First Place in Open - 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.
A bit disappointed with only 2 dogs in open class but both were good quality and a pleasure to go over.
The winner is a very masculine type in full double jacket over what was the thickest pelt I found all day. He has a good top-line with well set on carrot like tail. Good bone and substance, moved well both ways, just held back in strong dog challenge by heavy coat giving less pleasing neckline.