Show Placings
Paignton & DFA Championship Show
2nd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr T Johnston
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
feminine baby of good quality & type, good skull & eye, good muzzle, good ears & moderate neck, good bone & feet, good rib & rear angulation, was very together on the move holding a good outline, good harsh coat & well presented, lots of promise. BP
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
3rd Aug 2014
Judge: Bainbridge & Dandy
*Dogs*
Many thanks to the Midland Committee for this appointment and to all those especially the stewards who made for an enjoyable day. The entry in general reflected the type the exhibitors by now know I like. However there were a number up to size and exhibiting poor front angulation and short deep ribs and paid the price. I was looking for dogs with a typical otter head straight narrow front well laid shoulders ribbed back spannable and racey rear quarters with thick pelt in harsh double coat all of which we should be looking for in the ideal Border Terrier that is essentially a working terrier.
I was very pleased with my winners overall and had good depth of quality in the limit and open classes that generally displayed the above attributes.
The dog CC and ultimately BIS Ch Olderhill Afortunado is the ideal border terrier that shows with confidence and has class. He has a good border head of otter type strong jaw with keen expression on strong neck set into well laid shoulders ,narrow ribs carried back ,ideal length strong loin and the desired rear quarters ,shown in double coat and top condition moved with drive to cover the ground. Pleased my co-judge agreed this boys qualities worthy of BIS.
The RCC Tythrop Timepiece this excellent blue and tan displayed similar qualities to the above and with his good turn of stifle and short hocks and tight feet moved so well and with top presentation took this award over the quality 2nd in Open and Limit winner and with time maturity should complete the picture.
The Bitch CC winner and BOS,RBIS Ploughdown Placida is a top quality exhibit but for me just not the strength in loin of the dog but a close decision .
*Judge: John Bainbridge*
*Bitches*
A great honour to judge bitches at this breed club show, my grateful thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for their warm and friendly hospitality and to my two competent and hardworking stewards. I had a most enjoyable day and was delighted that my final line-up comprised of excellent and true to type examples of the breed, with some really promising youngsters amongst them. It is always foremost in my mind when judging this breed that it is essential that the dog’s conformation and movement should demonstrate its capability to work and follow a horse. I found this a challenge today, rather too many exhibits failing to demonstrate free ground covering movement or any length of stride to ‘follow a horse’: with weak pasterns resulting in uneconomic paddling action and poor reach; and sickle hocks impairing effective drive. I was also struck by the number of short ribs and untypical ‘cut up’ underlines. On a positive note temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance, although I felt numerous exhibits were neither ‘active’ nor ‘game’ in their demeanour. I was delighted to co-judge BIS with John Bainbridge and pleased that we agreed on all of our joint decisions today.
*Judge: Sarah Dandy*
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
10th Aug 2014
Judge: Mrs M Reeves (Baywillow)
A very enjoyable appointment in spite of the wind and rain. I found some lovely borders for the top awards. The line up for the bitch challenge was especially pleasing, each one of top quality with some very promising youngsters. On the minus side there were too many that were wide in front. This is a serious fault in a breed who need to get through narrow spaces underground. Whilst I am always critical of dogs that lack rear angulation there are one or two appearing in the breed who are over angulated which is not correct for a border.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
g/t. A stylish pup built on lovely narrow lines with excellent angulation, harsh coat and thick pelt. Head needs more time to develop.
Welsh Kennel Club
16th Aug 2014
Judge: Mr A E Small (Bethane)
Thanks for a lovely entry, sorry for the delay but I could not be in both my breeds rings at the same time! It was nice to be outside at WKC, which hasn't happened for 9 years. Thanks to the Committee for the invite & looking after us, I really enjoyed my day.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
of similar type, nice head with dark eye, correct bite, ears need to settle, ribs back & spanable, in lovely coat & condition, thick pelt, went well.
Scottish Kennel Club
23rd Aug 2014
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My first appointment at this level. My thanks to the society for inviting me and to my two very efficient stewards, Lorrraine and Barbara, who kept things moving.
I was very pleased with both my line ups and feel that my main winners were excellent examples of the breed. Many dogs were sporting dense, tweedy jackets but, as is always the case, some were lacking in coat and this did influence some of the placings. Mouths were good and only one dog was unspannable. On the downside, size is an issue and some of the minor puppies are already up to size. Front movement could be better in a number of exhibits and a few were carrying too much weight.
My sincere thanks to all those who entered and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
City of Birmingham Championship Dog Show
30th Aug 2014
Judge: Dr Ron Wheatley
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge here, to my two very effective and helpful stewards Jane Keeves and Alan Tomlinson, and to the exhibitors for the large and interesting entry of many different types. Many of the classes had quality in depth, with many close decisions. Both line ups were pleasing with plenty of choice and close decisions for both cards. I found no kinky tails and one level mouth, most exhibits were of a good size, a few were too heavy and one undernourished, and many needed their nails trimming. Most moved well in the super sized ring that we were given.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
flowed round the ring, nice feminine head with good teeth and jaw, good length of body with excellent coat and pelt;
Richmond Championship Dog Show
6th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr W Gray (Pontbeck)
Thanks go to my stewards for making the day run smoothly and to the exhibitors for their enthusiasm for the breed and the sporting way they took my decisions.
Since the hunting bill I 've been concerned how the breed would keep to the line in the breed standard " Essentially a working terrier " as the opportunities for work have been reduced and the spin off as to why we require a double coat and the dog to be narrow all through may be lost to some exhibitors who haven't the opportunity to work or know someone who does or has worked their dogs. There was evidence today that we may have lost sight of the fact that this is a working breed. I'm not suggesting that all Borders should work but that all Borders should be capable to work and those who are closest to the breed standard should be able to do the job required of them.
