Show Placings
Bath Campionship Show
28th May 2010
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for an extremely nice entry and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. A warm sunny day with a welcome breeze made conditions ideal. A bonus was the neatly mown grass in the ring which was ideal to assess movement. I was fortunate to have two extremely efficient Stewards who ensured the smooth running of the ring, enabling me to finish my task in good time, despite a delay in the start of judging.
On the whole I was pleased with the exhibits presented to me which were clean, although many lacked the correct double jacket that the standard asks for. Front movement is still a concern as indeed was the variation in the size of some of the exhibits. Heads generally were good although some exhibits were rather heavy in ear. Temperament’s were excellent, just one or two not too keen on being handled on the table. Two exhibits had teeth missing and I found a couple with incorrect dentition.
Feet can tell you a lot about a dog and its lifestyle. The standard asks for feet to be small with firm pads. Flat feet not helped by long nails are most undesirable and indeed would be a drawback if the dog was carrying out the task for which he was originally bred. Scissor marks unfortunately were very much in evidence on some exhibits which spoilt their overall appearance.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
a very nice blue and tan puppy who was so correct in all quarters for her age. She has a lovely expression, but I felt would benefit from ‘tweaking’ some of her profuse face furnishings to complete the picture. Nice for type with a narrow front, good shoulder placement, just right for bone and has a good topline and tailset.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
1st Jul 2010
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to the officers and committee of The Blackpool Dog Show Society for their hospitality and also for giving me this privileged appointment. This being my first appointment to award CC’s I would like to thank all the exhibitors for supporting me and accepting my decisions so sportingly. I found a couple of mouths with teeth out of line and considering the quality of some of the exhibits they had to pay the penalty. I also found a couple of kinked tails which really surprised me. Thanks go to my able stewards for keeping things moving; allowing the BOB to be ready for the group which he was placed G4.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
To me this puppy is up to size, hope she doesn’t grow on. Sweet expression with dark eye and strong jaw, correct teeth, small ears and broad skull, straight front and well angulated shoulder, good bone, tight feet and thick pads, nice top line and tail set, narrow through and moved well.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
2nd Jul 2010
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the exhibitors for such a super entry of dogs for me to judge, I thought the standard overall was very good and I found it very encouraging to find some really nice youngsters coming up through the ranks. I had to make very tough decisions in some classes and many good dogs went card less but I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with my winners.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Nicely made youngster, looked a picture in the stack, didn’t disappoint when I went over her either, lovely head, teeth and eye, super legs and feet and neat shoulder assembly, presented in a good jacket, moved well off racy hindquarters.
Northern Border Championship Show
18th Jul 2010
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What an honour and a pleasure it was to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club's Championship Show. An entry of 202 and good Northern hospitality ensured I had a most enjoyable day. Many thanks to my capable stewards for keeping the day running smoothly.
I was very satisfied with both my challenges and all the top honours were strongly contested. I was especially pleased with my puppies and will watch their progress with interest.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Showy blue girl who impressed in outline as well as in forehand. Racy quarters, strong loin and nice reach of neck. A promising puppy who was unlucky to meet such strong opposition from the minor puppy.
Midland BTC Championship Show
1st Aug 2010
Judge: Small & Baxter
I thoroughly enjoyed the day judged outside at Asfordby. The weatherman certainly smiles as all the Club’s Championship Shows to date have been blessed with clear sky’s. Thanks to the committee for the invite, to my two Stewards on the day, for the wonderful roast lamb lunch, but not least, to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of assessing your Border Terriers. Thanks for coming. (Judge: Mr A Small)
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2010
Judge: Mrs D Townsend
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day, it's always a privilege for me to go over other people's dogs. I was pleased with my class winners but overall I felt that the quality of exhibits was somewhat mixed; movement was good but I have to lament the untypical Border heads that are present together with the high number of single coats
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
City of Birmingham Canine Society
4th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss A D Swales
This was a lovely entry, I send my good wishes for a speedy return to the ring to the scheduled judged Miss E D Rumsan. Coats were at all stages & I have to say that there were some which had no evidence of a second coat. Mouths were good except for, unusually, one overshot, Temperaments appeared to be OK, although a few lack confidence & were hesitant. The green carpet helped to show up some wide fronts & movement which did not extend & lacked drive, needed to follow a horse. All my placed dogs spanned comfortably. I was not happy with some exhibitors who were constantly feeding their dogs, even on the table.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My thanks to The Richmond Societies officers and committee for the warm welcome and the super lunch provided. Gratitude also to my stewards who organised the ring most capably. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries at a time in history when finances are truly stretched in this difficult and uncertain financial climate. To judge is always a privilege and on this occasion it was particularly appreciated. Overall I was very impressed with the exhibits, and when judging we are required to find the dog that most fulfils the breed standard and with the increasing variety of types present in the breed it made for some thought provoking decisions. Sadly the continuing trend to show all year round with few exhibits remaining at home to grow a decent double jacket proved that once again there were fewer exhibits shown in the requisite depth of jacket. Therefore I had to face the difficult task of placing some exhibits higher than I would as a rule. As justifiably construction and type being the foremost factor in placings, as coats naturally will come and go. But where as in lots of other breeds the coat can be considered a glamorous adornment please remember that in the Border (terriers in general) it is their essential protection whilst carrying out their job of work. On a positive note I was pleased to see today's entry lacking of the dogs presented in the recent improper fashion of clippering, razor and scissoring which as the true diehards of the breed know is totally unacceptable and exhibitors are to be strongly discouraged in this undesirable practice.
