Page 274 - ShowSight - September 2019
P. 274

                Terrier Q & A
Sandy Miles & Foley Harper continued
more exciting and meaningful. We would like to see more breeder judges available for AKC shows.
Are there any overall trends in our breed that should be addressed before they get out of hand Sometimes we see quite a few Bedling- tons that are a bit too tall. Overall, though, we are a fairly uniform breed. Our most serious problem being discussed at present is the fact that our numbers are dwindling. We are having fewer and fewer litters registered. Breeders have been advocating for mentoring more young exhibitors and encouraging them to become breeders.
Who was our mentor? The breeder of my first Bedlington did not live near me. Once I learned the proper Bedlington grooming, being a groomer and handler, I was very comfortable showing my first Bedlington, Celin’s Cheyenne Raider. He ended up being the #1 Bedlington for five years. I mentored Foley, and we became San- don N’Oakhill Bedlingtons.
What terriers of the past have impressed us the most? Cheyenne impressed me. Initially I did not want a Bedlington because I had heard they had bad temperaments. He taught me a great deal. He was impressive and a wonderful example of our breed standard.
I have been impressed with more than several Wire Fox Terriers with their sharp, alert appear- ance and their presen- tation by various very skilled handlers. I was also very impressed by the ring presentation of the beautiful Kerry
Blue Terrier Mick
I have had Bedlingtons for 46 years and can only say while they
require more upkeep than most other breeds, they are the best of all the breeds I have had.
The most humorous thing we’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? Twice in all my decades of showing dogs, I have gone into the ring with the wrong sex dog. The last time my daughter Linda Kay caught the error not long after we went into the ring, and we made the switch. The first time (decades ago) we didn’t catch it until we left the ring. The judge didn’t catch it either. The late Jimmy Phil- lips (Onofrio superintendent) told Foley at her first show not to worry about going in the ring because she couldn’t do any worse than the lady he saw who lost her underpants in the ring, stepped out of them and kept on showing!
NANCY NYKAMP
I live in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. I have been in dogs my whole life. My parents breed, raised and showed Airedales and Norwich Terriers from the 1950s until their retirement under the kennel name ”Meadowaire”. They
bred and trained primarily for confirmation and obedience. I start- ed as a Junior Handler, and continued until I entered the military on active duty. While I always had a dog, my military career was not conducive to breeding and showing. A few years ago, I con- nected with a well-respected breeder in Virginia and decided to get back into dogs. I am elated to carry on the family tradition and the “Meadowaire” kennel name.
Assessing our pups is a continual process, starting at a very young age and in different environments. I learned the importance of continual assessment from my parents and other great mentors. At eight weeks we have a “puppy party” where fellow breeders get together to assess and exchange their thoughts. I recall at one pup- py party my mom was chatting with Barbara Strebeigh for a good hour while the Airedale puppies were engaging in free play, racing around our backyard. My mom then asked her if she wanted to see any of the puppies on the table. She said that wasn’t necessary, as she had been watching them the entire time and already had her two favorites. Wouldn’t you know she picked two great ones who fin- ished their championship quickly and went on to be top producers.
Choosing a stud dog in some ways is like choosing a car. I con- sider Phenotype, Genotype, and my Gut Instinct. How close is the dog to the standard, how does he move, and will he be a good match to my bitch? I also seek dogs who have test results that help to pro- vide a higher degree of confidence in health and soundness of pups. Lastly, I rely upon my instinct. Just like a car, does the stud dog match my style, would he be a good fit with my family. Like Barbara Strebeigh watching puppies, let me watch him and my instincts will tell me if he is a good option.
We always strive to achieve a perfect match for our pups and families. Prospective puppy families complete a questionnaire, interview and in person meeting. This process helps to ensure our families are prepared for an Airedale, and that we can identify pup- pies that would be a good match.
Regarding which is more important a Specialty win or an all- breed win; all wins are important, and we are grateful when judges recognize our dogs. A Specialty win is especially near and dear to our hearts. Whenever possible we exhibit at Specialty shows and we continue to be big supporters of Puppy Sweepstakes competi- tions. Fun and chockfull of camaraderie, I was very comfortable with my 11 year old son, starting to show his Airedale puppy in the Sweepstakes. Often the only junior in the ring, the judges and other exhibitors were extremely welcoming, supportive and kind to him. He enjoyed the Sweepstakes so very much he is now exhibiting his Airedale in breed competition.
When asked, if there are any overall trends in Airedales that should be addressed before they get out of hand? I would say that our breed is in good shape. In fact, in a much better place than several decades ago when we had concerns regarding health related issues and size. I attribute this to the National Club’s guidelines which include hip, elbow and ophthalmologist evaluation, cardiac exam, and renal disease DNA testing; and responsible, committed breeders, who place betterment of the breed foremost.
When asked who was my mentor, I always note that I have had so many great mentors I simply can’t include all of them, but will highlight a few. Growing up, my parents bestowed upon me their love of Airedales and a passion for advancing the breed. Barbara Strebeigh and Adele Abe also motivated me to continuously learn and share information about my breed. More recently, breeder/ exhibitor and judge Valeria Rickard has been wonderful sharing her knowledge of the breed.
My most favorite Airedale was the famous CH Bengal Sabu, who was imported to the US in 1957. He was cam- paigned primarily by well-known terrier han- dler, Tom Gately (who later became one of my favorite judges to show to as a Junior Handler). Sabu was co-owned by
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