First Place in Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch, Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Some nice ones to go over at the start of the day
Quality dog who impressed for his overall size and proportions. Very typical head with good breadth to skull and lovely keen dark eye. Neat ears. Good length of neck into well laid shoulders. Nice front assembly and good depth to the body. Well ribbed back. Pleasing topline and set of his short tail. Moved very well fore and aft. Not in the best of jackets by any stretch of the imagination but what I was able to feel was of good harsh texture. Lack of coat was just one transient fault and this will rectify itself, so did not overlook the other qualities of this very nice specimen.