Show Placings
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
A very promising entry on paper but unfortunately the weather took its toll !
However I was more than happy with my main winners all were typical of what I look for in a Border Terrier and the proof that careful breeding pays off was demonstrated by the very promising progeny found amongst the youngsters.
As is my approach to critiques, generally the winners in most respects all meet the standard which calls for a working terrier with an otter like head on reasonable length neck set into well laid shoulders, a moderate length body, well ribbed back, strong shortish loin, racy but moderate rear angulation allowing the dog to move with drive, in harsh double coat and with thick pelt. I do not therefore repeat this for each individual dog but I have highlighted the dog’s best points and the reasons for their placings .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2023
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there well run show,also many thanks must go to my very capable stewards on an excellent job in keeping the ring running smoothly.
The biggest thanks must go the exhibitors for there entries,and there sportsmanship on my decisions.
In my opinon,my findings where as follows,the standard asks for “essencially a working terrier”,this is a statement that is very close to my heart.
Unfortunatley some do not fit this,short upperarms are still very present,restricting reach in movement.Some dogs would benefit from less food and more exercise.
Muscle tone varied greatly,some dogs lacking,these dogs are bred to do a job.
With the rising costs of entries,some exhibits would benefit greatly from a good tidy up and the mud removed from there under bellies.
I was pleased with my overall winners,some nice quality exhibits.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Grizzle,similar to one,pleasing head,clean neck & shoulders,correct bite,enough bone,tight feet,thick pelt,moved well,just prefered overall balance of one.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
8mth who was 3rd in MP. Grizzle with a good head well set on moderate reach of neck. Good topline & tailset. Decent coat, thick loose pelt & easily spanned. Moved OK.
Newark & DCS Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs V Mann (Lynsett)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
9mth Grizzle bitch with a nice head well set on neck of moderate length. Narrow all through with a level topline & well set tail. Decent coat, loose pelt & easily spanned. Moved OK.
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Woolwich, Bexley & District Canine Association Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: David Burrage (Sametova)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Stowthorney These Days
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
10 month old grizzle bitch in good pelt, good for size with attractive head, dark eye, otterlike expression. Good reach of neck leading to good body length and good length of ribs. Easily spanned, moved with some purpose.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2023
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
What an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this show, my thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Border Terrier Club, and my two excellent stewards for the day, Judy and Marina.
My sincere thanks also, to ALL the exhibitors for making it truly memorable, with 196 dogs, 233 entries.
Some very close decisions had to be made!
On the down side, I found some very short muzzles and small teeth, and quite a number of filthy teeth!! Temperaments were generally good, there were 2 kinked tails and 1 suspect mouth, a lack of muscle tone and condition in some exhibits, which is essential for a terrier to do it’s job.
That said, it was an absolute joy to see so many super dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
g/t narrow throughout, longer in muzzle, straight front, thick jacket, well balanced, moved well.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
A stand out youngster who filled my eye and has much class and style. Typical, feminine head of good proportion atop a reach of neck into a cleanly defined wither, a correctly proportioned front assembly with layback of shoulder and length in upper arm. So well put together with a super topline, equally matched with an excellent underline with pleasing body and rib, firm loin and well-made racy hindquarters. Presented a most shapely, flowing clean outline, with a harsh pinwire grizzle coat, well-honed and in fit order. A real showgirl she strode out effortlessly with reach & drive, tracking the best in this class. I liked her enormously and will watch her progress with interest. BPIB
Class Critique
Two super puppies headed this strong class.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
1st in PB.
Crystal Palace Canine Association Dog Show
8th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG1, Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Stowthorney These Days
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy - Bitch
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Memorial Special Awards, EABTC Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Amelie Smith
I would like to start by saying a big thank you to the society for inviting me to judge the special awards classes. I really enjoyed my day and was extremely pleased with the entry, thank you to the exhibitors.
