Show Placings
Blackpool & District Championship Show
21st Jun 2013
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
What a lovely day, no rain in sight!!
Thank you to all the exhibitors and especially my steward Alisan, she was excellent at her job. I enjoyed judging many dogs that I had not be over or seen before. Many dogs had little or no coat at all, Border Terriers must have a harsh double coat when showing not just stripped out and in their under coat, also there was hardly any muscle tone, no level backs, no slim straight narrow fronts and the movement should of been better. In a few of the older classes I could not span a few dogs and they were heavy when I lifted them up off the table, I found all the mouths clean with full dentations and I *placed those that were nearest the standard in each class*. Very pleased with both dog and bitch winners and their reserves and best puppy.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
21st Jul 2013
Judge: Mr. G. Pickering (Picer)
I was honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I had an excellent entry, but was a little disappointed with the number of absentees. However the weather has been a challenge of late with some very high temperatures which I understand prevented some exhibitors from further afield attending.
I would particularly like to thank the NBTC committee for looking after me so well and also for my expert stewards, Allan Horner and Doreen Rushby, who ably assisted me ensuring that everything ran smoothly. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for their entries and for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
As for the dogs on the day, coats varied as you would expect, but I do think movement is improving and although there were a few ‘flicking’ fronts, rear movement was in the main correct. I had one dog with a bad mouth and a few with misaligned teeth. This, I believe, is to be avoided in the show ring. All the dogs were entire and I could span all the exhibits. All in all, I was very pleased with both the dog and the bitch line ups, which meant that I had some real quality Border Terriers to pick from. All the winners looked the part – all in hard condition, with good heads and coats – able to do the job that they were bred for.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Class Critique
A lovely class of babies who all looked like puppies. Some promising puppies went without a card today
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A nice youngster with typical head and expression. Good double jacket. Moved ok
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2013
Judge: Mr M G Rushby
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2013
Judge: Sharp & Bailey
*Dog Critique*
My thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge the Championship Show for the second time, the first being 10 years ago, and thanks to my Stewards for their efficiency. The entry of 103 with only 9 absentees was pleasing.
Some judges concentrate on heads, others on shape of eyes, or on small dark ears, some on presentation, others on neat accurate movement. As for me – I judge on a whether a dog is “fit for function†as a working terrier plus whether it looks like a Border Terrier and no other type of terrier.
A good proportion of the entry had major faults of construction which would render them, not useless, but inefficient at the job Border Terriers are designed to perform. For instance, short rib cages do not allow for lung room for the stamina a terrier needs to run all day, and these short rib cages (often sprung) were very much in evidence in the entry. Some were accompanied by long loins which might give the impression to the ringside that the dog had good length.
Secondly, upright shoulders, often with steep upper arms are a major design fault. A well laid shoulder with well angulated upper arm which brings the elbow under the body is not just a pleasure to look at – these act as shock absorbers when the dog is running so that his joints are not jarred, leading to wear and tear, thus shortening his effective life as a working terrier.
Finally, wide fronts, often associated with the previous construction – a Border should be able to creep into any space occupied by a fox, and these, despite their chunky appearance have very little body under that fur.
Coats were mixed as to be expected – and there were some really good pelts, only a couple with paper thin pelts. Undercoat was often missing on the back, but present on the sides. A handful of bad mouths, perhaps some all rounders might accept these but I could not. Few really outstanding otter heads which stay in one’s memory for years, but most were adequate.
My critique will not contain descriptions of the dogs, but will give an indication of why they were placed as they were. If your dog was not as high in the placings as you had hoped, take a good objective look at him, and you might find out why.
*Bitch Critique*
A big thank you to the MBTC committee for asking me to judge the Ch. Show it was a great honour. Thank you also to my stewards Ray & Sharon for making the classes run so smoothly. A nice entry of 144 bitches. I enjoyed the day; it was lovely to judge the bitches. The depth of quality in most of the classes was very pleasing. However, the fronts are still a problem within the breed & need to be addressed in future litters. Some quality bitches went cardless, unfortunately there is only 5 cards & many went without being placed. I was so delighted that my fellow judge Marie, agreed that my BCC & BRCC, should win the top honours, Best in Show and RBIS.
Maiden - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Bakewell Show
7th Aug 2013
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to the Society for the invitation and to all the exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions. The ring was of a decent size and fairly level but quite exposed, which may have been why some exhibits were not very enthusiastic, especially as judging was delayed due to an accident on the M1. All mouths were good and all dogs entire, coats were at various stages . I was very pleased with my main winners, and delighted to see my Best of Breed take Terrier Group 2.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
8 month grizzle dog - A sound dog of good conformation who moved and handled well, shown in full coat.
Darlington D S S
13th Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Diane Rayner (Stoneygin)
I would first of all like to thank the society for inviting me to judge this show.
I would also like to thank Bob my steward for a sterling job.
I am sorry to bring this up again but I was most disappointed yet again to find a few exhibits that were far too thin. This determined placings as they are not fit for purpose.
