Show Placings
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
nice size, pretty head and expression. Straight front, narrow ribs carried well back. Lovely neat feet. Excellent double coat and loose pelt. Showed well for a baby. Needs to settle on the move.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Ladies Kennel Association
13th Dec 2015
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of LKA for the invitation to officiate and to my two excellent Stewards, Barry McCartney and Sue Jones, for their invaluable assistance throughout judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for a super entry of 176 exhibits making 192 entries, the largest entry in the Terrier Group, and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
Numerically the bitch entry was double the size of the dog entry, but on the whole the standard in both sexes was pleasing with some very strong contenders for top honours. Coats varied from being completely stripped out with only soft undercoat to those that were completely blown, however, many were presented in good jackets of the correct texture. Feet on the whole were good, being firmly padded. On a few exhibits the tails appeared to be overly long which on closer examination revealed that it was superfluous hair. If this had been removed it would have improved the overall picture. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by all the exhibits was very good. I was presented with some very nice puppy entries, many showing a lot of promise, which can only auger well for the future of the breed.
I was very pleased with both my final dog and bitch line ups, with some tough decisions having to be made when it came to awarding the top honours, such was the depth of quality. All of my finalists were in fit condition; moved with purpose; had good muscle tone; pliable pelts and spanned with ease and I believe that, if the opportunity presented, they would be able to undertake the functions asked for in the breed standard. My one plea to exhibitors is to please refrain from pushing treats into the dog's mouth when the dog is being judged on the table as it makes it very difficult for a judge to assess the exhibit. Reward them by all means if you have to, but only do so at the appropriate time.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
a promising youngster who is nice for size, feminine head with good expression, straight in front with good shoulder placement and ribs carried well back, good top line and tail set, neat feet. Excellent coat and pelt. Handled and moved well. BPB.
Boston & District Canine Society
10th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
My thanks to the Society for my invitation to judge at Boston show . Thanks too to my stewards who were both efficient and unobtrusive , great timesavers and cheerful ! I very much enjoyed my day on the woolsack and had some lovely dogs and bitches who I felt could do a days work , having the construction to enable them to run the equivalent of a marathon over rough terrain , as well as being narrow , lithe and spannable to get in underground and ultimately back out again . Some did pay the penalty of being too big in rib and thus were heavily over standard for weight when picked up or too wide in front to get in , others failed in their construction to move in a sound , balanced , long , free striding way making one think they could not follow a horse any distance ! All bar 1 male were entire , there were a few with kinks in their tails and I had more than the usual number of level bites , some with very jumbled or small teeth which I feel must be watched carefully and please try to breed out as they are the defence of a working terrier – Border Terriers should have big scissor bite dentition . I still believe a BT should be capable of free standing and moving on a looser lead as of yore , rather than having their legs screwed on and being too strung up , I understand some dogs do not make the most of themselves free stood , but a lot are pushed into a very strange shape by their handlers ,and lose the vivacity and ‘active and game’ outlook that is part and parcel of the breed , making them very depressed , even some of the puppies looked as though they would rather be anywhere else but in a show ring , either from being over shown or over handled . There were a few dogs who I felt needed more weight on them , their coats hiding their stuck up spine & pin bones – this may be to try and make them more easily spannable or weigh nearer the standard , but it is very unfair on any adult or puppy to starve them , and they did pay the price in some classes as they could not work as thin and lacking strength as they were. In other words they should be made right not starved into shape .
Both my challenge line ups pleased me , and I was especially pleased to have such a good even bitch challenge where I was spoilt for choice , ultimately the dog and bitch I could visualize most easily following horse and hounds and then working gained top honours , being well made , spannable , good coats and pelts , sound free accurate movers with quality and breed type .
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Another raw baby with much promise. Attractive feminine head slightly deeper in stop at present than winner, she too is a nice size and comes to hand well , she is narrow all through and balanced in outline. She moves freely and with scope but needs to firm a little in topline which should come with maturity. Narrow and lithe she should end up the right size for work in the future. Think she may look better free stood as she was tending to fight a little with her handler which did not improve her topline. Good coat and pelt , but a little further blown than winner.
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Breed Show
6th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious event and there support on the day. Thanks also to my Stewards Rachel Larner & David Hunt who helped manage the ring so efficiently and effectively without drama or fuss. Thanks also to Show Manager Jane Roberts and Andrew Mooney for ring stewarding and announcing.
