First Place in Puppy - Dog, Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Many thanks for the lovely entry, both in terms of quality and quantity. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with the Border Terriers. When I last judged I felt there were too many with houndy large ears, this did not seem to be replicated in today’s entry which was pleasing and expression was generally much improved. What I did notice was that front action is something that we need to watch. Being Manchester and the last Championship show pre Crufts there were quite a few dogs who had been stripped in preparation and quite a few out of coat. In part that did play a part in some of my fineer placings.
This is a very mature puppy and is at the top end of the age spectrum at 12 months. His last puppy class today I was later told. I thought he was smart as paint. He is a lovely overall shape. He has an excellent head and expression. There is enough breadth through his skull and another and another with a short strong muzzle with good underjaw and no sign of weakness. He has a keen dark eye and his ears the correct size. Pleasing moderate length of neck into well placed shoulders. His front is nicely made and his body is of good length and is narrow through. Well ribbed back. Pleasing racy hindquarters and good thick tail which is not too long. He moved well and was in a good harsh coat today. Pleased to award him this class and subsequently Best Puppy