Show Placings
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
25th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Thank you to The Border Terrier Club officers, committee and members who elected to give me the privilege of judging their club championship show, and many thanks to the exhibitors who travelled from near and far and accepted my placings sportingly. Thanks to my two stewards Janice Johnson and Judith Fawcett who did a grand job and also thanks to the hard working Joyce Martin for all the wonderful photographs.
Today the overall picture and my main concern was that we seem to be losing the "Head like that of an otter moderately broad in the skull, with short strong muzzle". What I was seeing was a narrow skull which does not give that typical Border Terrier expression. Movement was more of a problem in the dog classes, in the bitch classes came the quality and the soundness.
When it comes to the showring, presentation is, in my opinion, important. I like to see a dog smart but not over groomed or in full coat but tidy, today attention to ears, tails and feet could have been beneficial to some exhibits.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Consett CS Open Show
9th Apr 2017
Judge: Cath Parker (Osmart)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Tweedmouth Canine Society Open Show
14th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr Phil Rooney (Biscovey)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Apr 2017
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Firstly I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge their open show thank you to my stewards Alan Horner Anna Duxbury and Graham Richardson for keeping things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to judge a show I regularly attend myself. I was very pleased with all my main winners I had some quality dogs to judge on the day my decisions in some classes were made difficult and on another day could easily change places.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Placing Critique
7 month old an all round nice pup with good otter like head with well set on ears, correct bite, good reach of neck with good shoulders, nice length of body with good double coat and super pelt, tail well set on, just a little unsettled on the move when challenging for best puppy dog.
Maiden - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Placing Critique
see 1st minor puppy dog
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Placing Critique
see 1st minor puppy dog
Saltburn Open Show
16th Apr 2017
Judge: Carol Dunford (Quixol)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
White Rose Canine Society Open Show
22nd Apr 2017
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
7 Month old light grizzle dog. Pleasing head, large teeth. Narrow throughout with lovely front assembly and good rear angulation. Good tailset. Easily spanned. Moved well once settled. Pleased to award him Best Puppy.
Sunderland Open Show
23rd Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs Tina Jones (Otterholme)
Many thanks to the committee to judge at this well run show. A big thank you to the exhibitors for their entry of some really nice dogs and the sporting acceptance of my choices by the majority of exhibitors. I was somewhat dismayed to find a sizable amount of the entry with evidence of clipper use, perhaps this has been done to enhance the outline of the dog, but for me it completely detracted from the overall picture, nothing is more pleasing than seeing a Border in a ‘natural’ proper jacket. Temperaments and dentition were all excellent. Pleasing to find the majority of exhibits spannable.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Placing Critique
Loved the narrowness throughout of this one, he is of good size and bone, a very easy span, very pleasing in head and expression , a showy individual , kept toplline on the move not quite the maturity of winner and would prefer a little more jacket to compliment the picture, but pleasing overall and shows promise.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues
Placing Critique
Was reserve in Minor Puppy Dog class; he is very much a raw baby but I loved his head. Good straight front. While he has a double coat and I see evidence of undercoat, his topcoat was not as harsh today as those placed above him.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th May 2017
Judge: Mr. J. Thomas (Blaisdon)
Thank you to officers and committee for inviting me to judge and to stewards for excellent work and also to the exhibitors for supporting the show.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Good head with good reach of neck just needs time.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Scottish Kennel Club
21st May 2017
Judge: Mr I Hopper
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time. Thank you to everybody who entered their dogs for me to judge and also to my ring steward June who was good assistance on the day .There were no bad mouths all the dogs were entire, coats were at various stages. I enjoyed my days judging and the top winners were dogs that I felt fitted the breed standard.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Eight and a half month old grizzle pup good head and ear set ,loose pelt ,in good coat, , easily spanned needs to settle on the move. Best Puppy Dog.
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Novice - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
A bit strong in head for me, firm topline, good bone and feet. More settled and moved better in this class.
Northumberland County Show
29th May 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Excellent head with keen expression. Very good topline and tail. A bit short body. Enough angulated. Very good coat and pelt. Spannable. Excellent movements.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Jun 2017
Judge: Karen S Stockley (Foxfactor)
My grateful thanks go to the ScBTC for the opportunity to judge their Open Show, the lovely gift and the excellent lunch. It’s always an honour and privilege to judge at Club Shows. Thanks also to my stewards Jim Stewart and Helen Mc Kenzie.
I had some very nice exhibits to go over with some tough decisions to make.I was pleased to find that the vast majority were in fit condition, I found 3 with incorrect dentition and just one kinked tail. I thank the exhibitors for the entry and for gracefully accepting my placings.
