Page 22 - ShowSight Presents - The Coton De Tulear

should never appear long and low and definitely not square.
VARIATIONS OF ACCEPTABLE SIZE
With height and weight sizes being so dramatically different, it is important that judges not be influenced by size and reward the specimen with the best overall conformation.
CONVEX TOPLINE
The topline is slightly convex. The topline runs smoothly from the withers to the loin and begins a slight, natural arch over the loin continuing over the croup, without flatness, resulting in a low tail set!
If a Cotons withers and croup are on the same plane, with an arch over the loin, you ARE NOT feeling the correct Coton topline. You are feeling a level topline with a hump.
Unfortunately, the Coton is being judged like a Havanese. The Coton topline IS NOT high in the rear. The Coton tail set is low. Tail faults seen far
too frequently are the result of incor- rect toplines. One of the major faults we are experiencing in Coton judging is the incorrect evaluation of the Coton slightly convex topline.
Place your thumb and index finger in an inverted U shape over the last rib. This enables you to easily determine the starting point of the arch over the lum- bar vertebrae. The rise should not start before the lumbar vertebrae. Croup is oblique.
TAIL SET & CARRIAGE
On the move the tail is carried hap- pily. It is curved over the back so that the hair of the tail rests on the back with the point towards the nape, with- ers, back or loin. In specimens with abundant coat, the tip many rest on the dorsal-lumber region.
It is not obligatory to see the tail raised continuously while in motion, however, when the tail is raised, it must be pointing forward. If the tail is dropped on rare occasion, this may be forgiven.
Tails are down when presented on the table, when the dog is not in motion, and when stacked on the ground at rest.
Most common tail faults (in motion) flagpole tail, standing straight up and a snap tail laying flat on the back. JUDGING MOVEMENT: TAKE THEM AROUND
The gait is a free and flowing moder- ate trot with no signs of uneven move- ment. The topline is retained. Less than ideal ring conditions may cause Cotons to jump over high grass, however,
SKIPPING should never be seen in the ring, regardless of conditions. Exhibitor pace is a brisk walk.
JUDGING MOVEMENT: DOWN BACK
Front in motion: Cotons de Tulear have a 30 degree shoulder layback. Forward movement should be free and easy with no tendency for the feet to cross over.
Rear in motion: a straight line is maintained at all speeds of the trot, from hip to pad. The flash of pad seen from the rear reveals the construction of the rear leg. The straight leg will show the pad balanced perfectly in line with front leg placement. Legs that are too close or cow hocked will show the pad going away at an angle.
THE USACTC HOPES YOU HAVE MANY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES JUDGING THE MAGNIFICENT “COTON DE TULEAR”
Please visit www.usactc.org where you will find Complete Elaboration of the Standard and a Guide to Judging the Coton.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eileen Boyer Narieka’s passion for Cotons de Tulear began over 17 years ago, but her love of purebreed dogs spans a lifetime. Eileen has served the Coton community as an educa- tor, mentor and Board member of the USACTC, AKC parent breed club, and is known for her unwavering dedica- tion to preserving the health and con- formation of the breed. In addition to owning, breeding and handling sev- eral #1 ranked Cotons in the club, she has played a vital role in the future of the AKC Coton as a current member of the Breed Education Committee presenting judges education seminars and authoring numerous educational documents. Eileen is a member of the Eastern Stewards Association and the Berks County Kennel Club. She lives in Leesport, PA surrounded by a family of AKC Show enthusiasts.
DOG
BITCH
HEIGHT
10" To 11" ideal Tolerance of
1⁄2" below & 1" above
WEIGHT
9 to 15 lbs
HEIGHT
9" to 10" tolerance of
1⁄2" below & 1" above
WEIGHT
8 to 13 lbs
Over and under specified heights is a DISQUALIFICATION. EXCEPTION: under height DQ does not apply to puppies under 12 months of age.
234 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2015