TERRIER JUDGE Q&A
I was elected to the AKC Board of Directors in 1991, and served in that capacity until June, 1994, when I briefly assumed the posi- tion of AKC’s Executive Vice President, and then AKC President through March of 1996. In 1994, I was the first recipient of the SBT Club of America’s “Dennis Springer Award” for lifetime historical contribution to the breed in North America. “Staffords” have been my gateway to a wonderful and full life in the sport of dogs. Every level of involvement has been enriched by their presence, from the beginning when I worked with several oth- er breed enthusiasts to get the breed—and then the breed club— recognized by the AKC. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many as a judge? I have a home base in Spring, Texas, and my husband and I spend most of our down time in our retirement/vacation home in Belize. I’ve been in dogs for 53 years; judging for 37 years. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? My interests? On my iPad—6 Card Games and 6 Word games. And jigsaw puzzles. Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? My introduc- tion was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy for Christmas in 1968, and then, gradually, learning about dog shows, especially from our “mentors” and then close friends: Fred and Margaret Young, and Glen and Jean Fancy. And, from the first AKC show that I attended, (because SBTs were more often than not in the 8:00 a.m. hour, I stayed through Best in Show, learning about the various breeds, and also learning about handling from the handlers in the ring. Have I bred any influential Terriers? Have I shown any notable winners? While several of the dogs we’ve bred produced winners in the ring, the SBT numbers being shown where not enough to be labeled “influential.” My notable winner, of course, was Ch. Guard- stock’s Reds Atom. Can I speak a bit about breed-specific presentation and coat con- ditioning in the Terrier breeds? Size/Proportion are usually appar- ent at first sight. Then, the placement of legs/feet often call out breed-specific issues, such as square fronts, i.e., SBTs, Bulldogs, and Frenchies, to name a few. It has taken me a long time to be pro- ficient in the judging of coat conditioning, and I’m still learning. Many handlers have helped me with that so far. What about breed character? Can I share my thoughts on spar- ring in the ring? I appreciate sparring in the ring, but only when it is done properly. In order to spar correctly, dogs need a bit of training and understanding on what the handler wants. A few years ago, I was judging Scotties, and the first two in the lineup were way across the ring from me. They were much too vocal (as Scotties can often be), so I casually walked from my judging table over to them, and said to the handlers, “Okay, ladies. Either shut them up, or take them out… until I’m ready to spar them.” It’s just amazing how quiet they can be. When I sparred them, they were perfect! Many Terrier breeds are known for their singular expression. Can I offer a few examples? A Staffordshire Bull Terrier (and the Am Staff, too) have intense eyes, and a smile! Their demeanor also expresses power and strength! How would I assess the overall quality of the “newer” Terrier breeds? There are seldom enough of an entry in the newer breeds to make an assessment; the newer breeds are often totally absent at the shows. However, one of the newer ones that I am fond of is the Rat Terrier. They have both style and a stable temperament. I’ve seen several (although one or two at a time) that exhibit exceptional quality. I’ve placed a Rat Terrier in the Terrier Group on more than one occasion. I’ve had only one-at-a-time Cesky in my ring, and they can be rather difficult to assess. In my opinion, what makes a Terrier the ideal companion? Ter- riers are trainable, loyal, extremely intelligent, and they’re always ready to give you a “lick in the face!”
and scanning for varmints. Just exudes type! If they spot something and focus on it, it is a perfect time to look at them. How would I assess the overall quality of the “newer” Terrier breeds? Several need a lot of improvement! They don’t have a solid handle on type, condition or presentation. In my opinion, what makes a Terrier the ideal companion? They are funny, challenging, interesting, and devoted. However, they are not for everyone since a lot of patience is needed! Why is “Montgomery” a significant show for so many breeders/ exhibitors outside of Terriers? It is a mecca for fanciers who want to learn, and to see all the latest competitors. If you want to judge Terriers properly, Montgomery is a requirement! Nowhere else can you see so many quality Terriers presented properly. Maybe you will discover a future star! Which Terriers from the past have had the greatest influence on the sport? Ch. Torum’s Scarf Michael (Mick), the Kerry Blue, is a fine example along with many others: Ch. Galsul Excellence, the Wire Fox; Ch. Goldsand’s Columbus, the Russell; Scottie bitches Ch. Braeburns Close Encounter (Shannon) and Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot (Sadie); Airedale bitches Ch. Finlair Isis and Aust. Am. Ch. Oldiron Margaret River; the Wheaten Ch. Andover Song N Dance Man; the Bedlington Ch. Willow Wind Centurion; the Norwich Ch. Willum the Conqueror; the Welsh Terrier Ch. Anasazi Billy the Kid; the Lakeland Ch. Special Edition; the Wes- tie Ch. Mac-Ken-Char’s Irish Navigator; the Sealyham Ch. Efbe’s Hidalgo at Goodspice (Charmin); the Airedale Ch. Jokyl Super- man; the Wire Fox Ch. Afterall Painting the Sky (Sky); the Bull Terrier Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid (Rufus); the Australian Ter- rier Ch. Lodiah Red Hawke (Bugsy); and the Dandie Aust. Am. Ch. Hobergays Fineus Fogg (Harry). Is there a funny story I can share about my experiences judging the Terrier breeds? A long time ago, I was judging an outdoor show on Long Island in the fall—and it was cold. I wore a coat with a fur collar. A well-known handler had a Welsh Terrier on the exam table that took a serious look at the collar and grabbed it! I thought it was very funny, but the handler didn’t! JUDITH V. DANIELS
I was born in Topeka, Kansas. I gradu- ated from Highland Park High School as Valedictorian, with a 4.0 grade average. Then I attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1964, Magna Cum Laude, grade average of 3.864, with a degree in Mathematics. During my Junior year at KSU, I joined the state Madrigal Singers,
and for about eight weeks, we toured the American bases in the Far East as a USO Show. At the age of 50, I enrolled in the University of Phoenix, and earned my MBA Degree in Business Administration. I have been involved in the sport of dogs since 1968, when I got my first Staffordshire Bull Terrier. A breeder of 23 (Prefix “Star- zend”) and owner/handler of 36 SBT Champions, I’ve also owned and exhibited Smooth Fox Terriers and Silky Terriers. I am licensed to judge the AKC Terrier, Working, and Non- Sporting Groups. I have judged in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, England, Belgium, Mexico, South Africa, and Slovenia. Prior to AKC recognition, I prepared the data for Staffordshire Bull Terrier Foundation Stock Registration. Then, in 1975, the year that the AKC recognized the SBT, I owned and handled the first champion of the breed, Ch. Northwark Becky Sharp (imported from Australia). Eight years later, in 1983, I co-owned and handled the first SBT to win an AKC All-Breed Best in Show, Ch. Guard- stock’s Red Atom.
182 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2021
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