ASK A USKBTC BREEDER
Nancy Westbrook: The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the most wonderful, fun-loving and loyal breeds, and it is just a pure joy and privilege to have them as part of our lives. I enjoy whelping pup- pies and watching them mature. It has been great fun to exhibit and, on a few occasions, judge. Getting involved in showing Kerry Blues has enriched my life with wonderful dogs and great friends. My major dislike is shared by my friends, Susan and Heather; the political side of this world. Seems that too many people can- not separate the shows from “real life.” I think that many get too “invested” in the win and forget all else. When this happens, it is winning at all costs. What words of advice would you give today’s breeders/ exhibitors/owners? Carl Ashby: Listen to those who have gone before you, and rec- ognize that success is a marathon and not a sprint. We have noticed that some new folks don’t always listen to or seek mentors. We did. Margo Steinman (Kilmarley), Ray and Lou Perry (Tontine, where we spent several weeks over several summers in their kennel), and Roger Macha (Machaven) all mentored us unselfishly, and the results have been demonstrated in the show ring. We would have never had the success we have had without their coaching. Confor- mation is “black magic” in many ways, and without a mentor you are likely to either dropout or, simply, not be successful. Nancy Han: Balance is key. Breeding is not just science, but it is an art as well. Keep an open mind, and respect and listen to those who have years of experience and are willing to share their knowl- edge. Keep in mind that, in the future, you will need to mentor others in the same way. So, learn well and keep the fancy thriving. Reita Nicholson: Breeders, remember what wonderful resourc- es we have available to us today as far as health testing. Do your homework; why risk having trouble in the future when you can reduce or eliminate it from your lines with simple testing? Have a vision and know the breed standard, do not breed for only one part of the dog, breed for structure, balance, temperament, and health. Read and understand the breed standard. Spend time with your dogs and the new puppies, expose them to new things, and have them learn as much as possible before they go off to their new homes. Track your puppies, see how they grow up and learn from this. Help mentor the people who have your puppies, whether they are pets or show prospects. You, as breeders, are the future of our breed. Exhibitors, have fun! Do your best when you are showing and learn from your errors. Remember to praise your Kerry for a job well done; even if you’re not in the ribbons, they did what you asked of them. Learn as much as you can from the people who have been out there showing and training Kerries in conformation and performance events—most will be more than willing to share information with you. Remember, you always take home the best Kerry from the show! Congratulate the winners; if it wasn’t your Kerry today, it may be tomorrow! After showing, sit at ringside and watch the Groups; there is so much you can learn from watching different breeds move. Talk to other exhibitors; there is a wealth of knowledge out there that is available to you. Watch the people handling their dogs; you may pick-up some pointers, plus it is very entertaining to watch all the gorgeous dogs. Owners, enjoy your Kerry; they are such loveable, intelligent and loyal dogs that will do anything and everything for you. Take your Kerry to classes; you will both enjoy it and your Kerry will be a better family member. Be consistent, but not overbearing in your training; make it fun for the Kerry. They are very inquisitive, but can become bored quickly; so break-up the routine and have
their new homes the owners will have a lot of years or enjoyment with their Kerry. If they are being shown, I love seeing the owners with them in the ring, and how proud I am that they are out there enjoying something I had a part in. To have people return to you for their next Kerry is a true testament to your breeding program. I love having top-winning Kerries in the ring, but I truly love that they are a part of our family and other families, and that they are very stable and well-adjusted dogs that will be able to do everything with their owners. Attending the shows with my husband, Craig, our Kerries, our friends, and the exhibitors is truly special. Being able to take a new young dog out and see how they grow and mature as they are show- ing, giving them time to mature—not pushing them as quickly as possible to finish—is so enjoyable. It is a fantastic journey that lasts for many years. When in the ring, it is a thrill knowing that all the conditioning, training and grooming has paid off and you are a team. I enjoy how they really love being with you and work- ing with you, and watching as they grow older and are still vibrant, beautiful Kerries that live their life with you. I miss how people used to spend a lot more time talking and sharing information about grooming, breeding, and other aspects of our Kerries. I learned so much from the people who have been in the breed for a long time; information that will be lost if we are not careful. People are so busy now, you don’t see that as much. I consider judging to be a great honor and, when judging, I try to find the best dog on that day. I love going over the dogs and to see how our breed is doing. I appreciate the exhibitors bringing their Kerries to me, and it’s always exciting for me. WHEN IN THE RING, IT IS A THRILL KNOWING THAT ALL THE CONDITIONING, TRAINING AND GROOMING HAS PAID OFF AND YOU ARE A TEAM.
188 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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