Page 191 - ShowSight - May 2020

THE
SEALYHAM TERRIER
1. In popularity, the Sealyham Terrier is currently ranked #164 out of 195 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement?
2. Do these numbers help or hurt the breed?
3. What are the characteristics that make the Sealyham Terrier an ideal companion?
4. Can you describe the breed’s weather-resistant coat?
5. What is the biggest misconception about the Sealyham?
6. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is?
7. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate?
8. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthi- ness (or lack thereof)?
9. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
10. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
11. What is your ultimate goal for the breed?
12. What is your favorite dog show memory?
13. Is there anything else you’ d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate.
MARGERY GOOD
I have owned and loved Sealyham Terriers for about 50 years. I have been an all-breed professional handler for 40 years and have had the pleasure and hon- or to handle many top-quality dogs in all Groups and of many breeds. I believe Sealyham Terriers are the best partners at shows and in life because they are gen- erous to their people. Through the dog show fancy, I have been enriched by the dog enthusiasts I have met all around the world.
I live in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. My favorite thing to do
outside of dogs is ride my two horses. One is a Quarter Horse retired from fox hunting, the other is a spectacular Dutch Warm- blood retired from high level dressage.
Do I hope my breed’s ranking will change? Sealyham Terriers are a little known treasure. To know them is to love them! I think Sealyhams are among the finest companions in dogdom. I hope more people come to enjoy their company as I do.
Do these numbers help or hurt my breed? The low population of Sealyham Terriers means that the ordinary pet groomer doesn’t know how to give them a proper profile trim. For showing, it means that fanciers need to work together so that there will be Champion- ship points available at shows attended. People aren’t going to keep showing their Sealyham if they are the only one and there are no points to be won. We have to work together!
What are the characteristics that make my breed an ideal com- panion? Sealyham Terriers are ideal companions because they have the depth of character that goes along with their Terrier spirit, but they have a strong desire to please their people and to do things that make their people happy. They are “silly hams.” They are a big dog in a small package, so they are well-suited to all kinds of dwellings.
Sealyhams usually get along with other pets and enjoy all ages of humans. They love to do things with their family, but are okay when left home while their people are at work or school. Sealyhams are super affectionate.
Can I describe my breed’s weather-resistant coat? A proper Sealyham Terrier coat is comprised of a wiry, nearly straight top coat and a dense soft undercoat. The top coat acts like a water and wind breaker, the undercoat acts like insulation. Together the Sealyham coat is very weather resistant.
For shows the hairs are plucked, but they don’t shed. The coat is white and they may have markings on their head and ears.
What is the biggest misconception about my breed? The biggest misconception about Sealyhams is that they don’t have good tem- peraments. I guess it depends some on where they come from and what experiences they have had, but I have found Sealyhams to be extraordinary, charming and affectionate dogs to live with.
Does the average person recognize my breed? Very few passers- by on the street recognize Sealyhams.
What special challenges do breeders face? Since there aren’t many Sealyham breeders throughout the world, the advent of technology and social media like Facebook has opened up dialog between many fanciers that was not possible even 20 years ago. It’s so easy to share photos, pedigrees, health issues now, the world of Sealyham Terriers is at our fingertips. It’s wonderful.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I love to make a first evaluation of my puppies right when they are born, before they are dry. The balance and proportions are there, the angles of shoulders and quarters are there. After that, the best eye to evaluate is eight weeks. I find them closest to miniature adults then.
What is the most important thing about my breed for a new judge to keep in mind? So firstly, they should look for the embodi- ment of power, without coarseness. Secondly, they should look at the overall balance specific to a Sealyham. The height, ground to withers, should be equal to the length from withers to tail set. The neck is two thirds of that length and the head is three quarters of that length. Thirdly, the judge should see before him a short- legged, low-bodied terrier. These are the three key characteristics that define a good Sealyham Terrier.
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? I try to breed the best looking, best temperaments, great health Sealyham Terriers. I try to place them with people who will cherish them and I encourage people to get them out into the public eye by showing in conformation or performance events or at least raising them in a way that their friends, family and people who meet them will be impressed with Sealyham Terriers and how wonderful they are.
What is my ultimate goal for my breed? I have spent my whole life promoting Sealyham Terriers. I think especially with my part- nership with Charmin, Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, winning BIS at Crufts, World Dog Show, AKC/Eukanuba, Montgomery Coun- ty, Group at Westminster, has shown many people throughout the world how wonderful a Sealyham can be.
What is my favorite dog show memory? I have been fortunate to win many top honors with some totally amazing show dogs, but I must say winning BIS at the AKC/Eukanuba with my Charmin in 2007 under Maxine Beam was my favorite moment. The competi- tion was superlative, it was truly a breath-stopping honor for my dog to win.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020 | 189