Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere

Name:Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere 
Gender:Bitch 
DOB:02-10-2020 
Colour:Grizzle 
Owner(s): Miss J Singh  
Breeder:Mr M & Mrs V Atkinson 
Goldenmill Houdini At Raedwulf (D)
15-11-2019
Colour: Red Grizzle
CH/Ger/NL CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW WW17/18 (D)
11-10-2012
Colour: Red Grizzle
CH Dandyhow Dr Walter JW (D)
29-09-2010
Karison Kasper (D)
Dandyhow Lollo Rossa (B)
Beaconpike Night Sky At Brackenfell (B)
05-05-2010
Ashbrae Fellman At Beaconpike (D)
Foxcraig Magic Star At Beaconpike (B)
Peakrunner Lizzies Glory At Goldenmill (B)
16-02-2014
Colour: Red Grizzle
CH Rexlands Cock Robin (D)
13-08-2009
Rexlands Ragged Robin (D)
Rexlands Serin (B)
Peakrunner Running to the Light (B)
26-03-2009
Hemlockstone Will O The Wisp (D)
Lady Harriet Of Cutthorn At Peakrunner (B)
Raedwulf Sunset (B)
24-04-2019
Colour: Grizzle
Tarkaswell Dr Zhivago At Moleschamber ShCM (D)
01-10-2013
Colour: Grizzle
CH Dandyhow Dr Walter JW (D)
29-09-2010
Karison Kasper (D)
Dandyhow Lollo Rossa (B)
Tufterslodge Tiz Only Me at Tarkaswell (B)
21-10-2010
CH Benattivo Rock Robin (D)
Alamosa Harklawtongues Of Tufterslodge (B)
Esyntona Codeword Vandamere (B)
28-08-2017
Colour: Blue and Tan
Esyntona Rip Van Winkle (D)
18-02-2011
CH Vandamere's Secret Agent JW (D)
Terracao's Nell Gywn At Esyntona (B)
Terracao Tilly Trippett At Esyntona (B)
02-08-2015
Esyntona Reindeer Moss (D)
Terracao's Megjestic At Esyntona (B)

Show Placings

The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Jul 2021
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
My grateful thanks to the Club for inviting me to judge their July Open Show. I had a lovely day. I'd like to thank the exhibitors for a super entry Also thanks to my very capable Steward, Allen Horner, who kept everything on track, Valerie Atkinson for a lovely lunch and to the club for their hospitality. The show was well organised considering the difficulties with Covid restrictions. I had difficulty in spanning quite a few exhibits and I was surprised to see a lot of small teeth. Also there were a lot of exhibits who could have do with their nails trimming. All dogs were entire and there were no kinky tails.
Puppy - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Placing Critique
Another nice youngster who showed and moved well. Just preferred head of 1 today.
Maiden - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Placing Critique
2nd in puppy
Novice - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
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.
Puppy - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Novice - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Paignton Championship Show
7th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr B Aubrey
I only found 1 mouth fault and that was in the bitches, so i won't be mentioning teeth except some could have been cleaner and please watch movement there were some iffy ones here today.
Puppy - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Novice - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Placing Critique
Third in Puppy, dark grizzle, strong headed dog, good ears, eye, strong body move ok
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Puppy - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Placing Critique
V good mover. He has a super head. Dark eyes. Neat ears. He has enough neck. Could have a slightly better laid shoulder. Well ribbed with enough spring. Level topline. Moderate hind angulation. In super jacket.
Novice - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to Darlington Committee for the invitation to my ring stewards and the exhibitors for your entries. Not having attended a show since they started up again it was quite a surprize and worry to handle some very big dogs. I know size has always been a talking point in the breed but today it was a problem with some of the dogs, bitches were a much better size with some close decisions in their classes. Another noticeable difference is some exhibitors deciding to run with their dogs, why I don’t know it’s something never seen or needed in the border ring. With some handlers in a class walking around and others deciding to run its not what is expected. Watching a dog and handler move in unison on a good, collected pace is much more acceptable.
