Russell Terrier Breed Magazine - Showsight

THE RUSSELL TERRIER

CONNIE CLARK We live in Rio Del Mar, CA located in northern California, by the Monterey Bay. My husband and I enjoy cruising in the Pacific Northwest, Canadian Gulf Islands and points north in British Columbia. I have had 39 years in dogs, 39 years show- ing and was approved to judge in 2007. GAY DUNLAP I live in Indio, CA with my 14-year-old Wheaten Terrier, Tilly. Prior to that, Gil- bert, AZ, and before that, Santa Fe, NM; the latter still holds my heart. Outside of dogs, I manage three websites, design websites and enjoy writing. I have been part of the fancy since the late 1960s and have shown dogs since then as well— initially Yorkshire Terriers and then Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. I have been judging for slightly over 29 years. ANN D. HEARN

2. What is the unique defining element of the Russell Terrier breed type? CC: The small, oval compressible chest is the hallmark and the single most important attribute a Russell must have. GD: It is essential that this small Terrier display equal mea- surements, withers to brisket and brisket to ground. He must be spannable and the brisket must not reach below the elbow. AH: This is a low-to-the-ground breed that can get down close and personal with its quarry. Yet, they have a very pleasant temperament and get along with other dogs and breeds—mostly. They are great house pets as they’re not quite as busy as some of the other Terriers. 3. Define the correct Russell Terrier breed type. CC: As quoted from the Amplified Guide, a predominantly white-bodied dog with or without tan and/or black mark- ings, measuring between 10"-12", presenting a rectan- gular silhouette. Smooth, broken or rough coat. Overall balance of head to bone to height to width. Equal width fore to aft, equal reach to equal drive, sturdy, flexible body. Spannable and flexible chest, ultimate flexibility determined by correct shape, brisket must never extend below elbow. Head shape that of a blunted wedge, muzzle slightly shorter than the flat back skull, button or drop ears, dark almond shaped eyes and a scissors bite. Gaiting with a lively, unrestricted motion. GD: Small, athletic, active, rectangular terrier, self-assured, predominately white. Equal from withers to elbow and elbow to ground, with a level topline and very slight (often indiscernible) rise over the loin. Spannable, nei- ther too course nor too refined, with compressible chest. Chest should never fall below elbow. Moderate tuck- up. Head displays rather pronounced stop with muzzle slightly shorter than the flat skull. Nose must be black, ears small and v-shaped, button or dropped, carried close to head, with tips even with corner of eye. Eyes dark and almond shaped. Does not display the “terrier front.” Instead, elbows are set under body with sternum in front of point of shoul- der. Straight front legs from elbow to toes. Rear angles match those in front. Three types coat: smooth, broken, rough. Should be shown in natural coat (not sculpted). The six DQs (height, ear type, nose color, eye color, bite, coat color) must not be overlooked in defining type. AH: Not a lot of leg length, but not stumpy appearing and very balanced; a very appealing head piece either wire,

I live in a close suburb to Atlanta, GA. Aside from dogs, I make my own jew- elry, knit and other hand crafty things. I also am a great fan of opera and clas- sical music. I got my first purebred dog (Wire Fox Terrier) as a one-year anni- versary present from Jim in 1957, and immediately went to the Atlanta Kennel Club show to see how close he was to the Standard—not very close, I fear. This gave me the momentum and interest to

get the best I could find and afford. Our children were babies back then, so money was not plentiful, nor was time. Within four or five years I purchased a very well-bred Wire Fox bitch that I attempted to groom (until George Ward got hold of me and made me do exactly as he said), showed and finished. After at least a ka-zillion years, I applied to judge both Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers in 1984. 1. Describe the breed in three words. CC: Small, agile and flexible. GD: Can I use four? Keen, spirited, small and sturdy. AH: Appealing, workman-like and enjoyable.

334 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , N OVEMBER 2018

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