Show Placings
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Grizzle & tan, just 6 months and developing nicely, Good head shape with strong muzzle and a good bite. Liked his length of neck leading to good shoulders, carrying a straight front with ribs carried well back. Moved the best in this class holding his topline well. A close decision but just edged BEST PUPPY DOG
Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
22nd Apr 2018
Judge: Debbie Lorraine (Raleniro)
I would like to thank the committee for their invitation to judge at this twin group open show. Thanks also to my two stewards, Karen and Andrea who kept the ring running smoothly. I found all temperaments to be excellent and all male dogs were entire. There were a couple of misplaced teeth but generally all bites were correct .Thank you to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions.
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2018
Judge: Miss Anita Harrison (Iacheslei)
Many thanks to the society for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for a lovely entry of 117 making 151. My very efficient stewards did a marvelous job and kept the ring running well throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was pleased that exhibitors accepted my decisions in a sporting manner. There was a good atmosphere around the ring and all exhibits displayed good temperaments. I was disappointed to see so many large oversized dogs (and bitches) which were not able to be spanned. Movement was also a concern, I was forgiving of loose front movement in some of the youngsters, but both front and rear movement in some of the adult exhibits was poor. Many exhibits had large ears, low tail sets or short round ribs which had to be penalized. I was pleased with my main winners and delighted to see my Best of Breed shortlisted in the group and the Best Special Beginner placed 2nd in the SB group.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
6 months old grizzle dog with good head and expression, well placed ears, nicely put together and okay for size. Moved out well. Presented in good coat and condition.
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
In proportion for age, well presented in a harsh coat with a good pelt and good topline, moved soundly and with such confidence for one so young, good bone and neat feet.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Open Show
12th May 2018
Judge: Mrs. Carolyn Richardson (Staynorwood)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee of the YLBTC for their kind invitation to judge their Open Show and the exhibitors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions. Thank you also to my Ring Stewards Ian Hopper and Bridget Singh. I was very pleased with my winners on the day.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Another nice young dog, head ok, good reach of neck and good shoulders. Harsh double jacket, moved ok.
Bath Championship Show
25th May 2018
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett
My thanks to Bath Canine Society for the inviting me to judge at their show also my two stewards who kept things running smoothly.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
liked his head and expression nice in eye and ears well set,nicely bodied coat good ,moved really well today to get Best Puppy in Breed.
Boston and District Canine Society Premier Open Show.
29th May 2018
Judge: Carol Dunford (Quixol)
Puppy /
Third Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Stylish red grizzle youngster. Well made with excellent head, good rear angulation, good coat in tip top condition. Moved very well for 8 months old, best puppy.
Class Critique
Good class of quality youngsters.
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.
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG4, Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
A very pleasing start to the day, 8 month rich coloured Grizzle and tan of excellent type and quality. Otter head with broad skull and strength to muzzle, dark eye and neat ear, excellent bite. He has a good length of body with excellent narrow & well carried back ribs. Top-line was firm with a well set tail carried straight off the back. Moved positively and covered the ground with a good long stride retaining an excellent outline. Topped off with a harsh tight coat with excellent pelt. I will follow his career with interest. Liked him a lot.
BPD, BPIB and pleased to hear he gained Puppy group 4.
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.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Had more substance than 2nd without being overly large. Head still developing, good reach of neck, fair topline and good tailset. Good feet and moved OK
Novice - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
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.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Bigger pup but spans well. Pleasing head of good proportions, good shoulder placement, good straight front, racy hind quarters, good length of rib, in good coat, moved out well.
Windsor
29th Jun 2018
Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Best mover in this class, sound and true both tracking and in profile, retaining his topline on the move, very together for one so young. Lovely typical head and expression with a good reach of neck set into a soundly constructed forehand with a length in upper arm, correct topline and tailset matched with good underline. A pleasing size grizzle puppy with well-balanced body lines, spans easily. Has quality and is very sound, promising.
East of England Agricultural Society
6th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Bob Wright (Totherend)
Many thanks to the East of England Agricultural Society for the opportunity to judge my fist Championship Show and to the excellent stewards who nursed me through with efficiency and humour. I was humbled by the size of entry and the willingness of the exhibitors to travel the length and breadth of the country despite the intense heat from which we tried to protect the dogs as much as possible.
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the open classes which were peppered with exhibits worthy of a ticket but unfortunately they only gave me two. A large number of exhibits were up to size and only just spannable but thankfully many of them were also narrow. I found one kinked tail, several borderline mouths and many promising exhibits that disappointed in the width or movement of their fronts. There was also a dearth of muscle particularly on the upper thighs but there were plenty of loose thick pelts and harsh coats. I was delighted not only with my winners but many of those who came close but regretfully had to leave empty handed despite being worthy of more.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
well proportioned head with a strong muzzle, correct bite, dark eye, straight front, narrow ribs well back, thick loose pelt, harsh coat, good angulation front and back, held a fine topline as he moved out well. BPD.
