TERRIER GROUP Q&A
JANET LOBB
Imported breeds from countries that will no longer permit docking will be faced more and more. I have seen several Terrier breeds in the last few years with undocked tails. First, a judge must know how the AKC breed standard reads concerning tails. (For example, the tail MUST be docked versus the tail MAY be docked, versus the tail IS docked.) Follow the stan- dard, if possible. If the breed standard does not mention the tail then I judge on where the tail sits on the body, not on the length of the tail. Where it sits on the body is breeding! Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? Because I was an AKC Representative for a few years on the West Coast, and I interviewed judges for Terrier breeds, I have possibly a different view of the sparring of Terriers. First, in the Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judge s, published by the AKC (referred to as the Red Booklet) Section: Judging the Dogs: Sparring it states, “It is important that sparring be a controlled dem- onstration of ‘Terrier Attitude.’ This does not mean that handlers use other dogs as bait. The dogs should be very alert, up on their toes, looking for whatever is going on.” When I spar Terriers while judging, I am looking for that “Terrier Attitude” and, as a judge, you need to keep an eye on all the dogs at the same time—which one acknowledges the other first is the winner. To me, it is a win or lose attitude. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? I don’t know if there are specific challenges to judging a low entry breed. I come from a low entry breed (as do almost all Terrier breeders at present). I believe the low entry breed deserves to be judged to the best of the judge’s ability; know the breed standard, and judge the entry to the standard with integrity. Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? NO, I do not advocate or support in any way dividing the Terrier Group. Most of the dog shows today do not have a complete Terrier Group entered. Some shows are supported more than others and will get a good entry of Terriers. These shows are so few and far between anymore that usually it does not take any longer to judge a Terrier Group than any other Group entered at the show. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? Sure, I can name an all-time favorite Terrier: Kerry Blue Terrier, Eng. Am. Ch. Torums Scarf Michael, call name “Mick”; Scottish Terrier, Ch. Braeburn’s Close Encounter, call name “Shannon”; Kerry Blue Terrier, Ch. Melbee’s Chances Are, call name “Tommy”; Sealyham Terrier, Ch. Dersade Bobby’s Girl, just to name a few—and LOTS of others. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? I am not sure that many Terriers need to be promoted as family com- panions because most Terriers are “head-strong!” A Terrier wants to be part of the family, which requires someone in the family to give them some daily attention. Today, most families need both parents to work, leaving the children to be “latch key kids.” Sad, but true. Most families do not have the time to spend with a breed that needs grooming and training. For some reason, pet people believe a dog is born knowing how to behave in a home lifestyle. They, maybe, feel that they have to train a child, but it is too much trouble to train a dog too. Sad, but this seems to be the lifestyle of this century. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? No funny stories, but I have many favorite judg- ing memories of judging Terriers all over the world; memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you, Terriers, Terrier breeders, Terrier owners, and Terrier friends for making my life such a great one!
My husband, Joe, and I live in a small village in Southwestern Ontar- io, Canada, and have been involved in dogs for the past 45 years. I have been judging since 1997. Do I have any hobbies or inter- ests apart from purebred dogs? Since retiring, I have had more time to enjoy the adventures and opportuni- ties of world travel that have come from our involvement in dogs as
judges. I also enjoy antiquing, and the history associated with any finds and acquisitions. My role as a grandparent can provide lots of enjoyment as well. Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? Even though our early involvement was mainly focused on Working and Herding breeds, I always found myself attracted to those “little stallions” in the Terrier ring. I loved the look, action and character of the Smooth Fox. I can’t envision my life without one. What makes a Terrier a Terrier? It’s all in that character we talk about. The expression, the attitude and tenacity they often possess. Many appear to strut around with such purpose. Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terrier judges to understand? I suspect some of the front assemblies, gait differences, and the various coat requirements could cause some questioning. But if you’ve put a real effort into learning about the breeds, and continue to do so, the answers will make sense. There are many different breed nuances within this Group. That makes for interesting discussions. How important is presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Terrier ring? It’s all important and I think it’s the combination of all of it that attracts me to them. Many Terriers present them- selves with “all that attitude” and can easily draw your attention. You learn to appreciate and value the grooming/conditioning that is involved to make them “ring ready.” What are my thoughts re: bites among the Terrier breeds? Mouths are important when you consider the jobs they would have had. Correct tooth size, placement and bite provide that desired underjaw and strength of foreface I want to see. How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? Ideally “natural,” correctly-shaped and placed is what we strive for. Ears can make or break an overall pleasing expression. When it comes to ears, my husband has a saying: “If you think the ear placement on a dog isn’t where Mother Nature would normally put them, then she probably didn’t.” How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? I am not bothered by an undocked tail unless the “set-on” makes it a distraction. Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? If you are not comfortable with it then don’t do it. I will use it in a controlled situation to help to finalize placements, if required. I find character and expression can often be seen while the entries are in the lineups. Most Terriers look their best just standing on their own, displaying their attitudes and individuality. They like to make their presence known. I love this about them. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? It would be challenging if you are not prepared. Seek out these breeds, study and start to develop your template. This is why events like Montgomery and specialties are a must for anyone who judges.
162 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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