Unfortunately ResBPIS was not awarded as I was informed there wasn’t an award so my apologies to the Puppy Bitch winner
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
9 months gr, promising puppy with a good head and dark eye giving a keen expression. Correct dentition, shown in good coat with loose pliable pelt. A bit up on the leg but a very sound mover going around and moved true both ways, well set on tail which he held well on the move. BPD,BPIS
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
1st MPD
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
1st MPD
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Another nice typey quality 9mth old pup a little leggier than first but easy span and similar remarks to above and although sound lacked the rear drive of 1st on the day
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Good for size, spans well, thick pelt with good double coat. Moved well.
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
2nd puppy.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp (Martec)
I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge at this Show. It was my first visit to Kelso and I was most impressed with the hospitality and organisation there. My two excellent stewards, Gordon and Donald, kept me on the straight and narrow and contributed to a lovely atmosphere in and around the ring.
I did not make my usual visit to the SBTC championship show the weekend before as I wanted to see all the dogs afresh, and I am glad I did as many of the exhibits were new to me. In general, mouths were good, with dentition only slightly awry in one instance. I found no kinked tails and all dogs were entire.
It was a very hot and sunny day and this affected some dogs, who perhaps lacked their normal animation and were moving lethargically. As usual, there was a wide variation in coats, with some totally lacking top coat, and this naturally had an effect on the placings.
I would like to thank the exhibitors for the large entry and for the sporting way in which my decisions were taken throughout my judging stint.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
good for size puppy of nine months. Pleasing head, well constructed throughout, though tail slightly on the long side (something that is regrettably all too common these days). Shown in good coat and was settled and sound on the move.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Ashington & District Open Show
1st Jul 2017
Judge: Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Many thanks to the Society for their kind invitation and hospitality, my steward for keeping things flowing nicely and to the exhibitors for their entry and giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs in a sportsman like manner. Thank you.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG1, Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
10 month old promising youngster. Good size, pleasing head, dark eye and keen expression, good dentition. Bit up on the leg at the moment. Moved okay once he settled. Best Puppy and TGP1. Well done.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
As above
East of England Agricultural Society
9th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Marion Reeves
Having achieved 80 years on my last birthday I have decided that this has to be the last occasion that I award C.C. ‘s in Border Terriers. It’s time for the next generation to step up. In the showring border terriers still come in every size & shape imaginable. Our breed standard is I believe the sketchiest of all the breed standards offering only limited guidance as to the perfect exhibit. What would be wrong with including an ideal ratio of length of body to height at withers? I also have a problem with “Hindquarters – racy” which for me describes a greyhound or a whippet. Surely we don’t want the overangulated hindquarters that have crept into the breed in recent years.
On to the Show! I was very pleased with my entry & had no difficulty finding some worthy winners.
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Nothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs. P. McLellan (Breconbeds)
My thanks to the committee and members for giving me the opportunity to judge this show, with such an excellent entry. However, I’m sorry to say that I was alarmed to see so many dogs that were short in both rib and leg, resulting in short backed and cobby looking dogs with deep briskets. I also observed that some of these same dogs had pleasant enough heads but carried very small teeth.
Movement was a major concern; decent enough dogs to examine but poor fronts on the move spoiled the whole picture – toeing in and/or with incorrect shoulder angulation. Some were really wide in front.
Puppy - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Durham County Canine Association Open Show
16th Jul 2017
Judge: Tracy Butler (Ycart)
I'd like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge there show at this beautiful venue,thanks also go to my excellent steward and the sporting way in which the exhibitors excepted my decisions.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Masculine red dog,ok in head with strenght to muzzle,correct bite,clean neck and shoulders,striaght front,good coat and pelt,well muscled quarters,moves ok once settled.
Leeds Championship Dog Show
22nd Jul 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Alpe
Thanks to the committee for my invitation and for providing two excellent stewards who enabled me to easily get on with my judging. Thank you to the exhibitors for the good quality entry. Overall impression from last time I judged was that movement has improved somewhat but many lacked the drive and ease of movement that is needed in a dog that was bred to follow a horse. I was looking for both this and balance without some of the over exaggerations that I have noticed slowly creeping in to the breed. I was delighted to see my BOB pulled into the cut in the group and my BP with a Group 4.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Cheviot and Berwick Open Show
29th Jul 2017
Judge: Sheila G Stoddart
As I was a substitute judge at the last minute, thank you to the exhibitors for their welcome. I enjoyed going over a super entry of Border Terriers and was impressed especially by the standard and fitness of the veterans. As a terrier person myself I felt I had to hang my head in shame a bit as without exception the cleanliness of the teeth in this breed was terrific…said to self..must try harder!! (I do but co-operation can be scarce on the ground!) This is a very friendly show…only their second Open Show and I would certainly like to return as an Exhibitor next time!
