Show Placings
West Midland Terrier Society
15th Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs A. Higham (Comberdown)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Puppy
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Bitch
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Lovely size, well balanced six month old blue and tan. Feminine head with keen eye and neat ears. Correct scissor bite. Good shoulder placement and straight front with enough bone. Small tight feet. Strong loin and nicely angulated hindquarters. Held her level topline on the move. Beautiful harsh blue and tan coat with correct ticking. Loose thick pelt. Easily spanned and correct shaped rib. Presented in excellent condition and showed really well for her age. Obviously a lot of development will take place until this one is the finished adult, but I would say that she is an extremely promising young bitch for her age. Best bitch. BOB. BPIB.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Feb 2014
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Puppy
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
This puppy has a lovely balanced outline with a good blue coat. Feminine head with dark eye and keen expression. Good bone and straight front, neat feet with thick pads. Correct angulation back and front. Moved well for one so young holding a level topline finished with a lovely short tail. A very confident puppy, pleased to award her best puppy in show.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Mar 2014
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
I wish to thank the YORKS LANCS AND CHESHIRE BORDER TERRIER CLUB for the opportunity to judge at this level many thanks to the stewards Carolyn Richardson, Cally Harris and Julie Price for the help in the smooth running of the show I would also like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
blue and tan a real baby very feminine in head nice movement good harsh jacket, loose pelt, narrow front and neat feet nice outline, neck flowing into good shoulders and topline with correct tailset needs to body up a little but has time on her side.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Jane Parker (Conundrum)
I would like to thank the BTC club, for giving me a second chance to judge this, the most prestigious of the breed clubs championship shows. I was judge elect in 2010, but caught the awful Noro virus the night before I was due to judge and spent the next two days flat out.
The new venue that the committee has found, has to be lauded. It is large, airy, light, the flooring is excellent. The car park looked huge. From a judges point of view I could see all the dogs clearly at any time. Congratulations on a super venue.
My two stewards, Chris Davis and Liz Barratt were so very organised and kept me informed and on time throughout the day, with good humour lots of smiles and attention to detail. With such a lovely entry numbers wise, it was a long day. Thank you both.
Living in Canada now, it was a real pleasure to judge dogs that I had mostly not seen. Obviously some of the older ones were mere youngsters before I left and it was nice to see how they had progressed through the years. I found no missing testicles, mouths on the whole were good, with only a few missing teeth or one or two misaligned. Heads were in general better overall than when I left, with more who carried a moderately broad backskull and also a lot more with very good underjaw, something one had to look hard to find a few years ago. Coats were on the whole, good, there were a very few however, who had greasy and dirty coats, this I feel is completely unnecessary. A few arrived without their coats, this is just unfortunate as dogs do not know about our ambitions in regard to shows, and if the coat needs to come out then so be it! Feet in some instances were weak, with some flat footed and others harefooted, this breed needs to have really good tight feet, small with thick pads and be well knuckled, poor feet make the whole outline of the dog look wrong. The worst fault I found, as usual were fronts, all the usual suspects were there, wide fronts, narrow fronts, flicking wrists etc. I do begin to wonder if we will ever get this completely right, but if we are breeders looking to the future, we must be hard on this most prevalent fault, and do not use these dogs and bitches in our breeding programmes. Bitches had the most quality through the entry, again, this is usual, however the dogs that were good, were very very good, and the best, were exceptional. Size does need to be watched, this is a somewhat cyclical thing, but there were some big dogs and bitches in the ring. The first and most important words in our standard...â€Essentially a working terrierâ€...if it cannot be spanned, it is too big. In general I feel the breed in the country of origin is in pretty good shape, the top percentage of the dogs I judged were quite lovely and had breed type to spare. In my critique you will no doubt notice expressions I use again and again. I find certain things are ubiquitous (but none the less hugely important to breed type) and have my pet ways of describing them, I hope you forgive my industrial repetition in some regards.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Puppy
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
This young bitch was in my eye from the moment she entered the ring. She has presence and is a very attractive border type. Blue and tan jacket, in super form, well ticked harsh and dry, thick and pliable pelt. Her feminine head is strong, even for her tender age, with good planes, eye is keen, teeth good, and her muzzle strong, ears neat and falling correctly. Neck is moderate easing into lovely shoulders, her rib is narrow and correct. A racy hindquarter and well let down hocks complete the standing picture. On the move she is strong and positive, although she needs to settle in front, where she comes toward you somewhat narrow. I loved her overall and was very pleased to award her BPIS.
