Show Placings
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Very attractive baby who has a good head and expression, clean through the neck and shoulders, in very good body, lovely bone and feet, moved well.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
6 month old grizzle bitch that stood on her own - litter sister to minor puppy dog winner, very confident as she moved around the ring. Lovely feminine head with a dark eye and small V shaped ears, super top line/tail set and put down in excellent condition/jacket – one to watch as she matures
Wellingborough & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
6 month old, very feminine bitch with dark eye and lovely expression. Good strength of muzzle, best of toplines leading to thick carroty tail. Easily spanned, narrow throughout, good pelt, a little short of coat today. Moved well with enthusiasm for age, kept her tail wagging all the way around the ring.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2024
Judge: Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers (Atron/Scottsway)
It was a great honour to be invited to judge The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show and therefore my thanks go to the Committee for the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at this friendly well run show. It was advantageous in having such a good sized ring in which to watch the dogs move. Borders need room to get into their stride and show their effortless movement and profile when viewed in side gait.
A special thank you also to Richard and Sharon, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly. It is always a great help for any judge to be blessed with competent stewards. Finally a big thank you to all the Exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me for my opinion and for accepting my decisions with good grace. As always coats were at differing stages, often reflected in the placings, but coats do come and go, construction does not !. Overall I found temperaments excellent, as well it should be, which bodes well for the breed.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
This 7 month old baby shows so much promise and really impressed. Possesses a feminine head of correct proportions, V shaped ears set close to her head and strength in her muzzle. Narrow throughout and spanned easily. A straight front with neat feet. Ample rear quarters which she used to advantage, level topline and well set carroty tail. Her movement was true and with enthusiasiasm for such a youngster. Looked quite the part reaching from the front and driving from her from her racy hindquarters. A lovely puppy and consequently my BEST BITCH PUPPY. Only lost out for Best Puppy on maturity.
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, Ragatam Daydreamer
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
18/07/2023. Cracking little bitch, confident on the move and on the table, very pretty, dark keen eye, otter head correct placed small dark ears, narrow throughout, clean shoulder into good length of rib, great angulation at both ends, moved well and covered her ground with purpose. Happy to award her BPB and BPIB and I look forward to seeing her in the future. PG3
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
This bitch impressed me with lots to like, she is alert with a lovely feminine head, V shaped well placed ears, a dark kind eye and a well filled muzzle. She has neat compact feet with moderate length of neck leading into a well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm, giving her enough forechest; ribs are carried well back, a level topline and racy hindquarters. Moved with good reach and drive. BPB, BPIS
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Slightly longer in the body than the winner, but similar remarks apply. Happy puppy enjoying her day out – moved out well, driving from behind.
Oswestry & District Kennel Association Open Show
17th Mar 2024
Judge: Mr Kevin Yeates (Bluebabel)
I’d like to thank the committee for appointing me for this show. With 16 dogs entered and 2 absent I was very pleased with my above average entry for this show. All the dogs had good dentition, and coats generally good
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
8 month old grizzle bitch, moderately broad in skull with a good dark eye and expression. Body deep, narrow and ribbed well back with a strong loin and racy hindquarters allowing for good movement. A lot to like, hence res best of breed and best puppy and TPG3.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
8 months old. Has a good head and strong bite. Well balanced with overall flowing body lines and strode out well.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs P Cox (Cushatlaw)
I would like to say a big thank you to the officers an committee for kindly inviting me to judge this lovely open show and to all the exhibitors for exhibiting their dogs under me. A special thank you to the stewards who kept the ring running smoothly.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
at 8 and a half months maturing well. Lovely feminine head super dark eye and pigmentation, strong muzzle and big teeth. Correct lay of shoulder giving correct length of neck, well bodied with good length to back. Strong over the loin. Super harsh coat. Moved well.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Best Opposite Sex Puppy
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan of nine months old. Nice sized puppy. Feminine otter head with a lovely eye and well set ears. Very good neck and shoulders and good return of upper arm. Just right for bone. Well ribbed back with an excellent topline and tailset. Excellent racy hindquarters which she used well on the move. Shown in a dense topcoat with good undercoat and pelt. Very sound on the move and beautifully presented. Best puppy bitch.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
A nice headed young bitch with a lovely dark eye and neat ears, good reach of neck and correct shoulders good for bone and strong rear quarters moving with purpose from all angles BPB
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
A quality puppy bitch, well balanced and shown in excellent coat. Lovely bitch to go over, good front angulation, narrow, well ribbed back, good length to body, level topline and excellent rear angulation. Nice short carrot tail. Nice head with keen expression and flat skull. Moved out well, covering the ground.