Best Puppy
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Paignton
5th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat)
Great characters and a sporting ringside. I thought there were some size problems, a few being rather bulky. Front action is the biggest problem, not many being accurate coming towards. Feet by and large very good.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Liked his outline, coat just coming in. Balanced head with a v good expression. Lengthy neck. Can firm in pastern. Well ribbed back. Quite a good rear. Well set tail.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Another nice puppy with very strong head and more compact body than two. In very good order and well presented and handled. Goes round with great enthusiasm.
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Nice size and shape but showing typical terrier attitude and not always helping his handler, liked head and shoulders, in good coat, presented very nice outline.
Scottish Kennel Club
27th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My thanks to the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this my local Championship Show. Special thanks to my excellent steward Ben Joiner for keeping everything in order. Thank you to all exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry to go over. I found a depth of quality in each class with some close decisions to make. Very pleased that my Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran went on to do well in their respective groups – well done.
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Another sound mover this puppy, with masculine head good front and tidy feet. Nice length of neck into deep ribs and good length of loin, thick pelt and in good coat
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Agricultural Society Open Show
3rd Sep 2017
Judge: Fran Kaye (Danfrebek)
Junior /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Richmond
9th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
23rd Sep 2017
Judge: Miss J Price
Thank you to the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge this show and for their great hospitality. It was an honour to stand in for Cynthia Knight who sadly passed away in April 2015. My stewards for the day, Cally and Anna did a sterling job in keeping things running smoothly, thank you, to both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and I was delighted with my top winners. In general some exhibits, even though made well were just too big and heavy, these would never get to ground to do the job, therefore not fit for purpose. I like a dog to be masculine and a bitch feminine, but both have to spannable and not overloaded in their shoulders, sadly quite a few exhibits were just this and were penalised for it. I found one exhibit to have a testicle with an abnormality. Some of the younger dogs were up to size already and have yet to stop growing. It will be interesting to see how some of them turn out.
Not everybody accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, but the general atmosphere was great. I didn’t go to the pub at lunch time but did see the pictures afterwards. Glad you all had a great time!
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
This dog also has a good otter head with a narrow front and is again masculine without being overdone. He stood on lovely tight feet although down on his pasterns a little.
Driffield Championship Show
30th Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs Janet Lee (Tythrop)
Apologies to my exhibitors , my technology has failed to send this when first done.
Trying conditions for the society due to heavy rain meant that parking was a long way from the rings unlike the behind the tent easy access we are used to. The ground underfoot was very trying, but thankfully our ring was only churned up in a couple of places. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my day and appreciated the tenacity of the exhibitors for coming and their sporting acceptance of my decisions. Only one o two fine showers marred the day.
A diversity of size and construction came forward, and I was struck by how many took a rather short stride going round the ring. Some paid the price on the day for lack of coat, but mainly for being big in rib and heavy when picked up.
I was very pleased with my line ups and thought them a good representation of what I consider "essentially working terriers" being lithe in body with narrowness, free moving soundness and good type to fulfil the criterion of the standard.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
1st Oct 2017
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Another turned out in top coat and condition, with lots of good qualities, just preferred reach of neck and flowing movement of my class winner.
Class Critique
A strong class with 3 nice dogs, all of which have strong characteristics that bode well for them and the breed.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Ms. Suzanne Coldham (nee Marwood) (Annesuz)
It was an absolute honour and pleasure to judge the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in Low Hesket and I would like to thank a very hardworking committee for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the exhibitors and spectators for their warm welcome and genuine applause at my placings. There was a good atmosphere throughout the day and good to see so many still ringside to see the top honours at the end.
I was greeted with an excellent entry of 104 dogs making 122 entries and from these I was able to select some top specimens truly representative of our breed. I am not going to wax lyrical about the breed in general but suffice to say in my humble opinion a watch needs to be kept on heads, movement and coats/pelt.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my Best Dog is the grandsire of my Reserve Best Dog and my Best Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch share the same sire as each other.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Sporting Terrier Association Of Yorkshire Open Show
22nd Oct 2017
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge at this show. I understand this was the first of their shows to be held at this venue and it was a shame that the entry across all breeds was quite low. It is a good venue with spacious rings, and I do hope that terrier exhibitors in the area support this Association’s future shows. Thank you to my Steward, and most importantly, thank you to the exhibitors who entered their dogs under me. It was a small but quality entry with some close decisions. Thank you for the sporting way in which you accepted my decisions. I found no incorrect bites and all dogs were entire.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Just over 13 months old grizzle and tan dog of nice type. Typical otter head maturing nicely with keen expression. Good scissor bite. Excellent straight front and narrow throughout. Spanned easily, ribbed well back with good topline and tailset. Coat of good, harsh texture. Nice for size but doesn’t want to grow on. Moved well once settled.