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2014
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this group championship show. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Doyle and John Callow for their help and assistance in keeping me organised and the ring running smoothly. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for such a large entry in these tough financial times.
The ring was large with lots of space for dogs to move freely without being forced to stop/start. In general the dogs were in good condition. I found 1 dog that was not entire. Although teeth were mostly OK, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly in size. Coats varied as always but I judge on the day and lack of coat is taken into account when placing exhibits. I was concerned at the number of exhibits down on their pasterns, not giving the small feet as required. Many younger exhibits would really benefit from regular ringcraft experience.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
B/tan almost 8 months. Another well trained puppy which really helps at this age. A very feminine youngster who looks good in profile. Good in head, neck and shoulder carrying a short tail. Nice rib shape with good underline, catlike feet and thick pads. Harsh coat and loose pelt, moved well at the rear but needs to tighten in front. I am certain these 2 will often change places in future.
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Very stylish puppy, beautiful topline, very good head, well angulated but still a little loose in front.
Bath Championship Show
23rd May 2014
Judge: Mr S Plane
Thankyou to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry for the first time awarding challenge certificates. Although we had a super sized ring with short grass and level surface, the weather prevented us from using the outer part in some classes. Most of the exhibits were undeterred by the rain and dampness
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Another promising youngster who also must have a good future, lovely head and eye, correct mouth, true front, keeps her topline on the move, lovely coat texture, spans correctly, happy showgirl.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Puppy
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
B/t. When this pup stepped into the ring I said to myself WOW and wasn’t disappointed when I went over her. Beautiful head which was complemented with dark eye, correct ear set, good jaw and teeth. Level topline and shapely good hindquarters. Sound movement which completed the picture. She oozes class and ring presence. Presented in tip top condition, well done. Pleased to award her BPIB.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2014
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
I would like to thank my stewards who kept the event running smoothly. My decisions were made on the exhibit on the day
I found heavy ears are creeping in, detracting from the otter head and keen expression. An excessive amount of exhibits were not in hard, toned condition. ‘Couch potato’ dogs come to mind. Front movement is also a cause for concern. I found two level mouths, one just level and a puppy , had a tooth out of line. My decision on some unplaced exhibits were a culmination of a long foreface and untypical expression, unspannable even though I gave some leeway and poor front movement.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
BCC
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Best Puppy
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Blue and Tan. This puppy has quality throughout. She has a lovely feminine head, neat ears, short strong muzzle and a good bite. Pleasing outline with a level topline and carrot tail. She has correct bone, neat feet and good ribs and spannable. Her front was straight, good angulation and movement was sound. She responded to her handler well. BP BCC BOB
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
3rd Aug 2014
Judge: Bainbridge & Dandy
*Dogs*
Many thanks to the Midland Committee for this appointment and to all those especially the stewards who made for an enjoyable day. The entry in general reflected the type the exhibitors by now know I like. However there were a number up to size and exhibiting poor front angulation and short deep ribs and paid the price. I was looking for dogs with a typical otter head straight narrow front well laid shoulders ribbed back spannable and racey rear quarters with thick pelt in harsh double coat all of which we should be looking for in the ideal Border Terrier that is essentially a working terrier.
I was very pleased with my winners overall and had good depth of quality in the limit and open classes that generally displayed the above attributes.
The dog CC and ultimately BIS Ch Olderhill Afortunado is the ideal border terrier that shows with confidence and has class. He has a good border head of otter type strong jaw with keen expression on strong neck set into well laid shoulders ,narrow ribs carried back ,ideal length strong loin and the desired rear quarters ,shown in double coat and top condition moved with drive to cover the ground. Pleased my co-judge agreed this boys qualities worthy of BIS.
The RCC Tythrop Timepiece this excellent blue and tan displayed similar qualities to the above and with his good turn of stifle and short hocks and tight feet moved so well and with top presentation took this award over the quality 2nd in Open and Limit winner and with time maturity should complete the picture.
The Bitch CC winner and BOS,RBIS Ploughdown Placida is a top quality exhibit but for me just not the strength in loin of the dog but a close decision .
