TerrierGroup V8N4 2023

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TerrierGroup Editorial

Welcome cooler weather and fall!

Summer made its arrival with extreme weather – heat, strong winds and torrential rains, all happening just when the summer season of dog shows was starting in full force and recovering from the covid. However, as always, dog folk are a sturdy breed and one way or another they manage to work around obstacles. Terrier people are busy people, like their dogs, and hot weather and rain will not deter them from what they have in their plans.

Covered in this issue are interesting and varied topics: two book reviews, an article on a well-known figure from the past, Walter Fletcher – journalist for the New York Times 1916-1993, the Terrier Spirit, A Timeless Character or a Fading Trait?, by Claude ReMaynes and a good interview with terrier judge and Scottish terrier breeder Kathi Brown. In addition, an article on your editor, Muriel Lee, even though she has been around almost forever, not many know her background. Theresa Nesbitt has an excellent article on her kennel history, “My Journey, The Mystery of Mastery.” Stacy McWilliams of River Ridge Rat Terriers, gives us an exceptional interview on her kennel. Rat Terriers entered the terrier group on 2013. This quick, cute and small terrier is becoming very popular in the terrier group with its easy grooming, smartness and ability to perform not only in the conformation ring but as a performance contender.

It has been noted that breeds that excel for seniors are Bichons, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Maltese and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Not a terrier in the group and no mention of the extensive grooming required for the Maltese and the Bichons. And nary a terrier in the group of dog breeds that are now accepted by the American Kennel Club, most of which seem to be tough and good for security.

An article appeared in The Washington Post on keeping your dog comfortable as he ages. Suggestions are pretty basic and can be carried out easily. The primary issue is mobility, and adding traction for his footing is the easiest change to make. Suggestions are to add rugs to areas where the dog needs more traction and adding rugs to high traffic areas with a non-slip mat underneath. A boost can be helpful for the dog who is used to sitting on the sofa or sleeping in bed with you – a little step ladder of two steps will make it easy for him to get on the bed or the sofa. And make it comfortable – add another cushion to his bed and raising the food and water bowl will also help.

The oldest dog in the world has reached the age of…31 years, as registered with The Guinness Book of Records. From Portugal, Robi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, and more than 100 people attended his birthday party where local meats and fish were served, with Robi getting an extra serving. After lunch a dance troupe performed and Robi participated in one of their routines. Why has he lived so long? He lives in a calm and peaceful environment and he has never been leashed. No resemblance to a terrier in either his looks or his personality, but he and his owner surely deserve a lot of credit.

Two lovey pictures from the William Secord Gallery, New York City. Standing Terrier by Valentin Garland, 1849 – 1913 and Play Time! By Lillian Cheviot. Of course, the gallery can be contacted if any of you have an interest in either work.

From our paper, Startribune, titled “Homeowners are giving their dogs their day when it comes to remodeling.” Pet-friendly designs are going into their new or remodeled homes making life not only easier, but better for your pet. Social media is helping the trend as dog owners can see what can be done for

Muriel

their pet, and this is called “barkitecture.”

Artificial turf in dog runs, floor to ceiling screen porches, dog kennels that open on two sides so the dog can have two different views and of course, lockers for all of their stuff. The dog wash should include shelving for towels, shampoo and other needed items. A happy owner commented I use it to clean out garbage cans and to hang wet clothes to dry.” And, of course, nothing could be more fun than large screen windows for the terriers which will give them ample sighting of squirrels and rabbits and whatever, scurrying around their yard.

And noted on NBC nightly news, dog owners (and cats, too) are now sparing no expense. Pet owners spent 123.6 billion dollars (yes, with a B) this past year and that is expected to double by 2030. And don’t forget the doggy back pack. And from Scotland: “Cat-lovers want the statue of Greyfriars Bobby knocked off his pedestal and replaced with a roaming neighborhood cat that died.” Lots of luck on that one.

And from Britain- dog walkers are told to keep their dogs on leash when walking near pregnant sheep in the countryside. If you fail to do this you risk a 40,000 pound fine or 12 months in jail. Lambing season is coming up and this was an important issue for sheep owners - so shape up dog owners!