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Nice headed dog, masculine with good expression. Moderate in neck , spans well, a shade more length would give him a better balance. Moved and well shown.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan Dog of a handy size, good head with broad skull and short strong muzzle, alert dog, he had a good outline and lots to like shame is was unsettled on the move today.
Sunderland & DCS Open Show
26th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Mandy Kenna (Cynetkoy)
I would like to thank the officers and commitee for inviting me to judge Border terriers at their show today, The day was made even more special by my BOB Tyneaster undercover agent for Vandamere, ( Pollit ) also winning the Terrier group and then going on to win BIS.
Congratulations to his owners.
The catering was excellent, and my ring steward very efficient thank you.finally thank you to all the exhibitors for a lovely entry.
On the whole mouths were good, coats were at various stages as i would expect for this time of the year, some exhibits would benefit from tidying coats. Some muzzles and heads were lacking in depth and width, loosing that " otter head".
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Stood alone, 14 month old red grizzle male, stong head with a pleasant outline and a harsh coat with a good pelt, hard to assess movement as he was erratic on the move.
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
North and South Shields CS Open Show
14th Jan 2018
Judge:
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Cumberland CA Open Show
14th Jan 2018
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to extend my thanks to the society for their invitation to judge, to my efficient steward Christine, 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. However, coats varied, and some dogs paid the price.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Sixteen month old grizzle and tan dog, strong masculine head, dark eye with a short strong muzzle. Good reach of neck in to well angulated shoulders, straight front standing on well padded neat feet. Nice body length, ribs well back with good body lines. Moved well fore and aft, retaining his top line on the move. With an excellent harsh coat, thick skin and a loose pelt. RBOB
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Feb 2018
Judge: Mr. J. Todd (Roxess)
I would like to thank the club for the invitation to judge and the hospitality I received. Thanks also to my steward Mr Ian Hopper for his great assistance. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. I really enjoyed my day.
I was impressed with the quality of the majority of dogs present and although some were top size all placed dogs were easily spanned and had correct bite.. I felt overall movement was good, coats were variable some full and some lacking however in the run up to Crufts this is to be expected. The majority had good pelts which was pleasing. Mouths were generally good most with large teeth but I was disappointed to see many with dirty teeth.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Graduate - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
31st Mar 2018
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
My grateful thanks to the BTC for the invitation to judge the annual Championship show and my thanks to my efficient stewards who were kept busy. I was astonished to see from my catalogue, as I prepared my critique, how far exhibitors had travelled, particularly with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing. Thank you all for coming.
Movement is improving. There are still are some upright shoulders and poor rear angulation. Size is incredibly variable and as this breed has a strong working heritage some exhibits would struggle to get into any fox earth. I would like to see more muscle tone on back ends. The opportunities to work Borders may have diminished, but the breed standard is our template and we should stick to it or we will have classes filled with ‘showing fools.’
Don’t chalk coats to harden them. Your judges will find it. It’s unnecessary - don’t let it become a fashion. A good coat needs no embellishments and good coats on the day were excellent coats. Coats will grow but in the process may miss out on top honours at a Championship show. We all want our dogs to have their best coats on a show day, but the two things don’t always coincide. I also appreciated that coats kept going for Crufts recently had then been stripped out.
Quality and breed type were lacking in some exhibits. Young heads need time at puppy stage but some young males were disappointing. One puppy dog was chronically thin. Puppies should be puppy-ish, carry a bit of weight and be happy in the ring and socialised. The Exhibition Hall is noisy and some pups are phased by unusual sounds, but I’m pleased to say that temperaments were excellent. I dislike seeing youngsters being strung up - dancing on their toes - and having their leads jerked to keep their attention, or to get them walking in a straight line. Try talking to your dog on the move and loosen those leads.
I have expressed an opinion on baiting before, and I will keep doing it until exhibitors take note, or I die pleading. Baiting a dog on the table unbalances the dog, gets in the way of the judge doing his/her job properly when it comes to checking the bite, and distracts the dogs completely. Borders are especially curious of strangers who approach, so the table contest for them becomes ‘bait’ or ‘stranger.’ A judge doesn’t want to waste time getting the dog’s attention away from bait. Practice getting the stance correct on a table without bait. Please - keep your bait until the dog is on the floor.
All males were entire; scissor bites generally were very good but some varied from a level bite, to the odd missing or chipped tooth and a couple of slightly wry mouths, but teeth were well presented and clean. There was just one kinked tail.