Coats were at various stages as normally is the case, I had a few unspannable, but most were in a good fit condition.
I was pleased with my entry and enjoyed going over some lovely exhibits, most were a credit to you.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Driffield A S
21st Sep 2013
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald
My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee, for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers at this show. We were truly blessed with some lovely autumn sunshine, and a well laid out ring.
Thank you, to all the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to “go over†your dogs, however, I had concerns about the size and movement of some of the exhibits. I have a fair span and struggled to get anywhere near some dogs, which reflected in the placings.
Consequently, some heavy shoulders, and wide fronts.
Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Sep 2013
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
It is always an honour to be invited to judge a club show and my first job here must be to thank Club, Officers, Committee and Members for asking me to judge their show. The hospitality shown to my Mother and myself made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thank you to my capable Stewards Les Moss and Ian Higham for their help on the day.
Thank you all for the great entry both in terms of number and in depth of quality I had to judge. There were some very tough, but enjoyable decisions to be made and in most classes and in the challenges the top honours were fiercely contested. .
I must repeat the often used cliché of not having enough cards on the day. Many who were down the line or even cardless today I would have been happy to have as winners in another entry.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Smaller all though than 1st. Pleasing in outline with good lines and narrow throughout. In new coat but was harsh and dense on a thick pelt.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs. Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
Thank you to the Northern Border Terrier club for my invitation to judge at my first breed club show.
I was honoured to receive such a fantastic entry both in quality and quantity
Thanks go to the committee who made me feel so welcome on my arrival and at lunch, special thank you to my two able stewards Alan Horner and Norma Todd who kept the ring running so smoothly
My findings on the day were mostly positive ,there were some excellent coats and thick pelts, typical heads, good bone ,movement was mostly very good, though a couple of otherwise quality exhibits had to sadly drop down the line due to poor movement on the day.
There were a few with large flat feet ,some with small teeth ,I also found presentation on a few disappointing -particularly untrimmed feet and full long beards, a handful of dogs lacked condition with thin pelts and no meat on their ribs and more worryingly some lacked muscle tone, but these were few and far between .
All the males were entire , all bites good bar one, broken or the odd missing tooth does not concern me.
I was taken back by both of my line ups and was pleased to be able to present dogs and bitches who were what I considered to be excellent examples of the breed and who were on form , both challenges were very close up and it was a delight to be able to select from any of the winners
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
G/T beautiful type with pretty head and expression, excellent bite, lovely neat straight front, very good top line and tail set, presented in excellent new harsh coat, a lovely confident show girl, very close up to 1st
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Read 2nd puppy bitch
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2013
Judge: Mrs Val Furness
Thank you to M.C.C.A for the appointment also my stewards and a thank you to the exhibitors. Coats and size were mixed and a few entries i could not span the one thing that was apparent was the number of very lean exhibits. You BREED for size not FEED for it.
It was also nice to see that most of the early classes looked as they should be and not looking like they should be in open class
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
She showed with true confidence and this matched her movement should mature into a nice bitch
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2013
Judge: Mrs S Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the Scottish Club for the invitation. It was an honor to judge at this friendly and hospitable club’s show. Huge thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Steward Joyce Orr and her excellent helpers, Jim Stewart in the morning and Helen McKenzie in the afternoon. All did a super job.
Thanks too to the kitchen ladies for the amazing lunch.
I was very pleased to have such a super quality entry. I could have easily given out more tickets if they had been available. Some close decision at times, a true reflection on the high quality of the entries. Presentation of the dogs was very good, mouths too on the whole were correct with only the odd exception. Feet, I was pleased to see a vast majority of neat cat like feet on the dogs, no long hare feet. Tails again seem to be improving, not as many of the over long sickle ones that I have noticed in the past. Coats and pelts: while coats are transient and of course some had more than others on the day, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts. I think the breed overall is in a good place.
Just one point I noticed, some dogs had to take a lot of steps to cover the ground, watching out that our dogs move with drive is very important and I was happy with my winners in that they, in my opinion, covered the ground well.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Stunning! I really loved this dark red grizzle puppy, I liked everything about her. To me, she was hard to fault and was presented to perfection. I strongly considered her for the Res CC. I am sure she will have a very promising
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Nov 2013
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
A big thank you to the Club for giving me the chance to judge this show, also to the exhibitors for giving me such a nice entry. Special thanks also to my stewards for making everything run so smoothly, and to the ladies in the kitchen for a great meal.
I had some quality dogs to go over and I am confident plenty will go on to achieve greater things. Coats were at various stages which is to be expected and although they don’t change the construction of the animal it can detract from the overall picture when awarding top prizes. Of course they are a working terrier but they are also on show so I have to have both things in mind when judging.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Novice - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
grizzle and tan in super coat, level topline with short carrot tail. Nice bend of stifle. A little heavy today.