I really enjoyed my day in the spotlight and thank all of the exhibitors who worked so hard to present their dogs and accepted my decisions so gracefully. I was happy with all of my class winners and hopefully people could see my interpretation of the standard on display in the dogs and bitches I selected. There were some really tough decisions and some very close calls for top 3 placings in some classes. I was delighted with my BoB, Reserve and Best puppy. There were many youngsters and older dogs and bitches that were a delight to go over, which gives me great encouragement.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Narrow ten month old with good proportions and deep rib, feminine expression and dark eye, preferred ears on the Minor Puppy in challenge.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
See above
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Border Union Agricultural Society
19th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs M Wanless
My sincere thanks go to the officers and committee of Border Union for this appointment, this is such a well run, friendly show, with outstanding hospitality!
My thanks also to my two Stewards on the day, Ella Linton, and Alan Small. Thank you too to all those who entered under me, and came, and accepted my decisions with good grace. I was pleased with my winners. I do wish though that dogs were shown on a loose lead, and stacked freely. Big ears are becoming prevalent, not as in the standard. Presentation and condition played a large part in my decisions.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Class Critique
A strong class.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
24th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird
My first CC appointment and a big thank you is due to the officers and committee of Blackpool & district canine society for allowing me the honour to judge at your show.
It was an immensely satisfying day judging a quality entry of Border terriers.
I found size in general to be excellent with only a couple who were too large that I couldn’t span. Mouths were all acceptable, with just a few who had teeth out of line. All Males were entire.
Coats were a problem, not on my main winners I hasten to add, and a good few exhibits were brought out too early in the coat department. Some judges may overlook this very important part of the breed standard but I certainly couldn’t. Upholding the maxim “essentially a working terrier”, a good double weather protective coat is a must!
I was thrilled when I stood back and looked at my DCC & BCC when they came in to challenge for best of breed, I thought they were very similar for type and stamp. A very pleasing and humbling conclusion to judging the dogs and bitches. Best of breed went to the bitch in a very close challenge; simply it was her head and expression that won me over.
Thank you to each and every exhibitor for bringing your dogs under me and accepting my decisions with grace.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
6th Aug 2016
Judge: Mrs M Barrass
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
feminine bitch who moved with drive around the ring, good otter like head with dark eyes, correct ear set, strong scissor bite, neat front, nice slope of neck falling into laid back shoulders, balanced rib to loin, muscular rear, good tail set, easily spanned with loose pelt;
Welsh Kennel Club
20th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr S Plane
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Southern Border Terrier Club Limit Show
15th Apr 2018
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My sincere thanks to the committee for the kind invitation to judge at my first club show, I enjoyed the day immensely. Thank you to my efficient stewards Tina Morgan, Rachel Larner and Wendy Mooney, show manager for keeping things running so smoothly.
My thanks must go to the exhibitors for bringing along their dogs today, and the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
I did note some untypical heads, which for me lacked for me the characterising feature of the breed, I found such heads to be somewhat exaggerated with too much stop, not the ‘moderately’ broad skull I was looking for.
On the whole, I found mouths were good, a couple of level bites, and one or two with misaligned teeth, but it was pleasing to find big strong teeth in most exhibits.
I was very pleased with my class winners; some decisions were very close especially in the bitch classes. In both sexes there were some promising youngsters coming through which can only auger well for the breed.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Leominster Canine Society
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to extend my thanks to the society, the exhibitors and my capable stewards. Sometimes it’s nice to have quality rather than quantity which made the day even more enjoyable.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Feminine 3 year old grizzle & tan bitch, typical head with a varmity expression, nice dark eye, with a strong muzzle. Stands straight in front with good shoulders and ribs carried well back. Good body length, top line improved on the move, but was a little close behind. New coat of good texture, nice thick skin indicating her good pelt.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
lovely for size, feminine head, good eye and keen expression. Narrow straight front, good shoulder placement, ribs carried well back with racy quarters . Nice for bone, she has firmly padded feet, good coat and pelt, spans with ease and moved well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
another very nice bitch super otter head, very good front, coat in perfect condition harsh Jacket good pelt, correct bend in stifle moved very well
Llynfi Valley CS Open Show
17th Feb 2019
Judge: Stephan Goodwin (lanola)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Pleasing size, this one was well constructed, pleasant head and bite, ears placed well on skull, racy body, today completely out of coat, moved well in both directions.
Llinfi Valley Open Show
2nd Mar 2019
Judge: Claire Bayne
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show
24th Mar 2019
Judge: Brian Shirley (Cherlem)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Very feminine; narrow with excellent hind angulation. Good reach of neck, flat rib and clean flowing lines, topline maintained on the move.
