Anne Higham (Comberdown)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs S Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the Scottish Club for the invitation. It was an honor to judge at this friendly and hospitable club’s show. Huge thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Steward Joyce Orr and her excellent helpers, Jim Stewart in the morning and Helen McKenzie in the afternoon. All did a super job.
Thanks too to the kitchen ladies for the amazing lunch.
I was very pleased to have such a super quality entry. I could have easily given out more tickets if they had been available. Some close decision at times, a true reflection on the high quality of the entries. Presentation of the dogs was very good, mouths too on the whole were correct with only the odd exception. Feet, I was pleased to see a vast majority of neat cat like feet on the dogs, no long hare feet. Tails again seem to be improving, not as many of the over long sickle ones that I have noticed in the past. Coats and pelts: while coats are transient and of course some had more than others on the day, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts. I think the breed overall is in a good place.
Just one point I noticed, some dogs had to take a lot of steps to cover the ground, watching out that our dogs move with drive is very important and I was happy with my winners in that they, in my opinion, covered the ground well.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
An attractive smaller more compact type of Terrier, she has a lovely varmity expression and a very attractive strong but feminine head.
Newton Aycliffe & District Canine Society
8th Dec 2013
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
Thank you to the show committee for inviting me to judge, to Tom my steward and all who entered and exhibited. All dogs were sound and healthy, the welcome in the North East was appreciated.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
13mth, G/T, bitch, some might say small compared to many showing, but this one has a lovely confirmation not over done in any area, moderate otterhead, dark eyes, super front with well laid shoulders giving good reach in neck, balanced, thick double coat. Good loose pelt, moved true front and back with nice level topline, showed well, should do well in the future BOB
Carlisle and District Canine Society Open Show
5th Jan 2014
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
Typey grizzle and tan bitch slightly lighter in bone than 1. Strong but feminine head. Good shoulders and nice size. Shown in excellent coat with good thick pelt. Short thick tail. Moved well.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Jan 2014
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
I enjoyed my day judging and would like to thank exhibitors for entering under me.
A big thank you to Carly and Anita who were very efficient in there stewarding duties.
I found on the day that the bitch classes were stronger than the dogs; coats were at various stages which you would expect at this time of year. All dogs and bitches were spanable. There were no bad mouths one concern is that some teeth are in need of cleaning. Movement in the main winners was excellent and they were shown in fit hard condition.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
3rd in junior bitch beaten off 2 bitches in top condition today. red grizzle bitch typey head, nice ear set, big teeth easily spanable, loose pelt short of coat good mover and a handy size.
Darlington and District Canine Society Open Show
1st Feb 2014
Judge: Mr J R Mann (Valger)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Jarrow and Hebburn Canine Society Open Show
9th Feb 2014
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me this appointment, and for their hospitality. Thanks also to the ring steward who kept things running smoothly, and of course to all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. Temperaments on the day were excellent, coats were very varied. I found one dog with an incorrect bite and all male dogs were entire.
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Birtley & District Canine Society
6th Apr 2014
Judge: C & G Richardson
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Consett Canine Society Open Show
12th Apr 2014
Judge: Ms M Sargent (Tegwani)
Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association
19th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs J Newport (Digaden)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs. Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge at this show, my first breed club appointment. I was well looked after by the committee and their hospitality was wonderful. I would like to thank my 2 ring stewards - Tracy Peacock and Allen Horner - who were very efficient in keeping me right and kept everything running smoothly. It was a great privilege for me to have such an excellent entry and of such good quality to go over. Thank you to all those who gave me this opportunity and for taking my decisions so sportingly.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
This grizzle and tan bitch was shown in a good pin wire coat and is built on a slighter frame than one. She has a good head with strong muzzle and neat ears. She has a good topline and is narrow throughout with a good short carroty tail well set on. She moved well coming and going.
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
The Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2014
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole (Travella)
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Northumberland County Agricultural Society
26th May 2014
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the organisers, stewards and exhibitors for a very welcoming and well supported show despite having to overcome the queues, mudbath and delays they faced before the start of judging. A few exhibits were borderline spanable, a couple had poor dentition and several had weak muzzles but there were plenty of loose pelts, harsh coats, neat feet and quality dogs. It was particularly pleasing to see some full and natural coats which seemed most appropriate for the wild and beautiful surroundings of the show. Ground conditions didn’t help movement but all the exhibits were well behaved and most well presented. I have a view that bitches tend to suffer a little in mixed classes but I tried to be even handed in this respect.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
alert grizzle bitch who totally seduced me by the way she came to hand with such balance, strong but feminine head with good dentition, dark eyes, neat ears, super stop, good reach of neck into well laid shoulders and level topline through to well set carrot tail, easily spanned, loose thick pelt and full harsh double coat, good angulation and moved soundly on neat feet with thick pads, what more could you want? tried to take her home! BOB, TG4.
Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Jun 2014
Judge: Jane Allison (Tividale)
Many thanks to the exhibitor’s and the committee for a very enjoyable day. Also to the hard working ladies of the committee in the kitchen and my exellant steward Jim Stewart.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, straight front and shoulder, in good coat with thick pelt. Moved round the ring well.
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr J R Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic
Placing Critique
Lovely sized bitch, deep red coat shame it was on the point of being blown, nice head with dark ear, nice shape to her body with a carrot tail set on high, good angulation.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Another smart well put together bitch nice for size Typical otter type head strong teeth dark eye easy to span shown in good condition moved soundly round the ring
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2014
Judge: Mr Ernie L Hill
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Another good bitch of more compact type.Strong head,good size and overall shape,good tail. Neat feet,moving well.Lost out on coat.
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
North and South Shields Canine Society
4th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Smart grizzle bitch, good head with typical expression, came to hand well, nice body lines, in good condition and moved soundly around the ring, a shame she was short of coat today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
31st Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Claire Tutin (Riseburn)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for their invitation to judge their open show, and their warm welcome and hospitality. I would also like to thank my two efficient stewards on the day, Ian Hopper and John Thomas.
The entry was very pleasing but there were quite a few absentees on the day, especially the dog classes. However I enjoyed my day and was pleased with all my class winners, making a very satisfactory final line up, including some promising puppies, with some difficult decisions to be made. I found one bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
another nice bitch, good head with moderately broad skull and correct expression, level topline retained on the move, moved well, close decision but not quite the outline and balance of 1.
Spennymoor and District Canine Society Open Show
15th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr David Robbins (Chenting)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Feb 2015
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to say thank you to the Border terrier club, committee and its membership for allowing me to judge their show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Ken and Paul who helped the proceedings run smoothly. Last but certainly not least the exhibitors who sportingly accepted my decisions many thanks to you who allowed me to judge your dogs.
I was more than happy to present my main winners with their relevant top awards. Many of the terriers shown were in fine fettle and we can look forward to a positive future.
Temperaments seemed to be sound. Mouths on the whole were generally good. Coats were at various stages many had good texture and thickness to them with ample undercoat. However I did find a few kinked tails some of which were quite severe some also quite long and thin.
As custodians of the breed as well as breeders and show people a like we must take a careful look at some of the issues creeping into the breed, Foreign head shapes with ear sets which would not go amiss on a working Lakeland terrier. Weak muzzles and skulls which fall away under the eye.
Front assembly’s wide fronts, bad shoulder placement weak pasterns and poor feet were in evidence on some exhibits and they paid the price in the ring for this. Bodies and rib shape are another concern the breed standard states "deep, narrow, fairly long ribs carried well back" not short bodies and sprung ribs! Condition and muscle tone are key factors along with many of the other points in the breed standard which all contribute to the overall picture of a working terrier. After all the breed standard starts with the first sentence "essentially a working terrier" a sentence which must be adhered too now and in the future...
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Red grizzle, dark eye. Alert expression, good mouth, Lovely tight coat, spannable, good tailset.
Billingham Synthonia Canine Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2015
Judge: Mr K Green (Terrabyte)
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
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 /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Saltburn and District Canine Society Open Show
22nd Mar 2015
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Tweedmouth Canine Society Open Show
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Sandra Johnstone (Burnvale)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Birtley and District Canine Society Open Show
5th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Correct bite with pleasing expression, good laid back shoulders, level top lines and thick double pelt had best movement in the class.
Newton Aycliffe and District Canine Society Open Show
6th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Mandy Kenna (Cynetkoy)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Consett Canine Society Open Show
11th Apr 2015
Judge: Fran Kaye (Danfrebek)
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers and committee of The Northern Border Terrier club for the invitation to judge my first Breed Club show and also acknowledge the help and assistance in the ring by my stewards Ann Maltby and Scott Cranson.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would like to thank the exhibitors for providing me with the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs.
I found the majority to be in good fit condition and in good coat. There was a variation in head type but most fit the standard in my interpretation.
