CH Byrons Greengrass (Mr J & Mrs H M Thomas) RDCC
Foxyard Obsession (Mr G & Mr L& Mrs E Woodfield) BCC
CH Ashbrae Trinnie (Mr & Mrs A Cuthbertson) BRCC
Lairehope Ruby Romance (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian) BP
A demanding day with 247 entered, my sincere thanks to all who entered and showed patience when decisions needed time. Also my gratitude goes to our ring stewards who were simply outstandingly efficient. I was very proud of the ticket line-ups and thought the BOB looked superb in the group. What was encouraging was there were many dogs down the line that would not have been out of place there and ‘splitting hairs’ became a routine technique in several classes to find class winners. Reflecting on the day leaves some lasting impressions. There is no doubt the breed has made great advances in head conformation. Good otter heads with strength in muzzle and strong teeth were very much in evidence. Ears by and large are good but with a trend towards largeness and heaviness which we must reverse. It is very difficult to change the ear shape so embedding any coarseness now must be of concern. Movement too has improved over the years largely driven by progress on stifle angulation but let’s not go too far here as some excess is creeping in. Shoulders still need attention with many severely lacking lay back and of more concern some foreleg assemblies are placed too far forward so fore-chests are vanishing. This produces flashiness but it is wrong. Coats and pelts were generally good and the majority were capable of being spanned. Flat feet were in evidence perhaps driven by a tough winter and lack of exercise but remember this is a sporting breed and needs fitness to be fully appreciated. As a result many nice dogs lost out because of a lack of muscle or flat feet. We have a healthy breed and this was supported by those in the veteran classes and with an 8 year old winning BOB perhaps this is proof enough.
Entries: 8 Absentees: 0
1st: CH Rossula Magic Borderer Clipstone (E & J Jackson) DCC, BOB, An outstanding 8 year old dog presented in perfect condition, he stood away from others in class. He set the benchmark for the day and although some came very close none bettered his type and construction. A typical border head and expression, moderate reach of neck, good top-line and moved out with reach and drive. Coat neat, harsh and dense. Narrowly built with fore and hind action entirely co-ordinated and true on the move. Well ribbed back and readily spannable. Delighted to award him the Dog CC and BoB. Thought he did the breed credit in the group.
2nd: CH Ravenside Mystiko (Mr M Lowry) Another typical border unlucky to meet 1 in such excellent form. Similar head and expression with slightly more stop. Showed strength in loin, coat and pelt but preferred the fitness and drive of winner.
3rd: CH Wilderscot Toffee (Miss E D Rumsam) Completed a trio of very good veteran dogs. Typical throughout and nicely built. Slightly heavy in body and deeper in chest than winners. Good topline and correct tail. Nicely ribbed and moved soundly both ways.
Res: Brookbank Break The Spell JW (Mrs S P Norris)
VHC: CH Fehmarn Magic Lantern JW (Mrs J Morton Shaw)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st: Barterhound Twister (Mrs B B Roderick) Mature 12 m.o. of correct size with good otter head and neat, correctly set ears. Narrow with straight front, moderate length of neck and excellent topline. Moved out with reach and drive. Length of leg without being over stated. Coat in good form contributing to typical thick pelt. Liked his outline which he kept on the move. Considered for higher honours but maturity was a deciding factor but his day is surely close.
2nd: Benattivo Basilio (Mr C & Mrs S Girling) Another attractive youngster nearly 11 m.o. B/T similar to 1 in structure and quality, slightly larger but lacked the maturity to better. Slightly heavier in ear than 1. Good coat and pelt and well made throughout. Attractive on the move. Preferred narrowness and maturity of winner. Close to 1.
3rd: Ethlencoral Pip of Ottaswell Naf (Mr D & Mrs G M Hunt) Another quality 11m.o. built on narrow lines with typical otter head and expression. Good topline and moved out well. Front action needs to tighten. Another that will compete well when mature. Close up to 2.
Res: Smartstone Governor (Mrs J P & Mr D A Giles & Birtles)
VHC: Brookbank Could It Magic (Mrs S P Norris)
Entries: 14 Absentees: 2
1st: Otterbobs Riggindale (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin) Excellent class with close decisions for places. Liked the head, neat ears, strength of muzzle and overall maturity and conformation of 1. Excellent harsh double coat and thick pelt. Good shoulders, narrow front with evident fore-chest. Good reach of neck. Hindquarters OK. Moved out v. well.