This has nothing to do with dogs but it’s a good story – from The Edinburgh newspaper, “Subjects to celebrate with 3000 street parties and 62 million pints with the crowning of King Charles.” There were 3,087 road closures for the parties, which spanned 263 miles, and pubs were estimated to sell 62 million (yes, million!) pints of ale, in addition to a few afternoon teas were held. Counties Hampshire and Kent were having 251 parties each and over all there were 3,300 public events. On Sunday there was a Big Lunch Program and on Monday Big Help Out, for volunteering. Whew!! The Brits know how to have their fun…and ale. That’s it for this issue. As always send us your comments and of course, your ads.

Muriel Lee - Editor

STANDING TERRIER - by Valetine Garland 1849-1913

PLAY TIME! by Lilian Cheviot - 1894-1920

Theresa Nesbitt • Abberann Glen of Imaal Terriers

MY JOURNEY AND THE MYSTERY OF MASTERY

Today a treasure came in the maila pin without gems but with value beyond measure. It is an AKC Gold Breeder of Merit which I earned for completing 52 conformation champion Glen of Imaal Terriers in six years and TerrierGroup has asked me to write about this journey.

The first draft was like a long and boring academy award speech where I thanked the numerous people who made this possible. Not only was this a tedious read, I was sure I had forgotten someone important who assisted me along the way.

My second attempt was even worse. My litany of complaints and traumas made for a melodrama that eclipsed the many moments of joy, pleasure and accomplishment. Then as “luck” would have it, the right book came along at the right time - Adam Gopnik’s The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery.

I’ve read (or listened) to thousands of books in my life and this one really made an impression as it helped me to realize the difference between achievements and accomplishments. Gold Breeder of Merit is an achievement, but becoming a breeder is an accomplishment. From the beginning I knew that I would never have the time or the dedication, as a single person, to become a master breeder. But I’m able to now see that mastery is what I crave…it’s the process of intense and devoted learning and application that turns fragments into flow.

For me, flow is like a flower - once it blooms I enjoy it and then I am ready to seek the feeling elsewhere.

I’ve had many interests and pursuits in my life, and I think that some people assume that I get bored and restless, but that’s not accurate. I decided to breed dogs because it was an

intensely challenging and satisfying prospect. I will never be a master breeder but I fully enjoyed becoming a faster breeder and I’m proud to have managed to become a preservation breeder as well.

So here is my short story… I have decided not to thank individuals by name although I am grateful for their contributions as this journey would not have been possible without them.

When I was about ten years old my family made a historical sightseeing trip to New England. We visited Walden Pond and I bought a book from the bookshop called To a Different DrummerThe Story of Henry David Thoreau. I was captivated by the idea that maybe I wasn’t a weirdo and I just marched to the beat of different drummer.

As I grew older I pondered on Thoreau’s words “If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away.” It occurred to me that my drummer was never measured or far away… my drummer was a lot more like Keith Moon. Some say madman and some say genius, but he could keep a beat and he always did it his own way, packing as much as possible into a single bar of music with passionate intensity.

I tend to throw myself completely into new challenges and it was the same with my desire to become a preservation breeder of Glen of Imaal Terriers, a rare breed of dog native to Ireland. I had never bought a dog or bred a dog or even been to a dog show. I was living in Greystones in County Wicklow, Ireland, when I met Homer sitting up in a crowd full of admirers. I didn’t know what breed he was but his unusual looks and charming personality won me over and I immediately started looking into the breed. All three of my dogs were in their teens and I

couldn’t imagine a dog-less future. After decades of rescues and rehabs I was finally going to get to choose the breed that I wanted. There were many reasons the Glen of Imaal Terrier checked a lot of boxes for me. This was a Native Irish Breed and I was interested in the history and culture of Ireland. My background as a maternal fetal medicine physician with a specialization in skeletal dysplasias and genetics, peaked my curiosity about dwarf dogs and rare breeds with small gene pools. Years of training horses and coaching human athletes for performance enhancement, spoke to my love of anatomy and efficient movement. Although I have lived with a wide variety of dogs and loved them all, I knew I didn’t really love slobber, stink or shedding… check, check and check!

