Border Terrier Crufts 12 Judge's Critique

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Border	Crufts 12 Judge's Critique
KC Breed Standard Crufts 12 Judge	BORDER CRUFTS 12 Border Terrier Judge(s): MR S McPHERSON BOB: SUCH NORDUCH NORD TOFTAHILL GAME ON [ATC AP00142SWE] Dog Owner: MRS H BERGSTEDT BP: CHATMOSS CHELSEA GIRL Bitch Owner: MR & MRS D J & P M LOCKLEY DOG CC: SUCH NORDUCH NORD TOFTAHILL GAME ON [ATC AP00142SWE] Dog Owner: MRS H BERGSTEDT BITCH CC: INT/NOR CH FOO FIGHTERS BUTTERCUP [ATC AJ00972FIN] Bitch Owner: MRS P HIRN RESERVE DOG CC: OLDERHILL AFORTUNADO Dog Owner: MRS S WILSON RESERVE BITCH CC: TYTHROP TOUCH ON WOOD Bitch Owner: MRS J L LEE BORDER JUDGE CRUFTS 12 CRUFTS 2012 – BORDER TERRIERS. It was a great honour to be invited to judge at Crufts, possibly the pinnacle of anyone’s judging career. My thanks must go to the exhibitors for the entry of 264 dogs, making 304 entries, by far the largest entry for a single judge in the Group, which made for a very long day. Thanks also, must, go to my Stewards, Kim Lathaen and Eddie Bishop, for their efficient services, which ensured we finished just in time for my BOB to make the Terrier Group. I last judged the Breed at LKA, just over three years ago. This was always going to be an interesting entry, after my preamble then, which was a bit “fire and brimstone”, where I stated my deep concerns about the, in my opinion, untypical heads that were creeping into the Breed, gradually being accepted, as being correct, particularly the excessively broad skulls and high set ears. Therefore, knowing my preference for the otter like, MODERATELY broad skull, asked for in the Standard, I have to say, not without a little amusement, the “lollipop on a stick” type “Teddy Bear” heads with deep stops were almost conspicuous by their absence today! While upper arm length was a major problem last time, in the younger classes, I found far fewer today that were totally unable to stand with their front legs underneath them, perpendicular to the floor, which, hopefully, was a good sign that Breeders are recognising and attempting to remedy the problem. Movement, on the whole was pretty acceptable, behind especially. Front, maybe not quite as good, a small minority being rather less than accurate, flicking out, or toeing in. Most covered plenty of ground on the move. The majority were spannable. Most were in good, harsh coat, or evidence of texture coming through. I realise it’s the start of the show season, so those short of coat weren’t unduly penalised. My reasoning being, that, coats are transitory, whereas poor conformation will always be poor conformation, regardless of the wrapping. I know they are a working Terrier, but, I have to say, considering the occasion, I was shocked at how dirty some of the dogs were. Some were thick with grease and would certainly have benefitted from a bath, if only for their own comfort! I was very pleased with both my line ups in the challenge for the CC’s, indeed, the first three in most classes. I felt that they all fitted my interpretation of the Standard and could, if required, do the job of a working Terrier. VETERAN DOG (9, 1 absent) 1st Lee’s Ch. Tythrop Tapas. Grizzle and tan, just over seven, so a relative youngster here. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarter. Super topline, which he held on the move. Good tail and tail set. Excellent coat and pelt, superbly presented. Moving and showing well for his age, just scoring over 2nd in front movement. 2nd Jackson’s Ch. Rossula Magic Borderer Clipstone. Darker grizzle and tan. You certainly wouldn’t guess he had just turned eleven, in quite remarkable coat and condition, a credit to his owners! Typical head and expression. Taller, narrow dog, with a good front and feet. Very good topline and tail set. Good hindquarters, which he used well on the move. 3rd. Sneddon’s Kersfell Comet. Eight ½ years dark grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Correct rib, carried well back. Excellent topline and tailset. Super coat and pelt. Beautifully presented. Moved well . SPECIAL PUPPY DOG (11,0) Three very promising puppies. 1st. Waller’s Question Master. Nine months old, light grizzle and tan. Excellent head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with excellent hindquarters. Very good coat and pelt. Excellent mover, for his age. Should have a bright future. 2nd. Ramus’s Onthill Amaretto. 8 1/2 months darker grizzle and tan. Rather different type, smaller, not quite so rangy. Typical head and expression. OK neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Good coat and pelt. Sound on the move. 3rd. Sharp’s Rhozzum Vangelis. 10 months, light grizzle and tan. Much more immature than the two above him, as would be expected from his bloodlines. Typical head and expression, which will only get better with maturity. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with correct rib, carried well back. Sound on the move, just a touch overawed by the occasion. SPECIAL JUNIOR DOG (13, 1) Not an easy class! 