The correct and only way to present a Border terrier is by hand stripping thus achieving the beautiful natural tweedy look synonymous with our breed.
And I quote an extract from an old Border terrier yearbook ?Exhibitors and judges should be reminded that it is not in keeping with the sporting traditions of the breed to have the coat trimmed. The coat should be of a natural weather resisting character. Old dead coat may be stripped off by hand when necessary. The use of a razor or a strip comb embodying a razor in the preparation of dogs for show is strongly objected to?
Dogs that I had previously admired unfortunately paid the penalty today as on closer inspection they did not come to hand so well .Some due to weight, which can be easily remedied with an alteration of diet, exercise and plenty of regular road work. Others sadly due to wide fronts and heavy shoulders, subsequently when running the rule over them they were too coarse and cloddy. Therefore not displaying the lithe supple bodies required in an earth dog ,this is a breed characteristic which of course has to be bred for. Borders are a breed that enjoys longevity, health and well being and this was particularly evident in my DCC and DRCC winners today being a 7 year old and 9 yr old respectively. Perhaps this being true testimony that these males have been bred for the correct narrow body lines that will inevitably stand the test of time.
Temperaments as to be expected were excellent. Overall a most enjoyable day, I was delighted with both my final line ups and to find admirable representatives of the breed for top honours.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
A beautiful 10 mth old Blue and tan bitch shown in tip top condition. A very feminine outlook her outline is just gorgeous A bitch who stood away in this class as she was spot on. Pleased in head and excellent varminty expression. She is so balanced from all angles and scores in neck and shoulders. Correct for size weight and span she couldn?t fail to come to hand well. Positive and sound on the move with good reach and drive. Holds great promise BPB and pressed hard for BPIB.
Darlington Dog Show Society
17th Sep 2010
Judge: Mr M King
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
nice outline, strong racy hindquarters, neat well shaped head
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show with Critique
19th Sep 2010
Judge: Miss Gemma Alpe
Firstly I must thank SBTC for giving me the honour of judging my first Breed Club show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had some first class dogs to judge. I found no bad mouths and only one with a slightly suspect kink and movement on the whole was pretty good. The one thing that bothered me was that we seem to be losing our way a little with those lovely fronts that to me are a big part of our breed, and a number of dogs are toeing out both on the stand and on the move. I was pleased with my winners, they mostly fitted my interpretation of the breed standard, but I was delighted with my top winners, all of whom are a credit to the breed and I thank their owners for giving me the opportunity to judge them.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Racy B/T puppy who entered the ring with confidence, her keen border expression and excellent head shape took the eye. Super front and overall balance and outline. Movement was very sound and topped off with the harshest of jackets makes her one to watch.
Driffield Championship Dog Show
2nd Oct 2010
Judge: Mr P J Greenaway
Best Puppy
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
blue, had the most appealing profile, everything in proportion, good neck, topline, set on & angulation from which she showed reach of stride, this with her very good head took the day. BP
Midland Counties CS
29th Oct 2010
Judge: Phil D Sharp
A magnificent entry, the highest in the terrier group. Some exhibits did not have a good otter head & appeared too coarse. Movement was also an issue, as it should be the hindquarters that provide the propulsion, with the topline remaining reasonably level as the dog moves. Tails were somewhat better than when I last judged at this level. I was pleased with my final line-up for both dogs & bitches.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
East Anglia BTC Open Show
14th Nov 2010
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I greatly enjoyed judging this well-run show, held in such a pleasant venue. My thanks to the Club for their hospitality, to my efficient stewards Bev Jackson and Vicky Docwra, and most especially to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Overall, there were a good number of quality Borders present. Almost all were spannable, the only male not entire was a neuter, only 1 kinked tail and no severe mouth faults. I was concerned to find several younger exhibits with level bites. Although this is permissible, and therefore dogs were not penalised, I would be worried that some of these mouths will “go” at an early age. Another area of concern is front movement.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Very close to first. 13 month blue and tan. Longer cast bitch with a feminine head, nice length of neck and body and a good tail. Good hindquarters, neat feet and moved well. Good pelt but not in such good coat as winner.
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2010
Judge: Mr. Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
My thanks go to the exhibitors who provided an excellent entry in spite of the appalling weather conditions in many parts of the country recently, and the almost inevitable problems to be expected on the M6 motorway. Good quality dogs were present in most classes and I was pleased with both line ups for the CC?s. Coats were generally pretty good with just a few taken out for that ?other show?, and one or two soft coats. I found movement again a problem with a good percentage knitting or pinning at the front, and a lack of drive from the rear. The open dog and junior bitch classes were of the highest quality and some excellent exhibits went away cardless.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Another lovely blue and tan, very well made on narrow lines, good head, excellent coat and pelt, not as good on the move as 1 today.
Class Critique
Excellent class.
Manchester Dog Show Society
20th Jan 2011
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
A curate's egg day with some great border terriers and some disappointments too. My winners were typical and not only had the heads to win but moved soundly and had the coat and pelt so desirable in the breed. On the downside, although bites were generally good, there are too many with pathetically weak teeth and several with shoulders set too far forward so they looked narrow but had no fore-chest at all. A terrier needs fore-feet under its chest.