It’s said that every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That may well be true but in my case the single step of purchasing a Glen of Imaal Terrier led to a series of stumbles. Fortunately, this is not an unfamiliar feeling… that whole different drummer thing. I learn more from the mistakes and missteps, because otherwise I might just be lucky! It’s a waste of time to continue on a wrong path because of a serendipitous good outcome.

I like inspirational quotes and one of my favorites is by the Roman philosopher Seneca - “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Once I decided I wanted to become a breeder, specifically a preservation breeder, I began the long and arduous process of preparation so when an opportunity came along I would be able to recognize it.

I quickly realized in the dog world that if you don’t ask the right questions of the right people at the right time, you are wasting your time and theirs. So, I did a tremendous amount of reading and watching (video, real-time and old photos) for the express purpose of becoming knowledgeable enough to figure out who to ask and how and what to ask of them. It’s the best way I knew to get the kind of specific information or advice that I simply could not find anywhere else, and that is far from quick or easy.

I spent hundreds of hours of study to become a doctor, but I have spent many more hours learning about how to breed dogs of consistent and predictable quality. Sometimes competition

is a useful spur to motivation and mastery, but I did not find that so in the dog world. I am a skeptic. I will listen to many opinions but I focus on results where the outcomes are clearly defined and objective.

I like SMART goals. The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

I found ribbons to be a distraction. Once I decided I wanted to become a preservation breeder of a rare and “antique” breed I chose goals that were different from the usual measure of success. Preserving a breed requires preservation of genes and you can breed quality bitches to improve a breeding program. My goal was to collect and freeze semen from males with genes worth preserving for the future.

After my initial stumbles I realized you only go forward with better dogs, better advice and better relationships with people of value. So that’s where I directed my efforts.

I went back to breeders of the dog I fell in love with in Ireland. Here was my “preparation meets opportunity” chance and I was not going to blow it. My first visit to the Whites of Abberann Glens was friendly and cordial and although I met all the dogs it was confined to the front yard. On my next visit I was invited into the parlor and then the family room. When Ann made me tea in her kitchen it felt like graduation day with honors!

There can never be enough thanks for the people who gave me so much of their time and knowledge. They not only gave me a wonderful three-year old dog to get started, they gave me a lot of advice and guidance, but they never told me what to do. They knew that if I were to become a breeder, they could not do it for me, and I hope to do the same for the young breeders coming up.

I started this article with the observation that not only do I march to the beat of a different drummer, but my drummer is probably Keith Moon. I guess a proper ending would be to say my journey as a breeder “ends” with my favorite song from my favorite album from what is probably my favorite band - The Who. It is “The Song Is Over” and it is marked by a unparalleled team effort and includes a drum performance by Keith that shows he is capable of incredible restraint and precision when that’s what is needed to achieve a pinnacle performance. But he didn’t get there the usual way. His own words said it best “I’m still the best Keith Moonstyle drummer in the world” and “I don’t think the drums are a solo instrument. Drums are there to set the beat for the music.”

Breeders set the beat for the dog shows. But it’s called a dog show - not a dog contest. I can make up a list of what we call “pearls” in medicine, but it’s my list. And perhaps that makes it useful, but the best I can hope for is it makes it interesting.

Grand Champion Titles Abberann 52 Bred by Conformation Champions

Oscar, along with his brother and sister, have produced in six years: One Platinum, three Gold, four Silver Grand and four Bronze Grand Champions

Theresa Nesbitt • Abberann Glen of Imaal Terriers

An Interview with Kathi Brown

Kathi Brown has been a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of America since 1974 and is an AKC judge of terriers, toys, non-sporting and judges breeds in the hound, sporting, working and herding groups.

When did you attend your first dog show, what were the circumstances and what were your thoughts.