1st. Taylor’s Taylorgate Howgate Wonder Ir Jn Ch. 16 month old, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib.Good topline and tailset. Good coat and pelt. In a difficult class, I felt he had the best profile movement, having the longer more accurate stride. ` 2nd. Scott’s Fehmarn Highland Encounter. Just short of 14 months, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent coat and pelt. Good hindquarters. Sound mover. 3rd. Irving’s Dandyhow Dr Walter. 17 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Straight front, with good feet. Super topline and tailset. Superbly presented, in good coat. Very stylish, moving well behind. Shorter coupled, I just preferred the narrower front and body length of 1st and 2nd. YEARLING DOG (22, 3) 1st. North’s Northborders Mr Pickles JW. Just short of 2 years, blue and tan. Excellent head and expression, neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Good hindquarters. Presented in fit condition, in excellent coat on a thick pelt. Sound, stylish movement, the best in the class. 2nd. Lowry’s Ravenside Workforce. 19 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters, which he used well on the move. In excellent coat, with a thick pelt. Very typical all through. 3rd. Watson & Kenna’s Cynetkoy’s Benim Kucuk Aslan. 21 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Good hindquarters. Presented in super coat, with a thick pelt. Sound mover. Quite similar for type to 2nd, just a shade heavier all through. GRADUATE DOG (17, 2) 1st Wilson’s Olderhill Afortunado. Grizzle and tan. Excellent head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Excellent hindquarters. Presented in super, double coat on a thick pelt. Schooled to perfection, showing on a loose lead, he displayed super, free and easy movement, the best in the class. Delightfully old fashioned in type, no flash or frills, just correct in all departments. Res CC. 2nd. Inness’ Grettacs The Wizard. Grizzle and tan. Super head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with excellent hindquarters. Sound mover. Good for coat, but not the depth of coat of 1st. 3rd. Haughton’s Chorbeck Charlie Chaplin JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good front and feet, topline and tail set. Not quite as good in shoulder as 1st and 2nd. Good hindquarters. In excellent double coat, on a thick pelt. Sound mover. POST GRADUATE DOG (11, 0) 1st. Moore’s Rhozzum Mercury At Bramblequest. Blue and Tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Very good in front movement, but could be a shade better behind. Narrow bodylines won him the class. 2nd. Waldron’s Intack Red Admiral. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. In good coat on a good pelt. Sound enough mover, but not quite the reach of 1st, as he is a touch shorter in upper arm. 3rd. Buckle and Flowers’ Bingobongo Hollywood Blues. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Racy hindquarter.Very sound mover, in good coat. Just a shade shorter coupled than 1st and 2nd. MID LIMIT DOG (14, 1) Three good dogs headed this class. 1st. Sharp’s Radnorvalley Goshawk Of Rhozzum. Grizzle and Tan. Excellent otter head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Racy hindquarters. Shade short of coat, but harsh textures evident. Handy size, very well balanced. Typically Border, he is quite dour, but he was the soundest mover, being true and free. 2nd. South’s Borderella Day Tripper JW ShCM. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Shade lethargic on the move, but sound enough. 3rd. Cobbledick’s Laurelton Moonlight Cowboy ShCM. Darker grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good coat and pelt. Not quite the topline and tail set of 1st and 2nd, but the better tail for shape and length. Very sound on the move. LIMIT DOG (14, 1) Three excellent dogs headed this class. 1st. Jenkin’s Badgerbeck Pablo. Blue and Tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Good hindquarters. Presented in superb order, in good coat on a thick pelt. Sound, accurate mover. Very like his Champion Father, Percival, to whom I awarded his first CC. 2nd. Harrison’s Iacheslei Cantus JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Racy hindquarters. In excellent coat on a thick pelt. Not quite the topline of the winner. Moving very well behind. Not quite the reach in front due to a slightly shorter upper arm, but sound enough. 3rd. Hunt’s Ethlencoral Pip Of Ottaswell JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, correct rib. Good coat and pelt. Gave him Minor Puppy last time I judged, still liked him a lot, but he insisted on throwing his front around on the move today. I am sure he’ll gain his third CC on another day! OPEN DOG (15, 2) Bergstedt’s SUCH/NORDUCH NORD Toftahill Game On. Grizzle and tan. Getting up from the Judge’s table, he was the first dog I saw in the class, I felt myself visibly smile and I just prayed he would move as well as he looked in the stack! Excellent head and expression, with, the correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Excellent upper arm, matching his well laid shoulder. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Correct for size, easily spanned. Totally balanced, all through. His presentation and showmanship were faultless and on the move, he just blew the opposition away with his stylish, long, free and accurate stride, holding his superb outline at all times. I always hoped, when I judged at Crufts, that my CC & BOB winner would be that bit “extra special” and, for me, he more than surpassed my expectations. One of the very best that I have ever judged. My pleasure to award him CC & BOB. I was proud to send him into the Group, where he again put on a faultless performance and was thrilled to see him shortlisted! 