Show Placings
Coventry Ladies KS Open Show
1st Jan 2017
Judge: Mr Paul Reynolds (Biddle)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Oakyard On Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Boston & District Canine Society
8th Jan 2017
Judge: Mr E Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me,to my two very able stewards, Barry and Debs,and,most especially,to the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of going over their dogs and who accepted my decisions so sportingly.
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the entry.The limit and open classes in both sexes had quality beyond the placings and there were some very promising puppies,especially among the bitches- this must augur well for the future.Heads were largely typical,most were spannable and considering the time of year I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in good coat.On the downside,many were lacking muscletone and front movement continues to be an issue and not just in the lower classes.I was pleased with both line ups and thought my main winners excellent examples of the breed. I was delighted to hear that my Best of Breed went on to win the Group.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Manchester General Championship Show
19th Jan 2017
Judge: Mrs Karen Dean (Tyrian)
I would first like to thank the society for inviting me to judge and also my stewards for efficiently managing the ring. This is a particularly difficult time of year for coats especially with Crufts on the horizon, producing some results that would change on another day. Several exhibits lacked the harsh top coat and some were past their best resulting in good harshness but lack of undercoat so giving a thin feel to coat and particularly the pelt. I was a little disappointed in the number of exhibits that were not displaying the drive I was looking for and hope this is also due to the time of year. I was particularly pleased with both my CC and RCC winners especially in relation to their movement.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
11th Feb 2017
Judge: Mr Jem Thomas (Daluce)
I would like to thank the club and it's committee for giving me the great honour and opportunity of judging their show. Thank you to my stewards on the day Sharon Pickering and Liz Wright who kept me on my toes and made sure everything ran smoothly. A massive thank you to the exhibitors who braved the elements on what what's a horrible morning weather wise and accepted my decisions In a wonderfully sporting manner.
Thank you all.
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
8m old grizzle and tan bitch. Typey young bitch. Nice body length. Up on the leg. Shown in excellent coat and has a thick pelt. Well angulated rear.
Crufts
9th Mar 2017
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Minor Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
sweet and feminine baby, nicely made all through, easily spanned, correct bone, good body shape with ribs carried well back, attractive head with neat ears and typical expression, really liked her legs and lovely tight, well padded feet, lots to like, should continue to develop well
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
23rd Apr 2017
Judge:
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the invitation to judge the Border terrier bitches, with my co judge, Bridget Singh. The hospitality received was much appreciated, and the day was one I really enjoyed. It was lovely to see such a good entry for the show as a whole, and that the borders had attracted the largest entry in the terrier group, my thanks to our two capable stewards, who kept things moving along nicely. Thanks also to the exhibitors who did me the honour and privilege of going over their bitches and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. All exhibits were of good quality and fit for purpose and I was delighted with my entry. Bridget and I agreed on the bitches for BOB and BPIB.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs L Illingworth
My thanks goes to the society for the welcome and hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to judge a smashing entry of Border Terriers. Special thanks to my proficient stewards Anne and Rod Green for keeping the ring flowing smoothly.
The quality was pleasing with many fit, well presented and workman like dogs present, Dogs on the whole were well balanced and span able , a few were too upright in shoulder effecting an economical stride my main worry was mouths there were quite a few with small teeth weak under jaws and others with teeth out of alignment, worrying in a working breed. Double coats and thick pelts were in plenty
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Excellent on the move, nicely angulated fore and aft, holds her top line, showing well
Joint Border Terriers Clubs' Championship Show
30th Apr 2017
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Another pretty head and a good rangy body, she spanned easily and moved well.
Class Critique
Very hard decision between the first three in this class. What a promising future this breed has with three puppies like this in one class. Loved them all.