2nd: Bandicoot Double O Seven (Mr G E & Mrs V L K Docwra) Another nice dog presented in good order, of high quality with typical head, preferred neater ears of 1. Good coat and flowing topline. Neat correctly set tail. Moved well but with less drive than 1. Close up.
3rd: Conundrum’s Blue Legend (Mr J & Mrs I M Southam) Smartly presented B/T, typical all round with an excellent head. Larger ears but pleasing overall shape and correct size but just preferred front of 2. Sound on the move. Close decision.
Res: Radnorvalley Goshawk Of Rhozzum (Mrs M Sharp)
VHC: Hesslemere Hi Karate JW (Mrs C Davis)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 5
1st: Dowgri Daredevil (Mr W & Mrs T J Baird) Disappointing class, with several over-sized dogs. Winner was correct size, head OK, slightly large eye, good topline and moved OK.
2nd: Eltonfurze Pickle (Mrs K & Miss C Johnson) Good strong head, neat ears, strong muzzle, deeper stop than 1.Coat not at its best. Well angulated and fore chest evident . Moved OK
3rd: Fehmarn Reap The Harvest (Mrs J Morton Shaw) Broad skull short muzzle preferred neat ears of 2. Good coat and pelt.. Preferred size and front of 2.
Res: Bootstrap Lad (Mr S & Mrs C E Griffiths)
VHC: Draycore Rockkafela At Kgills (Mr K J & Mrs G Bate)
Entries: 12 Absentees: 1
1st: Barterhound Twister (Mrs B B Roderick) As before, stood out in this class.
2nd: Dandyhow Zat (Mrs G Mcdougald) Typical border, smart and upstanding. Good head and expression with strong muzzle , nice tight feet, Harsh jacket and short carrot tail. Pleasing outline overall.
3rd: Tufterslodge Walnut At Orangebox (Mr M & Mrs T Anscombe) Longer cast dog with width in skull and good dark eye. Would prefer more substance and drive behind.
Res: Finehaugh Fella At Kgills (Mr K J & Mrs G Bate)
VHC: Tythrop Jupiter (Mr T & Mrs K Kelly)
Entries: 12 Absentees: 1
1st: Towden Storm Diver At Laurelton (Mrs P & Miss S Moffatt & Zech) Size decided the places but 1 stood out in class. Liked his head and expression, strong muzzle, ears slightly heavy. Spannable, liked his strength in bone and overall good conformation,. All translated into good movement. Coat harsh but nearing its end (needed a tidy). Correct tail. Well deserve top spot here.
2nd: Lessien Dinx Boy Oberon (Miss S J Pateman) Good strong skull, neat ears, strong muzzle, deep stop. Not the shoulders of 1 but good drive behind. Harsh dense coat on its way.
3rd: Bolt Tail Jebba (Mr F & Mrs H Freeman) Similar type to 1 in head and expression, good bone and maturity but preferred overall picture and conformation of 1&2. Harsh double jacket and thick pelt. Just spannable and moved OK.
Res: Master Minstral At Beaconpike (Mr & Mrs Golding)
VHC: Vallemoss Voodoo At Roxess (Mr J T & Mrs N Todd)
Entries: 11 Absentees: 2
1st: Benattivo Rock Robin (Mr C & Mrs S Girling) Tough decision for top 3. Winner has good head and expression and neat ears. Made well in shoulder and thus moved out with good reach. Certainly lively to handle. Correct size and length. Well ribbed back. Lack of full coat was a factor in the challenge.
2nd: Towden Storm Diver At Laurelton (Mrs P & Miss S Moffatt & Zech) As before, Preferred the ribbing of 1
3rd: Tufterslodge Whiz Of Menavaur (Mr D & Mrs R Poulding) Another typical border head and expression with deeper stop. Lighter eye than 1&2 and preferred angulation of winners but excellent harsh jacket and moved well.
