Show Placings
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge their open show held at Jedburgh, the home of the border terrier. It was a great privilege, and I had some amazing dogs present who are a credit to their owners, thank you for bringing them.
Thank you to my stewards for organising the rings so smoothly and keeping me on track so we finished at a reasonable time. The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank the whole committee for this.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
7-month-old grizzle and tan puppy who was really enjoying his day out, as they should be at this age. Plenty of character and taking it all in his stride. I found him very promising with a lovey front and rib and presenting a very balanced picture which is finished off with a cracking short carrot tail. Shown in correct jacket with pelt. Still needs time to develop in head and movement to settle as he matures.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
8 months old with good head and expression. Well balanced with good topline and tailset. Movement still to settle.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Very promising 8 month old grizzle and tan with everything in the right place. Masculine head, good neck and shoulders, good in body with good rib and loin. Needs his coat to come to complete the picture. I will enjoy seeing how he matures.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
a lot to like about this 9 month old grizzle and tan puppy. Stood alone but worthy winner. Good overall shape. Well proportioned moderately broad head, well set ears and dark keen eye. Good neck into well laid shoulders, ribs carried well back. Strong loin. Good coat and pelt. Moved OK but today in the challenge for BPD preferred the movement of MPD winner.
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
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan of nearly nine months old. Nice for size, narrow throughout and well balanced. Lovely otter head, nice eye and neat well set ears. Good neck into well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Just right for bone, standing on well padded feet. Excellent rib shape with length. Great topline, firm loin and well set tail. Just right for rear angulation, being racy without anything overdone. Sporting an excellent harsh topcoat with thick undercoat and pelt. A very sound moving youngster, I was pleased to award him best puppy in show.
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
another quality puppy with all the attributes of 1st place except he was lacking in coat today.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Nice sized smart boy, moved so true both ways liked his head and expression, good big teeth, thick pelt, one to watch
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
This puppy took my eye as soon as he entered the ring, such a balanced and well constructed youngster. Pleasing otter like head, with a flat skull and not overdone, dark eye with a keen expression. Excellent front angulation, good length of neck, level topline and enough rear angulation to produce that balanced picture. Narrow and well ribbed back, easily spannable. Tight feet and good lay of pastern, moved out well covering the ground. A very promising youngster who I am sure has a very bright future BPD.
Class Critique
A strong class of very promising puppies.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Quality puppy with nice head, which is not overdone, well placed ears, dark eye and correct bite, good neck and shoulders standing on neat feet with thick pads, narrow body lines, strong loin, level topline with excellent tail set, good angulation front and behind which shows in his sound movement, a correct double coat just finished the picture. Pleased to award him BPD
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
G & T with excellent harsh dense coat. He moved accurately coming and going. Good for bone. Nice outline and lovely head. Spannable with correct rib and loin.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
Thank you to the officers and committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their June 2024 Breed Club Open Show. The day was marked by very good weather conditions: a mixture of sunny spells, brisk breezes and cloud. Just right for the dogs. The dreaded rain kept at bay so the Gods smiled down on us. What a super venue to hold a show. There was a large indoor hall if needed. However, given the clement conditions, we were outside for judging on a large paved area surrounded by raised grass banks that afforded for spectators a good view of events. The welcome from officers and exhibitors alike was warm and hospitable and I’d like to thank exhibitors for the super entry I had and for their good grace in accepting their placings. There was a great sense of collegiality among members and good humour was in plentiful supply. The catering was second to none; the poached salmon salad at lunch was super. And I was sent on my way with enough food to see me back over the sea to Northern Ireland. Finally I’d like to thank my two stewards on the day: Kath Lothian and Pete Appleby. They were welcoming and fulfilled their duties with quiet good humour.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Best In Show
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Best Dog
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
A very promising 10 month old puppy who filled my eye. He provided a very balanced picture with flowing lines. Presented very well. Lovely head proportions for one so young, and a keen, dark eye that afforded him a super expression. Short strong muzzle and correct bite. Narrow throughout, good length to his body and rib carried well back. Easily spanned. Well off for angulation front and rear. Good bone and stood on the neatest feet. He sported a thick double coat and a deep pelt. Level topline which he held on the move and he moved out well coming and going. He handled himself with confidence and showed very well for his handler. Best In Show, Best Puppy In Show.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Another promising youngster. 10 months red grizzle of correct size and pleasing outline. Masculine head with neat ears, dark eye and good bite. Straight front, good general construction, nice tail and neat feet. Jacket and pelt in good order and moving well in profile but still a touch slack in front.