2nd. Johnson & Williams’ Ch. Quarryway Dill. Grizzle and tan. Gave him a class win last time I judged, delighted he went on to gain his crown. Very honest, old fashioned type.Typical head and expression, with correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines. Presented in super order, with excellent coat and pelt. Sound on the move. 3rd. Wallace’s Ch. Hobholt Harrier JW. Grizzle and tan. Just over six years now, gave him Res CC last time I judged and delighted that he too, also gained his crown. Another very honest, old fashioned, type of dog. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Presented in an excellent double jacket on a thick pelt. A shade dour, no flash or frills, typically Border Terrier, he was very sound on the move. GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME (8, 0) 1st. Davis’ Ch. Hesslemere Hi Karate JW. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Super topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Presented in excellent double coat on a good pelt. Sound, free mover. 2nd. Rhozzum Mercury At Bramblequest. 3rd. Intack Red Admiral. VETERAN BITCH (16, 2) Super class, liked all five placed, they were a testament to the saying, if they are made right, they last right! 1st. Barber’s Mansergh Maisy Toats At Alcumlow. Grizzle and tan. Just over 8 and wearing her years well. Typical, feminine otter head and expression, correct skull. Super neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Have judged her a number of times over the years and she never fails to impress on the move, being free and accurate. 2nd. Mooney’s Ch. Chesterton Broken Promise. Lighter grizzle and tan. Superb head and expression, delightfully feminine. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Double coat, just slightly past its best. Good pelt. Sound on the move. Gave her the Res CC last time I judged, at 8 years old, she went on to gain her crown as a Veteran. At just over 11, giving a little in age today. 3rd. Williams’ Ch. Hollowmoor Coremy. Grizzle and tan. Just over 9. Typical head and expression. Excellent topline and tailset, with neat, well carried tail. In superb order, pin wire coat on a thick pelt. Awarded her 3rd CC and still liked her, but not quite the front of 1st and 2nd. Very sound on the move. SPECIAL PUPPY BITCH (19, 3) Strong class, thought all five placed were very promising. 1st. Lockley’s Chatmoss Chelsea Girl. Grizzle and tan. 11 ½ months. Has the most delightful otter head and expression, correct skull, with no hint of coarseness. Keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Good tail. Super coat and pelt. Best mover in the class. Totally feminine, all through. Best Puppy. 2nd. Reeves’ Baywillow Blue Design. Blue and Tan. 9 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines. Good rib and hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound, free mover. Shade rangier than 1st, just needing further maturity to knit together, quite correct for her age. 3rd. Jenkins’ Badgerbeck Prediction. Grizzle and tan. 11 ½ months. Rather more forward, stronger made bitch than 1st and 2nd. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Super hindquarters. In excellent coat and condition. Sound on the move. SPECIAL JUNIOR BITCH (19, 3) 1st. Hyslop’s Baywillow Brown Braid. Grizzle and tan. 15 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Racy hindquarters. Harsh coat coming through, with textures evident. Very sound on the move, the best in the class. 2nd. Webb’s Gameway Magic Dragon. Grizzle and tan. 17 ½ months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound enough on the move. Just preferred the upper arm, of 1st, for length, but close up. 3rd. Wildey’s Lockhaugh Timeless At Shiftyfox. Lighter grizzle and tan. 14 months. Super otter head and expression, which, could have been tidied to better advantage on her skull. Keen, dark eye. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Not quite in her best jacket, being a little past its best, but it was harsh. Sound on the move. YEARLING BITCH (21, 1) 1st.Lee’s Tythrop Touch On Wood. Grizzle and tan. 19 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodlines. Correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Presented in superb order, with good coat and pelt. Super tail. Top size, but still feminine, on her toes all the time, she was a very stylish, accurate mover. Clear winner, here. In the Bitch Challenge, I just felt that the more mature Open bitch just had the longer stride, covering more ground on the move, but close up. Res CC. Have no doubt she will gain her crown with maturity. 