Show Type: Championship
Venue: Redwood Park, Pinfold Lane, Inskip, nr Preston PR4 0UA
Judge: Mr. Ian Higham (Comberdown)
Entries: 99 making 120
I had been looking forward immensely to judging my first UK championship show. I sincerely thank the Blackpool and District Canine Society for the invite and also thank my two friendly, competent and helpful stewards, Mandy and Robert Geary for keeping everything right.
I would also give my deepest gratitude to those who exhibited under me for trusting my knowledge of the breed and my integrity to judge without fear or favour and further thank them for following my lead to stay in the outside ring through the numerous showers that were on and off all day. I feel privileged that you brought your dogs to me for my opinion.
As usual I was looking for Borders that had all the good breed type points as laid out in our standard, combined with correct physical construction to be able to cover the ground well.
I had no dirty or smelly dogs and only two or three of them could have done with having their teeth brushed so I can commend you all for that. I had only one dog that was slightly undershot and I found no tail deformities at all, which is excellent.
I found a variety of movement problems. But it has to be said that in general, movement seemed to have improved since I last judged the breed. I noticed a few more Borders with lighter colouring to their noses since I last judged, but, as instructed by our standard, I treated this as not a serious fault.
As often heard said, the term “on the day” always applies. I had to give my awards to the dogs that stood out on this day. So for those who may be a little disappointed, remember that on another occasion your dog could well have a better coat stage, move a little more positively or be more “on its toes.” Do not be disheartened and enjoy your showing and your dogs!
Best Of Breed: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
DCC: CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW
RDCC: Fieldsearch Phantom
BCC: Abisu Solitaire At Tojamatt
RBCC: Glebeheath Tea N'tiffers
Best Puppy: It Had To Be You At Borderbridge
Entries: 4 Absentees: 1
1st - Highfell Orient (Mr L Jackson & Miss I M Dugdale)
Eight-year-old grizzle and tan (G&T) with a nice harsh coat. He has a typical head and strong muzzle with scissor bite. He moved well with good straight front and drive from his rear which was showing muscle to thigh and second thigh. Looked well in profile with level topline and well set on tail.
2nd - Aurora's Popcorn ShCM (Mr E Tart & Miss A E Speake)
Nice nine-year-old G&T bitch, again with a good harsh jacket with undercoat. She had correct body with ribs well back and strong loin. Feminine head with good teeth and scissor bite.
3rd - StBedehounds Frank in Sense of Raleniro ShCM (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine)
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0
1st - Kirkbyvalley Silent Storm (Mr L & Miss I M Jackson & Dugdale)
Very nice six-month-old G&T dog puppy. He has a lovely outline and a smashing coat of correct texture. Reasonably good head for his age and good teeth with correct bite. He moved well on tight well-padded feet. Narrow front. Good topline and tail set. Nice body with ribs well back and strength to his loin.
2nd - Howthwaite Dreams (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Larger and stronger puppy than 1, but still easily spanned. Strong in head with pleasing eye and correct v-shaped ear falling close to the cheek. He has a good muzzle and nice big teeth. He has good reach to his neck and moved well enough but I preferred the front of 1.
3rd - Achnagairn Special Edition (Mrs A Fraser)
Entries: 6 Absentees: 0
1st - Irton Mountain Dew (Mr D & Mrs A Fryer)
Strong puppy dog of nine months. He has a very nice head, dark eye and correct ear. Big teeth with correct bite. Very good coat. He moved very well both ways. Looks impressive in profile with a level topline and he has a well set on tail which he carries just right. BEST PUPPY DOG.
2nd - Alcumlow Parsley (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
Super little G&T dog puppy. This one also came with a fabulous coat. He has correct mouth, eye and ear. He seemed to move faultlessly around the ring for me. I had a close decision here but ultimately preferred the head of 1.