Puppy - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Typical 11 month old, handy size with easy span. okay for bone, not the rib length of one. Nice texture to coat and he moves out well.
Junior - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
The Midland Border Terrier Club 2020 Championship Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: (Dogs) Anne Gregory (Remony) (Bitches) Liz Wright (Totherend)
DOGS: A most enjoyable day judging dogs at this show and I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to do so. Thanks also to my two stewards, John and John, who kept things moving along in a professional and efficient manner. Thanks also to the exhibitors for their support and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. Mouths, on the whole, were good and I found only one suspect mouth. There were plenty of typical otter heads but evidence also of stops that were too deep and muzzles that were too short, which is not typical of an otter head. Movement in some dogs was less than desirable with a few crossing in front, toeing in or flicking wrists. Rear movement was somewhat better but side movement showed some dogs short stepping. I also found some flat, slack feet and loose pasterns, which could well have been improved with proper exercise, and some feet could have been tidied up to better effect. Generally coats and pelts were harsh and thick but, in some classes, lack of coat was the deciding factor in final placements. My main concern today was size and weight. Some dogs were very difficult to span, were too heavy and did not come to hand well. This must be addressed to ensure Borders remain fit for the purpose they were intended. I was pleased with my final line-up and my co judge and I whole heartedly agreed when it came to the final awards. BITCHES: My thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for offering this my first judging appointment at championship level. I had a really enjoyable day and must thank exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs. Huge thanks also to my two stewards, John & John, who kept everything running smoothly. I was really pleased with the quality of exhibits, unfortunately this meant some good dogs went unplaced. Coats were at various stages, all acceptable, but I personally prefer more than less. Some of the exhibits would have benefitted from a tidy up, especially feet. Front movement could have been better, a few upright shoulders and over-angulated rear ends. Overall size was OK, but a few were over weight which made them unspannable. Really pleased with my final line up and final awards.
Puppy - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
National Dog Show
24th Sep 2021
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to the committee of Birmingham Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at their show. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour and pleasure of judging their dogs. I had a fabulous entry and was truly spoilt for choice in many of the classes. One general observation is that there were quite a number of dogs that were, in my opinion, simply too big to do the job that they are bred to do.
Puppy - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Border Union Championship Show
4th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Many thanks go to the exhibitors and my two stewards who kept going throughout a rather damp session during the judging of the bitch classes. One of the essentials of a working terrier is being able to withstand a little rain but there were a few exhibits with thin skins and short of coat. I found that some lacked muscle, particularly behind, which affected the driving movement necessary for the breed’s function. My other main concern was the lack of width in the jaws of some, detracting from the desired, ‘like that of an otter’, head shape. This is a most identifying feature of the breed and needs to be carefully adhered to.
Junior - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Graduate - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Narrow dog, could get in anywhere, not the strongest of heads, first rate coat and pelt.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Oct 2021
Judge: Mr Jimmy Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I feel honoured to have been elected by the members to have judged their clubs 75 year show, and can I thank Alan and Graham for keeping things running so smoothly for me, and can I especially thank the committee for lunch that they provided and also Mr J Whalton for looking after me and my wife, I am not going to rant on about this and that but where have all the heads and tail sets gone ?
Junior - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Post Graduate - Dog / Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
The Terrier Club of Scotland Open Show
10th Oct 2021
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to extend my thanks to the society for their invitation to judge the border terriers at this friendly well run terrier show, to my efficient steward Elaine, who ensured things ran smoothly. To the exhibitors, it was a privilege to judge your dogs. Temperaments were excellent; all dogs were entire; and mouths were good.
Junior - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Dark G/T dog , who very much appeals for size, with a lovely otter head and keen expression. Good in skull, little stop and dark eye. A moderate neck leading in to a well laid shoulder. With a lovely narrow front, and standing on neat feet. Good for bone, body and rib and easily spanned. Correct double jacket with a loose pliable pelt. Moved well fore and aft, keeping a good top line.
