Keurmeester KCM 2023

Tracey Anscombe

Thank you for the invitation to judge at your show.

I had always enjoyed the calming companionship of dogs. When I was a youngster our first family dog was ‘Patch’ who was a non-pedigree dog, basically a little bit of everything, many years later I had a German Shepherd.

After getting married my husband and I wished to own a dog and deciding on a breed is never an easy task, luckily whilst we were attending the Devon County Show and after a good hour looking around the showground out of the corner of my eye I saw a beautiful terrier. Smart, confident, not too big, not too small. We wanted to own a Border Terrier! And we did.

This single decision lead on to a series of little adventures into unknown territory. Firstly, entering fun dog shows, then progressing to open shows and eventually championship shows. Running a dog grooming business. Dog agility. Later having litters of puppies to being an editor of the Southern Border Terrier Club Yearbook.

My kennel name is Orangebox and I have had eight dogs awarded their Stud Book number, including our first Border, Tufterslodge Walnut at Orangebox, and more recently the grandson from our Champion Ch/AM Ch Orangebox Firecracker – Kevrah Orion Seeking Orangebox.

Although I enjoy the shows it was very apparent early on that I was not a natural in the ring, so happily handed the lead to a close friend Libby, while I can now watch from ringside. However, this made me really start to pay attention to the dogs and I was asked if I had thought about judging.

My first proper appointment was in 2011 and I have been honoured with progressing to be able to award UK Challenge Certificates. One of judging highlights must be judging the conformation aspect of The Total Dog Competition in the US.

I am very much looking forward to this opportunity.