shoulders do not possess the high head carriage and short back called for in the standard. And quite a few dogs are lack- ing the compact body which is character- istic of the breed. Th is is a must for good movement and the fi ner boned dogs are not indicative of the hardy little terrier we should preserve. We must concentrate on retaining that compact body! It is impor- tant for function and health. In some countries we have those attack- ing the health and soundness of our breeds at the shows which I think is absurd since the respective breed clubs are the only ones that are constantly working to improve the health and soundness of the dogs. I read a pamphlet put out by one of the European
countries listing the Yorkshire Terrier on the list for “Immediate Attention” due to pinched nostrils with breathing prob- lems, weak jaws, and “lame (or hanging) tongues”. Huh? Where do they come up with this stu ff , a terrier head with breath- ing problems? Has anyone seen any hang- ing tongues on Yorkies? I often wonder if whoever writes these critiques of the vari- ous breeds could even identify one if they saw it. I imagine the folks who purport a docked tail to be inhumane rather than done for a purpose are the same folks that almost wish our dogs were indeed bred to be unhealthy. We do not deny there are health issues. Rather those health issues that do exist
are now recognized for what they are real- izing there is no breed completely free of health problems. What I do see in the US is a proactive rather than reactive approach in the form of scienti fi c research for real genetic tests and treatment options rather than a reactive approach at dog shows such as health examinations at the show which are a personal judgment of a dog in regards to how it appears to that person on that day. Th e American Ken- nel Club Canine Health Foundation and our Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Health Foundation are something we can be proud to support because through sci- ence we can fi nd real solutions. As an AKC judge, I am licensed to judge the dogs in comparison to their breed standard and my interpretation of each dog’s appearance on that day. Th ere is no way I could pos- sibly determine or make any claim as to the health of the animal or what it could or could not genetically produce. It is also my opinion that a show veterinarian can only determine if an animal appears to be ill on that day and it is ridiculous to make an opinion as to whether or not it could have or might produce a health problem. Th at is a job left to the breeder and his or her own veterinarian.
American Ch Steppin' Up Billy The Kid at Westminster KC. Photo by Chuck Tatham. 4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& 0 $50#&3 t
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