Coventry & District Kennel Association
21st May 2017
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly, well run show, and for their hospitality. Also thank you to my two efficient stewards who kept everything running smoothly. Thank you so much to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their lovely dogs who were all well behaved on the day, all in coat, and all males entire.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Oakyard On Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
11 month old grizzle and tan bitch puppy really enjoying her day out and showing nicely. A pleasing head with strong muzzle, good bite, dark eye and good ear carriage. Her front is narrow and straight, with adequate bone and neat, well padded feet. She is easily spanned, being narrow throughout with a good length of body and ribbed well back. She sports a good double coat and loose pelt. Moved well with enthusiasm. BP & TPG3
Bath CS Championship Show
26th May 2017
Judge: Mr P Iversen (Norway)
I would like to thank the committee of Bath CS for inviting me to judge at their show. Many thanks to my stewards, who did an excellent job. I enjoyed my day among Border Terriers and their sporting owners. Many thanks for your entries.
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Southern Counties Canine Association
3rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Kimmo Mustonen (Finland)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this show. And to my two stewards who were very helpful all the day. I really enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge my own breed Border Terriers in their home country. It was a day I will remember. Thank you to the exhibitors for their entries!
Puppy - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Three Counties
10th Jun 2017
Judge: Ms Michelle Barnett
Many thanks to the Officers and the committee for kindly inviting me to Judge at the show and my most capable stewards for their efficiency in the ring. My sincere thanks also to the exhibitors for their entries and support. The classes were filled with some lovely breed quality dogs and bitches and on completing my appointment I was delighted to see my final line up(s) presenting me with such a hard task in my final decision of who to award the ultimate top honours too! That always makes for a satisfying end to a judges day. So can i take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of judging your Border terriers Two nice classes of pups which bodes well for the future
Best Puppy
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Puppy - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Grizzle and Tan rising 12mth old and was my top of the pups today, she is a super prospect who I'm sure will make her mark on the breed, Lovely otter head neat ear, dark eye and scissor bite. Nicely made throughout with correct bone, good rib Straight front, and small cat feet. Short carroty tail. In excellent coat and condition. She moved out well when viewed from all angles. Thrilled to award her BPIB and all my best wishes to her for a bright future
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Jun 2017
Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Club for my appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to the Officers and Committee for their hospitality and gift. Thanks to my stewards Tina Morgan and Jane Roberts for the efficient way they kept the show moving along. I was very pleased with my final line ups, which were all presented in very good coat and condition. I would have been happy to have awarded at least 3 CC’s in each sex. All the dogs placed had correct dentition which was very pleasing. Movement has improved since the last time I judged. However I do think more thought should be taken regarding heads as a lot appear to be lacking strength under the eye and jaw, which results in losing the otter like head.
Puppy - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Another very nice puppy, with otter like head. Good in body, comes to hand balanced and easily spanned. Moved with drive.
Blackpool Championship Dog Show
23rd Jun 2017
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
I would like to thank Blackpool for inviting me to give my first CC’s, and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of super dogs which were a pleasure to go over. My two stewards for doing a sterling job. It was such a shame the weather turned on Friday morning, the heavens opened and it blew a gale. But you turned out non the less. Overall I was pleased with the movement back and front. Dogs were in good fit condition, some would benefit from ringcraft for both dog and owner. From what I saw today things are good for the future of our breed.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Another good size bitch, in good jacket, well-muscled, narrow throughout, good rear angulation, moved well.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
6th Aug 2017
Judge: Dogs: Julie Guvercin, Bitches: Denise Townsend
Julie Guvercin, Dogs:-
Midland border terrier club ch sh 6th August 2017 A warm welcome and a super quality entry awaited me at this show with very few absentees.
A few kinked tails, some untidy bites and very noticeable were the amount of light eyes creeping in, some so pale it ruined the expression completely. Just one male with what felt like abnormal testicles!
Thank you for bringing your dogs, some classes were so hotly contested that all 5 placed had lots to commend them and 1st to 3rd was splitting hairs in some cases.
Some dogs looked beautiful stood, but failed miserably on the move and paid the price.
