LLR: I have judged this breed for 17 years and believe the biggest improvement has been in overall soundness, both physically and mentally. There used to be a lot of issues with rear assembly (patellas) and it was not uncommon for a Rat Terrier to have a go at you when attempting to exam them on the table. 4. What should judges understand when judging the Rat Terrier against other Terriers in the group ring? DB: Look for balance and a good, strong topline. Look for the dog that moves effortlessly and seems like it is at ease when moving. Perky and always with attitude. Never tall and spindly; must have some bone to do its proper job. The Rat Terrier that stands out and says, ‘Here I am.’ SG: These are sturdy, powerful ratters; compact, yet off- square; muscular and fit. They must retain elegance in order to conform to the standard. Any size between 10 and 18 inches is within the standard and must be judged equally. LLR: Well, remember that they are not judging them against the other Terriers, they are judging each Terrier in reference to how well they fit the description of their individual breed standards. But to answer your question, they are not a fancy breed, they should be evaluated as a functional working Terrier through and through. 5. Do you feel there is enough breed educational material for reference? DB: No, judges should always go to the parent clubs and see their PDFs on the breed that is the best source and refer- ence. I, myself do that on every breed I judge. It gives
you pictures of the proper structures of the breed with a few pictures of actual dogs they find to be of nice quality. If this was done before judging the breed, we would be able to help the breed and not guess it. LLR: No, there are not enough materials out there for judge’s education. I am constantly asked and happy to help my peers in the judging world for some clarification on the Rat Terriers breed standard and I make myself available for mentoring whenever possible. I do believe that the lack of educational materials offered by any given breed club is due to lack of financial resources, putting together materials for educational purposes is not inexpensive. 6. When judging Rat Terriers what is the most important feature you look for? DB: Balance, outstanding correct movement and type. SG: A dog built to fulfill its function as a ratter and to course small game. Muscular, not Toyish, regardless of size—and never coarse. LLR: Breed type at first glance when they come in to the ring. As well as the need for overall proportion and bal- ance combined with soundness all around. Conditioning is very high up on my priority list when judging the Terriers. Stable temperaments are a must. 7. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? DB: They read the standard, but not seeing examples of correctness hurts the breed. That is why I suggest the PDF from the parent club which is the Rat Terrier Club of America; ordering it is well worth it to do right by the breed. SG: That a well-balanced 10" Rat Terrier is as competitive as an 18" dog. Also, there seems to be a bit of confusion as to the markings and coloration. LLR: Everything! I believe that the Rat Terrier is the most misunderstood breed in the Terrier group. They are not Smooth Fox Terriers, they are not smooth coated Parson Russell Terriers nor are they Manchester Terriers. They have a front that is different than a lot of Terriers and the “BALANCE, OUTSTANDING CORRECT MOVEMENT AND TYPE.”
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