Second 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.
Another very typy Border Terrier who I thought was excellent for size and overall shape. He has a very nice head with a typical otter type skull, he has breadth over the skull, his ears which are small and well placed. Strong in muzzle with no evidence of lack of underjaw and good dark nose. He has a pleasing neck into well placed shoulders. His forelegs are straight and not overdone in bone. He is narrow through and easily spannable. Correct top-line. Racy in the hindquarters, good short tail, thick at the base and which he carries well. He was excellent on the move and very pleasing both fore and aft. Pushed the winner of open hard however I just felt he was blowing his coat which took the advantage to the 1st placed dog and I just slightly preferred the tightness of foot on one. RDCC. I hope his title comes he is more than deserving.