Denise Townsend, Bitches:-
I judged the first show ever held by the Midland Border Terrier Club back in 1984 which made me feel very old when I worked how long ago that was! Thank you to all exhibitors for the opportunity to go over your dogs – I always consider it a great privilege and I was very pleased with my winners. I could span virtually every bitch present so think that criteria went before me in terms of my entry! Just the very occasional crooked mouth and I would agree with my co-judge that I noticed several light eyes and some dogs that were light in underjaw.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Liked the body lines of this bitch, excellent on the move. Typical head and expression, but rather short of undercoat.
Bournemouth CA Championship Show
13th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Harold Ogden
This was such a special appointment and I am indebted to Bournemouth for the opportunity. You see it was "Aunty Eva" Heslop, the revered breeder of the Corburn Border Terriers, who drove me to my first ever allbreed Ch show in 1970. Eva took Sunday school in the Methodist chapel in Corbridge, Northumberland, and I was her secret weapon boy soloist at the competitive music festival! I particularly remember the beautiful Ch Corburn Corn Dolly shown by Mr Skeet. Bellingham show was not only local for me but THE Mecca for Geordie/Scots Borders. I have judged the breed since 1992 and been educated both by a breed club seminar in 2012 and by obtaining a JDP Credit in Nov 2013. That would theoretically have halved the KC Judges Sub requirement of 160 hands on. I actually had 200. I only mention all this as cynics assume the likes of me to have been "fast tracked" and / or to have no actual interest.
69 of the original 82 starters made it so I had plenty to work with. The bugbear was fronts whether steep /elbows /plaiting /hackney. As a toydog specialist I am accustomed to spotting lift / hackney that is often written into the breed standards. But this no decorative breed but rather a functional working terrier "capable of following a horse" that
requires endurance and hence a rhythmical swing straight through from the shoulders ensuring no wasted effort, He will tire all too quickly otherwise. Moreover the breed standard expressly includes in the Faults section an assessment of "its effect on the terrier's ability to work"
Junior - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Welsh Kennel Club
19th Aug 2017
Judge: Mr Max King
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
City of Birmingham
2nd Sep 2017
Judge: Mrs B Roderick
Firstly I would like to thank my stewards for their assistance during the day.
Thanks to the exhibitors that sportingly took my decisions, it was a pleasure to judge some lovely terriers. I would just suggest that over baiting not only slows up the judging, especially with young puppies but does spoil the terriers outline in the final line up of the classes on occasion. That said it was pleasing to find the temperaments sound in the exhibits, despite the various distractions and of course the clanking of the ducting under the carpet. Thank you again for your entry.
Junior - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Darlington
15th Sep 2017
Judge: Miss T James (Blackmine)
Thank you to everyone who entered under me. It was a fantastic entry and I thoroughly enjoyed my days judging. It is a beauty competition and it is much easier to assess a dog when it is well trained and well turned out. Showmanship sometimes comes naturally to some dogs and then others you have to work hard at. I was very pleased with all my winners.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Sep 2017
Judge: Mr Gordon Dyer (Ruffenuf)
Firstly may I thank the SBTC Committee for inviting me to judge this Open Show. I felt very honoured. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The ring ran smoothly with the help of my stewards and the whole venue had a pleasing and pleasant atmosphere. It was nice to see some old and many new faces. May I also thank the exhibitors for handling their dogs confidently and accepting my decisions. I was very impressed with the quality of the dogs and I only found one bad mouth and two sprung ribs. I had a few challenging decisions to make and uncoated dogs had to be penalised. Mostly the dogs were all in fit condition and able to do a day’s work. I was very impressed with my final line up and to have such sound dogs
representing the breed.
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
15mths, another well presented bitch. Preferred the size of the winner. Pleasing head, eye. Moved well.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
23rd Sep 2017
Judge: Miss J Price
Thank you to the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Border Terrier Club for asking me to judge this show and for their great hospitality. It was an honour to stand in for Cynthia Knight who sadly passed away in April 2015. My stewards for the day, Cally and Anna did a sterling job in keeping things running smoothly, thank you, to both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and I was delighted with my top winners. In general some exhibits, even though made well were just too big and heavy, these would never get to ground to do the job, therefore not fit for purpose. I like a dog to be masculine and a bitch feminine, but both have to spannable and not overloaded in their shoulders, sadly quite a few exhibits were just this and were penalised for it. I found one exhibit to have a testicle with an abnormality. Some of the younger dogs were up to size already and have yet to stop growing. It will be interesting to see how some of them turn out.