I was looking for borders that were soundly made and could therefore cover ground and I found them but there are some with short choppy actions. However I do not intend to be too pessimistic for the breed put on a good show today and there were some really promising youngsters in the puppy classes. Thank you to those who exhibited dogs with the typical thick harsh coat and pelt, these were all much appreciated.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
15 m.o. Close up. B/T with typical head and expression, and neater ears than 1. Made well throughout and nice length of leg. Good coat and pelt. Movement let her down today, lacking enthusiasm and drive. Won over 3.on maturity
Southern BTC Limited Show
6th Mar 2011
Judge: Miss Lisa Jenkins (Badgerbeck)
Firstly, please accept my apology for the lateness of this critique, unfortunately I had problems with my PC which crashed and lost my first , almost complete report, leaving me with no option but to start again. Thank you for an excellent entry. I was very pleased to find that most of the exhibits were of a workable size & spannable, had big teeth with good strong muzzles/jaws, all males entire, only 2 very minor tail kinks, and temperaments were excellent. On the down side I had few in good deep double coat and a really thick pelt was hard to find, the true otter head seams to be being replaced by a squarer skull giving more of a teddy bear look not helped by over long moustaches/beards and big bushy eyebrows. Ribs were frequently too short & deep resulting in whippety underlines. Front movement is still a problem due to a lack of balance between front and hind angulation with dogs either having good hindquarters but short steep upper arms or they were correct in front but over angulated behind, this resulted in them either throwing their fronts about coming or dropping their withers in profile in an attempt to balance their stride. There were a handful with crowded incisors or missing a first or second premolar.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
super bitch which was fit & athletic and on her toes the whole time, lovely otter head & expression with the correct muzzle/skull ratio, not over done in any way , narrow well laid shoulders, upper arm of good length but could have better return, straight front, correct pasterns and tight feet with deep pads. Good length of rib, strong loin, level topline and correct underline, good stern, set on correctly, very good hindquarters. Harsh topcoat with good undercoat, thick pelt, she moved well up & down and covered the ground well holding her topline in profile, unfortunately didn?t go quite as well in the challenge, Reserve Best In Show.
Crufts
12th Mar 2011
Judge: Mrs Elaine Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this prestige show, and a privilege to be able to handle so many good borders. With an entry of 254 dogs, 306 entries, and with the help of my very efficient stewards this enabled me to finish on time for the BOB to go forward into the group. With the large classes it would have been nice to have had more time and more prize cards.
Many borders were in very fit condition and in gleaming coats, others sadly were not. I was very surprised at the numbers that were overweight, a few under and some in poor coat. There is a difference of being short of coat and being untidy which some were, several having scissor cuts in evidence which is totally unnecessary.
Some nice otter type typical heads were in evidence, some with quite large ears which seems to be creeping into the breed, and close set eyes giving an alien expression. Quite a few were upright and heavy in shoulder, with a shorter back than desired. Most were spanable although many had a rounder rib than required. This reflected in my placing's as the fitness and welfare of the dogs is of the uppermost importance, as the breed standard states, the breed being essentially a working terrier.
I thought my principle winners were excellent representatives of the breed, and I enjoyed seeing my BOB being short listed in the group.
Special Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Attractive B/t built on racy lines. Good head, neck into good lay of shoulder. Good in rib length and shape. Good tail set. Moved on long stride. 3 lovely bitches.
Class Critique
Strong class with some very good bitches.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
a Blue/Tan really nice to go over feminin head good ear placement, slim and spannable well laid shoulders and correct tail set.
Class Critique
One bitch withdrew
WELKS
29th Apr 2011
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon
Many thanks to my stewards who had everything running smoothly in a calm and good-humoured manner, it makes judging such a pleasure. I had a good entry of 132 dogs with a lower than usual absentee rate of 14%, which was good for a Friday in the present economic climate and I was very pleased to be able to judge outside, although I understand some of the exhibitors found it rather chilly. Quality was rather varied but some of the classes were closely contested and I was delighted with my top winners. Front construction is still a problem with some and coats were rather varied but that could be due to the unseasonal weather which we have had recently. I was also pleased to see a number of the dogs moving freely, with reach in front and good drive from the hindquarters, Border Terriers could not work as they were intended to do without this asset.
RBCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
beautifully balanced blue and tan bitch with a good head and dark eyes. Moderate length of neck into clean narrow shoulders, good coat and pelt. Narrow body with nice length of ribs, strong loin and nice hind angulation. Good in both topline and underline, lovely construction throughout; moved well. RCC
Joint Border Terrier Clubs Championship Show
1st May 2011
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling
My thanks to my two excellent stewards who kept exhibits moving along, making my task easier, and to the Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Club for inviting me to judge.
Coats were generally very good with undercoats evident and few showed signs of scissoring and shaving. I was pleased that all the puppy dogs were of a sensible size for their ages and almost all exhibits were spannable; however, shoulder construction problems remain an issue, with short upper arms and poor shoulder angulation resulting in wide, or tied fronts, spoiling otherwise quality exhibits. I noticed that some were roaching over the loin, creating bouncing back ends on the move with the loss of level toplines, and many had a distinct lack of stifle bend, resulting in a lack of driving action on the move. Consider feet - a few needed claws trimming (or more road work).
Some heads were untypical and snipey; there were a number of suspect mouths and one undershot puppy, but I was impressed with the overall condition of the entry in general and the winners were a credit to their owner/breeders. The well filled Limit bitch class was outstanding and it was a pity not to have more awards to present. My thanks to everyone for accepting my decisions so sportingly and congratulations to the top winners, whose dogs were so deserving of their wins.