2nd. Wingfield’s Eneonith Dazzeling Diamond. Grizzle and tan. 21 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good hindquarters. Good tail. Presented in a harsh, double jacket, with a good pelt. Very sound on the move. 3rd. Rowlatt’s Tythrop Tarantella. Grizzle and tan, litter sister to 1st. Similar stamp, but, not quite as tall and elegant as her, or quite the topline and tailset. Head and expression ok, not quite as strong as 1st and 2nd. Excellent coat and pelt. Very sound on the move. GRADUATE BITCH (13, 3) 1st. Haydon & Gibbings’ Earthtaw Catkin. Light grizzle and tan. 16 months. Excellent otter head and expression. Moderately broad skull, with keen, dark eye. Excellent, neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib carried well back. Well angulated hindquarters and good tail. Good harsh coat with thick pelt. Classic outline, which she held, on the move. Sound, free mover. With further maturity, a top quality bitch, who should do well. 2nd. Golding’s Beaconpike In A Storm. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Shade short in carry back of rib, giving her a bit of cut up in underline. Topline ok, but, well shaped tail, could just be set a shade higher. Racy hindquarters. In excellent coat and condition. Sound on the move. 3rd. Vintcent’s Bromsden Bairnkine Brogue. Blue and tan. Head and expression ok. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, just a touch cut up in underline. Good harsh coat just coming through. Sound mover. POST GRADUATE BITCH (23, 6) 1st. Mooney’s Chesterton Honeymoon. Light grizzle and tan. Old fashioned in type, with typical head and expression. Correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Presented in an excellent harsh, double coat, on a thick pelt. Easily the best mover in this class, being sound and free. 2nd. Clements’ Bramblebee Squiglet. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with good rib. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound mover. 3rd. Barrett’s Howthwaite Amber Grain. Grizzle and tan. Bigger stamp of bitch. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Super coat and pelt. Sound, stylish mover. MID LIMIT BITCH (15, 3) 1st. Roberts’ Smalesmouth Maylady. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Excellent hindquarters. Good tail. Good coat and pelt. Super mover, on a long easy stride. 2nd. Scale’s Doramil Camorra. Grizzle and tan. Head and expression ok, but not quite so feminine as 1st. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters.Good tail. Excellent coat and pelt. Very sound on the move. 3rd. Garcia-Sierra’s Ottaswell Obsession. Lighter grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Good hindquarters and tail. Super mover. Just a shade short of coat today, but harsh textures evident. LIMIT BITCH (13, 4) 1st. Sharp’s Rhozzum User Friendly. Grizzle and tan. Has the most exquisite otter head and expression, one of the best today. Totally feminine, with a keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Lovely narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Good hindquarters. In excellent coat on a good pelt. Not the most extrovert, but she is superb on the move, being true and free. 2nd. Roberts’ Badgerbeck Ballerina. Grizzle and tan. Shade plainer in head, but still typical. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Good hindquarters. Super coat and pelt. Very sound on the move. 3rd. Wildey’s Bramblebrae Violet At Shiftyfox JW. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Neck ok, straight front. Not quite the shoulder and upper arm of 1st and 2nd. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Topline and tailset ok. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat, of super, blue colour and good pelt. Sound enough on the move. OPEN BITCH (15, 3) 1st. Hirn’s INT/ NOR CH Foo Fighters Buttercup. Grizzle and tan. Delighfully old fashioned stamp of bitch. Excellent head and expression, totally feminine. Correct, moderately broad skull, with keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib carried well back. Excellent hindquarters, which she knew how to use. Sound free, accurate movement. To top it all, she was in superb coat on a thick pelt. In the challenge for the Bitch CC, she had the benefit of maturity and while not perhaps being as flashy as the Yearling, I just preferred her height to length ratio and longer stride on the move. Truly lovely bitch, it was my pleasure to award her the Bitch CC. 2nd. Furness’ Ch. Tallowbrook Memento Of Quatford. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with rib carried well back. Good tail. Superb coat, of excellent blue colour and good pelt. Very sound on the move. 3rd. Judge & Thompson’s Ch. Plushcourt The Bees Knees In Thoraldby. Blue and tan. Top sized bitch. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck and shoulder. Narrow front, with ribs well carried back. Super topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat of correct blue colour. Good pelt. Moving soundly behind, but not quite so steady in front today. GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME BITCH (14, 0) 1st. Baywillow Brown Braid. 2nd.Bramblebee Squiglet. 3rd. Johnson & Pearson Rexlands Golden Plover By Karison JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical, feminine head and expression. Keen, dark eye. Straight front with good feet. Narrow bodylines. Good topline and tailset . Excellent coat and pelt. Sound on the move. Stewart McPherson (Judge) Go To Top Of Page
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Border

