Show Type: Breed
Venue: Weston Village Hall, Green Road, Weston, Staffordshire, ST18 0JQ
Judge: Mrs Laura Jordan-Smith (Jordith)
Entries: 59 dogs making 71 entries, 1 NFC
Website: www.mbtc.org.uk/...
It is both an honour and a privilege to have been invited by the Midland Border Terrier Club committee to judge this open breed club show—my first at this level. I sincerely thank all the exhibitors who entered and took the time to attend at this lovely new venue. My gratitude also goes to my stewards, Peter and Martin, whose efficiency and support ensured the smooth running of the ring; their help was much appreciated.
Overall, most exhibits were in good condition, though a few were carrying excess weight or were simply too large to span. I observed only one kinked tail and two level bites. Given the time of year, it is unsurprising to find coats at various stages of growth, as exhibitors prepare for Crufts and the start of the new show season.
Best In Show: Forest Zpod Chlumskych Haju Glebeheath
Reserve Best In Show: Ragatam Dalwhinnie
Best Opposite Sex: Ragatam Dalwhinnie
Best Dog: Forest Zpod Chlumskych Haju Glebeheath
Reserve Best Dog: Mysulan Byards Legend JW
Best Puppy - Dog: Aldamar's The Only One I Know At Brumborder
Best Bitch: Ragatam Dalwhinnie
Reserve Best Bitch: Alcumlow Monet's Garden
Best Puppy - Bitch: Glebeheath Jolene
Best Puppy: Glebeheath Jolene
Best Veteran: Mysulan Going Solo JW VW
Best Baby Puppy in Show: Alcumlow Sip And Swirl
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0
1st - Alcumlow Penderyn (Mr R G Thomas)
A 5 month old blue and tan, he has a good head with a dark eye, scissor bite, and correctly placed ears. His front is straight with enough bone and he stands on lovely thick pads. He has a narrow, easy to span rib which is carried well back to a well-set-on tail. His movement was slightly loose today, which is not unexpected at this age. Lost out to his sister on maturity in the challenge.
Entries: 4 Absentees: 2
1st - Alcumlow Sip And Swirl (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
Litter sister to the 1st in baby puppy dog, this blue and tan 5 month old bitch is very promising. She has a beautiful head with a feminine expression, dark eye and excellent ear placement; her muzzle strength is already evident. She has a fabulous straight front, good bone, and a narrow, easy to span rib which is carried well back to a strong loin. Her hindquarters are nicely angulated and she has a well-set-on tail. Moved beautifully for one so young. Awarded Best Baby Puppy Dog In Show.
2nd - Mysulan Byards Lass (Mrs S J Baxter)
This grizzle bitch, just shy of 5 months old, has a lovely head with a dark eye and correct bite, although her ears weren’t used to full advantage today. She has a narrow rib, good loin and balanced angulation. Her tail is short, well-set-on and of the correct shape. Moving a tad wider at the front at this time, but this should tighten with maturity. With a good pelt and jacket she is a very nicely put together puppy; just unlucky to come up against the first today.
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0
It was close between all three of these exhibits and they could easily change places on another day.
1st - Aldamar's The Only One I Know At Brumborder (Dr M D McCall)
This dark grizzle at 7.5 months has nicely shaped skull, dark eye and strong muzzle. He has a good bite with large teeth, though his ears are a tad larger than preferred. He is narrow throughout, and has sufficient bone. He has a correct double coat, which although still harsh was slightly past its best today. Preference for size and movement secured him his place. Awarded Best Puppy Dog.
2nd - Blue Colinton (Mrs A Poundall)
At just 6 months this grizzle dog is already up to size for me. He has a strong masculine head. He is very narrow in front, and needs time to develop and mature in the fore chest. Easily spannable in the rib, he has a nice amount of bone, straight front and good rear assembly. There is evidence of a new coat coming through. Movement was sound.