There were a few exhibits with single coats today, look very smart but would soon pay the price on a cold wet winters day if they had to be out in the elements for any length of time. Some exhibits were carrying a little too much weight and quite a number would benefit from a good walk, some with little muscle.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Darlington Championship Show
12th Sep 2014
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
I would like to thank the Darlington society for my invitation .The stewards were on the ball all day so I would like to thank them for making my day an easy one.
I would also like to thank the exhibitors for taking my decisions so sportingly.
However I feel that some exhibits would benefit from a little more food, feeding less does not make them any smaller!
One thing that particularly drew my attention was the dirty teeth in some of the younger exhibits, feet need improving by trimming nails. Nails on some were what a Hawk would be proud of!
Also scissor cuts do not enhance a coat , we are not a trimmed breed we are a breed where hand stripping is paramount.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
A nice puppy ,narrow lines with good angulation, harsh coat and thick pelt. Head needs more time to develop. Preferred the movement of 1.
Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show
20th Sep 2014
Judge: Mrs A C Fryer (Irton)
Thanks to the exhibitors for giving me a lovely entry and to my stewards for keeping the ring running efficiently throughout. We had a good day with a very very slight drizzle; the exhibitors and exhibits seemed untroubled but it did cause the ringside to flee temporarily! There were some very good dogs present and I enjoyed all my winners but there are always some buts, and looking through my notes there was a preponderonce of “OK” over “good”. The standard asks for a dog that has the soundness to follow a horse; this, of course, must be understood in the context of a terrier working with the Hunt on rough moorland ground, but even so only the minority of exhibits could meet this requirement. Inadequate angulation leads to poor ground covering ability and untidy front movement – evident in a lot of exhibits. Whilst most exhibitors take the trouble to present their dogs as well as possible, a number were unfit and lacking muscle tone and would one of the Breed Clubs please put on a grooming seminar which shows exhibitors how to prepare feet and nails?? It is clearly needed. I forgive coats since these are outwith your control and sadly some excellent dogs had to pay the price for coming without a jacket.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Open Show
18th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Anthony Rees (Amicall)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2014
Judge: Mr Euan Castel (Flutorum)
My sincere thanks are extended to each exhibitor for providing me with such a wonderful entry, on this, my 1st CC appointment. At 160 dogs I had the highest entry in the group. I would like to thank the committee for their kind invitation and the hospitality that I received. Thank you to my two very competent stewards Alex & Barry Cole.
Mouths were good, a couple were unspannable and coats varied. Some exhibits were untidy in undercarriage, legs and feet and would benefit from a little grooming a few days prior to show day. More importantly, a number of exhibits were overweight and lacked muscle tone. That said, there was a depth of quality to each class and a number of nice dogs had to go unplaced on this occasion. I was extremely pleased with both the dog and bitch line ups.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Promising light grizzle, nice in head, good front construction, harsh coat and pliable pelt. Good carroty tail. Moved with style round ring.
Sedgley & Gornal Canine Association
23rd Nov 2014
Judge: Miss Bridget Singh (Borderbridge)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge your show, George for stewarding and the exhibitors for your entries.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
10 Month old Grizzle bitch. Liked her length of body, narrow throughout and ribbed well back. Correct bite, feminine head. Good tail set and tail shape. Spannable. Nice jacket and thick pelt. Held her topline on the move and moved true both ways. BP
Chepstow & District Canine Society
6th Dec 2014
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG2, Ploughdown Persephone
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
11mth old bitch in super condition. Lovely grizzle jacket with thick pelt. Good front, lovely reach of neck and good length of body. Moved well on nice neat feet. BP. TPG2
Boston & District Canine Society
11th Jan 2015
Judge: Mrs Julie Guvercin
Thank you to all exhibitors for your entries I had a good cross section of dogs to choose from. Some dogs that I have admired in the past were either not in coat or didn’t move well and others that I've not noticed before, were 'found ' on the table. We must all remember judging should be on the day and not on what something has won or not won, beforehand. I'm sure the same dogs could be placed differently on another day under me, some that did or didn't perform affected their placings accordingly.
Some super puppies coming through, with all four of my puppy class winners looking very promising. They gave me some hair splitting decisions.
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Cheltenham & District Canine Society
8th Feb 2015
Judge: Mrs Tina Jones (Otterholme)
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to judge at this well run show. My thanks to my steward for keeping things running smoothly and to the exhibitors who entered their borders under me and the sporting manner they accepted my decisions on the day. We had a lovely big ring which I made full use of. Coats were mixed as to be expected, pleasing to find all exhibits of correct size and spannable. Some quality exhibits making for difficult decisions.
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
so well constructed so no surprise that she moved so well, kept her topline throughout. Lovely typical head, ribs carried well back, well let down hocks.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Feb 2015
Judge: Mr C Wallace (Hobholt)
This was my 1st Breed Club Show appointment and I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club Committee for the opportunity to judge the show. Thanks also to my stewards, Bob & Liz Wright who did a great job ensuring the smooth running of the ring throughout the day. Thanks also to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over your Borders’.
All Borders were in good health, had good mouths and were complete. I was impressed with most coats and particularly pelts which were mainly loose and thick. A number of coats were clearly coming through to be at their best for Crufts.
I like “moderate” Borders, not exaggerated in any way. Of importance, straight, narrow fronts, good shoulders. Hind quarters racy, body fairly long as described in the standard. Equally I like movement to be a good length of stride with purpose & drive. On movement, some front and rear movement was not great, some wrists were astray, some “knitting” and some were better shown on a loose lead and not “strung up”. In summary, I was pleased with my winners & many down the line in some classes, I enjoyed the day, thank you all again for bringing your Borders’, it was appreciated.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Gr&T, One of the best presented on the day, moderate bone, lovely head, keen feminine expression, good bite and strong jaw, nice reach of neck, super topline and gentle underline, easy span, overall a well balanced bitch with nice stride covering ground effortlessly
Swindon & District CS
28th Feb 2015
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the show committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly, well run show, and also to my efficient steward, and to the exhibitors who entered their dogs and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. I found no kinked tails and all males were entire.
