Show Type: Championship
Venue: NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
Entries: 275 making 306
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place – I just didn’t have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Best Of Breed: Glenbucket Highland Lad
RDCC: Cedarhill Ghost Writer JW
Best Puppy - Dog: Cedarhill Melt In The Mouth
RBCC: CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM
Best Puppy - Bitch: Ragatam Essence
Best Puppy: Ragatam Essence
Best Veteran: CH Howthwaite In Violet
Entries: 14 Absentees: 2
A lovely class of oldies, all presented fit and a credit to their owners.
1st - CH Cobstoneway River Magic JW ShCM (Miss C Spencer)
Well presented fit and handsome dog, good head neck and shoulder, good eye and expression, lovely neat feet, not the keenest of showmen but he moved soundly round the ring covering his ground.
2nd - Beaconpike Red Saturn (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
A smaller dog of a really nice type, lovely head, neat ears, good for bone and well angulated, presented in a super red coat, moving very well round the ring.
3rd - CH/AM/CAN CH Cedarhill Beyond the Stars JW (Mrs C Dean)
A heavier set dog than the first two, good head, well off for bone, nicely balanced giving an attractive picture, presented in a good dense coat and moved well.
Res - CH Olderhill Afortunado (Mrs S Wilson)
VHC - Dandyhow Douglas Fir (Mr T & Miss K Wrenn & Langdon)
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0
1st - Brookbeech Wild Boy (Mr P Shephard)
Stood alone here, decent head, good bite, well made if a bit on the leg at this stage, slightly overfaced by the occasion so not helping his handler on the move but did enough.
Entries: 8 Absentees: 0
A good class of dog pups with a lot of promise, some paying the penalty for coat and some a bit overawed by the surroundings.
1st - Cedarhill Melt In The Mouth (Mrs C Dean)
A big dog but spannable, very attractive type, good head and eye, could be a bit stronger over the foreface, good for bone, neat feet. In a good coat and moving OK BPD but preferred the size of the bitch for BP.
2nd - Valicetarn Blue Cosmos at Beaconpike (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
A smaller dog, very attractive bl/t with a lot to like about him. Well balanced and in good fit condition. Good head and eye, good neck and shoulder,Moving well and showing well for his handler.
3rd - Hawcoat Super Trooper (Mrs E J & Miss R C Larner)
Another attractive bl/t, good head and ear, slightly large eye. Well off for bone and well balanced. Moved well and was rather noisily enjoying his day out!
Res - Borderby's Return To Sender For Clipstone (Miss E & Mrs J Jackson)
VHC - Cedarhill Dish Of The Day For Dexlin (Mr B & Mrs L P Inness)
Entries: 14 Absentees: 0
Another good class of young dogs where some good ones had to miss out, the first two were close up both being very promising youngsters.
1st - Dassett Last Waltz JW (Mrs S Spafford)
A beautifully balanced young dog, strong jaw, good head, eye and earset giving a very typical expression. Good bone and nice angulations, good feet, nice tail & tailset, nothing out of place. He moved out well covering his ground, in a good red coat with a good pelt, perhaps a bit overhandled, I prefer to see a dog stand free. He certainly got a look in in the challenge but in an entry dominated by some outstanding mature males he paid for his youth, I am sure that his day will come.
2nd - Tojamatt Taboo (Mr & Mrs D Matthews)
Another very promising youngster with a lot to like about him. Good head and alert expression, Well balanced and OK for bone, Easily spanned with a good rib and loin, he is a bit unruly on the move and paid the price for coat here.
3rd - Glenbucket Highland Reel (Mrs M J Alexander)
A big red dog of a very nice type, good head and expression but could be stronger over the foreface, well off for bone and shown in an excellent coat. He has a lovely lazy stride and just flows round the ring.
Res - Bohamer Blue Storm (Mr A & Mrs J Rock)
VHC - Torryburn Schiehallon (Miss J Aldis)
Entries: 24 Absentees: 1
A big, rather difficult class where a lot of good dogs had to go cardless, the first three here were outstanding young dogs.
1st - Gameway Macaroon (Mrs J S Truss)
A very nice type of Border and very showy, Good head and expression but as with many could be stronger over the foreface. Well balanced and with good bone, good tail & tailset, presented in a good coat he was moving out well to take this strong class.
2nd - Northborders Marlon Brando JW (Miss J North)
A bigger dog but spannable, perhaps a bit up on the leg. Attractive head with a good strong jaw and good earset. Good for bone with good rib carried back, in good fit condition, showing and moving well, a very attractive picture.
