Show Type: Championship
Venue: Springwood Park, Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 8LS
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Entries: 124 dogs making 156 entries
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Best Of Breed: Stineval Lambert JW
DCC: Stineval Lambert JW
RDCC: Ravenside Helissio
BCC: CH Howthwaite's Resolution
RBCC: Orangebox A New Hope At Itsaso
Best Puppy: Bluebabel Border Song
Best Veteran: CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0
All three are quality puppies that are just setting out and although a bit silly at times I prefer to see this animation at this stage, schooling and focus will come with age.
1st - Bluebabel Border Song (Mr K P & Mrs N B Yates)
Just 1 day over six months of age and one to watch as he matures, a well-proportioned boy in good double coat. He has good rear angulation and moved out well both ways driving forward keeping his top-line with a well set on tail. His poise and accuracy on the move plus condition and turn out resulted in him not only winning this class but also going on to be best puppy in breed.
2nd - Jordith Roll Up And Shine (Mrs L.M.I & Mr A.M. Jordan-Smith)
A narrow youngster with a nice head developing with shallow stop and good ribs carried well back. Moved well with a good long stride, a little unsteady at times on the bumpy ground today, a lot to like and looking forward to seeing him mature.
3rd - Ravenside Play The Game Kersfell (Mrs M Sneddon)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 0
1st - Tyneotter Bolt From The Blue (Mrs N Anderson)
This Blue and Tan puppy is well proportioned if up to size but still easily spanned with good coat and thick loose pelt. Masculine head with short strong muzzle moved well keeping his top-line to win this class.
2nd - Borderrush Cadbury (Mrs J Hill)
Stockier type than winner, this Blue and Tan boy has a good otter type head with excellent dentition. Good lay of shoulder and well laid back rib.
3rd - Chadbrook Torsten (Miss C Macgregor)
Res - Achnagairn Line Of Duty (Mr C & Mrs J Johnson)
VHC - Jordith Roll Up And Shine (Mrs L.M.I & Mr A.M. Jordan-Smith)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 2
1st - Whittonglebe Poacher (Mr G & Mrs J Mackenzie)
This youngster excelled on the table and was a delight to go over to discover his fine condition that took him to first place in this class. The best of otter type heads with shallow stop and short strong muzzle. His coat was coming in and was harsh tight and fresh, liked his type and enthusiasm when moving with drive and purpose.
2nd - Rainsbarrow Thistle (Miss J Young & Mr P McCluskey)
Another quality boy in super coat too, with good thick pelt, liked his otter head and pushed the winner hard, just slightly wider but could see this boy having a good future.
3rd - Arunmere For Fox Sake (Miss J Hughes)
Res - Beaconpike Adonis (Miss J Strother)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st - Stineval Lambert JW (Mr A & Mrs C Horner)
His quality was clearly on display from the moment he came into the ring and he stood out not only in this class but also in the Challenge where I was delighted to award him the CC and Best of Breed. His harsh double jacket over thick loose pelt gave instant advantage. His masculine well-proportioned but not over done otter like head has a strong under jaw and neat V shaped ears well placed. He maintained his top line at all times and he moved with accuracy across the ground where others struggled. His strong loin and moderate length of body were supplemented by a wonderful carrot like tail, well set on giving the overall appearance of a super Border Terrier. I was pleased to see him shortlisted in the group where he did our breed proud. I believe this to be his second CC and hope to see him rightly made up to Champion in the future.
2nd - Ravenside Run To Me At Sandyfaulds (Mr G Grassie)
Jacket just coming through on this boy with a good head, narrow through he had good drive but was slightly loose in front over the bumpy ground today.
3rd - Lairehope Bijou (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian)
Res - Hightarn Nightfall At Roseghyll (Mrs A Johnson)
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0
1st - Borderrush Cadbury (Mrs J Hill)
See Junior 2nd place
2nd - Jordith Roll Up And Shine (Mrs L.M.I & Mr A.M. Jordan-Smith)
See Minor Puppy 2nd place
3rd - Beaconpike Adonis (Miss J Strother)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st - Raedwulf Daybreak JW (Mr M & Mrs V Atkinson)
Smaller in stature, this dog has so many good qualities that fit the standard so well, including otter like head with neat V shaped, well placed ears, harsh double jacket over good pelt, good shoulder and rear angulation. Not over exaggerated in any way, he carried his top-line well on the move and kept showing with enthusiasm in the challenge.
