Show Placings
East of England Open Show
7th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr. M. Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thanks to my exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over a good selection of Borders. A very well-run show and praise to the East of England committee for all their work, Thanks also to my very skilled Steward who kept things running smoothly.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Eleven month old bitch. Correct scissor bite with smaller teeth than my first place. Excellent harsh jacket and easily spanned carrying her tail well but didn’t move as soundly as my winner
East of England Championship Show
8th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
My thanks go to the East of England committee for inviting me to judge the show. Thank you to my two stewards who efficiently helped exhibitors to follow the corvid regulations in place for the show.
For quite a lot of the younger dogs it was there first show due to the lockdown they all handled it well.
All teeth were ok a few of the dogs were just spannable there was no problem with the bitches
I was pleased with my final line ups for dogs and bitches and the main winners I feel could still carry out the work they were bred for if required.
Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Scarborough & DCA Open Show
18th Jul 2021
Judge: Tracy Morgan
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
another with nice head properties and a well textured jacket, moved well, just a little longer in loin than 1st
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Driffield Championship Dog Show
28th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I was extremely pleased with my quality entry on this my first occasion awarding C.C.'s in the breed and thrilled to see my B.O.B. go 2nd in the group.
I will not mention teeth and bites in my individual critiques as apart from three which were level all exhibits possessed good strong teeth with excellent bites.Very few animals were difficult to span but far too many bitches in the later classes carried too much condition!
As in many other judges comments over the last few years fronts are still a big problem, if a Border does not have a correctly angled upper arm and shoulder it will not be able to follow a horse all day however well angled the hindquarters might be. A lot of dogs feet were not as small and tight as I would like but this may be due to lack of suitable excercise over the extended lockdowns. On the plus side nearly all were presented in double coat.
It was a very tight decision for me for B.O.B. and it could have gone either way but a choice had to be made so the dog won on being more an ideal size.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Built on nice lines, well balanced good tail set and angles, moved well perhaps a little heavy in ear.
Scunthorpe Open Show
30th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Borderrush Magic Bean
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Kennel Club (May) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was delighted to accept the invitation to judge at the May show postponed to October.
Under Scottish government rules it meant those of us inside had to wear masks & I thank the majority of exhibitors for complying with this legislation.
Thank you to my lone steward who was able to keep the classes coming in and ready for me, it wasn't an easy task with our neighbouring ring hosting the breeds October show but thankfully we didn't get too many clashes.
I always feel immensely privileged to be able to judge your dogs and I hope exhibitors felt that I gave each of you ample time to set up your dogs on the table to show them at their best.
The entry was varied and I felt my top winners were outstanding. As always coats were presented at various stages and bites were generally very good. A number with long flat & untidy feet and a few dogs I just couldn't span even with my large hands!
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Kennel Club (October) Championship Show
1st Oct 2021
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
My thanks to SKC for holding the show after two changes of date and merging the May and October shows. It can’t have been easy. My grateful thanks to Bob Potts, my sole ring steward for the day, who cheerfully and calmly kept the ring running smoothly with the greatest efficiency.
Whilst my main winners fitted the breed standard I was disappointed with some of the other exhibits. The front movement on some left an awful lot to be desired. (Try videoing your dogs moving) Many were light of bone, on the leg and short coupled giving a square outline. Several had short round ribs. Having said that the majority were spannable. Dentition was generally good. All dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages but those with no coat had to be penalised in several classes. Presentation of some exhibits could have been better. Temperaments on the whole appeared to be okay, with just the odd exhibit displaying a tendency to be over excited in the presence of others.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
a lovely grizzle bitch with good head, sweet expression, nice size, good front and tight feet. Moved well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
7th Nov 2021
Judge: Frances Chapman-King (Inzievar)
It was a pleasure to spend a day with the Borders. Thank you to the committee for inviting me, and to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs. By way of general comment I found fronts and front movement to be an issue; and size variable with some too big or heavy – making it difficult to span. There was quality too and some promising youngsters.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Pleasing skull, good eye & expression. Good front, feet & bone. Enough layback, fair to span, fair quarters. Good tail & set on, good pelt. Moved sound.