*Judge: John Bainbridge*
*Bitches*
A great honour to judge bitches at this breed club show, my grateful thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for their warm and friendly hospitality and to my two competent and hardworking stewards. I had a most enjoyable day and was delighted that my final line-up comprised of excellent and true to type examples of the breed, with some really promising youngsters amongst them. It is always foremost in my mind when judging this breed that it is essential that the dog’s conformation and movement should demonstrate its capability to work and follow a horse. I found this a challenge today, rather too many exhibits failing to demonstrate free ground covering movement or any length of stride to ‘follow a horse’: with weak pasterns resulting in uneconomic paddling action and poor reach; and sickle hocks impairing effective drive. I was also struck by the number of short ribs and untypical ‘cut up’ underlines. On a positive note temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance, although I felt numerous exhibits were neither ‘active’ nor ‘game’ in their demeanour. I was delighted to co-judge BIS with John Bainbridge and pleased that we agreed on all of our joint decisions today.
*Judge: Sarah Dandy*
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Nicely made youngster with good B/T jacket, of correct texture and colour with good pelt. Feminine otter head with a good neck into a sound forehand with a good layback of shoulder and well defined clean wither. Liked her overall moderation with correct firm topline matched with good underline, she scores in size and balance. Moved soundly and tracked particularly well. Beautifully toned condition, in good order. Two promising youngsters with much to like
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
nice quality bitch, needs to mature a bit more, pushed hard in the challenge, moved freely, good legs and feet, nice feminine head
Richmond Championship Dog Show
6th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr W Gray (Pontbeck)
Thanks go to my stewards for making the day run smoothly and to the exhibitors for their enthusiasm for the breed and the sporting way they took my decisions.
Since the hunting bill I 've been concerned how the breed would keep to the line in the breed standard " Essentially a working terrier " as the opportunities for work have been reduced and the spin off as to why we require a double coat and the dog to be narrow all through may be lost to some exhibitors who haven't the opportunity to work or know someone who does or has worked their dogs. There was evidence today that we may have lost sight of the fact that this is a working breed. I'm not suggesting that all Borders should work but that all Borders should be capable to work and those who are closest to the breed standard should be able to do the job required of them.
There were a few exhibits with single coats today, look very smart but would soon pay the price on a cold wet winters day if they had to be out in the elements for any length of time. Some exhibits were carrying a little too much weight and quite a number would benefit from a good walk, some with little muscle.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
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.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Lovely head with a dark eye, strong muzzle and small V shaped ear close to the head, correct bite, good reach of neck into narrow front and good shoulders, ribbed well back, nice topline and tail set ,well angulated and moved well, lovely blue and tan coat.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier club for inviting me to judge and for their fabulous hospitality. The new venue had light inside much improved from the old venue and was in a beautiful setting . My appreciation goes to my ring stewards Andrew Mooney , Bev Marsh & Jane Roberts who ensured the entrants were in order, and kept the classes running smoothly.
A good entry ,numerically and in quality , which gave way to some close decisions. Coats were as always at different stages , I found myself forgiving lack of coat or blown coats in favour of correct movement .Some exhibits that on first glance I thought were my winners let themselves down on the move , there were a couple who “crabbed” and some who’s front movement was very untidy .From ringside these dogs looked wonderful stacked . Some dogs were moved rather fast which may have contributed to their wayward movement.
A few dogs had too much beard and cheek hair left on , this stood out even more when the rest of the dog was immaculately presented .
On the plus side I found fit, well conditioned dogs , teeth and bites were good ,and excellent temperaments - bar a couple who were uncharacteristically shy . I was extremely pleased with both line ups and was spoilt for choice with the top honours.
Thank you for allowing me to go over your lovely dogs.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
14 month B/T who was the whole package , gorgeous head and expression with small neat ear, nice reach of neck , narrow front with neat immaculately trimmed feet, harsh dense coat with thick pelt, topline and tail set spot on, excellent short thick tail, hindquarters nicely angulated, easily spanned, moved well , close decision for BIS ,the dog moving with more purpose in the challenge.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
27th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My grateful thanks to the committee and officers for their brilliant hospitality and to stewards Doreen Rushby and Graham Richardson for their hard work and attempts at keeping me out of trouble. An excellent entry with real quality present in both dogs and bitches. Unfortunately, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, front movement was a real problem in quite a few exhibits, not I might add in the top winners, but unfortunately occasional compromises had to be made in this respect in some classes when filling some of the lower placings.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Loved this excellent blue and tan, and considered her seriously for the reserve cc. Her head, front and shoulders are excellent Good length of back, firm loin and tail set. Good angulation. Excellent coat. Moved well. I’m safe in saying she will do well.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Attractive blue and tan of 14 months in good condition. Nice head qualities, short strong muzzle, good ear and eye placement. Straight front, good length of body, flat rib. Narrow throughout, good rear angulation, moved steadily. Short carroty tail. Harsh coat with excellent silver ticking, thick pliable pelt.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
23rd Nov 2014
Judge: Jane Moreton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge at the show, and to all those who entered under me. Also thanks to my two stewards Robert Brewster and Jeremy Young and for those who prepared lunch.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and was very happy with my winners. In a couple of classes the decision was very close. There were no kinked tails, temperaments were good on the whole, with only 3 that were roughly handled, subsequently the dogs were behaving nervously. I had a couple of bad bites and a couple of level bites. All bar two were spannable. Coats again on the whole were good. Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions, apart from one unsportsmanlike behaviour in the ring!! The class I enjoyed judging the most on the day was Veteran Bitch. Lovely classy bitches in good condition and very close decisions between them all.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance
Placing Critique
Beautiful correct blue with wonderful head and expression. Not exaggerated in any way. In super coat with good pelt. Good tailset. Moved well. Would like a little more bend of stifle.
