Page 149 - ShowSight - September 2020
P. 149

                THE
TERRIER GROUP
1. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge?
2. Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs?
3. Can you talk about your introduction to Terriers?
4. What makes a Terrier a Terrier?
5. Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terri- er judges to understand?
6. How important is presentation in the Terrier ring? Condition- ing? Expression?
7. What are your thoughts re: bites (scissors vs. level) among the Terrier breeds.
8. How important is (a natural) ear carriage in the Terrier breeds?
9. How do you evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds?
10. Can you offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring?
11. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds?
12. Have you attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? If so, how have these events informed your judging?
13. Would you advocate dividing the Terrier Group? If so, what recommendations would you make?
14. Can you name one or two of your all-time favorite Terriers? What makes these dogs so memorable?
15. What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions?
16. Is there a funny story you’d like to share about your experi- ences judging Terriers?
CAROLE BEATTIE
Renie’s 15th birthday
I moved to Sarasota, Florida, 48 years ago.
That began my love for Terriers. Our first job was to find a
Wire Fox Terrier. After consulting with breeders, we got our first, a boy named “Doc.” (Pictured above in center.) When Doc was six months old, we took him to an Earthdog trial where he became a Ch. Earthdog (CG). I met the judge who was a Welsh Terrier breeder. When I went home, I told my husband we are getting a Welsh. He replied, “We are already getting a female Wire Fox!” I said, “Well, we will have three to begin our breeding and showing.” (See first photo above). This we did for 40 years.
We had top-winning honors; BIS, Top in Breed, you name it, and we had too many to list any names. Here are some tips on show- ing and judging:
1. Learn your breed standards over and over.
2. Low entry breeds are a must to learn.
3. If sparring in breed, remember it is to see expressions, and
not to become a fight.
4. There are not many perfect dogs, so when going over the dogs you will have to decide which faults you will excuse to find your winner.
Okay, you’d like to know how you can live with a Terrier?
1. First of all, have fun; do earthdog, barn hunt, obedience,
agility, trick dogs, scent dogs, etc.
2. Begin with one or two (opposite sexes). 3. They are loving and spirited.
4. On the tiptoe of expectation.
5. Now, you wouldn’t have anything else.
I have been an AKC judge for 32 years now. And I LOVE IT!
When asked if I have any other interests or hobbies, my answer is: “No, dogs are my life.”
ANNE BARLOW
I live in the Austin, Texas, area. I’ve been in dogs 40 years; judg- ing since 2000.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I am a big fan of Baylor sports and the Houston Astros. I am also a fan of horse racing. I would say I’m a news hound and follow politics closely.
Can I talk about my introduction to Terriers? I can say the one good thing my stepmother brought into my life was her Welsh Ter- rier. He was my first Terrier, followed by a Wire in high school. I got my first Airedale when I was in graduate school at Baylor.
What makes a Terrier a Terrier? Its prey drive, attitude, coat.
Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terri- er judges to understand? Most all of them! Type is lost on many judges from outside the Terrier group. The importance of outline, head, ears, and expression is often overlooked by people who did not grow up in Terriers. The importance of attitude and presenta- tion (grooming and trimming) is not paid close enough attention. And too much emphasis—to the exclusion of breed type—is placed on movement. Movement is certainly important but, at least in the long-legged Terriers, does not help to define breed type, in my opinion; unlike, say, a Scottie whose unique construction creates his distinct movement. Min Pins and Pekes are other examples where movement is unique to the breed and helps define type.
How important is presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Terrier ring? Paramount! Head, ears, and expression help make the dog and define type. Conditioning and trim are very important.
How important is (a natural) ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? Very important, unless the standard calls for cropped ears OR the breed is traditionally cropped.
How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? I find undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds very offensive. I think the Miniature Schnauzer standard says it best in regards to this subject (in the context of this question): “A properly presented Miniature Schnauzer will have a docked tail as described; all others should be severely penalized.”
Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? Don’t be afraid to spar breeds that should be sparred. Take out only two at a time to look at one another, and tell the handlers to keep three feet or so apart.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? It is hard to get perspective on breed type in low entry breeds because you so seldom have dogs to compare and contrast.
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