Although not a full scale ‘dog show’ my very first competition was a recommended match show at South Shore Kennel Club. We won the breed and the terrier group and received small trophies for each win. I was hooked! I am sorry that there are not as many match shows these days as it was there I received practice and made many personal connections to the terrier and greater dog community. Through this, I was introduced to the Terrier Club of New England and many other terrier exhibitors and breeders. The Terrier Club gave me great friends and hands-on learning experiences,

My first dog show was the Scottish Terrier Club of New England specialty held in conjunction with the Ladies’ Dog Club. My puppy bitch was definitely in short coat and my handling (even following some classes) was not polished. The memory still makes me empathetic to this day when new exhibitors show to me. We won our puppy class and received a good look for the major points. Years later, coming full circle, I became a member of this all-breed club in time became its president, show chair and delegate.

Through this there have been so many encouraging breeders, handlers and owners. Jean Ferris helped with procedures necessary to bring in a show jacket and how to pluck those toothbrush hairs on a new jacket. Cliff and Lois Hallmark and Peter Green were patient and helpful with my handling. Kathy Ferris, at the time showing in juniors, assisted my handling and actually exhibited my first bitch for a major.

How did the Scottish Terriers become your breed of choice?

In the late 1960’s after college graduation and becoming employed, I was finally able to obtain a dog. At that time I was engaged and about to move into an apartment in Boston and the Irish Setter of my childhood was not an appropriate choice. I researched breeds and decided that either a Scottish Terrier or a Dachshund would be a good choice. Following an ad in the newspaper I obtained my first pet Scottish Terrier.

A few years later we moved to the suburbs and purchased a home, and upon receiving my masters degree I felt it an appropriate reward would be get another wonderful Scottish Terrier. Again, I used the Boston Globe listing and found a young five month old female for sale by a breeder for $100 and my aunt and I drove down to the breeder’s home and purchased her.

I have always felt lucky, as although she was the last of this homebred litter, thin, ungroomed and untrained, ”Thistle” was a great and loving dog and became the foundation of everything that followed. Her pedigree

was eclectic, however the pedigree indicated she was sired by Ch. Rinklestone Brindle Bryar (Illinois), a Ch. Barberry Knowe Conductor (NJ) son.

By that time I had connected with the Scottish Terrier Club I took my new pup to an event that included lunch and a puppy match. She was still ungroomed but I was encouraged to show my somewhat shaggy puppy and I was surprised to she won her class and was strongly considered for best of breed. After, two longtime breeders came over and told me, in a most direct Scottie fashion, that I was to take her to local longtime handler and breeder, Mr. Johnny Murphy in Stoughton, MA. I followed directions and he handstripped and groomed her and indicated to me that I needed to show her.

You were now involved in the breed but you were also raising a family and you were also a career woman. How did you handle all of this?

My professional life as a science mathematics educator and eventual administrator at the district and state level, dovetailed well into the needed skills and knowledges in breeding. Timewise in the early years I was able to schedule breeding and whelping during school breaks and vacations. I had late afternoons and many hours in the evening for grooming and training. My daughter and son are ten years apart in age and my daughter was raised with Scotties and was with me at shows as well as participating in junior showmanship. Ten year late when my son was born my daughter was another set of hands in raising Matthew.

As a science educator I was selected to be featured in three nationally produced videos, one of which was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation for a five year study on scientific sensemaking. I became a staff developer within the district, a teacher at Lesley University, and served the MA Department of Education as State Science Coordinator K-18 for Massachusetts. At the State level I was involved in standard-setting and criterion referenced test development.

I also worked at the national level with NAEP and NSF Science and Mathematics.

All of my years in science developed background in research, knowledge, data collection and analysis, and evidence-based decision making, which were useful in raising and breeding dogs. From the get-go I read everything I could find about Scotties, terriers and dogs and I was able to apply my university learning in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and genetics. Initially, I had no first-hand experience in breeding dogs but I did have experience in careful observation, data collection and breeding of other organisms…fruit flies, Giant Madagascan cockroaches etc..