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
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Beautifully sized balanced bitch in fit order with a harsh blue coat. Lovely outline with good top line easily spanned with good rib cage well carried back. Good strong feminine head.
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
A lovely blue and tan shown in excellent form. A strong head with a proper varmint expression, wel filled under the eye with correctly placed ears. The straightest of fronts, well laid shoulders, level top line which stays true on the move. Lovely body lines, excellent rear angulation. Shown in the best of double coats with a thick pliable pelt. Moved with drive around the ring – true positive movement.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for super entry, it was an honour to go over so many excellent quality border terriers . I had some close decisions in many classes and some quality dogs had to go cardless. Overall I was impressed with the standard of both dogs/bitches and with the condition of them. Almost all were in fit condition with muscle tone,spanning wasn't an issue I'm pleased to say. Which means the breed is in a good way.. Mouths too on the whole were correct with many having good sized and clean teeth. .While coats are of course transient, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts.
Last but not least Huge Thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Stewards who made my day so much easier.
RBCC
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
What a lovely super feminine blue & tan bitch this is, she oozes breed type. Lovely otter head and keen expression with dark eye and neat ears.presented to perfection. Narrow and balanced she feels as good as she looks. Res CC and strong contender in the challenge.
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
BCC
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
My opening remark says everything about the way these two exhibits are constructed. This b/t bitch appears to be heavy in the keel, as blues sometimes do, but she was spannable. Loved her head and expression – feminine with an assured, watchful look about her. Narrow front, good layback of rib. Good reach of neck into clean shoulders. Great coat texture, well ticked. Looking at her head in profile, she has the otterlike ‘plane’ from the skull top to the leather end. Dark eye & broad muzzle, good dentition. Good short carrot tail. Well angulated behind and driving easily round the ring. Delighted to award her BCC & BoB.
Class Critique
The two winners ‘flowed’ round the show ring in this class. A memorable sight for lovers of BTs. Impossible to achieve if construction on either was faulty.
Border Union Agricultural Society
20th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging at Border Union showground. Such a pleasant show. Many thanks go to my two very able stewards. They had the ring (& me) running like clockwork. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered under me. Had some lovely dogs to go over & some hard decisions to make. Coats were probably the best I have seen for some time. Thick pelts, too, were much in evidence. Mouths were good. Fronts continue to be a problem & movement letting some otherwise promising dogs down.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
very smart b/t bitch. Lovely size. Short, strong muzzle. Large teeth. Straight front. Good bend of stifle. Lovely topline & tailset. Very good coat with ample ticking. Moved well when settled. One to watch with interest
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
This bitch possesses a real quality heavily ticked correct blue and tan coat. She has a very nice feminine head. Her whole facial expression is very eye-catching. Short strong muzzle with good teeth and correct bite. In profile she looks to have lovely proportions with correct level topline and a good tail of a nice length, set and carriage. A smashing bitch but on this day I preferred the overall drive and front movement of 1.
Class Critique
I believe that this was my best and hottest contested class of the day. I really enjoyed going over them.
