shoulder and discernible drive from the rear. Therefore the Stafford should not be moved slowly, but at a fast enough speed to clearly see reach and drive. ADH: It is not a well-understood or well-received breed. They are pretty far out looking from the other Terriers. It only takes a little time and/or entries for a judge to jump onto the bandwagon of believers of this charming breed and then they’re hooked! Bring ’em a divine one and that entry just might go quite far under one of these judges— new or old. AH: Type and how the breed should be judged. The Stafford is not a generic dog, the construction is not just the same as lots of other dogs, the head is not like any other dog and it is cause of much dismay to many exhibitors who find that new judges treat it like every other dog. A look in the mouth, a stroke of the head and run it around is not what’s called for, nor is judging the breed on a table or ramp. The breed standard is being misinterpreted where it describes certain things to look for which seem vague such as “rather wide” or “distinct stop” which was originally meant to distinguish the breed from other Terriers, not describe exaggerations. Movement is also being ignored and the result is top awards going to dogs that paddle, roll and waddle. The original ‘bull’ which makes up this breed was not made like the British Bulldog but rather a long-legged and lean dog more similar to an American Bulldog in body style. There is a lack of balance being mistaken for correct. The Stafford is not a heavy, bulky Bulldog nor a slight and racy Terrier. The dog in the middle gets the job done. MM: They seem to have a problem seeing rear movement due to the necessary muscular thighs. DM: I think some judges tend to go with the overly exaggerated dogs. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? PB: Although the Stafford head is an important part of breed type, it should be judged equally with the rest of the dog. Please keep in mind that the Stafford breed is very diverse and there is not only one correct head type. Also, our toplines have gone to hell in a hand basket. The topline should be level and hold on the move—level means level. A roached back is not a muscle pad. We cannot weigh or measure our dogs in the ring, so let’s look for breed type, soundness and balance. Feel free to contact me for a telephone mentoring. ADH: The Staffie Bull is the best-kept secret of all Terriers. They have a fabulous laissez-faire attitude
to life, agreeable with any and everything, obedient (well, most of the time) and very eager to please. They are so much fun and love to play. AH: Judges would benefit from watching breed judging in the UK where the breed regularly gets entries of 100 and up to 400+ at the Champ level. Study the breed type being rewarded, the way the breed is presented and examined and fitness level. As for people seeking a Stafford for themselves as a pet, take more time to know the breed and its history. This is not a breed for everyone. Their energy level and interactions with other animals takes a certain type of person and those who rush in with only the desire stemming from how the breed looks will find themselves contributing to the ever increasing rescue situation. MM: I enjoy judging them as they are; it is a what-you-see-is- what-you-get breed! DM: I greatly enjoy judging the breed, because they are always such a happy, out going breed. In some foreign countries they have huge entries, with great depth of quality. 7. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? ADH: There are so many! Like the time the fabulous operatic contralto, Leontyne Price, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Del Val show and the Beagles in the next ring just couldn’t stand not joining in with her at top voice. Or the time I bent over to go over a White Bull Terrier puppy and had on my newly knitted scarf that looked fabulous with my outfit. As I came down to the puppy all he saw was this floating thing swinging before his eyes. He grabbed it close to my neck and gave me a jerk that sent me to the floor. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t get back up! The handler—a very new nov- ice—let go of the lead and ran out of the ring. I guess she thought I was going to kill the puppy first then go after her! We finally got a little decorum back in the ring, and I’ve never worn a swingy scarf while judging since. But it was fun and hilarious! AH: Watching a young dog get very evident relief whilst my late wife chatted to her companion next to her in a class. Pale trousers are not ideal in this situation and a considerable period of time passed before either of them wondered what the laughter was all about. How she maintained her dignity through the class to win a second prize I have no idea, but it was very impressive on her part. MM: Showing in obedience and having my dog finish in front of the judge instead of me. It was very hot and the judge was standing in the shade!
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& " 13*-
Powered by FlippingBook