Mouths were generally good with only a couple with an acceptable level bite. In some presentation could have been better with a few having untidy feet. I was impressed with both line ups and some decisions were very close.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Northumberland County Show
25th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks to the committee for inviting the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show.
My thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and the sporting manner they accepted my placings on the day
To be judging in the County where the Border Terrier originated from felt quite special, the landscape certainly gives you an appreciation of the environment that the breed was built to work in.
I was pleased to find the majority of exhibits, presented in the correct tweedy jackets, which I’m sure they appreciated being in , with the inclement weather we experienced on the day.
I found most exhibits to be of correct size and with typical heads, on the flip side I found some exhibits quite heavy in the front giving a somewhat ‘beefy’ appearance and also some round eyes giving a rather untypical expression.
I felt that my winners fitted the criteria of essentially a working terrier.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
another decent one that pressed 1 hard, smaller type to 1 built on good proportions, nice typical head with keen dark eye, with good earset, spannable, clean shoulders and pleasing outline.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
My thanks, to the Club, for the invitation to judge their Club Show and the hospitality shown to Peter and myself. Thanks, also, to my Stewards, Wendy Mooney and Denise Townsend, who valiantly coped with the paperwork in the, at times, rather blustery conditions, keeping everything going smoothly! Thank you to the exhibitors, also, who entered for my opinion. The grass, in the ring, wasn’t exactly “bowling green”, so it certainly sorted out the good from the bad, on the move!
As is usual, from me, not an “everything in the garden is rosy” preamble! After 35 years, living and breathing Border Terriers, I tell it, as I see it!
As with my last appointment, Crufts, it is just over a 3 year gap, since I judged the Breed in the UK. I had obviously made my point, last time, that I wouldn’t pass the excessively broad skull, almost caricature like, that had become popular, despite the Standard asking for “Head like that of an Otter. Moderately broad in skull”, as there were none I thought overdone, on the day. I think, the problem lies, possibly, that the Standard doesn’t specify, as I was taught, that it refers to English River Otter, some people, mistakenly thinking the commoner headed Sea Otter, or deeper stopped Asian Short Clawed Otter is being referred to. There is a big difference between the three! Not helped by critiques, apparently, praising “broad” skulls, which, to me, sends out the wrong signals!
At Crufts, I had thought the breed had turned a corner, with regard to forehands ie. shoulder and upper arm construction…….how wrong was I?!!! I think I had the full range of faults today, upright shoulders, short upper arm, out at the elbow, sometimes all on the same exhibit! The widest part of a Border Terrier, “Essentially a working Terrier”, bred to go to ground, shouldn’t be the elbows, this fault usually being because the forehand isn’t set on the body correctly, being too far forward, due to a short, steep upper arm, usually, although not always, accompanied by an upright shoulder. These faults also affect that other line from the Standard “Capable of following a horse”, as, due to the incorrect angles, the movement is no longer efficient, being restricted to a shorter, hackneyed, step in profile, almost as though they are walking on hot coals, due to the foreleg not reaching full extension. It may look ok, coming and going, being accurate, as the shorter stride means there is less room for error, but the lack of a ground covering stride would mean the dog working twice as hard on the move, doing its job, soon becoming exhausted. This was brought home to me, discussing the stamina of various dogs with a friend, his son exercising their two Border Terrier champions chasing after him, on horseback, around a field. The accurate mover, with the shorter stride was soon exhausted, having had to work twice as hard, whereas the more angulated one, with the longer, ground covering stride, was up for more! Like, usually breeds like, good forehands being bred for. They don’t appear as if by magic! I am well aware that these faults are seemingly being passed by Judges, not just in the UK, at the very highest level, but that doesn’t mean that they are either correct or desirable and they are very difficult to breed out. I’m left wondering, having read a number of critiques, then having seen, or judged the dogs being praised, are the Seminars failing to educate the correct mechanics of economical movement, or are people just not seeing the movement faults, as long as its trots up and down, with its head and tail up, showing nicely for the Judge! Conversely, as ever, hind movement was pretty good.
It was interesting to note that those I have rewarded in the past, with the correct forehands and narrow fronts, at Crufts and previous engagements, came back, having retained their virtues and have also passed the same, narrow, lithe bodylines on to the next generation. If they are made right, they last right! A working Terrier, whose front is going, or has gone, by the time it is reaching maturity, is neither use nor ornament and is a liability to itself and its owner.