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.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Lovely dark grizzle bitch. A lot to like about her. Lovely head with dark eye and big teeth. In super harsh double jacket with good pelt. Easy to span. Moved well.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
as Junior
Burton on Trent KA Open show
5th Dec 2021
Judge: Ms M Sargent (Tegwani)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2021
Judge: Mrs Beverley Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to everyone who entered their dogs for me to judge. I was pleased with my entry and very pleased that LKA took place in light of the current Covid19 situation. I must admit it was very challenging to judge properly whilst wearing a facemask all day in this indoor venue! I was very pleased with my principle winners. Some of the younger classes were not so good maybe with maturity the exhibits will probably change places many times. My principle of judging is always good sound movement, capable of following a horse, this requires good conformation. A well laid shoulder and a properly angulated rear allows a good free stride . Some dogs were too narrow and so swinging their fronts from side to side, and some were great standing but fell apart on the move, running downhill or rear out of line with front were common faults. Heads were very varied, some very exaggerated or with untypical expression. Bites were mostly okay although I did find misaligned jaws and some had small or uneven sized teeth. Coats were hit and miss but pelts were mostly good and all were spannable, although some were round in rib. But remember you always take the best dog home.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
29th Jan 2022
Judge: Miss K. Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee of The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and showing a warming hospitality. Thanks also goes to my two stewards who made sure my day ran perfectly. A well ran show with a fabulous atmosphere and venue. Many thanks goes to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs and making my day one to remember and thoroughly enjoyable. Bitches outweighed the dogs but I was happy with the overall quality on the day. I would say exhibits were presented well although some could benefit with some general canine care like nail clipping. The last few years haven’t been kind to the show world so let’s not forget that sportsmanship is vital in making the show and atmosphere what it is.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Isle of Ely CS Open Show
5th Feb 2022
Judge: Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Quality bitch with many positive attributes. Lovely head and expression, dark eye, large teeth. Straight front. Muscular neck of good length. Narrow body of correct length ribbed well back. Easily spanned. Well presented with a good harsh coat and pelt. Moved well around the ring. Movement finally being the deciding factor in this class.
Newark & DCS Open Show
19th Feb 2022
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you to Newark and District CS for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the opportunity of going over some wonderful dogs and to my ring stewards, Nigel and Sarah, for keeping the ring running smoothly..
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Wath and West Melton Canine Society Open Show
5th Mar 2022
Judge: Mark Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2022
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I would like to thank the Secretary of the National Terrier Club and committee members for their warm welcome and superb hospitality. I had a nice entry of 113. Inevitably there were some absentees. It was encouraging to see young handlers in the ring and I hope they continue to enjoy the show scene.
I found three wry mouths and one exhibit with a kink tail. A couple of exhibits were in need of muscle tone and condition. This is achievable by good feeding and exercise and not starvation. My thanks go to my very capable stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
4th in yearling bitch – was shown in a good coat and has enough bone. She was up to size movement was ok.
Mansfield & DCS Open Show
3rd Apr 2022
Judge: Jane Peakin (Byzantine)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Wellingborough & DCS Open Show
9th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ken Fraser (Ycart)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
15th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr Ray Morland
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
A slightly bigger bitch than the first two, moved very well on neatly trimmed feet, level topline, handled well.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
3rd in yearling
WELKS
25th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))
Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Grizzle. Typical head and expression. Good topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound mover, just a shade up to size.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of The Midland Border Terrier Club for the invite to judge the Open Show held in conjunction with The Birmingham National. The hospitality showed by both clubs on the day was tremendous plus the wonderful gift received with many thanks – I will remember my first club show appointment for a long time.
I could not of been more pleased with my entry on the day so a big thank you for all of the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the quality presented. Junior Bitch, Limit Bitch and Limit Dog classes were of real quality and on another day placings could of easily been switched. That aside I was really pleased with my Bitch/Dog line ups having some real quality to pick my main winners from.
Also a special mention to my two stewards Sharon and La for keeping my classes going and to Bev who co-ordinated between the two rings whilst the judging was going on.
It was nice having the opportunity to see Terrier Group at the Birmingham National at the end of the day and see my Best Dog go on to represent the Border Terrier by getting short listed in a really big group, he had his 3 CC today and I was delighted to see he has become a Champion in his own right.
