THE UNIQUE SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
EYES: Because the eyes are (or should be) nearly obscured by head fall hair, they don’t usually affect expression. Nevertheless, breeders should be aware of their medium size, slightly almond shape, and fairly wide set. The Standard stipulates that eye rims are black. Dark “mascara” around the eyes is appealing, but not mandatory. However, washed out pigment can detract from proper expression. • Dark reddish brown or brown • Medium in size • Slightly almond-shaped • Set fairly wide apart • Eye rims black
Concerning size, the Standard states: “small to medium.” Ide- ally, the tip of the ear should not descend past the corner of the eye. Overly small, high-set ears are faulty, but are rarely seen. Unfortu- nately, today, most SCWT ears are too large.
Correct Eye
Ears appear to break level with the skull due to the hair on top of the head. They actually break slightly above the level of the skull. (left) Correct. (middle) Too low. (right) Too high.
(left) Too round. (middle) Lack of pigment. (right) Too close, too round.
It is the set, size, and carriage of the ears, com- bined with the proper head proportions, large black nose, and proper presenta- tion that adds up to typical SCWT expression.
Small to medium size. Ideally, ear tips should fall no lower than the corner of the eye. (left) Proper size. (middle) Too large. (rght) Too small.
Inside edge lying next to cheek. Pointing to ground rather than eye. (left) Correct. (right) Not lying next to cheek, pointing out.
The overriding problem seen in SCWT ears today is poor car- riage. The Standard is very clear: the inner edge should lie along the cheek and the tips should point down to the ground. There is a preponderance of ears that stand away from the cheek and point out to the sides rather than down. This is incorrect and totally spoils the unique SCWT expression. Note: In some cases, ear carriage can be greatly helped by prop- er gluing of puppy ears during teething. While this is a separate topic, breeders should always err on the side of gluing ears, even if it appears the ears are going to be ok. And, in my experience, all ears, with age, have a tendency to “drift away” from the skull. • Ears should not appear to break below or too far above the level of the skull. • Ears should not extend past the eye. • Ears should not point to the eye or out to the sides.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cindy Vogels acquired her first Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in 1968. Under the Andover prefix, she and her mother, Jackie Gottlieb, bred over 100 American champions, including top winners and producers. Cindy has also raised champion Kerry Blue, Norfolk, Welsh, and Australian
Terriers, Brittanys, and Greyhounds. Past President and AKC Delegate of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, Cindy serves as Vice President and Show Chair for Evergreen Colorado Kennel Club. Former Chairman of the Board of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, she also serves on the Board of Trustees of Take The Lead. Cindy is approved to judge the Sporting, Hound, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting Groups and eight Herding Breeds.
Powered by FlippingBook