2nd - Ycart Just to Ground (Mr K K Fraser & Mrs T J Butler)
Another nice dog, narrower than my winner with a strong muzzle and flat skull, has good angulation and moved well with drive so lots to like in this Blue and Tan male.
3rd - Pipruda Dark Rum at Beckholm JW (Mrs A Sutton)
Res - Elemcella Bar Tender (Mr C Tait)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 0
1st - Duke of York Fiery Lucifer To Stowthorney (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
A young Blue and Tan lad, with a great top-line maintained on the move, striding out well, presented in super condition to win his class. A good otter like head with well-placed ears, moderate neck that flowed into narrow body with well laid back rib. As he matures and settles on the move, he will improve to achieve his potential.
2nd - Cobstoneway Stand By Me JW (Mrs G Stevens)
Unfortunately his coat had gone over so I had to ‘dig in’ to find the quality dog beneath. What I found was really pleasing so sure he will do well when presented in what I have observed to be a good coat on other occasions. The thick coat just made him appear stocky compared to the class winner. Liked his type, size and good movement so sure he will do well in the future.
3rd - Raedwulf Nightfall JW (Mr M & Mrs V Atkinson)
Res - Tyneotter Sun Stands Still (Mrs N Anderson & Mrs A Howard)
VHC - Lairehope L'ile D'or (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian)
Entries: 11 Absentees: 0
This class had a delightful bunch of super dogs, making it a privilege to judge today!
1st - Ravenside Helissio (Mr M Lowry)
My winner was in outstanding fit condition, his tight new jacket and muscle tone gave him the look of a dog that could easily follow a horse even in the warm conditions today. This and his sound free flowing movement, from all angles, won him the class and Reserve CC, liked his narrow lines and masculine head, sure he has good things to come.
2nd - Cedarhill Dish Of The Day For Dexlin (Mr B & Mrs L P Inness)
Another super border with a masculine otter like head that is not overdone or exaggerated in any way, his coat was just going over but was still harsh over a thick loose pelt. He was just pipped on front movement over the bumpy ground today but could have easily placed him first in a hotly contested class.
3rd - Thornheswin Ring Of Fire (Mr J C Dixon)
Res - Beaconpike Dionysus (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
VHC - Kevrah Orion Seeking Orangebox (Mr M & Mrs T Anscombe)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 2
A bit disappointed with only 2 dogs in open class but both were good quality and a pleasure to go over.
1st - Lairehope Starman (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian)
The winner is a very masculine type in full double jacket over what was the thickest pelt I found all day. He has a good top-line with well set on carrot like tail. Good bone and substance, moved well both ways, just held back in strong dog challenge by heavy coat giving less pleasing neckline.
2nd - Onthill Nighthawk (AV)1 (Mr V J & Mrs M Pearce)
Nice Blue and Tan dog that has a good head with keen expression, narrow body lines and good construction would have liked more purpose and stride on the move.
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st - Bristoc Rock The Boat at Bluebabel (Mr K P & Mrs N B Yates)
Nearly 11 years and looked in very good order today, his top-line that he held well on the move took him to top position. He moved soundly both ways and overall a fine mature specimen.
2nd - Blue Duke Of Cumbria At Roseghyll (Mrs A Johnson)
At just over 11 this gent is a nice type but struggled to keep his top line on the move, this aside he has maintained a lot of good breed qualities.
Entries: 9 Absentees: 1
This was an outstanding class of youngsters and the quality was in abundance, I had to move some good specimens that I liked down the line. It will be interesting to see which of these go on to bigger things?
