Show Placings
The Northern Border Terrier Club 50th Championship Show
16th Jul 2022
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
It was an honour to judge the Club’s 50th Championship Show at Bowburn. Many thanks to the Officers and committee for their kind invitation and warm welcome at the show. Thank you to my efficient stewards Graham Richardson and Mark Atkinson for keeping everything on track. Thankfully the show avoided the excessive temperatures of the heatwave and although still hot the hall remained comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry, it was a privilege to go over your dogs. I found an equal depth of quality in both dogs and bitches and very pleased with the final line-ups.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Promising 6 months grizzle, different type to winner. Otter like head, nice eye and ear. Good reach of neck, straight front and nice shoulder placement. Good pelt and coat. Well proportioned rear quarters. Nice carroty tail. Bit unsure on the move today, but plenty time.
Maiden - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
2nd in minor puppy dog.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2022
Judge: Mrs J Fawcett (Carrock)
My thanks to the Leeds City & District Canine Association for their kind invitation to judge their Championship show, enabling me to award my first set of Challenge Certificates. Thank you also to my two stewards, Mags & Bob, who kept the ring running smoothly throughout the day which meant we managed to finish by 3pm before the rain came. My biggest thanks go to all the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs and for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted – I had a fantastic entry for a show taking place on a Friday and in the holiday season – I was absolutely delighted.
Just a comment about the ring – the rather large metal tent fixings that took up quite a lot of the ring were a bit of a hazard. However, I believe we managed to work around them well and I was able to see the movement of all the exhibits.
As you would expect, coats were at various stages but on the whole most were acceptable. All dogs were entire, there were no kinked tails and just one or two untidy mouths. When I last judged in November 2019 my main concern was size and this still remains an issue - I was unable to span quite a number of both dogs & bitches on the day and this was reflected in my decisions. Poor front angulation also seems to be an issue – a number of upright shoulders and a lot of very wayward front legs. I thought it also relevant to mention the number of long, thin muzzles, particularly in the younger classes, that seem to be creeping into the breed - Border Terriers should have short, strong muzzles.
That all said, I had some quality dogs to judge – I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Paignton Championship Show
6th Aug 2022
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
It was an honour to be asked to judge at Paignton & District Fanciers Association. My thanks go to the officers and committee for their kind invitation to judge Border Terriers and their excellent hospitality. I had a lovely day at this well organised show and would like to also thank the stewards, Helen & Norma, for keeping me on track and in order. The weather was exceptionally hot and although I do like to judge outside, I am sure exhibitors, and their dogs were grateful for the shade and cool that being inside gave us.
Although I did not have a huge entry, I was fortunate to have some real quality dogs entered and had some very hard decisions to make, however, at the end of judging I was delighted with my winners. On the downside, I did find some mouths that were not as they should be and some dogs who were deep in chest and therefore difficult to span. However, the most disappointing element was the lack of detail that some exhibitors pay to feet. The standard states that feet should be ‘small with thick pads’, however, quite a few exhibits had untidy feet with long nails. Although this seems minor point, long hair around the feet detracts from the overall look of the Border Terrier.
I was disappointed that I could not stay to watch the group, but unfortunately, I had to leave due to other commitments. I was delighted that all my top winners were shortlisted in the group and very pleased that my Special Beginner winner went Group 1 and the Best Puppy winner went Group 3.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Another very typey puppy, close decision with 1st place. On a different day I am sure places might be reversed. This young man is not overdone in any way, typical Border Terrier head with correct ear placement, which drop forward to his cheeks. He has a straight front with correct shoulder position. Just right for length and easily spanned. Super harsh tweedy jacket and good pelt. Moved ok
Welsh Kennel Club
21st Aug 2022
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Dandyhow Postman Pat
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Lovely youngster with much promise. Balanced head, good eye and neat ears. Moderate neck, very good bone, legs and feet. Good rib, loin and well angled rear, tail well set. Presented in good harsh coat, good pelt and spanned body. Moved with good positive gait. BP
Richmond Championship Dog Show
11th Sep 2022
Judge: Mr J A Barney (Romaunt)
Many thanks to Richmond in giving me the opportunity to judge a breed that still has some depth in quality to it. Generally, I felt movement needs to be attended to. It's a breed I've always associated with true movement both ways and a number did tend to pin in front. Coat texture was pretty good throughout but some would benefit from slightly neater presentation. I was able to span nearly all exhibits and pelts good. At the moment I would say that bitches are far stronger than the males.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Correct dentition. Masculine head with a keen expression. Balanced proportions with correct V shaped ear. Like a little cleaner through the shoulder and lay. Good topline into a well constructed rear. Correct coat and harsh texture. Moved out well with correct tail carriage and set.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Presented in lovely show condition, correct proportion head, good expression, neat ear set, thick pelt, harsh double coat. I would have preferred more angulation in the shoulders. Wide in front when on the move.