Not everybody accepted my decisions in a sporting manner, but the general atmosphere was great. I didn’t go to the pub at lunch time but did see the pictures afterwards. Glad you all had a great time!
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
A balanced, red grizzle bitch of a lovely type. She has a narrow front, spannable and stood on small cat like feet. She was a bit short of coat today so really easy to see how she is made. She moved and showed well.
Novice - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Comments as before and this bitch was the better mover of them all.
South Wales Kennel Association
8th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you to my very able stewards who kept the proceedings running smoothly & all exhibitors who entered under me today. I consider it a great privilege to handle this delightful breed. A very enjoyable day for me awarding C.C.s in this breed for the first time. I had my first Border T in 1975 and have followed the breed with interest ever since. As a judge this is just my opinion on the breed from those entered under me today. We all have a slightly different interpretation of the breed standard and I think that is what makes exhibiting & breeding a great interest, however I do think it is vital to remember what the breed was developed originally to do and make sure we do not loose vital breed points.
Today I found the depth of quality was in the bitches, I was pleased to say the majority of bitches were of correct size and easy to span, I unfortunately can not say the same for the males. I was disappointed with front movement, I found tails of correct length & shape lacking in many and some odd expressions. On a positive note I was more than happy with many of my classes, some classes you were spoilt for choice and that is great to see, in-fact some classes were exceptionally good quality, it was a case of splitting hairs & on dogs performance. The majority had good double coats of good texture & nice loose pelts. Temperaments were also very good, the Border should be biddable and never snappy with people or other dogs & this was good to see.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
caught my eye on the first move around the ring. Good in head, strong jaw & good bite, moderate length of neck leading to good shoulder set, liked her racy body, could span her rib & had a good loose pelt, in good harsh jacket with dense undercoat, lovely outline on stack & moves well fore & aft, well set tail & neat feet ; in the challenge owner had her a little overstretched
Birmingham & District Gundog and Terrier Open Show
21st Oct 2017
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2017
Judge: Mr David G Winsley (Davmar)
My thanks to the exhibitors for their quality entry, also to my two efficient stewards.
I would like to mention that due to the noisy ring next to our during the first three bitch classes, some youngster were upset and didn't show to their best advantage, hopefully they will have gotten over it. Movement generally was good in the majority of dogs. Feet need more attention, some certainly don't comply with the breed standard and certainly would affect them if they had to go long distances. Some just needed a little judicious trimming.
Junior - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge my first club show. My very competent and Friendly stewards Jem Thomas and Richard Wright, were well organised to keep the day flowing so many thanks for their help. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who trusted me to evaluate their Border Terriers, accepting my decisions graciously.
I was very impressed by the standard of presentation particularly the quality of coats. I had some amazingly difficult decisions and in many classes placings were hotly contested, forcing me to ‘split hairs’ over placings. I appreciated that some quality exhibits did not win their classes despite some outstanding breed features. I looked for accurate movement and narrow body lines which were present in my primary winners. The youngsters were particularly noteworthy staying enthusiastic and keen right to the end of the show.
Reserve Best Bitch
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Junior - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Really loved this girl too she has such a feminine expression. Many of the comments for the winner apply here too. Her elegant neck flows into lovely bodylines and her very good rib is of good length and easily spans, her loin is strong. She moved very soundly coming and going on her well angulated front and rear. Was a very close decision and she went on to be my Reserve Best Bitch, which was unexpected from this one class.
Class Critique
This was my strongest class of the day all five were of such high standard which made the final decision down to splitting hairs.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
See junior bitch critique
Coventry (Foleshill) Canine Association Open Show
5th Nov 2017
Judge: Maureen Ward
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Pretty bitch pushed her litter brother hard, pleasing head shape, nice ratio of skull and muzzle, enough bone without being coarse or overdone with straight front, liked her neck flow into shoulders, correct body length and kept topline on the move.
