First Place in Yearling - Dog, 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.
Not an easy class to sort out.
Typical dog who is a moderate and well-made border. Typical head with nice expression. Good neck into well placed shoulders. Good front with narrow but deep chest. Nice bone and decent feet. Easily spanned. Well ribbed and nice short loin. Good set of nice short tail. Racy hindquarters. In decent jacket. Not very settled and not helping his handler, but did enough to annexe the class