I would like to think, from ring side, that it was obvious that I was looking for Borders with a pattern of moderation and workmanlike construction, with sound, free, scopey movement, who also had quality and style. It wasn’t always easy, in some classes, but I thought my final line ups, in both sexes, demonstrated my priorities.
On the whole, coats and pelts were good, as always my opinion being that coats are transient. I don’t expect them to be aimed specifically, time wise, for me, as I am more concerned with correct construction, but it is “the icing on the cake.” As long as there was evidence of the correct textures, no one was unduly marked down, until it came to the top honours.
Most were spannable, although very few were easily spannable, slightly worrying, as my hands have a big span! This isn’t just a UK problem!
Mouths were all acceptable, a few with the odd broken tooth, which is only to be expected in a working Terrier and certainly wouldn’t be penalised by me.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
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’.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Birtley and District Canine Society Limited Show
27th Sep 2015
Judge: Joy Cunningham (Elvandar)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
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 /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr J Thomas (Daluce)
It was an honour to be invited to judge such a prestigious show as "The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show " I would like to humbly thank the committee for their invitation and their warm welcome on the day.
I would also like to thank my stewards on the day Allen Horner, Anne Maltby and Dave Mitchell, who kept the ring running smoothly for me.
Finally would like to thank the exhibitors for giving me the pleasure of going over their dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Nice size bitch. Typical head and expression. Smaller around than 1. Good rear angulatIon. Moved well. Ok in shoulder. Just lacking in coat today
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Class Critique
Lovely class.
Newton Aycliffe and District Canine Society Open Show
6th Dec 2015
Judge: Mr Jim McGhie (Keillor)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Open Show
5th Mar 2016
Judge:
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge my first BTC open show special thanks to the committee and members for a lovely show and exhibitors for my entry, thank you to my ring stewards Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh for keeping things running smoothly. I was very happy with all my placings I had some tough decisions and some placings on another day could easily change place. All dogs were entire and I was pleased to see many dogs shown in correct double coat. On a negative note I had two exhibits with teeth out of line and a few level bites although acceptable a scissor bite is preferable. As the first line of the breed standard states ‘essentially a working terrier’ personally I would like to see more dogs in fitter harder condition ‘fit for purpose’.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch of smaller build than 1st she is lovely for breed type with stunning head she has good lay of shoulder shame she was lacking coat today, moved well.
Tweedmouth Canine Society Open Show
25th Mar 2016
Judge: Mrs Margaret Armstrong (Carrickfarm)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for offering me this appointment and for their excellent hospitality . I had a lovely entry and would like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs.
Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Red grizzle, good head and alert expression. Dark eye, neat ears and strong muzzle. Good shoulder placement and tail set. Lovely tight harsh coat and moved true fore and aft.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My thanks go to the Northern Border committee for their warm welcome and for the honour of judging their Open show. I really enjoyed my day, and the ladies put on a lovely lunch and Christine’s apple pie was the best pudding of the day. I received a lovely entry and I was very pleased with my winners. My thanks also go out to the exhibitors for allowing me to inspect their dogs on the day. My thanks also go to my two stewards who were a great help on the day.
It is only my opinion, but I think that the size of the border terriers is slowly returning back in line with the breed standard which I am pleased about as I thought that Border terriers were getting too long in the leg. Mouths were good, all dogs were entire, but just a few exhibits were a bit close at the rear. A few exhibitors could do with spending a little time learning how to tidy their dogs and how to get the best out of the dog on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Sunderland & District Canine Society Open Show
17th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs Norma Ellis (Normbar)
Some lovely dogs to go over thank you for the sportsmanship in accepting my decisions.
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2016
Judge: Professor A S Milton
It was a pleasure to come back to Scotland, even though for just a day, and to judge Border Terriers at the Scottish Kennel Club's August Show. Looking at the catalogue I was surprised to find that Border Terriers had the fourth largest entry at the show. It was a very satisfactory entry, with many dogs that I had not seen before. I was particularly impressed with the overall quality of the coats. There was only one really bad mouth, a few crooked teeth, so what, as long as they can bite! I was concerned about size, not only those outwith the standard, but also even more worrying, those that I could not span. I should like to thank Joyce Martin for sending me a CD with photos of all the class winners.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Wolsingham & Wear Valley AS Open Show
4th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Lesley Roberts (Mindlen)
Open /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to Officers and Committee of the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Steward Allen Horner and Dave Mitchell. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
9th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs M Armstrong (Carrickfarm) & Dr S Fraser (Achnagairn)
Best Bitch
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Class Critique
Another class that was a pleasure to judge – lots of quality and some difficult decisions as a result.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Feb 2017
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Firstly I would like to thank the club and its committee members for inviting me to judge their show, it was an honour and privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thank you to my two lovely stewards, Liz Barrett and Anna Duxbury, for their help and assistance and for keeping the show running smoothly. Lastly I would like to thank all the exhibitors for entering and bringing their lovely dogs for me to judge. I have done the majority of my judging, so far, in the south west and wales so it was a real pleasure to go over some dogs that I have not had the pleasure of judging, Northern dogs are a lot hardier than our southerners!!
