Show Placings
The East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th Apr 2015
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the East Anglian Border Terrier Club for their kind invitation to judge their 2015 Championship Show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept this appointment. Thank you to the committee for their hospitality, and special acknowledgement to Bev, Laurence and Zoe Jackson for their efficient stewarding and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the day.
I terms of exhibits, there were many difficult decisions during the day and some real quality dogs were left unplaced. In general, the quality was very good and the majority of dogs were spannable and I only saw one example of an incorrect bite. All dogs were entire and as is usual some coats were exceptional whilst others were either just coming in or past their best.
There were a few examples of heads that are untypical of the breed, in that they lack strength of foreface, width of skull and have eyes that are too close together – these are not what I would describe as ‘like that of an otter’.
On a more positive note I was very happy with all my winners, believing them to be excellent examples of the breed and would like to say thank you to all exhibitors for allowing me the honour of judging their dogs
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie
Placing Critique
A promising blue and tan puppy, head not as well developed as 1st place. Good front, nice body lines – perhaps a little lacking bend of stifle. Some evidence of good double coat. Tight feet, thick pads. Moved well.
Class Critique
A nice class of youngsters.
Southern Counties Canine Association
30th May 2015
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
I must first extend thanks to my very professional and able stewards, who kept me on track and on time.
My general remarks here cover the real concerns I have about the way the breed is heading currently. Increasingly, upright shoulders and poor fronts are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Upright shoulders may produce a flashy show dog on its toes, but Borders are not flashy by nature. I suspect I have referred to this problem in every critique I have written for Championship shows I’ve judged and it appears to be getting worse, not better. Please read the standard carefully; look at anatomical drawings of the dog skeleton. Shoulders are now at a steep 60 degrees on some exhibits instead of the normal – and correct – 45 degrees. Undercoats are being raked out to give a cleaner profile – why? Borders – working terriers – need their undercoats 24/7 to keep them warm in bad winter weather while they are waiting to be called for action. It is a requirement of the standard, not a fashion statement. Sooner or later we will end up with a single coated breed, and to its detriment.
Judging today, temperaments were very good; I found two kinked tails, several minor dentition issues, many dirty teeth and one undershot mouth. Males were all entire. Coats were mostly betwixt and between but the good double coats were exceptionally good. I love to see happy dogs with wagging tails but some dogs were very lack lustre and did not seem to be enjoying their day. There were also one or two exhibits too thin and lacking in condition. Finally, baiting is still a contentious topic for me – I use bait sometimes myself – but on occasions it was almost impossible to get at the dogs or examine them without getting round, over, or under an outstretched arm with bait. As a courtesy to judges, please keep baiting to a minimum, especially on the table.
Thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly. It was a genuine pleasure to go over the entry – winners and non-winners.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie
Class Critique
What a beautiful class of young bitches, showing such promise. Puppies looking like puppies, behaving like babies, but with everything where it should be, and all with the right temperament.
Newmarket & DCS Open Show
14th Jun 2015
Judge: Graham Richardson
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie
East of England Agricultural Society
10th Jul 2015
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie
Richmond
12th Sep 2015
Judge: Mrs Eileen Needham (Titanium)
I should like to thank Richmond committee for my invitation to judge Border Terriers. It is quite a while since I judged the breed and so came to it today with a very open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, with the opportunity of going over some very lovely dogs. I had plenty of choice in choosing my winners, and I would thank the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and receiving my decisions sportingly. My Stewards were excellent, keeping everything moving like clockwork.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
very pleasing b/t 10 mth. old bitch with good body construction & balance, typical head with feminine expression from correct eye & ear, with neck flowing into correct topline and tail, presented in good jacket, moving well round the ring. Best Puppy.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
22nd Nov 2015
Judge: Mrs. Liz Wright (Totherend)
My thanks to the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show, to the exhibitors for giving me such a super entry and especially to Robert Brewster for his excellent stewarding. I really enjoyed my day.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
another nice b/t, good coat and pelt, nice head, well angulated and moved well on tight feet, preferred first for overall size and balance
Crufts
13th Mar 2016
Judge: Mr W R Irving
It was a great honour to judge the breed at Crufts again - after having done so once before. That was some thirty nine years ago in 1977 when the show was still held at Olympia! The entry this year at 266 from 239 exhibits though down a good deal on last year, was still enough to be going on with and we finished by 3.30 p.m. thanks to my excellent stewards Mr and Mrs Chaston. The exhibitors all seemed very sporting in line with the breed’s sportsmanlike traditions.
