Page 156 - ShowSight - September 2020

Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terrier judges to understand? I think the hardest thing some non-Terrier judges have trouble with is learning to look under the sculpted grooming of the coated Terriers. I also think some are not as able to find quality in the non-coated Terriers because they get led astray by the glamour of the “groom.” I also see where showmanship is overly rewarded, and the best dog sometimes becomes lost because expectations are that Terriers must always be “on.” In judging, they should always be the best sum of all parts.
How important is presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Terrier ring? Presentation is as important as the standard makes it. It is one part of many. No Terrier should be rewarded solely on their attitude and/or great haircut. As with all breeds, form should follow function. Condition includes good muscle tone, clean hair, and even clean teeth. Good grooming alone is not conditioning. Expression is relative to the standard and should be weighed accord- ingly. You can have a great piercing eye on a Scottie, but if it is tall and leggy it fails on the remainder of the standard. By the same token, a round or soft eye would not be wanted, but if that were the only fault then you put the dog up.
What are my thoughts re: bites among the Terrier breeds? Bites are listed as they are preferred for each breed. They are an important part of Terriers being able to do their work. Scissors vs. level can be argued, as the jaws are still in alignment, and they should still be able to perform their job, [though] maybe not as well. It is a fault as are other faults, and each breed needs to be weighed accordingly by its standard. However, when you start getting into severely under- shot or overshot, you are looking at jaw structure and that becomes much more serious; not only for the potential health issues, but it can affect the whole dynamic of the shape and power of the head. What is the value to a breeding program at that point?
How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? There is a reason each breed was developed to have specific ear placement; it contributes to the performance of their work. Farmers were not worried about how pretty but, rather, what would aid the dog best. Each type of ear, from prick to drop, serves a purpose in each breed. Even cropped ears aided dogs such as the Mini Schnauzer from not having torn or bloody parts as they rummaged through the docks killing rats and any other vermin they could.
How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? I go by what the standard states. If it is described, then it should meet that description. A bad natural tail should not be forgiven just because it is natural. If it is penalized by the standard, then you must weigh that penalty as the standard states. In that case, all things being equal, you would award the docked tail if that is what is being asked for by the standard.
Can I offer advice to novice judges re: sparring in the ring? A novice judge should not spar unless they have been given instruc- tion by an experienced judge, mentor, or seminar. Even then they should seek out some Terrier people to maybe practice how they should approach it. If they do, then they should never bring more than two dogs out, and they should be clear in their instruction that the dogs are not to get close enough to touch. If they do, they should immediately back them away from each other. Sparring is not to see a fight; it is to see challenge and attitude. You want to see the dogs draw a line in the dirt and dare each other to cross it without ever needing to do so. When done correctly, it is impressive.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? Sometimes lack of quality. Do you still award points? Do you advance them to the Group? I do not think lack of quality should be forgiven just because a breed is low entry. In the long run, it does not help the breed.
Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? Yes, and I enjoyed both. It is great to see our dogs doing their work. My Scotties loved to catch mice when they could, so I was already “informed.” They were immensely proud when they did, and it was
usually so fast you did not see it—only heard and found a dead mouse. We used to have demos at shows when I was growing up, including these, herding and others. I think it would be great to see this again at all-breed shows. It all plays to form and function.
Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? No, never. We are one Group that all function in the same manner, in one sort or another. To break the Group up would deflate that kinship that all Terrier people share. Just come to Montgomery County or any Ter- rier Group show and you will see what I mean. The Terrier people whom I know would not advocate for it.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? CH Fraja EC Winning Ticket; I had the great pleasure to see and show against her and John. She set the standard for me for that breed [American Staffordshire Terrier—ed.]. She was athletic and an incredible personality. She was a total package for a show dog—and that does not always come around. It was easy to be impressed by so many of the other coated Terriers (and there were many great ones I could recall), but she demanded you look at her. She made it easier for judges going forward to be able to reward this breed and other bull-types.
Ch. Jo Ni’s Red Baron of Crofton [Lakeland Terrier—ed.]; I got to see him at one of my very early trips to the Garden. I was impressed with how he handled himself in the “big” ring. Not only did it make me want to be able to present and groom a dog in that fashion, but to have a dog respond to me the way he responded to Ric. All the hard work was made to look natural and easy. I would say it helped form my choice to eventually become a professional handler.
What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? Educate the public, educate your puppy buyers on training and what they really are like to live with. Honesty about your breed helps. Not all breeds are good for all people. It has to be the right match for the family as well as the dog. In all our years breeding Scotties this was never an issue because we did that.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? Don’t know if it is funny, but odd. I went to exam- ine the bite on a Terrier in the classes and found half the bottom jaw missing. The woman’s response was that the vet said it was ok she had all her teeth before the fight.
SALLY GEORGE
I live in Sonoma, California. My family always had dogs; my first dog in my memory was a Norwich Terrier named Maggie. I have been judging since 2009.
Do I have any hobbies or inter- ests apart from purebred dogs? So many hobbies and interests; garden- ing, horses, home improvement, and sheep, for a few.
Can I talk about my introduc- tion to Terriers? As I said, my family always had dogs, so my first introduction would be my first dog. When I became interested in breeding and showing, my first breed was Miniature Schnauzers. I quickly began showing Kerrys for friends and it blossomed into a
love affair with the entire Group.
What makes a Terrier a Terrier? Form follows function. Most of
the Terriers were bred to go-to-ground and dispatch vermin. So, in order to do that job, they must have good teeth and be game and quick, ready to catch that rat.
Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Ter- rier judges to understand? I have always thought that in order to evaluate good coat, a judge should “try” to put one in coat. I am not saying they need to master it, but it’s hard to understand how
TERRIER GROUP Q&A
154 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020