welsh terrier Q&A
WITH RICHARD POWELL & KATHY ROST
“EVERY TERRIER BREED WAS DESIGNED TO DO A CERTAIN JOB IN A SPECIFIC AREA AND THE STANDARDS WERE WRITTEN CAREFULLY FOR EACH BREED TO PERFORM ITS JOB. THE NUANCES FOR DIFFERENT BREEDS ARE SO IMPORTANT AND THIS IS WHY NEW JUDGES HAVE TO LEARN.”
4. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not? RP: There have been some really great ones in the past that were probably better than anything being shown now but overall, the breed is in better shape at the present time. KR: I do believe that the quality of the overall Welsh right now is high. Breeders are paying attention to the stan- dard and the overall physical soundness of the breed. 5. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? RP: I think there is still this mind set that a Welsh has to be thick. New judges are told that compared to a Fox Ter- rier or a Lakeland, the Welsh has to be the cart-horse as compared to the thoroughbred. A Welsh is the same size as a Fox Terrier, but weighing two pounds more—this is in the bone. Some judges, both old and new, see loaded shoulders and thick necks as being “Welshy”; however, I think that we are getting away from this mentality. KR: They are a moderate dog. Though we love the short backs, the Welsh Terrier is a “square” breed. They should not look like a miniature Airedale. I also think color is sometimes misunderstood. The grizzle coat is perfectly acceptable as well as dogs with darker jackets. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate. RP: As are many other Terriers, this breed is on the low entry list. This means that they are often just handed to new judges with little research and experience. This is wrong. Every Terrier breed was designed to do a certain job in a specific area and the standards were written carefully for each breed to perform its job. The nuances for different breeds are so important and this is why
new judges have to learn. I think it is really necessary to attend kennels, specialties and to go to the Montgom- ery County weekend at least one time, to get a grip on these breeds. If this does not happen, the chances that Terrier judging will become generic like so many other breeds is very likely. KR: Welsh Terriers are very strong in quality right now. Last year the top 6 were all Best in Show winners. And the dogs coming up in the classes also show promising qual- ity. It is an exciting time for the breed right now. 7. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? RP: There have been lots of funny things happen and when I am judging or showing, I try to have a good time, but one memory constantly makes me smile thinking about it. I was judging in Atlantic City, New Jersey and this gentle- man in a kilt was showing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I went up to him and said, “Good morning” and then start- ed to go over the dog. As I was getting close to the rear end, he said, “Oh excuse me” I stopped and exclaimed, “Yes?” He said, “Sorry, he just farted.” Not quite knowing what to do, I decided to stand back and let the air clear, so to speak, and in doing so, the moment got to me and I started to laugh hysterically! Lydia Coleman Hutchinson was doing Toys in the next ring, and asked, “What is so funny?” I told her and she could see the funny side of it too. Whilst judging, people say the funniest things. KR: At an outdoor show that was particularly windy and rainy day, I was desperately trying to anchor my wig while showing my puppy. We were doing pretty good until we were asked to spar. As we came to the center of the ring, my wig departed from my head. The Welsh sprang into action and KILLED it dead. The prey drive is obviously alive and well in the Welsh Terrier!
340 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , D ECEMBER 2018
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