Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show (22-10-2023)

Second Place in Limit, Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)

Show Critique:

My thanks to the committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely quality entry of Border Terriers. This is a friendly and welcoming show and I was ably assisted by a super Steward who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently.
The acoustics of the building today did have a detrimental effect on some of the exhibits; but of course, it is impossible to find a perfect space for every dog to show themselves at their best.
As mentioned I was honoured to have a super selection of Borders to go over today; especially the Puppy class where many were exhibiting for the first time.
I found all male dogs intact, and no kinked tails and one wry mouth. Coats were in all stages of growth today, and a few lacked a good visible covering of undercoat which naturally affected placings. Temperaments were all excellent and the ‘glint ‘ in the eye that I would like to see- inquisitive and game that looked ready for a day‘s work, which in turn reflected in their positive movement- was pleasingly there with all my main line up; as was the ‘stamp’ of the breed the otter- like head with correct proportions in the head to allow the powerful jaws to do their job, whilst standing on- most importantly, small thickly padded cat-like feet.

Placing Critique:

3-year-old G & T bitch who flew into the ring ready to go. Beautiful expression in a feminine but correctly proportioned head, with strong short muzzle with little stop and straight front atop small tight feet with thick pads. Topline and underline ok little deeper in brisket than 1. Spannable and a cracking coat and carroty tail. Racy hindquarters completes the picture that saw her drive around the ring with purpose.