1st - Ravenside Home At Last (Mr M Lowry)
To win this class, the coat and condition were outstanding on this feminine youngster, who had good reach of neck, nice shoulder and good rear angulation. She moved out with good length of stride and purpose, super pelt and top-line with well-set on carrot like tail. Went on to be best puppy bitch, just lost concentration on the move in the final challenge for best puppy. A very promising prospect.
2nd - Elemcella Las Panteras (Mr C Tait)
A close call with another youngster of correct size with pleasing otter like head. Also in great coat and condition, moving well over the ground, this made her a strong contender for this class and took her to first place in the Puppy Class.
3rd - Stineval Sasha (Mr A & Mrs C Horner)
Res - Liatch Tenacious (Malcolm, Glen & Knowles)
VHC - Irton Marmalade (Mr D G & Mrs A C Fryer)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 1
1st - Elemcella Las Panteras (Mr C Tait)
See 2nd in Minor Puppy
2nd - Chadbrook Astrid (Miss J Young & Mr P McCluskey)
Lovely for type and size with yet another good jacket over loose thick pelt, pleasing feminine head with neatest dentition, good rear angulation, just preferred carrot tail of class winner.
3rd - Olliesorchids Vintage Fizz (Mr R & Mrs D Symons)
Res - Otterpaws The Thunder Rolls (Miss A M Dixon)
VHC - Onziemehurst Milly Earhart (Miss A Nettle)
Entries: 10 Absentees: 2
1st - Stowthorney These Days (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
The neatest of V shaped ears correctly placed and dark eye gives this girl a very attractive feminine head. I liked her reach of neck, shoulder placement and pleasing lines, with well-set tail plus good rear angulation. This bitch moved out well coming and going. Her coat was just coming in and perhaps a few weeks on she could have challenged for top honours, one to watch out for in the future.
2nd - Haystoun Cosmic Dancer At Paleside (Mr D & Mrs D Mitchell)
Nice Blue and Tan bitch in great condition with keen expression and narrow bodylines, moved really well on tight cat like feet.
3rd - Normbar Maggie May (Mrs N Ellis)
Res - Lynsett Miss Molly (Mr J R & Mrs V Mann)
VHC - Ragatam Caol Ila At Baillieswells (Miss T Peacock)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 2
1st - Howthwaite Gaan Divilish (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Deep double coated youngster with good pelt and pleasing feminine head with small neat ears and dark eye, short muzzle without exaggeration. Liked her shoulder placement, easily spanned she moved with drive and purpose. Her good bodylines were complemented with a well set carrot like tail giving a pleasing outline.
2nd - Thornheswin Northern Lass (Mr J C Dixon)
Different type to my winner but also had good double jacket and pelt for this Blue and Tan youngster. Narrow lines just couldn’t match 1 for movement covering the ground.
3rd - Ycart Just Stood Baying (Mr K K Fraser & Mrs T J Butler)
Res - Ceilloch Griffin At Onziemehurst (Miss A Nettle)
VHC - Carrickfarm Myra (Mrs M Armstrong)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st - Ragatam Brodie (Miss T J Peacock)
A lot to like here with appealing feminine head with neat well placed ears, good reach of neck into good top-line. Thick double coat she was in good condition, slightly unsettled movement was the only thing holding her back today.
2nd - Normbar Maggie May (Mrs N Ellis)
Pleasing bitch that has similar comments to my winner, written in my book I noted pleasing head with neat ear and good top-line. Some take longer to mature so as both 1 and 2 are still juniors, either or both could do well in the future.
3rd - Otterpaws The Thunder Rolls (Miss A M Dixon)
Res - Borderrush Rambutan (Miss A J Hall)
VHC - Ragatam Caol Ila At Baillieswells (Miss T Peacock)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 3
1st - Arunmere Annie Oakley (Miss J Hughes)
This girl powered around the ring looking fabulous in profile, striding out with purpose and into top place. Short muzzle with strong underjaw and neat ear. Good coat and no exaggeration in any quarter just lacked front precision coming towards.
