Three Counties Agricultural Society

THREE COUNTIES 2026

TERRIER GROUP

Firstly, I would like to express my appreciation to Secretary, Helen Wayman, and the rest of the Three Counties dog show committee for very kindly inviting me to judge the Terrier Group at this year’s show. A friendly, welcoming committee who work tirelessly to stage a superbly run show for us all to enjoy.

I didn’t feel this was the strongest of groups and some could certainly have made more of themselves on the day, however this certainly doesn’t take anything away from those who made it down to my final eight, namely the Border Terrier, McPherson’s Brumberhill Beswick JW, the Cesky Terrier, Ch Janski O’Rolox JW, the Fox Terrier (Smooth), Wilberg & Bradley Jenkins’ Ch Kanix Stafford (AI), the Jack Russell Terrier, Nagrecha & Tate’s Chandlimore Play Boy at Jaeva, the Norfolk Terrier, Gee’s Watercroft Stitch In Time JW, The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Clarke’s Ch Flaxela Perfect Storm (AI), the Welsh Terrier, Davies’ Westpenn Code Breaker, and the West Highland White Terrier, Britten’s Bellevue Lucky Devil at Krisma.

Group 1 went to the 17 mth old West Highland White Terrier dog. Quality lad who was beautifully presented and a delight upon closer inspection. All male, pleasing for size, strongly built and shown in firm, hard condition. Muscular neck of correct length to balance, firm through the backline, excellent ribbing and tail just right for set and carriage. Quality head with correct proportions, distinct stop, super eye and ear, strength to jaws and excellent pigmentation; all features combining to produce a first class expression. I liked his angles front and rear, he is well developed in forechest and he certainly didn’t disappoint on the down and back. Jacket of good texture. So very handled to take the top spot today. 

In second place and close up to the winner was the very smart 3 yr old Jack Russell Terrier dog. One I have done well for previously and today I thought he was even better now that he is fully mature. Excelling for type, he is well boned and solid all through. So very well balanced with correct depth of body to leg proportions; he has strength to neck, is firm in topline, correct ribbing with ribcage carried well back and tail is set on high and of good carriage. Super head, of correct proportions with keen expressive eyes of good colour, strong muzzle and scissor bite. Well made all through and moved out with attitude. Excellent texture to jacket. 

For Group 3, I selected the 6 yr old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog. Another who cannot be overlooked and was so good hands on. Compact and upstanding, he presented such a well-balanced outline with slightly arched, muscular neck, level back, brisket of good depth and ribbing well sprung, firm loin and tail set on high. First class head with moderate width to skull, the best of eyes and ears, correct planes, strong jaws and scissor bite. Well laid shoulders, standing true in front and firm, muscular hindquarters with good turn of stifle. When gaiting, he has a lovely length of stride on the go around and excellent self carriage. Well presented jacket of correct texture. 

Completing my final four was the Welsh Terrier dog, just coming up to 2 yrs. Scoring for type, carrying good bone, compact in outline and well-muscled throughout. Clean neck of correct length to balance, short back, excellent ribbing, good depth to chest, short in the couplings and tail set on well. Masculine head moderate breadth to his flat skull, keen expressive eyes, ears set on just right, strength to muzzle and correct dentition. He stands just bang on in front, has excellent feet and moved freely when coming and going. Hard, wiry jacket and first class presentation. Making his handler work hard on the day but well deserved this placing. 

Judge: Tim Ball