TERRIER GROUP Q&A
hold, so large, strong teeth with a bite as described in the standard is very important. How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? We all love a natural ear carriage. How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? If the Standard has a description of the natural tail, as some do, or if the Parent Club has formally communicated a description of a natural tail, those descriptions should be used. If the Parent Club has formally communicated that docked tails are an essential part of the breed, that MUST be taken into consideration in evaluating the class in which the dog is presented. If there is no description or communication, a judge can assess the position of the part of the tail that would ordinarily still be present after the tail is docked. Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? Spar- ring can give you a chance to see the breeds that are sparring breeds at their absolute best. A novice judge should get some training on sparring and try to get some practice with someone who can help to demonstrate the process—and when to intervene. Control of the ring is extremely important. Start with no more than two dogs in a spar. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? The biggest challenge is getting to see enough of them to know the good, the bad and the ugly that exists within every breed. If you only see the good, you have a lot to learn about the breeders’ struggles and, if you only see the bad, it is just too easy to develop assumptions about the breed that may not be true. Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? I have attended a few. It is a good thing to see how the dogs do their work. Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? Given that there are shows where there are only five or so Terriers in the Group com- petition, I find it difficult to advocate dividing the Group for all shows. It would be nice if there could be a method for dividing the Group at some of the premier shows where there are large entries in most or all of the Terrier Breeds, but working that out would be quite the nightmare, I’d expect. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? There have been so many! It is difficult to name just one or two. In Staffy Bulls, I think Phil Briasco’s dog Quinn, Ch Prada Classic Aran Isle at Donnellas, was probably the most correct Staffy I ever saw; so much type, with beautiful structure and movement, and a very handsome headpiece. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? Lots of education and making sure that the family is appropriate for a Terrier. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? Nothing comes to mind. MARY JANE CARBERRY I live now in Greensboro, North
Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terrier judges to understand? Yes. Terriers should not stand in the ring like a statue. They should be interested in what’s going on, showing spirit and animation. How important is presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Terrier ring? Presentation and conditioning are very important for all Terrier breeds. They should not be shown like “robots.” They should demonstrate true Terrier temperament. What are my thoughts re: bites among the Terrier breeds? Bites should adhere to the standard for the breed. Generally, for Terriers, this means large, strong teeth and a level or scissors bites. How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? Ear carriage is important to show the natural Terrier expression. How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? We are starting to see a lot of natural tails in traditionally docked breeds. When judging, I am much more concerned that the exhibit has the proper tail set and carriage, rather than the length. We are supposed to be judging the overall dog, not just one aspect—like the tail length, which is a “man-made decision.” Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? Spar- ring is extremely important in many of the Terrier breeds. Novice judges should attend national specialties, where a true breed expert is judging, and watch to see how sparring is done properly. Also, judges who are planning to judge Terriers need to be aware of the Terriers that are non-sparring breeds! Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? Main “challenge” of the low-entry breeds is that we don’t get to see many in the ring. Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? Anyone who judges Terriers should try to attend Earthdog Tests. You get to see the dogs doing the work they were bred to do. I do attend Earth- dog whenever I can. (My Parson Russell bitch is a Master Earth- dog.) Tests are all about the dog (pass/fail). There are no points or placements, and exhibitors are very encouraging and helpful toward one another. Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? No. The Terrier Group does not need to be divided. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? My all- time favorite Terrier was “Coco,” the wonderful Norfolk shown by Beth Sweigart. She was the epitome of the Norfolk Terrier. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? I think that no matter which breed is being considered for a “family companion,” research is the key to making the proper decision. KATHLEEN FERRIS I live in Holland, Pennsylva- nia. Forty-five years in dogs, thir- teen years as a judge. Do I have any hobbies or inter-
Carolina. (Originally from New Jer- sey.) I’ve been active in dogs as an exhibitor, breeder, and handler since 1972; judging for 15 years. Aside from dogs, I enjoy going to the theatre, reading, and sports: bike riding and swimming. Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? I grew up with Terriers, Wire Fox. I attended dog shows with my father since I was eight years old.
ests apart from purebred dogs? Local Town Committee/Politics and Computer Gaming. Can I talk about my introduc- tion to Terriers? Mom decided we needed a pup and remembered a black Terrier dog from her child- hood. After looking at various Ter-
riers, she realized it was a Scottie. The breeders wanted him shown. We went to our first match and got hooked when he won Best Ter- rier pup. We had the great fortune to be mentored by some of the best in Terriers on the East Coast. What makes a Terrier a Terrier? Attitude—nothing thinks more of itself than a Terrier!
Later, I got my first Airedale in 1972. What makes a Terrier a Terrier? A Terrier should be able to do the job it was bred to do. For example: Hunting and retrieving for Airedales, Kerries, and Irish. Earthdog for small Terriers.
152 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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