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| Border | Crufts 17 Judge's Critique |
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Crufts 17 Judge
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BORDER CRUFTS 17 Border Terrier BORDER JUDGE CRUFTS 17 Border Terriers It was a great honour & pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R & Mrs A Green & the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for cooperating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward. To go over something special & send it round & see proof that it meets the crucial test of health & conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural & unexaggerated breed & my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking. VD (11,1a) 1 Spencer’s Ch Cobstoneway River Magic, a good start to the day with a nice class & this worthy Ch, I have judged him before & have no reason to withdraw previous compliments, meets the standard well, good moving, straight in front with good legs & feet, excellent coat & pelt, attractive head & expression, put down in super condition; 2 Fordham’s Colourbox Gunpower, smart b/t, easily spanned & workmanlike, well proportioned with good height to length ratios, good in body, topline & well assembled throughout; 3 Inness’ Grettacs The Wizard, shapely individual with lots to like, stands balanced with good angulation fore & aft, racy & fit. MPD (1) 1 Spafford’s Oakyard Out N’ About at Dassett, stood alone but worthy of his 1st place, readily spanned, narrow build but not lacking required substance, pleasing head & expression, correct bone, well shaped body, good coat & pelt, should continue to develop well. PD (9,2) 1 Bean’s Wintergarden Fly’s Finale to Manorcroft, very pleasing head pattern, lovely outline & of good size & type, narrow & presented in fit condition with good coat & skin. Stands evenly on his toes, good forehand generally, I liked his well placed shoulder & springy, correct pasterns. Freely constructed hindquarters of good width & length with good angulation in stifle & hock gave the correct natural rear assembly I was looking for & not surprisingly he covered the ground efficiently. BPD; 2 Johnson’s Karison Kustard, smart masculine puppy, nicely proportioned head of good shape with correct strength in muzzle & underjaw complimented by well placed ears & lovely dark eyes, his expression shouts Border, correctly boned, good neckline, built on active lines, should finish nicely; 3 Brewster & Green’s Stowthorney Renegade, racy & a little leggy, not as forward in development as 1 & 2 which is fine as growth patterns vary, has lots to like, super correct, double coat & in good fettle generally, just needs to tighten a tad in front. JD (11) 1 Marina’s Cedarhill Ghost Writer, good to handle, I know he can grow a proper coat as he was in it & I appreciated it for texture & the presence of a good undercoat, may have blurred his outline a little ringside but underneath has correct bone & is of good size, make & shape, good skull & foreface, lovely expression, sufficient neck, good head carriage, correct depth of body, good in loin & moved well using his tidy quarters to really drive forward; 2 Price’s Oxcroft Jethro, by contrast to 1 this excellent exhibit was rather short of coat but evidence of correct texture present. As always with this kennel very typical in head pattern, good reach of neck & well constructed forequarters with good legs & feet, correct width behind the withers, pleasing body, well ribbed back with good loin & well made in rear; 3 Reynolds & Marston-Pollock’s Etterbern Sloane Ranger, good sort but does his utmost not to stand balanced leaning backwards with hindquarters propped in an exaggerated way. In fact he has the right length of bone & I saw his correct construction & many nice qualities including perfectly satisfactory angulation, hope his handler will endeavour to keep him up to his work in this regard as he continues to mature. YD (16) 1 Larner’s Hawcoat Mr Fixit, what a promising class! Topped by this very lovely b/t with too many good points to ignore. If there were prizes for hiding light under a bushel this partnership would surely qualify. Standing naturally he kept catching my eye & as he circled the ring with a clearly effective profile action he snatched the top spot, scores in head properties having skull & foreface in harmony, expression just right, carries his head well on good length of shapely neck to give him that touch of quality, good bone, well bodied & ribbed for correct underline. Correct length of second thigh & resultant good angulation behind. Moved true. Good coat & pelt; 2 Haughton’s Chorbeck Chatty Man, another very nice one who really seeks attention, good to go over because he is made right & moves accordingly, just preferred the coat & flow of neckline of 1. Spannable, stands balanced & has pleasing head & typical expression, he