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2018
Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)
Thoroughly enjoyed my day with the NBTC. My thanks to the Committee for the appointment and the exhibitors for their entry of Borders. I was well looked after all day and I would like to express my gratitude to my Stewards who did an excellent job by keeping focused on their task throughout the day. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the dogs across both sexes. For those who left without prize cards do not be too disappointed, I saw only one undershot jaw and no dog was out of place in the show ring. My top winners were all outstanding dogs and there were several others who deserve that label who were placed but did not reach the final accounting. Overall heads are very good but let’s be careful not to breed for too much strength in skull. Ensure we balance what we have with equal strength in muzzle and under-jaw and please lots more beautiful large white teeth. Most dogs had the correct outline, with many good top-lines and neat tails. Coats and pelts were generally very good and do not be afraid to show a Border in that rich, thick ,harsh, double coat they are well known for. Generally conformation was correct, with shoulders and stifles showing acceptable angulation. The straight stifle is quite rare, but equally let’s not over do the angulation of the hind limb as that produces weakness. Short hocks go best with correct stifles. Dogs with a length of leg, drive from hindquarters, tight feet and good ribbing did well today provided they had the typical Border Terrier characteristics we all look for. A few dogs are getting a little long in body for a variety of reasons. Some have their shoulder set forwards on the chest, some lack the well ribbed-back conformation and so appear to have long couplings and some have shorter legs than they ideally need. Much of this was marginal today but they are all points to remember as the breed moves forward. I was pleased with the CC line ups and excited by the quality in some of the youngsters coming through. It would have been nice to reward some of these emerging future champions with higher honours but the quality at the top was too much for relatively immature dogs.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
9mo. Nicely balanced, good size, level topline, nice tail set. Typical head, slightly large ears, well made throughout. Good coat and pelt but not at its best, Moved well and evenly. Slightly small teeth. Should mature well. Stood out in class and ended taking Best Puppy
Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society Open Show
21st Jul 2018
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you for the invitation to judge your border terrier classes. The location is very picture postcard. My two lady stewards were simply wonderful, thank you. I had a lovely entry of quality dogs with some very close decisions Coats were at differing stages which did play its part. I had no bad mouths or kinked tails and all dogs were entire.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Fine upstanding nine month old male. Very much the showman who shouts look at me and doesn't disappoint on closer inspection. Lovely head of correct proportions with a small ear and kind eye. Coat due a refresh but was still of harsh consistency and he has plenty of pelt. Moved well around the ring keeping his shape and uses his carrot shaped tail well. I liked his size and attitude. I am sure he will trouble the best with maturity.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
See 1st Puppy, He was the best mover in this class
Leeds Championship Dog Show
29th Jul 2018
Judge: Mr Brian Baxter (Beenaben)
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Liked this one for size, a nice shaped head, good reach of neck, well placed shoulders, in good coat, moved ok.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
5th Aug 2018
Judge: Dogs: Jimmy Gilpin, Bitches: Hilary Gilpin
Bitches :- Thank you to the committee for the very kind invitation to judge the bitches at your always sunny show, yes it was very hot but all dogs were underneath the gazebo when not being assessed. Thank you to all who exhibited in the hot afternoon sun, we all coped very well.
I've had BT's since 1978 and started showing in 1986, I have meet quite a few friends along the way and judged many BT's, today I found some lovely exhibits as you always do, the downside was so many other dogs really had poor movement both front and rear. Handlers must watch their dogs as bad movement is a no no for me. Coats were mainly good, some with no coat at all and were penalised accordingly. In all the bitches there was only one undershot mouth.
I totally agreed with the dog judge for best in show, the dog stood out for us both, in movement, confirmation and type. Judge Hilary Gilpin
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Very close call on this one, young masculine head, good length of muzzle and correct bite, lovely narrow front and easily spanned, ribs and loin in correct portions, just needs time to mature
Bournemouth Canine Association
13th Aug 2018
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
I would like to thank Bournemouth Canine Association for inviting me to judge the Border Terriers and their hospitality on arrival and to my very efficient stewards. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering their dogs and giving me the honour of going over them, most were in top condition and movement on the whole was good, coats varied quite a lot and there were a couple of level bite teeth, but I was very pleased with my final line up.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
11mth grizzle nicely constructed liked his head and top line moderate length of neck and well placed shoulders in good coat spanned ok moved ok both ways.
Welsh Kennel Club
18th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr. David Maggs (Chrydas)
I would like to thank The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge Borders at their show when the original judge Mr Bill Brown-Cole dropped out through illness, it is 13 years since I judged this show last and I must say that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The quality throughout was excellent, I found no bad mouths , movement was fine except for a few who were a little bit loose in front, but coats were very varied.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
10 month old red dog, nice head and teeth, decent length of neck, harsh coat and thick loose pelt, moved well going away and coming back
Leicester City Canine Society Open Show
27th Aug 2018
Judge: Mr R Wright (Borderexpress)
Many thanks to the officers and committee of Leicester City Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their open show and to the exhibitors supporting my entry, also to my two very efficient stewards on the day
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
11 month old Grizzle Dog with a nicely constructed head, good in the eye with nice small ears. Nice shoulders and nice front construction, spanned easily and his movement is true - just preferred the length of rib in my winner today.
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
see critique above
City of Birmingham
1st Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Dave Matthews (Tojamatt)
Many thanks to City of Birmingham Canine Society for giving me the opportunity to judge this show , my first Championship show, may I also thank every exhibitor who entered the show ,and also my steward Alan Tomlinson for his help.
I enjoyed my day ,I was very pleased with the entry,I had some difficult decisions to make on the day .