Here’s a plea - please use bait sparingly, and not while your dogs are on the judging table. It’s a pity that a number of exhibitors are slaves to baiting their dogs on the table, making the dogs move around and become unsteady, while making it difficult for judges to access mouths and assess facial features. Baiting also affects movement round the ring, with exhibits “crabbing”, watching for the treats.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
National Dog Show
7th May 2011
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. My two stewards were very efficient and experienced; they managed to keep my ring running smoothly. I found the quality in the dogs overall to be higher than last time I judged, with in both sexes a slight improvement in movement. Although there are still some that are not driving from behind and covering the ground, and some with short, choppy, odd front movement, sometimes coupled with too narrow fronts and lack of muscle tone. Maybe more road walking would help in some cases to build up muscle, but in others is down to a problem with shoulder construction and pasterns. I found no incorrect mouths, there were a couple with broken teeth, hopefully indicative that we still work some of our show dogs. But there was a shortage of those lovely strong big teeth that the breed is known for and small teeth are on the increase. What also did disturb me was that large heavy ears seem to be creeping into the breed, which affects that lovely typical expression. In a lot of classes places could alter on another day, in fact in some classes I was spoilt for choice and would have liked more than one red card. I was delighted with my top winners who all fitted my criteria very well, every one of them displaying correct Border type coupled with sound and true movement.
BCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
I have long admired this bitch and I was not disappointed. She oozes quality and type. Excellent feminine head, correct keen expression, good reach of neck into excellent shoulders and perfect topline, with a wellset carrot tail. She moves freely with drive and purpose and is in excellent condition. Her double jacket is harsh with a thick pelt. A well deserved BCC/BOB her first. I hope the next two aren’t far away.
Southern Counties
4th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Lovely harsh Blue & Tan coat, nice length of neck that sweeps down into her shoulders, good body lines with a superb carrot shaped tail.
Three Counties
8th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Ron Wheatley
Thanks for the large and interesting entry. Although quality was variable there were many good entries to examine. Most were of a good size and generally coats were good, feet very variable, particularly hind ones. Although many moved out with drive, movement in many others was a concern. Many would benefit from more exercise and muscle development. There was only 1 kinked tail and mouths were mainly good. Finally, please realise that if you bait your exhibit on the table the judge can't see it!
BCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
excellent blue & tan, with a harsh coat and thick pelt, good feminine head and reach of neck, strong jaw and teeth, good body with good bone, well angulated with nice tight feet, moved well with drive. BCC
Southern BTC Championship Show
11th Jun 2011
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
It was a great honour and privilege to judge your wonderful breed. Thanks to all, the committee, my stewards and everybody who made my day so wonderful. Thanks to all the exhibitors for their excellent sporting attitude. The hospitality was outstanding and many thanks for the beautiful present. I have been thinking of the overall standard and I have to say your dogs represent a very high quality.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Blackpool Championship Show
24th Jun 2011
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to Blackpool & District Canine Society, for inviting me to judge at this level, for the first time. Even the weather was kind to us!!
A special thank you, to the exhibitors for your support, giving me the highest terrier entry, and the sheer joy of going over every exhibit, thank one and all.
It was a fabulous entry, numerically and depth of quality.
On the downside I found one cryptorchidic, one suspect tail, and a lot of dirty teeth, although mouths were generally good.
Coats were at various stages and in some cases they were the deciding factor, movement not too bad, the odd one “pinning in”.
There were some attractive exhibits of both genders, that went ‘cardless’ today, for me, there was just too much of them.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
with similar attributes as the winner, very attractive b/t with more feminine head than 1, lovely outline and balance, neat feet, good jacket, but did not have as much as 1, deciding factor.
Class Critique
Splitting hairs with the placements in this class.
Leeds Championship Show
24th Jul 2011
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber
Thank you for your lovely entry at this fine venue. Thanks also to my efficient and helpful stewards without which we wouldn’t have a show! My main aim when judging is to find a dog that fits as near the breed standard as is possible ,but must have overall good dog conformation. It must be balanced standing and also, most definitely, when it is on the move. This is a hard task because the perfect dog in any breed has yet to be found. When judging on this occasion I did manage to find dogs that had good front angulation, allowing the necessary reach to cover the ground, coupled with adequate rear angulation to give drive to the assembly and so presented a good picture on the move with no change to the dog’s appearance. I had very few short stepping, short backed dogs with such poor construction that the rear becomes noticeably higher than the shoulder when they are on the move. Heads, as always, were very varied, some mouths were out of line, there were some missing premolars which if this perpetuates will alter the head shape. Feet were mostly thick and neat, coats varied and undercoats were in the main a little sparse, but in view of the winter we have just had they have probably spent a long time shedding them. All the dogs I judged today I could span, although chest shape was not always correct. Thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of judging your dogs, which I enjoyed immensely.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Class Critique
Cracking class again my 5 winners were all equally good and I’m sure will change places on another day.
Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr D Maggs & Mr G. Pickering
Referee’s Report
I was asked to decide BIS between Bitch CC winner Guvercin’s Achnagairn Code Name Glebeheath JW ShCM, and Dog CC winner Bate’s Sweeping Foxtrot for Kgills (IMP SWE).
Two very typical quality borders with so much to like about them. Both had true otter-like heads, with decent strength of muzzle and good teeth. Both were eye-catching in overall outline, were well ribbed back, and had reasonably thick pelts with the correct double coat, although the bitch was carrying a slightly harsher topcoat today. Conversely, the dog scored in strength of loin. Whilst both had very good front and rear angulation which showed in their free movement, I thought the bitch edged it in terms of her superb overall bodylines and balance.