was only just denied the red card & fought hard; 3 Hughes’ Chatmoss Bullet Tooth Tony, it is nice to be spoilt for choice, a natural well built exhibit with lots to like including strong, unexaggerated quarters used to advantage to propel him over the ground. GD (9) 1 Anscombe’s Orangebox Dark Energy, free shown to advantage, pleasing type & size, well proportioned, spannable & narrow with good body lines, good legs & feet, well ribbed, not quite the undercoat I was looking for & would have preferred a slightly less prepared look with a little more top coat left in but a sound & active true moving exhibit; 2 Read’s Roxambor Magical Timepiece, would not want any more of him but nicely constructed with correct angulation & presented in good order, moved out well really using himself effectively fore & aft; 3 Keeffe’s Keebank Charlie’s Diamond, in ideal coat & pelt, workmanlike & very sound. PGD (13) 1 Sharp’s Rhozzum Gwilym, so typical, of good make & shape, lovely head with good skull & eye, appealing expression, correct bone, fit & really holds his own on the move, accurate & able to reach & drive holding his topline like a good one should; 2 Brewster & Green’s Breckgreen Soldier Blue, likely example, preferred 1 in foreface but good in skull & keen expression, has many virtues, stands balanced, good size, correct depth of body, good in rib & good loin; 3 Barber’s Alcumlow Parsley, pleasing type, narrow but with required strength & flexibility, good construction throughout, well conditioned & stands evenly on his toes, just not quite so positive in front coming towards me. MLD (13,1) 1 Greenhill & Thomas’ Orangebox Stewards Enquiry, well handled, appears to show himself so his good conformation is clear to see, good front assembly with well laid shoulder & good upper arm, narrow & spannable, good in body, with correct rib, excellent underline, pleasing head & expression, but really scores on the move where he is powerful & true; 2 Waller’s Question Master, true Border, you have to handle this boy to appreciate what he has to offer, good & strong coat, masculine attractive head, could have a little less stop but does not detract from his typical expression, well bodied, good rear assembly, very sound, lacked the oomph of 1 when he declined to use his tail but I saw it when he deigned to oblige; 3 Ramus’ Onthill Aramis, quality individual, of good size, nice type, straight front, well padded feet, good bodylines, held himself well, moved OK. LD (15,2) 1 Johnson’s Karison Kosta, captured a good class, so very much to like here, he sells himself, correctly muscled & firm all through, good body & level back with ribs extending well, masculine headed dog with good underjaw, well moulded skull & dark expressive eyes, he is very sound in action with good length of stride, stands balanced with shapely neck into well laid shoulders, good in loin & well developed rear quarters with correct length of bone & free from exaggeration he certainly used his best endeavours in the challenge for the top spot. RCC; 2 Dean’s Cedarhill Once Upon A Time, another good example, most typical & presented in harsh weatherproof double coat with good pliable thick skin, a well produced, natural dog with all the attributes of a nice one, holds himself well & moves as his good conformation indicates he should; 3 Dean’s Manorborders Maverick by Tyrian, lovely spannable, narrow & good sized exhibit with excellent straight front & correct bone, well ribbed back with good flowing topline & nice underline, moved accurately but have had the benefit of judging him in slightly better nick. OD (17,2) 1 Docwra’s Bandicoot Doc Martin, it was a real pleasure to arrive at my shortlist in this class, heading the way was this smart, well bodied & well ribbed example, impressive to handle & all male in outlook I loved his lithe flexibility. Very sound & free moving as a result of his excellent construction with the natural arrogance of a good male, he is good in skull & foreface with well placed & shaped eyes, super neckline of good length flowing into firm backline, has scope & stands evenly on his well padded feet, he is very deserving of his title which I understand accompanies this high award today. CC; 2 Jenkins’ Ch Badgerbeck Uncle Fester, I particularly liked the way this good exhibit uses his excellent hindquarters to advantage, sound as a pound he appeals in most departments & pressed hard in the challenge, good head, eyes & expression, a tad shorter in neck than the winner it did not detract from his overall stance, has strength but in the right workmanlike way, well ribbed, good top & underline generally with well set on tail; 3 Armstrong’s Ir/Int Ch Ploughdown Plato, quality b/t, balanced, well proportioned head, no overdone stop here, lovely legs & tight feet, satisfactory angulation all through, has all the essentials. GCD (8) 1 Channer’s Benattivo Gun Fire at Rubyfin, very