Show Type: Championship
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson
Thank you to the Members for inviting me to judge what has been for me and many others, one of the favourite shows on the calendar every year. Having won the Bitch CC and Best in Show here at the very first ScBTC Ch show in 1985 with Otterkin Blue Bouquet JW, perhaps I am slightly biased by good memories, but I think most people who attend consider it one of the most popular shows of the year, as there is always a warm welcome guaranteed from the Officers and Committee of the Scottish Border Terrier Club to exhibitors and spectators alike and a good atmosphere at all of their shows.
Many thanks to Marjorie Wanless who officiated as an uncomplaining and efficient steward all on her lonesome all day; what a star! Thanks too for the lovely gift from the Club.
It is good when decisions are accepted with grace, be it win or lose and I thank the exhibitors for that. It is not easy being a judge, knowing you disappoint some but please others, but one has to just judge the dogs and go with your instincts, please yourself, select those you like the best and hope others appreciate that you did your best, to your ability, without fear or favour.
Overall, the quality was high, with a lot to like. There were only a couple who felt too thin, so I will not dwell on this too much this time, except to say that a working dog needs some substance, some strength and endurance and this is NOT achieved when you starve a big dog to try to make it look smaller, as any judge fooled by that is not to be applauded. Going over a dog on the table, I hate to feel all the backbone and see the ribs sticking out. It is cruel and unkind to keep your dog too thin. Borders like their food. Not as many thin ones here as were at Crufts in 2007, just a couple. This is just something for people to watch please.
Teeth were not a big problem – only one slightly undershot and a couple with one tooth out of line. I will not penalise a dog/bitch for one tooth out of line and refuse to put that in the individual dog/bitches critique – that is for me to know (I am sure the exhibitors already know) and for other judges to find (or not) and do as they will. For me, there is so much more that is important than one tooth out of alignment. If such a dog/bitch with one tooth out of line still had a scissor bite and all other good attributes, then it was placed accordingly. I have seen critiques which say “Only one if” – I will not lumber any dog/bitch with that and have everyone wanting to know what it was.
I was surprised to find a couple with kinks in their tails, as exhibitors can feel this easily themselves. This has been touched upon in the 2007 BTC Year Book and judges (including me) have their own views on this, although there is nothing in the UK breed standard about it.
A couple had peculiar coats, with what seemed like some substance in them, which did not make them feel harsh, more sticky and stuck together and although that meant I could not see the skin, it was not because they had good coats and it gave me grubby hands after going over them. Substance in a terrier’s coat fools no-one – please do not do it! On the down side, there were a few more which left my hands dirty after examination. Although they are a working dog, please present them to the judge in clean condition. I didn’t turn up grubby and neither should they!
Overall though, I thought the breed to be in a good place and I was very pleased with all my top winners (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I)?
Best In Show: Bramblebrae Violet at Shiftyfox JW
RDCC: Foxfactor Pied Piper JW ShCM
Best Puppy - Dog: Merumhor Midwinter
BCC: Bramblebrae Violet at Shiftyfox JW
RBCC: Karison Koffee
Best Puppy - Bitch: Otterbobs Umber
Best Puppy: Otterbobs Umber
Best Veteran: CH Fehmarn Magic Lantern JW
Entries: 13 Absentees: 7
1st - CH Fehmarn Magic Lantern JW (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
Huge teeth on this dog. Although a good otter head, I just preferred the type on the head of the 2nd, but this one is all dog and moved very well both ways on small tight feet. A touch wide in front, but only marginally and I consider he could still perform the function of a working terrier. Good bend of stifle and good tailset. Has a good thick pelt. Pleased to award him Best Veteran.
2nd - Holmston Fairtrader For Flutorum (Castel, Euan & Jean)
Liked this dog when he came in the ring, although he is a little bitchy in head, he has a good dark eye and I preferred his head type over the winner. Lovely mover and possesses an excellent thick pelt and good harsh jacket.
