Page 262 - ShowSight - September 2019

Terrier Q & A
“Pick one or two traits you want to improve with on the bitch you are breeding and make a list of the traits you wish to keep.”
Dana Lawrence & Pat Peters continued
At what age do we pick a show prospect? Typically, we perform the initial evaluation around eight weeks and next evaluation about six months after they have developed their permanent teeth and when you have a better indication of size/balance. Of course, you will not know for sure until they mature physically and test the show ring. Attitude and “pizazz” in the show ring play an important role too. There are no guarantees when you first identify your show potential, so yes, we have made mistakes but that is why you con- tinue to assess them as they grow and mature. Some characteristics and traits cannot be determined at an early age, e.g. proper bite.
How do we choose a Stud Dog? Phenotype and Genotype are equally considered, along with what quality/temperament they and their ancestors have produced. Sometimes it is just a gut instinct based on experience and, very important, what characteristics and traits will best complement our breeding program. The actual show record of both the dam and sire plays a lesser role. Some of the best show dogs were not good producers for various reasons.
How do we place our pups? We use the AKC marketplace, US Lakeland Club website and word of mouth. It has been easy to find special, quality homes for both our companion and “show” poten- tial puppies. We are very particular about who receives one of our puppies. We perform a thorough due diligence to make sure the buyers are the best fit for that individual puppy’s personality prior to placing them in their forever homes. We usually have a waiting list since we are limited to one, maybe two, litters a year.
Is a win at a Specialty more important to us than a win at an all-breed show? Yes.
Are there any overall trends in our breed that should be addressed before they get out of hand? Preserving the breed moderation that is the hallmark of the Lakeland. Comparing three of the long-legged terriers (Welsh, Wire Fox, Lakeland) has proven useful in recog- nizing the unique traits that define and differentiate these similar canine cousins. The Lakeland is the smallest, but must be athletic and workmanlike to successfully fulfill their original function as exterminators of vermin in the rugged Lake District of northern England. Some dogs tend to be too fine-boned and “toyish”. It is a breed of moderation so the temptation toward excess and “fancy” should be avoided. Right now these issues are more prevalent than Lakelands that are too big or coarse.
Who was our mentor? Dana Lawrence—Robert Black, Pat Peters, and Terri Alloway (Northcote). The most valuable thing they taught me was everything since my husband and I were new to the breeding and showing of dogs. Their expertise has been instru- mental in the timely success we have had in both breeding and showing our Elite Lakelands. Their friendship has made the whole experience very rewarding and fun. One of the critical and hard- est things they have taught me is “patience”, “patience”, “patience”! In my opinion, I am blessed to learn from the best! My husband and I love and treat our show dogs as our pets. Pets first, show dogs, second!
Mentors for Pat Peters go back decades to top terrier handler Tom Gately. He was a tough traditionalist who always put his dogs first. He taught me to avoid short cuts and gave me a strong ground- ing in good kennel management. I learned the basics of condition- ing and hand stripping of wire-coated terriers there. I refined my terrier grooming skills under Peter Green, and learned conditioning
and coat care for a wide range of breeds under Bill Trainor. Twenty- five years as a vet tech for Dr. Ed Frankel taught me so much about anatomy and physiology, and most especially, brood bitch and neo- natal puppy care.
What terriers of the past have impressed us the most? CH Spe- cial Edition (Dog) and CH Kilfel Pointe of Vu.
Judges should be diligent in making themselves aware of what constitutes a correct lakeland and what unique characteristic dif- ferentiates them from other long-legged terriers. Even though they are similar, Terrier judges must be knowledgeable enough to rec- ognize those traits and characteristics that define the breed type in the show ring.
SHARON LINDGREN
I live in Oak Brook, Illinois and have 28 years in dogs.
At what age do I pick a show prospect? Eight months and yes, I’ve made mistakes.
How do I choose a Stud Dog? Phenotype and Genotype.
How do I place my pups? Through our club’s litter basket and word of mouth. I am very particular so I find it emotionally difficult to find good homes.
Is a win at a Specialty more important to me than a win at an all-breed show? Specialty win is more important to me.
Are there any overall trends in my breed that should be addressed before they get out of hand? Paying more attention to balance and type. Not every terrier you breed should be or is a show dog.
Who was my mentor? Marilyn Shaw, the most valuable thing she taught me was to study pedigrees.
I think breeders should pay more attention to pedigrees rather than just looking at a particular stud dog to breed to. Pick one or two traits you want to improve with on the bitch you are breeding and make a list of the traits you wish to keep. The stud you choose should have a history in his pedigree of the good traits you wish to keep and then have a history in his pedigree of having the one or two traits you would like to see improved in your litter and line.
The most humorous thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? The dog lifting his leg on a judge.
TERRY LOHMULLER
I live in New York and Florida and have 32 years in dogs.
At what age do I pick a show prospect? They’re evaluated at vari- ous ages starting at eight weeks. The decision is usually made by six months. Yes, we have made mistakes.
How do I choose a Stud Dog? Penotype and genes.
How do I place my pups? Most placements come through the calls and emails received. It is not difficult to find good home.
Is a win at a Specialty more important to me than a win at an all- breed show? For me a win at a Specialty would be more important. Are there any overall trends in my breed that should be addressed
before they get out of hand? I believe at the current time our breed has improved. Size is important.
My mentor was Elizabeth Leaman. I received my first show dog from her. She taught me how to whelp a litter and how to choose potential show prospects.
260 • ShowSight Magazine, SepteMber 2019