3rd - Stowthorney Mr Tickle (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
Res - Rexlands Wood Chat (Mrs D Pearson)
VHC - Carrock Carnegie (Ms J Fawcett)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 1
1st - Ridgebow Rifleman JW (Mr N & Mrs A Duxbury)
A very moderate looking G&T, which upon examination I discovered is all there as a Border. Super coat. Correct head, muzzle and mouth. Very good in movement both coming and going. He has small tight feet with thick pads. Correct length of rib and rib shape and he is easily spanned.
2nd - Ravenside Raise Your Glass (Mr M Lowry)
A racy G&T dog. He is narrow throughout, has a nice outline in profile and level topline. Good teeth with scissor bite. He is of a nice length, carries his ribs well back and has strength to his loin. He also was easily spanned. Preferred the coat and front movement of first.
3rd - Bandicoot Doc Martin (Ms V L K Docwra)
Res - Bandicoot Jimmy Choo At Northborders (Miss J North)
VHC - Raleniro Second Time Around (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine & Miss P Thomas)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 2
1st - Fieldsearch Phantom (Mr D Pearson)
G&T with a very good coat and pelt. He has a good head with nice dark, keen, watchful eyes and correct ears. Strong muzzle and good teeth. He moved positively in all directions and held his level topline. He showed muscle and drive to his rear and had small tight feet with thick pads. Narrow right through and has good straight forequarters with good bone. He has correct tail set and carriage. Correct ribs, strong loin and easily spanned. I liked him enough to eventually award him RES. DOG CC.
2nd - Otterwood Caius JW ShCM (Mr M J & Mrs J M Hollingsbee)
Blue and Tan with nice head and pleasing eye. He has a correct coat with ticking. This one also moved very well on good feet, had correct mouth and a nice outline. Easily spanned and ribs well back. Preferred coat of 1.
3rd - Raleniro Second Time Around (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine & Miss P Thomas)
Res - Dandyhow Friendly Fire at Chevinor (Mrs H A Metcalfe)
VHC - Stowthorney Mr Tickle (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 1
1st - Fieldsearch Phantom (Mr D Pearson)
(Comments as per Graduate Dog).
2nd - Karison Keiser (Miss K Johnson)
Fine narrow G&T with a tight very harsh coat. He was easily spanned and had correct shape rib carried well back with strong loin. Correct Scissor bite and he moved ok. Preferred head and coat of 1.
3rd - Cedarhill Stargazer JW ShCM (Miss A Speake & Mr H S Speake)
Res - Thorneyburn Peace Pipe at Wreighaugh (Mr M & Mrs A J Carr)
VHC - Littleboe Blue (Mrs B Sandham)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 0
1st - Bandicoot Betfair (Mr G E & Mrs V L K Docwra)
Very nice Border dog. G&T coat with good texture. He has a lovely head and good strong muzzle with big teeth and scissor bite. Narrow right through. Moved well both coming and going and he had drive and enough extension to his front. Small tight feet. A lovely outline in profile. He was very well presented and in fine fettle. He was considered for reserve cc.
2nd - Howthwaite Grainsgill (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Another very nice G&T. Narrow and racy with a good coat. Nice head and good body proportions. He had good teeth and bite and was easily spanned. Preferred the overall condition and movement of 1.
3rd - Keycharm Phantom by Ridgebow JW (Mr N Duxbury)
Res - Tojamatt Warlord (Mr & Mrs D Matthews)
VHC - Otterwood Cyrus JW ShCM (Mr M J & Mrs J M Hollingsbee)
Entries: 10 Absentees: 1
I was informed of one withdrawn having been stung by a bee. I hope he was ok. My first three from this class were all, in my opinion, very good Border Terriers and all of them I would consider worthy champions of our breed.
