Page 160 - ShowSight - September 2020

sibly can. You want to see them confident, full of themselves, not willing to back down. But the moment it explodes, the dogs lose their outline, you’ve lost the picture. You don’t want them gnash- ing teeth and flying through the air. You are the judge, you have to control the ring. To begin with, just bring two out to the center and have them walk towards each other. Tell them where you want them and stop them if they get too close. Don’t feel that you have to spar every dog. A class of 12-18 males that already are almost out of control don’t need to be sparred, you can see everything you need to see. I think it’s a very useful tool if you have dog you like, but he doesn’t want to be up that day. (If he comes out and spars it can bring him up and allow you to use him.) Just remember, the one cardinal rule of sparring: If you spar a dog and he fails the test, puts his tail down and/or backs off, you can’t use him. Do not point at that dog no matter how much you liked him.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? One of the issues is getting to see enough good exam- ples to develop a strong eye for the breed. In many cases, the clubs are not large and the first seminars they produce can be a little lack- ing in depth. I feel privileged to have judged a lot of Terriers around the world and have had some large entries in some of these breeds in other countries
Have I attended Earthdog Tests or Barn Hunts? Yes, I have both attended and tried them out. It makes one very aware of why breeds are spanned and why breeds need the digging fronts. The job requires these attributes in order for the dog to be able to function.
Would I advocate dividing the Terrier Group? No, I don’t think it’s necessary to divide the Terriers.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Terriers? Ch Bardene Bingo; he was a turning point for the breed. His type, his head, and his outline define the modern Scottie. Almost all modern Scottish Terrier pedigrees go back to him. Similarly, The Brat in Smooth Fox Terriers did the same for his breed.
What can be done to promote Terriers as family companions? The best coats are easy care; if we focused on good coats it would make them easier to care for. Experienced breeders breed for solid temperaments and, in general, Terriers tend to be happy, healthy, and sturdy dogs that make great family pets.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Terriers? This is not a story I was involved in, but one I witnessed. Many years ago, a friend had campaigned a Scottie bitch for a couple of years. She had been very successful and was a top Terrier. The owner decided to retire her, and she put her in obedience to give her something to do. So, they were showing in the obedience ring, doing a heel off-leash when the Terrier Group got called into the ring next door. The bitch looks at the Terrier Group, looks up at the owner, looks back at the Terrier Group and takes off running, putting herself into the Group right behind the Miniature Schnauzer. She went around that ring just as if there was a handler walking beside her.
ANNE KATONA
I live in Reno, Nevada, the land of the Wild Mustangs (and yes, they are beautiful to watch). I started showing a Kerry Blue Terrier in the mid-1960s. I bred my first litter in the early 1970s. My judging career began in 1985, starting with one breed—KBT’s.
Hobbies outside of dogs? Reading, all kinds of material. If I don’t have a book in progress, I will read the back of the Wheaties box! Hiking—Cali- fornia and Nevada have beautiful hik- ing areas, when the areas are not on
fire. (This seems to be yearly lately.) Snowshoeing—the kind for old people now!
I was introduced to Terriers through the Kerry Blue Terrier. A family friend owned a KBT that she had trained to do many tricks. The KBT became the dog of choice after meeting Maxine.
What makes a Terrier a Terrier? In my opinion: A Presence, powerful and unforgettable; up-standing and alert, ready for action; personal bonding with their owners; and, above all, Breed Type. Expression is extremely important in Terrier breed type, combined with encompassing head shape.
Are there breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terrier judges to understand? Yes, there are breed characteristics that are difficult for non-Terrier judges to understand. My first thought pat- tern for this question was Terrier Coats! Coats in Terriers vary in many ways. I am no longer surprised at the number of non-Terrier judges who have asked over the years, “How often does a KBT need to be stripped?” Many breeds are partially stripped, and judges from stripped breeds seem to pick-up on the Terrier coats much easier. Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon breeder-judges are usually great with Terrier coats. Since KBT’s are a soft, silky, scissored breed, I purchased a Norwich Terrier to train my eye to 10 inches and to learn the hard-coated coat; how to “roll” a Terrier coat. Hand- stripping is an art!
If a new judge needs help with Terrier coats, PLEASE do not be bashful; ASK for help. Not one true Terrier person will look down on you for asking for help—truly!
How important is presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Terrier ring? Presentation is extremely important! While judg- ing, I will overlook grooming IF the structure of the less-groomed is a better breed representation. For example, there was a Terrier breeder in California who would enter a complete litter in a show to, hopefully, finish a championship on one. The breeder would only groom the one dog that was supposed to take the points that day. Oftentimes the groomed one did win, but sometimes that one did not win because a judge liked (or thought) a different one was better in breed representative structure!
Conditioning is also important not only in Terriers, but in all dogs being shown. Muscles are used to walk to the food and/or water bowls too!
Terriers should have muscle on the inside of the thigh as well as muscling on the outside of their thigh. This helps to push the body forward on the move.
The importance of correct Terrier Expression: All nuances that define the correct expression can be summed into in phase, thanks to Richard Beauchamp: “Correct expressions are one of those things in life that are simple because they are.” (Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type, Page 147.)
Nothing can touch the wonderful expression of a Terrier watch- ing the world go by with that intensity of the dark, almond-shaped eye and a cocked head with the questioning look that asks, “Did you see that?”
What are my thoughts re: bites among the Terrier breeds? The bite of a Terrier is another part of being a Terrier. Most of the Terriers have that punishing, crushing bite that can kill a vermin immediately.
How important is ear carriage in the Terrier breeds? Most Terri- ers have an ear carriage that makes it necessary for that breed. (For example, does it go to ground? Does it fight to the finish—hope- fully not presently?)
The job usually dictates which ear carriage is needed so, yes, ear carriage is an important part of the Terrier. Judges should research and know each Terrier’s job.
How do I evaluate undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds? Undocked tails in traditionally docked breeds; this will be something that the next generation of judges will really face.
TERRIER GROUP Q&A
158 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020