The ring was of a good size and that gave the exibits the chance to get into there stride,front movement on some exibits was a little loose ,but I had some real good movers, a few low set tails are creeping in to the breed ,Iwas pleased with the condition and presentation of the exhibits ,I found some really good pelts and coats, I am pleased to say the the day passed without a cross word from any of the exibits ,I was pleased with heads and expression , some foreign expressions had been appearing in recent years.
May I again thank you all for the chance to go over your dogs , and for the way you accepted my decisions .
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Red dog just short of 11 months, lovely head and expression good front shoulder and rib. Easily spanned with thick harsh coat and loose pelt. Slightly longer than one good rear angulation. Just a little unsettled on the move today which cost him first place.
Richmond Championship Show
8th Sep 2018
Judge: Mrs Patsy Hollings (Gunalt)
As always at this show, everything runs smoothly and hospitality is first rate. Thank you. I really enjoyed this appointment with many quality Borders to choose from.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Close up to winner with many breed requirements. This lad has dark eye, small well used ear and decent head proportions. He is typical in make and outline. not quite the strength of tail set as winner but set on right. Tidy mover.
Darlington Championship Show
14th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Chris Wallace (Hobholt)
My thanks to Darlington Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge my first Championship Show and to the exhibitors for bringing your Borders’. My stewards John and Carol were very helpful and kept the ring well organised. Despite feeling somewhat nervous before judging started I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions.
Our standard mentions moderate 4 times in its current form, it also provides guidance on size (weight) and body (spanning). I mention these points as there were a surprising number of Borders’ that were impossible to span, were too deep in chest, big, heavy and exaggerated in a number of areas. Movement became a key criteria when placing my Borders along with being moderate and not exaggerated. A lot of Borders were “Knitting” in front movement or flicking their wrists outwards, probably best described as erratic compared to the Borders that moved well. Mouths were good overall, one chipped tooth which was of no consequence. Coats and pelts were excellent overall, and the dogs were complete.
Overall, we have a number of promising youngsters coming through and it’s unfortunate judges only have two “tickets” to hand out.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
Gr, 11 months, lovely head, dark, oval eye, keen expression, narrow front, good neck to level topline and tailset, in good double tidy coat, well turned out, moved with drive, racy but controlled, easy span, Best Puppy.
Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
16th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Julien Barney (Romaunt)
A big thank you to the committee for giving me the opportunity to judge at this well run show. A super sporting atmosphere around the ring on a very pleasant sunny autumn afternoon.
My general comments would be about heads and the lack of that typical Otter look with a good skull and a powerful muzzle required to do their job. Front movement in some wasn’t good being tied in front and I wonder how well they would be able to follow a horse for a good days hunting. Plus size seemed to be an issue with some being well up to the limit.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
BP. A good strong masculine head with a good ear, keen and alert expression. In super harsh coat with a good density to it. Clean neck and shoulder with a good straight front.Moderate rear construction, moved off well with some drive.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Driffield Championship Show
22nd Sep 2018
Judge: Mr Paul Wilkinson
Puppy - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Championship Show
30th Sep 2018
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for an enjoyable day; and to my stewards Kevin and Julie who ensured that all flowed smoothly and that my only task was to judge the dogs. Thanks also to the rest of the committee and helpers who ensured a well run show. I was well pleased with the entry; real quality beyond the available cards in many classes. I had no bad mouths (a few lost and broken teeth, not a major problem to me); but quite a few with small teeth in a technically perfect bite. All males were entire. I had expected (from recent ringside observation) to find front movement, in particular, a problem; so was pleasantly surprised in the entry on the day in this respect. However, too many of the dogs did not have the construction and fitness to appear able to move efficiently over rough ground all day. Coats were variable, most being well prepared and tidy; pelts, on the whole, were good, but feet were often weak with thin pads.
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Best Puppy
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
nearly 12 mo. Neatly made with excellent front construction with neat little feet and straight legs. Rear angulation near perfect. Correctly made strong head with good expression. Moved true both ways and covered his ground well. Nice tight coat good pelt. Best Puppy in Show, a good prospect for the future.
Grantham & District Canine Society Open Show
13th Oct 2018
Judge: Mr R Brewster (Breckgreen / Stowthorney)
I would like to thank the committee of Grantham and District CS for inviting me to judge at their Open Show on 13th October 20018. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for entering under me. I had a quality entry of beautiful dogs.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG3, Dassett Last Waltz
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
12-month-old grizzle and tan dog. Lovely headed dog with a dark eye. Nice reach of neck into good shoulders. In a good harsh double jacket with thick pelt. Moved out with drive holding his top line on the move. Pleased to award him Best of Breed. Terrier Group 3
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
(See Junior Critique)
The Birmingham & District Gundog & Terrier Club
20th Oct 2018
Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the hospitality shown on the day. Thank you also to my 2 very efficient stewards, Lesley and Judith, but most of all I would like to thank all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely entry of quality dogs which were a pleasure to go over. I found no bad mouths, no kinked tails, and all the dogs were entire. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, but none of the exhibits were without the correct double coat needed by a working terrier.
Reserve Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
This 1 year old grizzle and tan dog was in tip top condition and certainly active and game, moving accurately, driving out from well muscled hindquarters and really covering the ground. He has a superb ottery head with a strong jaw and dark eye, moderate neck flowing into well placed narrow shoulders. His front is straight and his ribs are narrow and carried well back. He is spannable, has a loose pelt and really harsh topcoat, just slightly short on undercoat. RBOB
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
See 1st in Junior.