3rd - CH Earthwise Deuteronomy ShCM (Culley, Anne; Orr, Joyce)
Res - CH Ashbrae Poacher (Mr A & Mrs E Cuthbertson)
VHC - Achnagairn Blue Bronte (Mrs A Fraser)
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st - Ragatam Equalizer Via Ycart (Mr K K & Mrs T J Fraser & Butler)
Dark grizzle dog, liked his neck and shoulders. Good topline and tailset. Short, thick carroty tail. Lovely otter head although missing some teeth. Moved very well both coming and going. Good rib shape; although up on the leg, he was easily spanned. Nails could do with a bit of attention today.
2nd - CH Blue Tutu Via Ycart (Mr K K Fraser & Mrs T J Butler)
Pretty head on this bitch, with nice sized ears, well placed. I would prefer a stronger muzzle, although she had a good scissor bite. Very neat little bitch all through with a good neck and straight topline. Small tight feet. I was not quite happy with her front movement, as she does something strange with one of her front legs, flipping it out as she moves and she also stands with that leg turned out slightly, which cost her the 1st place here.
Entries: 6 Absentees: 1
1st - Kelcraig Dalesman by Ragatam (Miss T J Peacock)
Loved the head on this puppy, who was just over 6 months. Everything about him is good for his age and not overdone. Good moderate head. Straight front. Nice length of neck. Tight cat-like feet. Good bend of stifle he is put together right and so he moves right. Lovely rib, carried well back
2nd - Hesslemere Queen's Counsel (Mrs C Davis)
Although this blue and tan looks black from a distance, his ticking is coming through and can be readily seen underneath the topcoat. Lovely head and really good straight front. Good shaped rib, being easily spanned. He moved very well both ways on small tight feet. Loved his carrot shaped tail and his attitude in the ring – a very happy, confident puppy who was enjoying his showing. So important to make these first experiences good for the puppies, so they hopefully go on to show well in later life.
3rd - Remony Runrig (Mrs A E Gregory)
Res - Otterbobs Ubarrow (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
VHC - Chatmoss King Orry at Moddeyaalin (Mrs S A Cracknell)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 4
1st - Merumhor Midwinter (Mr G & Mrs H Mckenzie)
Never seen such a young dog move so soundly. He is up on the leg, but he can be spanned. Narrow front and when he comes towards you, he is so sound, with no deviation from straight forward. Long in the back, matched by good long rib carried well back. Good tail, well set on. Nice neck and good overall balance took him to Best Puppy Dog.
2nd - Drigothe Barbarian (Mr S & Mrs C E Griffiths)
Much smaller dog in type, with a very good head and moving very well. Liked his rib, he was easily spanned. Good narrow front. He possesses the right amount of bone. Nice to see a young puppy enjoying himself in the ring.
3rd - Irton Morse Code (Mr & Mrs D Fryer)
Res - Hesslemere Queen's Counsel (Mrs C Davis)
VHC - Joncroft Ghillie Dhu (Mr M Johnston)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 1
1st - Dandyhow Dr Walter (Mrs K M Irving)
Liked the overall balance of this dog. He stands over the ground well, with everything in the right place. Excellent otter head with ears dropping forward and held close to the cheek. Lovely length of neck, good shoulders leading into a good topline. At times moving a trifle close behind, which cost him higher honours, although he was close up to the CC and Reserve CC winners.
2nd - Ravenside Workforce (Mr M Lowry)
Good head on this dog with a dark eye and excellent expression, although to be hyper critical, would prefer a little more fill under the eye. Liked his movement, he had a good narrow front, good topline and good shaped tail, although at times he carried it a little too high over the back being proud of his tail.