Post Graduate - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Repeat JD
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Nov 2021
Judge: Mr M Ord
Massive Thank You to The Officers & Committee for inviting me to judge your Championship Show today. This club I was a member of in the formative years and have fond memories of the very first Championship Show where I was an exhibitor. It is good to see a club go from strength to strength and the committee worked very hard to put on this event in what has been difficult times to plan ahead. Thank you everyone who entered today and I was honoured with an entry of 150 Dogs, 192 Entries & 0 NFCs. Like every show absentees were inevitable but I hope those present today took my decisions sportingly. A few general observations on todays entry which are my thoughts and because I care so much for this lovely breed. Driving to the venue today was a perfect way to view the countryside where this breed was developed and all could see the rough terrain they would need to work in. It is essential you judge a breed with the work they were bred to do foremost in your mind and learn why they are built the way they were and why the breed standard exists. It is a dog show and we now want to see them clean, healthy and well presented but I was sad to see today several exhibits with very clear evidence of scissor work on the coats and not just on tidying feet etc. Please stop this trend NOW. Several were scissored from hip to hock, no need to do this & does nothing to enhance the dog. Good otter heads were not in abundance today and I witnessed a lot of fly away ears. We have always witnessed the odd one but today quite a number could be seen when the dog was in action & not always on youngsters either. Coats as always were in various stages today but you must judge the dog on the day and find evidence of the correct texture and undercoat which is vital to stop the working dog getting wet through to the skin. Mouths were very good today as where tails which have thankfully improved greatly. Some exhibits in my opinion had lovely conformation however where far too big and long in leg. I though ribs were good with only a few that would be unable to be spanned with the average size hands. I did find today the bitches were more uniform for size so just need to work on the males not becoming big, leggy & heavy.
Junior - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
short strong muzzle & strong jaw, well set ears, lovely rib & loin, moved true fore & aft with minimum effort, not the coat of 1 today but evidence of that it is coming through
Graduate - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Post Graduate - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Manchester & District Sporting Terrier Club
14th Nov 2021
Judge: Mrs Alison Matthews (Tojamatt)
Post Graduate / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Whitehaven & District Canine Association Open Show
21st Nov 2021
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at your show and to the Border Terrier Club for their support of the classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, there was a friendly ringside atmosphere and lovely exhibits to judge. Some of the entries in the younger classes didn’t settle that well on the move, perhaps due to the distraction of the large amount of bait left on the ground from the previous classes, but they did well enough and were all sound just distracted.
Junior - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Another lovely dog, dark grizzle presented in new jacket that was harsh with undercoat. Has a good bite with large teeth and an attractive head but not quite as mature as 1st. Moved Ok but like a few today seemed to be slightly unsettled.
Post Graduate - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Placed 2nd in junior, was unlucky to meet these two today.
Class Critique
1 transfered to open
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
28th Nov 2021
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
Junior / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Post Graduate / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
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.
Yearling - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Graduate - Dog / Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Post Graduate - Dog / Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Boston & District Canine Society Championship Show
9th Jan 2022
Judge: Professor A S Milton (Baillieswells)
Yearling - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Post Graduate - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
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.
Post Graduate - Dog / First Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Well balanced Grizzle dog of good size in lovely coat and condition. Good broad skull, length of muzzle and keen expression. Nice reach of neck leading to a straight topline and tailstock. Moved well.
Limit - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Billingham & Synthonia CS Open Show
27th Feb 2022
Judge: Becky Johnson (Downstream)
Post Graduate / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
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 - Dog / Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2022
Judge: Dr. Ron Wheatley (Loiriston)
I was very privileged and honoured to judge this excellent show and would like to thank the members of the Border Terrier Club for their invitation, and the committee for their help and hospitality. The committee and members had provided a wonderful range of Specials and mementos to celebrate the Centenary of the Club. Many thanks to my very efficient ring stewards, Carol Mackenzie, and Judy Carr, for their help through a long day. Thanks also to the exhibitors for the large entry of 183 dogs, making 223 entries with 43 absent, which ranged over many types. There was quality in depth in many classes with close decisions. I found no kinky tails, two exhibits with one missing front tooth, and a few bites that had worn even. Coats as might be expected were at different stages, most in good coat and a few with the top just coming through.
