First Place in Open - Bitch, Judge: Mr Arthur Cuthbertson (Ashbrae)
My thanks to the Committee for my appointment, and a well run show. The stewards Doreen Rushby and Dave Mitchell, and the exhibitors for the entry.
I was looking for a Border that could fulfil the standard, essentially a working terrier. Judging is about achieving that balance of the desired essentials of the standard, breed type, construction, movement, condition, and the true otter like head. I was disappointed to find so many lacking strength of muzzle, and some with narrow set eyes, with a lot, light in eye colour giving an untypical expression. Some with very small teeth and others very big on the rib, also some very long tails!
That said there were some lovely borders present, and I was pleased with the final line ups, all fulfilling my interpretation of the breed standard.
A hard decision between the first three as all are excellent bitches and worthy CC winners.
Lovely keen expression with dark eye, neat ear. Nice neck and straight front. Good lay of shoulder and length of rib. Comes to hand balanced and spans well. Good coated with thick pelt, in good condition. Moved out with drive. CC & BIS.