Border Union Agricultural Society
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr. David Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to the Society for the invitation to Judge one of my favourite shows, it didn’t all go to plan with the weather playing its part. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for going along with my decision to stay outside despite the weather, and my special thanks to stewards Judy Carr and Audrey Coltart for braving the weather also. Also my thanks to Euan for posting my judging book and critique notes and to whomever handed it in.
Sorry for delay, holidays and work have played their part. I had some lovely dogs to go over and thank you all for bringing them.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Grizzle dog with dark eye, neat correctly placed ears, big teeth and narrow throughout, straight front, neat feet and good length of neck flowing into good shoulders, flat ribs and loin, nice rear assembly, presented in harsh double coat and thick loose pelt, easily spanned unlucky to meet 1 today
Blackpool & District Canine Society
23rd Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to all of you who entered your dogs for me to judge. I really enjoyed my day and having the privilege of judging your dogs. The weather was kind and our ring was good. I had excellent stewards and I thank them for their hard work.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Ravenside Rasputin
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Beautiful puppy took my eye straight away. Strong powerful head with good expression. Well laid front with straight front legs. Well ribbed back. Easily spanned, strong correctly angulated hindlegs. Moved out well. Best puppy
Class Critique
All five puppies had good attributes and will change places many times through their showing careers.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
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”.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Eye catching boy that has breed quality and balance from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. He has a very handsome otter like head with neat small v shaped ears; moderately broad skull, short strong muzzle and a dark eye all making for the keen expression. I was particularly pleased with his lovely straight forelegs that are just right for bone and he stands on neat well-padded feet. His moderate length of neck flows into a level top line and well set on tail he covered the ground effortlessly. I look forward to watching his progress as he matures. Pleased to award him Best Puppy amongst strong competition.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
11 months grizzle with a good otter head, strong jaw with big teeth, dark eyes with a keen expression. Straight front, good bone and small tight feet.; narrow throughout with nice length to ribs, easily spanned; well angulated front and rear. Presented in an excellent, deep double coat of good texture and a thick, loose pelt. A well balanced, fit, active dog who moved really well , true and free striding with reach and drive. Should have a bright future BPIS.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
1st in previous class.
Boston & District Canine Society
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of Boston and District Canine society for inviting me to give my first set of tickets in Border Terriers. It was such a well-run show and in such a lovely setting. I would also like to thank the exhibitors who entered under me. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving for me on the day.
All in all, I was happy with my entry. I found all males to be entire and no kinked tails on the day. A couple of mouths that were not quite correct.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
Nice sized grizzle dog of 10 months. Nice head with a dark eye holding a keen expression. He has a good reach of neck flowing into a good topline and tail set. Easily to span and narrow throughout. Just preferred the more positive movement of 1st. Another one to watch.
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
grizzle, good head and dark eye, small neat ears, good big teeth, narrow throughout and racy with correct front and rear angulation. Good topline and tail set. Good coat and pelt. 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 - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
owner would not stay for a critique and withdrew from next class.
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2024
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Ravenside Rasputin
Placing Critique
G/tan, Strong head with good expression. Well laid shoulders with straight front legs. Well ribbed back onto strong loin and Easily spanned, correctly angulated hindquarters. In full coat on a loose pelt. Moved out well . both ways
