Show Placings
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Thank you to the officers and committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their June 2024 Breed Club Open Show. The day was marked by very good weather conditions: a mixture of sunny spells, brisk breezes and cloud. Just right for the dogs. The dreaded rain kept at bay so the Gods smiled down on us. What a super venue to hold a show. There was a large indoor hall if needed. However, given the clement conditions, we were outside for judging on a large paved area surrounded by raised grass banks that afforded for spectators a good view of events. The welcome from officers and exhibitors alike was warm and hospitable and I’d like to thank exhibitors for the super entry I had and for their good grace in accepting their placings. There was a great sense of collegiality among members and good humour was in plentiful supply. The catering was second to none; the poached salmon salad at lunch was super. And I was sent on my way with enough food to see me back over the sea to Northern Ireland. Finally I’d like to thank my two stewards on the day: Kath Lothian and Pete Appleby. They were welcoming and fulfilled their duties with quiet good humour.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Ma Baker
Placing Critique
A lot to like about this grizzle bitch who showed some maturity for her 8 months. Very pleasing head with lovely proportions and balance. Flat in skull and strong in muzzle. Her dark eye lent her a keen expression. Great pigmentation. Standing on straight front legs with good bone, strong pasterns and neat well-padded feet. Moderately long in body, strong in loin and with a short thick tail. Deep coarse double coat and great depth of pelt. Easily spanned. Challenged hard for best bitch puppy.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Mar 2025
Judge: Mr Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the committee for inviting me to judge at my home club. I had a good selection of quality dogs to choose from, and a couple I’d happily have in my own kennel. Thank you to my stewards Julie and Nicky for keeping my ring running smoothly and to the exhibitors for allowing me to assess their dogs, taking my decisions in a sporting manner.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ravenside Ma Baker
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2025
Judge: Janice Johnson (Ratcheugh)
My thanks to the Border Terrier Club for this appointment it was indeed an honour and privilege to judge this prestigious show in Border Country. To my stewards Judy and Pam for their efficiency and all the exhibitors who entered, thank you for giving me this opportunity to go over your dogs and accepting my judgement on the day.
I had the most enjoyable day going over some excellent examples of our breed. My feelings are we have a good future in some of our younger exhibits but, watch out for size and movement. For all exhibitors, we must remember the border terrier is a working breed and should be able to follow hounds, sound movement is essential. I love a good coat and thick pelt and today I had both in abundance, all mouths were correct and all, but a couple were spannable.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Ma Baker
Placing Critique
nice compact bitch with no exaggerations, has all the qualities needed for our breed, easily spanned, ribs well back, lovely border head dark eye and expression, thick pelt, correct double coat, loved her carrot tail, and neat feet.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
25th Apr 2025
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to everyone who entered on a Friday and gave me the biggest entry of the two groups on the day and the forth highest in the whole show! Pat and Paul my stewards were great and helped me to get through the dogs in an efficient way.
We were lucky enough to be outside on a perfect dog showing day weather wise.
Some super quality classes with hair splitting decisions and even lovely dogs unplaced. Whilst essentially a working terrier was a priority, I wanted my males, to look like males and my bitches easily recognisable as females, it sounds obvious but with some they could’ve passed for either.
Some really lovely dogs looked super stood, but failed on the move, not just coming and going, but more importantly to me, the side gait.
I think we need to be careful of mouths, I was surprised to find several with teeth out of line. Level bites, although allowed and not penalised on the day, some were in very young dogs and it makes me wonder if they will last.
Having said all that, I enjoyed my day and the dogs, who also seemed to enjoy being outside.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ravenside Ma Baker
