TERRIER JUDGE Q&A
takes skill, and hours and hours of work, and few people are really masters at it. Whenever I feel what I believe to be a correct coat in the ring, I let the person showing the dog know that I really appre- ciate the amount of work that went into the conditioning process. In some instances, though, grooming has been overdone, and the trimming and sculpting of today is not useful to a working Terrier. I believe the smaller entries in Terriers is due to the amount of time it takes to present a dog that can be competitive. Many people do not have the time or desire to learn what it takes. What about breed character? Can I share my thoughts on spar- ring in the ring? Each breed, obviously, has its own character, and it is important to know what is correct. For example, an Ameri- can Staffordshire must look confident and powerful without being aggressive. You can always count on a Bull Terrier, both standard and Mini, to be a clown. The Airedale has a commanding presence that grabs the eye, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is earnest while absolutely loving people. Parson Russells can show the determina- tion that drives them down the hole after a fierce quarry—and they sometimes stay there until they are dug out. As far as sparring, it is proper for some breeds where you want them up on their toes and showing their best expression, but it’s not for others. It is necessary to read up on the history of the different breeds and, once again, relate it to why it was developed. Terriers that were bred to hunt with others should not necessarily be sparred, as you can see their character and temperament without this exercise. And it must be done properly, with handlers knowing how to keep their distance and yet have the dogs look at one another and show who they are. Many Terrier breeds are known for their singular expression. Can I offer a few examples? Who can forget the fire and intensity when you are looking in the face of a great Scottie? Or the varminty eyes and egg shape of the correct head on a Bull Terrier? The liquid dark eyes of the Dandie Dinmont just draw you in, and the glint of the Sealyham when something catches their eye makes you aware of their determination. Borders have that unique otter face, which looks at you and says, “What would you like me to do?” Westies have a sweetness all their own, and Ceskys have the seriousness that indicates their willingness to work. How would I assess the quality of the “newer” Terrier breeds? While many of these breeds are old ones, just new to the AKC, it takes several generations to really establish a particular, correct type. Oftentimes, people interested in a new breed are not able to procure the very best examples from their place of origin. Where many of these breeds are heritage breeds and are often endangered, breeders are reluctant to part with ideal specimens, especially to people they don’t know. So, at first, type can be all over the place. But with the hard work of dedicated fanciers, you are bound to see improvement over time. In my opinion, what makes a Terrier the ideal companion? Once you have lived with a Terrier and can appreciate their true character, you really begin to understand why they are so enjoyable. They are not for everyone, however. In general, they are intense, active to the point of being very busy, into everything, and full of high jinx. There is never a dull moment when they are awake, but in return, you get a loyal friend who will entertain you and defend you with everything they have. Why is “Montgomery” a significant show for so many breed- ers/exhibitors outside of Terriers? It brings together good and great examples of each breed in numbers not seen elsewhere. Often it is where people learn how influential breeders produce top quality exhibits time and time again. The excitement of, perhaps, the great- est Group show is thrilling to see. People come from all over the world to see the spectacle that is Montgomery. Which Terriers from the past have had the greatest influence on the sport? The first one who comes to mind is the great Kerry Blue, “Mick,” with Bill McFadden piloting. Of course, there was
for the U.S. Geological Survey as a research scientist until I had an offer to teach at the University of San Francisco. It was there that I earned my Doctorate in Education and became an Assistant Dean. In 2005, my husband, Michael, and I decided to move to the Seattle area, and I accepted a position as the Director of Community-Based Learning and Research at the University of Washington. Michael is a true Terrier devotee. Once, when my daughter was showing my husband’s Norwich who misbehaved badly in the ring yet won her class, I chided him about how he had spoiled her. She went back in and won a four-point major under the great judge Michelle Billings! Currently, we are owned by an English Setter, a Whippet, and a Parson Russell. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many as a judge? I live in Carnation, Washington, on a small lake east of Seat- tle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. I showed my first dog in 1965, so 56 years, and have been judging since 1998. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? My husband and I love sailing on Puget Sound and visiting fam- ily when given the chance. We are pretty busy with our veterinary clinic. However, he has the veterinarian and me keeping the busi- ness side of things going. Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? As a small child, my family had a few purebred dogs and I had an intense love for them. I grew up in New York, and we received the New York Times each day in school. I was always excited to read Walter Fletcher’s weekly Sunday column in which he reported about dogs and dog shows. One day, when I was eight years old, I saw that the Bronx County Kennel Club was holding a show at the Bronx Armory, which was close to our house. I begged my parents to take me, so they dropped me off with enough money for a hot dog and a soda. I was in heaven and stayed until the show closed! ! In those days, pretty much all shows were benched, and as I walked down the very first aisle, a White Bull Terrier reached out and grabbed me. He was so charming that I spent a good part of the day with him and taking in all the different breeds, many of which I had never seen in person before. I was hooked! ! Have I bred any influential Terriers? Have I shown any notable winners? I have never considered myself a breeder of Terriers. I have been more of a scholar, studying breed characteristics and what makes them develop the features that are unique to each breed. My first Terrier was a Skye, purchased from the well-known Iradell Kennels in Ridgefield, Connecticut. We have bred a few litters over many years, but we mainly enjoyed them as companions after they were finished. We never had a large number of dogs at one time, as we felt it would be unfair to them in terms of getting enough atten- tion. Probably the most notable winners we had was a Group-win- ning Border Terrier in the 1980s that we’d purchased from Betsy Finley of Woodlawn fame, and a Miniature Bull Terrier in the ‘90s that won the Breed from the classes at Hatboro Kennel Club on the Montgomery weekend. She was bred by Marilyn Drewes in New Hampshire. We have also had, and bred on a limited basis, Wes- ties, Norwich, and currently, a Parson Russell. Each breed is quite unique, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to really know them. Can I speak a bit about breed-specific presentation and coat con- ditioning in the Terrier breeds? It is very important to know the original function of each breed and relate this to how each breed is presented. In particular, showing your breed at the correct speed and drawing out the unique expression of each one. For example, the raciness of a lovely Irish Terrier as it moves around the ring pay- ing attention to anything that moves, or the fire of a great Kerry Blue that peers out and obviously dominates its surroundings. The outlines of some breeds are so unique to them, their silhouettes are recognizable instantly. As far as coat conditioning, this is so impor- tant to the function of each breed. It is a joy to feel the correct, hard, crisp or soft coat of a specific breed. Stripping and rolling a coat
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2021 | 185
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