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
13 month grizzle and tan bitch, another lovely exhibit, just unlucky to meet 1 today. Excellent bite with good sized teeth. Harsh coat and thick pelt. Narrow throughout and easily spanned. Good for bone, well muscled and with nice topline and tailset. Another good mover, just preferred head of 1.
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Breed Show
1st Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Bob Wright (Totherend)
My appreciation goes to the SBTC officers and committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely entry of Border Terriers and to the stewards for their support during the show. Also to the many exhibitors who quite rightly presented their dogs so proudly. I hope they enjoyed their day irrespective of the results, as above all this is a hobby to enjoy with the pets that you love.
It’s always good to see new faces exhibiting but I think most would benefit from a few visits to ring craft prior to launching themselves into the ring. This would give them an idea of the typical ring routine and some guidance on preparation of their exhibits. Whilst some concession can be made, lack of ring presence inevitably reflects in some way on their exhibit. Having said all that I can but admire the efforts of a seasoned 2½ year old handler as she moved her much older prized veteran up and down the mat!
I found some dubious dentition, a couple I couldn’t span and several only just spannable. Some dogs impressed in the line but disappointed on the move (particularly rear movement) but for a limit show I felt there was plenty of quality and I was particularly delighted with the main contenders. Some classes merited two “firsts” with precious little separating the first two and I was sad to disappoint. Not being first shouldn’t reflect badly on any dog it only means that a particular judge preferred another exhibit on the day. Certainly some of the dogs would have been better placed had they moved as well on the day as I’ve seen them move before.
I’m not of the school that expects to see a final line-up of identical dogs of a particular type. Several exhibits, whilst not of my preferred type, represented the breed standard well and couldn’t be denied an appropriate place irrespective of type or the appearance of the final line-up. I looked for a well balanced dog reflecting the aspects of the breed standard, without exaggeration and able to cover the ground smoothly and efficiently and I was pleased to find it in most classes.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Well turned out, balanced, full harsh double coat, plenty of pelt, slightly brown nose and eye, good bite, feminine head, nice reach of neck, narrow front but deep chest, ribs well back, held lovely level topline on the move, well set carrot tail, moved well out and back, neat feet. Easy on the eye and challenged hard but well deserved. Reserve Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show.
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
28th Mar 2015
Judge: Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Bombax) Sweden
I will thank the club and the show committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, I feel very honoured to be invited. I really enjoyed my day and was very pleased with huge entries. My winner was really top quality border terriers, excelling in type and heads. The overall quality was very good, but I hoped to see more quality in the younger classes. Size was ok, coats in different stages because of the time of year. It was about 40 years since I judged my first CCshow in England and I still enjoy it so much. My stewards did a fantastic job on the day, keeping both me and the dogs in order. They make it running very smooth and efficient, thank you!!!
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
National Terrier
4th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
Overall, I felt there was reasonable quality in those forward. Some exhibitors continue to have their dogs underfed and/or carrying little muscle, both to the detriment of a terrier expected to put in a day’s work. There were a number of untypical heads – lacking width to the skull and strength to the muzzle. Please keep in mind the shape of an otter’s skull.
I was very pleased with my top winners and extend my thanks to all the exhibitors.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Liked this one a lot. Good head and neck. Stood on good feet. Correct length to the body with nice tuck up, showing raciness. Good coat and skin and she moved true.
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club Open Show
19th Apr 2015
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
A well presented grizzle bitch. Lovely feminine head with flat skull, neat ears and dark eye. She had the best of thick double coats and a loose pliable pelt underneath. She is a balanced bitch with good reach of neck into well placed shoulders and straight front. She is of good length in body with short carrot tail straight off the back giving a lovely profile. She moved well and was the best mover of the day covering the ground effortlessly in the ring. I was pleased to award her BOB.
National Dog Show
9th May 2015
Judge: Mr John Dace (Cassacane)
I must begin by saying a very sincere thanks to the Kennel Club and the officers and committee of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd for giving me this most prestigious appointment to award Challenge Certificates for the first time.
Also again sincere thanks to the exhibitors for their splendid entry and acceptance of my decisions on the day, and to my very efficient Stewards who ensured that classes moved along which helped in a timely finish.
On reflection of the exhibits I found that teeth and mouths were very good on the whole, feet were variable as was movement. Temperaments were good. All dogs were entire. My main concerns were in the condition of some exhibits who could have been fitter and harder in muscle tone but where has the consistent “head like that of an otter” gone? The variance in head shape and therefore expression was quite evident. I was pleased with my final awards and again many thanks to everyone for making this one of my most memorable days.
The depth of quality particularly in the bitches bodes well for the breed in the future but as already mentioned concentration on heads to achieve the “head like that of an otter” should be one of the paramount objectives.
RBCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
I really liked this young lady. Lovely clean head with correct proportions. V shaped ears – dark eyes which gave a lovely expression. Good shoulder construction. Straight front and ribs well back – narrow through. Level topline with tail set on correctly and meeting the standard. Good bend of stifle which enhanced her movement. I was pleased to discover that she was bred at the same kennels as my bitch CC winner. R.B.C.C.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Ltd Spring Festival Premier Open Show
17th May 2015
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks to the society for inviting me to judge at this well run show, thank you to my steward Roger for keeping things running smoothly. I enjoyed my day immensely and would like to thank all exhibitors for entering their dogs under me, and the sporting manner they accepted my decisions
I found one bad mouth and coats to be at varying stages, but on the whole a nice entry.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
a bitch I have judged before and pleasing to find she has developed into the ‘complete package’. Typical in head with femininity, muscular neck into narrow shoulders, perfect length of rib, easily spanned, tight jacket with plenty of pelt and moved out well, balanced overall ,a quality bitch totally fitting the bill of fit for function. BOB.