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
So much to like, built on racy lines, just preferred the forehand of 1 but otherwise has the same good qualities and moves with stylish ease, in no way disgraced not to go further today in such excellent company
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Very smart, lovely otter head, good shoulders and bone with tight feet, level topline and carroty tail
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
RBCC
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Such a pretty unexaggerated bitch everything as it should be good movement, great topline, tail set on and carried correctly. The right size well sit within the weight range that many will not. Would like a tad more length in her rib but nit picking loved her head in the final analysis which tipped the balance over 2nd RCC
Class Critique
Wow! What a class they were all quality down to VHC and those that left the ring on another day I would have been very happy to place. Two blues bitches headed this class both had fabulous blue jackets with undercoat something I noticed lacking in some exhibits and both beautifully presented – newer exhibitors please note how the good ones are turned out.
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
good headed bitch with typical expression, well-balanced outline in profile, well angulated at both ends, good topline ending with pleasing tail, altogether a good bitch which moved very well to win this class.
Class Critique
Having seen quite a few exhibits in earlier classes with poor movement it was a pleasure to judge this class where not one exhibit displayed poor front or rear movement.
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
For breed type and conformation she fits the standard well, with the correct blue and tan coat and ticking, her jacket is harsh and the pelt is thick, she has a great otter head good dark eye with ears close to her cheek which gives her a true Border expression .With a lovely reach of neck running smoothly into a straight top line and a good tail set. She has the right amount of bone and a good narrow front with an easy span and the best of feet. On the move she covers the ground well. This bitch is very well balanced throughout presented in lovely body condition and certainly - fit for function.
BCC
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Champion subject to KC confirmation
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
C.C. and Best of Breed
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Blue and tan bitch out of the top drawer, she has a lovely racy body and in the class here, moved very well. A strong contender for higher honours, but for some reason, in the challenge, she was not so positive in front movement. Turned out in immaculate condition, she was a worthy winner here, from her otter like head, down to her small tight cat like feet, with all parts in between matching the breed standard so well, she was easily spanned and had a good shaped rib. Good reach of neck and well off for bone while not being overdone.
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
a very good blue and tan bitch I have always admired. Pleasing head. Enough length of body, good lines and correct outline with good tail-set. Moved well behind. Scored over 2 here for having a shade more neck. Coat in good order. She went on to win the Reserve BCC.
Class Critique
Another excellent class with plenty of quality.
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Presented in immaculate condition without a hair out of place as you would expect, this lovely bitch put up a terrific fight for the first place. She has a lovely head, a straight and narrow front, a narrow body and very good hindquarters, she has a good coat and tail, but in the final analysis, she got outmoved in the front by the winner. A lovely bitch.
Class Critique
Having seen all of the above (first three placed) since they were puppies, I never imagined for one second I would ever judge them, thank you for doing me the honour of bringing them.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs A E Gregory
This was my first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the organisers of the East of England Show for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my two stewards, David and Pat Sutton for keeping everything running along smoothly. Thanks must also go to the exhibitors for allowing me the honour and privilege of judging their dogs and for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day!
Movement on the whole was good but front movement in a few was incorrect with toeing in when coming towards me. A few lacked muscle tone and some feet and nails could have been tidied to better advantage. Thick pelts were in the minority and some exhibits were shown without undercoat and this affected placings. Considering the harsh terrain in which the Border Terrier is expected to carry out its’ work, it should be in fit, hard condition with a thick double coat and pelt of depth and quality. Some heads also had stops which were too deep. This does not present a correct otter like head which should have a shallow stop. I also found a couple of suspect mouths and a few dogs, when lifted off the table, were too heavy. Some dogs would have benefited from more ring training. However, I was pleased with my winners and, in some classes, decisions were close. Although early rain made the ring conditions less than desirable, all dogs coped well.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
RCC Well presented in a lovely harsh coat over a good pelt, in fit condition, head of good proportions, this bitch has a narrow body of good length, straight front with neat feet, good shoulder placement, good in topline and well set on carrot tail, well turned hindquarters with good muscle tone, moved soundly.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Pleasing blue and tan, good length of body, good reach of neck, excellent coat and presented in good condition, moved well both ways with drive.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
(b/t) lovely well balanced b, lovely otter head, correct muzzle & bite, straight front, good reach of neck & layback, easily spanned, firm loin and well muscled quarters, good coat & pelt,
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
BCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
I must admit not to have recognised her, but apparently she was my Best Puppy last time I awarded CCs. She so appeals for type and soundness. Her blue and tan coat had been well prepared which enhanced her outline, lovely over the neck and shoulder with spannable ribs and a loose pelt, very sound front and back with well angulated quarters, In the challenge she impressed to win the CC.