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
This puppy pushed hard for first place so much to like, lovely head and expression, narrow throughout another with nice tight feet with thick pads moved with confidence, sadly just lost out on coat.
Coventry & District Kennel Society Open Show
19th May 2024
Judge: Andrea Dixon (Otterpaws)
Thank you to the club for the invitation to judge and the exhibitors for their entries. Thank you to my stewards Lynn and Bruce.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
10-month light G+T bitch of athletic build. Feminine head with alert expression. Moved out well with confidence. Good topline and tail set. Nice tight feet. Presented in harsh wire coat. BPIB
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
G & T. Very appealing puppy of same age as first. Moved soundly and accurately. Lovely dark keen eye. Easily spanned and well ribbed back. Just preferred the overall size of first.
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
RBCC
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
This young bitch really appealed to me as soon as I saw her on the table. Lovely outline and very balanced. She has a very nice head piece which is very feminine yet without loss of strength. This young lady has a super keen eye and a nice pair of small ears correctly set. Correct length of neck into nicely angulated shoulder placement. Well matured body for her age and is well ribbed back. Good short loin. Correct topline and tail set. Nice tail length and well carried on the move. Lovely bone and feet. Thick pelt covered in a coat of good harsh texture and decent undercoat. Moved very well in all directions and gave the impression she could go all day. I thought she was quite lovely and although I am usually reticent to go down the line for highest honours, she was not to be denied. RCC in good company. I wish her well
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Mature looking 10 month old light grizzle. Feminine head, good neck and shoulder, straight front, good feet. Jacket in good order, plenty of pelt. Tail well set on and the best mover in this class. BPB
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge their show, it was an honour. Also for making David and myself so welcomed and the enjoyable lunch. The quality of the Borders were pleasing to go over. Big thank you to my stewards Julie and Robert, keep the classes running smoothly all day. Finally thank you to all the exhibitors who braved the cold weather, it did stay dry and allowing me to go over their dogs. All the males were entire, as usual the coats were at various stages which cost some dogs higher placing. Some wide fronts let them down, large ears were a problem in some exhibits. I was delighted with all my winners such quality.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Good head and expression, level topline, good bend of stifle well set hocks, which allowed for positive movement
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
racy 11 months light grizzle with a feminine head, dark eyes and keen expression, She has a straight front, good shoulders and a narrow body with a nice length to ribs and is easily spanned. Good coat and pelt; moved well.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
An 11 month old bitch which is a shade bigger than my 1st she is a lighter coated grizzle/tan with a very appealing head with dark eyes and strong short muzzle. Moderate length of neck and good shoulders flowing into a firm top line and her narrow body is well ribbed back and easily spanned. She had good drive from her well angulated hocks. I just liked the ring presence of the 1st today.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Another grizzle girl who was close to the winner. Pretty head and expression, good length of rib, nice turn of stifle. Moved well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
another quality puppy who is a shade larger in build than 1 but has excellent flowing balance, well shaped head with well set ears, has a good rib & loin, stands firm in rear, moved out well with confidence, just hope does not grow on.
