Best Of Breed, 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.
I have previously given this top class dog BIS and my opinion of him hasn’t altered. He screams breed type, quality head and eye, correct body proportions and easily spannable, super coat which was in good order, masculine head, correct topline. He ran the winner close in this strong group and he too presented a good picture on the move. David Guy Group Judge