As a result when selecting my choice for a stud dog for the above mentioned first bitch, I selected her own grandfather Ch. Barberry Know Conductor. Through this initial breeding I created a more cohesive pedigree with Conductor and his dam Ch. Carmichael’s Fanfare owned by the Stalters. I made the call to the Stalter’s kennel in New Jersey. I examined dogs, discussed those throughout the kennels history and in subsequent years bred to a number of the Stalter dogs and some others with similar lines.

For every dog, bitch and puppy I kept detailed records of strengths, weaknesses and which traits carried through each generation. I could not breed for numbers in order to select dogs to keep and show. I often hear that breeding is a chance, a crap-shoot if you will; I have always considered it more like bowling. In bowling you control as many variables as possible in your aim. For me, line-breeding with extensive data enabled producing quality dogs in the litters I could manage while taking care of family and work.

You have done very well in Scotties – any special wins that you want to mention?

Sure, talking about the dogs is more interesting than talking about myself!

My very first point, on my very first dog, is a special win to me! I cannot imagine anyone who cannot remember this. Ch. Blueberry Thistle obtained her first point in Rhode Island (with my grooming and handling) under Scottish Terrier breeder-judge Dr. T Allen Kirk. I was as thrilled with my flat purple ribbon, and years later with a red, white and blue rosette.

I began to accrue specialty wins as a breeder, owner, groomer and handler. Each one of these were important. Locally I won BISS multiple times in New England, retiring the Scottish Terrier Club of New England best of breed trophy three times. Memorable wins were under memorable judges: Robert Graham, Robert Marshall, Mrs. James Clark and Linda More. I always enjoyed showing at the STCGNY Associated Terrier show.

Having read extensively about the history of the Scottish Terrier, I brought a young, brindle puppy dog, Blueberry’s Colonial Caper, to show under Mr. T. Howard Snethen. Mr. Snethen had won BIS at Westminster with his homebred Scot and he had shown Ch. Sheiling’s Signature. Signature accomplished the now well recorded feat of doing the down-and-back in the best in show ring without his handler and winning the show.

I was excited to exhibit under Mr.Snethen and just prior to entering the ring a competitor informed me not to get my hopes up as ‘Mr. Snethen doesn’t put up puppies’….but he did! A very rewarding day!

Winning at the STCA National is a dream to be accomplished. I had a feisty, black masked silver brindle puppy bitch for the national held in Michigan, being judged by Mrs. Anne Clark. Blueberry’s Tinsel Terra was entered in bred by exhibitor class. There was no BBE puppy class. However, in BBE you also received a club medallion and $200 and so that’s what I entered! There were about 15 in this class, none were brindle nor were any as vocal and noisy.

On the table Mrs. Clark instantly identified ‘Amity’ (what a misnomer) as a puppy. Every time she was on the ground she was barking. Every time I tried to calm her Mrs. Clark told me to leave her alone and just move back…I swear I was almost in the next ring. Amity won the class, went winners and best of winners that day, for her third major.

Winning Best of Breed at the STCA National was always a hope and dream. Winning it three times is beyond exciting! First time was with Ch. Blueberry’s Attitude Dancing ‘Carly’. I finished Carly myself winning best in national sweeps, reserve winners bitch at the previous years MCKC and BOS at the STCA rotating from the classes over specials and then I knew she needed to be with a handler that could take her beyond what I could do, with family and work.

I sent her with Bergit Coady Kabel. Upon emerging with Bergit she had won a number of best in show and rose to number one in her first year of showing with Bergit. Winning Best of Breed at Montgomery County Terrier show under breeder-judge Jerry Roszman was wonderful!

The following year at MCKC I had brought a young 6-9 month old red brindle puppy along to the show… Blueberry’ Surely You Jest. Henry was young but had finished at Morris & Essex with his fourth major on Thursday. He won best in sweepstakes on Friday and I moved him to specials for the Sunday specialty. Sunday was rainy and muddy and Henry didn’t care and he won best of breed at seven months of age. The photo of our second BOB at MCKC showed my muddy attire and his wet puppy furnishings. I was then about to begin to judging and Henry was shown by Ernesto Lara for new owners John and Daphne Eggert, winning many BISs and the Lloyd trophy.

