First Place in Junior - Dog, Judge: Mr Stewart McPherson (Brumberhill)
Firstly, my thanks must go to the committee for the invitation to judge at their show and to those exhibitors who entered, for my opinion, always an honour, to judge their dogs, giving me the highest entry in the Terrier Group. My thanks, also, to my stewards, who kept things running smoothly, with good humour.
An interesting entry, most were sound and typical. The thing that struck me most was front profile movement. An alarming number, due to an incorrect shoulder and upper arm placement, lacked full reach on the move, the leg lifting, hackney like, but not straightening out to reach full extension on the move. It may appear to be accurate coming and going, but it doesn’t actually cover much of the ground, so is therefore uneconomical movement, meaning the dog would have to work twice as hard to keep up, as the Standard asks for “capable of” and the “soundness to follow a horse”. Just because it’s possible to win with this type of movement doesn’t make it correct!
I was very pleased with my top winners, shown free standing, giving the, in my opinion, correct outlines, with no need to “assemble“ them in to a shape! All were sound, free movers. Typical “old school” Border Terriers! Pleased to hear that their qualities were recognised in their respective Groups!
Light Grizzle & Tan. Exceptional, otter like, head & expression, with moderately broad skull and short, strong muzzle, with a keen, dark eye. Small V- shaped ears dropping forward close to the cheek. Excellent neck, shoulder, front & feet. Lithe, narrow body, with ribs carried well back. Easily spanned. Racy hindquarters. Super topline and tail set, with a good, well carried tail. Excelled on the move, keeping his outline, and showing correct reach and drive. No doubting that he would be capable of following a horse! Super handy size and presented to perfection in a harsh double coat. A real showman, who can only get better with maturity, loved him! Pleased to award him his first CC.