3rd - Roxess a Touch of Magic (Mr J & Mrs N Todd)
Res - Akenside Santavenere Dolabella (Mrs L Gosling)
VHC - Kalebank Harvester (Mrs S Portsmouth)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 3
1st - Quarryway Tabasco At Dualta (Mr W T & Mrs J L Edwards)
Dark grizzle dog, very easily spanned with a good harsh jacket. Ears well placed, dropping forward close to the cheek and a keen expression. Could perhaps do with a little more bend of stifle. Would prefer a slightly smaller eye. Has a lovely set on of tail, good topline, a nice straight front and moved well
2nd - Beaconpike Red Saturn (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
Lovely otter head on this dog and good ear placement; would just prefer a better topline and tailset, although he has a good length of neck. Nice bend of stifle and lovely small, tight feet
3rd - Ollivander Benjamin of Cringletie (Mrs R E A Fowler)
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0
1st - Chatmoss King Orry at Moddeyaalin (Mrs S A Cracknell)
Unplaced in his previous 2 classes. Very light red grizzle, almost a wheaten. Small dark eye, although would prefer a stronger muzzle, but has a good flat skull. Good topline. Rib carried well back
Entries: 10 Absentees: 3
1st - Merumhor Midwinter (Mr G & Mrs H Mckenzie)
2nd - Hesslemere Queen's Counsel (Mrs C Davis)
3rd - Remony Runrig (Mrs A E Gregory)
Res - Otterbobs Ubarrow (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
VHC - Tyneaster Ancnoc Brom (Mrs S F Gill)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st - Tersets Blue Flame (Mrs P Jackman)
Love the way this dog is put together, with his tail of good shape and coming right off the top of his back. Very nice topline and moved exceedingly well. Good otter head with good ear placement. Good narrow front, he has just the right amount of bone. Excellent harsh jacket with correct amount of ticking, so that he is a blue and not another colour!
2nd - Grettacs the Wizard (Mr B & Mrs L P Inness)
Longer cast dog who moved quite nicely Preferred the size of eye of the 1st but he has a lovely flat skull, good straight front, just the right amount of bone and a good bend of stifle. Nice topline and tailset. He too has a good jacket, so essential in a working dog.
3rd - Brumborder River Skipper at Shiftyfox (Mr G Widey)
Res - Blues Boy At Brackenfell (Mr C Hall & Miss L Ellis)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 3
1st - Silent Wonder (Mr & Mrs Gillies)
Head with kind expression and ears falling forward close to the cheek. Narrow front and was easily spanned. Really liked his neck and shoulders, he also had a good topline and a lovely carrot shaped tail. Jacket so tight, could not see the skin. Moved well.
2nd - The Dark Crystal (Mrs Anderson)
Liked his movement very much, but he was a shade heavy on the rib today. He has a beautiful otter head with a lovely dark eye and keen expression, although could perhaps do with a shade more in length of neck. Good tail, well set on. Good double coat, with topcoat of good texture.
3rd - Tyneaster Ancnoc Brom (Mrs S F Gill)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 2
1st - Earthwise Follow Me (Mr E J Houston)
Both these dogs were up to size but I preferred the rib shape on the 1st. Although he can be spanned, he is quite deep in rib. He has a good head with good ear placement and a keen expression. Another one who has a good body shape when viewed from above and he moved around the ring well.
2nd - Ashbrae Fellman At Beaconpike (Mr & Mrs Golding)
Excellent otter head on this dark red grizzle dog, he ran the winner a close second, but was just a shade big on the rib today. Thick double coat would keep him warm and dry in most conditions. Nice set on of tail.
Entries: 19 Absentees: 2
Very difficult class as some hard decisions here. Liked a lot of those present in this class.
1st - Earthwise Wolfbane JW (Mr E J Houston)
Dark red grizzle dog moving very well both ways. Put together right, he moves right. Not overdone in any way, he is one of those unassuming dogs who are so good for the breed and have a lot to offer us for the future. A working dog is not required to be a flashy show dog, but to be an honest dog, who could do a days work and this one strikes me as being capable of that. Possesses a lovely otter head, with neat ears falling forward close to the cheek. Good length of neck leading into good shoulders. He was so easily spanned, with an excellent shape of rib. He has a level topline and a tail coming right off the top of his back. Very pleased to award him Dog CC and Reserve Best in Show.
