Q&A Scottish Terrier
the Canadian National Spe- cialty, as well as the breed at Westminster. I have served on the board of the STCA, chaired Judges’ Educa- tion and current-
in my opinion. I object when handler/exhibitors bait their dogs off of another unsuspecting exhibitor. 6. Why do fewer wheatens and brindles win at higher levels? As I have always said, color is an issue only if one makes it so. It just happens that way. There have been, in the past, top winners in all colors. I’m more concerned about the quality of the coat than the color. 7. Explain the importance of grooming. In today’s show world, extremely. Not only is grooming important, but condition and training are equally impor- tant. Good groomers make ordinary dogs look extraor- dinary—putting the Scotty’s best foot forward—after all, that’s what competition is all about. It can be frustrating for the beginner, but in most cases, like our breed, our attitude brings out the effort to make the most of what we have. There are numerous handlers and exhibitors in the Scotty breed that are willing to help beginners; the STCA has provided excellent materials and opportunities to help beginners in the breed. 8. What do handlers do that you wish they would not? What are your thoughts on lifting a dog by its tail and chin? As I mentioned earlier, I do not like to see Scotties baited up; in most cases, it does nothing for their correct outline. I think many, many terrier breeds are moved way too fast—as most people who show to me know. I would like to see Scotties shown with fewer and harsher furnishings. Lifting the Scotty by the tail doesn’t bother me; I think putting the hand between the rear legs and the other under the chest is just as effective. After all, the tail’s purpose was to provide a handle to pull the dog out of a hole in the ground. Form follows function. 9. How can this breed’s Judges Education be improved? I think we do a good job; unfortunately, we just don’t see the competitive numbers we used to. 10. What previously campaigned Scottish Terriers come close to your ideal? Please explain. Through the years, there have been many all over the country; however, my mind goes back to Ch Jabberwok Bristol Stomp, our multiple group and specialty winner. 11. How does the breed in the US compare to other parts of the world? There seems to be a larger dog being shown in other parts of the world. Competition has become quite keen in Europe. Their standards allow for an 11-inch dog; ours remains at 10. Our presentation is one of the best, if not the best, in my opinion. 12. Do you have anything else to share? Being Chair of the STCA Standard Review Committee, I feel it is important to state that this Committee is work- ing to bring the standard in line with the Scottish Terrier we see in the ring today.
ly chair the Standards Review Committee. I also authored the first STCA grooming manual. Recently, I authored an article referencing Scottish Terrier proportions and how they relate to today’s Scottish Terrier. I now am approved to the judge the Terrier Group, Herding Group and half the Toy Group. 2. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. Compact, cobby body, low to the ground, keen expres- sion, harsh coat, strong muzzle. 3. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? Shortcomings: trimming, larger ears, overall size. Faults: poor rear assemblies including tail set, harsh coats, keen expressions, long bodies. 4. Has the breed improved from when you started judging? Which traits are going in the wrong direc- tion or becoming exaggerated? I don’t know that the breed has really changed since I have become involved; we, unfortunately, see a lot fewer Scotties in the ring. There were good and not-so-good dogs then and the same applies today. We’re just looking at them through a different perspective. I think groom- ing has become far more sophisticated. The trend to show Scotties baiting up at the handler bothers me a lot, it ruins the entire outline on most of them; keeping a moderately short neck on the breed as some are becom- ing generic show dogs. I think I’m seeing way too many Scotties with an improper eye shape, lack of a strong, full muzzles, and short hocks. 5. Why do so few judges spar Scottish Terriers? Is that a good thing? To me, there is nothing more spine tingling than to see Scotties up on their toes, tails vibrating, ears alert, and expressions hard; however, that being said, I do not want to see snarling and growling to the point control is lost. Today, with society’s attitude toward dog aggressiveness, I discretely utilize sparring—usually, in large Winners classes and the Breed and also, when I feel fairly com- fortable that the exhibitors are experienced enough to handle it. I sometimes feel judges just spar because they think they are supposed to—when it is totally unneces- sary. I don’t think I have ever used sparring to determine a winner—however, it does allow a dog to look its best,
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