First Place in Open - Bitch, Judge: Mr Alan Hedges (Ramblix)
My thanks go to the Officers and Committee of Bath show for inviting me to come and judge Border Terriers for the first time, and on the Bath Billiard Table as well, it was a fabulous day for me and will live long in my memory.
I thought the dogs were better than the bitches although reading through my critique it doesn’t sound like that, but it was. If I may make a couple of points. Nobody who goes to shows goes to lose and some are making it rather easy for the judge to give them a hard time. Long pointed nails are not good news , nor is standing the dog like a rocking horse. If you are going to use bait, the dog needs to think it has a chance of getting it, the idea is to bring him up on his toes and make a much better picture. Every little helps, none of the opposition are going to roll over and make it easy for you!
Hind movement was generally better than front movement, and plenty could have been fitter.
My thanks go to all who entered, you gave me a wonderful day and I was honoured by each and every one of you
Having seen all of the above (first three placed) since they were puppies, I never imagined for one second I would ever judge them, thank you for doing me the honour of bringing them.
As someone who likes to look for great virtues, this bitch made my day, she has the most fantastic coat and pelt, and I don’t know about working in all weathers, but I don’t think a power washer could get to her, what a coat and pelt. Aside of that, she has a lovely head, good narrow front, lovely body with ribs well back, an excellent back end and she moved very well. It was her excellent movement that just held off the 2nd when push came to shove at the end of the class, which was very competitive and a pleasure to judge.