The best exhibits were exceptionally good. Eyes were dark and of good shape, bright and healthy. The good coats were tight, crisp and of great texture. Movement was impressive on the whole – straight and true - and almost all dogs were spannable. Sadly, not enough cards to go round and in some of the senior classes of both sexes, there were beautiful exhibits in tremendous condition, which could change places at any time. Their owners are to be congratulated.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Birtley and District CS Open Show
1st Apr 2018
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee and Secretary for the invitation to judge at your show, the hospitality was second to none. Thanks to the NBTC for sponsoring the class, my steward Dave and all the exhibitors for bringing your dogs under me.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan shown in good coat of correct consistency. Was the best moving dog on the class with drive from the rear and reach in front. Lovely otter head housing large teeth with scissor bite. Stands on tight cat like feet. I liked him a lot
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
another good dog with a good head, neck, topline and tailset. A shade better in coat than 1 but not quite so good in front and feet but good hindquarters and moved out pretty well.
Class Critique
None of the dogs here were small.
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Yearling - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
A useful sized red grizzle with attractive head and good bite. He is narrow in front and spannable with a well placed tail. He moved steadily but rather down on his pasterns. Coat coming through.
Northern Counties Sporting Terrier Association Group Open Show
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Mr C Dixon (Thornheswin) D, Mr P Brannan (Brankell) B
I would like to thank the offices and committee for their invitation to judge their well organised terrier group open show, Thanks also to the two stewards for their help in making it all run smoothly. Finally a big thankyou to all the exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, giving me a nice entry. Mr P Brannan (Brankell)
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Lovely head & expression. Well placed ears of correct shape. Excellent coat. Good tail carriage. A little stuffy in front. Front movement just OK. Good topline.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th May 2018
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee of the YLBTC for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Stewards Ian Hopper and Bridget Singh. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Typical head and expression. Good earset and flat skull. Correct double coat. Good angulation, just preferred movement of 1.
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Aubrey (Jenabeck)
Firstly thank you all for such a nice entry, Secondly thank you to a great steward who single handily run the ring for me. There who some very nice border on view all mouths were good,
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
nice dog workmanlike, not the head as one, good bone straight front nice neck leading to correct shoulders, correct bend in stifles, strong in movement
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Premier Open Show
19th May 2018
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at the Premier Open Show held in conjunction with the Spring Festival, which is a lovely Agricultural show full of lovely local produce. Thanks also to my steward Michael for keeping the ring all in order. Thank you to all the exhibitors that entered, unfortunately there were a number of absentees due to the Championship show the day before and of course the Royal Wedding or maybe the FA cup final! All dogs were entire and they could all be spanned.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
The last time I saw this dog I said that I liked him a lot! Pleased today to award him Best of Breed. He has a lovely head with good ear shape and placement, correct scissor bite and moved well although was struggling with the heat come the group. Holds his top line and uses his short carrot tail well. Shown in lovely double jacket with pliable pelt which gave him the edge over 2nd.
Class Critique
Wow although a small class it was full of quality not an easy decision.
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Shiow
3rd Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs J Lilley (Kensing)
What a privilege it was to judge Border Terriers actually at their home in the Borders! Thank you to all exhibitors for such a flattering entry of charming dogs and thank you to all the committee and officers for your welcome, hospitality and generosity. complete with a delicious lunch. Certainly it was one of the best halls that could be imagined for a breed open show with the option to judge outside had the weather been better. I was most impressed with the hard condition of the vast majority of the entry and particularly with the thickness of pelts and short thick carrot tails. There seemed to be a sporting friendly atmosphere throughout to give me such a memorable happy day. I must just add an extra thank you to my helpful steward, Katie Hamilton, and to Margaret Boulcott, for whose great kindness, hospitality and long distance driving skills I was so grateful.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Such a good head, eye and expression, short thick tail in harsh coat. He, too, moved well.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
good head, stop and reach of neck, topline and tailset OK, good angulation, moved out well but a little down on pasterns and coat let him down.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Upto size and spannable. Strong head, typical expression and nice dark eye and grand teeth. Attractive lines overall, nicely boned and well ribbed back. Tight feet, a neat tidy tail, set on correctly to finish the picture. Moved well. Built on racy lines but not overdone.
Class Critique
High quality class where several worthy dogs went without.
Sunderland &
22nd Jul 2018
Judge: Mrs Julie North (Northborders)
I would like to thank the society for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and for the very nice hospitality we received (very nice lunch ), I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment in this venue which was well laid out and a nice sized ring
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
G/T Boy, lovely head and expression , sporting a lovely new harsh correct jacket , easily spanned and narrow front , lovely neat tight feet and nice for bone , he didn`t move as positively as 1st and seemed a little tense , a slight rise over his top-line spoils his over-all look
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Wolsingham & Wear Valley Open Show
2nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Many thanks to the officers and committee of Wolsingham & Wear Valley open show for the invite to judge on the day and also the exhibitors that supported my super entry on the day. This is a lovely well organised show and supported tremendously by the local community. Also delighted to see my BOB go Terrier Group 1 and not to be outdone by the Best Puppy also following suit and taking Puppy Group 1 – well done.
