YestK̒ Q&a
MARJORIE UNDERWOOD
ML: I look for type, movement, substance, structure and coat. 1) When Westies enter my ring, the first impres- sion I look for is type. Type is comprised of a multitude of qualities that make up the whole picture. They should have a balanced structural appearance, plus an attitude displaying confidence and “no small amount of self- esteem”. Westies are frequently described as a big dog in a small package. 2) Movement is the next vitally impor- tant quality I look for because that is one of the best indicators of sound structure. In my opinion, the front assembly is an area of concern for our breed today. While we don’t see the fiddle fronts of old, we have, never the less, lost the pro-sternum and depth of chest that is called for in the standard. While we have better layback than we use to have, I find the upper arm in a major- ity of specimens is so shortened that it greatly restricts their movement. The upper arm should approximate the length of the scapula or shoulder blade. When you have the required laid back of shoulder and desired length of upper arm then you will have a Westie with the ability to properly reach out with strong forward movement. Some Westie exhibitors will run around the ring giving the impression that they have the required reach, but I’m not fooled or impressed by that. There is a big difference between one that is moved at an unnaturally fast pace and one that demonstrates true reach and drive. Sadly, I see more Westies in the ring today that take short, minc- ing steps which means they take twice as many steps to get to their destination. 3) Once on the table, the bone (or substance) can be evaluated. First impressions are not always what they seem. I want to put my hand on the head and feel a skull of substantial bone or is the perceived substance just an illusion created by masterful grooming. I am not the least bit intimidated by the beauti- fully groomed and teased up head. I tell all judges in my seminars to properly determine if that dog actually has good substance, you must get in there to feel the actually skull. I also have found that if the base of the tail is nice and thick it usually is another indication of adequate bone. 4) From there I move on to the overall structure of the dog. I have already commented on the importance of the front assembly and my concerns regarding the short- ened upper arm as it applies to impacting proper move- ment. Now moving on to the rest of the dog, the standard states that the body between the withers and root of tail is slightly shorter that the height at the withers. I think there is a tendency to think a Westie is supposed to be a square dog or that shorter is better but this is incorrect and to me, throws off the balanced appearance. Remem- bering the job Westies were originally meant to perform, they had to have the flexibility to turn around in a hole or tight spaces of the Scottish landscape, which means they cannot be too short coupled. I also want to see a level topline, one that is rock solid when moving. 5) The Westie coat is next on my list for consideration. Here again, the coat is designed for the weather of Scotland, requiring a harsh outer coat to repel the rain, thus keep- ing the dog dry, and then with a soft undercoat designed for warmth. Ideally you want a hard, straight, white coat, with no tendency to curl, which is a serious fault as is a soft coat. I’m forgiving of a coat with some
As children, we all have dreams. One of my dreams was to own and love a purebred dog. Sometimes dreams do come true— although it may take awhile. I researched various breeds. One of my goals was to select a breed that was small with a huge attitude, compact, strong, sturdy and har- dy with a wonderful temperament and
also, would have a charming and unique expression. The West Highland White Terrier was the answer for me, and the hunt was on. I visited several breeders with money in my pocket and a borrowed crate. Finally I found the Westie that I wanted to take home. When the first Westie pup walked through the door in 1972, my life would never be the same— all in a very good and exciting way. I had no desire to show this Westie youngster, but a friend encouraged me to attend a puppy match. Lady Heatherton won her class, then the breed, then the Terrier Group and on to Best In Match competition. Needless to say I instantly became addicted to the pure bred dog world. To this day I have not found a cure for this addic- tion (nor do I want to). My judging career began in the mid 1980s; in the early 90s I applied to AKC to judge the Westie. At the present time I am qualified on a regular basis to judge the Terrier Group, the Toy Group, the Non-Sporting Group, Best In Show, Juniors and the Miscellaneous breeds. LINDA WELLS
I purchased my first Westie in 1980. I took her to a local groomer and he told me she could be a show dog! It took me a year of learning how to groom properly and showing her to realize that he didn’t know what he was talking about. I then set out on an educated quest to find my first show dog. I met Mary Lou Ludlow of O’Riagain
Kennels and she told me that her English import, Ch. Audi- cious From Arnholme that sired a litter that belonged to Sue and Steve Cole, of Seacrest Kennels, on the Oregon coast. I pur- chased a male from them and promised I would show and fin- ish him. That little Westie was my first champion Ch. Seacrest Laird O’Riagain and the start of my breeding program and Highland Kennels. I went on to finish Laird’s father for Mary Lou. I then became a professional handler and was nominated by the board of PHA to become a member. I have been judging now for almost five years and am having a great time! 1. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging West Highland Whites? What do you con- sider the ultimate hallmark of the breed? MB: The joyful attitude. Balanced outline with perfect tail, proportions and smooth gait. WK: Five traits I look for when judging Westies: Front angulation, Rear angulation, Movement, Coat, Temperament (attitude).
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