I had some quality dogs to go over which gave me some tough decisions to make and wish I could have given out more cards. I found all dogs to be entire and no bad mouths, apart from the odd missing tooth in the Veteran class!
I really did have a fabulous day and just want to apologise for not getting this critique out sooner.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Good otter head, neat ears and nice expression. Well laid shoulder and good level topline with good tail and tail set. Good angulation and moved well. Not much coat today but a good pelt.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association
18th Mar 2017
Judge: Dogs Mrs Val Mann - Bitches Mrs Norma Ellis
Thankyou for the nice entry of bitches spoilt for choice. A nice friendly show with a hard working Committee. Norma Ellis
Thank you to the Committee of this friendly, well run show for inviting me to judge the Border Terrier dogs. Val Mann
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Sweet little head on this bitch and although she would benefit from a little more length to her neck, she has a super body and an excellent thick pelt and good coat. Another with a good bend of stifle. Completed the picture with a good carroty tail well set on.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
7th Oct 2017
Judge: Dogs, MR. S. GRIFFITHS (DRIGOTHE) Bitches, MISS A. DIXON (OTTERPAWS)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. A warm welcome and great catering. Thank you to my steward Barry Merchant for keeping everything running smoothly. Thank you most to those who entered and to the exhibitors who kindly allowed me to go over their dogs and accepted my decisions. All entries had correct bites. Many of the entries struggled to move as well as they might have done due to the hall floor. Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
From the dogs on show I was able to identify different types and endeavoured to apply my knowledge of the breed to finding the characteristics in the different types which I would be happy to have passed on to future generations, so the better the points of the breed, the higher the placing. Judge Steve Griffiths (DRIGOTHE)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
4-year-old grizzle. Very thick pelt. Tight feet. Good typy border head. Good movement but preferred that of 1st.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
Good headed nice sized bitch. Rich red coat of good texture. Good pelt and condition. Liked her for size and type. Good rib and angulation. Moved out with drive.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2018
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to thank the club for the invitation to judge and the hospitality I received. Thanks also to my steward Mr Ian Hopper for his great assistance. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day.
I was impressed with the quality of the majority of dogs present and although some were top size all placed dogs were easily spanned and had correct bite.. I felt overall movement was good, coats were variable some full and some lacking however in the run up to Crufts this is to be expected. The majority had good pelts which was pleasing. Mouths were generally good most with large teeth but I was disappointed to see many with dirty teeth.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Judith Fawcett (Carrock)
I would firstly like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and for their lovely hospitality – lunch was very tasty. Thank you also to the committee for their lovely gift. My two stewards, Graham Richardson and Geoff Sugars, kept things moving along nicely – well done. This was my first breed club show and I was absolutely delighted with the excellent entry – thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity of going over your dogs. As expected coats were at various stages but on the whole were good; only a couple of exhibits on the day had no coat at all. All dogs were entire and there were no kinked tails. There were one or two missing or broken teeth, especially in the veteran class and one or two untidy mouths. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my main winners - I had some really good quality dogs to judge.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Placing Critique
standing alone in this class she moved well coming and going. Lovely feminine head with neat ears and good dentition. Good coat and pelt. She is just a little compact for me.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr C Dixon (Thornheswin) D, Mr P Brannan (Brankell) B
I would like to thank the offices and committee for their invitation to judge their well organised terrier group open show, Thanks also to the two stewards for their help in making it all run smoothly. Finally a big thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, giving me a nice entry. Mr P Brannan (Brankell)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
Class Critique
Top quality bitches on display with very close decisions between the top 5.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and committee for inviting me to judge their show. My ring steward on the day Lesley Roberts kept things flowing wonderfully for us all. I must pass my complements to the chef. Lunch and hospitality on the day was fantastic. All of this and some very nice dogs to go over on the day. Thank you all very much for a wonderful day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxcraig Touch Of Magic For Dexlin