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
DCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Quality dog, well balanced, cracking head, strong muzzle and under jaw, excellent mouth, well set ear, lovely eye, giving great expression, excellent body condition, good top line and under line, good set on and tail carriage nice hind quarters, well muscled up, moved well, carrying an excellent jacket in tip top condition Dog CC.
Selkirk & DCS Open Show
30th Sep 2018
Judge:
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mrs Charlotte Archibald (Tweedburn)
My sincere thanks to the Scottish Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their Championship show, one of my favourites. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege to judge their dogs.
My main concern is size and weight, it really does matter, there were a number of exhibits that were too heavy/big, and at the other end of the spectrum, not enough muscle/bone/condition, which is essential for a working dog. However, I was very happy with the main winners, and both line ups.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Lighter grizzle, short of coat, finer in bone than 1 with decent head, moved out well.
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Lovely otterhead with nicely placed ears. Shorter coupled than the first two. Good narrow front.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Denise Townsend (Llanishen)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members of the Border Terrier Club for awarding the honour of judging this prestigious show and for giving me such a warm welcome. The show had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. Many thanks to all exhibitors for their entries, and for allowing me the opportunity to go over their dogs, something I consider a privilege. My stewards Judy and Judith looked after me perfectly and kept everything moving smoothly.
I was very pleased with my winners and with the overall standard of the entry. Some causes for concern included a small number of wry mouths in the early dog classes, exhibits with barely any undercoat and some heads which were lacking strength in their under-jaw.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Good clean front, reach of neck and well laid shoulder. Very attractive head but lacking in jacket.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
I would like to express my thanks to the officers, committee and members for the invitation to judge their championship show. I enjoyed it very much. Special thanks go to my two very able stewards who kept everything running smoothly for me. I appreciated it.
There was a good selection of quality dogs and bitches for me to pick from. Coats on the whole were pleasing. As was size. Temperament too apart from one blip. Some with winter noses, possibly more than I have noticed before. A few with domed skulls which makes for an untypical head. I felt that the depth of quality in the bitch classes outweighed the dogs. Both the puppy bitch classes were a joy. Some lovely pups having to go cardless. Its very encouraging and surely bodes well for the breed.
I was very happy with my main winners. It was a pleasure to award them their honours.
Thank you EABTC.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Just right for size Pleasing head. Looked deep in chest but was spannable. Showed very well. Moved soundly.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
13th Apr 2019
Judge: Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow)
I would very much like to thank the officers and committee for offering me my first club show in this lovely light, large hall. The hospitality was wonderful! Thanks also to the efficient ring stewards and most of all to all the exhibitors for their wonderful entry and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. Sincere thanks for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted. Temperaments on the day were excellent, coats were very varied - some good dogs were penalised for not having double coat. No mouths were undershot and all male dogs were entire.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Graham Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge their Open Show and also the sporting way in which the exhibitors accepted my decisions. Also thank you to my stewards Anna Duxbury and Bridget Singh for keeping the ring moving smoothly throughout the day. Most exhibits were shown in a fit condition although there were one or two that were a little over weight and nervous on the day.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Sunderland & DCS Premier Open Show
21st Apr 2019
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Many thanks to the committee for a lovely day and to the exhibitors for a super entry.
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
5th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Su Williams (Hollybridge)
I would like to thank The Border Terrier Club for the invitation & thank my 2 very capable Stewards Carolyn Richardson & Liz Barrett for their help on the day. I would also like to thank those exhibitors who entered under me and who accepted the placing's sportingly. I was pleased to have a number of high quality entries but the down side of that is, some good dogs went card less
Mouths are a bit of a worry as I noticed a few with a tooth or teeth out of line, small teeth and one even undershot. Movement on the whole was good especially in my winners. Coats & Pelts were good too,with just a few thin pelted dogs.
Limit - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Scottish Kennel Club
18th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Marylynne Winder (Appleside)
My thanks to the Scottish Kennel Club for giving me the opportunity to judge at this years Championship show, and the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs. A special thanks to my hard working ring stewards.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Open Show
2nd Jun 2019
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and committee for inviting me to judge their show. My ring steward on the day Lesley Roberts kept things flowing wonderfully for us all. I must pass my complements to the chef. Lunch and hospitality on the day was fantastic. All of this and some very nice dogs to go over on the day. Thank you all very much for a wonderful day.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan. Beautiful otter head. Large teeth. Narrow straight front. Firm pasterns. Tight well padded feet. Excelled in coat and pelt. Short carrot tail. Moved soundly. RBD
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Strong, typey head flowing into a good front with correct shoulder angulation. He had a harsh topcoat, with a good topline and tailset. Correct size, he moved well, with good hind angulation.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Leeds Championship Dog Show
26th Jul 2019
Judge: Mr T Tuck (Nettleby)
Thanks to all exhibitors for providing a really good entry, and thanks also to my calm and efficient steward for helping to make this a thoroughly enjoyable appointment. The heatwave temperature had thankfully dropped and the covered half of the ring provided very comfortable conditions.