The Scottish Border Terrier Club Championship Show
11th Nov 2017
Judge: Mrs E Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Officers, Committee and members of the Club for this appointment. It was a privilege to judge, with a very nice entry and sporting atmosphere throughout the day.
My thanks for the hospitality, gift and excellent lunch, and to my steward Shona.
I was pleased with the entry overall, coats varied throughout. My main concern not only today but with the breed in general would be size with many being too big and something that must be considered in future breeding. Front movement with pinning in lost some dogs placings today. It was rewarding to start two youngsters off with their first CC’s and I wish them well for their future.
BCC
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Best Opposite Sex
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
Lovely sized attractive feminine bitch, super otter like head, good eye, neat ears, good bite. Well made throughout, well balanced. Good shoulder placement and rib easily spanned. Moved out well, pleased to award her the CC. BOS. ResBIS.
Graduate - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Walsall & DKA Open Show
18th Nov 2017
Judge: Richard Gunn (Katanga)
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
19th Nov 2017
Judge: Mr Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for inviting me to judge your club show. Thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your dogs and taking my decisions gracefully. I was pleased to find so many dogs presented in full double coat which showed in my main winners. Overall I was happy with the quality on the day.
Junior - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song
Placing Critique
What a lovely type of bitch with stunning head with short strong muzzle , handy size, she comes to hand well, narrow throughout , good double coat and well set on tail. Moved around the ring with ease, I think this youngster will have a promising future.
National Terrier Club
7th Apr 2018
Judge: Mr. W. R. Irving
Thanks to the exhibitors for the entry of 160 from 157 dogs.
There were some very strong classes and interestingly the biggest class was Limit Dog with seventeen entries. My biggest worry about the overall entry was that there seemed be some very large exhibits which were well over the standard size. Even in bitches there were a good number that were too big and in dogs some were enormous. And it was not so much that they were too leggy - rather that so many were far from being able to be spanned. I think we really ought to try to do something about that.
Heads were by and large good but there were quite a few with big ears. Coats of course were variable and I only found one really bad mouth and one kinked tail.
Movement left a bit to be desired especially in front but I was disappointed also that so many were not moving well behind either.
My thanks to my two very efficient stewards which enabled us to finish by around 1 p.m. and to the exhibitors most of whom seemed to take my decisions in the sporting way befitting the breed
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Class Critique
Some good movers here.
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.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
An appealing bitch of top quality, she is of easy spannable size and is well made throughout. Carries a typical head with nice flat skull and little stop plus a good bite. Her lovely neck flows easily into an excellent shoulder. Neat narrow front and and a body that carries ribs well back. She is long enough and has well developed hindquarters used to flow with confidence around the ring. In tight double coat.
The Joint Border Terrier Clubs' Championship Show
6th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis (Tonromel)
Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Yorks. Lancs. and Cheshire BTC (the host Club for this year) for the invitation to officiate at the Joint BTCs Championship Show and to my two Stewards, Graham Richardson and Bridget Singh, for their invaluable help and assistance on the day. Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a super entry for the breed of 187 exhibits (includes 10 NFC) making 201 entries, for the privilege of allowing me to judge your dogs and also for the sporting manner in which my decisions were accepted.
The standard in both sexes was pleasing and in some classes there were some strong contenders. There were some very nice youngsters which I thought looked most promising and feel sure will go on to have a bright future. Size of some of the exhibits was rather concerning, although from ringside they may have looked in proportion, hands on they were just far too big.
Front movement continues to be of concern but today there was also some poor rear movement. Heads and Mouths were on the whole good with just one or two with incorrect dentition or a missing tooth. Noticeably some exhibits were quite heavy in ear which detracts from the typical border look. Coats were variable, feet on the majority were good, being firmly padded. All males were entire and the temperaments displayed by the exhibits whilst going over them was good, although I was conscious of a few outside of the ring being rather vocal, especially when other dogs and their handlers passed by.