3rd - Ridgebow Two Hoots (Mr N & Mrs A Duxbury)
A better size of dog, good head, tight feet and OK for bone. He was moving very well. Just didn’t seem to have the balance of the first two today, looking a bit stuffy.
Res - Eneonith Marbles (Miss J Burrell)
VHC - Glebeheath Just a Gigolo (Mrs J Guvercin)
Entries: 18 Absentees: 2
1st - Kensteen Boogie Nights (Mr C Ryan)
Attractive dog, good head, neck & shoulder. Well balanced, good grizzle coat, moving out OK to win the class.
2nd - Akenside Eventide (Mr & Mrs B & N Wanless)
An attractive dark grizzle, rather heavy in ear and eye. Well angulated and OK for bone. Good coat and pelt, moved out well.
3rd - Otterpaws Mountain High (Mr & Mrs G Birrell)
A smaller red with a good head & eye. Nicely balanced and fit, moving OK.
Res - Earthtaw Jasper Carrot At Moleschamber (Ms L Pile)
VHC - Borderpoint Obsidian (Mr R W & Mrs L H Steel)
Entries: 16 Absentees: 1
1st - Brackenfell Rock The Boat For Vandamere JW (Mr S Pollit)
Good head, nice strong muzzle, well set ears. Good for bone, good angulations fore & aft, Shown in good coat and moving out OK, quite a showy dog.
2nd - Bowencloud Busy Bee JW (Mrs S J Ruth)
Bigger dog with a super head, good bone and well balanced angulations, in excellent coat and moving well.
3rd - Thorneyburn Peace Pipe at Wreighaugh (Mr M & Mrs A J Carr)
Another big dog but spannable. Very typical and of a lovely type, good bone good feet, moving very easily round the ring and enjoying his day out.
Res - Orangebox Stewards Enquiry (Mr & Mrs R Greenhill & Mrs M Thomas)
VHC - Cedarhill Authorisation (Mrs J Alpe)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 2
A splendid class of dogs headed by two outstanding examples.
1st - Glenbucket Highland Lad (Mrs N Anderson)
A big red dog with a super head, good eye and earset, lovely balance, OK for bone and well angulated both ends. He just glides round the ring effortlessly. Presented today in absolutely top form, in a stunning coat and very fit, never put a foot wrong and I was pleased to award him the CC & BOB.
2nd - Cedarhill Ghost Writer JW (Mrs M Fleming)
Another lovely dog in top form today and pushing hard for top honours. Good head, neck and shoulder , moving well and looking sparkling, couldn’t quite match my first today but did enough to secure the Reserve CC in some pretty tough competition.
3rd - Lairehope Duke Diamante (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian)
Another very typical and attractive Border. Good head, well made with neat feet, moved well round the ring to complete a stunning trio.
Res - Chorbeck Chatty Man JW ShCM (Mrs H Haughton)
VHC - Chatmoss Bullet Tooth Tony JW (Miss J Hughes)
Entries: 21 Absentees: 0
A stunning class, quality went all the way down and I was really splitting hairs to place my winners.
1st - CH Karison Kosta (Miss K Johnson)
Good strong head with a strong jaw, well set ears if slightly heavy. A very well made dog all round good tail & tailset and presented in decent coat, moving out well to take this strong class.
2nd - Howthwaite Grainsgill (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Good head, neck and shoulder, good strong jaw with good feet and bone. In a good coat and moving well but not quite on his game today.
3rd - CH Bandicoot Doc Martin (Ms V L K Docwra)
Good head with a good strong jaw, well made dog with good bone, lovely tight feet, well angulated. A showy dog who moved very well round the ring, A fragment short of coat today.
Res - IT/NOR/FIN/RUS/USA/UKR/SVK CH Cedarhill No Excuse Needed (Ms C Tyumentseva)
VHC - Gameway Mcvitie JW (Mrs P Clark)
Entries: 12 Absentees: 0
1st - Thorneyburn Peace Pipe at Wreighaugh (Mr M & Mrs A J Carr)
see mid limit above
2nd - Tyneaster Special Agent at Raedwulf (Mrs V Atkinson)
Unplaced in the very strong Open class, OK in head & shoulder, moving OK in a decent coat.