I thought that the depth of quality was better in bitches than it was in dogs with several classes where I would have liked to have had more prizes. I thought that heads were in the main pretty good and that fronts, though there were still plenty which weren’t great, were rather better than the last few times I had judged. Crufts is always known as a bad time for coats and this year was no exception with very many lacking in coat and others with rather soft coats. Quite a number of dogs and bitches were rather long in body mainly caused by having ribs that were not as the breed standard demands “carried well back” and thus having loins that were long rather than the required “strong”.
And finally Border Terriers are supposed to have a tail which is, according to the standard, “set high and carried gaily” Quite a few slink around the ring looking miserable and present no sign of the “activity” required by the standard and with tails that are carried low rather than “gaily”. I like to see a Border Terrier that shows a bit of animation and has what I’d call ‘lines’.
My thanks to the exhibitors for entering and for the efficient way that they showed their dogs.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
a very showy young blue and tan good in topline and neck, pleasing in underline. Correct tail and tailset. Moved out very well in front and behind and scored there over 4 here. Correct rib. Good expression and very well presented.
Class Critique
A very strong class I thought containing a number of good exhibits that had to go cardless.
National Terrier
2nd Apr 2016
Judge: Mrs T Grubbe (Borderhouse)
It was a honour to be asked to judge National Terrier Club Championship Show, awarding CC for the second time. A great entry. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was very pleased with my main winners. The overall quality was good. I saw some dogs who could have more drive in the movement and better front.
I send my warmest thanks to the committee and my ring stewards for taking so good care of me and making me feel so welcome.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Blue bitch with good head, neck, topline and tailset, moves a little loose in front but from the side with good drive, would do better with a little less weight, good harsh coat.
Southern Counties Canine Association
4th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Anne Tove Strande
I was thrilled to receive the invitation to come back to Southern Counties and judge Border Terriers!
The organizers know how to make people feel welcomed and I enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere! All details were very well taken care of and in the ring my stewards were extremely efficient and nice. Thanks to the exhibitors for showing their dogs under me and for their presentation, which was very professional.
I enjoyed the overall quality of the Borders. There were many with lovely otter heads and with correct racy outline. All but one was easily spannable and agile. I also appreciated good pelts and quality otter tails. Coats were of good texture, but I wish more dogs could be presented with fuller coats. I appreciate a Border with truly double coat and a little “tweedy” look about them so they do not remind me of a smooth terrier. Movements were free, but quite a few could improve in front movement becoming more stable and parallel.
My winning dog and bitch were both of such high quality they could win anywhere, both under breed specialists as well as all-rounders. In addition to having correct breed specific details, they were also well constructed. I chose the bitch as my BOB because she had that extra attitude and showmanship making her an eyecatcher. It made me proud on behalf of the breed that she also won the group!
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Racy. Lovely head and outline and very well angulated blue bitch. Excellent topline. Moved well.
The Sothern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2016
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
It was a pleasure to judge the SBTC Championship Show and very pleasing to do so on their return to the Cheltenham racecourse. The new venue on the racecourse site has impressive facilities and they helped to provide a good atmosphere all day.
The bitch classes were generally very much better than the dog classes and the number of border terriers with thick pelts and a good coat was impressive. Heads are very much improved although some deep stops and large heavy ears cost a few dogs a higher placing.