Ladies Kennel Association
15th Dec 2013
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
I was honoured to accept this appointment at short notice, due to Kathy Wilkinson’s ill health. I was impressed with the new halls and layout this year.
I was able to judge with no preconceptions, as I have only been to two shows this year, so the majority of dogs were new to me. A good size entry with some good quality dogs present in a number of classes in which I was splitting hairs I had two very good stewards who handled the large classes with calm and efficient precision allowing me to get on with my job.
Overall movement, has improved considerably. In my opinion Borders should move soundly, positively and with the minimum of effort needed to cover the ground well, this means that they use far less energy when travelling distances, and my principal winners all fitted this criteria. Nice large teeth and good bites were very much in evidence. At long last I am starting to see definition between dogs and bitches, I like to see a masculine dog and a feminine bitch. The other thing I was pleased to see was the majority had good tight feet. Some exhibitors seem to be under the impression that an underweight dog is a way to make them easier to span, it doesn’t work! I hate to be able to feel bone and not muscle.
I learnt after judging that there was some kind of aggression in one of the classes, unfortunately I did not witness this personally, as I was going over a dog on the table, if I had of seen it then I would have taken appropriate action as this type of temperament is totally unacceptable in our lovely breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Manchester Dog Show Society
16th Jan 2014
Judge: Mr Philip J Greenway
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
wheaten with very good head & expression, excellent profile. Nice neck, topline, set on, well angulated, moved soundly. Coat still on its way.
Newark & District Canine Society
22nd Feb 2014
Judge: Andrew Gillik (Merauder)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2014
Judge: Mrs Jane Parker (Conundrum)
I would like to thank the BTC club, for giving me a second chance to judge this, the most prestigious of the breed clubs championship shows. I was judge elect in 2010, but caught the awful Noro virus the night before I was due to judge and spent the next two days flat out.
The new venue that the committee has found, has to be lauded. It is large, airy, light, the flooring is excellent. The car park looked huge. From a judges point of view I could see all the dogs clearly at any time. Congratulations on a super venue.
My two stewards, Chris Davis and Liz Barratt were so very organised and kept me informed and on time throughout the day, with good humour lots of smiles and attention to detail. With such a lovely entry numbers wise, it was a long day. Thank you both.
Living in Canada now, it was a real pleasure to judge dogs that I had mostly not seen. Obviously some of the older ones were mere youngsters before I left and it was nice to see how they had progressed through the years. I found no missing testicles, mouths on the whole were good, with only a few missing teeth or one or two misaligned. Heads were in general better overall than when I left, with more who carried a moderately broad backskull and also a lot more with very good underjaw, something one had to look hard to find a few years ago. Coats were on the whole, good, there were a very few however, who had greasy and dirty coats, this I feel is completely unnecessary. A few arrived without their coats, this is just unfortunate as dogs do not know about our ambitions in regard to shows, and if the coat needs to come out then so be it! Feet in some instances were weak, with some flat footed and others harefooted, this breed needs to have really good tight feet, small with thick pads and be well knuckled, poor feet make the whole outline of the dog look wrong. The worst fault I found, as usual were fronts, all the usual suspects were there, wide fronts, narrow fronts, flicking wrists etc. I do begin to wonder if we will ever get this completely right, but if we are breeders looking to the future, we must be hard on this most prevalent fault, and do not use these dogs and bitches in our breeding programmes. Bitches had the most quality through the entry, again, this is usual, however the dogs that were good, were very very good, and the best, were exceptional. Size does need to be watched, this is a somewhat cyclical thing, but there were some big dogs and bitches in the ring. The first and most important words in our standard...â€Essentially a working terrierâ€...if it cannot be spanned, it is too big. In general I feel the breed in the country of origin is in pretty good shape, the top percentage of the dogs I judged were quite lovely and had breed type to spare. In my critique you will no doubt notice expressions I use again and again. I find certain things are ubiquitous (but none the less hugely important to breed type) and have my pet ways of describing them, I hope you forgive my industrial repetition in some regards.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Typy bitch put down in good form. Feminine head, pleases with muzzle, teeth, and expression. Stands over the ground well, has good bone, her angles are correct at both ends and she carries a nicely shaped rib. Her jacket is harsh and her pelt is pliable. Tail and set correct. Moved well and with good drive to take first place in this class of quality bitches.
Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Apr 2014
Judge: Mrs. Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge at this show, my first breed club appointment. I was well looked after by the committee and their hospitality was wonderful. I would like to thank my 2 ring stewards - Tracy Peacock and Allen Horner - who were very efficient in keeping me right and kept everything running smoothly. It was a great privilege for me to have such an excellent entry and of such good quality to go over. Thank you to all those who gave me this opportunity and for taking my decisions so sportingly.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
This rich grizzle and tan bitch was presented in excellent condition. She has a super thick pin wire coat which is harsh in texture and plenty of loose pelt. She has a strong but feminine head with short muzzle, dark eyes and ears. She is of moderate length in body and stands over the ground well giving a lovely profile on lovely well knuckled small tight feet with a good short thick carrot tail well set on. She was the best mover in this class.
