First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Grizzle and tan with a super balanced outline that he showed off free stacking and on the move. Attractive Otter-like head with lovely small dark eyes and neat ears. His construction flowed from his super reach of neck through his narrow shoulders and excellent long rib. His underline, topline and tailset were superb both standing and on the move .He’s very easily spanned. Neatest of fronts with excellent small padded feet. All this topped off with harsh dense jacket and thick pelt. Moved with good long stride and completely took my eye in the challenge where he fully deserved the DCC today (delighted to see him shortlisted in the Terrier group – congratulations)