First Place in Open - 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.
Good class.
Quality Blue and tan. I was most impressed with this dog when I had him on the table. He has the most typical otter head. He has correct breadth of skull and nice small well shaped ears. His head is of correct proportions with a good short strong muzzle with strength of underjaw. Neat dark eye. Beautiful length of neck. Good front assembly. Lovely bone and nice tight foot. Easily spannable, he has adequate depth of chest and is narrow through and well ribbed back. His top-line and tail set are correct, in excellent harsh top jacket. I have judged this dog previously as a junior and felt he needed a lot of maturing and to settle in front, he has done this I abundance and was much improved. This dog is excellent on the move and he moves with required drive. Easy winner of this class and subsequently was pleased to award him DCC and BOB