2nd - Ragatam Joker At Paleside (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell)
Red dog of good type. Another one with a good otter head and good ear placement. Excellent harsh thick jacket, which was so thick that I could hardly see the skin – just right! Elegant neck. Not overdone in bone and a lovely carrot tail, well set on. Nice specimen and should have a bright future.
3rd - Cobstoneway River Magic (Miss C Spencer)
Res - Dandyhow Zat (Mrs G Mcdougald)
VHC - Lairehope Lord of the Glen At Tweedburn (Mrs C Archibald)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st - Foxfactor Pied Piper JW ShCM (Mrs K D Stockley)
Very nicely put together, he stands over the ground well without being too big. He has a good bend of stifle, which enables his lovely long stride when viewed from the side. This, coupled with good, honest movement coming and going, made him one of the best movers of the day. Masculine otter head with good ear placement and good dark eye. Liked his narrow front, good topline and short, carrot tail straight off the back. Well deserved his Reserve Dog CC and hope he goes on to gain his title.
2nd - CH Irton Up Helly Aa (Mr D & Mrs A Fryer)
Short of coat today, but a lovely dog. Liked his neck and shoulders, topline and tailset. He has good small tight cat like feet. Beautiful otter head with a lovely small, dark eye and good ear placement. Unlucky to meet the first on such good form today.
3rd - Solitary Mist (Mr D & Mrs C Hodgson)
Res - Karison Kasper (Miss K Johnson)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 3
1st - Otterbobs Umber (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
A quality puppy of lovely size with a fabulous rib, so easily spanned and an excellent topline and tailset. She has just the right amount of bone, not overdone, and has a very pretty otter head, with lovely neck leading into good shoulders. Short, carroty tail and good small, tight feet. She is a very honest, unassuming bitch and combines those qualities of type with good movement which draw the eye. Pleased to award her Best Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy in show
2nd - Totherend Tiller Girl (Mr R G & Mrs E A Wright)
Dark grizzle bitch with a lovely thick coat and pelt. Very nice all round and close up to the winner. Beautiful otter head with good ear placement and dark eyes
3rd - Earthwise Galadriel (Mr E Houston)
Res - Grindelvald Over The Moon at Hemlockstone (Mr R H & Miss J A Bryan & Pounder)
VHC - Ycart Digging On Infront (Mr K K & Mrs T J Fraser & Butler)
Entries: 16 Absentees: 4
1st - Merumhor Solstice Belle (Mr C J & Mrs J H Martin)
Blue and tan bitch very well put together, with lovely head, neck and shoulders. Small, dark eyes and good ear placement. Excellent tail set, she also has a good bend of stifle. She stands over the ground well, without being overdone. Although she looks deep in the chest, she is easily spanned
2nd - Staynorwood Fortune (Mr G & Mrs C Richardson)
Occasionally stands dipping her back, but when she sorts that out, she is very well put together. Very pretty head with good ear placement. She is OK for bone and has a good length of neck. Viewed from above, she has that classic rib shape to admire and has a good tail, well set on.
3rd - Totherend Blue Loulou (Mr R G & Mrs E A Wright)
Res - Earthwise Galadriel (Mr E Houston)
VHC - Lady Ann's Joy (Mrs B Pearson)
Entries: 11 Absentees: 2
1st - Manx Ballavale (Mrs A M Gregory)
This bitch is beautifully put together; she moved exceeding well. Loved her head, neck and shoulders. She has just the right amount of bone and stands beautifully, making the best of herself most of the time. Liked her size and good shaped rib, easily spanned. Evidence of a good topcoat completes the picture. I think she is very promising and could go on to greater things, given time.
2nd - Kgills Five Jive (Mrs J Broomhead)
This Blue and tan bitch is also nicely put together, although a little more on the rangier style and deeper in the rib. She has good dark eyes and I liked her ear placement. Would prefer a little more strength of muzzle, but she had a nice neck and shoulders and good, small, tight feet.