3rd - Otterpaws Mountain High (Mr & Mrs G Birrell)
see PG above
Res - Brumberhill Breitling (Mr T & Mrs K Kelly)
VHC - Cedarhill Front Of House (Mr F & Mrs H Freeman)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 5
A lovely class of bitches.
1st - CH Howthwaite In Violet (Mr R & Mrs E Barrett)
A lively 10 year old bitch, could be stronger in foreface, good dentition, good eye and earset. Well off for bone and well angulated with a well set on tail which was working hard as she powered round the ring. Presented in a very good sharp bl/t coat, clearly enjoying her day out, pleased to award her Best Veteran.
2nd - Hollowmoor Casilva (Mrs A D Williams)
A big bitch but beautifully made. Not showing her 11 plus years. Excellent head, good shoulder and good bone, shown very fit and in a very good coat, moving out really well.
3rd - CH Nantcoch Ffion JW ShCM (Mrs J M Phillips)
A smaller bitch, good head, neatly made, in good coat and moving confidently round the ring.
Res - Seymours Bubble And Squeak For Raleniro ShCM (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine)
VHC - Carrickfarm Mika ShCM (Mrs V M Armstrong)
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st - Otterbobs Georgia Blue (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
An attractive little bitch, good head and well made throughout, nice neat feet. Out of coat today but moving very competently round the ring, a promising prospect.
2nd - Otterwood Nemesis Del Fisherbloom (Mrs G P Maskell)
Another rather raw baby, also out of coat today. Bigger bitch and rather long but a good head and expression.
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st - Ragatam Essence (Miss T Peacock)
Competent all round little bitch, still to finish in head, good for bone and balance, good topline, shown in very good coat and moving and showing very well, an exciting prospect, I preferred her size to the dog giving her BPIB.
2nd - Alcumlow Bloom (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
Attractive blue, good head and expression, well balanced and OK for bone, nice length and rib, moving out well.
3rd - Valicetarn Velvet (Mrs V Mason)
Another very attractive pup who was not helping her handler one bit. Good head and expression, well balanced with good feet, in a very good coat she moved confidently and well but wasn’t happy to stand, spoiling her topline.
Res - Tarkaswell Bond Girl (Mrs C E Samsom)
VHC - Ebffiniau Bluebell Before Summer At Tojamatt (Miss E Brinkley)
Entries: 18 Absentees: 3
1st - Bardenfox Queen of the Road (Mr I & Mrs J Broomhead)
Very attractive head, good earset and eye, good shoulder, nice tight feet, good bone and angulations with a well set on tail. In a good red coat and moving and showing well.
2nd - Fehmarn Moelwyncoch (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
A very nice type of Border, lovely head, good neck and shoulders, well balanced and angulated, good neat feet, tail & tailset, in a very good coat and moving very well.
3rd - Broadsmill Ha'penny for Holteal (Mrs G Vaughan)
A bigger bitch, a bit up on the leg, good head but needs a bit more foreface. Good for bone and well made, in a good coat and also showing and moving well.
Res - Karison Kalluna (Miss K Johnson)
VHC - Otterpaws Lyin Eyes (Miss A M Dixon)
Entries: 19 Absentees: 1
1st - Beaconpike River Sky (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
Stood away in this class, lovely bitch, beautiful balance, excellent head, good eye and expression, nice neat ears, just right for bone, good tail & tailset, good coat & pelt, moving and showing very well. Considered her for top honours, today she had to give way to more mature bitches but I am sure her day will come.
2nd - Goxfell Reivers Rose (Mrs J Stamp & Mr D Joyce)
Smaller bitch, well made all through, OK in head, OK for bone, rib carried well back, good set on tail. Shown in an absolutely cracking bl/t coat with a good pelt. Not as steady on the move as 1 but did enough in this very strong class.
3rd - Glen Mara Noblesse Oblige (Mrs B B Bernaudin)
Grizzle & tan with a good head, well made which made her a very sound mover, in a decent coat today.
Res - Otterbobs Duchess (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
VHC - Carrickfarm Mhairi (L C & C Templeman & Comben)
Entries: 25 Absentees: 6
1st - Achnagairn Touch Of Class (Mrs A Fraser)
A very competent, typical bitch of a very good type. Good headpiece all round, good shoulder and strong loin, good coat and pelt, moving confidently to win this big class.
2nd - Bowencloud The Bee Charmer (Mrs S J Ruth)
Another steady competent bitch. Good head but perhaps not as strong a jaw as 1, well angulated with neat feet, in agood coat and moving well.