Bath Canine Society
22nd May 2015
Judge: Mr Jack Watson
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Derbyshire County Show
28th Jun 2015
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Windsor Championship Show
2nd Jul 2015
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first judging experience at this level and thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs of such good quality in front of me and accepting my decisions with good grace. In some of the classes there was only a hairs breadth between some exhibits and on another day the results would have been different. I like Borders that are narrow, strong and good movers. I do not consider coat to be a major factor except when differentiating between dogs of equal quality, As a Championship Show judge told me many years ago “bad coats can get better, many other faults cannot.”
I would also like to thank my stewards for keeping me in order.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
slightly taller than 1 but a nice grizzle bitch, in good condition, moved well, straight front, good rear angulation
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Hilary Gilpin (Otterbobs)
Thank you to the officers, committee and members for voting for me to judge their Championship show 2015.
My stewards were just perfect, even the couple of birds flying around enjoyed the day.
As you know it's all too easy to judge from the ringside but when you are in the ring judging dogs of varying sizes, heads, coats etc, I felt I did the best I could with the exhibits shown.
All dogs were entire, mouths were correct and teeth were of good size and clean apart from one level bite which is acceptable.
Movement needs to be improved front and rear, muscle tone was lacking in quite a few, presentation on some was dreadful, two dogs needed feeding up, but the main winners were of good standing.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
built on stronger lines, she was in perfect tight show coat very tidy, good pelt and tail set. Well handled
Leeds Championship Show
26th Jul 2015
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing such a quality entry, my two stewards for keeping things running smoothly and the rain for holding off till the near the end. I found the dogs in general to be fit with only a few exhibits Under weight I had some close decisions in quite a few classes especially the early bitch classes Mouths on the whole were correct with many having large clean teeth, coats were good and many had good thick loose pelts, movement was varied, temperaments were excellent and most were unperturbed by the noise from our adjoining ring
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
2nd Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam & Mr Mick Rushby
*Dogs*
What a pleasure it was to be invited to judge the males at the Midland BTC Championship show on 2nd August 2015, and thanks to the exhibitors for giving me such a good entry of males to go over. Thanks must also go to my stewards Chris Wallace and Margaret Davies who did a great job, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was interesting to be judging alongside my Co-judge Mick Rushby who I felt has similar views to how I interpret the Breed Standard and when it came to choosing Best of Breed, I appreciated the good qualities of his bitch CC winner and after a thorough deliberation we jointly decided that my Dog CC winner had the edge, and awarded him Best of Breed. Although I didn’t judge the bitches, from the ringside they did look a much more even entry than the males, which were quite mixed, but I was very happy with my main winners with several males who I felt were champion standard, my eventual CC winner stood away from the rest but I had a few contenders for the Reserve CC whom I really liked. No matter what time of year I judge there is always a percentage of exhibits out of coat, I am not normally too hung up on that, as coat is a transient thing and if there is evidence of a harsh coat and thick pelt, movement is good and the dog is well constructed I don’t penalize them too much, but when you get a dog before you with good construction, good movement and a fabulous coat, they really have the edge and stand out. Having said that and not wanting to sound as old as Methuselah, I really feel the correct Border coat is in decline, you rarely find the really good, harsh, dense wiry coats and pelts you did in the past, and is an important element to give the breed, type and is a requirement in the Breed Standard. The fashion for several years has been to show dogs with little coat, with all the undercoat scraped out to reveal a sleek outline. Thankfully not all exhibitors do this, and it was good to see some with decent coats, but judging by some of the poor toplines, and profiles on Sunday, I really think exhibitors should be thinking of leaving some undercoat in, and keep a good depth of coat, as it creates a more finished, Border Terrier look, rather than a thin skinned whippet look. Ultimately good coats and pelts need to be bred for. When I am judging, I tend to look at the overall dog, I never pick out one thing and allow it to seduce me into thinking it’s a good Border Terrier, the whole dog has to be balanced and fit for function, display good breed type and have the ability to follow a horse, moving with economy with long low strides. I don’t go in for extremes or exaggerations either, or a dog which looks like a caricature of a Border Terrier, because the breed standard doesn’t allow for that. I do like ring presence, clean dogs with good presentation and showmanship, a working dog can still have all that and it is a show after all, but it has to be a good Border Terrier first and foremost.
Yearling - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
same comments apply as 1, but did not move as well
Bournemouth CS
10th Aug 2015
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward
I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge, the stewards for unobtrusively keeping things running smoothly and the exhibitors for bringing their good dogs and accepting my decisions with grace. I was gratified to have only 3 absentees despite the awful weather forecast. The necessary inside ring, albeit slightly sloping and uneven, was a decent size giving each exhibit the opportunity to get into stride. Coats varied but there were many good textured topcoats over dense undercoats and on the whole pelts were thick. My worst issue was that some exhibits, despite being narrow and not fat, were very heavy and also a difficult span. Pads were generally thick but feet could be better trimmed as some that looked large and flat actually weren’t on examination. I look for shortish carrot-like tails and although some were thick at the base and tapering correctly they were overly long. I only found 2 with misplaced teeth and it was delighted to find most today had large well set white teeth in good scissor bite. In the past I’ve commented on lack of condition and poor muscle tone in hindquarters so was happy that all today’s entry was presented fit and in hard condition. Overall type was good, I was pleased with both line ups and the veteran classes were a particular treat
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Stylish light red gr. who oozes quality and shows beautifully. She has good body proportions, flat rib and stands over the ground well. In excellent deep coat and moving soundly she was a serious contender in the challenge.
