First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Having watched him both in the breed and in Group competition I was looking forward to see if I would have the opportunity to judge him at Crufts on the green carpet. For me he just typifies what I was looking for in a Border Terrier, good size, a clean and balanced outlook with no exaggeration and that required workmanlike appearance and combining it all with his great showmanship. Best of heads with an excellent eye and expression. Well made front assembly, good depth but easily spanned, level topline and a good taiset. Strong hindquarters that he uses to advantage on the move. Put down to perfection on the day. Soundest of movers, CC & BOB and so pleased to see him take G2 later in the day.