In general terms the construction of hindquarters has improved but we are now seeing some dogs which have too much bend of stifle and end up with their hocks well behind their tail root when standing. Lay-back of shoulders has also improved yet some still have those relatively upright shoulders which yield a stilted movement in front. In addition, we need to keep the narrowness of the breed in mind, the border terrier does not have a rounded chest and should be well ribbed back as a result.
I struggled to span quite a few male dogs but the bitches were much better. Dentition was very good overall and very strongly made teeth was most enjoyable to find and always an impressive quality to see when examining a border terrier’s mouth.
Finally it was nice to see a few dogs with the characteristic thick carrot-shaped tail which, when set on correctly, always finishes the overall picture. Keep in mind it is an asset for the working terrier.
At the end there were some very promising youngsters who will contribute the future of the breed and several very high quality Border Terriers competing for Best in Show.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Close up to 1. Just preferred the shorter muzzle of winner. Harsh blue coat. Liked her bone and tight feet. Longer cast with good construction. Stylish on the move.
Norfolk & Norwich Canine Society
30th Jun 2016
Judge: Mrs Ann Maltby (Pherjan)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Windsor Championship Show
3rd Jul 2016
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
7th Aug 2016
Judge: Dogs: Ms Elspeth Jackson, Bitches: Mr Mike Hollingsbee
Dogs - Elspeth Jackson
I would like to extend many thanks to The Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for once again organising an enjoyable, well run show with a relaxed garden party atmosphere. It was an honour and a pleasure this year to enjoy it as Judge of the dog classes and I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for this honour. I was very ably assisted by two capable and efficient stewards to whom I would like to give thanks both for their help and for their hospitality. Further and important thanks are due to all the exhibitors who did me the honour of going over their dogs. It was a super entry both numerically and in depth of quality with cc quality dogs right down the line in some classes.
Bitches - Mike Hollingsbee
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Club for inviting me to judge bitches at their show. I would also like to thank my stewards Sharon Pickering and Helen Thomas for keeping me in order and running the ring so efficiently. My thanks also go to the exhibitors for allowing me to examine their dogs and accepting my decisions.
Together with my co-judge Elspeth Jackson we managed to agree on the major honours of the day apart from Best Veteran. I preferred Elspeth’s dog choice and she chose my selection of veteran bitch. Our referee John Dace was called in and awarded Best Veteran to the bitch.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Blue and tan, pleasing head, reach of neck and shoulders, good bone, excellent coat, moved well
City of Birmingham Canine Association
3rd Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs C Archibald
My thanks to the Officers and Committee of Birmingham Canine Society, for the opportunity to judge the Border terriers at this show.
My personal thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing me to “go over” their dogs, and making it a most enjoyable and memorable day.
I was delighted to find some fabulous jackets/pelts, which is crucial for a working terrier.
