First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mrs Linda Coleman (Hartswelin)
I enjoyed my judging and appreciated the good sportsmanship around the ring with applause for all class placings, this is so often lacking these days. In the males there were a lot shown in single coat so these were not in contention on the day, also quite a few were difficult to span. I did not find these problems in the bitches However as many judges before me have commented, good front movement is the exception rather than the norm and these Borders would easily tire following a horse all day.
I gave this dog the Res CC from limit last time I judged and boy has he hit the high spots since but deservedly so. He was presented in pin wire coat, easily spannable there is no exaggeration with this dog and everything flows smoothly through his neck and shoulders with matching hind angulation. His balanced head with short strong muzzle through to his narrow front and straight legs. He moved well, happily covering the ground and stood out in the challenge so CC, BOB and short listed in the group.