Mid Limit - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
Nice head. Good coat and pelt. Moved well.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr. Tim Ball (Kaitak)
A thoroughly enjoyable day and my thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge their well-run Open Show. I was delighted with the excellent entry and what a pleasure it was to spend a day with the Borders and their owners. There were some well-filled classes which gave me lots to think about and some decisions were extremely close. A lovely atmosphere prevailed and applause for the winners was consistent throughout.
Limit - Dog / Second Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
18 mth old of completely different type to the winner. He was lovely to go over being presented in such good condition and well-muscled throughout. Muscular neck of moderate length, firm topline, good length to ribcage which is easily spanned, strong loin, good underline and tail of correct set and carriage. Head with good proportions, dark expressive eyes, ears of correct set and good mouth but would just like a little more fill below the eye. Nicely angulated front and rear, standing straight in front with correct width to chest, excellent feet and well let down hocks. Moving out well in profile and true when going away. Harsh jacket and good pelt.
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.
Limit - Dog / Third Place
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Placing Critique
A well presented dog with a moderately broad skull, neat ear, and correct bite. He had a good reach of neck, which flowed into a narrow body with ribs carried well back. Straight forelegs, although his feet were not quite as small and neat as my winner. He had a good coat and pelt. Correct angulation enabled him to move out positively.
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2022
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the Joint Border Terrier Clubs’ Show in the Border Terrier’s centenary year. Waiting an extra two years did not decrease my excitement for the appointment and my anticipation was richly rewarded with a super entry both in turns of numbers and quality. My critique must start with several expressions of gratitude to those who made this appointment possible and so enjoyable. To the Committee for inviting me to judge at such a prestigious event. It was truly an honour, and the memory of the day will be one I shall treasure. Further the hospitality that myself and my family were shown at the show and the dinner following was much appreciated. We all had a great time. To the show organisers, especially Show Manger Helen Axford, whose organisation and show layout allowed everything to run smoothly even when the weather was a little less than kind to us. To my capable and efficient Stewards Christine Horner and Sharon Pickering. Having you in the ring with me was both supportive and enjoyable.Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry to judge. I enjoyed judging each and every dog whether in the cards or not. I had some tough decisions to make and in the stronger classes five places was insufficient for the depth of quality. A number of dogs I liked very much went cardless. I loved the line up in both my challenges and was able to find the type I wanted in all classes. I was glad to find some super coats and pelts. The changeable late April Border weather and biting wind certainly showed us the importance of these. It left us in no doubt that for a Border Terrier working the Border country in the colder winter months and at higher elevations a good coat is a must. I understand that it is not always possible to present your dogs at a show in the perfect jacket but when out of coat, personally I prefer to see a dog neatly stripped back rather than left with a few top coat hairs. I found three mouths with teeth well out of line and a couple of tails were questionable but overall the quality was excellent.
Mid Limit - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere
Class Critique
Two nice dogs difficult to spilt.
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the officers and committee for asking me to judge the show, also making me feel so welcomed. A big thank you to my 2 stewards Tracey and Kathleen who kept me on track, also to all the exhibits and exhibitors, who gave me a lots of quality Borders to go over. I wish I had more CC’s especially in the dog classes. My concern with in the breed, is their fronts, straight shoulders, with very little angulation, which effects the front movement. All dogs had a good bite, a couple with level bite, but not a problem. All males were entire. Grooming needs to be addressed, tidying their underneath, also the feet need to be neatly trimmed and the nails cut correctly, it makes such a difference when presenting them to the Judge. 1or 2 needed ring craft classes. However, overall what a great representation of the breed. I was very pleased with my main winners.
Mid Limit - Dog / Reserve
Name at show: Raedwulf Alchemy at Vandamere