National Dog Show
9th May 2014
Judge: Mr Rainer Vuorinen (Finland)
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Delightful junior, lovely head and expression, excellent topline, well angulated, correct ribcage, excellent movement, very correct parallel front, excellent coat.
The Scottish Kennel Club
16th May 2014
Judge: Mr W Browne-Cole (Travella)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Loved her forehand and body shape, good bone, legs and feet, excelled in movement, should do well.
Southern Counties Canine Association
31st May 2014
Judge: Mr Terry Cooper
Firstly I would like to thank my able stewards for making my day of judging so enjoyable, they did a first class job in the process and my compliments go to them both. Secondly I thank the exhibitors for bringing some fine examples of the breed under me. In a few classes I was splitting hairs with a number of exhibits and on another day they would change places many times. I was very happy with my final line up of dogs and bitches, they were all of excellent quality and worthy of winning top honours.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Three Counties Championship Dog Show
7th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr D E Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to my two highly efficient stewards who, whilst never obtrusive, always had everything in the right place and ensured that I could get on with judging the dogs efficiently and smoothly.
A very pleasing entry, many classes had winning quality beyond the number of cards available. I found no missing teeth, no serious mouth faults, and all males were entire. Coats were variable; ranging from several in profuse double coat (not a problem if still of good weatherproof quality); to some who had only undercoat and a few who had adequate top coat but completely lacked undercoat (both incorrect and adversely affecting placings). There were a number of very smartly prepared and presented terriers on show; but however smart and showy a terrier may be, as 'essentially a working terrier' it must be 'capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness' in order to be a BORDER Terrier. Too many exhibits were deficient in shoulder construction, front movement and drive.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Under a profuse coat of good texture I found a very well made bitch hiding, showing good balance and movement
Class Critique
a big class with a lot of good 'uns in it
Cheshire County Show
18th Jun 2014
Judge: Mr S Goodwin (Lanola)
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Derbyshire County Show
22nd Jun 2014
Judge: Mr Robert F Taylor (Foxthorn)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2014
Judge: Mrs. A. Gregory (Manx)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A smallish bitch but well put together. Feminine head with keen expression dark eye nicely set ears good straight front well laid shoulders nice level back and well set on tail Shown in good condition and moved positively around the ring
Bakewell Show
6th Aug 2014
Judge: Mrs N Evans (Pendevour)
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Class Critique
another large class with quality in depth
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
20th Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs A C Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry and to my stewards for keeping the ring running efficiently throughout. We had a good day with a very very slight drizzle; the exhibitors and exhibits seemed untroubled but it did cause the ringside to flee temporarily! There were some very good dogs present and I enjoyed all my winners but there are always some buts, and looking through my notes there was a preponderonce of “OK” over “good”. The standard asks for a dog that has the soundness to follow a horse; this, of course, must be understood in the context of a terrier working with the Hunt on rough moorland ground, but even so only the minority of exhibits could meet this requirement. Inadequate angulation leads to poor ground covering ability and untidy front movement – evident in a lot of exhibits. Whilst most exhibitors take the trouble to present their dogs as well as possible, a number were unfit and lacking muscle tone and would one of the Breed Clubs please put on a grooming seminar which shows exhibitors how to prepare feet and nails?? It is clearly needed. I forgive coats since these are outwith your control and sadly some excellent dogs had to pay the price for coming without a jacket.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Stood away in this class, lovely little bitch, gorgeous head, good ears, nice skull, good neck and shoulder. OK for bone, lovely angulations fore and aft, well balanced, strong loin and nice tail, in fantastic coat and moving very well, close up in a good challenge.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Oct 2014
Judge: Jeff Luscott
Thank you for the invitation to judge a most enjoyable show, it was good to receive very homely hospitality and I was well looked after by my two very efficient stewards, Norma and Scott. Thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting atmosphere created around the ring. I enjoyed judging the overall entry with most of the classes having close decisions to be made, with the junior, limit and open classes being particularly strong.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Liverpool Terrier Club Open Show
5th Oct 2014
Judge: Jane Moreton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Beautiful rich colour on this correctly sized bitch. The best of jackets. Neat feet. Narrow throughout, making her easy to span. Super length of rib. Correct angulation. Moved freely and with drive. Love her!
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Kevin Holmes
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
CC. Lovely quality, so feminine, well presented in excellent harsh dense coat, good head, dark eye, well set ears, nice size, spannable, good balance, clean outline, good topline and tailset, she just flowed on the move, straight front, sound and true in both directions, showed really well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Nov 2014
Judge: Miss Tracy Peacock (Ragatam)
I would like to thank the committee for the judging appointment and the two stewards, Jem Thomas and Margaret Davies. I enjoyed my day very much. Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. I was pleased with my principle winners. Some dogs were penalised today for lack of coat, I know coats will grow back. Movement in some exhibits left a lot to be desired.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Another quality bitch. Lovely otter like head with dark eye giving good expression. Nice neck into good shoulder. Correct rib and shape. Moved well and never stopped showing. Coat not at its best today.