A few years later, ‘Carly,’ GCH Blueberry’s Attitude Dancing, returned to MCKC in the veterans class at seven years of age. Carly had whelped two litters, been awarded top producing terrier with nine champion offspring in one year, won the Lloyd Trophy as #1 Scot twice and had been retired: from the veterans class Carly won BOB again under a breeder

judge William deVilleneauve. This third win, by the same owners, retired the Stalter Trophy after thirty years of it being offered. Does ‘Stalter’ sound familiar? Early on,, that’s where I went (Barberry Knowe) to breed my first bitch. This trophy is exceptionally meaningful to me.

Winning best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club is always a memorable win in anyone’s book. We took Ch. Blueberry’s Attitude Dancing (Carly) to New York for the event. I sat with my co-owner Susan Getgood in the stands and cheered as Bergit took her to place third in an exceptionally strong group under terrier judge Mrs. Cindy Vogels. First place went BIS and second place had won Crufts so we were in exceptional company! Both Carly and Henry won the Lloyd Trophy as number one in the breed. When did you decide to go into judging? What is special for you in judging? And what is your favorite show to judge?

I began judging in 2006. At the time breeders obtained their initial breed and once achieving regular status could apply for one additional breed. Then you could get two for two, four for four and so on through the group. While this took time, the time was well spent and focused; especially as terriers are so special and unique.

I had been breeding and showing for over 35 years when I finally decided to judge. I had won the breed at MCKC, the Lloyd Trophy and many specialties and best in shows. My work and consulting had required a great deal of travel and time and after a sabbatical I just thought I wanted to spend more time with dogs and judging and this was an opportunity to do so. For me judging is a unique and wonderful way to immerse yourself in dogs. I love learning and learning about dogs is an especially happy place for me as

it is difficult to be able to put hands on so many dogs in any other way. By learning about a new breed, judging your breed and others, you constantly learn more about your initial breed and other breeds by the critical comparisons made.

Asking about my favorite show to judge is difficult as I find there is so very much to celebrate about each show, clubs, locations and especially the dogs shown. Quick answer would be I love Montgomery County Kennel Club because I am truly a terrier. The first time I judged my breed at Montgomery, memories flooded back to the many times I was on the other side of the table. Certainly the number and quality of the terriers there are exceptional. Conversely, I like a number of very small, local outdoor shows throughout the country. I enjoyed showing at these decades ago and today I like the warm, happy club members and campy atmosphere.

I loved judging at the AKC National/Royal Canin. The large number in each breed and so many good specimens of each breed, that it has got to be a favorite assignment. It’s wonderful to be with so many old and new friends. The work it takes by the entire AKC is enormous and being a part of the show as a judge is a joy. I have to admit, leaving New England for Florida’s weather is a bonus.

Ladies’ Dog Club, Inc. in Massachusetts is my all breed club and it is where I first showed a dog. I have been the club president, show chair and delegate. I have been there every year since the 1970s and generally work the show to make a contribution to its success. Judging there is special.

You are around the country, seeing many terriers in your ring. What are your thoughts about the current state of the terrier?

The loss of numbers within the terrier group is disturbing. Many are now low entry breeds where in our historical past the numbers were plentiful. Even given the reduction in entries there still exists a dedicated cadre of breeders and exhibitors that exhibit high quality dogs in appropriate coat and condition.

I wonder if the time and skill in the preparation of a hard coated terrier jacket is considered by some too difficult. Many within my breed, loving them as we do, now hire a professional handler rather than investing the great time necessary for a proper coat. Through my own experiences I have found that the years of learning and decades of handstripping not only was rewarding but also demanded learning breed structure.

An Interview with Kathi Brown

The ease and companionship of other breeds, such as toys (I actually have one now myself) may draw some off our great terrier breeds but certainly the unique terrier attitude, confidence in themselves and beauty, has few other breed equals.

I benefitted so much from the terrier friends that shared knowledge and skills with me. Another terrier breeder judge and I were wondering today if such groups and individuals were available to the new terrier owner. No one does terriers alone. AND, I find joy in seeing terriers on grass; after all they are terra dogs!

