Show Placings
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Having attended & a long association with this breed club I was very honoured when I received the invitation to judge this show. It is pleasing that the club has such a wealth of supporters who do such sterling work and put on shows that make you want to return to. Walking into this venue today brought back many memories of the past and I am sure the pioneers of the club would be thrilled to see how it has prospered from humble beginnings. The Border Terrier continues to hold its own compared to many of today’s terrier breeds both as a companion and show dog. Breed standards were compiled by looking at the dogs of the time and their working capabilities fitting this purpose, this should still be adhered to now despite hunting no longer being allowed. This being said dogs should be presented for the show ring to the best of an owner’s capabilities, in hard muscular condition and coat presented clean and fit for the purpose of working in rough terrain.
I today found mouths to be good in the majority and I like to see large dentition along with a correct scissor bite. Several had eyes that needed attention in the way of cleaning before coming into the show ring. We still are seeing the incorrect flipping front action due to short upper arms and if not addressed this will become the norm. After my last appointment, I was pleased to only see a small minority where scissoring had been used on the coats which should not be the case. I did find today several coats that I would class as broken rather than the desirable tight harsh top weatherproof coat with undercoat for warmth. On a positive note, the bitches were easy to span and only a minority of males could not be. Pelts were pretty good being both thick & loose.
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Placing Critique
same litter as my 2nd in Minor Puppy D & the similarity is evident, she is appealing in size with a most lovely shaped head, good strong short jaw, straight in front with the correct amount of width, rib developing well, has a good top line, stands balanced in front & rear with correct tail set & length, just needs to settle into her movement.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Nov 2024
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank SCBTC and committee for the privilege of judging this years Championship show and thank my very capable steward Euan Castell for keeping the ring flowing and the exhibitors for their lovely entry. There were some really nice dogs for me to go over. But I must say that looking at them in general heads are starting to stray away from that of the border terrier, the other thing that I think needs addressing is the general cleanliness of their exhibits. I found three suspect mouths and two kinked tails . thank you one and all for an enjoyable day,
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Mar 2025
Judge: Janice Johnson (Ratcheugh)
My thanks to the Border Terrier Club for this appointment it was indeed an honour and privilege to judge this prestigious show in Border Country. To my stewards Judy and Pam for their efficiency and all the exhibitors who entered, thank you for giving me this opportunity to go over your dogs and accepting my judgement on the day.
I had the most enjoyable day going over some excellent examples of our breed. My feelings are we have a good future in some of our younger exhibits but, watch out for size and movement. For all exhibitors, we must remember the border terrier is a working breed and should be able to follow hounds, sound movement is essential. I love a good coat and thick pelt and today I had both in abundance, all mouths were correct and all, but a couple were spannable.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
National Terrier Club
5th Apr 2025
Judge: Mr David Mitchell (Paleside)
Thank you to the National Terrier for the invite to judge, and to the exhibitors for an amazing entry,
I really enjoyed the day, and the chance to go over some lovely dogs.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Placing Critique
Nice size with good length, narrow through out, in good coat, would have liked a bit more drive
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
25th Apr 2025
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to everyone who entered on a Friday and gave me the biggest entry of the two groups on the day and the forth highest in the whole show! Pat and Paul my stewards were great and helped me to get through the dogs in an efficient way.
We were lucky enough to be outside on a perfect dog showing day weather wise.
Some super quality classes with hair splitting decisions and even lovely dogs unplaced. Whilst essentially a working terrier was a priority, I wanted my males, to look like males and my bitches easily recognisable as females, it sounds obvious but with some they could’ve passed for either.
Some really lovely dogs looked super stood, but failed on the move, not just coming and going, but more importantly to me, the side gait.
I think we need to be careful of mouths, I was surprised to find several with teeth out of line. Level bites, although allowed and not penalised on the day, some were in very young dogs and it makes me wonder if they will last.
Having said all that, I enjoyed my day and the dogs, who also seemed to enjoy being outside.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Placing Critique
Another nice bitch from this kennel who catches the eye on the go around. Carries a level topline and short well set tail on the move. Workmanlike and in fit condition, easy span.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Partnership Championship Show
8th May 2025
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Many thanks to the Midland committee for this appointment which l thoroughly enjoyed, despite the weather which sent us indoors after bitches. Many thanks to my stewards. As an aside l was pleased to see that moderately short tails are coming back! I was also pleased to find that three of the youngsters from the previous time l judged had developed as hoped and received top honours today. The exception was the outstanding dog which took BIS, my first time judging this one and what a treat! This blue and tan dog meets the standard so well, essentially a working terrier, the most important requirement of our breed, but with the quality of a top show dog .
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Placing Critique
Good size, in ok coat, moved well.
Birmingham National Dog Show
8th May 2025
Judge: Miss Katie Hamilton (Cromlechs)
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Scottish Kennel Club 206th Championship Show
17th May 2025
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Scottish Kennel Club 205th Championship Show
17th May 2025
Judge: Mr Ian Hopper (Esyntona)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
Bath Canine Society
24th May 2025
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Comberdown Witch's Promise