BCC
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
just coming up to 2 years of age this bitch really appealed and is so typical. She has a lovely feminine head complemented with dark points, good expression, correct mouth. Her nice reach of neck flowed into good shoulders with well carried rib and has a nice topline with well angulated hindquarters. Presented in an excellent jacket she moved effortlessly and looked super in profile. I was somewhat astounded to find out after I had awarded her the Bitch CC that she was in fact a full litter sister to my DCC winner. She was also awarded Best Opposite Sex.
National Dog Show
11th May 2018
Judge: Mrs Jane Morton-Shaw (Fehmarn)
My sincere thanks to the Birmingham National Dog Show committee for inviting me to judge at what was my first CC appointment. My thanks also go to my super-efficient stewards on the day. Thanks to all of you exhibitors who gave me an excellent entry, and for your sporting acceptance of my decisions, some of which were difficult, as there were a couple of times when the quality was so good, it was hard to separate them, so I had to look at the minor points to split them.
There were a couple of level bites but no kinked tails. My main grumble were the huge ears on too many exhibits, front movement on many left much to be desired, and a number of exhibits were too big overall making some unspannable. A couple of dogs were badly overweight. All exhibits were presented in good clean condition.
I had a wonderful time and hopefully the exhibitors enjoyed their day too at this well-run show. The icing on the cake was the fact that my Best Puppy in Breed went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 2, and my DCC/Best Veteran went on the win Terrier Veteran Group 2.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Southern Counties Canine Association
2nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Frank Nicholls (Halcus)
Thanks to the exhibitors for an excellent entry. Quality was present in many classes especially both open classes and minor puppy dog. My thanks for a job well done go to those excellent stewards Janet and Maureen, who made my job so much easier.
Yearling - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Three Counties
7th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs T J Baird
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the society for the invitation to judge and for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
The day was made even more pleasurable thanks to my two lovely stewards Colin and Margret who kept the ring in order and most importantly were pleasant and friendly.
The ring was a very good size;it was a joy to judge outside with the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills ,even the weather was perfect -not too hot and a slight breeze. The ground however was uneven with the grass rather long, causing some dogs to hop and skip making assessment of some dog’s movement difficult.
I found a good breadth of quality in some of the Bitch classes and some nit picking decisions had to be made, notably in the excellent junior bitch class.
Size needs to be watched as some youngsters were very difficult to span, coats were on the whole very good with just a few that had recently been stripped out and a couple of blown coats.
A of couple of exhibits had kinked tails and a couple of youngsters with level bites, all the males were entire.
Thank you to the sporting exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions, I am honoured to judge so many quality Border terriers and was pleased to watch the best of breed short listed in the group, later hearing the puppy gained Puppy group 4.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Red with gorgeous strong feminine Otter head of the type I admire. Dark eye with correct neat well set ears. She’s and excellent size with lots of type. True neat front with good bone .narrow through body and easily spanned. Coat today was ok but is losing texture. Moved positively and true here, but in the challenge I felt she wasn’t giving her all.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
9th Jun 2018
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
It is always a particular honour to judge a Breed Club Championship Show and my thanks go to the committee for their hospitality and my stewards who kept things running smoothly. I found only two poor mouths but more had wrong, thin skins and some needed to go home for a good feed. A working terrier needs to be correctly muscled and too many needed nourishment and exercise. The biggest problem, however, remains poor front movement showing both incorrect shoulders and, for some, over angulation in the hindquarters.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Liked her a lot as all qualities are there. Pleasing head with enough strength to muzzle and good ear set. Moved with purpose showing drive from behind.
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2018
Judge: Mrs Anne Gregory (Remony)
My thanks to the officers and committee of the Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge today. Thank you also to the exhibitors for giving me, by far, the biggest Terrier entry of the day. A big thank you to my two stewards, Nev and Liz Holmes-Leak, who kept things running smoothly and efficiently thus ensuring that we finished in time for my BOB to make the Group.
