Manchester Dog Show Society (20-01-2011)

First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Professor S P Dean (Tyrian)

Show Critique:

A curate’s egg day with some great border terriers and some disappointments too. My winners were typical and not only had the heads to win but moved soundly and had the coat and pelt so desirable in the breed. On the downside, although bites were generally good, there are too many with pathetically weak teeth and several with shoulders set too far forward so they looked narrow but had no fore-chest at all. A terrier needs fore-feet under its chest.
I was looking for borders that were soundly made and could therefore cover ground and I found them but there are some with short choppy actions. However I do not intend to be too pessimistic for the breed put on a good show today and there were some really promising youngsters in the puppy classes. Thank you to those who exhibited dogs with the typical thick harsh coat and pelt, these were all much appreciated.

Placing Critique:

All three worthy. Good head and expression, masculine and mature with correct length of neck not over long in body, Coat and pelt correct, nicely made throughout. Moved OK . Thick tail and well ribbed back. CC