Chippenham & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs M Hughes
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Foxfactor Fancy Free
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Leominster Canine Society Open Show
14th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
A big thank you to David Nightingale and his committee for the invite to judge the Border Terriers at the 2019 open show, a lovely well organised show with a great atmosphere and support. Also a big thank you to my two stewards today Bob and Jill Stevens who kept the classes running for me.
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
3 year old bitch in a lovely jacket and super thick pelt, feminine head and nice neck flowing into lovely shoulders. Top line not so good in the stack/on the move but another nice bitch that challenged in the final line up
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge their Open Show and also the sporting way in which the exhibitors accepted my decisions. Also thank you to my stewards Anna Duxbury and Bridget Singh for keeping the ring moving smoothly throughout the day. Most exhibits were shown in a fit condition although there were one or two that were a little over weight and nervous on the day.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Club Open Show
27th Apr 2019
Judge: Dogs Angela Read, Bitches Bridget Singh
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Royal Welsh Agriculture Society Open Show
18th May 2019
Judge: Mr Gordon Haran (Magregor)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Cheshire County Show
18th Jun 2019
Judge: John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Limit /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Langstone and District CS Premier Open Show
21st Jul 2019
Judge: Kim Lathaen (Tyrdyma)
My apologies to the Border Terrier exhibitors for not spanning their dogs, but I was banned by my surgeon from any form of lifting
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Wide set dark eyes, flat skull. Good reach of neck and straight bone.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Class Critique
filled with lovely representatives of the breed who will doubtless trade places
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
26th Aug 2019
Judge: Mrs. Tracy Butler (Ycart)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch,would prefer little more strength to head and muzzle,clean through neck,well placed shoulders,well muscled throughout,harsh coat and thick pelt,moves ok.
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Helen Bakewell (Norwelston)
Thank you to the committee and exhibitors for such a lovely day. Overall the quality was good, a lot of nice breed types, good feet, mouths, and was able to span most on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: `
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Show
1st Mar 2020
Judge: Tina Morgan (Blewecourt)
Thankyou to the officers and committee for the support and courtesy extended to me at this well-run breed club show. I also want to thank and congratulate Sheila Hales the show manager, David Hunt and Lyn Aldrich my stewards and Andrew Mooney for ensuring everything was in order and ran smoothly. My last thanks must go to the exhibitors for a quality entry and allowing me to go over their dogs, as well as the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
It was a great atmosphere, all the dogs and bitches displayed good temperaments, all males entire, a couple of level bites which is of course acceptable and a wide variety of types with some carrying too much condition which I couldn’t span and were heavy. Coats were at varying stages of growth and I was pleased to feel a number of good thick pelts. I judged as I saw the dogs on the day and had at the fore the essentials required for ‘essentially a working terrier’.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the hard work and smooth running of the show. I would also like to thank my two stewards for doing an excellent job. The exhibitors seemed to enjoy the show judging by the popularity of my top honours. Unlike one particular exhibitor who needed his teddy putting back in his cot judging by his unsporting behaviour. 4 were found to be unspannable with a couple of bad mouths, also some were far to thin, which is unacceptable and one or two could have smelled a little sweeter. It's all well and good getting dressed up, you are letting your dogs down if they pong.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
17th Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
It was an honour to judge my favourite show. Many thanks must go to all who made it run so smoothly. Special thanks go to Janice Johnson and Judy Carr for their stewarding. So helpful.
Had some lovely dogs to go over. Temperaments were good. Just a couple of grumbles. A few shown with no coat and placings reflected this. Bites were good. Some teeth larger than others. Front movement in particular let some down. I did find more than a few which were difficult to span. Needs watching.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
Firstly, I would like to thanks the officers and committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first breed club show. My steward & partner Robert Brewster for doing a sterling job as always. I would also like to thank all that entered under me with some traveling great distances. Although on the day we were a few missing due to Scottish BTC being on the same day and the report of covid cases from a show the previous week, for this I fully understand having recently recovered from Covid myself. I was happy with my winners and found no bad mouths or kinked tails on the day. Temperaments on some need to be addressed though, with a few dogs kicking off through the day. A little reminder that these dogs can be excluded from the show on instruction of the show management as in the KC Rules & Regulations. I also found a couple of dogs that were severely underweight and this was affecting their overall condition.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
6-year-old bitch of nice size. Nice head and neck. Good jacket. Like first so easy to span. Moved well with her very competent young handler.
