The Border Terrier Club Open Show (27-02-2016)

First Place in Post Graduate - Bitch, Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)

Show Critique:

Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.

Placing Critique:

Grizzle and tan, two years old. Good head with shallow stop and strong muzzle. Well laid shoulders. Well off for bone with good feet. Good topline and underline. Well ribbed back and short well set tail. Good hindquarters with strong well let down hocks. In excellent double coat. Very sound in all directions on the move.