3rd - Alcumlow Miss Sixty at Riseburn (Miss C Tutin)
Res - Roxess As If By Magic (Mr J & Mrs N Todd)
VHC - Tyneaster Bowmore Duana (Mrs S F Gill)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 2
1st - Bramblebrae Violet at Shiftyfox JW (Mr G Wildey)
Very hard decision between 1st and 2nd here. The 1st had the edge on length of neck, but lovely to see 2 very good bitches in competition and I would not mind owning either of them. The winner has an excellent head, so otter like and yet still feminine, with correct 1/3rd and 2/3rd proportions. Good dark eye and liked her ear placement. Lovely length of body, with a good rib, carried well back and so, she was easily spanned and came to hand well. Tail well set on, coming straight off the back. Her blue and tan jacket, while being attractive and having the correct ticking, also fulfils the standard to do the job required, combining form with function, being harsh and tight, with thick undercoat and excellent thick pliable pelt. As well as all the component parts of the standard being together in one package, she also has that indefinable type, that beauty which catches your eye and draws you in. Very pleased to award her the Bitch CC and Best In Show.
2nd - Karison Koffee (Miss K Johnson)
Just preferred the length of back and neck of the winner, but apart from that, she was right in all departments and a very promising bitch. She has the most glorious otter head and an excellent jacket, with thick, loose pelt and a good undercoat. Another one who could do the job. Lovely carroty tail, well set on. She moved round the ring with style, to take the Reserve Bitch CC.
3rd - Fehmarn Fine Romance (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
Res - Beaconpike In A Storm (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
VHC - Dandyhow Myrtle (Mrs M Brown)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 0
1st - Kgills Five Jive for Bardenfox (Mrs J Broomhead)
This blue and tan bitch was second in a strong Junior class and moved well today. Liked her head and she had a good bend of stifle and a good tail set, although she was perhaps a little wide in front.
2nd - Lady Ann's Joy (Mrs B Pearson)
Was VHC in Puppy bitch. Pretty headed bitch, she has a lovely thick pelt and good jacket. Liked her neck, but sometimes does not hold her topline so well.
3rd - Lairehope Georgianna (Mrs T R Campbell)
Res - Asplands Riddle Me Wry (Mrs F M Colton)
Entries: 10 Absentees: 1
A very hard decision here in this excellent class. I would have been happy to give this class to each one of the first 3 placed and indeed, each of them had already won a class!
1st - Manx Ballavale (Mrs A M Gregory)
Just pipped the other puppy bitch into 3rd place for rib shape, but 2 very nice puppies showing great promise.
2nd - Otterbobs Umber (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
3rd - Merumhor Solstice Belle (Mr C J & Mrs J H Martin)
Res - Alcumlow Miss Sixty at Riseburn (Miss C Tutin)
VHC - Lairehope Georgianna (Mrs T R Campbell)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 1
1st - Ollivander Wicked Lady
Very pretty, feminine otter head. Liked her size and she spanned easily, with an excellent rib shape. I read critiques which say “flat rib” and cringe – the standard does not call for a flat rib, neither does the job the dogs need to do. The Border needs to be able to have enough heart and lung room to do a good job all day and a rib which can be spanned, like this one has; not a flat rib, but one with a lovely shape which could get anywhere required underground. One of the thickest pelts of the day, with a harsh jacket and good undercoat. She moved very well both coming and going and was finished off with a good carrot shaped tail, well set on.
2nd - Grettacs One And Only (Mr D Scattergood & Ms L Headley)
A more rangy bitch. Light red in colour, she had very light coloured ears as well. Preferred the expression on the winner, but this one moved out well and was in excellent hard condition, with a good front and ribs carried well back, she had good small feet and a good set on of tail. Another one with a good thick pelt
3rd - Lairehope Georgianna (Mrs T R Campbell)
Res - An Cnoc of Baillieswells (Professor A S Milton)
VHC - Joncroft Never Unprepared (Mr & Mrs M Johnson)
Entries: 16 Absentees: 5
At first, I thought that the one placed reserve was going to be the winner in this class. I really liked her for type, but she was just a little too heavy. Perhaps on another day.