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
South Wales Kennel Association
10th Oct 2015
Judge: Mr Phil Sharp
I would like to thank the committee of SWKA for their invitation to judge & their hospitality on the day, my stewards for all their hard work, & the exhibitors for their support making Border Terriers the highest entry in the group.
I was recently reminded just how long I have been involved with the breed when a photograph was circulated of the exhibitors at the very first open show of the Southern Border Terrier Club, held in a field close to the rectory at Hawkesbury. I guess this must have been in the early 1970s. It also prompted me to think that I must have judged for the first time some 40 years ago & I have seen a lot of Borders over the years since then. Each time I have judged I have been fortunate to find a few outstanding dogs, some very good ones, mostly good ones & very few poor ones. This was the case once again at this show.
Dentition was good, there were no kinked tails & movement & coats were variable as normal. A couple of the dogs were spooked by the loudspeaker announcements, which was a great shame for the owners. I believe that everyone knows the faults of their own dogs, so it is the plus points that I have noted down for the most part.
For one reason or another, I have not got to a show for a year or thereabouts, so seeing most of these dogs for the first time was a real pleasure.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
another very good Border. Very sound on the move. Slightly larger throughout, but nicely balanced. Another one in good coat
Midland Counties Canine Society
25th Oct 2015
Judge: Miss Michelle Barnett (Brockfox)
My sincere thanks go to the society for the superb welcome and hospitality at this premium show, my proficient stewards and last but most importantly the exhibits and their exhibitors for their entries and sporting attitude. It was so nice to hear the ringside applause bestowed upon fellow exhibitors and as a judge it really does make for a pleasurable days judging
After my considerable absence ringside, my findings today were overall as always seems to be the case was the varieties in type, And some of the entry sadly on the day was far too big and by this i mean not necessarily in length of leg ( which the correct term is tall ) but in depth of chest and heavy shoulders , Fundamentally not the supple lithe bodies which is vital in an earth dog ,and an essential breed characteristic that we must strive to breed for.
Please assess your dogs objectively and ask yourself of your own dogs "is this really the build of an earth dog" ?
Mouths were on the whole correct but some very tight bites were apparent and teeth out of aliment I also found heavy almost houndy ears are also creeping in .
Always wanting to finish on a high note, once again temperaments as to be expected were excellent and all males were entire. As always when judging I was looking for a correct sized spannable tweedy border who comes to hand well, with the requisite ottery head shown in correct double jacket and thick pliable pelt, thus providing them the protection required of a working dog coupled with a lithe body with hard muscle tone and fitness to enable them to endure a day in the field
And in completing my appointment I was thrilled with my final line ups and ultimately such exemplary representatives of the breed to award the final top honours too.
Yearling - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
Good class
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
14th Nov 2015
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
I was honoured to be invited to judge at the Scottish Border Terrier Club and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was concerning that there were a large proportion of exhibits with poor front movement. The other area which I thought needed attention was heads – many lacked strength in foreface. On the positive side all the dogs had good temperaments, were clean and trimmed up to a good standard. Coats were all at various stages (as usual) but I found very few single coated exhibits. It was also pleasing to see so many neat cat-like feet. I felt that the quality of the bitches out-weighed that of the dogs.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
mature upstand bitch. Best of heads. Straight front. Good bone and feet. Thick double coat and loose pelt. Showed and moved well. Could be a bit narrower throughout.
Manchester Championship Show
14th Jan 2016
Judge: Mrs Ruth Ann Naun (USA)
I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Show Society, as well as Kate & Ronnie Irving who were my hosts while in Britain, I thoroughly enjoyed my judging and your hospitality.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
14th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr Rob Taylor (Foxthorn)
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Cheltenham & District Canine Society Open Show
28th Feb 2016
Judge: Mr.Tan Nagrecha
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Southern Border Terrier Club Members Limited Breed Show
6th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge this prestigious event and there support on the day. Thanks also to my Stewards Rachel Larner & David Hunt who helped manage the ring so efficiently and effectively without drama or fuss. Thanks also to Show Manager Jane Roberts and Andrew Mooney for ring stewarding and announcing.
I really enjoyed my day in the spotlight and thank all of the exhibitors who worked so hard to present their dogs and accepted my decisions so gracefully. I was happy with all of my class winners and hopefully people could see my interpretation of the standard on display in the dogs and bitches I selected. There were some really tough decisions and some very close calls for top 3 placings in some classes. I was delighted with my BoB, Reserve and Best puppy. There were many youngsters and older dogs and bitches that were a delight to go over, which gives me great encouragement.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
26th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr Bill Gray (Pontbeck)
A very big thank you to the club members, committee and officers for the privilege to judge this show for a second time. The club ensured I enjoyed my day with a warm welcome and being attentive to my every need. My stewards efficiency took a good burden from my shoulders and I was allowed to concentrate and assess the dogs.
Coats were a mixed bag from very little to very full but I would just say you can't judge something you can't see. I found it strange that some exhibits were stripped out except for a ridge of top coat running down their spine, creating a good outline is important but you can feel for body shape while handling. Heads were, in the main, very good to excellent with only a few that were lacking true Border character. The breed seems to have got on top of the problem regarding rear movement but front movement still needs to be addressed with a good number of exhibits " throwing their front around "
I was delighted in my main winners especially BIS. If I have seen a better example of the breed during the many years I've had an interest I can't remember. An outstanding dog in every respect, a true ambassador for Border Terriers and a dog that will be remembered in generations to come. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of judging him.
