Regular Classes – Julie LaFreniere
Breeder Judge, AKC Judge: 111381
Border Terriers have shared my home and heart since 1990. I was fortunate to be mentored by multiple respected “old timers” in our breed who instilled in me the importance of stewardship. My foundation bitch from my mentor and friend, Kate Murphy, became the 2004 Best Veteran at the BTCA National Specialty.
I’ve had the pleasure of judging Border Terriers in Supported Entry Sweeps since 2012. The highlight of my judging opportunities was the 2016 BTCA National Specialty where I had the honor of going over an entry of 141 puppies and veterans. Judging Sweeps at the iconic Morris and Essex Kennel Club show in 2021 was literally enchanting. Being an AKC Judge for Border Terriers is an honor and privilege.
As a breeder-judge, my priority is to select Border Terriers who possess the ability to work in rough terrain and narrow spaces. My emphasis is on the function of a working terrier. As a breeder-judge and life-long student of Border Terriers, I possess a clear understanding of the breed’s history and what is required of them to do a days’ work. A true steward of our breed would never abandon this moderate, narrow and rangy workman to become a “show terrier” with no ability to do a days’ work.
The Border is not a “head breed” but does possess a unique head that resembles that of an otter with large teeth, moderate muzzle with good fill and a varminty eye. When judging, I look for a correct outline and those who cover ground effortlessly with a nice reach, drive and fluid movement. A balanced, narrow, moderate and honest Border in good working condition with true Border type will have my nod.
Sweepstakes – Duane Pulford
I purchased my first Border Terrier as a pet, from Betsy Finley in 1994. I was told that Timon was finishable. I thought I should give it a try and earn his championship in about a year. I also got a Canadian Championship on him. I purchased a second Border, Reilly, as show quality and he took two years to earn his championship. Currently, I have three Border Terriers: Sven, Artie, and Orlee. All three have their Grand Championships. Sven won Reserve Winners Dog at the 2017 BTCA Specialty and Artie won RWD at the 2021 BTCA Specialty and Working Dog at the 2022 Specialty. All my Borders have their Versatility or Versatility Excellence title from the BTCA.
Many of you know I am an Earthdog (ED) judge and have judged ED at Border Terrier National Specialties, judging all the levels except Novice. If you look on the AKC web site for my judging history, it will show I have judged nationally for breed clubs and all-breed clubs, plus six times in Canada.
I fell in love with Earthdog at the first Gardner MA specialty when my first two Border Terriers, Timon and Reilly, worked the quarry in the Intro class with Carol Mock as the judge. It was wonderful to see my Borders do what they were bred to do. I was hooked—and my Borders were as well. As my Borders progressed in Earthdog, I decided I could judge this sport, judging my first ED event in 2000.
Over the years, I have hunted with my Borders and Mini Dachshund, hunting woodchucks and rats. Hunting has influenced my judging of Earthdog in knowing what to expect in a working terrier and applying that to Earthdog as well to conformation.
It is always an honor to judge at a BTCA National Specialty and especially Sweepstakes. I will be judging for a good working Border Terrier that also meets the BTCA standard for a Border Terrier. A Border Terrier that meets our standard would be an excellent Border Terrier in the field. A border Terrier should be a balanced dog with good movement and not extreme.
I want to thank the Specialty Committee for inviting me to judge this year’s specialty.