Litchfield Premier Open Show
29th Jan 2022
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
6 and a half year old grizzle bitch . .Sweet expression and femine headpiece . Would like to see a little more strength in the back skull and muzzle width . Dentition was ok …ear set good. ..Tailset a little on the low side and front movement could perhaps be a bit tighter but she was enjoying her time in the spotlight and could still show the youngsters a thing or two …
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th Feb 2022
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for the kind invitation to judge at this Show, It really seemed to be a success judging by the happy atmosphere in the venue and congratulations must go to all the hard working Committee for the superb organization on the day despite the Covid regulations and the inclement weather. My thanks must also go to my two efficient stewards, Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Joyce Whiting, for their invaluable assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly and keeping me in check.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Class Critique
Probably the best class of the day with quality in depth and with some hair splitting decisions being made to separate the first two. On another day perhaps a different story !
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
12th Feb 2022
Judge: Dog Judge:-Dave Lee Bitch Judge:-Ken Francis
May I take this opportunity to thank the Officers and Committee of the West Midlands Terrier Society for the invitation to judge at their Premier Terrier Show, venue the KC Building at Stoneleigh Saturday 12thFebruary. I also convey my thanks to Mandy Secretary for the Lovely Lunch in addition to the hard-working Ladies in the Kitchen. I also thank my two Stewards Jo and Graham Dowdy for keeping things running efficiently and smoothly. Finally, I thank the exhibitors as without you there’s no show. The atmosphere around all rings were fantastic as it always is at this Premier Terrier Club. Dave Lee
The dog judge and myself selected both BOB and BP from the dog classes. Was pleased to see the puppy win BPIS. Ken Francis
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
20th Feb 2022
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and to the Southern Border Terrier Club for their support of the classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, there was a friendly ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge. I could span all the exhibits and found no mouth faults or kinked tails.
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Terrier Club of South Wales
20th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this very friendly well run show and thank you for the lovely lunch , I thoroughly enjoyed myself and thank the Exhibitors for your fabulous entry but such a shame COVID showed it's ugly head again meaning there were quite a few absentees however I had some really nice dogs to go over
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan , good head and expression , a very good rib carried well back, good angulation throughout she has the best temperament and was so well handled by her young handler attending her very first show following my instructions very accurately and I would never have known it was her first show nevermind her first time in the ring , well done
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2022
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you very much to the committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this show, it is a club that is very dear to me having been a member for over 30 years and I very much enjoyed my day. Thank you to my three stewards Laura, La and Richard for doing an amazing job of looking after me and keeping me well fuelled! Thank you also to all of the exhibitors who made the decision to enter their beautiful dogs under me, I know that we have to be selective in this current climate and I was absolutely delighted with such a fabulous entry. I felt overall that the dogs were of excellent quality and the majority were turned out beautifully. Heads are good in the main, we are getting away from that bulbus rounded skull and teddy bear expression and going back to a more traditional look. I would say the things that need addressing the most are front angulation, there are still quite a few dogs lacking in upper arm and also poor rear angulation appears to be creeping in a little. However, I found some beautiful dogs and I was very pleased with my main winners, some classes were extremely competitive and some good dogs had to go cardless. I thank you all for persevering in the heat, it was a tough day for me judging in such intense heat, so I am sure it was difficult for the exhibits too. I hope my winners appreciated our crochet efforts with the personalised rosettes, which mum and I took a lot of pleasure in making.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Another fabulous veteran bitch, in good coat with thick pelt. Nice head, not overdone, flat skull and dark eyes. Excellent shoulder placement, level topline and well angulated at the rear. She moved out very well, another very nice veteran bitch, it was a close decision between the two.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
South Wales Kennel Association
6th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge, this was my first time awarding CC’s. Thank you to my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. A big thank you must go to the exhibitors for a good entry especially on a Thursday in the middle of Wales in the current climate we live in. I only have a couple of concerns. Movement is paramount in our breed and these dogs should be able to cover ground easily I found due to poor shoulder angulation a few had restrained front movement. I did forgive coat in class placings where evidence of a new coat was present, however I did find a lot of single coated dogs possibly down to over grooming, my main winners all had correct double coat of depth. I had a very enjoyable day, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions gracefully.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
7 year old g/t, nice head, excellent shoulders, this girl was in lovely condition, super coat with thick pelt, moved out well for her young handler.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
8th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the Northern Border terrier club,
for inviting me to judge at this show. I considered this a great honour and privilege.
Many thanks to my two ring stewards Andrea Dixon and Mark Atkinson for keeping the ring running smoothly. I am immensely grateful to all of the exhibitors for a supper entry and the chance to go over so many lovely dogs and for taking my decisions with good sportsmanship. Some decisions could have been different on another day
In general, most were in tip top condition a few were a bit over weight.