Midland Counties Canine Society
30th Oct 2022
Judge: Mr Alan Small (Bethane)
I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging the Border Teriers at Midland Counties Champ. Show. Thanks to the Officers & Committee for the invite & especially to the exhibitors who presented me with such a wonderful entry of 230 from 174 dogs. It was a quality entry overall and I was particuarly impressed with the quality of the young stock which augers well for the breed. There's no Puppy or Veteran Groups at the Midland, which is a pity because I feel both would have done well. Must not be too greedy, as it was nice to see my BOB, Ch. Otterbobs Tolson top the Terrier Group and my Best Special Beginners, Thistlemead Sundance, take her respective Group as well.....Well done.
Special thanks to my Ring Stewards, Penny Lloyd & Gavin Argyle, who kept things moving along nicely. Border Terriers are dear to my heart having owned & bred them over a number of years. Thanks again for such a wonderful entry, I enjoyed your dogs and a nice atmosphere prevailed.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
typy grizzle youngster, lovely head & expression with dark eye, correct bite & well set ears, good front with well laid shoulders, nicely balanced with ribs back & spanable, harsh coat with thick pelt, pleasing outline with good quarters & well set tail. Moved and handled well to Best Puppy.
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 .
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Winning best puppy on maturity, red grizzle developing into a dog so typical of the old type from this kennel as they say ‘breeding will with out.’
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
I liked this one for type and is developing into a typical example of the breed, good size lovely head and expression.
Luton CA Open Show
30th Dec 2022
Judge: Mr Andrew Goodsell (Livewyre)
Best Puppy
Name at show: RBPIS, TPG1, Dandyhow Postman Pat
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Dandyhow Postman Pat
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Coventry Ladies’ Kennel Society Open Show
1st Jan 2023
Judge: Penny Funnell (Powerpack)
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2023
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Class Critique
overall a quality class
The Southern Border Terrier Open Show
5th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge at their show and for their hospitality. Thank you to my stewards, and the exhibitors for entering under me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased with the quality present. Many of the classes were close decisions and coats played a big part in final standings. Whilst I didn’t find any dogs that I couldn’t span, having spent a lifetime around working terriers some of the bitches in particular were on the larger end of the scale for preference.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Won this class on his profile movement, with well constructed hindquarters giving him good drive on the move matched by good reach in front. Quality head, of good strength to muzzle. Ample neck, good length of ribbing, easily spanned with a good pelt and coat. Would prefer a touch higher tailset. Pushed hard for higher honours.
Class Critique
I was really splitting hairs between these two, both decent youngsters that could change places on another day.
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Another young man of good size and has such a typical outlook. Pleasing head, good strength of muzzle and a lovely dark eye and an alert expression. Stands on the best of legs and feet, firm topline, short tail that he carries well on the move and good strength of quarters. Presented in first class order as always from this kennel. Positive mover both fore and aft.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Edwinstowe & DCS Open Show
7th Apr 2023
Judge: Mr John Thomas (Blaisdon)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
grizzle of nice size, masculine head of good proportions, lovely eye and expression, straight front, well placed shoulders, good front and rear angulation, correct topline and lovely carrot tail. Moved true.
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.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
G&T. Another correct sized youngster with a pleasing otter like head and expression and small V shaped ears, well presented with a good neckline into shoulders, firm level topline with good tail and set on. Stood well on good legs and small neat feet. He moved really well both coming and going which secured him first place.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2023
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
My thanks to Windsor Dog Show for the judging appointment. Delayed by Covid, it is a sensible moment to retire from judging at Championship level, especially as the day was very enjoyable and a fine memory to end with. It was in fact a superb entry of high quality border terriers and my thanks to all the exhibitors, especially those who travelled long distances.