3rd - Pemberley Outlaw (Mr T & Mrs H Dixon)
Entries: 2 Absentees: 2
Entries: 4 Absentees: 0
1st - Forest Zpod Chlumskych Haju Glebeheath (Mrs J Guvercin)
A stunning 15 month old grizzle who immediately catches the eye. He has a beautiful head with a dark eye, small neat ears and correct scissor bite. His expression is typical and masculine without being overdone. He stands on small, neat feet, with a straight front and fabulous bone. His spannable rib is carried back to a strong loin, and his top line remains level both when standing and moving. He is nicely angulated both ends and has a short, well-set carroty tail. The overall picture is completed with an excellent pelt and a full, correct double jacket. His movement today was beautiful to watch; he moved with drive and purpose commanding the ring with his presence. He could not be denied Best Dog & later Best In Show.
2nd - Brumberhill Bit O’Blarney JW (Mr S A Mcpherson)
At 17 months this blue and tan dog is one I have judged before as a puppy and he has matured nicely. He has a good head, correct scissor bite and dark eye. His chest is deep, narrow and easily spannable. The rib is carried well back to a strong loin, which helps him maintain his top line. His front is straight, and he has lovely angulation behind. He moved well both ways but was just short of coat today.
3rd - Chorbeck Phoenix Knight (Mrs H Haughton)
Res - Haystoun Perfect Storm (Miss A Dawson & Miss A Speake)
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st - Brumberhill Beswick (Mr S A Mcpherson)
A beautiful 12 months old grizzle dog, with a good otter head that houses large teeth with a correct bite. A dark eye and correct ear placement complete his masculine expression. He has a good length of neck and fore chest which leads to a straight front with enough bone. His feet are small and neat, with beautifully thick pads. He is ribbed well back with lovely angulation in his well muscled hindquarters which is completed with a short carrot tail. His fabulous easy and balanced gait in the class secured him his place. I liked this dog a lot and considered him for higher honours, unfortunately his movement in the challenge wasn’t quite as strong as in the class.
2nd - Haystoun Perfect Storm (Miss A Dawson & Miss A Speake)
This darker grizzle dog at 15 months old has a nice eye, good ear set and correct scissor bite. He has good angulation both ends, with a narrow spannable rib and a strong loin. His coat is harsh and correct, and his pelt thick. He looked a picture on the stack, but unfortunately his movement faltered slightly today.
Entries: 0 Absentees: 0
Entries: 2 Absentees: 1
1st - Mysulan Byards Legend JW (Mrs S J Baxter)
Another I have judged before; this 22 month old grizzle has only improved with age. He has a correctly proportioned and masculine otter head. His teeth are large and his bite is correct. His lovely ear placement and dark eye complete his typical expression. His front is straight, with a good shoulder, and he stands on neat, small feet. A narrow and easy spannable rib is carried well back to a strong loin, and his tail is short and of the correct shape. He is shown in a good double jacket with a loose pelt. He moves soundly both fore and aft, demonstrating an effortless gait, and looked as if he could do a days work. Awarded Reserve Best Dog in strong competition.
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0
1st - Alcumlow Painter Man On Hobhill (Mrs S Pickerin)
At just shy of 3 years old this grizzle dog has matured into the promise he showed when I first judged him as puppy. He has a good head, dark eye and correct bite. His feet are small with thick pads. His rib is spannable and carried well back to a strong loin. He was shown in fantastic double jacket with a thick pelt. His movement was sound and effortless, securing him the class with ease.
2nd - Fisherbloom Dont Stop Me Now At Louajak (Miss C Gwilliam)
This 5 year grizzle dog is another I have previously judged. He has a good head with a dark eye and nice ear placement. Another with small, neat feet his front is straight with enough bone. He has a narrow easy to span rib and his top line remains level on the move, which is where he scored over the 3rd today. Short of coat but good pelt nonetheless. Movement was ok both ways.
3rd - Fevstone Polar Ajax at Saxheath (Mrs A Heathcote)
Entries: 0 Absentees: 0
Entries: 4 Absentees: 2
1st - Ragatam Sky Lark (Miss T J Peacock)
An 8.5 month grizzle with a lovely, correctly proportioned feminine head. She has a straight front and a very narrow, easily spanned rib. She is well angulated both ends and her correctly set-on tail is short. Maintaining a level top line, she covered the ground with ease. Shown in good coat today. A close call in the challenge for Best Puppy Bitch, just losing out on overall maturity, but I am sure her time will come.
