Page 196 - ShowSight - May 2020

States and infecting dogs, purebred and family pet mixed-breeds. This practice supports the notion that there are too many unwanted dogs worldwide, therefore, reputable purebred dog breeders should no longer be allowed to breed due to “the world-wide canine over- population” crisis.
Dedicated purebred dog breeders “are not the problem” as their main interest is in the genetic legacy of quality specimens of their breed. They breed infrequently with this purpose in mind. They encourage spay and neutering of all dogs sold as family pets.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I believe that a show worthy prospect can be recognized at approxi- mately five to nine weeks of age.
What is the most important thing about my breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
• “Form should always follow function”
• This is a sturdy, well-muscled working dog of extraordinary
substance possessing good reach and a strong drive in the rear.
• The head should be long and without coarseness... even in a
male! The standards specifically state that the head should be in balance relative to the whole dog, without any suggestion of coarseness.
• The Sealyham was bred for the function of going-to-ground after it’s prey. As such, the Sealyham should have a strong rear with space between the back legs when gaiting. The back legs should never appear to “rub together” when gaiting away from the judge. The width between the back legs gives this breed the stability needed to “not be thrown off balance” when they are going-to-ground after their prey.
• The Sealyham should have a level topline. Our standard states “level topline, neither roached or swayed.” The judge should “feel” for a level topline as the wiry coat can some- times be groomed to appear level when it is not!
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? The friendliness, ongoing support and camaraderie of thoughtful, dedicated breeders offer the best way to attract new- comers to the sport of exhibition of this breed in all manner of exhibition—conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking and other sporting venues.
Ultimate goal for my breed? My ultimate goal for this breed is the sustainability of the breed with respect to attaining, and main- taining, a sufficient gene pool while striving to always breed with an eye to the health of the breed and to the “perfection of the ideal” of the established standards of this breed, the Sealyham Terrier.
Favorite dog show memory? My favorite dog show memory would be, perhaps 40 years ago, when an old-time breeder said to me, “The day you leave the ring with your dog and wish that you were leaving with another dog is the day you should stop exhibit- ing your dog. Your dog should, first and foremost, be your faithful companion and you, his. And, always remember that there are some exquisitely put together dogs, in every sense of the word, conforma- tion, temperament, trainability, and intelligence that never see the inside of a show ring. They are happily playing with ‘their kids’ in a family backyard.”
Is there anything else? The “Sealyham groom” has been described to me by several well-known, experienced Terrier Spe- cialty handlers as the most difficult groom! With that in mind, I must congratulate all those special Sealyham owners who choose
to condition, groom and exhibit their Sealyhams solely as “Owner- Handlers” and often find themselves exhibiting their dogs in the conformation ring alongside the well-known, experienced profes- sional dog handlers. Congratulations to all of you for your love of and true dedication to this breed!
HENRY SUTLIFF, III
I live in Pebble Beach, Califor- nia, one of the most beautiful places anywhere in the world. I live just a mile from the ocean and walk 5-8 miles daily with and without dogs. Little of my life does not revolve around dogs as I am also Show Chair and Past President of the Del Monte Kennel Club and in charge of Conformation Classes.
The Sealyham Terrier is current- ly ranked #164, do I hope this will change? The rank or popularity of a
breed is not nearly as important as health. That should always be the focus. Considering that the Sealyham is a manufactured 19th Century breed, it is pleasing that Sealys have significantly fewer health issues than most other breeds. Indeed, in the past 30 years it is believed that Retinal Dysplasia has been eliminated and with the genetic marker for Primary Lens Luxation identified, that too will disappear in the future. Scientific research has made enormous strides in the past few decades and we must continue to support these efforts in all breeds.
Do these numbers help or hurt my breed? Believe it or not, I believe these smaller numbers help our breed as with a smaller gene pool we can identify health issues more quickly and work on eliminating them.
What is the biggest misconception about my breed? I know that Sealys are not unique in misconception as they are Terriers, and Terriers themselves have stronger personalities than many oth- er breeds. That is what attracts many of us to them. Mine have been outstanding companions and loyal to a fault. I find them constantly amusing.
Does the average person recognize my breed? No, but just the other day while walking my youngest girl “Cricket” at the ocean, someone asked me: Is that a Sealy? That made my day.
What special challenges do breeders face? We are certainly going through unique times, but then so did our ancestors during the war years. A commitment to our dogs and/or breeds means that we will weather the storm and carry on until the clouds pass.
All it takes is an amazing story like the rescue of two Sealys in dire straits in China this past month during this pandemic to real- ize how special the world of dogs can be and how those of us who worked so hard to accomplish this from so many countries have so much commitment to what we do and the breed we love.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Usually we first evaluated pups at 8-10 weeks and made decisions then. That usually has proven right.
What is the most important thing about my breed for a new judge to keep in mind? If the judge knows the Standard, that should
SEALYHAM TERRIER Q&A
“The friendliness, ongoing support and camaraderie of thoughtful, dedi- cated breeders offer the best way to attract newcomers to the sport of exhibition of this breed in all manner of exhibition—conformation, agil- ity, obedience, rally, tracking and other sporting venues.”
194 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020