Dentition was mostly good. I was happy on the whole with temperaments.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Oct 2022
Judge: Ms Julie Green (Breckgreen/Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge The Border Terrier Club Open Show at Low Hesket and big thank you for my lovely judge’s gifts. I would also like to thank my two stewards for the day, Judy Carr and Marina Flemming for doing a sterling job and keeping the ring running smoothly through the day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors for their fantastic entry and for excepting my decisions on the day. I had a lovely entry of borders who on whole were of good quality.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
lighter grizzle with pleasing head & expression, good eye & bite, nice front & body, in lovely coat & condition, shown well by her young handler.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Nov 2022
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many thanks to EABT for asking me to judge and to all the exhibitors for entering under me.
All males entire. 3 dogs with level bites, the rest all had good mouths. No kinked tails. Some very nice youngsters in the ring today, a real credit to their breeders.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
7yr stood alone but deserved her placing, pleasing expression. Thick loose pelt and good coat. Ribs well back, good topline, well set tail. Angles ok, moved well.
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 .
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Pleasing type of good confirmation and in good coat.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
7 yrs grizzle,pleasing head,overall balanced bitch,carrying a tad much weight,moved well for her young handler.
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan, thick jacket, good head and expression, narrow and straight through front, a very good rib carried well back and good angulation throughout. Moved tidily
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
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to start by thanking the Officers and Committee of The Terrier Club Of South Wales for asking me to judge such a well organised and supported show and the wonderful hospitality on the day. Secondly to the exhibitors for the wonderful support and entry on the day of 54 dogs.
I enjoyed having the chance to go over some real quality dogs on the day and in a couple of the classes the placings could easily of been reversed. My Best Of Breed youngster showed himself really well on the day and continued to do so through to the Best In Show line up where he secured the grand honours of being awarded Best In Show by BIS Judge Mark Ord.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
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
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
8 years old bitch, typical head of good quality, good shoulder placement, narrow body with good length of rib, excellent coat and pelt, moved soundly
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mr Robert Brewster (Stowthorney & Breckgreen)
I would like to thanks the officers and committee of The Southern Border Terrier Club for giving me the honour of judging their Open Show. I first signed the contract for the show in 2017, but due to Covid and the Lockdown I have only just fulfilled my judging appointment. Whist remembering those who are no longer with us due to the Covid Pandemic. I was happy with my entry and would like to also thank the exhibitors for entering under me and thank them all for taking my decisions, some of which were difficult, in a sportsmanlike way. I found most exhibits to be in good order, but I was quite worried that I found some younger exhibits with a build-up of scale on their teeth. This should be addressed as soon as possible. I was also delighted with a young exhibitor, attending her first show, on a whole handling her young dog so well whilst full of nerves and inexperience. We need to encourage these youngsters as they are the custodians of our breed
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
Nice sized girl with a pleasing head and neat ears and dark eyes. Good reach of neck into good shoulders. Nicely angulated front and rear. Moved well round the ring.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Best Veteran
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
The epitomy of an otter head, Neat size, narrow front and ribs carried well back, decent coat and moved ok. BV
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
8 year old bitch who is still in fit condition, present in good coat. Typical otter head with correct bite and neat small ears. Good shoulder with straight front and neat feet. Rib well laid back into good loin. Well angulated rear she moved around the ring soundly
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Placing Critique
8 years old. She has a good head with dark eye and sweet expression. In dense well textured jacket. Good for type and moving out with intent.
Class Critique
All a credit to their owners and enjoying the day
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.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Class Critique
I do love my veterans and this class did not disappoint
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Class Critique
lovely class of veterans.
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.
Veteran - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
The Midland Border Terrier Club 40th Anniversary Championship Show
4th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the club for inviting me to judge this 40th Anniversary show, and for the hospitality on the day. Thank you also to the hardworking stewards, it was a long and very busy day. Most of all, thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a fabulous entry. I appreciated each and every exhibit, and had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions had to be made and many lovely dogs went cardless. Foremost, I see the Border Terrier as ‘essentially a working terrier’ and was therefore looking for construction that would render this possible. A few exhibits were too big, too wide or too deep in brisket which might prevent them from going to ground, or even cause them to get stuck. A few had very thin skin – skin must be thick. Most bites were good, just a few with teeth out of line or missing. Coats come and go, so were understandably at different stages. However, on a working terrier a good hard coat does complete the picture. Good movement and a strong, even, economical gait comes from soundness of construction and the muscle tone of a well exercised dog. Therefore I looked for good layback of shoulder and the correct length and angle of upper arm to give a good reach in front, a strong loin, good bend of stifle and well angulated, well muscled hindquarters to give matching drive from the rear.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Foxfactor Fancy Free