Special Award Junior Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
lovely feminine bitch. Presents a very nice outline when stood. Very nice size. Attractive head with a strong jaw, good eye and ear. Lovely length of neck, well laid shoulder and good length and return of upperarm. Correct topline and underline. Good bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Lovely harsh coat, good pelt and easily spanned. Moved well all ways. Very nice pup
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Apr 2023
Judge: Miss Tracey James (Blackmine)
A bit thank to the committee of EABTC for inviting me to judge their championship show. I really enjoyed my day and when I later looked at the catalogue to see my winners I found it interesting reading, as all my major winners were of similar lines.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
mature upstanding grizzle puppy, lovely feminine head but would prefer a tad shorter muzzle, Straight front, lovely flowing lines, well placed shoulders, level topline and correct tailset. Ribbed well back. Spannable with good underline. Showed really on her toes. Best of movers. She must have a bright future. I did consider her for the green cards but felt she needed a little more time. BPIS
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
27th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Another smart youngster. Very typical through head, nice expression, ample neck, good shoulders, tidy narrow front, well ribbed, decent length, sporting her best jacked and moved steadily and tidy.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
A very big thank you to the SBTC for inviting me to judge this very well run show, to Marina for stewarding and to the exhibitors for entering under me.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
grizzle bitch with straight front and fine boned front legs, easily spannable as she is slim and narrow throughout, broad skull with neat ears, dark eyes, kept her top line level on the move, good bend of stifle with high set on of tail. Hope she has finished growing.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
see puppy bitch
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
RBCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Mr Keith Baldwin (Nightstorm)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their club open show.
It is now 17 years that I have been judging Border Terriers and it was the 6th August 2011 that I attended the Midland Border Terrier Club breed specific seminar when Jena Tuck was the secretary.
I was very pleased with my entry of 112 quality dogs and bitches, also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. I can report back to you that you have overall one of the soundest breeds that I have judged.
Last but not least I would like to thank my stewards who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing smoothly between the two shows in the Margaret Everton Pavilion
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
11 months old grizzle, she has a lovely outline, feminine otter head, scissor bite, nice harsh jacket carried over a thick pelt, her front assembly has ample boned with well knuckled feet, racy hindquarter provided steady movement, a pleasing puppy.
Novice - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
National Dog Show
6th May 2023
Judge: Brigitte Belin Bernaudin (France)
First, I thank the committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious show. Thanks to my stewards for making a super job and keep my judging running smoothly. It was a real honour and privilege as foreign judge and breeder to have the opportunity of this 1st appointment to give CC in my breed, and thank to exhibitors to allow me to go over so many good Border.
Being able in my country to work my dogs, I have been looking for the right conformation as asks in the standard, making dogs able to do their original work underground and was happy many could do so.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch who cached my eyes entering the ring with her.lovely outline and presence, even if on the tall side. Femine otterhead with flat skull and strong muzzle and bite. Excellent reach of neck flowing into well laid shouders. Nice straight front, narrow all though. Spannable. Right length of body with nice level topline kept on the move and strong loins. Tail well setted and well carried on the move. Excellent coat and pelt. Very balanced angulations front and rear, which are so evident on the move with ample reach and drive. Another one fit for her job. Was pleased to award her RBCC.
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
8th May 2023
Judge: Jane Eyeington (Meadowdale)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of this well-run show for their kind invitation to judge. I was delighted with the super dogs that I had the pleasure of judging, all a real credit to you. A huge thank you to the exhibitors for the honour of your lovely dogs. A huge thank you to my 2 very efficient stewards, who also had a very long day, the show could not go on without you, so thank you.
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, TPG1, Stowthorney These Days
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Special Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Just loved her, 11 month old grizzle bitch, she is the epitome of a smart and functional border terrier. She shows herself off with aplomb and typical attitude. Liked her overall size and balance. Lovely head piece, good width to the back skull, neat ears lying close to cheek, dark inquisitive eyes, and a strong short muzzle. Straight forelegs onto small neat feet, good depth to the brisket, but narrow all through so easily spannable, with a carrot tail. Pleasing hindquarters with a good width of thigh. Sound on the move and holding her outline in profile. Harsh jacket and thick pelt. I shall certainly watch her with interest – BOB & BP & Puppy Group 1 & BPIS
Class Critique
Lovely class of youngsters
Gravesend and Medway Towns Canine Society Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr Paul Richardson (Weisel)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Stowthorney These Days
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Coventry & District Kennel Society Open Show
21st May 2023
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Stowthorney These Days
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Bath Canine Society
29th May 2023
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for inviting me to judge today. A big thank you to my two very efficient stewards, Mark and Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, it is always a privilege to do so. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay and watch the groups but circumstances outwith my control prevented me from doing so.