Crufts 12 Judge's Critique

KC Breed Standard

Crufts 12 Judge

BORDER CRUFTS 12

Border Terrier

Judge(s): MR S McPHERSON

BOB: SUCH NORDUCH NORD TOFTAHILL GAME ON [ATC AP00142SWE] Dog Owner: MRS H BERGSTEDT
BP: CHATMOSS CHELSEA GIRL Bitch Owner: MR & MRS D J & P M LOCKLEY
DOG CC: SUCH NORDUCH NORD TOFTAHILL GAME ON [ATC AP00142SWE] Dog Owner: MRS H BERGSTEDT
BITCH CC: INT/NOR CH FOO FIGHTERS BUTTERCUP [ATC AJ00972FIN] Bitch Owner: MRS P HIRN
RESERVE DOG CC: OLDERHILL AFORTUNADO Dog Owner: MRS S WILSON
RESERVE BITCH CC: TYTHROP TOUCH ON WOOD Bitch Owner: MRS J L LEE

BORDER JUDGE CRUFTS 12

CRUFTS 2012 – BORDER TERRIERS.

It was a great honour to be invited to judge at Crufts, possibly the pinnacle of anyone’s judging career. My thanks must go to the exhibitors for the entry of 264 dogs, making 304 entries, by far the largest entry for a single judge in the Group, which made for a very long day. Thanks also, must, go to my Stewards, Kim Lathaen and Eddie Bishop, for their efficient services, which ensured we finished just in time for my BOB to make the Terrier Group.

I last judged the Breed at LKA, just over three years ago. This was always going to be an interesting entry, after my preamble then, which was a bit “fire and brimstone”, where I stated my deep concerns about the, in my opinion, untypical heads that were creeping into the Breed, gradually being accepted, as being correct, particularly the excessively broad skulls and high set ears. Therefore, knowing my preference for the otter like, MODERATELY broad skull, asked for in the Standard, I have to say, not without a little amusement, the “lollipop on a stick” type “Teddy Bear” heads with deep stops were almost conspicuous by their absence today!

While upper arm length was a major problem last time, in the younger classes, I found far fewer today that were totally unable to stand with their front legs underneath them, perpendicular to the floor, which, hopefully, was a good sign that Breeders are recognising and attempting to remedy the problem.

Movement, on the whole was pretty acceptable, behind especially. Front, maybe not quite as good, a small minority being rather less than accurate, flicking out, or toeing in. Most covered plenty of ground on the move.

The majority were spannable.

Most were in good, harsh coat, or evidence of texture coming through. I realise it’s the start of the show season, so those short of coat weren’t unduly penalised. My reasoning being, that, coats are transitory, whereas poor conformation will always be poor conformation, regardless of the wrapping.

I know they are a working Terrier, but, I have to say, considering the occasion, I was shocked at how dirty some of the dogs were. Some were thick with grease and would certainly have benefitted from a bath, if only for their own comfort!

I was very pleased with both my line ups in the challenge for the CC’s, indeed, the first three in most classes. I felt that they all fitted my interpretation of the Standard and could, if required, do the job of a working Terrier.

VETERAN DOG (9, 1 absent)

1st Lee’s Ch. Tythrop Tapas. Grizzle and tan, just over seven, so a relative youngster here. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarter. Super topline, which he held on the move. Good tail and tail set. Excellent coat and pelt, superbly presented. Moving and showing well for his age, just scoring over 2nd in front movement.

2nd Jackson’s Ch. Rossula Magic Borderer Clipstone. Darker grizzle and tan. You certainly wouldn’t guess he had just turned eleven, in quite remarkable coat and condition, a credit to his owners! Typical head and expression. Taller, narrow dog, with a good front and feet. Very good topline and tail set. Good hindquarters, which he used well on the move.

3rd. Sneddon’s Kersfell Comet. Eight ½ years dark grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Correct rib, carried well back. Excellent topline and tailset. Super coat and pelt. Beautifully presented. Moved well .

SPECIAL PUPPY DOG (11,0)

Three very promising puppies.

1st. Waller’s Question Master. Nine months old, light grizzle and tan. Excellent head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with excellent hindquarters. Very good coat and pelt. Excellent mover, for his age. Should have a bright future.

2nd. Ramus’s Onthill Amaretto. 8 1/2 months darker grizzle and tan. Rather different type, smaller, not quite so rangy. Typical head and expression. OK neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Good coat and pelt. Sound on the move.

3rd. Sharp’s Rhozzum Vangelis. 10 months, light grizzle and tan. Much more immature than the two above him, as would be expected from his bloodlines. Typical head and expression, which will only get better with maturity. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with correct rib, carried well back. Sound on the move, just a touch overawed by the occasion.

SPECIAL JUNIOR DOG (13, 1)

Not an easy class!