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
National Dog Show
6th May 2022
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
Thank you to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this show; I had received an invitation to judge the breed here in 2007 but was unable to accept due to a previous appointment so was very pleased to be offered the opportunity again. Thanks to my stewards for all their hard work during the day and also to the exhibitors for entering some lovely Border Terriers. There were some wonderful quality exhibits but I was particularly pleased with my line-up of unbeaten bitches with 4 or 5 in contention for the top honours, a very difficult but enjoyable decision.
It is 50 years since I won my first CC in the breed and at that time it was emphasised to novices by the experienced exhibitors that the most important part of the breed standard was the first line “essentially a working terrier” and I have always had this at the forefront in my mind when judging the breed. Not, does it work, but could it do so; meaning could it follow a horse and go to ground when needed; also could it get out again.
Yearling - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
14th May 2022
Judge: Mr Adrian Marett (Greyteckels)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
good otter head, dark eye, good pelt, sound mover
Pollard CS Open Show
15th May 2022
Judge: David Lee (Socksdown)
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show
21st May 2022
Judge: Mrs G Vaughan (Holteal)
I would like to thank Scottish Border Terrier Kennel Club and committee for my invite to judge and award my 1st CC appointment,their hospitality and welcome was appreciated greatly for such a long trip from my home county of norfolk i thoroughly enjoyed my day judging and thanks to my 2 great stewards who kept my ring running smoothly.
To have an entry of 87 dogs I believe the 6th highest of the whole show with only 19 being absent on the day which is to be expected was a great honor for myself.
Coats as always were in many different stages,not always easy to target for every show entered,I found no major faults in any of my exhibits thankfully but some dogs lacking good thick pelts and a few longer and not so desirable longer tails. There were some closer choices between some dogs in the stronger classes.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Special Beginners - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Lovely head and dark eyes with a good expression,nice narrow body,well presented and move out well.
Boston & DCS Open Show
31st May 2022
Judge: Mr M Garnham (Carmetcho)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to award my first set of CCs. Although my appointment was originally for 2020, it was worth the wait. Thank you to my stewards Doug and Sue for keeping me in line and the ring running smoothly. And most of all, thank you to all of the exhibitors for your entries and for allowing me to go over your dogs. I also want to thank anyone who made unsporting comments, for doing so out of my earshot.
As I would expect, the entry was on the whole very pleasing. Thankfully, I didn’t have many exaggerations, such as ultra short muzzles or over-angulated hindquarters. Unfortunately though, good fronts, and in particular clean, well laid, shoulders and good front angulation, were few and far between. Movement, with both good reach and drive and accuracy was hard to find, so I did find myself forgiving the odd wayward front legs on dogs that otherwise had good construction and an easy ground covering stride. I would rather see a dog a little loose and covering the ground than one very accurate that can only take a three inch stride. All dogs were entire. There were only a couple of less than perfect bites and an ever so slightly kinked tail. Only a select few had a good short carroty tail, and some were very long, something we need to look out for. A few, including some bitches, were big in the rib and far too heavy to pick up and quite a number had very little undercoat and thin pelts. I looked for good construction and movement, balance and no exaggeration. I found several dogs that I would happily award CCs to on another day and had the privilege of having to really nitpick, especially in the dog challenge.
Special Beginners - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Ashfield CS Open Show
11th Jun 2022
Judge: Gina Adams (Fisherbloom)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Border Union Championship Show
19th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe (Pipruda)
First of all I would like to thank the committee for the appointment, the exhibitors for their entry and my stewards for keeping my ring controlled which enabled me to finish judging well in time for the groups. Judy you can steward for me anytime thank you. I was thrilled that my BOB not only won the Terrier Group but went on to Best in Show, my BPIB was placed in the Puppy Group as was my BV in the Veteran Group. Due to COVID this is my first appointment since 2017 and I am pleased to say that I can see a vast improvement in movement since then but overall the quality in bitches was far superior to the dogs, I have large hands and spannability was in the minority in most dog classes. In the standard it says Essentially a Working Terrier, many would be unable to get down a hole let alone get out again!
Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Selby Canine Society Open Show
29th Oct 2022
Judge: Peter Armstrong (Atron) & Lesley Armstrong-Rodgers ( Atron/Scottsway )
Sincere thanks go firstly, to the Committee for inviting me to judge at their Show, Secondly to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity of going over their dogs and last, but not least, to my Steward, Marina Fleming, for her assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly. Judge Peter Armstrong
My thanks must go to the Officers and hard working Committee for the kind invitation to judge at their Open Show. It was a quality entry of bitches, so thank you to all exhibitors for bringing them and for their sporting acceptance of my decisions. I would also like to thank my two stewards for keeping the ring running in an orderly manner. Judge Lesley Armstrong
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Nov 2022
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
I won my first Crufts qualifier at this show 25 years ago and it has always been one of my favourites. It was an honour to be invited to judge and my thanks go to the Scottish Club for their hospitality. Thanks also to my very capable stewards Bill Shorthose and Judy Carr.My sincere thanks to all those who entered and allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Today I found there to be a much greater depth of quality among the bitches with there being many promising puppies and some very nice animals in the upper classes,particularly limit and open. This depth of quality was not apparent in a number of the dog classes although I was pleased with my main winners.
As would be expected there was some diversity in size and type.A number of exhibits of both sexes were up to size- I have big hands so if I find them difficult to span they are probably too big. I found all males to be entire, no serious mouth faults and one kinked tail.Of most concern was the number of dogs with very poor front movement and the number with atypical heads; some too long in muzzle and a few where the muzzle was too short, the latter giving a rather cat like look. Coats and pelts were generally good and a few dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.A fairly minor fault, but one which detracts from the overall outline, were the dogs which carried their tails curled over their backs i.e “gay tailed” as opposed to carrying their tails gaily.
Some of these faults are aesthetic but others such as size and soundness are not and we should be mindful that our breed is “essentially a working terrier.”
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
2 year old grizzle.Good headed bitch with a nice dark eye.Up on the leg but narrow enough. Super coat and pelt, tailset good.Balanced outline and best mover in this class.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
26th Nov 2022
Judge: Dogs Nicola Foster, Bitches Sarah Pateman
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Burton on Trent KA Open show
4th Dec 2022
Judge: Sarah Hemstock (Jolihem)
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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 .
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Wellingborough & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
My sincere thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge Borders
and the warm hospitality on offer at this show .
To my stewards on the day, Lauren and Phil , a big thank you for keeping
the ring running smoothly and ensuring the exhibitors enjoyed their
experience.
Sadly ,once again it was obvious that the numbers present on the day
were greatly affected by the fact there were three open shows, all with
breed specialists judging, on the same day . Nonetheless , I thank all the
exhibitors who honored me with an entry.
To those exhibitors present on the day , thanks for allowing me the
privilege of going over your dogs and accepting my decisions in a sporting
manner .
Generally , the dogs coming forward today were well presented and
conditioned , one or two may have benefitted from a little more detailed
grooming to enhance certain points of their conformation but on the whole I
enjoyed my time handling a fine bunch of Borders
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
2 and a half year old grizzle girl . Nice head proportions, good eye shape and size . Well filled muzzle , furnished with a great set of workmanlike teeth. Ears perhaps a little on large size but I didn’t find it detracted from the overall picture. Front assembly ok , rear construction was acceptable . Her ribs and loin were ok but I would have preferred to see a somewhat more even underline. Coat was coming through but texture was evident , which covered a nice loose pelt . Stood on good tight feet and pads . Movement tidy and correct.. RBoB
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
5th Feb 2023
Judge: Roger Mann (Lynsett)
My thanks go to the committee of Midland Border Terrier Club for their invitation to judge the February Open show. I had some lovely dogs to judge & would like to thank the exhibitors for their entries. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
2yr old Grizzle with a good head. Good eye shape, correct bite & correct width of skull. Nice angulation all through with a level topline & well set tail. Thick loose pelt & spannable. Moved well.
Newark & DCS Open Show
25th Feb 2023
Judge: Mrs V Mann (Lynsett)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
2yr old Grizzle bitch with a good head. Nice reach of neck leads to level topline & well set tail. Straight legs & tight feet. Good coat texture, thick loose pelt & spannable. Moved OK
Wath,West Melton and District Canine Society Open Show
4th Mar 2023
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at your show. Thanks to Paul and Yvonne the stewards on the day. A big thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your lovely borders on the day.
The quality of the entries was very good, not enough cards to go around! I made my decisions based on the dog on the day, another day many could swap places. I was looking for good confirmation and movement on the day, I let presentation take a back seat as coats can come and go, but confirmation and movement never change.
One or two were hard to span and a couple with tight almost level bites.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Retford & DCS Open Show
19th Mar 2023
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
I would like to thank the committee for my invite to judge the Border Terriers at their Premier show 19th March 2023.
