06/07/2026
We had a wonderful time at the 2026 Border Terrier Nationals in Swanzey, New Hampshire this past week!
Congratulations and many thanks to Bobbi Hurst, Joan Esham and the entire show Committee and all the volunteers who did a fantastic job! The venue was very nice and had lots of room and green spaces. Earthdog was off-site (typical) but we had FAST CAT, AKC and NACSW scent work, rally, obedience, conformation, health tests, breeder education and health seminars all on site as well as live music at our Welcome Party and food vendors on site.
The host hotel was comfortable, wonderfully “dog friendly” and had lots of grassy areas for exercising our dogs and a large banquet room for our meetings and a nice restaurant as well.
The judges at this year’s National had a deep appreciation for the Border as a working and functional terrier which was reflected in their placements. Cricket Hill Borders were recognized by two placements - Cricket Hill Shoot for the Moon (Pi) taking a placement in the Open Bitch class; and Cricket Hill Baby I’m a Star! at RuffnReady, owned by Hannah Ruffner placing second in the Amateur Owner Handled class. Cricket Hill Moonstruck, Olive, also had her four fastest FAST CAT runs, getting her closer to her BCAT title. We even gave scent Work a try for the first time - but that was not our best effort!
The final Best of Breed competition on Thursday was the culmination of a wonderful week together, and particularly meaningful to me was the fact that not only longtime breeders with lots of experience were rewarded - but also young exhibitors and newer breeders representing the future of our breed and community were recognized and appreciated as well.
Congratulations to all of the winners, but a special recognition going out to Jen Holder of Foxrun Border Terriers from Canada and her dog Doberich’s Hawthorne at Foxrun, a.k.a. “Thorne,” who took Best of Breed honors; and Samantha Michel of Cedar Run Borders in Virginia, who took Best of Opposite S*x with her bitch Duskland Dress Has Pockets, aka “Pocket.”Samantha was also honored as Best Junior Handler and received a special club award for her commitment to and relationship with Pocket.
It was wonderful to see many old friends from all over the country and over the world; to make new friends; and to spend a week surrounded by so many of these handsome, versatile, entertaining little dogs that always make me smile!
I hope to see everyone next year in Colorado!