While there were plenty of good ‘otter’ heads in evidence, I found some heads lacking in muzzle strength and some with stops that were too deep, neither of which is desirable. Some exhibits were too heavy in frame and consequently didn’t come to hand easily. Some dogs had weak pasterns and feet that could have been tighter. Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, some just going over the top, and in some cases, this was a deciding factor. Overall, movement was good with correct tracking, plenty of drive off well angulated hindquarters and good length of stride. Some dogs could have benefited from more ring training and, at times, baiting on the table was excessive. A dog scrambling to get to bait makes it more difficult to assess. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners and final line-up. I was also pleased to see my Best Veteran win the Terrier Veteran Group, my Best Puppy shortlisted in the Terrier Puppy Group and my Best Special Beginners, Special Beginners Terrier Group 4
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Good head with moderately broad flat skull, little stop and deep, strong muzzle, good reach of neck into good shoulder placement, stood on straight front legs with neat feet, narrow throughout, spans and comes to hand easily, racy well constructed hindquarters, moved out well, not quite the jacket of 1
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
9th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jane Roberts (Smalesmouth)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Three Counties Championship Dog Show. My appointment was originally for 2020 but it was worth the wait to be able to judge at this lovely showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Many thanks indeed to my stewards Bill and Trish who kept everything moving ringside in an efficient and pleasant manner. My thanks go to all the exhibitors who brought their dogs under me. It was a real privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Based on my entry I felt that the overall quality of the breed was good. Most were fit and I thought that fronts and heads had improved from the last time I judged. There were only a few that I was unable to span and a couple who had missing teeth and one that had a kinked tail. I was particularly pleased with my bitch line-up and I thought there were some very good quality exhibits who on another day could be ticket winners.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Plenty of quality about this G/T who is just out of puppy. Liked her overall balance. Very good head with keen expression. Lovely reach of neck into narrow shoulders. Good top line. Well ribbed back with good underline. Easily spannable. Strong loin. Correct tail set and tail. Moved well in profile and both ways. Short of top coat today, but what was there was harsh in texture. She was not far behind the top bitches today.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
The neatest of V shaped ears correctly placed and dark eye gives this girl a very attractive feminine head. I liked her reach of neck, shoulder placement and pleasing lines, with well-set tail plus good rear angulation. This bitch moved out well coming and going. Her coat was just coming in and perhaps a few weeks on she could have challenged for top honours, one to watch out for in the future.
Eastbourne & DCS Open Show
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
13 mo, Similar type with good head and expression, well ribbed. Moved Ok but needs to focus on the job
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
14-month-old of good quality, loved her head, good straight front thick pads, good shoulder placement, correct length in neck, easily spanned, thick pelt, carroty tail, moved well both ways in, in excellent condition very smart
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
BCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
She is ideal for size, her head is quite exquisite, well proportioned, not overstated in any way and so feminine with it, pleasing expression with dark keen eye, lovely well placed ears. Super harsh coat with ample pelt to compliment it, tight feet on thick pads. So balanced throughout, for me she has the required narrowness, whilst not losing any substance. Good in front construction, narrow in shoulder and correct length of upperarm , lending itself to excellent clean movement I found this one so sound and fit, putting all these qualities together, with the added edition of having the personality to take her up to the next level, she was right up my street. CC
Huntingdonshire CS Open Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Rodney Eastall (Daedal)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Driffield Championship Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge today and thanks to my stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong, who kept the ring running smoothly. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. Front movement in the breed still needs some improvement, but overall I had lots of quality exhibits. Bites were good and only one kinked tail.
RBCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days
Placing Critique
Well presented grizzle youngster, liked her size and balance, feminine head with slightly longer muzzle, coat and pelt good, narrow throughout, well ribbed back, easy span. She moved well around the ring whilst maintaining her outline. Pleased to award her Res Bitch CC
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Tim Ball (Kaitak)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
The first two here particularly appealed although they are quite different to each other. My winner was this 15 mth old grizzle girl who is soundly constructed all through and good to go over. She pleased in outline with correct length of neck to balance, is good in topline, well ribbed back, muscular loin and tail good for set and carriage. Feminine head and expression with moderately broad skull, good eye and ear, correct dentition and strong muzzle albeit a tad longer. Straight forelegs with correct breadth between and stands on good feet. Sound, free action. Super jacket and pelt.