2nd - Otterpaws Red Red Wine (Mrs J M Dixon)
Slightly deeper than 1, she has good otter like head with dark eye shown in good coat, just lacked the drive of my winner today.
3rd - Coral Gem Fiery Lucifer Via Ycart (Mr K K & Mrs T J Fraser & Butler)
Res - Ragatam Brodie (Miss T J Peacock)
VHC - Carrickfarm Marnie (Mrs V M Armstrong)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st - Beaconpike Solstice (Mr S & Mrs K Golding)
This very nice grizzle and tan bitch who moved well in the end after taking her time to settle in a closely contested class of nice bitches. Shown in really tight, new short harsh coat and easily spanned there is a lot to appreciate including her neat ears, dark nose and carrot like tail.
2nd - Raedwulf Mata Hari JW (Mr M & Mrs V Atkinson)
Compared to the winner this shorter coupled bitch also has good breed qualities and type. With her strong short muzzle I would prefer fewer furnishings as she was good in this department. She has well placed neat V shaped ears, a harsh coat over thick loose pelt making her nice to go over. Moving true she had slightly less drive than my class winner today.
3rd - Havencroft Emerald Via Kewhaigh (Mrs N A Cummins)
Res - Otterpaws Lyin Eyes JW (Miss A M Dixon)
VHC - Otterwood Aura At Borderrush (Miss A J Hall)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 3
My top three were worthy of their stud book numbers and could be placed in any order on another day.
1st - Borderrush Magic Bean (Miss A J Hall)
My winner was in the best of coats and condition, pleasing bitch, loved her otter like features that took her to top position. Shown in new tight double jacket with good pelt, she moved well with drive and precision. She met tougher competition in the Open class so a shame she missed out on showing off in the challenge.
2nd - Thornheswin Huntress (Mr J C Dixon)
Neatest V shaped ears on another quality bitch of correct size and good construction shown in full coat that didn’t make her look stuffy. Narrow with good lay of shoulder with racy hindquarters moved well both ways.
3rd - Bluebabel Gypsy Heart (Mr K P & Mrs N B Yeates)
Res - Decent Fiery Lucifer To Lessien (Miss S Pateman)
VHC - Remony Fallen Embers (Mrs B Wakefield)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 4
A great class to judge with lots of quality and only 5 places, I had to dismiss decent dogs as a result.
1st - CH Howthwaite's Resolution (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
I simply couldn’t overlook the qualities that ticked box after box against the breed standard. A delight to go over and a vision in the line where I had the pleasure to award her the CC. Her harsh double jacket was set over a good pelt, a bitch in top condition. Loved her otter like head, a slightly darker eye would have ticked every box of the standard in my opinion. She didn’t put a foot wrong on the move and with super muscle tone without being overly heavy. Overall a bitch without exaggeration in any regard.
2nd - Orangebox A New Hope At Itsaso (Miss L Tanton-Joy)
Shorter coupled with strong loin many quality features including a moderately broad skull, short strong muzzle, good jaw and dentition with neat ears well placed, giving a keen expression. Coat coming in she was easily spanned and was also in tip-top condition she covered the ground with ease and drive, loved her bodylines and pleased to award her Reserve CC today. She didn’t stop showing and was at one with her handler.
3rd - Borderrush Magic Bean (Miss A J Hall)
Res - Goldenmill Illusion at Vandamere (Miss J Singh)
VHC - Sweet Ebony Princess At Liatch (Malcolm, Glen & Knowles)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 2
1st - CH Cobstoneway Love Song JW ShCM (Mrs G Stevens)
A beautiful head of correct proportions on this quality bitch that moved out well. At 8 years of age she is still looking fit and in good condition, with a full deep harsh double jacket and thick pelt she is well proportioned with a well-placed carrot like tail.
2nd - Otterpaws Firebird ShCM (Miss A M Dixon)
Also 8 years of age and doing well with deep double jacket, she moved well maintaining her top-line, just preferred the expression of my winner.
3rd - Crosby Dark Duchess At Roseghyll (Mrs A Johnson)
Res - Kalebank Harvest Festival (Mrs S Portsmouth)