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2014
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
Though the standard calls for a narrow body I found many dogs who were too skinny & I could easily feel their ribs! Heads were quite disappointing, many had long weak muzzles not the proportions one associates with an Otters head. Many exhibits lack the small round foot & I doubt if they would cope with the exercise it needs to follow a horse. Coats were mixed & many just a seasonal problem.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Manchester Championship Show
15th Jan 2015
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
This was my first Championship Show appointment and I would like to thank the Society for the invitation and generous hospitality. Thanks also to my stewards Brian Attwood and Anne Speake who did a sterling job keeping the good sized, well appointed ring running smoothly throughout the day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over some very high quality dogs. Generally the standard was good with the majority of exhibits showing and moving well. I was concerned by the number of short rounded ribs I found, especially in the bitch classes. There were several noses lacking pigment, some very long thin tails, and I found a few broken or out of line teeth. Coats were at various stages and some otherwise good dogs had to be penalised for lack of coat in the stronger classes. Whereas others with little coat made it into the line up on overall quality. I was very pleased with my main winners, and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A well presented grizzle bitch with lovely expression, good length of neck and correct shoulder placement, straight front, neat feet, good in rib, narrow throughout with correct turn of stifle. Came to hand well. Moved well.
Crufts
7th Mar 2015
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
First of all I would like to thank the Kennel Club for the honour and pleasure of judging this prestigious show. I must then thank my efficient and capable stewards who kept me on track and looked after me through the day. Most of all I would like thank the exhibitors who rose from their beds at early hours and drove many miles to give me an entry of Border Terriers to be proud of and one which is was a delight to judge. It was not only strong numerically strong but also in depth of quality. It is a cliché to say that there were not enough cards to go around but in this entry it was certainly true. Determining all the final line up in each class was difficult and also in many deciding who should make the short list was also a challenge. Good dogs went without a card, ones who in a different entry I would have been happy to see as winners. In the challenges decisions remained tough and more than those that took the top honours were worthy of doing so and I would have been very pleased to have had more awards to give out.
In the days following this year’s show Crufts, dog shows and those who participate in them came in for some criticism. The picture painted by the media at this time was certainly not my experience. Before, during and after the show I found show people to be nothing but good natured, genuine and supportive. I enjoyed every minute of my day and hope that those that supported me with an entry or as spectators at the ringside did so too
RBCC
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
This bitch has loads of Border type. She is balanced and is without exaggeration. Feminine in head with a keen expression and put down in tip top condition. Caught the eye stood and on the move to take the class and the Reserve Bitch CC in a very close challenge.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
1st in Mid Limit Bitch
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Mar 2015
Judge: Karen S Stockley (Foxfactor)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for the judging appointment and for their hospitality on the day, the lovely gifts, also my stewards Alison and Callie and not least the competitors for a lovely entry and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I was pleased with my final line ups, some close decisions particularly in the two hotly contested Junior classes where all the placed dogs and bitches could change places on another day. I felt my top winners all met the breed standard in that they would be capable of getting to ground and have the strength and stamina to do a good days work if called upon. There were a few with acceptable level bites, all tails were good, one or two could have been a little cleaner, some that would have benefitted from better coat tidying and presentation and surprisingly one with undescended testicles. However I felt that I was presented with some good representatives of the breed to have the pleasure to go over.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
2yo grizzle,another happy dog from this kennel,shown and put down in fit ,hard condition,under her good harsh top coat she spans well,liked her head properties,nothing exaggerated,feminine with keen expression,good bite,well ribbed back,tail well set and carried,sound mover covering the ground well,pressed hard in the bitch challenge.
National Terrier
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Overall, I felt there was reasonable quality in those forward. Some exhibitors continue to have their dogs underfed and/or carrying little muscle, both to the detriment of a terrier expected to put in a day’s work. There were a number of untypical heads – lacking width to the skull and strength to the muzzle. Please keep in mind the shape of an otter’s skull.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A grizzle and tan of well balanced proportions with a good head and reach of neck. Moved well, good length of stride and has a good bend of stifle and broad thighs carrying good muscling. Ribs are carried well back and correct tailset. Another shown in the best of coats. BCC.
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A lovely grizzle border bitch, with a pretty feminine look about her. A super had of the correct proportions with plenty of strength in her face and jaw. She has a narrow straight front that sets her up to be well put together bitch. Her shoulders are laid well back, good rib and she has the correct amount of bone. She is not over done in any way what so ever. A first class, harsh double coat and loose pelt. She moved around the ring with style. She is a good example of the standard – essentially a working terrier. Considered her for the top honours – very difficult decision to leave her out.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers and committee of The Northern Border Terrier club for the invitation to judge my first Breed Club show and also acknowledge the help and assistance in the ring by my stewards Ann Maltby and Scott Cranson.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would like to thank the exhibitors for providing me with the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs.