1st - CH Brackenfell Bok To Bach JW (Mr C Hall & Miss L Ellis)
Superb G&T male. Beautifully balanced with everything coming together just right to make the overall dog a joy to the eye. He had enough coat for me to assess as good. His skin is thick enough. He has the best of heads, strong and masculine. Very pleasing correct eyes, ears and teeth with strong muzzle. He excels in movement with a straight narrow front coming and the same going and in direct alignment front and rear. He is perfect for bone. In profile he stands proud with a level topline and good tail set and he carries his tail perfectly both standing and moving. When he moves, in profile he has drive from his rear and in my opinion he has ample reach to his front. He is easily spanned with correct shaped ribs, which are well back and is strong in loin. He stands away and would be hard to miss, therefore, I am not surprised that so many judges have given him the top awards. DOG CC AND BEST OF BREED. When I was leaving the show I bumped into him and his rightly proud owner, who told me that he had been informed on the day that the dog was Britain’s Top Show Dog, all breeds, at this time.
2nd - CH Badgerholme Epsom Jet JW ShCM (Mr B Dickinson & Miss T James)
A very impressive blue and tan dog. Good harsh coat with ticking. Lovely head, masculine but not overdone. Scissor bite. Moved well and has a good top line and tail set. Today, I preferred the over all balance of 1. This one was also given strong consideration for reserve cc.
3rd - CH Northborders Mr Pickles JW (Miss J North)
Res - Kosmic Sun over Karison (Miss K Johnson)
VHC - Cro CH Stonechester Question Von Jrasamuyr (Miss C Khatchikian)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 3
Some of these babies were more intent in having a mess about than showing, which is very forgivable in those so young. Therefore, before finally summing up I decided to move the whole class around another few times, after which, the naughtiest pupils settled enough for me to assess properly. Thanks to all for your patience.
1st - It Had To Be You At Borderbridge (Miss B J Singh)
Just six months of age and enjoying her puppy hood. A very good harsh coat of the darkest G&T colouring with a close undercoat and thick skin. She has a beautiful feminine head with a lovely keen but mischievous eye. Correct ear shape dropping to her cheek. Correct teeth. Very easily spanned with ribs well back. She has a level topline and correct tail set. She moved and carried herself well when settled. A very nice puppy. BEST PUPPY BITCH AND BEST PUPPY IN BREED.
2nd - Dandyhow Mazurka (Mrs K Irving)
Another smashing little puppy of eight months of age. Harsh G&T coat, good head, ear and eye and good teeth with scissor bite. She moved very well and has a nice racy body. She behaved and showed herself off to advantage, but I preferred the head and muzzle of 1.
3rd - Merumhor Sparkler (Mr C & Mrs J Martin)
Res - Achnagairn Prim N'proper (Mrs A Fraser)
VHC - Otterwood Domina Candesco (Mr M J & Mrs J M Hollingsbee)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st - Bruadar Girl At Cromlechs (Miss K Hamilton)
Eleven-month-old G&T with a really excellent coat. Nice feminine head, good reach of neck and nice body proportions. Good muzzle and correct bite. She moved very well on small tight feet with thick pads. A very nice example.
2nd - Irton Scotch Mist (Mr D & Mrs A Fryer)
G&T. Nine months old and similar to first in that she had a very nice head, correct teeth, was easily spanned and moved very well. This was a close decision for me, but I just preferred the wonderful coat of 1.
3rd - Calnestone Alice at Coolins (Mr C Dobson)
Res - Stowthorney Miss Chief By Northborders (Miss J North)
VHC - Hemlockstone Diana at Bowencloud (Mrs S J Ruth)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 1
1st - Fehmarn Moelwynbach (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
Well turned out G&T bitch. Pleasing feminine head. Good eyes and correct ear shape. Mouth fine. Enough reach of neck dropping down into correct shoulder and upper arm. Nice and narrow throughout. She has a very good harsh coat. Correct ribs and was very easily spanned. Moved well in both directions and in profile.
2nd - Tojamatt Integrity (Mr & Mrs D Matthews)
Another very nice G&T bitch. A little larger than 1, but was easily spanned. Good coat. She moved well on good tight feet. Eye catching in profile with a good top line, tail set and reach to her neck. Another close one and today I preferred the coat of 1.
