First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
I was informed of one withdrawn having been stung by a bee. I hope he was ok. My first three from this class were all, in my opinion, very good Border Terriers and all of them I would consider worthy champions of our breed.
Superb G&T male. Beautifully balanced with everything coming together just right to make the overall dog a joy to the eye. He had enough coat for me to assess as good. His skin is thick enough. He has the best of heads, strong and masculine. Very pleasing correct eyes, ears and teeth with strong muzzle. He excels in movement with a straight narrow front coming and the same going and in direct alignment front and rear. He is perfect for bone. In profile he stands proud with a level topline and good tail set and he carries his tail perfectly both standing and moving. When he moves, in profile he has drive from his rear and in my opinion he has ample reach to his front. He is easily spanned with correct shaped ribs, which are well back and is strong in loin. He stands away and would be hard to miss, therefore, I am not surprised that so many judges have given him the top awards. DOG CC AND BEST OF BREED. When I was leaving the show I bumped into him and his rightly proud owner, who told me that he had been informed on the day that the dog was Britain’s Top Show Dog, all breeds, at this time.