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Otter head, eyes dark and keen strong jaw correct in neck length, narrow all through good double coat, moves well
Worcester & Malvern CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Gary Hinsley (Tigerbull)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Strong head and muzzle, correct size, good bone and feet, thick pelt, in good body condition, in full coat, moved ok
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Thank you to the committee of the YLC Border Terrier Club for this appointment, a very hard working team that pulled a lovely show together at a great venue and also my two very capable stewards Bridget Singh and Margaret Davies. To the exhibitors that also supported me on my wonderful entry for the day and generated a great atmosphere around the ring.
The lunch time interval also kept me busy with 6 lovely puppies taking part in the puppy walk, a great idea successfully carried out by the club and an opportunity to get the youngsters out and into a show environment – some promising youngsters to go over made the interval very pleasing.
I was really pleased with my final line ups on the day although I felt that the bitch classes were stronger than the dog classes, jackets with Crufts up and coming in a few weeks were varying so again thank you for putting exhibits forward that we all knew could do with some more jacket to just complete the picture.
Best In Show
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Best Bitch
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
19 month old grizzle and tan bitch set down in a full double jacket and in super fit condition, love her profile stacked/on the move. Stunning head and expression and a nice dark eye, her neck/shoulders/rib just flow into a lovely length of body. She has a lovely balanced picture/drive on the move and just what I was look for on the day, pleased to of awarded her Best Bitch and Best In Show on the day.
Wellingborough & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Good skull, with correct stop and nice eye. Good length of neck, correct in rib, strong loin, easily spannable. In thick double coat and loose pelt, moved well around the ring with purpose. Her fullness of coat today slightly obscured her correctness of lines. BoB
Herts & Essex Border CS Open Show
24th Mar 2024
Judge: Sarah Collier (Pocoblu)
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan, workmanlike in appearance. Good otter head with strong muzzle, keen eye and well set ears. Very good neck and shoulders. Good angulations front and back. Very nice bone right through to her small, well padded feet. Ribbed well back and spannable. Good topline and tailset. Excellent hindquarters and well let down hocks. Just enough harsh topcoat present today, but she has the most fabulous dense undercoat and thick pelt. A very sound moving bitch from all directions, she was considered in the challenge
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Very well balanced throughout. Pleasing expression with broad skull. Shown in excellent coat, thick pelt. Ribs well back, strong in loin and racy back end. Moved well.
Class Critique
Another quality class where they could easily change places on another day
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.
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
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.
BCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Shown in good dense jacket of correct texture and thick pelt, great ribs with level top line and tail set well on, narrow front with correct shoulders strong rear, in good well muscled condition, liked her type and a great show girl BCC and RBIS
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Typey bitch, strongly put together very good in head and expression, well laid shoulder, very good in coat and hide, just the right amount of bone.
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.
BCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Quality bitch, turned out today in perfect coat and condition and showed her socks off, she stood out in this class. Balanced bitch with no exaggeration, correct size. Good head with flat skull and strength to jaw. Pleasing length of neck, into well laid shoulders, enough bone, correct pastern and neat feet. Narrow bodylines, well ribbed back and good length to her body. Level topline and good tailset, with short carroty tail, well angulated rear. Moved out well, effortless stride, covering the ground well. Delighted to award her that all important 3rd CC.
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
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch with lots to like, good head with well-placed ears, correct bite, good neck flowing into well placed shoulders, neat feet with thick pads, level topline which she carried on the move, good angulation behind which she used as she drove around the ring, she was shown in correct double coat.
Class Critique
A super class where I wish I had more cards to hand out
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!
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
BCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Loved this grizzle bitch. Balanced and sound. She has a lovely outline and nice head. Her coat was full, thick and harsh with a close undercoat. Meets the standard well in every department. She’s narrow and straight. However, it’s her movement. She has that free easy effortless ground covering style of movement with drive, and for me today, this is what made her stand away from all others, a lot of which were superb specimens of our breed. Bitch CC and Best of Breed.
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.
RBCC
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Stowthorney These Days JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch in full coat, lovey size bitch with feminine head full of expression, good reach of neck flowing into good shoulder placement, nice deep ribs deep and good rear assembly with short thick tail, narrow throughout so easily spanned she moved we’ll both ways and looked picture both stood and on the move RBCC.
City of Cambridge & County CS Open Show
20th Jul 2024
Judge: Derek Pearmain (Delandmar)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Stowthorney These Days JW
