TERRIER GROUP Q&A
Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? On occasion with our own pups, but most of these and similar activities have been viewed on video clips and historical data regarding breeds. I find observing and studying our own dogs’ behavior and capabili- ties in and around our home has had its benefits as well. Watching my Smooth Fox maneuver under my furniture and yard obstacles in pursuit of that all-important ball can tell you a lot about the “why and where” in regard to body structure. Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? No. I love the diversity in this Group. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? There have been more than a few over the years in many of the Terrier breeds. Some that are well-known and often talked about, and some that simply “ticked all the boxes” in my mind’s eye. When there has been so much hype and talk about a particular specimen, and then you have it in front of you and you are not disappointed… Like a Kerry called “Mick”—a package of structure, movement and character. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? Be prepared for an interesting, long and active puppyhood. Maintain patience and firmness when required. Be as active as they are. Enjoy a wonderful and entertaining companion thru adulthood. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? I wasn’t judging, but observing on Montgomery weekend a few years back. Watching Airedale specials near the end of judging. The top contenders of the year were getting sparred. The first two males put on a real show. When the next pair was getting a turn in the middle, the “notable” dog from the first pairing pushed his way toward the center again, then turned his back and started to kick back turf and dirt in their faces. Talk about “commanding” the ring; one of those “stand-up hair moments” for me. MELINDA LYON I have always lived in the Louis-
Front,” which is mistakenly applied to a broad spectrum of Terriers. There is a world of difference between many of these Terriers and, therefore, they can’t be lumped into the same category. One cannot equate a Bedlington Terrier front, a Fox Terrier front or a Scot- tie front as remotely comparable. For this reason, it’s important to understand their skeletal structure as it applies to the job they were meant to do. I’d have to say that the most intimidating factor for the novice judge might be sparring. It’s best not to pull out more than two or three dogs at a time to spar. What I do is to ask them to go to sepa- rate corners, turn and slowly walk toward each other while not get- ting too close. What I’m looking for is that typical Terrier attitude; alert, up on their toes, neck arched, tail quivering and at the ready, without any unruly behavior or a fight. I’ll never forget the first time I saw this demonstrated at Montgomery County; it was a beautiful sight and literally took my breath away. A word of caution, however: Be sure you know which Terriers are acceptable to spar and which are never to be sparred. Observing Barn Hunt, Earthdog Tests and such can provide additional insight into the Terrier personality as well and why it’s important to remember the specific purpose of a breed. This combined information will help weigh into your final decision. While presentation and conditioning are certainly important, it isn’t the “end all, be all” for me. Grooming is an art form, and not all of us are as proficient at it as most professional handlers. I remember giving a five-point major at a national specialty to a bitch that wasn’t the most beautifully-groomed in the ring. Structurally, however, she had the key components that were most important to me and to that of the breed. I was taught that we are judging breed- ing stock, rather than a beauty contest. With regard to expression, the extreme teasing of heads we see in many cases impedes the ability to properly access this. Here again, I say, don’t be shy. Dive-in to honestly feel the head. Move the hair back so you can evaluate the eye and pigmentation. All of these things are vital to the proper expression and structure. I have to admit, it was an adjustment for me to get accustomed to seeing dogs with natural ears and/or an undocked tail. For the most part, we have an expected image or outline fixed in our brain. When the natural variation comes into the ring, it does call for refocusing. But eventually, it becomes second nature to accept the new normal. Where bites are concerned, scissors versus level, I probably lean more toward scissors, assuming I have two equally worthy speci- men. Anne Rogers Clark once told me that she favored scissors to level because there is always the danger of bites slipping further in an undesirable direction. I don’t like to see small teeth in Terriers. A working Terrier is supposed to have a strong, punishing bite with surprisingly large teeth for the size of the dog. Of the Terriers, there are certain ones that stand out in my mind. For the first eight to 10 years, I have to admit that I had tunnel vision, only focusing on Westies. When I did start to look around, I discovered a whole new world. [Wire Fox Terrier] Lone- some Dove and [Scottish Terrier] Shannon are two that I loved, but of the Terriers I’ve actually personally judged, [Kerry Blue Terrier] Mick was a real standout for me. These were all dogs that walked into the ring and owned their space, as if to say, “I’m here and the rest of you can go home now!” Do I think Terriers are right for every family? No, but they can be loyal, devoted companions for the right family or anyone who likes a challenge. Evaluating family dynamics is key to matching the right breed to the right family. I personally cannot imagine my life without a Terrier, specifically a Westie. I’m always up for a challenge!
ville area, except for my two years in Durham, North Carolina, for Nurse Anesthesia School. I was first intro- duced to the West Highland White Terrier in 1972 when I moved back home. It was love at first sight, and it only took that first blue ribbon to get me hooked on dog shows. I jumped in with both feet, becoming active in the Louisville Kennel Club and showing my dogs for the next 20
years. In 1993, I decided to challenge myself by expanding my hori- zons to the judging arena. Aside from dogs, my other interests have included competing for 30 years with a Sweet Adelines Chorus, a passion for travel—and scrapbooking these adventures, plus, I love to play bridge. Growing up, my family always had dogs. But my introduction to Terriers wasn’t until I got my first Westie in 1972; I’d found my true fit. You ask, “What makes a Terrier a Terrier?” Well, while a Terrier can be a bit stubborn at times, for the most part they are confident, spunky, and basically have huge personalities. Despite their relatively small stature, in their minds they are “large and in charge” of their surroundings. What breed characteristics are difficult for Non-Terrier judges to understand? In talking to other judges, they often tell me they are intimidated by the various coats. As with most coated breeds, a multitude of faults or shortcomings can be hidden by clever groom- ing and sculpting. For this reason, I tell judges in my seminars to be brave, get in there with your hands to actually feel the basic struc- ture beneath all the coat. Another misnomer is the term “Terrier
164 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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