Res: Alcumlow Starstruck (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
VHC: Iacheslei Torus JW (Miss A Harrison)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 1
1st: Gameway Charles Dickens (Mrs P Clark) Challenging class, top four all close up! Winner is typical border with head and expression, neat ears, strength in muzzle and pleasing reach of neck. Liked his strong teeth, excellent bone and his tight feet. Flowing lines and finished with short carrot tail. A fit dog, overall pleasing conformation that consequently lets him move well. Would prefer ounce more drive behind – a factor in the challenge where he was strongly considered.
2nd: Irton Up Helly Aa (Mr D & Mrs A Fryer) Quality dog, similar all round to 1. Longer cast with typical head. Preferred the ears of 1. Excellent harsh coat and thick pelt. Well made shoulders and hind quarters but not happy on the move so did not show his best form.
3rd: Risdene Tapenade (Miss S A & Mr J Leslie & Bainbridge) Strongly built dog, with broad skull, strong muzzle good teeth and neat ears. In excellent coat with good conformation all round. Preferred the size of 1&2. Covers a lot of ground on the move.
Res: Lutrabeck Likewise (Mr R J & Mrs C Hand)
VHC: Dugaden Tusker ShCM (Mr & Mrs C Martin)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 6
1st: CH Byrons Greengrass (Mr J & Mrs H M Thomas) RDCC, High quality class with trio challenging for top spot. Several deserving went without. All had typical heads, short strong muzzles and correct expression, movement and coats decided most placings. Winner on his toes, in fit condition, typical throughout with good coat and strong bone. Liked his size and weight. Well made in front and stylish hindquarters finished with carrot tail, set correctly. Moved well. Came close in challenge and lost out to winner on showmanship and perfection of overall conformation.
2nd: CH Vandamere’s Secret Agent JW (Miss J Singh) Well made dog, lost out on coat, moves with economy and drive. Pleasing head and neck , shoulders good and well ribbed back. Preferred hindquarters and tailset of winner.
3rd: CH Otterbobs Ninezergh (Mr J R & Mrs H Gilpin) Not happy today. Lost out on coat. Good to go over with strong head and muzzle. Not in the condition of 1&2 today. Seen him look much better but overall quality carried him this far.
Res: Irton Starship In Aurdu (Mr R K & Mrs L Greenhill)
VHC: Bel CH Hartswelin Little Tyke At Oatberry (Mrs K Tuffin)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 3
1st: CH Otterwood Amex JW ShCM (Mr & Mrs M Hollingsbee) Good head and strong muzzle, narrow front . Not over stated. Handy size and moves OK. Coat harsh but past its best.
2nd: Eltonfurze Pickle (Mrs K & Miss C Johnson) Similar dog with wide strong skull and short ample muzzle. Neat ears. Heavier in body than 1 and wider in front. Handler made the most of her dog.
3rd: Bolt Tail Jebba (Mr F & Mrs H Freeman) As before. Not the overall conformation of 1&2
Res: Barterhound Rhinestone (Ms H M Axford)
VHC: Iacheslei Torus JW (Miss A Harrison)
Entries: 19 Absentees: 3
1st: CH Justrite Jinny (Mr R & Mrs B Armstrong) 8 yr old in fine fettle, good head and ear set. Good sized narrowly built and moved out well. Good shoulders and plenty of drive behind. Good top-line and tail set. Still feminine despite her years. Preferred her size, excellent ribbing and overall quality
2nd: Appleside Elstar (Mrs M Winder) Close up and similar quality to 1. Coat harsh and on its way. Flowing top-line into good tail set and shape with hindquarters built for plenty of drive. Close decision.
3rd: Irton The Darkening (Mr D & Mrs A Fryer) Carrying some excess today. Sound and well made throughout. Good head and neat ears with a harsh coat and thick pelt completing the overall picture.
Res: Morgandare Tohyah At Hawcoat (Mrs E J & Miss R C Larner)
VHC: Achnagairn Little Pate (Mrs A Fraser)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 3
1st: Lairehope Ruby Romance (Mr P & Mrs K Lothian) BP, High quality class of puppies, many good ones went without. Winner close to 12 mo has good skull and short strong muzzle, neat ears. Lovely reach of neck, well made shoulders matched by good hind angulation. Nice tight feet, good bone all topped with a good harsh thick jacket and pelt. Moved soundly both ways and with drive. Against the dog pup just preferred her coat and topline.