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.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
I’VE ALWAYS ADMIRED THIS DOG, DIDN’T DISAPPOINT. HE WOULD’NT SETTLE IN THE CHALLENGE THAT COST HIM TOP AWARDS. GOOD WIDTH OF SKULL, SHORT STRONG MUZZLE & JAW, LARGE TEETH, VARMITY EXPRESSION, DARK EYES.STRAIGHT NARROW FRONT NEAT FEET. CORRECT LAID SHOULDERS INTO LEVEL TOPLINE SHORT TAIL, CORRECT BEND OF STIFLE, MOVED WITH DRIVE, IN EXCELLENT HARSH COAT.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
4th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr. Paul Cheeseman (Bromscar)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Placing Critique
workman like type of border, strong head, nice eye, tidy front. Harsh jacket and thick pelt, rib and shoulders good. May have moved better if handler had a little more control.
Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Walsall & District Kennel Association Open Show
10th Nov 2018
Judge: Mr Ronald Punter (Lacus)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG4, Dassett Last Waltz
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz
Ladies Kennel Association
16th Dec 2018
Judge: Mrs. K. Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thanks to the exhibitors for a super entry of Border Terriers. As I repeatedly say, the shows are about the dogs and the exhibitors and are not held for the benefit of the judges, so I appreciated the honour of going over your dogs. Thanks also to the ring stewards Angie Feildsend and Andrea Caudrelier who kept everything flowing smoothly so that we finished in good time. With an entry of 148 dogs making 159 entries, we had the highest entry in the Terrier Group and what a lovely entry it was that awaited me on 16th December. As my finalists came into the ring for each set of CCs, I thought "I like all these!!"
After the show was over, I was told that the four dogs I had brought together at the top of the ring, when deciding on the Dog CC, were all related to one dog and in fact three of them were by that same dog, one I have often referred to in the past when discussing stud dogs with people, as a dog who consistently puts breed type on his progeny, so I was thrilled to be told that Ch Grindelvald In Full Cry JW sired three of the dogs and was the great grandsire of the fourth and to confirm that in the catalogue later. Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Bailey on breeding and owning a dog who clearly puts his breed type stamp on his progeny.
Unless something changes drastically with the Judges Competency Framework, this will be my last General Championship Show appointment and so, when asking for the name of the dog to whom I had awarded the CC and Best of Breed at the end when I was filling in the Award Cards, it was fitting that I then found out his name was Dassett Last Waltz JW. So pleased to later see him pulled out in the shortcut in the Terrier Group. Good luck for the future.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
DCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Also Dog CC and Best of Breed. Loved the overall make and shape of this boy. At just 14 months, he has a glorious otterhead with a super topline and tailset. He oozes type and had to go some way to beat the others who I called together at the end to decide on the Dog CC. Coat and pelt of the best, with a good tight jacket, with more to come in. Good movement front and back, he pulled out all the stops at the end and I was delighted not only to award him the Dog CC and BOB but to later see him being pulled into the final shortcut in the Terrier Group. Well done.
Manchester Championship Show
18th Jan 2019
Judge: Mrs. Kathy Newsome (Kighill)
My first judging appointment at a Championship show and what a lovely day I had. Firstly I would like to thank the Manchester Dog Society for inviting me to judge their show, and also to all the exhibitors for showing their support.
I had a lovely selection of dogs and I was very pleased with the quality that came before me. All dogs were entire and mouths were good. Some dogs could have done with being tidied up a little more.
RDCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Liked this Border, not overdone in anyway. Otterhead with well-placed ears, good strong mouth with good sized teeth. Level top-line which he carried well whilst on the move around the ring and when still. Tight feet and thick pelt. Well-deserved RDCC.
The Midland Border Terrier Club Open Show
10th Feb 2019
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
I would firstly like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to judge their February Open Show, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also thank you to my very efficient stewards Julie Price ad Jem Thomas and by no means least my grateful thanks to all the exhibitors for a super entry.
A few exhibits were wide in front, one or two I couldn't span, movement left a lot to be desired and some could have done with a little more tidying up.
Best Dog
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Best In Show
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
What a lovely boy he is. Excellent otter head with lovely dark eye. Correct ear placement. Good depth of muzzle with lovely big teeth. Nice tight feet. Lovelt narrow front. Good reach of neck which flows into good shoulders. Excellent coat, topline and tailset. Good lose pelt. Lovely hindquarters which he uses well. Spanned easily. He was presented in excellent condition and moved round the ring with ease. Pleased to award him BD and BIS.
Crufts
9th Mar 2019
Judge: Mrs Trak Fryer (Irton)
A very great thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such a superb entry, I hope that I did it justice. My thanks must also go to my Stewards who worked very hard to keep the classes moving well.
This was a very challenging entry with some very big classes filled with quality dogs all the way through, there were no easy decisions. I tried to pull out all the dogs that I felt were in contention to give those exhibits a closer look. This meant that those out of coat or condition paid the penalty. particularly in the upper classes many super quality dogs had to go out without a place - I just didn't have enough cards.
On the plus side all the exhibits were good tempered and happy in the ring. Most dogs came with a good coat on and a decent pelt. There were plenty of good heads and neat well balanced Borders, the key to the Standard. The Breed Standard asks for a dog that can run, requiring heart and lung room, and that can go to ground, requiring a good rib carried back without exaggerated angulations, a rather challenging blueprint to fit into a fairly small package.