1st. Taylor’s Taylorgate Howgate Wonder Ir Jn Ch. 16 month old, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib.Good topline and tailset. Good coat and pelt. In a difficult class, I felt he had the best profile movement, having the longer more accurate stride. `

2nd. Scott’s Fehmarn Highland Encounter. Just short of 14 months, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent coat and pelt. Good hindquarters. Sound mover.

3rd. Irving’s Dandyhow Dr Walter. 17 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Straight front, with good feet. Super topline and tailset. Superbly presented, in good coat. Very stylish, moving well behind. Shorter coupled, I just preferred the narrower front and body length of 1st and 2nd.

YEARLING DOG (22, 3)

1st. North’s Northborders Mr Pickles JW. Just short of 2 years, blue and tan. Excellent head and expression, neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Good hindquarters. Presented in fit condition, in excellent coat on a thick pelt. Sound, stylish movement, the best in the class.

2nd. Lowry’s Ravenside Workforce. 19 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters, which he used well on the move. In excellent coat, with a thick pelt. Very typical all through.

3rd. Watson & Kenna’s Cynetkoy’s Benim Kucuk Aslan. 21 ½ month, grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Good hindquarters. Presented in super coat, with a thick pelt. Sound mover. Quite similar for type to 2nd, just a shade heavier all through.

GRADUATE DOG (17, 2)

1st Wilson’s Olderhill Afortunado. Grizzle and tan. Excellent head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Excellent hindquarters. Presented in super, double coat on a thick pelt. Schooled to perfection, showing on a loose lead, he displayed super, free and easy movement, the best in the class. Delightfully old fashioned in type, no flash or frills, just correct in all departments. Res CC.

2nd. Inness’ Grettacs The Wizard. Grizzle and tan. Super head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with excellent hindquarters. Sound mover. Good for coat, but not the depth of coat of 1st.

3rd. Haughton’s Chorbeck Charlie Chaplin JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good front and feet, topline and tail set. Not quite as good in shoulder as 1st and 2nd. Good hindquarters. In excellent double coat, on a thick pelt. Sound mover.

POST GRADUATE DOG (11, 0)

1st. Moore’s Rhozzum Mercury At Bramblequest. Blue and Tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Very good in front movement, but could be a shade better behind. Narrow bodylines won him the class.

2nd. Waldron’s Intack Red Admiral. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. In good coat on a good pelt. Sound enough mover, but not quite the reach of 1st, as he is a touch shorter in upper arm.

3rd. Buckle and Flowers’ Bingobongo Hollywood Blues. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Racy hindquarter.Very sound mover, in good coat. Just a shade shorter coupled than 1st and 2nd.

MID LIMIT DOG (14, 1)

Three good dogs headed this class.

1st. Sharp’s Radnorvalley Goshawk Of Rhozzum. Grizzle and Tan. Excellent otter head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Racy hindquarters. Shade short of coat, but harsh textures evident. Handy size, very well balanced. Typically Border, he is quite dour, but he was the soundest mover, being true and free.

2nd. South’s Borderella Day Tripper JW ShCM. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Shade lethargic on the move, but sound enough.

3rd. Cobbledick’s Laurelton Moonlight Cowboy ShCM. Darker grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Good coat and pelt. Not quite the topline and tail set of 1st and 2nd, but the better tail for shape and length. Very sound on the move.

LIMIT DOG (14, 1)

Three excellent dogs headed this class.

1st. Jenkin’s Badgerbeck Pablo. Blue and Tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Good hindquarters. Presented in superb order, in good coat on a thick pelt. Sound, accurate mover. Very like his Champion Father, Percival, to whom I awarded his first CC.

2nd. Harrison’s Iacheslei Cantus JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Racy hindquarters. In excellent coat on a thick pelt. Not quite the topline of the winner. Moving very well behind. Not quite the reach in front due to a slightly shorter upper arm, but sound enough.

3rd. Hunt’s Ethlencoral Pip Of Ottaswell JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Excellent topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, correct rib. Good coat and pelt. Gave him Minor Puppy last time I judged, still liked him a lot, but he insisted on throwing his front around on the move today. I am sure he’ll gain his third CC on another day!

OPEN DOG (15, 2)

Bergstedt’s SUCH/NORDUCH NORD Toftahill Game On. Grizzle and tan. Getting up from the Judge’s table, he was the first dog I saw in the class, I felt myself visibly smile and I just prayed he would move as well as he looked in the stack! Excellent head and expression, with, the correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tail set. Excellent upper arm, matching his well laid shoulder. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Correct for size, easily spanned. Totally balanced, all through. His presentation and showmanship were faultless and on the move, he just blew the opposition away with his stylish, long, free and accurate stride, holding his superb outline at all times. I always hoped, when I judged at Crufts, that my CC & BOB winner would be that bit “extra special” and, for me, he more than surpassed my expectations. One of the very best that I have ever judged. My pleasure to award him CC & BOB. I was proud to send him into the Group, where he again put on a faultless performance and was thrilled to see him shortlisted!