I was thrilled with my final line up in dogs and bitches. In particular, I thought the Reserve CC and CC winners were very typical, high quality and honest all round border terriers. It is always very exciting and satisfying to see borders of such a high calibre at the top end of the range.
It is difficult to make generalisations, as strengths and weaknesses varied considerably across the total entry. I found numerous decent, moderately broad heads, some of which had the classic otter-like appearance, strong muzzle and keen expression. Overall size and correct balanced proportions seemed reasonably consistent, and I don’t recall any of the well over-sized and coarser types that one sometimes encounters. I thought hind quarters were good overall, though straight fronts and well laid shoulders were less common. Coats varied, as they always do, though I would have liked to find a few more that combined the really harsh topcoat, good undercoat, and thick pelt. Was this just due to the state of individual coats on the day, or is the weatherproof coat and jacket receiving less attention?
Any of the above observations are, of course, based on the entry on the day and are not necessarily a pronouncement on the breed as a whole!
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Bournemouth Championship Show
10th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Alan Small
It was a bit blustery to say the least down at Pikes Farm, with high winds throughout the day. A good crowd round the ring and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. It was nice to see so many old friends.
Thanks to Officers & Committee of Bournemouth C.A. For the invite, to my Stewards for looking after the Ring & to the exhibitors for such a lovely entry. I enjoyed your Border Terries, thanks for coming.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
pleasing otter head, so much to like about him, good ribbed body of nice length, good loin & quarters, in good coat, thick pelt, moved & handled well.
The Scottish Kennel Club
25th Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Class Critique
Very good class and a pleasure to judge
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
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.
RDCC
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
(G/t) Typical otter head with well-placed dark eyes broad skull and small neat ears. Good reach of neck level topline and carrot tail set on well. He has good length of rib and loin and spanned well, good angulation both front and rear, moved well both ways. RCC.
South Wales Kennel Association
12th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
My thanks go to SWKA for their kind invitation to judge at this good venue. Also to my stewards Sue and Wendy who kept things flowing.
Thank you too all those who entered and accepted my decisions so sportingly. All mouths were good, all dogs entire and coat quality was excellent , especially in the dog classes. Pleased with my winners, and my final line-up, and to see my bob and bp be shortlisted in their groups.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
3 year old grizzle, another smart dog, deeper in rib than 1 . Typical in head, good teeth, dark eye. Good shoulder, straight front and neat feet. Nice body lines, a harsh coat on a thick pelt. He was spannable, and had a level top-line held on the move. He moved out well.
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
A very attractive dog with a good head and eye true front with decent shoulders into a typical topline strong quarters
Ladies Kennel Association
14th Dec 2019
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
I would first like to thank all the exhibitors for a lovely entry, and for making the effort to travel to the N.E.C on a dark winter’s morning. There was a variation in breed type to a degree, which is always the case, but I was very happy with both my final lineups and only wish I could hand out more awards.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Feb 2020
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge the first of their centenary shows this year and for their warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you to my two stewards, Judy Carr and Judith Fawcett who had the ring running like clockwork, which enabled me to get on with the job of judging a large quality entry. Thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a wonderful entry of 143 dogs, sadly the serve flooding at the time made for several absentees, but I’d like to thank everyone who braved the floods and made the journey. This was my first breed club appointment, which was a truly memorable experience and one I won’t forget. Thank you for the lovely gifts which I will treasure. I was generally very pleased with the overall quality of the dogs entered under me. Coats were at varying stages, and some dogs paid the price today. The quality in some classes made for some difficult decisions, especially in the limit/open classes, and I would have liked more first places.
Reserve Best Dog
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
g/t dog moderately broad in skull, he was well presented and handled, excellent muscle tone. Good reach of neck, with ribs well back, in good coat and with a well set on tail. On the move he covered the ground effortlessly, a well made dog with a good bend of stifle. RBD
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Beautiful masculine intelligent head, great front, near perfect topline, nice tail carriage, good in rib and loin, strong in movement. Showing himself to the max. Was well up in consideration for top honours.
Class Critique
Here's another class where the quality was not limited – ha ha!
Southern Counties Canine Association
27th Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Southern Counties Canine Association for inviting me to judge their show for Border Terriers. It was my first judging appointment for a CH Show and I was very pleased with my entry also I would like to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. Last but not least I would like to thank my steward who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing very well.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
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.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Class Critique
Strong class quality dogs
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.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Leeds Championship Show
25th Jul 2021
Judge: Mr Neil Straw (Shaolin)
Thank you to the Officer’s and Committee for their invitation to judge at their show and congratulate Liz Stannard and her hard working team for putting on the well organised show. Thank you to the exhibitors for a lovely entry and your support on the day with only 10 being absent. Temperaments throughout were excellent as you would expect, front movement is still an issue but I felt that some bitches were a tab up on size. All were well presented.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
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.