2nd - Summer Venture Grace (Mr T & Mrs H Dixon)
This 6 month old grizzle has lovely feminine head, with well-placed small ears. Her muzzle is strong and she has a scissor bite. Ribbed well back, she is narrow and easily spannable. Angulation is good both ends and though short of coat she has a good pelt. With a touch more maturity and schooling, she shows real promise.
Entries: 2 Absentees: 1
1st - Glebeheath Jolene (Mrs J Guvercin)
At just shy of 12 months, this lovely feminine grizzle bitch exudes type without being overdone in anyway. She has a beautiful otter head, with a strong scissor bite, and lovely small, neat ears. She has a good front, nice bone and stands on small, neat feet. Ribbed well back, she is easily spannable, with a strong loin and good angulation. A well-set, short carroty tail completes the overall picture. With a new coat coming through, her pelt is thick and loose. Clearly enjoying her day out today she moved with drive and purpose once she settled. Awarded Best Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy In Show.
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0
1st - Otterholme Under The Stars (Ms T Jones)
A 15 month old blue and tan bitch that has matured nicely over the past year. She has a lovely head and expression, with good teeth, dark pigmentation and well-set ears. Her narrow rib is carried well back, and she has good angulation. Standing on thick pads, her feet are small and neat and she has enough bone. Her tail set is good, and of the correct shape. She has a double coat and a loose pelt. Moved well once settled.
2nd - Chorbeck Blue Velvet (Mrs H Haughton)
This 14 month old does not yet quite have the head of the first; whilst still feminine and all the components are there she just needs time to mature. Slightly shorter than the first she is still nicely balanced overall; I loved her rib which carried into a strong loin and was topped off with a great tail set. She has good bone, and good angulation both ends
Entries: 5 Absentees: 1
1st - Louajak Blue Fizz (Miss C Gwilliam)
At 17 months old, this blue and tan bitch is well-proportioned and balanced. Her rib is narrow and easily spannable. She has good hind limb angulation, a strong loin, and good tail set. Her head is typical of the breed with a correct bite and dark eye. She has enough bone and substance and although short of top coat today, her excellent, loose pelt and positive movement won her the class.
2nd - Chorbeck Blue Velvet (Mrs H Haughton)
See 2nd in Junior Bitch.
3rd - Pipruda Pink Gin (Mr H S & Miss A Speake)
Res - Alcumlow Careless Whisper (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 0
1st - Wreakevalley Flighty Miss (Mr P and Mrs K Oakman)
A paler grizzle bitch of 22 months old, who caught my eye for balance and attitude. She has a good head with correct scissor bite, dark eye and neat ears. Although slightly finer in bone than preferred, she stands on small, tight feet with a lovely front. Her rib is carried well back to a strong loin, finished with a short carroty tail. She has a good pelt and coat and moves soundly in all directions. Strongly considered in the challenge for higher honours.
2nd - Morley's Miss Zeva (Miss A Dawson & Miss A Speake)
This grizzle bitch at just shy of 2 years old has a nice head and although slightly larger in the ear than desired, this does not detract from her feminine expression. Better for bone than the first she has good, balanced angulation, a narrow rib and firm loin. Her coat and pelt were outstanding; one of the best of the day.
3rd - Otterholme Under The Stars (Ms T Jones)
Res - Rundlebeck Little Dorrit (Mr B & Mrs C Manchester)
VHC - Raedwulf Moonbeam At Bigginpeak (Mrs J & Mr D Lings)
Entries: 5 Absentees: 2
1st - Ragatam Dalwhinnie (Miss T Peacock)
A light grizzle bitch whom I have long admired from the side of the ring. She has a lovely head with a typical expression, a good length of neck and fore chest. She is nicely boned with a very good narrow rib carried well back to a firm loin. Well-muscled and angulated hindquarters provide the drive and propulsion for her to move with ease. She is shown in correct double jacket, and has a thick loose pelt. Beautifully balanced and clearly enjoying herself, she is another that gives the impression of being able to work all day. A close decision for Best In Show but the dog’s movement gave him the edge today. Awarded Best Bitch, Reserve Best In Show & Best Opposite Sex.