On the downside, I found some exhibits with weak pasterns, hence front movement issues, and some ‘poppy’eyes which detracts from the ottery head, and expression of the border terrier, some very attractive dogs just too much of them. On the whole, apart from a missing tooth to a misplaced one, most were reasonably fit, and there were some very close decisions.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
b/t with a super head, strong jaw/ dentition, looked deep in chest but spannable, thick pelt, made quite a picture moving out with drive.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Sep 2016
Judge: Mrs Chris Davis (Hesselemere)
Firstly my thanks to the Committee of Southern Border Terrier Club for the invitation to judge their show this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was lovely to see such a good bunch of Borders as I have not been around any shows of late due to other commitments. The quality was excellent; I was really pleased with both my line ups, but particularly the males. Size was very pleasing, as was condition, well muscled animals that could do a day’s work. Temperaments were excellent too. The breed is ‘looking good’.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Lovely B/T with good ticking, presented and moved well. Lovely head and expression with good shoulder, topline and tailset. Angulation good, showed very well.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2016
Judge: Mrs Jean Willetts (Hanway)
I would like to thank the committee of the Midland Counties Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my two stewards, who did an excellent job and kept the ring running smoothly. And finally to the exhibitors who entered their dogs for me to judge, it was a great pleasure making it an enjoyable day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Nice sized bitch in good condition with correct pelt and coat, pleasing eye and expression. Did not move as well as first
East Anglian Border Terrier Club Open Show
20th Nov 2016
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
My thanks to The East Anglian Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge the November Open Show also my stewards Rob Brewster and Bev Jackson for their help throughout the day. It was a lovely venue and atmosphere and a very well run show. Thanks also to all the exhibitors who entered the show and accepted my decisions with great sportsmanship.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Ladies Kennel Association
11th Dec 2016
Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Post Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
A blue and tan bitch shown in really good condition with a good double coat and thick pelt. She has a good head with a broad skull with a nice dark eye. She has a straight narrow front with correct shoulder placement and is easily spanned. Her rear angulation is correct; tail straight off a level top line. Moved ok.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
19th Mar 2017
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
What a pleasure it was for me to judge the East Anglian Border Terrier Club Championship Show on Sunday 19th March 2017. Thanks to the EABTC for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for the lovely entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. A really friendly relaxed atmosphere and a good big well lit ring awaited me, along with a good steward in Robert Brewster who did a sterling job keeping everything running smoothly. It certainly was a quality entry and I really enjoyed going over all the dogs and coats and pelts were much improved since the last time I judged. Toplines, shoulders and movement were varied but I was very pleased with my winners on the day, in some classes they would change places on another occasion but I was judging them today as I saw them, and how I interpreted the Breed Standard.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Typey B&T bitch, I liked her rib and was easy to span, but not the topline of my winner, her handler made the best of her and her long, ground covering side gait secured her the second place.
Crufts
9th Mar 2018
Judge: Mr.Carl Gunnar-Stafberg
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
With apologies for the delay in submitting this critique.
My sincere thanks to the officers and committee of East Anglia Border Terrier Club for offering me this appointment.
Huge thanks to my sole steward Rob Brewster who efficiently organised the ring and exhibits all day despite being in poor health and needing constant medication throughout the day. Most of all my appreciation to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to assess your dogs.
With the ever rising cost of suitable venues, it was necessary to move this show from the much appreciated previous Burgess Hall at St Ives to a new Leisure Centre at Littleport. On the day the huge venue was shared with a large number of indoor bowls enthusiasts which meant there was a longish walk from the large car park to our hall. The hall itself was large enough but dog cages all around the hall gave rise to lots of noise and distraction from barking dogs which was very evident when listening to my dictaphone. At lunchtime, with lots of people all trying to use the cafe/restaurant at the same time, this caused long queues and even longer waiting times for food and drinks to arrive, which in turn meant the lunch break overran.
I had the honour of judging the first border terrier club show to schedule Champion dog and bitch classes.
Prior to the show I was undecided about such classes but having here seen the smallish entries for both Open and Champions on reflection I see little point or need for them.
As always coats were at various stages but the exhibits were with a few exceptions in good condition. All males were entire. Bites were better than at previous appointments and I only found a few with misplaced teeth, however the size of teeth varies considerably. Although not a fault, I noticed a few liver noses. Several exhibits could benefit from attention to feet to produce the small feet as required. Movement in general was better at the rear than in front with too many swinging fronts, moving wide or toeing in.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
I was surprised by the way the movement on this bitch has improved since I last judged her. Her head is broad with well set dark eyes set wide apart. She has sufficient bone with a good straight front and neat feet. In good condition with good lay of shoulder and well ribbed back. Her back end is strong and has a tail set spot on. In harsh double coat with thick pliable pelt she strode out well both ways.