3rd - Arjaybe Blue Mist at Hollinholme (Mr, Mrs & Miss A Robinson)
Res - Achouffe Berrimin (Mrs G M Dunmore)
VHC - Picer Angelica to Nottorg (Mr P & Mrs A Taylor)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 0
1st - Tarkaswell Doctor's Orders JW (Mrs C E Sansom)
Well-coated G&T bitch. Feminine head with good dark eye and v-shaped ears dropping forward to the cheek. Correct bite and strong muzzle. She moved well holding a level top line and correct high tail set. She was easily spanned.
2nd - Earthdog Kidnap (Mr D Pearson)
Nice type of bitch. Good harsh G&T coat and thick pelt. Pleasing head with good muzzle and teeth. Preferred movement of 1.
3rd - Carrickfarm Mara (Mrs V M Armstrong)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 0
1st - Earthdog Kidnap (Mr D Pearson)
(As per second in graduate).
2nd - Achnagairn Red Card (Mrs A Fraser)
Shorter coupled and smaller than 1. She has a good tight coat. Moved well both ways. Spannable. She has good top line and tail set. Preferred body length of 1.
3rd - Chorbeck Little Miss Pickle at Hollinholme (Mr J & Mrs Y Robinson)
Res - Carrickfarm Mika ShCM (Mrs V M Armstrong)
VHC - Akenside Dimple At Wreighaugh (Mr M & Mrs A J Carr)
Entries: 8 Absentees: 1
I believe that this was my best and hottest contested class of the day. I really enjoyed going over them.
1st - Abisu Solitaire At Tojamatt (Mr D & Mrs A Matthews)
G&T with the tightest and harshest of coats. A coat that one could scrub the dirt from under the fingernails with. She also had an amazing pelt with the thickest skin that I felt on the day. She has a beautiful outline in profile and a very nice feminine head with good eye, ear, correct bite and strong muzzle. She was fit and strong. She stood on good feet and was easily spanned with correct rib and strong loin. She moved true at every angle and the best bit was she moved with real drive, staying correct and keeping everything together at all times. In fact it was this drive and enthusiasm that won her the challenge over the open bitch. When she came up against the dog for best of breed, I was pleasantly surprised at how similar in type they looked. An excellent bitch in my view. BITCH CC.
2nd - Emblehope Dance and Dance JW (Miss D Bladen)
This bitch possesses a real quality heavily ticked correct blue and tan coat. She has a very nice feminine head. Her whole facial expression is very eye-catching. Short strong muzzle with good teeth and correct bite. In profile she looks to have lovely proportions with correct level topline and a good tail of a nice length, set and carriage. A smashing bitch but on this day I preferred the overall drive and front movement of 1.
3rd - Remony Frosted Ivy JW (Mrs A Gregory)
Res - Nantcoch Ffion JW ShCM (Mrs J M Phillips)
VHC - Chorbeck Snow Angel (Mrs H Haughton)
Entries: 10 Absentees: 2
1st - Glebeheath Tea N'tiffers (Mrs J Guvercin)
Lovely upstanding G&T bitch. Strong in head. Powerful muzzle and correct teeth. Neat v-shaped ear. Very nice neck-line coming down into good shoulders. Spannable. Level topline and correct tail. She has a very good coat. She is muscled and stands on good feet. She is eye-catching and she can move well, but she did not have the drive and enthusiasm of the limit bitch winner in the challenge. She is a very good example of our breed in my opinion. RESERVE BITCH CC.
2nd - Howthwaite in Vogue (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Another G&T quality bitch. She came today with a very good coat and has a good pelt. She has a pleasing head and nice body proportions with the correct level top line. She also moves well in both directions. She is easily spanned and has correct ribs and strong loin. Narrow front with straight legs and ok for bone.
3rd - Irton Enigma (Mr & Mrs D Fryer)
Res - Jamespaw Cockle Shell Bay by Chorbeck (Mrs H Haughton)
VHC - Benattivo Best Bet Karison (Miss K Johnson)