There were quite a number with rather heavy or thin ears, round eyes and I was surprised to find quite a number of “winter noses”; I did not necessarily penalise these if the rest was OK. There were a number of heads with weak jaws framed by sticky out ears, a worrying trend. There were some heavy bitches well beyond spannable.
The biggest problem is movement with the forward angulations mostly at fault, this has been a problem in the breed for some time but there are now a significant number with tied in fronts waving their forelegs about, a new variant!
A well made dog will just cover the ground without any fuss or flipping – a joy to see. In order to do this they also need a reasonable build of muscle and it is a constant concern of mine that so many that come into the show ring do not have this.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
A beautifully balanced young dog, strong jaw, good head, eye and earset giving a very typical expression. Good bone and nice angulations, good feet, nice tail & tailset, nothing out of place. He moved out well covering his ground, in a good red coat with a good pelt, perhaps a bit overhandled, I prefer to see a dog stand free. He certainly got a look in in the challenge but in an entry dominated by some outstanding mature males he paid for his youth, I am sure that his day will come.
Class Critique
Another good class of young dogs where some good ones had to miss out, the first two were close up both being very promising youngsters.
National Terrier
6th Apr 2019
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my stewards Dave and Pat who kept things moving and most especially to all the exhibitors for entering and allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs.
I was very pleased with my main winners and there was a lot of quality in the puppy classes which should augur well for the future. Temperaments were excellent, all males were entire and there were no serious mouth faults.
On the minus side there were quite a number of animals of both sexes which were up to size and front movement is a real problem throughout the age range. A few dogs were carrying too much weight and a couple could have done with carrying a bit more. There were a number of dogs lacking in muscle-ours is a working breed and an unfit dog would not be able to fulfill the job of a working terrier.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Quality red of 18 months.Super head with impressive bite and good expression.Nice size,coat,pelt and tailset all good.Well angulated fore and aft and moving soundly on good feet, Seriously considered in the challenge.
West of England Ladies' Kennel Society
28th Apr 2019
Judge: Mrs L A Crawley
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
National Dog Show
11th May 2019
Judge: Mrs Anne Heathcote (Saxheath)
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to judge our breed for the first time at their 160th Anniversary show and for their hospitality. I was able to complete the judging in good time thanks to my two excellent Stewards Steph and Alan.
The quality of the entry was pleasing overall but one or two could have benefited from tidying , it is a show and you owe it to your dog to present them well , and I was unable to span a few . However , my main winners were for me the correct size and in some of the classes the decisions were very close.
Thank you for accepting my decisions so gracefully.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
A lovely r gr with very similar attributes to 1 who also moved well but I just preferred the bend of stifle and tailset of my winner.
Class Critique
Three lovely dogs who I found hard to split.
Bath Championship Show
27th May 2019
Judge: Miss Felicity Freer (Felfree)
Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for my invitation to judge this superb breed. The weather was not on our side to start but it warmed up and made for a superb day. I have owned or shown this breed for over 20 years and found a real mixed bag today. I found the youngsters to be really pleasing which is promising for the breed. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to show under me.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Slightly longer cast than first.Coat coming in. Dark eye. Tail well set and used.
The Southern Counties Canine Assocation
1st Jun 2019
Judge: Miss J Singh (Vandamere)
I was a delighted to receive the invitation to judge at this friendly and well run show The weather was glorious and there was a nice atmosphere around the ring.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day as I had some quality dogs to go over and this was reflected on the impressive results in the Group placings . I was thrilled to learn that the Best of Breed was awarded Terrier Group 1, my bitch CC winner was awarded Terrier Junior Group 2, the puppy gained Puppy Terrier Group 3 and the veteran was awarded Veteran Terrier Group 3. Is this a new record for group placings at one show for the breed?
The day was kept running smoothly by my two stewards Alan McKenzie and Sue Hann,
I was concerned about the number of exhibits with misplaced teeth. In total I found five exhibits each with a misplaced tooth, also two kinked tails and one exhibit with one testicle. Some exhibits were lacking in muscle tone and condition.
RDCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
A smart dog I liked his otter head, strong muzzle with a good bite. He has a straight front with good bone and neat feet. His shoulders were well laid, correct in rib and was spannable with a racy outline. His coat was harsh with a good thick pelt. He worked well with his handler and moved true both ways. RDCC
Three Counties Championship Show
6th Jun 2019
Judge: Mr D Mitchell (Paleside)
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Nice all round shape, not so strong in head, narrow in front, in good jacket, moved out well.
Border Union Agricultural Society
15th Jun 2019
Judge: Joyce Martin (Merumhor)
I would like to thank Border Union Agricultural Society for the invitation to judge my first CC appointment in Border Terriers and to my ring steward Alicia Wilson for keeping me right and the smooth efficiency of getting each class in the ring to keep things going.
I was delighted with the super entry of 123 dogs making 142 entries and appreciate all the exhibitors that gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
The overall quality was excellent, I was privileged to judge so many lovely dogs and I was pleased with my main winners, all looking in tip top condition on the day.
I was surprised that in some of the exhibits that underneath good coats there was lack of condition and a bit thin and some were lacking thick skin and loose pelt that is important in our breed.
RDCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
This g/tan dog has a really super head, flat skull and strong muzzle with big teeth and keen expression. Another shown in good tight jacket and loose pelt. He is narrow in build with good rear angulation which he put to good use moving with drive round the ring which was enough to win him the RDCC.
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.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
A good broad skull with dark eyes and small ears, well set neck leading into a correct topline with a good tailset. Narrow front and easily spanned, good harsh coat and pelt, moved well.
East of England Championship Show
6th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Janet Alexander (Glenbucket)
DCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
lovely broad skull scissor bite dark eye small ears good reach of neck level top line held on the move easily spanned harsh coat with good undercoat well set on tail good front movement and drive that won him CC
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
13th Jul 2019
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
A big thanks to The Northern Border Terrier Club for there invitation to judge their club show, my first club open show was for the Northern many years ago, and the friendliness and hospitality has not changed. Thank you to the exhibitors for such a good entry and great atmosphere around the ring, and most especially to my two capable stewards Carolyn and Graham Richardson for keeping every thing flowing, and not putting a foot wrong all day. The quality of exhibits was second to none and many good dogs had to go home without a card, teeth were excellent and not one kinked tail or missing testicle all day, nice to see so many of the borders looked capable of doing a days work.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Smart caught my eye, liked his body lines and length, best of top lines and tail set well on, typical head with good eye neat ears, moved well
Paignton Championship Show
3rd Aug 2019
Judge: Mr. Mark Ord (Marnadee)
Thank you all who entered today some classes more difficult than others & some that could change places on a different day. For me it is all about judging the dog on the day and how it performs. I am sad to say I found many of the males difficult to span, I was not impressed with a lot of the heads, the standard is specific on what it requires. Tails I found better than previously. A lot of dogs I thought good on the stack fell apart in front movement. Bitches for me had more depth of quality and more uniform in size, happy to say I could span most of them. I have been criticised before as have others for using the term racy when the breed standard only uses the term with regard to quarters but I also interpret the statement “able to follow a horse” to mean a dog needs to be racy. Nothing heavy & broad will be capable of this task. Vital to remember what the breed was bred to do. Borders had the biggest entry in Terriers today by a long shot & I thank you all for giving me the privilege to handle your dogs.
I was delighted with my top winners today, I was informed my doc C.C, res C.C. & best puppy dog were all related. My bitch C.C. I did well as a puppy at an open show and is the daughter of the bitch I gave the C.C. last time i judged the breed.
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
DCC
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
C.C. & B.O.B, only young but on first impressions fills the eye for balance & breed type, has an excellent otter head with short strong muzzle, good dentition,v shaped ears well set, good reach of neck leading to correct straight front, when you feel his shoulder & corresponding upper arm you understand why he moves so soundly, correct shape of rib which is easy to span, super top line always held, lovely racy quarters & tail well set & carried, in correct coat of harsh texture & has undercoat, loose pelt, neat feet. Delighted to be told after judging this was his third C.C. and is a most worthy Ch. I was happy with my decision when I watched him in the group & thrilled to see him be shortlisted, congratulations
Class Critique
Quality class of males
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
4th Aug 2019
Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone) Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)
*Judge: Dogs: Diane Bullen (Fevstone)*
I would like to thank the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show and making me feel most welcome. I would also like to thank my Stewards for a sterling job.
A good exhibit entry on the day with couple of them forgetting to remove their carpet slippers judging by their feet, and also a couple that I felt they were impersonating Austin Powers international man of mystery judging by the amount of chest hair left on! But on a more serious note, yet again underweight dogs with some having barely a covering of flesh which was disappointing, some dogs also un-spannable.
Both of the above reflecting in my placing’s. On a more positive note some excellent specimens shown today both in coat, movement and good old fashioned strong otter type heads.
*Judge: Bitches: Sally Leslie (Risdene)*
Thank you to the Committee and Exhibitors for a super day. It must always be a pleasure and honour to judge at a club show where the depth of quality is clearly high and this was especially appreciated after so many had also made the long journey to Devon the day before.
I’m not going to lecture. After all we are all on the same side and want our breed to thrive. However I think I should mention that movement is not generally true and accurate fore and aft. I did see some strange limb and joint placement. Notwithstanding less than perfect gait I still sought something that did not make me uncomfortable to watch and importantly for me exhibited easy freedom using the whole of the foot and leg assembly to take energy from the ground not jolting or with feet flipping limply but fluid placement with reach and drive. That does not imply exaggeration and wasted energy just simple low to the ground daisy cutting propulsion and economy which is a thing of beauty to behold.
Mouths and jaws generally were pleasing. The small pearly dentition of a while ago were not in evidence and I enjoyed the large teeth that never fail to surprise and please. For this reason I have not felt the need to remark individually.
I never penalise stacked exhibits but I Ioved the preponderance of handler’s free showing. Relaxed, well made examples do stand nicely naturally and it often seems to me that exhibitors know less than their charges when it comes to limb placement and balance.
Coats - I really appreciated those exhibitors who felt able to leave coats in place even though a little past their sell by date. I can happily judge through a good coat which enables me to ascertain texture and quality whereas however neat an outline the lack of any evidence of coat in this working breed must be a negative.
Happily my fellow judge and I agreed on most of the main placings and I did not trouble the Referee as for me the prime consideration for any exhibitor must surely be the CC.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Good sized dog with excellent coat and pelt. Strong head with neat ears and keen expression. Good dentition easily spanned. Excelled in hind angulation, moved and showed well.