Terence Tuck – Referee
Dogs
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to be the replacement judge on this occasion; it gave me the opportunity to go over some very fine dogs. All the exhibits were without exception fit and healthy, and I felt there was certainly a depth of quality running right through all the classes.
Mr David Maggs, Dog Judge.
Bitches
I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show, I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and I have to say the day didn’t disappoint. As usual the weather was good, the breeze keeping the temperature appropriate for the dogs and luckily the heavy rain stayed away until after judging had finished. I would like to thank the Committee for their hospitality, and also my two excellent stewards, Chris Wallace and Ray Henry for helping me to complete the task of judging the 112 bitches giving me an excellent entry of 128. The quality of the bitches was excellent, I was able to span all the exhibits and mouths were generally good. Rear movement seems to be improving and I was very impressed with the standard and presentation of the bitches on the day. This high standard of exhibits meant that some very nice bitches went away cardless on this occasion, particularly in the Junior, Post Graduate and Limit classes. I was very pleased with my line up. I believe it reflected what I aspire for the breed a good honest border in hard condition that meets the breed standard which is capable of doing what it was originally bred for? whether it works or not.
Mr Graham Pickering, Bitch Judge.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Bournemouth Championship Show
14th Aug 2011
Judge: Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2011
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson
I was honoured to be asked to judge this show, as I have enjoyed exhibiting at this well run, friendly society over many years. While the indoor rings are large, well lit and have lots of space around them for exhibitors and spectators, given the nice weather, it was disappointing not to be able to use the normal show arena, but this was not possible due to a request from The Royal Welsh Showground management.
I was pleased for find only one “bad” mouth, but I was disturbed to find a small number of mouths which, while exhibiting a "correct scissor bite", the placement of the upper teeth was awry in such a manner, that it caused the exhibits to appear to have an over bite. A few others had strange face furnishings resulting in a “Griffon Bruxellois” like expression which is incorrect and spoils the looks of a Border Terrier.
I would also like to thank my stewards, Vicky and Tina Pierson for their smooth handling of the ring. I would also like to thank all exhibitors, some of whom travelled many miles which is very expensive in these economic times.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
City of Birmingham
3rd Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to judge the breed again and I thank the exhibitors for a very nice entry. Thanks also to the Officers and Committee for their invitation and hospitality and to my two extremely capable stewards Mr. Mike Hughes and Mr. Tony Coddington for their very helpful assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the ring on the day.
Coats, as one would expect with the ever changing weather conditions, varied considerably but I applaud those who presented their exhibits with the correct double jacket. Of concern were one or two undesirable single jackets. There has been a trend in recent years by some exhibitors to present dogs short of coat, but they normally displayed sufficient evidence of a correct texture. The Border is not a trimmed terrier and long may it remain as such. Scissor marks also are so undesirable and detracts from the overall appearance. There was a variation in size but I was able to span the majority. Mouths on the whole were good but there were a number with small teeth in overcrowded jaws, certainly not what is required in a working terrier.
Front movement in particular is still a cause for concern and is something that I have previously highlighted. Feet were generally good and all exhibits displayed excellent temperament whilst being judged. When it came to the more senior classes in particular, I had some very difficult decisions such was the depth of quality.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
b/t in a good jacket, another who is so well proportioned with a feminine head, lovely shaped ears, good expression, nice reach of neck into well laid shoulders and ribs carried well back. She has a lovely topline with a good tailset and good feet. Not the showmanship of 1 today but scored for her lovely breed type and is another who I am sure is destined to reach top honours.
Class Critique
A super class to judge with so many quality exhibits present and many hard decisions to be made.
Richmond Championship Show
10th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Beverley Jackson
I was incredibly honoured to be invited to award my first CC’s at Richmond. After much anticipation and excitement the long-awaited day arrived. I was thrilled with the size of my entry and wish to thank all exhibitors for giving me the honour of judging your dogs. I totally appreciate how difficult times are now and am humbled that you chose to exhibit. I was delighted with both of my line ups. I have always hated it when judges say oh I wish I had had more top awards, but I can honestly say that I truly now understand where they were coming from. I had some incredibly difficult classes with a lot of quality. This scenario continued when it came to choosing who the CC’s and Reserve’s should go to. There are, however, two distinct “types” of Borders developing, and often classes contained a mixture of both types. The chisled heads with high placed ears are not typical and we need to try to breed away from this as we are in danger of losing the otter head. I found no bad mouths ? just a few where teeth “placement” was peculiar, and some dirty teeth. Presentation on the whole has improved, although please leave the scissoring to other terriers. Our ring was a “bit of a ploughed field” but most exhibitors managed to find a level part and not fall over!
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Gorgeous blue and tan bitch with a fabulous topline. Very pretty head and expression. Good coat texture with more coming through. Moved around the ring with plenty of drive. Very nicely constructed. Lovely length of rib and great strong loin. I seriously considered her for top honours.
Darlington Championship Show
16th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg
My thanks go to the exhibitors who showed their dogs under me. I was very pleased with my entry, both numerically and depth of quality of the exhibits. The ring was large, even and the grass cut very short. I had two very able stewards and the predicted rain stayed away. What more could I ask for ?.
On the whole the presentation was good although some dogs lacked condition. Temperaments were good. Coats were variable. I found one kinked tail, one wrong mouth but more than a few small teeth.
BCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
CH subject to KC confirmation
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Lovely blue and tan bitch. A picture in profile. Very good head and expression. Short, strong muzzle. Large teeth. Lovely reach of neck. First class topline and tailset. Neat feet. Narrow all through. Covered the ground so well. Bitch CC. A worthy new Champion.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show and thank the exhibitors for a lovely entry. I was very pleased with my major winners and several placings were close decisions. There were a number of exhibits that would benefit from shedding a pound or two and in some classes this could have altered the line-up somewhat. Our breed standard is all about moderation and I hope the exaggerated hind angulation noticed on a couple of occasions today does not become the norm, it makes the back end look weak and foreign in our breed. There were several promising youngsters that I will watch with interest as they mature further in their show careers
Best In Show
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Best Bitch
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Super upstanding blue bitch, narrow throughout and not overdone. Good head, flat skull with correct bite and small neat ears. Varminty expression. Straight narrow front with best of shoulders flowing into well ribbed back and level topline held well on the move. Thick carrot tail well set on. Tight harsh double coat. Moved really well with good drive and enthusiasm. Could see her easily doing a day's work. Best Bitch and Best In Show.
Yorks, Lancs & Cheshire BTC Championship Show
24th Sep 2011
Judge: Mrs Marie Sharp
My thanks to the Committee for their hospitality, and to the stewards, Anita Harrison and Kevin Green who kept everything running smoothly. I always read the Standard before judging and decide where my priorities will lie. This time, I decided that for an essentially working terrier, narrow, lithe bodies are a must, not forgetting those features which distinguish a Border Terrier. Indeed most Borders are narrow when compared with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, for instance, but far too many in this entry were too broad in the chest to be able to follow a fox to ground. When the chest is wider than my hand, it is far too wide. Going to ground is but one part of a working terrier’s life - he has to cover rough ground so needs sufficient length of leg, and a flexible loin to enable him to gallop, getting his hind quarters under his body. Following a horse is no walk in the park, it requires stamina - lung capacity which comes from sufficient length of ribcage. One word in the Standard always causes me trouble – “but” in the sentence “Head like that of an otter, but moderately broad in skull..” I found lots of otter shaped heads, a few with too much stop, few with too short a muzzle, so on the whole heads pleased me.
Best In Show
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
BCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
B/t in peak condition. Copybook conformation. Narrow but with substance. Strong but feminine head. Lovely expression. Could not put a foot wrong as she is so well made. CC. Scored over the dog in topline for BIS.
Driffield Championship Show
1st Oct 2011
Judge: Mrs Jean Willets
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. Also the exhibiters for giving me the top entry in the terrier group and some good dogs went home card less. A big thanks to both the stewards for being so efficient and making everything run so smooth especially on such a hot day.
I was pleased with the temperaments of the dogs, and there wasn't as many short backs. As a working dog they do need to turn in a tight corner so require a flatter rib and longer back, not short and square which has been the fashion recently.
Movement on the whole was o.k., but the ground did not help as it was uneven with dips everywhere. The heat wave did affect some dogs adversely.
RBCC
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Stylish feminine blue/tan with nice reach of neck leading into good shoulders, well ribbed back. In hard coat and thick pelt. Kept topline on the move RCC.
Ladies Kennel Association
10th Dec 2011
Judge: Mrs Sarah Dandy
I was delighted with both my dog and bitch line ups, from a numerically strong entry of 181 dogs all were worthy winners, from very well contended classes, with several really promising youngsters. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance in any breed
BCC
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Outstanding blue and tan caught my eye the minute she entered the ring with her style and ring presence. Looked a picture standing and did not disappoint on the move, demonstrating free and easy movement with accurate tracking and a ground covering stride. Really good to go over and presented immaculately in a fit, honed condition. Has a classic feminine head with super reach of neck into an excellent topline and tailset, held so well on the move. Lovely narrow body with good ribbing, everything flows on this bitch with well matched soundly constructed quarters and good legs and feet to finish the picture. Plenty of power on the move using her racy but strong backend to great effect. In sparkling form, presented in good coat and condition BCC.
Class Critique
Strong class, with depth of quality
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2012
Judge: Miss Betty Rumsam (Wildercot)
The Border Terrier CIub held a Championship Show where bitch BIS was Bramblebrae Violet at Shiftyfox, this bitch has it all & I was pleased to award her her third CC & BIS. She was in immaculate condition, feminine, handy size, wonderful coat & pelt, just right for bone, so well balanced, movement was a joy. I loved her; RBIS, Ethlancoral Pip of Ottaswell, I liked this dog for his size & balance, in super condition, not overdone in any way, good head, narrow in shoulder, ribs well back, strong loin & hindquarters, moved soundly; & BP, Nantcoch Ffion, very pretty feminine pup, good for size, outline & balance, good head & bite, small tight feet, good tail. Very promising.
A big thank you to the officers and committee for the lovely gift and to my two excellent stewards for the day, Jim Stewart and Ken McKenzie who made my task a pleasure. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the entry of 229 (200 dogs and 4 nfc) and for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. I was pleased with my final line up. Mouths and teeth were generally good, coats were mixed, some in heavy coat and others with only undercoat. It was good to find plenty of thick, loose pelts, so important in a Working Terrier. Poor movement was the downfall of many.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
National Terrier
7th Apr 2012
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Thank you for a super entry. At times I felt I had been let loose in a sweetie shop such was the quality of the exhibits before me. Indeed because I was spoilt I was hard on jaw and dentition faults and Borders that were more smart terrier than true Border in type. My experience over the years leads me to believe that such faults are heart-breakingly likely to continue to bite in the future if not stamped on. My main winners were true Borders. You read of “a-ha moments†and happily for me there were some rather nice ones here. Good times indeed.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Built on racey lines this scopey feminine b is well made throughout. I preferred the rib and underline of 2 but this one has a beautiful head with very typical expression, carried well on good neck and shoulders which flow into a pleasing topline which extends to her good tail. Muscular quarters and moving with ease and purpose she is a worthy champion.