Open - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Sound moving d in v good coat. Liked his head and neat ears. Enough neck. Chest to elbow. Fairly short in back. Liked his rear. Held his tail well angulation is v well balanced.
Class Critique
This was a very competitive class.
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.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Blackpool & District Canine Society
26th Jun 2022
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a lovely entry, much appreciated in these difficult times. Thanks also to my stewards who not only kept the ring moving well but proved very adept at fielding judging slips, ring cards and prize cards and miscellaneous other bits and pieces flying across the ring in a very blustery wind. I thought it would be better to judge outside, the wind did upset a few dogs and those with a lot of coat were truly blown. The Border is essentially a working terrier that should combine activity with gameness – I thought that worth repeating since some seem to have forgotten it! I managed to find good heads but in general they were not strong, the head and jaw is not a cosmetic addition but an essential part of the terrier’s make up. Feet and pelts were OK but very few could be regarded as really good, again they are an essential feature required for the work the dog was bred for. Coats were all over the place very few being presented in a good sharp deep coat, however most were acceptable.
Movement remains a problem, there were feet flicking out, plaiting in front, bouncing up and down or rocking on the front – all problems with shoulder construction. The best move with that lovely unfussy ground covering drive that is so typical of the breed.
I was surprised to find several exhibits with level bites, I know the standard allows for this but it is undesirable, particularly in young dogs.
Having said all that I did find a good number of excellent very typical dogs, Limit & Open classes in both sexes were excellent and there were some promising puppies coming along.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Placing Critique
Very nice type with a good strong head, nice ear. Good shoulder & quarters, shown in good coat & condition, good tail & tailset. Coat on the blow but OK and he moved well.
Class Critique
A very good class of dogs
The Scottish Kennel Club (October Show)
1st Oct 2022
Judge: Mr G Richardson
I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for offering me the chance to award C.Cs for the first time, thanks to their hospitality i had a very enjoyable experience . Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a sporting manner . Also thank you to my very efficient Steward on the day Judy Carr , with her experience she kept the day flowing excellently. Overall I was very pleased with the dogs placed on the day, generally there was a better quality bitch entry compared to dogs. Movement and wide fronts was an issue with some exhibits but generally ok. I was happy to see my B.P, take Puppy Group 2 and B.S.B.I.B. take S.B. Group 1 .
Limit - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Jun 2023
Judge: Miss Julie Price (Oxcroft)
Thank you to all at the Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge your championship show this year, it was a great honour and privilege. The weather was hot and the venue was good to gain some shade for the dogs and myself! I had two very capable stewards who kept things running smoothy throughout the day, so thank to Kathleen Haugh and Sophie Liggat for their support. I really enjoyed my day and was more than happy with my winners. Thank you again for your hospitality.
I was looking for type, gameness, soundness and dogs that were fit to do a day’s work whilst not losing any attributes of the breed standard. Some exhibits were rather well muscled around the shoulders which made it difficult to feel the lay of the shoulders and this would also restrict their ability to go to ground. As a breed I think we are losing the otter heads and keen expressions which distinguishes the Border Terrier from other terrier breeds. A lady contacted me a week after the show and explained that she had attended the show during some of the bitch classes as she was looking to purchase a puppy having recently lost two of her old Borders. She explained she was now thinking of buying another breed as the dogs in the show ring did not look like the Borders she had had previously. She felt that they did not have the characteristic otter heads, and sadly I had to agree with her.
Overall, most dogs were fit for purpose and I am sure you all took the best dog home with you. In the current financial climate, all your entries were valuable to the club and it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf
Darlington Championship Show
17th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs D Bullen (Fevstone)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge for the second time. I had a good entry of 125 with a few absentees as is usual, the dogs were of varying types and sizes which is to be expected. The ones that were unspannable aren’t fit for function as they fall at the first hurdle so to speak.
There are quite a lot creeping into the breed of late which lack power in the foreface. Falling away below the eye with a foreign expression. Also lacking in underjaw. Again a weakness in the breed which needs addressing or we will lose these qualities essential to work. A lot now have too short an upperarm which is vital in construction as it propels the dog forward as he should cover the ground effortlessly striding out. Not Pitter patter slowly. On a more positive note I found a lot of quality true to type borders that were a pleasure to judge. Effortless free movement which is essential. I’m sure the breed will go on to have a bright future if we all keep to the breed type.
Veteran - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Tojamatt Rhythm N'blues at Raedwulf