is difficult to keep numbers in the state of our society today, so the breed seems to remain stable in numbers and usually bred by responsible Terrier people without being over populated by pet market breeders. KH: Grooming has improved tremendously. Breeders are trying very hard to learn and present their dogs in the best condition. Handlers have set a high bar and many times the best groomed and handled dog wins despite confirmation. As a mostly owner handled breed, the challenge is being met. Overall, the quality is good in the ring. Yet, maintaining quality is worrisome because our numbers are dropping rapidly, thus shrinking our gene pool. Another worry is that we see too much exaggera- tion in today’s show Scotties. Long necks, oversized Scotties are lovely and swan like, but do not reflect the wording in the standard. An over-done Scottie is not a good earth dog.
to have good angulation front and rear contributing to proper reach and drive with a level topline. KF: The basic shape. They think of the breed in an exagger- ated sense. They think fancy instead of working. They think the rectangular shape of the breed is between the legs when in fact it is the breed is a short legged, compact one. When you consider height is 10 inches if the dog is made correctly you will have a large keel in front of the shoulders and a pronounced butt behind the tail. Also color, color and color. The breed is not only black, it is also wheaten and a rainbow variety of brindle. I have had judges who are being mentored by me say the brindle is distracting and they can’t see the outline the same as a black dog. That makes me sad. There is no color preference in the breed. TP: There is so much more to a Scottie than a highly groomed coat and condition. 7. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? KB: Many have excelled in grooming and presentation of the Scottish Terrier. Coats are short and sculpted as are the presentation of our heads. While creating a picture underneath we are losing some critical components for the breed. Exaggerated grooming can and has supplanted proper structure. Coats are often too short and not as hard on top while desired undercoat often is completely removed by raking. Fronts and rears can be coat but not dog. We are losing the small high set ears and this is greatly influencing expression. Pretty (a word not in the standard) head grooming hides eyes that are becoming too round and the desired dark, almond, well-set eyes with fill underneath are scarcer. Proper angulation is harder to find with hair and grooming substituting for substance and structure. This low, sturdy, short-legged breed is lacking the proper length of upper arm. 8. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? KB: I am not sure that some new judges are taking the time to deeply understand the Scottish Terrier. This is a breed with a strong and unique character. First judges need to understand the Scottish Terrier’s unique temperament. This is of critical importance prior to judging and hands-on examination of the breed. While judging the dog on the table it is a hands-on and mind-on process. Grooming does not make the dog, rather enhances it. Get under the coat as directed in the standard. They do not understand the misuse and misconceptions of the term “Terrier front.” There are 31 different Terriers with front structures appropriate for each breed’s purpose. The idea that there might even be
MK: I feel overall that the Scotties being shown are improved in the many years I have been
showing dogs. We have seen some (and I don’t use this word easily) great Scotties in the rings today. In order for owners to compete with the professionals, they have to step it up and I think many of them have met that challenge. TP: There were some fabulous Scotties from the 50s and 60s and some wonderful ones today. FS: The breed has changed since we started showing. It now has a different balance than back then. To draw a comparison as to which is better would really be difficult. MT: The numbers just aren’t there, even at the specialties. It is not uncommon these days to go to a show where the entries consist of one or two Scotties. In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of top-winning Scottie bitches where the dogs have been overshadowed in their success in the show ring. I began judging in 2000 and I personally don’t feel the Scotties are any better than they were then. At the national specialties, you’ll see some very nice dogs rise to the top in the classes and as specials. To have those consistent qualities at our all-breed shows would be a treat. 6. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? KB: Must haves for me are those traits that allow the Scottish Terrier accomplish its original purpose therefore they include: 1) Temperament that is bold and confident. 2) A cobby body with ample fore chest in front and strong butt behind the tail. 3) A double weather resistant coat that is hard and wiry on top with insulating undercoat. 4) Short-legged with good depth of chest. 5) Sturdy in bone for its size. 6) A strong powerful bite along with a keen varminty expression. 7) A sturdy, low dog it is imperative
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