It was a delight when my BOB, Ch Otterbobs Tolsen, won the terrier group and an additional pleasure when my Best Veteran, Ch Cynetkoy Pillow Talk, placed third in the Veteran Group. Overall the borders proved to be sound and it was particularly enjoyable to find several dogs with large, strong teeth. Many were in a fit condition with firm muscle and active drive on the move. The majority had good shoulders coupled with hind quarters that looked capable of a day’s work. This correct construction translated into to good movement. The Border Terrier should remain a workmanlike terrier and future breeders need to keep that in mind.
The top decisions were decided by some of these less obvious merits and indeed my personal preferences but, in the end, I was pleased to see an entry of border terriers with so much quality. This bodes well for the future and has left me with memories of a most enjoyable day.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
17 mo. Smartly presented dog, of correct size. Good head and short tail, nice harsh jacket and well ribbed. Moved well on nicely let down hocks
Class Critique
Top three all very good junior dogs
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
A grizzle dog with a good head and neat ears. I liked his size and he had a super jacket with plenty of pliable pelt. He has a good topline with a short tail. He moved well.
Leeds Championship Show
29th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Thank you all for a wonderful entry, I had to make some difficult choices on the day, but as always, I judge the dog on the day friend or foe and not what the dog as done in the past or what it will do in the future.
a few things did concern me on the day (1 ) so Many dirty teeth, (2) a few unfit dogs due to being overweight, (3) and the most concerning is short legs on one or two of the borders,
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
another from the top Draw of this Kennel, good broad skull, strong muzzle, dark eyes correct bite strong underjaw, correct harsh and dense jacket in A1 condition as always, move well both ways
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Another one that is typical of the breed, a tad shorter in back than the first one, Good in head, neck and shoulders, ample body with strong rear, in good coat and moved well and with drive, very close between 1 & 2.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2023
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
It was a real honour to judge my home club’s show and my thanks go to a great committee for the opportunity and the way they run the club with all hands to the wheel. Richard Wright and Sharon Pickering had my back and have my appreciation for a great day’s stewarding.
I was disappointed in the early dog classes where what initially looked like an impressive line-up failed to materialise once on the table or on the move. Movement was a weak spot for a surprisingly large number of exhibits, especially front movement. There were three poor mouths and one exhibit that couldn’t be spanned but lots of good pelts, coats and neat feet. However long tails are becoming more common and a true carrot tail is about as rare as hen’s teeth. I was fascinated by some handlers interpretation of a triangle, suffice to say it’s a good job it wasn’t a maths exam.
Once again there were only two CCs available which is a great shame when there are so many who warrant them. I can only sympathise with those who went home empty handed. It was most likely a reflection of the strength of the classes rather than their standing. The bitch classes were especially strong with at least six exhibits worthy of much more than I had available to offer. When it came to the line ups I was clearly torn and had to be really picky to get to a decision but in the end I was pleased with all the winners.
Whilst there is still much that can be done to improve some aspects of the breed there is a lot to be proud of with some really stunning exhibits out there.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Compact and a little closer coupled than (2) but best on the move, in full harsh coat with roomy jacket, otter head, nice lines through to short tail, plenty of stifle and neat feet.
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 - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Midland Counties Championship Show
26th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr J Gilpin (Otterbobs)
I would like to thank the officers & committee for giving me the opportunity to judge the Border Terrier classes, & also a big thank you to Penny Winger & Gavin Argill my two ring stewards who kept things in order & also made sure we finished on time, and a special mention to my Best of Breed winner for attending the terrier group, and being rewarded with being short listed in the final seven.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Smaller than 1 and a little shorter in back, good double grizzle coat and pelt, lovely head set on a strong neck, good rear angulation moved well.
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 - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
22 month old grizzle and tan who was also good to go over. Presented in harsh jacket with thick pelt. Typical head with a broad skull correct bite and neat ears. Rib well placed back into a strong loin. Moved well around the ring holding his topline well. Short correct tail. Just preferred the overall balance of first today.
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
RDCC
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
A pleasing dog to go over, broad skull short in muzzle, just enough neck into well placed shoulders, good length of body, best of coats, spans easily and moves well R.C.C
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Liked this dog as he is compact and of a good size. Moderately broad skull, with an intelligent dark eye, and a strong muzzle with slightly full cheeks. Straight front, good length of neck; ribs are well back with enough depth and spannable. He has a good bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Moved with a good stride. Presented in a tidy harsh double coat.