The two puppy bitch classes along with junior and yearling bitch were packed with quality and that bodes well for the future.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
10th Apr 2016
Judge: Mr D. Fryer (Irton)
The Border terrier breed standard is relatively brief, but implies a lot. To me, the most important clause is the first; 'Essentially a working terrier'. This must be interpreted; to me, it means that it must be capable of working to fox after following a possibly lengthy hunt across rough upland country, arriving under it's own steam, fit for purpose, at the same time as the huntsman who will typically be mounted. Thus it must have the length and depth of rib to allow good heart and lung room, and the conformation to allow properly efficient movement . It must also be narrow enough in rib to allow it to follow a fox to ground; and it must have the head and muzzle strength, and size of teeth and bite, to allow it to deal with whatever it finds. It must also have the coat and pelt to protect it from weather and quarry underground.
In my entry today, I found a lot of quality , but also a few worries. Front movement left a lot to be desired in too many exhibits; generally as a result of imperfect shoulder construction; though a worrying lack of muscle may well be a factor here. The puppy classes in particular left a lot to be desired in front movement; hopefully some will improve as they tighten up and mature. Coats were generally of good quality and mostly well prepared; though in some cases attempts at creative grooming did more to highlight shortcomings than to hide them. I found no undershot or overshot bites; though I did note a few with teeth not 'set square to the jaws', a few (older) dogs with missing teeth and several with somewhat crooked or undersized teeth. I was particularly impressed with the depth of quality in the upper dog classes.
My thanks to the Club and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to get my hands on so many quality Border terriers; particular thanks to Bev Jackson and family, and the collecting ring stewards, for the efficient marshalling of the ring which allowed me to concentrate solely on judging the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging , and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Upstanding, well angulated bitch, particularly behind, well ribbed back. Good coat and pelt. Moved well behind, strong head and jaw.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My thanks go to the Northern Border committee for their warm welcome and for the honour of judging their Open show. I really enjoyed my day, and the ladies put on a lovely lunch and Christine’s apple pie was the best pudding of the day. I received a lovely entry and I was very pleased with my winners. My thanks also go out to the exhibitors for allowing me to inspect their dogs on the day. My thanks also go to my two stewards who were a great help on the day.
It is only my opinion, but I think that the size of the border terriers is slowly returning back in line with the breed standard which I am pleased about as I thought that Border terriers were getting too long in the leg. Mouths were good, all dogs were entire, but just a few exhibits were a bit close at the rear. A few exhibitors could do with spending a little time learning how to tidy their dogs and how to get the best out of the dog on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
National Dog Show
8th May 2016
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
good head and type, dark eye, nice neck and shoulders, straight front, level topline good hindquarters, good coat. Moved well.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society
22nd May 2016
Judge: Mr F J Gadd (Gadkey)
Limit /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Bath Canine Society Championship Show
27th May 2016
Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
I found this class hard work to judge, nothing grabbed me at all and it was very much a case of balancing one bit against another in all of them.
Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Open Show
1st Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Presented in good condition with a tight double coat. Straight front and neat feet. Dark eyes, well set ears and good scissor bite. Correct angulation both back and front, moved well.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Well bodied and nice outline. Beautiful expression. Sufficient angulation. Moved freely.
Three Counties Championship Show
10th Jun 2016
Judge: Miss S Dandy
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Super feminine bitch, liked her dark neat ears but preferred the head carriage of 1. Coat in excellent condition. Well made, with good ribbing. Nice short, carrot tail. Moves well.
Yeovil & District Canine Society Premier Open Show
26th Jun 2016
Judge: Rachel Larner (Hawcoat)
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lateness of this critique. I would like to thank the society for its warm welcome and to the exhibitors for entering, also to my steward, Sandra Girling, for the smooth running of the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was extremely pleased with the number of dogs entered.
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Liked this bitch. Good head and expression. Well constructed, well balanced with good length of rib. Well angulated and excellent movement. Kept her topline on the move, moved with drive.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
16th Jul 2016
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
I would like to thank the Northern Border Terrier Club’s committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised & friendly show, I really enjoyed my day. A big thank you, to my stewards Sharon & Graham, who kept me on track throughout the day. On the down side some poor mouths, some of the males where lacking substance & not very masculine, bordering on thin, not sure they could do a days work. The depth of quality in the bitches was excellent & this meant that some decisions were very close & many lovely bitches missed out on this occasion. Also my thanks to the exhibitors for their sporting acceptance of my decisions.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
3 lovely bitches very hard decision, all deserving 1st place
Leeds Championship Show
22nd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to the officers & committee for this appointment giving CCs in this breed for the first time, also the exhibitors for a lovely entry, also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
BCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
a lovely bitch for shape & size, she has a lovely head with neat ears, correct bite, nice reach of neck, good in body & bone, in good coat, moved out well, pleased to give her the CC & BOB
Class Critique
Another very good class.
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr N Straw
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for the invitation to judge at their Annual Championship Show, my steward's who keeping things running smoothly in the 'office' and to the exhibitor's for a lovely entry. Temperaments as always in this breed were excellent. Size varied in both sexes with the bitches having the overall edge on the day. Heads were more uniformed than when I last judged, some were shown without the required 'double' coat and several were un-spannable, there were a few in-correct bites and front movement is still an issue, but the area that concerned me most was dirty teeth not just rear molars but the canines and incisors in particular some of the youngsters
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Monmouthshire Open Show
25th Aug 2016
Judge: Mr M Hacker (Sherifs)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Ploughdown Persephone
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Leicester City Canine Society
29th Aug 2016
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for this appointment and for your hospitality on the day. Thanks also to my two stewards who kept the ring moving. It was a privilege to be able to judge your dogs today and thank you for bringing them under me.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan bitch of 2 1/2 years. Presented in lovely jacket and moved with real drive around the ring. Up on the leg slightly for me but is very balanced and holds a beautiful picture in profile which is maintained on the move. She really catches the eye. Good head with correct bite. Well ribbed and spannable. Finished with a well set on carrot tail.
