TERRIER JUDGE Q&A
Is there a funny story I can share about my experiences judg- ing the Terrier breeds? I’m sure there have been, but nothing I can remember precisely. JULIE FELTEN
the Smooth Fox, Ch. Ttarb The Brat, and the terrific Bull Terrier, “Rufus,” who surely was the best Bull Terrier I have ever seen. Also included would be the Wire Fox, Ch.Galsul Excellence, and the Norwich, Ch. Thrumpton Lord Brady. Is there a funny story I can share about my experiences judging the Terrier breeds? I could not think of one that happened while I was judging, other than nearly being decked by an enthusiastic Bull Terrier. However, I can think of one involving my initial experience when I was looking for my first Terrier, which was a Skye. We drove up the long driveway at Iradell Kennels where there was a yellow sign that read, “Beware of Flying Kangaroos.” I thought that was very funny until we saw actual kangaroos. We couldn’t believe our eyes! ! Needless to say, it was very amusing. MARCIA FELD
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many as a judge? I reside in Wauconda, Illinois, a small northwestern suburb of Chicago. I grew up with dogs. My mother had a Poodle, and my brother raised and bred Redbone Coonhounds. When I was 10 years old, I got my very own dog, a Bluetick Coonhound. I hunted with my older brother, or moreso, I ran
around the woods chasing him and his dogs. Mine didn’t have to work, she was all mine, and that truly started my love of purebred dogs and sports. I began judging 21 years ago when I was approved for my first breed, Parson Russell Terriers. I came in on the slow train in picking up my breeds step-by-step, and I’ve slowly worked up from there. I am currently approved for two Groups and Best in Show. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I love spending time with my family, bird watching, and riding my trike. I am an avid reader and I want to learn how to knit. Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? In my early twen- ties, I wanted an active little dog, but not a wimpy one. My brother suggested that I look into Jack Russell Terriers, the name that was given to them in the beginning. (Now they are known as the Parson Russell Terrier in AKC.) I started with a fun little JRT named Lil Bit. I finally found what I was looking for! A smart dog that was eager to please, intelligent, active, and a very loyal companion. Ter- riers never let you become bored or lonely. Have I bred any influential Terriers? Have I shown any notable winners? I bred the first big Parson Russell Terrier breed winner, BIS BISS CH Fox Valley Frolic, “Fuzz.” She won the first PRT National in 2000 as an AKC recognized breed at eleven months of age. Thereafter, she was co-owned with Amelia and Dan Musser to a spectacular career. In addition to Fuzz, I have also bred three other National Specialty winners. I have finished several champi- ons from the Bred-By Exhibitor class, and to date, I have bred over 100 Champions. Can I speak a bit about breed-specific presentation and coat con- ditioning in the Terrier breeds? To turn a Terrier out in proper coat and conditioning is a work of art that takes years to hone to the skill level needed to bring out the best in so many different breeds. They all have various nuances to learn and various purposes for their type of grooming. It quite often takes hours and hours of hand stripping by devoted owners and handlers for the majority of breeds in the Terrier Group. Most Terrier coats call for a harsh jacket. It’s a real disservice when these breeds are presented in their underwear (stripped down to their undercoat). Judges should always consider the history of Terriers in their consideration of the whole package. Often, these dogs were called upon to hunt in rough, cold, rainy ter- rain. A dog without proper coat or conditioning would be a worth- less team member and is likely to get injured or worse. What about breed character? Can I share my thoughts on spar- ring in the ring? A Terrier of any breed embodies boldness and pride in itself. When the sun is beaming down at an outdoor show and a Terrier is standing there, on its toes, full of itself, there is nothing prettier. You want to see the sharp expression as they survey what is going on around them. It is unparalleled in other Groups. When sparring is done correctly, it just takes my breath away; watching Terriers stand on their toes for the spar, with their chests puffed out and necks arched as they move up like stallions. Having said this, so many Terriers are losing their sparkle character so that the real
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many as a judge? I live in Lib- ertyville, Illinois. Growing up, my best friend was “Pal.” He was always with me, and anytime I got in trouble, he would go with me to hide in the bushes. After Pal’s death, I was without a “best friend” until 1974. My husband grew up without a dog, and had no desire to have one. Then one
day, while reading the paper, he said, “If I ever had a dog, it would be one of these.” I looked over his shoulder and saw that it was a Miniature Schnauzer. When he got home from work the next day, we had a puppy. So, a lifetime with dogs and 27 years judging. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? My grandchildren. Have I bred any influential Terriers? Have I shown any notable winners? There have been two: Ch. Feldmar Nightshade was one of the first black/silver champions. (His pups were placed all over the world, and those placements were done with the understanding that the dogs would be shown to their championships, which resulted in titles in England, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and South Africa); and Nightshade’s son, Ch. Feldmar Night Reveler who was the No. 2 AKC Miniature Schnauzer in, I believe, 1987. (A first for a black/silver Mini.) Can I speak a bit about breed-specific presentation and coat conditioning in the Terrier breeds? Terrier coats vary and, conse- quently, so does care and conditioning. What about breed character? Can I share my thoughts on spar- ring in the ring? Temperament and character can vary from dog to dog, very much like in human beings. As for sparring, well, I just have them “look at each other,” the purpose being to get the alert, up on their toes look. Many Terrier breeds are known for their singular expression. Can I offer a few examples? Frankly, I am not sure of the mean- ing of “singular expression.” Appearance does vary due to head shapes and grooming. Westie and Scottie heads vary greatly from the Foxes and the Mini Schnauzer. Coat and color distinguish the Soft Coated Wheaten from the Kerry Blue, though they have similar backgrounds. How would you assess the overall quality of the “newer” Terrier breeds? Good. In my opinion, what makes a Terrier the ideal companion? Any dog can be the ideal companion. All depends upon their puppy experiences, and their nature and nurture with their human. Why is “Montgomery” a significant show for so many breeders/ exhibitors outside of Terriers? The large numbers of dogs entered at the show, and the outstanding level of breed quality. Which Terriers from the past have had the greatest influence on the sport? Almost every breed has had an influential sire.
186 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2021
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