First Place in Yearling - Dog, Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
His quality was clearly on display from the moment he came into the ring and he stood out not only in this class but also in the Challenge where I was delighted to award him the CC and Best of Breed. His harsh double jacket over thick loose pelt gave instant advantage. His masculine well-proportioned but not over done otter like head has a strong under jaw and neat V shaped ears well placed. He maintained his top line at all times and he moved with accuracy across the ground where others struggled. His strong loin and moderate length of body were supplemented by a wonderful carrot like tail, well set on giving the overall appearance of a super Border Terrier. I was pleased to see him shortlisted in the group where he did our breed proud. I believe this to be his second CC and hope to see him rightly made up to Champion in the future.