Welsh Kennel Club
17th Aug 2019
Judge: Miss T Peacock
I was honoured to be invited to judge the Welsh Kennel Cub Ch. Show. The entry was excellent both in quality and quantity, It was a pleasure to go over such quality exhibits. Movement was variable and some exhibits moved okay coming an going but lacked drive.
Limit - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
another lovely headed dog who I liked very much. Short strong muzzle, large teeth and neat ears, straight front and flat ribs, level topline to well constructed muscular rear end, not quite the coat of winner today.
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 - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Richmond Championship Show
7th Sep 2019
Judge: Mr John Bainbridge (Risdene)
In this day of mentoring I make no apologies for restating the main criteria I apply in my judging. The standard states that the border terrier is essentially a working terrier and it should be able to follow a horse. Therefore I require a dog deep in chest but well ribbed back providing ample heart and lung room which will enable it to travel and be present when and if required to flush the quarry, narrow throughout and spannable to enable it to go to ground, head like that of a otter with strong muzzle and big teeth to help protect from any attack of the quarry, harsh double coat and thick skin as protection from the elements whilst underground or on the moors, good temperament to mix with the hounds and able to be handled as necessary.
I felt that most of my winners met this criteria and my report concentrates on the dogs distinguishing points that resulted in its placing. However no dog is perfect and that is where the judgement comes in and remember opinions from the ring side do not always hold up on closer inspection.
Yearling - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
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 - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Nice head and eye with expression, good mouth, neck, shoulder, front and body. Good rear and tail set, moved well and in good coat.
Driffield Championship Show
21st Sep 2019
Judge: Mr David Shields (Wilholme)
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
A very soundly made dog throughout of good size and another who presents a very typical outlook and spans easily. Pleasing head, well balanced, strong muzzle and big teeth. Well made front assembly, correct bone, good body shape and powerful hindquarters that he uses to advantage on the move. Best of pelts and correct harsh coat. Sound on the move.
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.
Yearling - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Super head with lovely dentition and good expression. good for size, Coat, pelt and tail set all good. Well angulated front and rear and moving soundly on good feet,
South Wales Kennel Association
12th Oct 2019
Judge: Mrs M Wanless (Thorneyburn)
My thanks go to SWKA for their kind invitation to judge at this good venue. Also to my stewards Sue and Wendy who kept things flowing.
Thank you too all those who entered and accepted my decisions so sportingly. All mouths were good, all dogs entire and coat quality was excellent , especially in the dog classes. Pleased with my winners, and my final line-up, and to see my bob and bp be shortlisted in their groups.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Midland Counties Championship Show
24th Oct 2019
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Crufts
8th Mar 2020
Judge: Mr Simon Jackson (Clipstone)
Firstly, I would like to thank the Kennel Club for allowing me the honour of judging this Border Terrier Centenary year. I also thank my excellent stewards for keeping me on track and to everybody who gave me such a fantastic entry, both in numbers and quality across all classes. To be blunt, I don't think I have ever seen and enjoyed such a very high quality entry before. Unfortunately many good exhibits went home unrewarded. Several classes the placed exhibits could have all stood in first place. I really was splitting hairs. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself and hope everybody else did too. I'd also like to thank Joyce Martin and my son, Laurence Jackson, for the excellent photographs which has made the writing of this critique so much easier. I understand Laurence also live-streamed the CC's and BOB – technology far above me – but thanks!
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Another good example of the breed. Good correct head. Hard close coat. Good front. Well carried ribs, strong loin, good movement.
Class Critique
A really enjoyable class to judge. The standard was consistent throughout the class.
Southern Counties Canine Association
27th Jun 2021
Judge: Mr Kevin Green (Terabyte)
I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the Southern Counties Canine Association for inviting me to judge their show for Border Terriers. It was my first judging appointment for a CH Show and I was very pleased with my entry also I would like to thank all the exhibitors who entered and for allowing me to go over their dogs. They all showed and behaved very well. Last but not least I would like to thank my steward who did an excellent job keeping everything flowing very well.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
1st Aug 2021
Judge: Mrs C Archibald (Dogs) Mrs L M Ward (Bitches) Ref Mr T Tuck
Referee’s Report:
I was asked to make the final decisions for BIS, Res BIS, BOS, and Best Veteran. It was a real pleasure to go over these quality borders.
BIS: I thought that the dog Brewster and Green’s Stowthorney Wicker Man JW, and the bitch Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora, were both eye-catching borders though quite different. The dog was very well constructed throughout, with a typical otter-like head, strong muzzle and large teeth. He had good angulation front and rear, moved well, and was in good coat. The bitch was a handy size, with an attractive outline and balanced overall proportions. She also had a thick pelt and correct coat though I think it was not yet at its best. I just favoured the dog for BIS on the strength of his head, his overall outline, and coat on the day.
Res BIS: I felt that Tuffin’s Hartswelin Veritas with Oatberry edged it over the bitch for similar reasons to those given above. He shared a lot of qualities with BIS, having a lovely outline and angulation, a good otter-like head, and an excellent coat and pelt.
BOS: Irving’s Dandyhow Pandora.