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
grizzle, although up to size, a joy to go over, good length of body, excellent rib/bone, looked a bit deep in chest but spannable, strong but feminine head, with well set ears, great jacket, moved very well.
Darlington Championship Dog Show
16th Sep 2016
Judge: Mr Mark Lowry (Ravenside)
Thank you to Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge their show. Special thanks to my stewards who’s relaxed but competent manner made for an enjoyable show, also a big thank you to all the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I was very happy with my main winners who I felt were fit for purpose and should have continued success in the show ring.
Mouths were good with even the smaller exhibits still having big strong teeth. Coats were of various lengths as to be expected. The two biggest concerns were heavy, almost sprung ribs in some dogs. Even on some smaller dogs and bitches, which in profile appear fine, but when going over, were surprisingly big in rib. This would hinder them when working underground. I am not saying they should be flat ribbed but the standard states deep and narrow and not over sprung.
Also I found not many dogs moving without much drive from behind. They should have the soundness to follow a horse. I did think on the whole that dogs were turned out very well and temperaments appeared good.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
24th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge this very enjoyable and well run show. It was an honour and pleasure. In the ring I was very ably assisted by my two capable stewards Ian and Bridget, who I would like to thank. The hospitality of the Club was second to none I had a truly wonderful day. Thanks must go to the exhibitors, who allowed me to go over their dogs. The depth of quality was remarkable and some very good exhibits had to go cardless I was delighted by my main winners, thank you again for giving me the pleasure of judging them. I chose the dog as BIS because he had that extra attitude and showmanship.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
What a superb class, the best of the day. I was spoilt for in depth quality, any of those below are CC material in my opinion.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2016
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
Thank you to the exhibitors who took the trouble to present their dogs at a difficult time of year in good condition with reasonable coats appropriately trimmed, as they know my wants. The top five winners were outstanding for being' normal' representatives of the breed with none of the current trend for exaggeration, in front and rear assemblies,all had correct length of body ,narrow front, deep ribs carried well back that provides the necessary heart and lung room for a border to be active all day and go to ground when needed.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
The Scottish BTC Championship Show
12th Nov 2016
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Hogg (Raeburnfoot)
Thank you for inviting me to judge this show. If my memory serves me correctly this was the very first Border Terrier show I exhibited at……30 years ago.
It really was a pleasure to go over so many good examples of the breed. Coats were at various stages and some paid the penalty with either little top coat or totally blown. Mouths were good. Some movement, especially front. Not so good. Size was better than I have seen in the past. Temperament on every exhibit was really good I am pleased to say. No noise from the cage area either that I was aware of. I was delighted with my main winners.
Special thanks must go to my very able steward and to the kitchen ladies for a lovely meal and coffee.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Another one with lots to like. Pleasing head and expression Straight front Well ribbed back. Neat feet. In good coat . Thick pelt. Liked her level topline and well set on carroty tail.
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
This was a lovely class of quality border bitches and unfortunately there were some that went without cards today that deserved recognition.
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Beautifully presented grizzle,more strongly made than first.Super coat and pelt,well set tail,good feet and moving very well. Preferred head of first.
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Close up to 1 with all the same attributes but not quite to the same level. Neat feet.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Best In Show
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
3 years old grizzle and tan bitch. Turned out to perfection. In new short harsh coat, thick pelt. Looked stunning in profile with excellent top line and tailset. Lovely carrot shaped tail. Good headed bitch with keen expression. Excellent mouth. Straight front. Well padded neat tight feet. Moved well from all angles. BB. BIS
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
stronger made bitch throughout than my winner, but was lovely to go over and was spannable, pleasing head and expression, like my winner didn’t have a great deal of coat in today, moved well.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Nice type of bitch just a bit up to size for me, fits the standard and a lot to like about her. Good bone neat feet, topline is good and can span, good harsh coat. Moved ok.
National Terrier Club
1st Apr 2017
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
Thank you to The National Terrier Club for the appointment also my stewards who did a sterling job in keeping everything moving smoothly and a thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the opportunity to go over their prized possessions. A few dogs were under weight and some would benefit by having their feet and nails some attention. I only found one suspect mouth and lots lacking in body condition. Some need to put scissors in the drawer and leave them there too! I was pleased with the final lines of my winners of both sexes.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
(G/tan) lovely bitch, liked her expression and neat ears but preferred the head of 1. Excellent body condition. A good harsh pin wire coat with good pelt. Well made, with good ribs and loin. lovely short, carrot tail. Moves well and positively.
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
23rd Apr 2017
Judge:
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge the Border terrier bitches, with my co judge, Bridget Singh. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was one I really enjoyed. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole, and that the borders had attracted the largest entry in the terrier group, my thanks to our two capable stewards, who kept things moving along nicely. Thanks also to the exhibitors who did me the honour and privilege of going over their bitches and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. All exhibits were of good quality and fit for purpose and I was delighted with my entry. Bridget and I agreed on the bitches for BOB and BPIB.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
3 years old grizzle bitch. Won on movement for me. Moved with reach and drive. Excellent shoulder placement, narrow throughout, ribbed well back with well muscled thighs. Held topline on the move. Moves freely with ease. Neat cat like feet. Lovely harsh coat, thick pelt. Strong muzzle. In excellent condition.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
This lovely 3 year old grizzle & tan, who caught my eye on entering the ring and didn’t disappoint. A lovely strong, but feminine head, dark eye with good ear set. Has a strong muzzle with excellent dentition. She has a straight front, standing on neat well padded feet. Well laid shoulders, ribs carried well back, good length of body and a strong loin, finished off with a well set on short carroty tail. Muscular hindquarters which she used with drive on the move, keeping her top line. Good loose pelt with a nice tight coat. Easily Spanned and well muscled. My co-judge and I both agreed on her for BOB. I was delighted to see her go TG4 under group judge Colin Powell (Bowtman).