East of England Ladies Kennel Society Open Show
23rd Jul 2024
Judge: Heather Chaplin
A huge thank you to the Secretary and Committee of EELKS for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers for the first time and to my three stewards for keeping the ring moving to ensure that my main winners could take part in the Group. Last but definitely not least, my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who kindly entered their lovely Borders under me and gave me such a super quality entry from which to select my main winners. All bites were sound, all dogs entire. Coats were a bit mixed as usual, as was movement, some front movements being better than others and some covering the ground with more ease and economy, but all the dogs were spannable. I was delighted that my BOB was awarded TG4 and that my RBOB obtained RBOB G5 under Group Judge Cara Davani. Congratulations!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Ragatam Daydreamer
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
This neat 12 month old grizzle/tan bitch strode into the ring as though she owned it. Vixen sized and balanced outline both standing and on the move. Good, moderate angulation both front and rear. Strong but feminine otter-like head, small near ears, dark eye and alert expression. Thick, tight jacket and good pelt with small neat round feet. Narrow throughout. Carrot-shaped tail held at the correct angle on the move. Liked her a lot for her size, shape and balanced movement Moved around the ring with ease and economy. Not surprised that I liked her so much as, on looking at her breeding afterwards, she goes back on some excellent old bloodlines. Definitely one to watch for the future. BOB and TG4. Congratulations!
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer
Placing Critique
Well constructed grizzle and tan bitch who was enjoying her day out. She had a good topline and tailset, a straight, narrow front with enough bone, well placed shoulders and her narrow ribs were carried well back. Good length of upper arm allowed her to reach out in front when she moved, while good rear angulation and well muscled hindquarters gave drive from behind. Her head was of correct proportions and her muzzle was strong, housing good teeth.
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
26th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs M Fleming (Flegato)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this very well run and friendly show. Also, thank you to the Midland Border Terrier Club for supporting the entry. The ring stewards were amazing and organised the ring and paperwork in the best way. And finally, thank you to all the exhibitors who entered and who were able to come and bring their dogs – it was a privilege for me to go over them.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
13 months old typey grizzle bitch of a lovely size and outline. Feminine ottery head of correct proportions with a flat moderately broad skull, strong short muzzle, powerful jaw and correct scissor bite. Dark eyes with keen expression, neat ears and very easy to span. Good coat of harsh texture with plenty of undercoat and thick pelt, level topline which she maintained on the move. Lovely free mover, she went around the ring with purpose. BOB.
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
A well put together grizzle bitch, shown in good condition. Typical border terrier head, with dark eye, keen expression and ear placement. Good reach of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. A racier girl than 1st with a narrow front and stood on small tight feet. She has a good length of back, strong loin, very good rear angulation which allowed her to move well around the ring. Short of coat today
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
A slightly lighter framed grizzle bitch, full of quality and well constructed. Her well proportioned head was feminine with a keen expression, neat ears and a strong muzzle with correct scissor bite. Narrow throughout, she maintained a level topline standing and on the move. Her loin was strong and her tail well set. She had enough bone and small, neat feet. Her correctly angulated front and rear, ensured that she could move well with drive. Shown with a correct double coat, just coming into its best.
Class Critique
A large, quality class, where unfortunately some deserving borders left unrewarded. I would definitely have liked some additional prize cards.
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2024
Judge: Mr Bob Blackley (Vaevictus)
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
Good headed bitch, with a good outline, well angulated, good clean shoulders, moved well both ways, good coat and pelt
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
at the risk of repeating myself, another 2 lovely examples of the breed. Very tidy bitch of super proportions ,14 months , nice head piece with sweet expression ,good straight front , lovely rear angles . Jacket harsh and deep , plenty of pelt . Tail set and topline great , moved very well . Shown and presented in tip top form .
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2024
Judge: Irene Glen (Wilholme/Bessalone)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
Lovely type of bitch who has a balanced feminine head, pleasing strength of muzzle and correct eye shape and well set ears. Strong neck onto well laid shoulders, straight in front and ribs are carried well back with correct tail set. Well muscled quarters with a good bend of stifle. Best of pelts. Sound and steady mover.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
Placing Critique
G/tan Appealing Head with good teeth in strong jaw, good neck and shoulder placement and straight narrow front plenty of rib and strong loin good topline and tailset and full coat
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ragatam Daydreamer JW