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
25th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Many thanks for the invitation to judge and for the warm welcome and support received on the day, special mention to my lead steward Robert Brewster. I was pleased that I received such large minor puppy entries in both dogs and bitches; it was lovely to see the youngsters and so many new and enthusiastic exhibitors too. The show represented a first outing for some and I hope the day was enjoyable for both four and two legged beginners. Overall the exhibits were well turned out and in good condition with only a few slightly overweight and some dirty or stained teeth; coats were at both ends of the scale. I really did feel the show had a good sporting atmosphere throughout the day and I thank all those who attended for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
A lively girl with coat just coming in, good head with nice reach of neck, loved her cat like feet and thick pads, just lacked a bit of drive today.
Great Yarmouth, Gorleston & District Canine Society Members Limit Show
26th May 2019
Judge: Julie Green (Breckgreen & Stowthorney)
Thank you to the committee for asking me to judge terriers at their May Limit Show. Thanks also to the exhibitors who entered under me. Thankfully the weather held off while I was judging.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: RBIS, TG1, Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
4-year-old blue and tan bitch. This girl was really on her toes today! Lovely otter head. Strong teeth and neat ears. Good in neck & has well laid shoulders. In beautiful harsh double jacket. Good pelt. Lovely top line and tail set. She moved with drive around the ring. Please to award her BOB and Terrier Group 1 and was thrilled to hear that she went Reserve Best in Show later on in the day.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
8th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the Southern Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship show, it was an interesting day going over the dogs and I thank the exhibitors for their good sized entry and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions. Thanks must also go to my excellent stewards, Tina Morgan and Felicity Freer who kept me on track and everything running smoothly throughout the day.
Coats were at varying stages of growth and there was a wide variety of types, and a few with heavy shoulders and short, round oversprung ribs and poor toplines. I was quite surprised to see some faults in the entry which I wasn’t expecting, I found a young male with only one testicle descended, three with teeth out of line, one whose mouth didn’t close correctly and two kinked tails.
I judged the entry as I saw the dogs on the day, and as always I was looking for a dog which excels in breed type, fits the standard and appears capable of doing a day’s work. I value all the essentials required in a working dog and also those who have that extra something as a show dog. I was pleased with my winners and look forward to watching show careers with interest.
Mid Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
B&T, bigger than my first two, rounder in rib and a tad harder to span but very typical with a pleasing head and expression, stood well on good legs and feet.
Sheringham & District Kennel Association Open Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
5 Y/O Blue & Tan bitch in lovely coat, nice strong head and good in the mouth. Up to size but spannable on the day showing a nice length of loin, a little wider on the front with her movement but she carries her topline/tail set very well on nice tight cat like feet.
Great Yarmouth, Gorleston & District Canine Society Open Show
29th Sep 2019
Judge: Anne Speake
I’d like to thank the society for asking me to judge at this their first premier open show, and the lovely hospitality received. Thanks also to my stewards Sue and Alison who kept the ring running smoothly. Thank you to all the exhibitors for the privilege of judging your dogs.
Limit /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Typical head and expression on this 5 yr old b/t bitch. Good length of neck, narrow but deep through the body, shown in harsh coat and thick pelt, with strong well muscled hindquarters. Moved ok
Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society Open Show
30th Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge , the exhibitors for their entries and my capable ring steward Jayne Alpe for keeping things running smoothly.
Generally mouths were good and dogs were intact and correct , I did find one minor kinked tail .
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Another smart B&T bitch , 6 years old and not looking her age .Head lovely with very expressive eyes , good back skull and muzzle strength .. Super textured coat and nice loose pelt . Tailset and topline good .Angles front and rear ok ..good underline , not too deep at brisket .Perhaps would like to see a little more substance in the second thigh. Pleased to award her RBOB.
Sheringham & District KA Open Show
19th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr M. Atkinson (Raedwulf)
I would like to start with thanks to the Sheringham and District Kennel Association committee for a well run show and excellent hospitality. Thanks also to my steward, Paul, who ensured the smooth running of the ring.