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Red male of correct size. Excellent tight feet. Great coat and pelt. Typical breed head with good expression. Good length tail off level topline. Moved out positively.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
RDCC
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Such a lovely dog with nothing overdone and moving accurately. Masculine and true to type with excellent otter-like head with moderately broad skull and strong jaw. An easy span, ribbed well back and possessing a proper Border tail he fits the standard throughout. RDCC and RBIS.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Class Critique
An excellent class with several good dogs having to go without cards today.
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
A quality dog that has a masculine head with a keen expression. He moved accurately from all angles and held a firm top line and his carrot like tail is set on well and carried correctly on the move. He spans easily, his rib is good he’s slightly shorter coupled than 1st but still gave a very pleasing out line.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Jul 2024
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge. Everyone worked hard throughout the day to ensure it ran smoothly. There were a few clashes with the main Boston Championship show but these were well managed. Thanks also to the competitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner and creating a wonderful atmosphere around the ring.
There was a super entry of 172 dogs making 217 entries which I found both exciting and daunting, having had a total knee replacement operation just weeks before!
Overall, I found the standard of exhibits was good. Coats were a mixture ranging from pure undercoat to absolute perfection. The majority of exhibits were spannable. All dogs were entire. I found just one undershot mouth. I forgave loose movement in some of the younger dogs which will hopefully tighten as they mature, but adults moving wide or close had to be penalised. Several lacked bone and substance, being on the leg as well as short coupled making the outline somewhat squarer than I was looking for. Handling was generally good, with one very professional young handler who really impressed me with her skills. My main winners were presented in stunning condition, and I had some difficult decisions to make in the higher classes, wishing I could award more than just one Challenge Certificate.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Grizzle, lovely masculine head,broad skull, good neck, shoulder and straight front, correct front and rear angulation, lovely tight feet, correct topline and lovely carrot tail, moved very well.
Thame & Oxfordshire County Canine Society Open Show
17th Jul 2024
Judge: David Alcorn (Lourdace/Comalegy)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
A dog of good size with a balanced head, lovely eye and expression, has a good outline standing, enough neck into well placed shoulders, enough rib which spans ok, well set tail, true front , lovely coat texture
Joint Border Terrier Club's Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
Thank you to The Scottish Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge the Joint Show. It’s been a long time coming as I was invited to judge in 2019 and COVID 19 got in the way! I would like to thank the exhibitors who managed to attend the show after the problems caused by Storm Lilian at Driffield. I also appreciate that the absentees were higher as a result of many people having prior appointments on the day that the show was rearranged. The City of Birmingham Society where very accommodating, we had a lovely ring with plenty of space.
However, I had a super entry, and I had lots to choose from in the dogs that were able to show under me. Thank you to everyone – I really appreciate being asked to give an opinion on other people’s dogs, it’s a real honour. I would also give a special note of thanks to my steward Bill Shorthose who single handedly managed the ring and made sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. Particularly with the challenges of a partnership show and the clashes that this can cause across two rings. Thank you to all the exhibitors who managed to negotiate two shows with good heart.
When judging, I look for dogs with good heads, plenty of strength under the eye, very little stop and a good strong jaw – essentially a’ Head like that of an Otter’. I also like to see straight fronts, correct shoulder placements and tidy small feet. I found these characteristics in all of my top winners. Generally, mouths were good, although there were a couple of dogs with a tooth out of place. Movement was ok in generally, but as breed we do need to keep an eye on front movement as there were some dogs who did not move as well as they should walking towards me. All the males were entire. I was very pleased with all my placings and when choosing my top winners, I had some difficult decisions to make and so were some dogs that were very unlucky on the day.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Class Critique
A lovely class of top quality dogs, all were shown in hard fit condition, and this meant that once again I had some difficult decisions to make
West Midland Terrier Society Premier Open Show
30th Nov 2024
Judge: Amelie Smith (Alncroft)
Thank you very much to the WMTS society for inviting me to judge at their show once again. It was a pleasure officiating at such a well run show, organised by true terrier enthusiasts. I was very pleased with my entries for both Border and Jack Russell Terriers. I was very pleased with my principle winners. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the exhibitors for their entries.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Placing Critique
Masculine dog with strong head and good proportions. Very well boned. Good length of neck. Short coupled, presented and moved well.
Ladies Kennel Association
12th Dec 2024
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
RDCC
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Luton CA Open Show
30th Dec 2024
Judge: Mr Stephen Goodwin (Lanola)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Dandyhow Postman Pat
