TERRIER GROUP Q&A
How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? Ear car- riage affects expression and, in some cases, is one of the defin- ing factors between closely-related breeds. Therefore, it is an important consideration. How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? First, I follow the breed standard. Tails affect the overall balance of the dog. Tails were docked for a particular reason that should not be discounted, especially when one considers oneself as being a preservation breeder. Unfortunately, leaving tails on breeds that have not been bred for a full tail is frequently a nightmare. They can be squirrely, too long and whip-like and, if a dog does not have excellent tail set and carriage, an undocked tail only serves to accentuate the faults. Many years ago, the AKC noticed that breed- ers in other countries did not have a strong enough dog lobby to prevent damaging legislation which then affected their breeding programs. At that time, the AKC opened the breed standard so the clubs could vote on the wording in their standard regarding tails. I was on the Board of Directors of the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier club during that time. We offered several options to our members and they voted to keep the standard as written. Some other clubs opted to make a change so that either the docked or the undocked tail were equal or, perhaps, one preferred but the other was fine. Point being, as judges, we need to follow the standard. Unless the standard says “must be docked,” for me, the tail not being docked is a fault and should be considered as such when one is looking at the entire dog and comparing it to the competition. Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? Be cognizant as to which breeds are sparred and be specific in your directions so as to not allow the exhibitors’ dogs to come too close to each other. Be efficient, sparring only takes seconds. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? We all learn the breed standard, but setting one’s pri- SHOWOFF © Ribbon Racks
orities based upon the standard and the actual exhibits one views takes experience—actually judging the dogs. This is difficult with the low entry breeds. Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? Yes, these events serve to solidify the importance of attitude. Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? No. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? What makes these dogs so memorable? What makes a dog memorable is that it is well-made and has great spirit, which emulates its breed type. There are many that have done so. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? Terriers are great family dogs. They need to be mentally stimulated, as they are bright dogs. The majority are shown by handlers who usually do not have the time to speak to spectators (currently not an issue) who want to know more about a specific breed. They also have just prepared a dog for the ring and, understandably, do not want the “do” ruined. I would suggest that the Terrier breed clubs develop landing pages with videos that show what a great family pet their breed can be. Let us not be full of our self-importance when a person calls for more information about your breed. Get back to them whether it is by phone, email or text. Thank them for inquir- ing. Our breeds are better than “doodles.” They have their health clearances and the purchaser knows what they are getting as far as size and temperament are concerned. We need to be better at letting the general public know what a wonderful breed we have for them. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? I was judging Scotties and had a very spunky pup- py in the ring. I asked the owner if she would like to spar her puppy. She said, “Most definitely.” This puppy was very much a “Diehard” and won the points that day. She made me smile. One might not expect this from a puppy, so it is always good to ask.
Dogs, Horses & Sports
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176 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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