2nd: Lutrabeck Liberty (Mr R J & Mrs C Hand) Racy lines and comments for 1 largely apply here. Liked her head and expression and her bone and feminity. Needs to tighten on the move but has good drive. Coat not at best today but good thick pelt. Close up to 1
3rd: Benattivo Rosina (Mr C & Mrs S Girling) Yet another quality pup with good head and conformation. Good on the move. Less maturity than 1&2 deeper stop. Coat OK. Little untidy but did not disguise the quality lines.
Res: Early Valentine (Mrs J Shaw)
VHC: Hartswelin Far Away (Ms L J Godefroid)
Entries: 26 Absentees: 3
1st: Gameway Margarita (Mr J & Mrs I M Southam) Has super head, neat ears, classic reach of neck. Liked her shoulders and well let down hocks. Good tight feet and good quantity of bone. Overall maturity with harsh dense coat & thick pelt. Attractive topline and finished with carrot tail. Liked her on the move
2nd: Badgerbeck Tree Pipit At Tilmoray (Mrs M Small) B/T with typical head, with good ears, deeper stop than 1. Good length of body, nicely made hindquarters, let down hocks and carrot tail. Coat not at its best. Seemed to lack fitness and lacked vigour on the move. Thus lost out on movement to 1
3rd: Rhozzum Keynote With Foxfactor (Mr B J & Mrs K D Stockley) B/T built on racy lines. Typical head with slightly heavy ears. Nice reach of neck and good shoulders. Coat and pelt OK. Won place on movement.
Res: Remony Barley Twist (Mrs A E Gregory)
VHC: Stineval Celeste At Merumhor (Mr & Mrs C Martin)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 1
1st: Ottaswell Obsession (Mr J C & Mrs Z C Garcia-Sierra) Elegant, narrow bitch built on racy lines. Breadth of skull, strength in muzzle. Ear set slightly low. Nicely proportioned, good length of leg, with good shoulders Good harsh coat and pelt. Moves out well.
2nd: Badgerbeck Tree Pipit At Tilmoray (Mrs M Small) As before and movement was her undoing.
3rd: Kighill Cheeky Minky (Mr B & Mrs K Newsome) Heavier made bitch with good head and outline. Moved OK but wayward in front. Good amount of bone, and well ribbed back. Tail good. Prefer her feet to be tighter and sloping pasterns on the day.
Res: Farnes Grace At Leysh (Miss C R Ricks)
VHC: Gameway Set and Match (Mr P & Mrs H Fulker)
Entries: 22 Absentees: 5
1st: Badgerbeck Tree Pipit At Tilmoray (Mrs M Small) As before. She stood out here.
2nd: Joncroft Yuletide ShCM (Mr & Mrs M Johnston) Good head and expression. Won her place on good movement. Sightly heavy in ears. Fit and on her toes. Good harsh coat
3rd: Rhozzum Keynote With Foxfactor (Mr B J & Mrs K D Stockley) As before
Res: Remony Barley Twist (Mrs A E Gregory)
VHC: Cast A Spell Over Brookbank (Mrs S P Norris)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 0
1st: Picer Polyanthus JW (Mr G & Mrs S Pickering) Stood out in the class. B/T with beautiful otter head, neat small ears, short muzzle and strong jaw. Reach of neck into well made shoulders and narrowly made. Lovely ribbing and quality quarters and well let down hocks. Moved out soundly with drive. Looked at her hard but just lacked maturity and tightness in fore-feet which decided in the challenge.
2nd: Irton Strawberry Fair At Howthwaite Jw (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett) Nicely made bitch with good head, slightly heavy ears. Good length of body. Level topline and quality hindquarters with strong hocks. Tail set good.
3rd: Chesterton Flirtation (Mr A J & Mrs W Mooney) Narrowly built and pleasing outline with good coat but not the strength in head of 1&2.
Res: Mattedonn Bonnie Beatrix (Mr E D‘arcy-Donnelly)
VHC: Hemlockstone Jinni ShCM (Mr R H & Miss J A Bryan & Pounder)
Entries: 16 Absentees: 5
1st: Bandicoot Candy Twist (Mr G E & Mrs V L K Docwra) Smart feminine bitch, with typical head and harsh dense jacket. Good fore-chest and quality conformation all round. Carrot tail needs a tidy! Moved well.