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
different type to 1, not just in colour, b/t, has all the attributes of the breed standard, most beautiful bodylines, super jacket, lovely carroty tail, moved so well, a very close decision, just preferred the overall balance and presence of 1. RCC
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
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 /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Similar in type to 1 and lots of the comments apply. This girl has a lovely head of correct proportions with good scissor bite and a strong jaw. She has a narrow front, good shoulders and is just right for bone. She is easily spanned, has well shaped ribs and well muscled hind quarters. Shown in a good tweedy coat. Moved very well fore and aft. Very close decision in this super class of Borders.
Class Critique
Another class that was a pleasure to judge – lots of quality and some difficult decisions as a result.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
BCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Eye-catching b/t. Lovely head with strong muzzle, flat skull and neat ears. Straight narrow front, well laid back shoulders flowed into level topline held well on the move. Super dense harsh double coat with thick pelt. Thick carrot tail well set on. Well balanced with lovely profile and good underline. Nicely angulated with good second thigh producing true movement with good drive. Could not be overlooked today. CC
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
(B/tan) presented well in a harsh coat over a thick pliable pelt, in hard fit condition, head of good proportions, she has a narrow body of good length, easily spanned, good pelt, straight front with neatest of feet, good shoulder placement, good in topline and well set carrot tail, the best of hindquarters with good muscle tone, moved soundly.
Class Critique
Lovely class of bitches with some worthy Champions
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Very close 2nd to the winner. A judge should be so lucky to have such good quality in a class like this, but at the same time, it is sad when they cannot all have a first prize. Lovely blue and tan with a tremendous jacket on her and "ticking" in boatloads. I loved the way she was turned out today, as is usual. Beautiful otter head and a good length of body. She was moving so well today throughout the class on good tight feet. Good set on of tail. A very worthy Champion.
Class Critique
What a fantastic class this was. Loved all the ones I placed today. Some very close decisions.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
I have from the ringside and she did not disappoint on examination. Harsh double coat with thick pelt. Typical head and expression, with big teeth and correct bite. Moved very soundly with plenty of reach and drive. RBCC.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Lovely blue and tan bitch with great overall balance and racy lines. Good level topline, maintained on the move. Flat rib, ribbed well back and easy to span. Just the right amount of bone.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Another beautiful bitch, excellent blue and tan coat, a little shorter in back to 1, good reach of neck, good head, excellent construction throughout, a worthy champion but wasn’t so steady on the move today.
Class Critique
Excellent class.
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.
BCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful B/Tan. Immaculately set down. Typical head and expression, with strong teeth and muzzle. Moderate reach of neck, good topline flowing into carrot tail, well set on. Unexaggerated angulation fore and aft and nicely up on the leg. Good strong neat feet. Super harsh jacket. Moves well. Bitch CC, Res BIS, BOS.
Class Critique
Top quality bitches on display with very close decisions between the top 5.
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
RBCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
B/T top draw bitch, lovely head shape, excellent ear set, well balanced out line, stood on good legs and feet, in excellent coat and condition very good pelt, moved well. RCC.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
BCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Beautiful bitch.Fits the standard well.Correct size,feminine head with strength to muzzle.Good shoulder,narrow front,catlike feet.Well ribbed back,muscular hindquarters and a proper "carrot" tail.Dense blue coat with plenty of ticking overlying thick pelt.Moved with real drive from the rear and looked as if she could have gone all day.Bitch CC and Best Of Breed.
Class Critique
The first three are all lovely examples of the breed and could easily change places on another day.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
Lovely b & t. pleasing head with short ,strong muzzle and a very keen expression. Spans well. Carrot tail and neat feet. Has such a good topline and tailset. Moved well both ways. Showed well and is in lovely condition.
South Wales Kennel Association
12th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
My thanks go to SWKA for their kind invitation to judge at this good venue. Also to my stewards Sue and Wendy who kept things flowing.
Thank you too all those who entered and accepted my decisions so sportingly. All mouths were good, all dogs entire and coat quality was excellent , especially in the dog classes. Pleased with my winners, and my final line-up, and to see my bob and bp be shortlisted in their groups.
BCC
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Emblehope Dance and Dance JW
Placing Critique
A beautiful blue of 6 years. One i have admired and coveted, since she came out as a puppy. She didn’t disappoint. She has a strong but feminine head, with good teeth, a dark eye, neat ears. Lovely expression. A well laid shoulder, led into a straight front, well boned. She spanned easily, and has a super ,well ticked harsh blue coat on a thick pelt. Lovely level top-line and neat tail set and carried correctly. Well presented and handled, she moved well with drive. BCC
