Page 110 - ShowSight Express, January 7 2021

Elliott Weiss
TERRIER GROUP
Placements:
Group One: GCHG Brightluck Money Talks (Welsh Terrier) Group Two: GCHS Ellenside Red Ike At Eskwyre (Lakeland Terrier)
Group Three: GCH King’s Mtn. Henry Higgins
(Dandie Dinmont Terrier)
Group Four: GCHS Cashlane’s Witch Of Blackbird Pond (Standard Manchester Terrier)
1. Do you have a word or two about your winner? About the dogs that placed?
The AKC National Championship Terrier Group was joy to judge, a rare occasion where one wishes for more awards to be given.
Group One: The Welch Terrier, GCHG Brightluck Money Talks. I have had the pleasure of judging this dog before and, as one can see, my opinion has not changed. There is an old saying that goes, “The difference between a Welsh and a Wire is three pounds.” This dog is all Welsh; a square, robust dog exhibiting a lot of strength for its size. He has a correct expression, punishing foreface, and cor- rect ear set. He resembles, as he should, a smaller version of an Airedale.
Group Two: The Lakeland Terrier, GCHS Ellenside Red Ike At Eskwyre. This dog has a quality not seen often enough in the breed today. The breed was developed to enter rock crevasses in the mines and clear out the rodents; this is the essence of the breed. If a Lakeland can fit its shoulders into a crevasse, the rest of the dog will follow. Looking down at this dog is a lesson in correct body type; he can do the job he was born to do. He has wonderful, correct proportions and a very pleasing, correct head and expression along with a punishing mouth. This is the first time I have judged him and was glad to have the opportunity.
Group Three: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, GCH King’s Mtn. Henry Higgins. This is a dog that is twice as long as he is tall; not seen often enough. He has a wonderful, cor- rect outline that he carries while moving. Standing up to a hand examination, he is a lesson in correctness. It is a chal- lenge to breed an achondroplastic breed and get it all right, but here you have it. A wonderful front, a large head with large eyes and a correct, soulful expression. I was told this dog has just started a specials campaign. Without hesita- tion I can say it will be a successful one.
Group Four: The Standard Manchester Terrier, GCHS Cashlane’s Witch Of Blackbird Pond. This bitch has the correct silhouette that is carried while standing and mov- ing. She has all the correct markings, which are of rich col- or. Her way of going caught my eye right when she entered the ring. On close examination, one finds a “girlie girl” of correct proportions, a wonderful head and expression, and enough strength to do her job as a varmint dog.
Robert Stein
TOY GROUP
Placements:
Group One: GCHS Pequest Wasabi (Pekingese)
Group Two: GCHG Valifyre Freespirit Icy Sparks (Papillon) Group Three: GCHP Nirvana’s Skittles (Pug)
Group Four: GCHG Karma Hekan Mini Cooper (Yorkshire Ter- rier)
1. Can you describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
I was honored to receive an invitation.
2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any special preparations (particularly due to COVID-19)?
No special preparations except, of course, masking and social distancing.
3. Was this year’s show noticeably different from previous years (due to the pandemic)?
The AKC officials did a great job of adapting to the COVID-19 problem. Everything was handled extremely well.
4. What did you experience when you first entered the ring? Can you describe the feeling?
I experienced nothing too unusual.
5. Did you feel any pressure from the live Internet coverage?
I felt no pressure from the live coverage.
6. How challenging was the assignment? Can you share your selection process?
The assignment was very challenging due to the depth and high level of the stunning Toy Group.
7. Do you have a word or two about your winner? About the dogs that placed?
My four Group placements were top-notch, in beautiful condi- tion, and a tribute to their breeds. All of the dogs that made my final 11 cut were great examples and extremely worthy.
8. How do you think this show furthers the cause of the preservation purebred dog breeder?
This show, as well as others, furthers the preservation of our sport of dogs and their breeders.
9. What are your thoughts about the 2020 show year? The year ahead?
The 2020 show year has been very challenging, but some great quality dogs are now out there. So, I think the year ahead should be a very good one for our sport, our breeders, and our exhibitors.
10. Have you got any advice to offer next year’s Group and BIS judges?
Have fun, enjoy!