National Terrier Club

JHA semi finals terrier 5th April 2025 (National Terrier Championship show) 

Judge: Mr Harry Russell

It was an honour to be invited to judge the terrier JHA semi finals, I would like to thank the association for the invite to judge and to all the exhibitors who entered under me and received their placings sportingly. The future of handlers within terriers is strong, all handlers on the day were polite, courteous and most importantly sympathetic to their dogs. 

6-11 years

1st- Daphne Bryson (Scottish Terrier) 

A very sympathetic and attentive handler who stood out in this class. Smartly dressed to complement the dog which she had a lovely rapport with. She followed my instructions clearly and walked her dog at the desired pace. Very tidy lines, used the full extent of the ring to show off the dog and spoke to the dog continuously. The handler noticed when I altered the position of the dog's leg and promptly fixed it, well done. Her reaction when she won the class reminds us of why we show dogs. She was very sporting and after her win she went down the line to congratulate everyone, what a credit to her family. Good luck for the finals. 

2nd- Myla Mae-Haynes (Bedlington terrier) 

Another great handler who pushed hard for 1st place, again smartly dressed and tidy lead work. Used the space of the ring well with precise straight lines. She had a lovely rapport with her dog and was aware of my place at all times. Just be aware of how you stack a dog on the table, make sure the feet are placed correctly to ensure the correct outline of your dog can be seen. 

3rd- Evie Bryson (Glen of Imaal Terrier) 

Another very sympathetic handler who was always smiling, she made great use of the ring and moved at the desired speed for the breed. Straight, clear lines and tidy lead work. She was attentive to where I was at all times. Just take extra care to notice if a judge moves a dog's leg when stacked on the table.  

4th- Abigail Kirkwood-Emery (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier) 

This handler has a nice connection with her dog and I could really see the work she was putting in to get the best out of the dog. She moved at the correct pace for the breed and used the full length of the ring when moving. Just watch the feet placement when free standing. 

5th- Molly Whisker (Border Terrier)

Another promising handler who I am sure will have a positive future, clean lines and attentive at all times. She mastered a lovely free stack with the dog but unfortunately the dog wasn't being the most cooperative on the move today. The handler did her utmost to try and counter this so well done. Just take care on the pace you begin with when you move off with a dog in order to maintain that control on the lead. 

6th- Luke Saunders (Border Terrier)

This handler showed great potential, a nice stack on the table and freely on the ground. He moved around the dog well in order for the dog to remain seen. Try and have a little more communication to encourage the dog when moving. With a little more confidence you will be a very good handler.

12-16 years 

What a high-quality class this was to judge, the exhibitors certainly made my job hard in this class and I was splitting hairs in my final shortlist for the top spot. Well done all in this class. 

1st- Amelie Smith (Parson Russell Terrier) 

This handler really stood out in this class, she has professionalism whilst still maintaining that key bond and compassion with her dog. She was dressed smartly and with colours that complemented the dog. On the table the stack was picture perfect and the movement was tight and clean. She moved the dog at the desired pace and at all times showed the dog to the best advantage, putting all the attention onto the dog. She had her work cut out for her in this superb class but she did not let it phase her as she made her dog the star of the show. I wish you all the best in the finals. 

2nd- Megan Slack (Jack Russell Terrier) 

Another superb handler that pushed Amelie hard for that top spot. The dog was the star of the show and the handler knew how to make this work. The dog was presented on the table in a perfect stack, and the handler noticed when the leg was moved out of position. The movement was clean and the lead was tidy at all times. The handler was dressed to complement the dog and clearly has a great bond to the dog. Well done. 

3rd- Maisie Allenby (Dandie Dinmont Terrier) 

This is another handler who has it all nailed, her lead work and movement was correct for the breed and she showed her dog off to its best advantage. On the table the dog was placed correctly and the teeth were shown clearly. If I was being picky, I would just like a little more compassion with the dog but I understand that sometimes nerves can get the better of us. Well done. 

4th- Alexis Kirkwood-Emery (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier) 

This handler was one of the most sympathetic in the class and was always thinking about the dog which she had a clear connection with. Her lines were clear and she was attentive to my instructions and to where I was at all times. 

5th- Frankie Wilson (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier) 

This handler showed her dog in a clean and correct way, she was very attentive and stood out from the start. She was dressed to complement the dog and made her dog the star. Unfortunately when I gave the instructions of a triangle she added in an extra movement of up and down which lost her some points today. But overall a great handler with lots of promise. 

6th- Texas Lee-Dunstone (Norfolk terrier) 

A very brave handler to take a norfolk into handling, they had a lovely connection with each other and the handler did her utmost to show the dog to its best and when it wanted to play ball, the dog was shown to its advantage. Her lines were clean and the movement was of the correct pace for the breed. Well done