First Place in Open - Bitch, Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
I judged this bitch when she was 13 months old and was delighted to have the chance of judging her again as an adult to discover that she has matured into a lovely border terrier of great quality. Her feminine head has a strong short muzzle with good teeth. I admired her clean neck, top line, tail carriage and overall flowing narrow bodylines as she moved effortlessly with elegance around the ring. Moving well with good reach and drive that secured this class win today. She was in short new coat that had texture, when it came to the challenge the depth of coat to my CC winner just nudged the decision to award her the RCC. I was delighted later in the day to see her made up to a champion, many congratulations.