Second Place in Post Graduate - 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.
Unfortunately his coat had gone over so I had to ‘dig in’ to find the quality dog beneath. What I found was really pleasing so sure he will do well when presented in what I have observed to be a good coat on other occasions. The thick coat just made him appear stocky compared to the class winner. Liked his type, size and good movement so sure he will do well in the future.