2nd - Rundlebeck Mill On The Floss (Mr B & Mrs C Manchester)
This 2 year old grizzle is a nicely made bitch. She has good balanced head, which is where she scored over the 3rd today, housing large teeth with a correct bite. Her rib is spannable and she has a good loin and tail set. Her pelt is thick, though like many she lacked coat today. Preferred the overall balance and movement of the first.
3rd - Howthwaite Gertrude (Mr P Oakman)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 2
1st - Alcumlow Monet's Garden (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
A 2 year old blue and tan with a beautiful, typical otter head. She has a good length of neck, a good shoulder and a straight front. Her rib is deep, narrow and carried well back to her strong loin. Her tail set is good and she has a beautiful thick and loose pelt. Although slightly short of top coat today, the texture and evidence of a correct jacket were still present. She moved effortlessly and soundly around the ring. Awarded Reserve Best Bitch.
2nd - Picer Mirabel Ostler (Mr G & Mrs S Pickering)
Of a similar age, this blue and tan is slightly heavier-set than the first. She has a lovely otter head, correct bite, and straight front. Her rib is spannable, and she has a good, strong loin which enables her to maintain her top line both standing, and on the move. She has good angulation both ends and a well-set tail. Her coat was the best of the day, and she moved out well; I just preferred the overall outline of the first today.
Entries: 6 Absentees: 4
1st - Mysulan Rhapsody In Blue (Mrs S J Baxter)
A blue and tan at just shy of 4 years; another I have judged before who has continued to improve with age and maturity. She has a lovely head with a typical expression. Her front is straight and her rib narrow and easily spanned. Though slightly finer in bone than preferred, she is a well-balanced bitch with good angulation both ends. Shown in beautiful double coat today, her pelt is thick and loose. She moved with reach and drive around the ring.
2nd - Rhozzum Jesse (Mr R G Thomas)
This 3 year old grizzle has a lovely depth of coat, and great pelt. Her head is good, with a correct bite. She is deeper in the rib, and not quite as balanced overall as the first. Moved ok both ways.
Entries: 8 Absentees: 3
1st - Mysulan Going Solo JW VW (Mrs S J Baxter)
Blue and tan dog at almost 10 years old and not showing his age at all today. He has a good head, large, strong teeth and a correct bite. He is well angulated both ends and has a good rib. His pelt is fabulous and his coat correct. Despite his age he moved soundly with enthusiasm and energy, securing him the class and Best Veteran In Show.
2nd - Chorbeck Chatty Man JW ShCM (Mrs H Haughton)
Grizzle dog of similar age to the first. He has a lovely otter head, good bite and ear set. Though slightly deeper in body than the first, he is still spannable. Shown in correct coat. Although not quite the balance overall of the first he covered the ground with ease.
3rd - Mongrubah Bramble Ruby AWD (Miss J E Forbes)
Special mention must go to this 14.5 yr old grizzle bitch, another who belies her age with her sound and positive movement. Just unlucky to come up against the first two day.
Res - Wadesleia Lady Madonna Saxheath (Mrs A Heathcote)
VHC - Blue Breeze Bandit (Mrs A Poundall)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 0
1st - Wreakevalley Flighty Miss (Mr P and Mrs K Oakman)
See 1st in Graduate Bitch.
2nd - Morley's Miss Zeva (Miss A Dawson & Miss A Speake)
See 2nd in Graduate Bitch.
3rd - Rundlebeck Mill On The Floss (Mr B & Mrs C Manchester)
Res - Pipruda Pink Gin (Mr H S & Miss A Speake)
Entries: 3 Absentees: 2
1st – Miss A Dawson & Miss A Speake, See 2nd in Novice Dog and 2nd in Graduate Bitch..A nice matched pair of grizzles. Both have good heads with typical expressions and are shown in correct jacket with loose pelts. They moved well together once they settled into it.