I found the majority to be in good fit condition and in good coat. There was a variation in head type but most fit the standard in my interpretation.
Mouths were generally good with only a couple with an acceptable level bite. In some presentation could have been better with a few having untidy feet. I was impressed with both line ups and some decisions were very close.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Lovely headed grizzle bitch that is narrow throughout with good rib and strong loin. She has a good textured coat and was in fit hard condition. Correct angulation both front and rear,. Looked lovely in profile and moved with drive. Delighted to award her BB, BOS and RBIS
Class Critique
This was a wonderful class full of quality exhibits and was a privilege to judge and only minor preferences separated the placings.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
25th Apr 2015
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank the exhibitors for super entry, it was an honour to go over so many excellent quality border terriers . I had some close decisions in many classes and some quality dogs had to go cardless. Overall I was impressed with the standard of both dogs/bitches and with the condition of them. Almost all were in fit condition with muscle tone,spanning wasn't an issue I'm pleased to say. Which means the breed is in a good way.. Mouths too on the whole were correct with many having good sized and clean teeth. .While coats are of course transient, texture was very good and the vast majority had good thick and loose pelts.
Last but not least Huge Thanks must go to my very capable & experienced Stewards who made my day so much easier.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Very pretty,balanced and typey grizzle & tan who has the most lovely head and expression. she moves with drive and holds her topline and tail on the move.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
3rd May 2015
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club committee for the opportunity to judge this year’s Joint club show. Many thanks to my two ring stewards Bob and Liz Wright for the smooth running of the ring and the cups of coffee. It was an experience to go over so many dogs of different types; this made my job difficult at times, as each one had different attributes to the next. A few classes I found very hard to decide who my winners would be for this reason. Is the breed getting better or worse? I do not think I am the first to mention that there are too many foreign heads and plain faces with no expression. The breed standard states “a head like that of an otter” and “essentially a working terrier”. Confirmation and movement, I think has improved a little, but the heads and strength of the dogs has declined. When I looked at some of the dogs, I liked them but then had to remind myself that they where dogs not bitches. Thank you to all exhibitors for letting me go over your dogs and the gracious way most of you accepted my decisions.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A well presented grizzle bitch with lovely expression, but not the head of 1st. Good length of neck and correct shoulder placement, neat feet, good in rib, narrow throughout with correct bend of stifle
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
well balanced. In fit condition. Good head with all border attributes yet feminine. Easily spanned. Level topline. Narrow through. Lovely short tail of correct proportions. Good bend of stifle giving free striding movement. Plenty of hard wiry coat with thick pelt. Should achieve top honours
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
27th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
Thank you to the exhibitors for the super entry.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Handy size r/gr.with lovely thick pelt,good pin wire coat coming back in. Correct angles good tailset, flat skull but would prefer a darker eye. Moved well.
Cheshire County Show
23rd Jun 2015
Judge: Mr M Walshaw (Janmark)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2015
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
very honest and workmanlike sort who displays to advantage on a loose lead, narrow and straight in front, good expression, shapely throughout and went really well
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
smaller type than 1, but all the right attributes, would have liked a bit more leg
Bakewell Show
5th Aug 2015
Judge: Tom Mather (Barklots)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
City of Birmingham
5th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs P. Clark (Gameway)
My thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors who gave me such a good entry in both numbers and quality. Thank you also to my two hard working stewards who kept the ring running very smoothly. I found the limit and open classes in both dog and bitch had quality in depth and they were a pleasure to judge Thank You
BCC
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
CH subject to KC confirmation
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
So many borders with clever handling can look good when stacked but on the move they go to pieces not so this bitch who is such an honest border terrier straight forward in head and so typical of the breed she came alive on the move which clinched her place for me she moves so soundly level topline tail bang on she looked a picture moving sound all ways. In full double coat not overdone in any department CC her 3rd I believe Well done
Darlington
18th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors today for their support as terrier day at Darlington Ch Show is always on a Friday and this can be difficult for some coming on a working day.
Thanks go to my two good friends Alf and Carol Wood who were my stewards today and kept everyone informed class by class, keeping everything running smoothly.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
In a true full coat which was very presentable very harsh and good undercoat really thick pelt, good top line nice rib easy span and good bend of stifle, good carrot tail, very a well balanced bitch.
The Yorkshire, Lancs & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Kathy Wilkinson (Otterkin)
What a privilege to be invited by the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club to judge their Diamond Jubilee Championship show, marking 60 years since the Club was first incorporated. The event was tinged with sadness that their long time Secretary, Mrs Cynthia Knight, could not be here to witness this special occasion. A minutes silence in her memory was called at the beginning of the show. I like to think she would have been looking down on the Club and the show with satisfaction with the way her team have continued to run the Club, always remembering the great influence and impact she and her husband Gordon ("Tag") had on their Club. Also being remembered at the show, were recent sad losses to the breed of Eva Heslop and Kathy Fell and to terriers in general, the redoubtable Maureen Micklethwaite.