A busy show, well run and laid out and everyone very friendly and supportive.
I received a great entry and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Border Terrier exhibiters who entrusted me to go over their dogs and accepted my decisions on the day. It was good to see so many puppies in the ring and of good quality.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Chesterfield & Pinxton KA Open Show
13th May 2023
Judge: Mr Tan Nagrecha (Chandlimore)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Pollard CS Open Show
14th May 2023
Judge: Mr P Bradwood
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Ashfield CS Open Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Geraldine Cove-Print (Colourbox)
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
My winner was in the best of coats and condition, pleasing bitch, loved her otter like features that took her to top position. Shown in new tight double jacket with good pelt, she moved well with drive and precision. She met tougher competition in the Open class so a shame she missed out on showing off in the challenge.
Class Critique
My top three were worthy of their stud book numbers and could be placed in any order on another day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Class Critique
A great class to judge with lots of quality and only 5 places, I had to dismiss decent dogs as a result.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2023
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Border Terriers at the East of England Agricultural Society Show, which was to be the last one run by this society. It was a super venue with lovely big rings which gave the dogs a chance to stride out. Many thanks to my ring stewards Peter and Lesley Armstrong for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. I was delighted with my entry of 109 dogs making a total entry of 149 and pleased with the overall quality of dogs shown. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving the chance to go over your dogs and for the sporting way the placings were taken. It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity do so. I was thrilled to be able to watch the terrier group and see my BOB - Stineval Lambert JW take group 1 in a quality line up. I also was delighted to hear that my BPIB - Glebeheath Ophelia went Group 3 in the Puppy Group.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Scarborough & DCS Open Show
16th Jul 2023
Judge: Sharon Pinkerton (Bareve)
Limit /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
East of England LKS Open Show
18th Jul 2023
Judge: Jonathan Lappin (Dalvik)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Otley CS Open Show
1st Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs R Barney (verrami)
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Scunthorpe CA Open Show
16th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Thank you so much to the Association for inviting me to judge Border Terriers. Thank you for the warm welcome and super hospitality. Thank you to my steward who ran the ring efficiently in the heat and to my exhibitors for the privilege of judging their dogs and the sporting manner in which my decisions were taken. Congratulations must also go to my BOB who sportingly withdrew from the group as I found out later the Group Judge was actually the breeder.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch with broad skull, well placed ear and correct scissor bite. Best jacket and pelt of the day. Another easy to span with lovely lay back of rib and strong loin. Well muscled with super drive she moved with drive and purpose. RBOB
Leicester City CS Open Show
28th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
Many thanks go to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at this, the Leicester City Canine Society Open Dog Show and also to the exhibitors for presenting me with such an excellent entry, which was a real privilege to assess. There were some close decisions and I would like to thank all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Special thanks must also to my two stewards Keith Price and Nicky Holden for keeping both the ring, and me, in check. Our allocated ring was remarkably quite extensive, which is often not the case in indoor areas of this nature, with plenty of space around for cages and seating etc. One minor glitch however, was the provision of a full size trestle table as a ring table. This did cause some problems for exhibitors, when standing their dogs and for myself, the vertically challenged judge, when going over the exhibits.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Steph Collis (Ridlington)
Limit /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Bedford & DCS Open Show
24th Sep 2023
Judge: Richard Stafford (Farnfield)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
The Scottish Kennel Club
1st Oct 2023
Judge: Mr M Armstrong (Bitcon)
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
Nice feminine head, good expression, good angulation both ends, nice tail set, good length of body with strong top-line, easy span, ok pelt
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
7th Oct 2023
Judge: Sarah Stephenson (Fryerfold)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
15th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr Ian Halbert (Marrimay)
I would like to thank the committee for the kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and for the warm welcome I received. Also thanks go to my steward for doing such a good job. My apologies to the Secretary and exhibitors for the delay in submitting this critique due to circumstances beyond my control
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
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
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Borderrush Magic Bean
Placing Critique
3 ½ year old grizzle bitch who appealed for type and balance. Good substance throughout she stood well on a straight front and neat feet. Like her rib to loin which flowed well from her good lay of shoulder. Typical otter head with good strength of jaw correct bite and good expression. Held her topline on the move. Moved around the ring with drive