Coats were at varying stages, with some in their underclothes, and in some cases this was the deciding factor. Some exhibits were too fine in bone, particularly in the earlier classes. Some heads had ears set too high, some had deep stops with muzzles that were too short which gives a foreign expression. There were more than a few exhibits which would have benefited from having their feet tidied and nails cut. Soundness of movement in some dogs gave cause for concern. If a Border is to be fit for the function it was intended, it needs to be sound on the move. I found varying degrees of unsoundness in front movement from toeing in, crossing in front to paddling and out at the elbows. Hind movement in some exhibits was also less than desirable with hocks too close together when going away, cow hocks, lack of drive from hindquarters and, in some cases, lack of muscle tone. All of which would not allow a Border to be ‘capable of following a horse’ over rugged terrain. On a positive note, I did have some quality dogs to go over and was well pleased with my winners. I was also pleased to see my BOB shortlisted in the group.
Yearling - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Typey bitch of good size, feminine head with dark eye, good expression and good bite, good length of neck leading to well placed shoulders, straight front legs with neat feet, well muscled, racy hindquarters, in a good coat and pelt, moved out soundly
Blackpool & District Canine Society
22nd Jun 2018
Judge: Mr Karl-Erik Johansson
I was most happy with such a good entry on this my first CC-appointment having had close contact with breed since the early 70s.
Overall size was excellent as was temperament. I was able to span almost everyone although I had hoped for more typical otter-heads. There were some long and narrow muzzles. Bites were excellent and Pelts mostly good for the season.
Conformation and movement coming and going was very good. Maybe I am a bit more concerned about side movement as some who was excellent standing lost the topline on the move.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Good head shape, keen expression, narrow front, nice legs and feet, easily spanned nice quarters, moved OK fore and aft preferred top line and front extension of 1
South Wales Kennel Association
5th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr Peter Bakewell
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
feminine head, with good ears, keen expression, good quarters fore and aft, spannable ribs, good body, moved well.
Midland Counties Canine Society
27th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Bailey (Grindelvald)
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO JUDGE THE MIDLAND COUNTIES CS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALSO MANY THANKS TO THE EXHIBITORS FOR ENTERING THEIR DOGS UNDER ME & MY STEWARDS KEPT THE RING RUNNING SMOOTHLY, WITH SUCH AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.
ALL DOGS WERE ENTIRE, 1 OR 2 DISAPPOINTING MOUTHS. I’M AMAZED THE AMOUNT OF TIT-BITS SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS GAVE THEIR DOGS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TABLE MOST WERE BEING REWARDED FOR BAD BEHAVIOUR, THE WORSE THE DOG BEHAVIED THE MORE FOOD THEY GOT. I FOUND SOME OF THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EXAMINE, MAYBE MORE RING CRAFT CLASSES WOULD HELP!
IT IS VERY PROMISING TO SEE SOME QUAILITY PUPPIES COMING THROUGH. STILL A FEW DODGY FRONTS. OVERALL THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING. PLEASED TO SEE NO AGGRESIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE BREED, IN OR OUT OF THE RINGTODAY.
NICE TO SEE MY BOB WINNER WENT ON TO WIN THE TERRIER GROUP. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE OWNER THIS WAS HIS LAST SHOW AS THE DOG IS BEING RETIRED FROM SHOWING .A DELIGHT TO JUDGE HIM.
IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JUDGE ALLTHE DOGS WHO CAME UNDER ME.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
IN LOVELY CONDITION, GOOD HEAD SHORT STRONG MUZZLE, NARROW FRONT NEAT FEET, WELL LAID SHOULDERS, LET DOWN WITH TOPLINE, GOOD REAR ANGULATION, MOVED WELL, IN HARSH DOUBLE COAT.
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.
Limit - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Lots to like about this one too and unlucky to meet my winner who I just felt excelled in rib, very typical and presented in really good order throughtout, had lovely bone, legs and feet.
