Etterbern Edenbank Ranger

I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going. I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions. The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day. I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.

My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin! It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future! I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride. Only a very few were difficult to span. As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter. Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride. A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.

May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Julie North, for being efficient and keeping me on track. I found no bad mouths and as always in our breed, coats at various stages. Lots of spannable dogs and bitches which I like. I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.