Class Critique
I am fortunate indeed to have the chance to go over such a high class field and it was difficult to separate the principals of this and the previous class.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Apr 2012
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
Thank you very much to the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge today. Special Thank you must go to my two very able Stewards Bev & Simon Jackson for the smooth running of the ring.
I was impressed by the over all quality of the exhibits today; it was definitely a case of more winners than awards!
I was pleased to see overall that mouths were very good. There were a couple of minor incisor alignment issues but nothing to penalize. Thankfully tails are improving, in recent years the long thin sickle curled over tail became too regular a sight, Today they were far outnumbered by more typically carried tails. On a slightly negative note -cleanliness, a number of dogs were quite pungent and just because they are ‘Essentially a working terrier’ they don’t have to smell like they just came from a dig! Muscle tone was lacking in some fit looking Borders bringing the worry some might be fed for condition instead of exercised for it! Coats that transient problem, many sadly had to be marked down today due to lack of coat. While some evidence of texture was there in many cases. I had to place dogs without coat according to how they appeared on the day!
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
A Worthy Champion Fit, racy, lovely outline and tail and moved freely and with drive on tight feet.I just wish I had had more tickets to give out on the day!
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2012
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
It was a real privilege to be asked to judge this show. I had a very good entry which pleased me and hope I did it justice. The dogs were generally in good fit condition, came across a few that were too thin, you can’t expect a young active dog to gain good muscle tone if you don’t feed them enough. They must feel miserable kept in that condition, constantly hungry. It was a very hot day, but we tried to keep them in the shade as long as possible but a few were showing signs of the heat. There were a few that looked rather scruffy with long nails and looked as if they had forgotten to take off their carpet slippers. But most were a pleasure to go over.
I was very pleased with my winners.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Blackpool Championship Show
22nd Jun 2012
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
Movement was difficult to assess under these circumstances, but most dogs seemed to cope remarkably well despite knee high mud & a water logged ring – living proof of the hardiness of the breed!
Despite the appalling weather I enjoyed my day with the Borders very much & was impressed with the overall quality of the dogs & the keen sportsmanship of the exhibitors.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2012
Judge: Nicholls & Dean
*Dog Critique*
An excellent entry at this my first club championship show. There were quality exhibits in all classes and overall, if this entry can be used as a yardstick, the dogs are now almost as good as the bitches, which couldn’t be said only a short while ago. This must bode well for the future of the breed.
I have been very critical of movement in the past, but I found a distinct improvement here and most of the class card winners had good parallel movement going away and back, and plenty of drive with economical front action. Coats were generally very good and heads were much improved with only a few weak snipey muzzles and apple skulls.
Many thanks to my hard working stewards, Sharon Pickering and Ray Bryan, who succeeded in keeping me out of trouble.
*Bitch Critique*
A very satisfying day, I had many good bitches to go over. My thanks to the MBTC for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors for entering. All were capable of being spanned, there was a good number of typical jackets and overall quality was such that this was a factor in the placings. No bad mouths and many with good strong teeth. Construction has improved but be careful not to overdo the hind angulation and remember we look for narrow fronts. A few round ears and several larger than I prefer. Racy lines preferred but be careful as some lacked substance. I though the principal winners were all very good. BIS, RBIS and BOS were all worthy winners.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
RBCC
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Very nice looking b/t, pushed hard and much the same critique as 1. Liked her feminine lines, she is very nicely made and it translates into precise, good movement. Just preferred the jacket of 1 today but another time…. RCC & RBIS
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2012
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2012
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves (Baywillow)
Thank you for the lovely entry.
The breed standard describes the body as ‘deep, narrow and fairly long’. Just how long may well be debatable as no proportions are suggested. However the standard surely infers that a Border should be longer than square. The standard also describes the border as ‘essentially a working terrier’. A working terrier needs sufficient length and flexibility to enable it to turn underground. It is difficult to imagine a square terrier achieving this easily. I think the above is not generally appreciated by all rounders.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
b/t. A bitch that I have long admired as she has the shape and proportions I most approve. Not quite the head qualities of 1. But a really lovely bitch.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2012
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
Thank you to the committee of Darlington Dog Show society for inviting me to judge, with special thanks to my sole steward who worked tirelessly throughout the day to keep both me organised and the ring running smoothly. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their good entry despite having to face the often long and tiring journey home on a Friday afternoon. Thankfully the weather remained dry for my judging however with a constant strong wind blowing this proved testing for exhibitors handling dogs in full coat.
The ring was large with lots of room for the dogs to move, although the grass could have been cut much shorter. In general all exhibits were in reasonable condition, but as always I was surprised to find 3 dogs with incorrect bites being shown at this level. A working terrier should have coat on the undersides but I was surprised to find some with bellies that had obviously been trimmed/shaved to enhance their underlines. No problem temperaments.
