The Border Terrier Club Open Show (24-02-2018)

First Place in Limit - Dog, Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)

Show Critique:

I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the warm welcome and hospitality shown on the day. Special thanks go to the Show Secretary Kathy Wilkinson, my two efficient stewards Liz Barrett and Judy Carr, and Carol Mackenzie for a lovely lunch. Most of all I would like to say a very big thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry, and for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. The depth of quality in some classes, particularly the bitches, meant that I truly wished for more top places to give out. However, I was very pleased with my main winners, who all looked as though they could manage a day’s work. Most exhibits were in hard, fit condition and well turned out. All dogs were entire, I found just a couple of kinked tails, and, understandably, there were a few missing/misplaced teeth in the veteran class. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, and this had to affect a few places as it is not only a necessity on a working terrier, but completes the picture. I was pleased to have some very promising puppies, and at the other end of the scale a wonderful class of veterans.

Placing Critique:

Handsome grizzle and tan who excels for size and breed type. He has a lovely masculine head and varminty expression, with strong jaw and teeth in a correct scissor bite. He has a good reach of neck into well laid back, narrow shoulders, is easily spanned, and has a straight front with just the correct amount of bone. He is well angulated front and rear, holds a good topline with correct tailset, and moves accurately to cover the ground with ease. He has a thick, pliable pelt and was shown in an excellent, harsh topcoat, and pushed very hard for top honours.