Open /
Reserve
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
18th Apr 2022
Judge: Mr M. Hollingsbee (Otterwood)
I would like to thank the Committee of the Club for entrusting me to judge this
show. Due to my age I have decided that this will be my last appointment at this
level. I would like to thank my able stewards Sarah Pateman and Kay Tuffin for
keeping me in order and ensuring a smooth running of the show. All of the
Committee worked very hard and I thank them.
Having said that, what a lovely standard of dogs were placed before me. Overall
coats were excellent and I did not detect one bad mouth. The only criticism I have is
that a few exhibits did not have the feet and nails trimmed.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Blue and tan with a good tight coat, appealing head with a strong muzzle.
Crufts
11th Mar 2023
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
To judge Border Terriers at Crufts was both a privilege and a honour and I must thank the Crufts Committee for the appointment to judge the breed at what is the greatest dog show in the world. A big thanks go to the exhibitors from both home and abroad for such a super entry which made for a great days judging with quality in depth in many of the classes. Finally I must thank my two stewards who kept things moving in the ring to allow me to finish judging in good time.
On the day I was looking for a workmanlike dog as the standard asks for but one also must remember that in the show ring you also need that attitude and showmanship to complete the picture. I felt my BOB put up a great show in the Group and was so pleased to see him take Group 2 in a quality line up.
Veteran - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Veteran - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Veteran - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
10yr old with a spring in her step. Another fit veteran full of enthusiasm. Good head and expression. Coat texture good and neat feet. Every veteran in this class was a credit to its owner. Lots of loving care rewarded by happy, fit girls showing off and enjoying their special day.
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Veteran - Dog or Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Class Critique
I do love my veterans and this class did not disappoint
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Championship Show
20th Apr 2024
Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Thank you to the committee of the East Anglia Border Terrier Club for the honour of inviting me to judge your Championship show and for your great hospitality on the day. It was hit-and-miss as to whether or not I would be judging inside or out, and I’m pleased that the committee took the decision to hold it outdoors. It is far nicer for the dogs to be outside, even with the biting wind, and we are not to forget that they are designed to be outside in that type of weather, which reiterates the importance of a good coat. I hope everyone at ringside managed to keep the chill away, myself having Cumbrian bloodlines, found it rather pleasant. Thank you to my stewards Tracey, Dave and Mike who worked tirelessly to keep the ring moving. My biggest thanks are to the exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry and took all my decisions in a sporting manner. I know it is always said there are too many good dogs for the number of cards and that was especially true of the limit and open classes. I was spoiled for choice in a number of classes and had to split hairs on a number of occasions. Dog’s are never static and can have good days and bad days just the same as us, and condition and coats can change dramatically. Some dogs were out of top coat or had no harshness to their coat on the day which cost them on this occasion. Repeating myself from my last judging appointment, I made mention that true movement isn’t necessarily conducive to good movement if no ground is covered at the same time, ideally of course we want both but I would rather see a dog with a good outline in profile than one very accurate that’s going nowhere. Good construction should be a given, I know not much mention is made to that in our breed standard, but to constitute soundness to follow a horse, the construction must be balanced and correct with no exaggeration. Thankfully, there were not many exaggerations on the day. One or two were big ribbed and not quite spannable, and surprisingly they were not necessarily the ones that looked up to size. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of the dogs presented.
Veteran - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Puzzlers Hope Full Hattie At Broadsmill
Placing Critique
Nice sized, blue and tan, nine and a half years old. Good neck and shoulders and good return of upper arm. Just right for bone, standing on small well padded feet. Easily spanned. Good topline and short well set tail. Strong in loin. Nicely angulated front and rear with balance. Very good racy hindquarters with well let down hocks. Shown in an excellent topcoat, with good undercoat and pelt. Sound and forward going on the move.
Class Critique
lovely class of veterans.
