“REMEMBER, BALANCE AND SYMMETRY ARE OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE.”
and end of the dog obviously includes some furnishings. The final three Scotties illustrated are three actual show photographs of dogs/bitches that I randomly picked from my own dogs. The first photo is a Champion dog shown in the early-to- mid seventies and then two photos of class animals (prior to their Champion- ships). Using the same “rules” of pro- portion, one can quickly note the rela- tionship of the three proportions. In the previous drawings, pho- tos, etc, one can see how this “rule of thumb” easily relates to the reader (or, perhaps, judge), the correct propor- tions of the breed without the utiliza- tion of definitive numbers. Author’s Note : I must comment about two dimensions that have not been included—the length of neck and the height with its relationship to depth of body and length of leg. The neck can be visually evaluated; however, it is rather difficult to evaluate the depth of body and length of leg unless one actu- ally puts his hands on the dog. THE SCOTTISH TERRIER STANDARD COMPARED TO OTHER AKC STANDARDS It is interesting to compare the Scot- tish Terrier standard (current and 1947) to standards of other similar terriers and to other dogs, in general. Some AKC standards have measurable refer- ences to length of head compared to length of neck, and to length of body. Some, not only include the height mea- sured in inches, but the proportions of the body depth compared to the leg length as well as the head and neck lengths measured in inches or percent- ages. The current AKC standard of the Sealyham Terrier reads, “Length of head roughly, three-quarters height at with- ers, or about an inch longer than neck.” The relationship of the body depth to length of leg is stated in the Border Col- lie standard: “...the distance from the wither to the elbow is slightly less than from the elbow to the ground...“ Both examples of standards that reflect the breeds proportions in different ways.
“happy camper” had we been able to breed such a Scottie and, equally as important, been able to groom as well as Mr. Tausky’s talented use of pho- tographic tools enhanced his work. Nevertheless, this Scottish Terrier fills the bill when our two relationships are applied. Moving on, I am picturing two dif- ferent diagrams which appear in the second STCA illustrated standard, A Study of the Scottish Terrier . This pub- lication was prepared by STCA mem- bers: C. Michael Cook, Chair; Sandra Goose Allen; Barbara DeSaye; Evelyn Kirk, and Miriam Stamm. The illustra- tors were Jody Sylvester and Heidi B. Martin. The first diagram is taken from an illustration of the three basic colors of the Scottish Terrier. I have chosen the Wheaten version as lines appear easier to read. The second outline is a silhouette demonstrating neck, topline, and body. Again, both outlines demon- strate correct proportions. Nikki Riggsbee, writer and AKC approved judge, has written an article that appeared in Dogs In Review , Sep- tember 2012. She, along with the editor, Allan Renzik, have given me permission to use the article. If readers have not seen the article in its entirety, it makes for a good and interesting read. The essence of the article is how current breeder/judges and members of the illustrated standard committee priori- tize characteristics of the Scottish Terri- er when they are looking at six outlines of dogs and six outlines of bitches—all of the outlines are from photographs of real dogs so “none is ideal”. I am using the outlines as part of my article per- taining to balance and symmetry . Applying the same principles to the twelve outlines presented in Ms. Riggsbee’s article in Dogs In Review , the outlines fall into the same pattern of symmetry and balance previously described. Please remember that we’re talking “about” measurements, not exact measurements. Note, in particu- lar, the forechest and buttocks of the outlines as the edges of the beginning
Illustration 9: A mature Scottish Terrier male champion (from the 70’s) illustrating symmetry/ balance through correct proportions of head, back, and body length.
Illustration 10: A young Scottish Terrier class dog with proportions illustrating symmetry/balance.
Illustration 11: A young Scottish Terrier bitch reflecting symmetry/balance.
Illustration 12: A modified Scottish Terrier skeleton (displaying two shoulder angles) comparing the measurements of a well laid back shoulder (blue) and a straighter shoulder (yellow).
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ULY 2018 • 225
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