2nd. Johnson & Williams’ Ch. Quarryway Dill. Grizzle and tan. Gave him a class win last time I judged, delighted he went on to gain his crown. Very honest, old fashioned type.Typical head and expression, with correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines. Presented in super order, with excellent coat and pelt. Sound on the move.

3rd. Wallace’s Ch. Hobholt Harrier JW. Grizzle and tan. Just over six years now, gave him Res CC last time I judged and delighted that he too, also gained his crown. Another very honest, old fashioned, type of dog. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Presented in an excellent double jacket on a thick pelt. A shade dour, no flash or frills, typically Border Terrier, he was very sound on the move.

GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME (8, 0)

1st. Davis’ Ch. Hesslemere Hi Karate JW. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Super topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Presented in excellent double coat on a good pelt. Sound, free mover.

2nd. Rhozzum Mercury At Bramblequest.

3rd. Intack Red Admiral.

VETERAN BITCH (16, 2)

Super class, liked all five placed, they were a testament to the saying, if they are made right, they last right!

1st. Barber’s Mansergh Maisy Toats At Alcumlow. Grizzle and tan. Just over 8 and wearing her years well. Typical, feminine otter head and expression, correct skull. Super neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Have judged her a number of times over the years and she never fails to impress on the move, being free and accurate.

2nd. Mooney’s Ch. Chesterton Broken Promise. Lighter grizzle and tan. Superb head and expression, delightfully feminine. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Double coat, just slightly past its best. Good pelt. Sound on the move. Gave her the Res CC last time I judged, at 8 years old, she went on to gain her crown as a Veteran. At just over 11, giving a little in age today.

3rd. Williams’ Ch. Hollowmoor Coremy. Grizzle and tan. Just over 9. Typical head and expression. Excellent topline and tailset, with neat, well carried tail. In superb order, pin wire coat on a thick pelt. Awarded her 3rd CC and still liked her, but not quite the front of 1st and 2nd. Very sound on the move.

SPECIAL PUPPY BITCH (19, 3)

Strong class, thought all five placed were very promising.

1st. Lockley’s Chatmoss Chelsea Girl. Grizzle and tan. 11 ½ months. Has the most delightful otter head and expression, correct skull, with no hint of coarseness. Keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Good tail. Super coat and pelt. Best mover in the class. Totally feminine, all through. Best Puppy.

2nd. Reeves’ Baywillow Blue Design. Blue and Tan. 9 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines. Good rib and hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound, free mover. Shade rangier than 1st, just needing further maturity to knit together, quite correct for her age.

3rd. Jenkins’ Badgerbeck Prediction. Grizzle and tan. 11 ½ months. Rather more forward, stronger made bitch than 1st and 2nd. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Super hindquarters.

In excellent coat and condition. Sound on the move.

SPECIAL JUNIOR BITCH (19, 3)

1st. Hyslop’s Baywillow Brown Braid. Grizzle and tan. 15 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Racy hindquarters. Harsh coat coming through, with textures evident. Very sound on the move, the best in the class.

2nd. Webb’s Gameway Magic Dragon. Grizzle and tan. 17 ½ months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound enough on the move. Just preferred the upper arm, of 1st, for length, but close up.

3rd. Wildey’s Lockhaugh Timeless At Shiftyfox. Lighter grizzle and tan. 14 months. Super otter head and expression, which, could have been tidied to better advantage on her skull. Keen, dark eye. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib. Not quite in her best jacket, being a little past its best, but it was harsh. Sound on the move.

YEARLING BITCH (21, 1)

1st.Lee’s Tythrop Touch On Wood. Grizzle and tan. 19 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodlines. Correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Presented in superb order, with good coat and pelt. Super tail. Top size, but still feminine, on her toes all the time, she was a very stylish, accurate mover. Clear winner, here. In the Bitch Challenge, I just felt that the more mature Open bitch just had the longer stride, covering more ground on the move, but close up. Res CC. Have no doubt she will gain her crown with maturity.

2nd. Wingfield’s Eneonith Dazzeling Diamond. Grizzle and tan. 21 months. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good hindquarters. Good tail. Presented in a harsh, double jacket, with a good pelt. Very sound on the move.

3rd. Rowlatt’s Tythrop Tarantella. Grizzle and tan, litter sister to 1st. Similar stamp, but, not quite as tall and elegant as her, or quite the topline and tailset. Head and expression ok, not quite as strong as 1st and 2nd. Excellent coat and pelt. Very sound on the move.