Congratulations to the Acting Secretary, Tina and her husband and Chairman, Kevin Green and the rest of the team on a well run show and thanks to my ring stewards, Graham Richardson and Sharon Pickering for keeping everything running smoothly.
A show is not held for the benefit of a judge or a society; it is held for the dogs to be assessed and their owners and exhibitors to have a good day out, win or lose. I therefore hope that everyone enjoyed their day.
Very pleased with the entry of 211 dogs making 242 entries, both in terms of numbers and in depth of quality of the entry. Class entry numbers shown are give or take some catalogue changes during the day, which are reflected in my numbers below. Absentees in new dogs gave an absentee rate of 34%.
Given that I have previously had to talk about dogs being kept too thin, it was good that there were only one or two dogs who could have done with more weight on them (one especially where I could feel the pin bones protruding), but most of those shown today were in good body weight and condition. While it is a real thrill, it is also a sadness to me to be judging well filled classes of quality dogs or bitches, knowing that some of those I really like have to go card-less, just because of the excellence of the entry.
Many times, in quite a few classes, hard decisions had to be made. Spanning is to me, one of the most important things after breed type (after all, you can span other breeds of terrier and I was looking for a Border!), but even the best typy dogs cannot win if I am unable to span them. A Border that cannot get to ground and back out, is not "essentially a working terrier". There were so many good ones today who were easily spanned, who also had excellent heads and moved so well and who came to hand well when lifted from the floor. Although some I had loved from ringside, were difficult to span and so paid the price, it is surprising that others, who might have looked on the large side from ringside in earlier days, were surprisingly easy to span. Nothing beats getting hands on. Judging by today's quality entry, I can safely say that the breed is in a good place.
I understand that during the day, a Diamond Jubilee Celebration cake, arranged by Pat and Brian Baxter, was cut into and offered to exhibitors, with a glass of fizz to toast the Club. Special gifts were awarded to each exhibitor/member (one per household) of a glass paperweight bearing the Club's name and notation to celebrate the Club's Diamond Jubilee. I was also pleased to receive one of the paperweights as the judge, along with a nice bottle, thank you!
It was a long day, with a 10am start. In future, the Club may decide to think about an earlier start and while the 2 classes held in the interval were a good idea, I thought, and well received, it did mean that I was not able to ask for the 20 minute or 1/2 hour break I would have preferred, but in the end, while waiting for those classes to be judged, I believe the break lasted around an hour and a quarter (we finished Puppy bitch at 1.25pm but could not get back into the ring to start Junior Bitch until 2.40pm), which put the show's ending back to much later than it might have been. Perhaps if Clubs decide to put on those extra classes, they would best be done either at an Open show, or at a Championship show where the venue is big enough for a separate ring. There was an entry of 26 for the judge of the 2 separate classes. What if it had been 50? Having said that, I offer my congratulations to the society for being innovative and forward thinking on this, but I just think it needs tweaking.
A long day, but a very enjoyable one; thanks again to all who entered under me at this special Diamond Jubilee Show of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club and thank you to the Club for their hospitality and the lovely gifts.
Thanks again to all exhibitors for a super entry for this special celebration show.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
In very thick coat, this is another beautiful bitch. Perhaps not so strong in head as the other 2, but she has a fantastic thick coat and pelt. She looked like another who could perform as a working terrier and moved very well throughout the class.
Class Critique
Including 1 transferred from Novice bitch), less 7 ab and 1 withdrawn)
In this class, I was spoilt for choice and ended up splitting hairs. I loved all the first five placed and would have happily given a first and further honours to any of them, such is the joy and the sadness of judging such a good class. Although throughout the show, I was aware that with such a large entry, I needed to crack on and only moved the total classes once, then moved those shortlisted a further time/s, in this class, I indulged myself a little and moved them all twice, as I would prefer to do anyway, if time permitted.
Driffield Agricultural Society
3rd Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Jean Singh
Many thanks to my two efficient stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly. On the day I was surprised to find 4 level mouths, although a level mouth is acceptable in the standard, a scissor bite is preferable. Some exhibits could have been shown in a fitter condition and have their long nails clipped.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Shown in a full coat which detracted from her overall outline. Ideal size, nice otter head with good expression. She has correct bone and I was able to span her. She moved ok and showed well.