Best Veteran: Both veterans were eye-catching and typical borders, with very good coats. The dog, Jackson’s Clipstone Starshine, had a lovely head and expression, and I liked his outline and overall proportions. The bitch, Dean’s Ch Cedarhill Wish Upon a Star, had balanced proportions and she was very well constructed all through. I thought her neat front and shoulders, plus her hind angulation gave her the edge for Best Veteran.
Referee: Terence Tuck
DOGS
My sincere thanks to the MBTC for inviting me to judge the dogs at this show. Also thank you to all the exhibitors for their support. A very convivial atmosphere, it was so good to be out and about with dogs again. The weather did it's best to stay fair, ideal temperature for dog showing. I found movement still to be an issue, particularly front, also small teeth, the odd broken or missing tooth, and some dirty teeth too! Size and weight need to be addressed - some too heavy, the other end of the spectrum, needed a good feed!! Jackets at various stages, good to see some exhibits in full coat, a rarity these days. I was very happy with my winners and pleased the referee agreed in part.
BITCHES
Many thanks to the club for the invitation to judge, to the exhibitors for a nice entry and my steward Carol Smith for keeping the ring running smoothly.
As ever at this show the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly but was tinged today with poignancy by the sad loss of so many of our good friends. I must mention Dawn Bladen who has been a close friend since 1995 when we had a litter brother and sister by my dog. On principle Dawn didn’t show under me so would again have been at the ringside today with her camera. We miss them all and hope to continue to see their families and friends amongst us.
There was a noticeable diversity in both type and overall size today. My chief concern was exhibits that came very heavily to hand and often in combination with being very difficult (for a man’s hands) to span. It really needs to be addressed if we are to keep the Border “Essentially a working terrier”, as the standard lays down.
There was only one mouth with misplaced teeth and I was especially pleased to find so many otter-like heads.
Coats were generally good for texture and depth and good undercoats on thick pelts predominated. B/T jackets were especially harsh and dense and I aplaud the breeders who have achieved this huge improvement compared to the B/Ts of the 90’s.
Today tough pads were plentiful but it was a pity that feet on some exhibits appeared to be bigger and flatter than they actually were when this could be easily remedied by trimming.
Tails seem to get thinner and longer each time I judge. In this entry we have overcome the problem of kinks that was evident for some years but with the loss of the desired carroty shape and moderately short length which finishes off the typical Border outline.
Overall I was pleased to find good fitness and muscle tone plus good condition and only one that needed a good dinner and a couple that had obviously enjoyed too many.
I was very happy with my lineup and fully expect to see several going on to the higher honours which they narrowly missed out on today.
My colleague judge and I cordially agreed to disagree when it came to the final accolades (in each case having a preference for the sex we had judged) so referee Tez Tuck was kept busy to the very end with his decisions accepted with good grace by the exhibitors.
Open - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
16th Aug 2021
Judge: Mr J Horswell
I very much enjoyed tackling this entry and found the breed to be in pretty good shape. Quite a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I thought. I did take coats into account, there were quite a lot who were rather naked on the day and as a result went further down the line that they might otherwise have done – you have to judge what you can see, and a good coat is important in a working terrier.
Open - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Placing Critique
Longer d. He has a v good head. Strong neck. Chest to elbow and well ribbed back. Not quite the front of 1. Holds a level topline. Harsh coat.
Class Critique
This was a very competitive class.
Richmond Championship Show
11th Sep 2021
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the committee of the Richmond show for granting my first appointment to award CC’s, I was well looked after on the day and had great support from my stewards which was very much appreciated. It was a real privilege to judge some wonderful examples of the breed and the future looks bright as there were so many wonderful puppies and juniors. I really appreciated all my entries and rewarded those in the best condition on the day, I also acknowledge that many had good breed type and quality even amongst those not in the challenge and some that were not placed in the stronger classes.
Open - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
Crufts
11th Mar 2022
Judge: Mrs. Margaret Curtis (Matamba)
Crufts has always been a memorable experience for me, from sitting ringside to winning top honours in this breed, and to retire from judging with my last appointment being Crufts was a special occasion. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for the entry of 233 dogs making 257 entries with 28 absentees.
It was a long day and with only one steward for almost all of the classes my sincere thanks must go to Robyn Burnett. Plus a special thanks to Judy Carr for stepping in to help Robyn in those last big classes to help us finish just in time to get the BOB to the Group. Also to Joyce Martin the photographer who worked hard throughout the day to get those special pictures, thank you. I enjoyed my day judging but found some of the classes quite challenging.
I was pleased with the lineup and my principal winners, but a little disappointed with what I was finding when the dogs came to the table. The standard reads “Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull and small ears dropping close to cheek” but some were so untypical of our breed with narrow skulls, weak jaws and small teeth, with ears that were too big and standing away from the cheek.
In every class there were some that just could not be spanned - being too deep in the chest and strong in the rib. Movement was better behind than in front. Finding dogs with a short upper arm, this not only restricts the movement but when standing almost gives a Fox Terrier type front which I was seeing, to start accepting these deviations as acceptable would be a sad day for our breed as we know it.
General condition of the dogs was good, jackets came in all stages mostly acceptable with some good thick pelts. One problem I found today was the baiting of dogs on the table. In some cases it made it hard going for dogs and judge - no need to top and tail and bait all at the same time - personally I just needed the dogs to stand still.
Open - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: CH Dassett Last Waltz JW