3rd - Abisu Tansy (Miss S Moseley)
A smaller bitch all through, OK in head, in very good coat, well balanced and so moving accurately with a good stride.
Res - Alcumlow Heather At Sensevalley (Mrs C & Mr D Payne)
VHC - Kadaredhills Henley Star (Mrs J Potts)
Entries: 22 Absentees: 4
A very good class with quite a mixture of types.
1st - Bardenfox Tale as Old as Time (Mr I & Mrs J Broomhead)
Competent showy bitch, very good head with a strong jaw, good eye & ears, well balanced with a good shoulder and rib well carried, good tight feet, good tail & set, moving very well.
2nd - Beaconpike Venus (Mr S R & Mrs K M Golding)
A smaller bitch, very typical, could be a bit stronger in jaw but otherwise a good headpiece, good neck & shoulder, well balanced angulations, good tail & set, moving well in a good coat.
3rd - Baillieswells Stronachie (Professor A S Milton)
Another smaller typical bitch, attractive head with neat ears, good shoulder and ribs carried well back, in a very good coat, she was moving very well and when settled showing well
Res - Achnagairn Prim N'proper (Mrs A Fraser)
VHC - Merumhor Blue Jasmine (Mr C & Mrs J Martin)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 7
A very strong class.
1st - Ridgebow Pendle Witch (Mr N & Mrs A Duxbury)
Overall a beautifully constucted bitch, very well balanced. Very attractive head, good neck and shoulder, good rib with strong loin,OK for bone, tight feet, very good bl/t coat, presented very fit and moved very confidently round the ring with a lovely easy stride. In a very tight challenge her overall type and steadiness took her to the CC.
2nd - Karison Krumble (Miss K Johnson)
Another very attractive bitch who was not far behind. Good head, well made all through if not quite so clean in shoulder, good feet, good tail & tailset, in a good red coat, another who moved well, very accurate and with a good stride.
3rd - Abisu Bramble (Miss S Moseley)
OK in head if not quite up to the first two, well balanced with good rib and loin, good topline, in a good red coat and another who moved very well round the ring,
Res - Shiftyfox Fairydust Of Glenoak (Dr J A & Mrs E J Hudson)
VHC - Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin' (Mrs S J Baxter)
Entries: 25 Absentees: 6
This was an absolutely belting class, I could have placed another stack of these bitches, there were dogs here that in the past I have awarded top honours that today had to go well down the line so some hard decisions had to be made. Difficult to split the first three all of whom had great virtues so it came down to splitting hairs and personal preference for style and type.
1st - CH Dowgri Demelza ShCM (Mr W & Mrs T J Baird)
A very attractive bitch with a great style about her, presented in beautiful coat and condition. Good head, good eye & expression, slightly heavy in ear. Good neck and shoulder, OK for bone, well balanced with a well carried rib and strong loin. Nice tight feet and a good tail & tailset. She was moving very strongly to take the class. In the Challenge she was unsteady on the move and had to settle for the reserve CC
2nd - CH / Ir CH Ploughdown Paloma (Mr E & Dr M Armstrong)
Another very impressive stylish bitch who was close up to 1. Good head, neck and shoulder, just OK for bone. Another who was well balanced all through with everything in the right place, maybe carrying a little weight, in good coat and another who was very impressive on the move.
3rd - CH Brankell Double Or Quits JW (Mr P Brannan & Miss M Kelly)
Another superb bitch that was so well presented and shown. Very good head with good eye and expression, well balanced through without any exagerration. Moving out very well on good tight feet.
Res - Jump For Joy Von Der Borderranch (Mrs P Berlitz)
VHC - CH Otterbobs Xolana (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
A bit of a mixed class from the previous entries.
1st - Alcumlow Heather At Sensevalley (Mrs C & Mr D Payne)
Reserve in PG, quite a showy little bitch, lacks strength in head, good construction,
2nd - Twigglestone Somethin Else For Lessien (Miss S J Pateman)
Quite a nice type of bitch from the yearling class. Good head & expression, in decent coat with nice tight feet, good tail & tailset, moving well.
3rd - Borderella Snap Dragon RL.1 (Mr F & Mrs H Freeman)
New to this class, nearly 7 years, pleasant bitch, again not a very strong head, in a reasonable coat , presented well and moving OK.
Res - Picer Angelica to Nottorg ShCM (Mr P & Mrs A Taylor)
VHC - Thistlemead Harmony JW (Mrs P M Heeley)