Class Critique
What a lovely class to judge with some good quality bitches that could easily change places on another day
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
BCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Hard to take your eyes of this girl, she is so well put together, loved her balance, she has the most lovely eye and head with perfectly set ears, moves so positively in total harmony with her handler turned out to perfection BCC
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
What a fantastic class this was. Loved all the ones I placed today. Some very close decisions.
Birmingham National Dog Show
4th May 2017
Judge: Mr Terence Tuck
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Typey otter-like head, with a strong muzzle. An honest border all round, with lovely unexaggerated proportions, nicely ribbed back, and well put together all through. Good straight front, and well-angulated hindquarters. In good coat and condition.
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.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Grizzle bitch nice head ear set ok, scissor bite, harsh double coat spanned ok good tail set moved out well never stopped showing.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Another strong bitch, a little bigger than 1st, strong head with good eye and mouth, good level top line held on the move, in harsh jacket with good muscle tone
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.
RBCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
r/g soundly constructed throughout with balanced angulation & a very pleasing outline. Shown in a good depth of harsh coat. She has attractive feminine head qualities & she moved straight & true RCC.
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.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Attractive, elegant bitch. Good overall balance, nice head, good mouth and eye. Neat earset. Good body length, level topline on the move with good tailset. Moved well.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
RBCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Very nice head and expression, nice overall outline presenting attractive picture, well made body, moved well. Res BCC.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Light grizzle, typical head and feminine expression. Good overall balance, straight front, ribs carried well back. Nice carroty tail. Harsh coat of good texture. Free sound movement.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
BCC
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Upstanding strong but feminine bitch. Lovely head with broad skull, dark eyes, neat ears and strong over muzzle, good reach of neck into well placed shoulders. Straight front. Ribs carried well back. Nice bend of stifle. Level topline and correct tailset. Thick double coat and loose pelt which made her look heavier than what she was. Steady true mover. Showed well in the challenge. CC
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.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
lovely bitch to go over, she has the correct moderately broad skull with short strong muzzle, excellent dentition , well set dark eye giving good expression, well set ears, moderate length of neck & good body length, could span her rib & has a correct loose & thick pelt, in hard jacket with dense undercoat good quarters & very well balanced all through, good tail set & carriage, she moves with ease & has lovely drive from her quarters
Class Critique
Fabulous class & a delight to handle many top quality bitches. I could have given top awards to the first 5 in this class today.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously.
I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Boston & DCS Championship Show
7th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to award Challenge Certificates for the first time for this breed at this show. The show had a wonderful atmosphere throughout & it was great to see the other terrier breeds gaining support from exhibitors. I was delighted with the entry of 98. Thank you to my stewards Bill and Trish, who kept the ring running very smoothly and to all the exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great achievement to be able to handle & judge this lovely breed I thank the exhibitors for their sporting behaviour & kind comments afterwards. I personally had an enjoyable day, despite been very much under the weather & to be honest really struggled at times, but thankfully I continued to ply myself with tablets, lozenges and drinks. I tried to judge the dogs as I saw them on the day, based on their virtues, difficult at times, due to the varying types. The quality within the entry was in the bitches. Front movement is obviously an issue within the breed & in some classes; I had to be lenient with this obvious fault. Again it was disappointing to find so many with so little muscle tone. Coats & pelts were generally good throughout, considering the time of year & dentition was also good with large teeth in abundance. It was a pleasure to see not one cross word between the dogs & temperaments were excellent. Quite a few were wriggly little devils on the table, but guess all aren't, or supposed to be statues.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
What a cracking class, so much quality to choose from, it was really a pleasure to judge.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower)
Many thanks to my stewards Alan Small and Susan Kannangara.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
Great depth of quality and I had to let go some who have done well under me in the past.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2018
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Nice head with neat dark ears and a pleasing dark eye. Well made. Great jacket and pelt, Tight feet and firmly muscled. Narrow clean lines. Nice carrot tail set well on.
Class Critique
Top quality bitches on display with very close decisions between the top 5.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
Another by the good producing sire. She is very stylish and catches ones eye, in this class. Up for all asked. Never lets up. Alert, fit and well muscled. Moves with verve and style. Grand jacket and presentation. Just felt my top two had a touch more type and femininity. Quality and worthy champion.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Class Critique
For me the best class of the day and the only class I decided to shortlist the card winners. It was all down to movement with all carded dogs being of exceptional quality
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Open - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My first judging appointment at a Championship show and what a lovely day I had. Firstly I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Society for inviting me to judge their show, and also to all the exhibitors for showing their support.
I had a lovely selection of dogs and I was very pleased with the quality that came before me. All dogs were entire and mouths were good. Some dogs could have done with being tidied up a little more.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
tidy bitch with slender lines, head not as strong as 1 but nice eyes and well placed ears.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
10th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would firstly like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to judge their February Open Show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also thank you to my very efficient stewards Julie Price ad Jem Thomas and by no means least my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors for a super entry.
A few exhibits were wide in front, one or two I couldn't span, movement left a lot to be desired and some could have done with a little more tidying up.
Best Bitch
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Open - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
Placing Critique
a lovely quality bitch who is worthy of her title. She has an excellent head with lovely expression. Correct mouth with large teeth and good depth of muzzle. Nice narrow front. She has a good pin wire coat and lose pelt. Excellent topline and tail set which she carries well on the move. Presented well - a credit to her owner. Please to award her BB. Well done.
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.
Open - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
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.
Open - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Ploughdown Persephone
