First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
I would like to thank the London and Home Counties Terrier Club for affording me the opportunity to judge at this year’s Premier Open Show, and to my very capable steward Sharon, who kept things moving in the ring.
Regarding the exhibits: I had some lovely examples that exemplified what I look for in a Border Terrier. The stamp of the breed the head- its proportions such, that it is capable of doing its job underground, and a body constructed to deal with the terrain and weather of Northumberland; so, in good fit hard working condition.
I did not find any suspect mouths and no kinked tails.
Smart dog presented in fit, hard condition ready for a day’s work and constructed so to do. Another dog with a super otter head, correctly proportioned to enable a powerful bite from strong jaws with big teeth. Shallow stop, well placed dark eye with inquisitive intelligent expression. Head flows into good length of neck that is used well to present a super outline of correct ratio’s both at rest and on the move. Good thickness of skin, loose pelt and harsh jacket. Balanced dog, with great front- narrow throughout and gave hints that if he were on a looser lead, he would reach out and drive a bit more than he did today, as he and his handler were not consistently in simpatico. Nevertheless, there is much to like about this dog and did push, once settled a bit more in second class, to be awarded Reserve Dog and Reserve Best of Breed. I was delighted to see him go on to be placed Group 4 in the Best Reserve in Show Group.