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
27th Feb 2016
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan, three years old. Good bite, short muzzle and dark eye. More compact than one but a nice sized bitch who was easily spanned. Good topline and underline and lovely short well shaped tail. In great, fit condition. In excellent coat with good undercoat and thick pelt. Nice and active on the move.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Class Critique
Another excellent class with plenty of quality.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge my first BTC open show special thanks to the committee and members for a lovely show and exhibitors for my entry, thank you to my ring stewards Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh for keeping things running smoothly. I was very happy with all my placings I had some tough decisions and some placings on another day could easily change place. All dogs were entire and I was pleased to see many dogs shown in correct double coat. On a negative note I had two exhibits with teeth out of line and a few level bites although acceptable a scissor bite is preferable. As the first line of the breed standard states ‘essentially a working terrier’ personally I would like to see more dogs in fitter harder condition ‘fit for purpose’.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch another of lovely type a worthy champion of nice size, easily spanned, she has nice outline and shown in the best of coats with excellent pelt lovely carrot tail and in super condition, moved true.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My thanks go to the Northern Border committee for their warm welcome and for the honour of judging their Open show. I really enjoyed my day, and the ladies put on a lovely lunch and Christine’s apple pie was the best pudding of the day. I received a lovely entry and I was very pleased with my winners. My thanks also go out to the exhibitors for allowing me to inspect their dogs on the day. My thanks also go to my two stewards who were a great help on the day.
It is only my opinion, but I think that the size of the border terriers is slowly returning back in line with the breed standard which I am pleased about as I thought that Border terriers were getting too long in the leg. Mouths were good, all dogs were entire, but just a few exhibits were a bit close at the rear. A few exhibitors could do with spending a little time learning how to tidy their dogs and how to get the best out of the dog on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
A lot to like about this bitch, nice lines throughout with good head, big teeth with correct bite and lovely double coat. Preferred 1 overall.
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
30th May 2018
Judge: Mr Joe Ashe (Ebrooks)
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Lovely feminine bitch with a good keen expression, excellent front and topline. The hardest of coats. She covered the ground very well. Worthy winner of a very tough class and delighted to award her Best Veteran in Breed.
Class Critique
Lovely to see so many ladies aging so gracefully. The top three were very close although the rest of the class was also of very good quality.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
10 years old and looking very smart, nice outline and well balanced, good head strong jaw with keen expression, good topline and narrow right through giving good bodyline easy span, well presented in good harsh jacket. A worthy Champion, credit to her owner today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2022
Judge: Mrs C E Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the committee and members of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire border terrier club for the invitation to judge at this friendly club show. My stewards Tracey Anscombe and Sian Mckay were very efficient and kept the day running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. It was a privilege to judge your dogs.
I had some quality borders to go over, and my decisions reflected my interpretation of the breed standard, on the day.
Some exhibits lacked the typical otter head, moderately broad with a short, strong muzzle and keen expression, which is definitive in our breed. Coats were generally good, harsh and dense with thick pelts, but several exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet trimmed. I found no kinked tails, dentition was generally good and all dogs were entire.
There was a lovely atmosphere, especially during the challenges, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Best Veteran
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
This 9 year old grizzle and tan bitch stood out for type and soundness of construction. She had a feminine otter like head, with a dark eye, small, neat ear and correct bite. Her well laid shoulder, flowed into a good top line and well set, carrot like tail that was carried gaily. She had straight front legs and small, neat feet. Correct angulation, without exaggeration, enabled her to move out well with drive, straight and true. Presented in excellent coat with thick, loose pelt. Pleased to award her RBB and BVIS.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Dr. Margaret Armstrong (Ploughdown)
I’d like to thank Yorks, Lancs and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their January Open Show. It was a privilege. I was given a really warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none. The venue was bright and airy and provided for a large ring with plenty of room for exhibitors. I was very ably assisted on the day by my two stewards, Margaret Davis and Sian McKay, who organised the ring with cheerful good humour and efficiency. It was also super to be present for the presentation by the Club to Pat and Brian Baxter, who always add a convivial and kindly presence to any gathering. Lastly I’d like to thank the exhibitors for coming out in numbers in chilly January and who accepted my placings with such good grace.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Placing Critique
Another super golden oldie. At 10 she still shows her quality. Lovely feminine head with dark eye and pleasing expression. Neat ears complete the picture. Straight front, level in topline and well angulated, she stood on strong small feet. Moved out well for her age.
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.
Good Citizen - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Apr 2023
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the Club for the invitation to judge this show. It was originally planned for me to judge in April 2020, but this was rearranged due to the pandemic and other outstanding appointments. I would like to thank the Committee for the wonderful hospitality shown to me throughout the day, and thank you to my Steward who kept things running smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
I have not judged for just over 4 years, so it was a pleasure to see so many new dogs and new faces around the ring. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and quality throughout the classes, and pleased to see a return to a more narrow dog, as I was seeing a trend for wide fronts last time I judged.
All dogs were entire and temperaments throughout were good. Bites were correct, with just the odd broken, misplaced or dirty tooth. Coats were, as to be expected, at various stages. There were a few close decisions, and some classes where I wish I had more prize cards to give out. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs, and also for the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
Lastly, can I please apologise for the delay in submitting my critique, as I usually have them done within a day or two of the show. There has been an ongoing issue with the health of a close relative which has taken up a lot of my time, so again, apologies for the delay.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
Class Critique
What a privilege to judge this class of golden oldies which were a credit to our breed. I wish I’d had more place cards. A lovely class.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Benattivo Best Bet Karison