RBCC
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Another worthy Ch b/tan I have often watched ringside and is so good to handle. Strong short muzzle, scissor bite, neat ears and well placed eyes. Straight narrow front with lovely feet. She has well laid shoulders, good rib shape and excellent hindquarters showing good bend of stifle. In harsh coat she covers the ground well to show off her super topline and profile. She impressed me for quality. RCC
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2012
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Class Critique
Two lovely bitches headed this class
Crufts
7th Mar 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
I was indeed a great pleasure to judge at Crufts, in fact I loved every minute of it, and it really completed the Crufts experience for me having won the Dog CC and Best of Breed a couple of times, a bitch CC and Best Puppy there as an exhibitor in the past. I must thank all the exhibitors for their tremendous support with a record entry of 274 dogs making 307 entries, it was truly an international occasion as Crufts seems to be these days, with dogs and handlers representing I think, ten countries giving me a really good sample of winning dogs from around the world.
You often read in critiques that judges say they didn't have enough cards to go round, and with the class sizes I had, this was certainly the case, and the only downside of the day for me was that some very tough descisions had to be made with many, many really good dogs leaving the ring without a card. Overall it was an interesting entry with a large variety of sizes and types, but then the standard allows for that as we have quite a wide weight range, no height reference and only the fact that they should be spannable to guide us.I never get too hung up on differing types or kennel types,as I can appreciate them all, providing they fit the standard.
When judging I am looking for a dog fit for function, well constructed, not exagerrated in any way, fits the breed standard, and is capable of doing the job it was originally bred for.I was very pleased with my winners, my Best of Breed winner had it all, well constructed, in fabulous hard, fit condition, moved as though he could follow a horse all day and had a wonderful attitude in the show ring.
I was thrilled to see him put in a faultless performance in the Group ring and winTerrier Group 4. My thanks go to Frank and Roger my very capable stewards who kept everything running smoothly, enabling me to get through the large entry in good time.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Another blue and tan with lots to like, narrow throughout standing well on good legs and feet, very eyecatching in profile movement with a superb neckline, topline lovely tail and tailset. Well angulated hindquarters and low set hocks, coat texture good but not the depth of coat and thick pelt of my winner today.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2013
Judge: Mrs. Doreen Rushby (Dormic)
The Border Terrier Club held a Championship show at Low Hesket on 30 March 2013. I felt very honoured to judge at this show and my thanks go to the Committee and Exhibitors for such an enjoyable day.
BCC
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Best In Show
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
this bitch was in tip-top condition today, feminine head, keen expression, good in neck, shoulder & rib, strong in loin, neat catlike feet, good double coat, moved effortlessly round the ring. Pleased to award her CC & BIS.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks to all of the exhibitors who gave me such a nice entry of 201 dogs, giving 245 entries. My thanks go to my two stewards, with some large numbers in the classes they kept everything running smoothly and helped me to finish on time. Many decisions were difficult and some decent dogs went unplaced.
There were things that came to hand while going over the dogs on the table, short ribs and over long in the loin and long hocks. Some of these short ribbed dogs were not over sprung and quite narrow through the body, but our standard states ‘ribs well back‘, something to be watched in your future breeding programs. Some dogs looked on the heavy side when I first looked around the ring, but on the table I was surprised how so many of these dogs came to hand no problem. Upright shoulders were noticeable and front movement in some classes was a problem, along with some very straight stifles and sickle movement. Puppies and youngsters you would expect to be forgiven for movement, along with the size of ears - within time the head develops and things start to balance out.
Jackets were at all stages, spot on, starting to blow - with some owners trying to scissor or part strip them into shape, other coats were coming through with harshness and one or two had just undercoat. There were some that could have done with just a tidy up which would have helped the overall picture.
General overall condition and the spanning on most dogs was acceptable, with good thick pelts. I did feel some of the puppies were thin and were quite hollow behind the ribs. I only had one bad mouth but plenty with strong jaws and large teeth. In general the shape and length of tails were good. A few low set tails, which when a dog is in a full jacket you can feel the low set when on the table but not necessarily see it on the move.
BCC
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
Very smart blue and tan feminine racy bitch - she is so well balanced. Very nice head and expression, dark eye with ears sitting close to the cheek. Well placed shoulder which gave a clean neck line running into a super topline and tail set, good thick pelt with ticking in her harsh jacket and in super overall condition - a bitch worthy of carrying the title of Champion.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
C.C. winner.
WELKS
28th Apr 2013
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
My first appointment at this level and I would like to thank the officers and committee of WELKS for the invitation. Grateful thanks to my stewards who kept everything moving so efficiently and thanks to all the exhibitors who gave me the privilege of going over their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and fully appreciated the opportunity to judge some high quality exhibits. Some decisions were difficult and places could change on another day.
On a positive note temperaments were good, as were mouths and feet. On the down side I felt that there were not enough exhibits that moved with drive and there were several with wide fronts - these are faults that would impact on the dog's ability to work.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Class Critique
A very good class full of quality
National Dog Show
9th May 2013
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to Birmingham National for giving me the opportunity to judge this show and for providing me with two excellent stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly, also to all the exhibitors that gave me the pleasure of going over their dogs.
The quality in some classes was superb especially the limit and open of both sexes, leaving me with more dogs I liked, than cards to award. Temperaments and presentation were good.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
racy bitch with very good movement, good shoulders and top line presented well
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Foxyard Better Behave At Emblehope
Placing Critique
A class blue and tan bitch. Same remarks as 1, who just edged her on a tad more sparkle today. Nevertheless 2 good champions.
