KNOWING THE NAME OF SOMETHING IS NOT THE SAME AS KNOWING SOMETHING
FROM A BBC INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD FEYNMAN, NOBEL QUANTUM PHYSICIST
BY KATHI BROWN AND DARLE HECK
T he Guidelines for Writing Breed Standards identifies that the purpose of a standard is to be a guide for breeders and judges. The importance is to “keep in mind those features that make the breed unique,” those qualities the breed must possess to do the job for which it was created. The charge is to be clear and concise; thus the selection of specific vocabulary is essential to convey a clear image of the proper specimen of the breed. As we are aware, the standard format places “General Appearance” at the forefront of each standard, and it is within this paragraph that our breed club spells out the most important criteria of form to function. The history and subsequent development of our Scottish Terrier standard has followed these expectations. Early in the breed history, there were a variety of breeds identified as “Scotch Terriers.” Each was bred by sportsmen for specific purposes and specific terrain. The “Scotch Terrier” began to be shown around 1860 with a diversity of types, among which were a number of what we now know as sepa- rate breeds. It shortly became evident that agreement needed to be reached on which characteristics would define the Scottish Terrier… those that make the breed unique and to be highly valued as a go-to- ground vermin hunter. Emerging was clarification and descriptors for the Hard-Haired Scottish Terrier . It was the form and function of dogs themselves that was the basis for the written word. Standard words have their origins in the actual object, and the standard’s words are the descriptors of excellence in the breed. The selected, concise use of vocabulary and clarity of terms creates a vision of the breed. There needs to be a constant and consistent toggle between terminology and the actual dog. For example, even the word “home” results in a different mental picture from location to location and from person to person. The choice of vocabulary, encapsulated within the all-impor- tant General Appearance section of our standard, contains critical adjectives for judging; small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built, with a wiry, weather-resistant coat. It also cites a thick-set, “cobby” body and the breed’s very special keen, piercing, “varminty” expres- sion. Understanding the terms “cobby” and “varminty” is based on each reader’s depth of experience. In all learning, the closer the educational experiences are to the desired expectations—in this case, judging—the deeper the learning. We have likely experienced this when stepping into the ring to judge a large entry of a new breed. Having actual dogs to view and exam- ine while learning is critical. These are “concrete” learning experi- ences. Visual depictions, including, drawings, photos, and videos, are opportunities that assist as secondary illustrative opportunities. The written word/words, as in our standards, are the most abstract and are dependent upon our experience.
As we are writing this preface, the term “cobby” continues to be highlighted in red by auto check as not being a word— and few dictionaries have a clear definition. Literacy and read- ing experts have graphic organizers and techniques for deepen- ing our understanding of the written word. Learners are asked to “say it a different way,” provide a personal definition, use illustrations, pictures and drawings, list examples and non- examples, and incorporate the terms in their oral language. Below we will provide additional information on the standard’s wording of “cobby” and “varminty” which are so important in the Scottish Terrier standard. Hopefully, judges and breed- ers alike will utilize the terms frequently in the assessment of our breed and in discussions of the breed. OFFICIAL STANDARD OF THE SCOTTISH TERRIER General Appearance: The Scottish Terrier is a small, com- pact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and sub- stance. His head is long in proportion to his size. He has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. These characteris- tics, joined with his very special keen, piercing, “varminty” expression, and his erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. The Scottish Terrier’s bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package.” COBBY The Free Dictionary https://www.thefreedictionary.com/ cobby”>cobby cob·by (k b’) adj. cob·bi·er, cob·bi·es Having short legs and a compact body; stocky. Used of animals. Wiki- pedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_terminology#Body The body may be described as “cobby” or sometimes by a ratio of height to length. Throughout the early years of breed “development,” Ter- riers were often described by their observable characteristics; long-legged or short-legged, coat length and texture, color, etc. As sportsmen, when describing body type it was natural and easily understood to utilize terminology derived from their familiarity with horses. The term “cobby” as cited in the Scot- tish Terrier has its origins in, and likely harkens to, the original Cob horse. The Cob horse is defined as a horse short of leg, compact of body, with heavier bone, good strength of body, and a stockier build. Below are additional excerpts and descrip- tions of the Cob horse that may deepen our understanding of how the adjective rightly and accurately applies to the Scottish Terrier, differing this breed from others by body type.
256 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 2022
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