With KAthi BroWn, Bill devillenueve, KAthleen J. FerriS, Gene hAinS, dArle hecK, cArolyn herBel, KAri hill, MAreth Kipp, richArd Miller, thoMAS pArrotti, Fred StephenS & Merle tAylor
CH: Temperament—the evolution of temperament is truly disappointing to us long-time Terrier fanciers because we like to see the sparring breeds stand up and stare down their opponent, but because the art of sparring has been lost and discouraged by the modern society, the fiery little Scottish Terrier is often more interested in his handler’s bait than the opponent. I think in most exhibits this trait has been discouraged because of the dog fight perception by society. So it is usually difficult to see that special spark of fire that brings them up on their toes daring to the opponent to make a move. KH: The Scottie is one of the smartest Terriers. Not only are they highly intelligent, but they feel. They are truly bonded to their people. One other item, is that the Scot- tie’s ear set should never be judged while on the table. Scotties talk with their ears. Placement and use of the ears should be evaluated on the floor. Because a Scottie tends to be put off by strangers touching them, they fre- quently display that displeasure by not using their ears. But when on the floor, they should be curious, inquisitive and alert when looking up. RM: Before I applied for Terriers I was cautioned that Terrier exhibitors will eat you alive. I have not found this to be true. I only remember being challenged one time. An Am Staff exhibitor challenged me on nose leather color. I know the standard; however, a mouse colored nose leather is only one part of the animal. I have enjoyed judging Terriers. When I find what I like, I will do for that animal as competition allows. TP: I crave a Scottie in great coat and condition with good bone, deep chest with tightly placed elbows. Yet, with great movement as well as solid reach and drive and I look for that keen, sharp eye and good tail placement. I always check the distance between table top and dis- tance under the chest. 10. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? KB: While exhibiting the winners bitch in breed I got the lead completely tangled in my earring thus when she went off the table to the ground so did my head. That is not as amusing as then shouting out to the judge and others in the ring, “Wait a minute” and having them do so. As a judge, my funniest moment is asking an exhibitor to make a small circle and having them turn around in place. KF: From my days showing in bred-by, I was at the Chicago specialties; Robert Moore was judging. He had his final cut of specials in the ring. He had them all milling about center ring. They were displaying their attitudes. He leaned over to take a closer look at one when the dog directly behind him launched upward and pinched
him in the back end. He stood upright quickly turned and looked disapprovingly at the dog in question then started laughing. KH: I went to a regional specialty that was indoors; the A/C wasn’t working and all the doors were open. About the time Sweeps began, a huge thunderstorm passed through and everything got so humid that the mats started sweat- ing. My shoes were so slick during Sweeps, that my feet went right out from under me. When I fell, I ripped the back of my skirt from top to bottom. Everyone gener- ously donated all their safety pins so I could close up my skirt. For the regular classes, the mats were still slick, so I decided to show in my bare feet. I ended up winning Winners Dog and Winners Bitch that day! It turned out to be a lucky fall. MK: Many years ago when I first started as an exhibitor, I was looking for the venue (remember in those years, we did not have GPS or a smart phone for help). I saw a station wagon with a dog in it and started to follow it. After several miles we had a string of cars following us, obviously looking for the venue as well. You guessed the outcome, the driver was on his way home and when he pulled into his driveway we knew we were in trouble. However, eventually we did find the venue. RM: My original breed since 1957 was the Chihuahua. We had a lady in our breed that has since passed to her final reward. Her name was Liz Bliss. Liz delighted in telling me off color jokes and she was always a delight to know. One year at our national specialty show in Chicago we were both showing in the bred by exhibitor class. I heard Liz say, “Dick!” I looked in her direction and she motioned for me to come over. I ignored her at first, but she was insistent. I finally crossed the ring, since the bred by class was quite large. When I got to Liz, she said, “I wonder if I have my armband on upside down.” I looked at her arm band—it was number 11. I will never forget this lady’s zest for life. The Chihuahua world lost a delightful lady when she left us. TP: I was judging BIS in Mississippi. It was a beautiful line up of dogs. The Non-Sporting placement—a Bulldog— was brought to me, when the handler bent down and split his pants. The crowd heard the rip and the handler never skipped a beat. Yes, he will remain nameless, but I will say he won another BIS with this amazing Bulldog. FS: There have been a number of funny incidents. However, some of those folks are still around and they don’t need any more embarrassment. MT: I can’t think of anything really funny; I enjoy judging and encouraging exhibitors. I suppose I find it amusing when people I’ve known for a long time have a dog that acts like he’s never been in the ring before— oh, those excuses.
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