Windsor Championship Show
27th Jun 2019
Judge: Mrs Jena Tuck (Nettleby)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my two very able stewards who kept everything moving smoothly, and to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege of going over their dogs. I was delighted by my winners, and by the overall quality of the entry.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
City of Birmingham
31st Aug 2019
Judge: Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden)
It is always a pleasure to judge Border Terriers and this was no exception. Many thanks for a decent entry which, however, was marred by quite a number of absentees.
There has always been diversity in the breed, but I felt this was even more obvious this time than on previous occasions when I have judged Borders in the UK. Many dogs were well up to size making them impossible to span. I also felt that heads varied more than I would have liked with plenty of large ears and long weak muzzles, often also falling away under the eyes. Temperaments, as one would expect, were excellent and so were coats and pelts on the whole. Grateful thanks for the sporting manner in which my placings were accepted, and also to my stewards.
Limit - Bitch /
Third Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Class Critique
Excellent class with two particularly lovely bitches, ultimately won by:
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2019
Judge: Mrs Helen Bakewell (Norwelston)
Thank you to the committee and exhibitors for such a lovely day. Overall the quality was good, a lot of nice breed types, good feet, mouths, and was able to span most on the day.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Another nice head, eye, neck, a little heavier in shoulder, good front, body and tail set. Good hindquarters, moved well fore and aft and in good coat.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
22nd Sep 2019
Judge: Mr A Horner (Stineval)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Julie North, for being efficient and keeping me on track.
I found no bad mouths and as always in our breed, coats at various stages. Lots of spannable dogs and bitches which I like.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
(G/t) Otter type head with Dark eye, correct neat well set ears big teeth in a good jaw. She’s a handy size. Neat front with good bone, narrow through body and easily spanned. Moved well both ways,
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Limit - Bitch /
Reserve
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
The East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
17th Nov 2019
Judge: Mrs Jenny Miller (Feorlig)
I must thank the officers and committee for allowing me to judge their Club Open show which was a great honour and which I really enjoyed. The hospitality and the friendly atmosphere made for a nice show and the quality of the dogs was exceptional. I must thank the Club for the lovely gift and Jan Hollingsbee for the flowers which are still alive and looking good. I must also thank my steward Julie Green who gave up her entry to steward for me.
Best Bitch
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Reserve Best In Show
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Limit - Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Stylish very feminine and attractive with a lovely outline and so very attentive to her handler. She is of a lovely size with overall balance, going over she is so well muscled and has lovely substance. Most pretty head with that correct otter shape, well furnished, neat high set well hung and used ears. Dark bright expressive eyes with kind alert expression. Strong moderate neck with well laid-back shoulders, correct span, firm level back with thick skin, high set tail carried and used well. Fore chest with correct width and depth, straight well boned legs and compact small feet. Nicely bodied with ribs well back into a short strong loin. Presented in a dense harsh textured red grizzle jacket with undercoat. Strong hindquarters with moderate stifle and short let down hocks, very sound stylish mover good ground coverage, correct action with reach and drive. BB RBiS and BOS
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2020
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
Thank you to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this level for the first time, and also to my very efficient ring steward who kept things running smoothly. I had a lovely day and felt it was a great honour and responsibility. I really appreciated each and every entry, and had some lovely exhibits to go over, the depth of quality in some classes meaning that some nice dogs went cardless. Coats were understandably at different stages, and although this has no bearing on the construction of the dog, a good coat does complete the picture of what is essentially a working terrier.
Limit - Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
9th Feb 2020
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
I would like to thank Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge and to thank my Stewards Pete Armstrong and Sue Baxter. Unfortunately, the entry was somewhat reduced due to the awful storm conditions keeping many at home, but I was pleased with the quaity of dogs present for me to go over and very happy with my winners.
Open - Bitch /
Second Place
Name at show: Oakyard On Song JW
Placing Critique
Smart bitch with good otter head. Correct dentition and big teeth. Neat ears and good earset. Nice reach of neck into good shoulders. Good length of rib and rear angulation. Tail set on well. Moved well.