GRADUATE BITCH (13, 3)

1st. Haydon & Gibbings’ Earthtaw Catkin. Light grizzle and tan. 16 months. Excellent otter head and expression. Moderately broad skull, with keen, dark eye. Excellent, neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib carried well back. Well angulated hindquarters and good tail. Good harsh coat with thick pelt. Classic outline, which she held, on the move. Sound, free mover. With further maturity, a top quality bitch, who should do well.

2nd. Golding’s Beaconpike In A Storm. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet. Narrow bodylines. Shade short in carry back of rib, giving her a bit of cut up in underline. Topline ok, but, well shaped tail, could just be set a shade higher. Racy hindquarters. In excellent coat and condition. Sound on the move.

3rd. Vintcent’s Bromsden Bairnkine Brogue. Blue and tan. Head and expression ok. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, just a touch cut up in underline. Good harsh coat just coming through. Sound mover.

POST GRADUATE BITCH (23, 6)

1st. Mooney’s Chesterton Honeymoon. Light grizzle and tan. Old fashioned in type, with typical head and expression. Correct, moderately broad skull. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Racy hindquarters. Presented in an excellent harsh, double coat, on a thick pelt. Easily the best mover in this class, being sound and free.

2nd. Clements’ Bramblebee Squiglet. Grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines with good rib. Racy hindquarters. Good coat and pelt. Sound mover.

3rd. Barrett’s Howthwaite Amber Grain. Grizzle and tan. Bigger stamp of bitch. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Super coat and pelt. Sound, stylish mover.

MID LIMIT BITCH (15, 3)

1st. Roberts’ Smalesmouth Maylady. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Excellent hindquarters. Good tail. Good coat and pelt. Super mover, on a long easy stride.

2nd. Scale’s Doramil Camorra. Grizzle and tan. Head and expression ok, but not quite so feminine as 1st. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Good hindquarters.Good tail. Excellent coat and pelt. Very sound on the move.

3rd. Garcia-Sierra’s Ottaswell Obsession. Lighter grizzle and tan. Typical head and expression. Good neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Good hindquarters and tail. Super mover. Just a shade short of coat today, but harsh textures evident.

LIMIT BITCH (13, 4)

1st. Sharp’s Rhozzum User Friendly. Grizzle and tan. Has the most exquisite otter head and expression, one of the best today. Totally feminine, with a keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Lovely narrow bodylines, with correct rib, carried well back. Good hindquarters. In excellent coat on a good pelt. Not the most extrovert, but she is superb on the move, being true and free.

2nd. Roberts’ Badgerbeck Ballerina. Grizzle and tan. Shade plainer in head, but still typical. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Good hindquarters. Super coat and pelt. Very sound on the move.

3rd. Wildey’s Bramblebrae Violet At Shiftyfox JW. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Neck ok, straight front. Not quite the shoulder and upper arm of 1st and 2nd. Narrow bodylines, with good rib. Topline and tailset ok. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat, of super, blue colour and good pelt. Sound enough on the move.

OPEN BITCH (15, 3)

1st. Hirn’s INT/ NOR CH Foo Fighters Buttercup. Grizzle and tan. Delighfully old fashioned stamp of bitch. Excellent head and expression, totally feminine. Correct, moderately broad skull, with keen, dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with correct rib carried well back. Excellent hindquarters, which she knew how to use. Sound free, accurate movement. To top it all, she was in superb coat on a thick pelt. In the challenge for the Bitch CC, she had the benefit of maturity and while not perhaps being as flashy as the Yearling, I just preferred her height to length ratio and longer stride on the move. Truly lovely bitch, it was my pleasure to award her the Bitch CC.

2nd. Furness’ Ch. Tallowbrook Memento Of Quatford. Blue and tan. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet, topline and tailset. Narrow bodylines, with rib carried well back. Good tail. Superb coat, of excellent blue colour and good pelt. Very sound on the move.

3rd. Judge & Thompson’s Ch. Plushcourt The Bees Knees In Thoraldby. Blue and tan. Top sized bitch. Typical head and expression. Excellent neck and shoulder. Narrow front, with ribs well carried back. Super topline and tailset. Good hindquarters. Excellent coat of correct blue colour. Good pelt. Moving soundly behind, but not quite so steady in front today.

GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME BITCH (14, 0)

1st. Baywillow Brown Braid.

2nd.Bramblebee Squiglet.

3rd. Johnson & Pearson Rexlands Golden Plover By Karison JW. Grizzle and tan. Typical, feminine head and expression. Keen, dark eye. Straight front with good feet. Narrow bodylines. Good topline and tailset . Excellent coat and pelt. Sound on the move.

Stewart McPherson (Judge)

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