1st - Southash Party Knight (Mr & Mrs T Knight)
Liked her for size and she was very easily spanned. Excellent otter head and lovely jacket. She moved around the ring with style and an easy, confident, accurate stride, although at times a bit too exuberant (notes say “a bit manic!!”) as befits her name.
2nd - Ragatam Kingsai At Redfox (Mr & Mrs D B Marr)
Lovely light red grizzle bitch with a very pretty face. She looks very much the lady. Perhaps lacking a little in bone, but she has good small, tight feet, a very narrow front and was easily spanned.
3rd - Bramblebee Squiglet (Miss E Clements)
Res - Grettacs Magical Girl (Mr D Scattergood & Ms L Headley)
VHC - Kilburnpride Lily (Mrs E & Miss Scott)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 1
1st - Rexlands Golden Plover By Karison JW (Miss K & Mrs D Johnson & Pearson)
The winner of this class looked big from a distance, but when going over her, with hands on, I found she was not at all big. She comes to hand nicely, with that light feel you get when lifting one who has sufficient bone and is well covered, but is just right for size and overall weight and balance. She spans easily and has a super blue and tan coat and was moving out well, both coming and going. Loved her head for shape and size, very “ottery”, with good expression, ears falling forward close to the cheek and a short strong muzzle. Liked her front assembly and she had a good tail, well set on. Very promising bitch. Reading the catalogue when doing the critiques, pleased to see she has the same sire as the winner of Graduate bitch.
2nd - Saracen Susie At Kilburnpride (Mrs E & Miss E Scott)
Smaller bitch all round; very easily spanned. Lovely otter head. Good bone for her size. Nice small tight feet. Another one with a nice tail. Just preferred the topline on the winner.
3rd - Southash Party Knight (Mr & Mrs T Knight)
Res - Fehmarn Lochside Love (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
VHC - Achnagairn Quick Step (Mrs A Fraser)
Entries: 23 Absentees: 12
1st - Kilburn Chocolate Muffin (Mrs E & Miss Scott)
Loved the way this one came to hand; she has a lovely neck and shoulders. Good otter head with well placed ears, lovely dark eye and good strong muzzle. Spans well, with ribs carried well back and good set on of tail; she moved very well.
2nd - Rhozzum Keynote With Foxfactor JW (Mrs K D Stockley)
This one was close up to the winner. Another one with a good otter head, she was just a bit shorter. Liked her neck and shoulders and she possesses small tight feet
3rd - Bramblebee Squiglet (Miss E Clements)
Res - Mascani Daisy At Cynetkoy (Mr S D Watson & Mrs A S Kenna)
VHC - Achnagairn Busy Brogue (Mrs A Fraser)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 1
1st - Lairehope Diamant Chienne (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian)
Loved the way this bitch handled on the table and she moved beautifully. Fabulous otter head with a dark eye, she is a very pretty bitch and typy throughout, ending in a lovely thick, short carroty tail.
2nd - Ir CH Comberdown Rosalie (Mr & Mrs Higham)
A more rangy bitch with nice neck and topline and well set on tail. A little up on the leg and nails could be shortened. I just preferred the 1st for type, but this one is nevertheless a good bitch, well off for bone and has a lot to recommend.
3rd - Fehmarn Free Ranger (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
Res - CH Howthwaite In Violet (Mr R & Mrs E Barrett)
VHC - CH Karison Kamellia JW (Miss K Johnson)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st: Scott Nicely matched for size and type, both possessing good heads and nice straight fronts
2nd: Johnson Also matched for size. Very good heads. Good tight jackets.
3rd: Morton-Shaw
Res: Sugar
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st: Irving Good type on all these Borders and moved round the ring with ease and efficiency of movement.
2nd: Johnson Very close up to the winners; also of excellent type. Bodes well for the breed that breeders can produce such consistency across their lines.