2nd: Wagtail Lass Via Ycart (Mr K K & Mrs T J Fraser & Butler) Similar type to 1 with broad skull and strong muzzle. Deep in chest and level topline. Liked her shoulders and straight front. Lacked the angulation behind of 1 but good on the move.
3rd: Glebeheath Minnie The Motor At Blewecourt Jw (Mr M & Mrs T Morgan) Stylish outline with broad skull and neat ears . Nice top-line with correct hindquarters and good tailset. On her toes and fit. Not quite the front of 1&2 but good harsh jacket and thick pelt and movement won the placing.
Res: Otterwood Ilex JW ShCM (Mr & Mrs M Hollingsbee)
VHC: Quarryway Sorrel (Mrs B & Mr K E Johnson & Williams)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 5
1st: Foxyard Obsession (Mr G & Mr L& Mrs E Woodfield) BCC, Strongly contested class with many going without. Winner has outstanding quality with a wide skull and strong muzzle, dark eye and neat ears. Liked her straight front, shoulders, fore-chest, strong coupling and racy lines. Plenty of bone with both thighs muscled and she stood on neat tight feet. Top-line flowed and short, well furnished, carrot shaped tail completed the picture. Double harsh coat and thick pelt were impressive. Her conformation translated well on the move and fitness and energy impressed . Just preferred the ribbing and hind angulation of dog in BOB challenge but this girl came very, very close. Pleased to award her the CC.
2nd: Pherjan Phoebe (Mr N & Mrs M Yates) Much to like here, Quality bitch of similar type to winner, with typical head and expression, narrow front, correct shoulders and racy lines. Moved with considerable drive but didn’t have the tight feet and overall condition to compete with 1 on the day.
3rd: Kelgram Kaya Kalpis At Kelgram (Mr & Mrs J W Alpe) Liked this one a lot with typical head and expression, good strong muzzle and good conformation all round. Better standing than on the move and preferred the length of leg of 1&2 but a well deserved placing.
Res: Oxcroft Ruby (Mr J Price)
VHC: Clipstone Miss Wholee (Mrs B I & Mr S A Jackson)
Entries: 14 Absentees: 3
1st: CH Ashbrae Trinnie (Mr & Mrs A Cuthbertson) BRCC, Oh boy what a class! This girl handles well, She has width of skull, strong muzzle neat ears and the dark eye. Good straight front, well made shoulders and evident fore-chest. Ribbing is good with a strong short coupling and well muscled thighs. Hind angulation is just enough. Her thick coat and pelt creates illusion of size but readily spannable. Neat thick, carrot tail completes the picture. Comes alive on the move, covering the ground, but lacked sparkle in the challenge thus Res CC.
2nd: CH Badgerbeck Purdi JW (Miss L M Jenkins) On her toes, feminine bitch, with alert expression and good head and neat ears. Liked her overall lines, coat OK and pelt thick and beautiful tail. Good angulation behind which translated to drive on the move. Great showgirl.
3rd: CH Picer Bright Idea JW (Mr G & Mrs S Pickering) Feminine with good bone and well made throughout. Has good head and muzzle and neat tight feet. She moves well and overall has much quality. Lost out on maturity today to 1&2 but she has a bright future. Very close up to 2.
Res: Borderby’s Cosy Cascada [ATC AJ00805nor] (Ms A K Moen)
VHC: Rubicon Reward (Mrs R Jordan)
Entries: 7 Absentees: 0
1st: Otterwood Ilex JW ShCM (Mr & Mrs M Hollingsbee) Typical head, with shallow stop and strong muzzle, neat ears. Good shoulders, narrow front, well ribbed and good coat and tail. Moves well in front but would prefer more drive. Met hot competition before and stood out here.
2nd: Irton Strawberry Fair At Howthwaite JW (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett) Good head and strong muzzle. Nice conformation and moves well. Good coat and pelt and well ribbed back with strong loins. Well let down hocks. Would prefer a little more length of leg. Neat tail
3rd: Karison Kamellia JW (Miss K Johnson) On the leg with broad skull and feminine lines. Moves OK. Coat not there today.
Res: Iacheslei Montanus JW (Miss A Harrison)
VHC: Hemlockstone Jinni ShCM (Mr R H & Miss J A Bryan & Pounder)