likeable & typical youngster, in super coat & pelt, good head properties & eye, easily spanned, nicely made body, correct bone, sound; 2 Carr’s Thorneyburn Peace Pipe at Wreighaugh, pleasing head & expression, on the right lines generally with shapely quarters; 3 Speake’s Cedarhill Stargazer, a little fuller in eye & preferred rib & underline of 1 & 2 but well proportioned head & honest type. VB (17,3) 1 Jackson’s Ch Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone, topped a cracking trio of worthy individuals, fit as the proverbial, showed many of the young ones how it should be done & so in tune with her handler moving with economy to cover the ground well, pleasing head & expression, lovely frame, racy & all Border; 2 Clark’s Ch Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway, classic b/t, very laid back but what she occasionally lacks in enthusiasm she more than makes up for in sheer type & quality, scores in head properties, beautifully proportioned & well bodied, she is utterly feminine & a treat to go over; 3 Baxter’s Int/Am GCh/Can Ch Sulan Fancy That, charming exhibit not disgraced here with all the essentials & carrying her years lightly. MPB (1) 1 Parry’s Oakyard On Song, sweet & feminine baby, nicely made all through, easily spanned, correct bone, good body shape with ribs carried well back, attractive head with neat ears & typical expression, really liked her legs & lovely tight, well padded feet, lots to like, should continue to develop well. PB (12) 1 Duxbury’s Ridgebow Pendle Witch, b/t, lively & beautifully proportioned, handles well presenting classy outline from nose to tail, good head pattern & appealing expression, stands herself a little wide in front but inspection confirms correct, straight bone & satisfactory elbow placement, in lovely fit condition, good angulation all through with stifle & hock providing good stance & rear drive. BP; 2 Wright’s Totherend Blue Jean Topsy, appealed for type & size, comes to hand well, expect head to develop a little further in foreface, but pretty & expression good, satisfactory in neck & shoulder flowing into good firm backline, loin, & pleasing rear assembly, sound; 3 Johnson’s Karison Krumble, another goodie, narrow, racy & steps out well on good legs & feet, should mature nicely. JB (19) My book records this was a superb class of high quality juveniles – I could have done with more cards! 1 Tuomi’s Heathberry’s Chasing Rainbows, undoubtedly a very bright future beckons for this superior example, as good on the move as standing still, has a very characteristic head, slightly rounded, fairly wide skull with just the right amount of stop, lovely well shaped eyes set in just as they should be, keen & expressive. Shapely all through, well bodied with good muscletone just needs to fully mature & will threaten the best & indeed was a strong contender today; 2 Lee’s Bon Appetit by Tythrop, aptly named & a tasty proposition indeed, I understand was only attending her second show & was not quite as settled as winner but narrow with beautifully straight front legs & tight, well padded feet, good pattern head with pleasing expression, carried well on super neck & well laid shoulder with good upper arm, a shade longer in loin than winner but still well proportioned with firm backline & moved soundly; 3 Fulker’s Foxpaw Revelation, another very appealing exhibit, presents well, good height to length ratios, attractive head, lovely neck & shoulder, well ribbed with good underline & topline, excels in rear assembly which she really used to effect round the ring. YB (17,2) 1 Rock & Wallett’s Tythrop Tissot, utterly feminine in outlook, I loved her head which is so balanced with neat ears & good eyes & a very true & taking expression, moved so well in profile but complimented by accuracy fore & aft, has all the essentials, correct in bone, satisfactory neck & shoulder, correct depth & width of body, decent angulation all through, presented in good coat & pelt & never stopped trying, one to watch; 2 Hudson’s Shiftyfox Fairydust of Glenoak, another with lots to like, presented in good order, of lovely size, easily spanned, pretty head & keen expression, holds her topline nicely, well ribbed back, good firm rearquarters with tail set on well & correct in stifle & hock, very balanced in side action but winner just scored coming towards me; 3 Larner’s Hawcoat Ugogirl, b/t, typical & workmanlike individual, good head & frame, pleased in most areas & moved out well with a spring in her step. GB (18,4) 1 F Revelation; 2 Alpe’s Cedarhill Shooting Star, attractive & well proportioned with good head & pleasing expression, good length of neck into nicely laid shoulder, correctly boned & bodied, has all the attributes required for a typical specimen, moved OK; 3 Pickering’s Picer Flora Mcivor, lovely coat & pelt with tight strong topcoat & dense undercoat, fits the Standard, good neck & shoulders & very shapely rear assembly, lacked a little enthusiasm & tried to pace but an able handler brought her back to her work. PGB (15,5) 1 Brannan & Kelly’s Brankell Double Or Quits, lovely bitch who comes to hand well, in ideal coat with super pliable skin, really pleases in head with good skull & foreface, ears could be a tad neater but does not detract from expression, lovely straight front, well padded feet, beautifully laid shoulder & good upper arm, correct depth & length of body, good strong quarters, stylish economical mover; 2 Barrett’s Howthwaite Gold Dust, lovely to go over, light framed but strong & supple, feels like she could get anywhere, good forehand, pleasing head & expression, correct body shape with good loin, well made hindquarters, holds herself well; 3 Fraser’s Achnagairn Prim N’proper, scored in head properties with the right amount of stop & good skull to muzzle ratio, good moving with strong profile action & workmanlike throughout. MLB (18,1) Could have easily used more cards in this class. 1 Ellis’ Brumberhill Miss Dior, in full bloom, a classy young bitch who is beautifully constructed & very sound & typical with lovely head & expression with neat ears correctly placed & well shaped eyes & a proper Border nose, lovely straight narrow front, good neck & shoulders, well ribbed back, pleasing quarters with well shaped tail, & all complemented by a dense weatherproof coat & pelt; 2 Baird’s Tojamatt Debutante for Dowgri, another good sort, honest & workmanlike with pleasing head & expression, neck & shoulders, bodyline & quarters, firm & well toned, stands evenly on her toes & appears ready for anything, moved out well; 3 Sansom’s Tarkaswell Doctor’s Orders, lost out slightly in forehand but correct bone & good feet, feminine with very pleasing expression, carries herself well, good in loin with correct width & strength of rearquarters. LB (10,3) 1 Baxter’s Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin’, sound proper Border exhibited in good harsh double coat, lots to like, good head & expression set on good length of neck, well shaped body, good underline, racy quarters which are perhaps a shade out of proportion but used them well to cover the ground moving with rather more enthusiasm than 2; 2 Wilson’s Olderhill Malvena, put down in super condition & coat, classy exhibit of lovely size & type, stands balanced, well boned, pleases in head, correct depth of chest, good reach of neck flowing into good shoulders, just wish she had used a little more verve round the ring as this did not help her cause; 3 Moore’s Bardenfox Pussy Galore, nicely headed, honest exhibit who ticks most of the boxes, free from exaggeration & sound. OB (19,2) Undoubtedly some very nice ones went cardless. 1 Roslin-Williams’ Mansergh Plusfours, headed a smashing class of high class, free showing specimens boding well for the future with the qualities needed for the breed to continue well. I have judged this one before & thought very highly of her but this time she went one better. Radiates classic type & moderation, all of a piece, lovely size & in proportion, comes up beautifully balanced, conditioned to perfection, good jacket & long, supple muscles, no bulk yet strong throughout with excellent bone & substance but light & readily spannable with a liveliness that never let up right into the Group ring. Scores in skull & muzzle with that bright, anticipatory, keen expression which is so appealing. Has a lovely neck & head carriage, well laid shoulder & really good upper arm, firm backline & moves with reach & drive using her excellent well let down hocks to produce that seemingly effortless rear propulsion. She also has an undeniable presence & I would snaffle her in a heartbeat. CC & BOB & I understand elevated to the upper house today; 2 Jiderlund’s Nord Uch Crazy Train Cranberry, handled well, free moving & sound, she just sold herself to me the longer she was in the ring, mature & feminine, of good type, head balanced, loved her expression, well constructed throughout, excellent straight front with good legs & feet, good angles both ends including those optimum settings to provide well coordinated, effortless, powerful action, well ribbed, good in loin & underline. RCC; 3 Lee’s Ch Tythrop Turn Back Time Decided, air of quality & unsurprisingly titled, b/t of lovely make & shape, in good bloom, excellent head with pleasing expression, not far adrift here. GCB (4) 1 Freeman’s Borderella Snap Dragon, good proportions, presented in excellent fettle with good coat & pelt, straight bone, held her topline well moving; 2 South’s Imperterrito Agenda by Borderella, typical exhibit of good size, handy & attractive, not quite the scope of 1; 3 Hyslop’s Baywillow Brown Braid, wears her years admirably, pretty, feminine example who has all the essentials & moved soundly with conviction. SALLY LESLIE
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