What is the most satisfying thing about judging?

The dogs! Continuous life-long learning.

You have remained active in the Scottish Terrier Club of America Why are national clubs important?

I have always been a working member of breed clubs. As much as I have contributed to them I have always ultimately received many more benefits back in the form of education and friendships. Even after almost 50 years of membership in the Scottish Terrier Club of America, I feel that it is the important keeper of the breed and I should give back as much as able.

I remember the great opportunity when joining the national club, and becoming an officer of the club and then the president. It was never about my importance, but the ability to talk dogs, past and present, with those who came before as well as those who worked with me, was so important. Now, so many have passed. When I attend Montgomery weekend I certainly miss those, but there is a joy in remembering.

Today, I am fulfilled and grateful to be the Judges’ Education Coordinator. I immerse myself in writing and conducting breed seminars that focus on the breeder and attendees and the development of a vision of the breed as an effective, sound, balanced, badger dog. National breed clubs are critical to each breed especially when the efforts are focused on the breed.

Hey, Muriel…thanks for making me take this trip down memory lane and hopefully into our future. Yes, when I go to Montgomery weekend, some specialties and the AKC Show I do miss so many of our friends. However, when I’m there the memories do fill me with some special joy. I remember so clearly you. John, Jerry, Bob, Bob, Bob, Linda, Eddie, Annie, Michelle, etc. too many to list. Love, Kathi

Hey, Kathi! Many thanks for this terrific interview which has some great information for newcomers for all terrier breeds. Yes, as life moves on the list becomes long for those who are no longer with us…for those who not only brought so much to the breed but became great life-long friends…a part of life that we would not have known without the dogs.

INTERVIEW WITH Anne Katona, AKC JUDGE

Bill McFadden. In my opinion Mick was and still is the epitome of a Kerry Blue Male – a stallion of a dog, intelligent, stylish, a square dog that was a great mover and a beautiful showman with charisma! Mick stood his ground, he did not jump first. Once jumped though, he defended himself – that is the true Kerry Blue Terrier temperament.

TG: Memories of my first dog show?

Terriergroup ran this interview with Anne Katona in the fall of 2019. Anne’s passing earlier this summer has left a void in the dog show world. So, in honor of a judge, breeder, handler, terrier fancier and friend, here is Anne Katon’as thoughts, once again, on her life with dogs.

TG: Tell us about your young life. Did you grow up with a purebred dog? Did you have a love for dogs from a young age?

AK: Yes, I grew up with horses and dogs (no cats!) in Florida. My family had Boston Terriers as all of America had at that time. My love was more for horses but dogs were a close second.

TG: Give us the background on when you attended your first dog show and what your thoughts were: did you think it would be fun and challenging to show a dog?

AK: I attended my first dog show in the 1960’s! Kerry Blue Terrier Ch. Melbee’s Chances Are was top dog all breeds in 1968 and he was a beautiful representative of the breed. He was always my “mind’s picture” of the breed standard until the early 2000’s when I saw and judged Eng. Am. Ch. Torums Scarf Michael, call name Mick, shown by

It seems bullies are everywhere! The KBT bully tried her best to embarrass me at a KBT party during a dog show weekend. In front of all the KBT owners at the party, she loudly stated “Most of the KBT owners that I know have money – how did you and Jack get a KBT, Anne?” Very welcoming to the dog world, huh? I was a horse owner and I am a Virgo and I am too stubborn to fall for that one! At that moment I made myself a promise that the next time I entered a conformation dog show I would have a KBT that was ready to win! I kept that promise with: Ch. Starkdom’s Curious Cara who also became my foundation bitch. Cara was bred by Lloyd and Georgia Stark (Starkdom, Danville, CA) and I had her for 14 ½ wonderful years. She was the Top Producing Kerry dam for 1984.

TG: Kerry Blue terriers are your breed. How did you learn about Kerries, which have never been high on the terrier list of popularity? What attracted you to the breed and where did you get your first Kerry? Who helped you with grooming, as like so many terriers, it requires knowledge and skill to groom a Kerry properly. AK: Before moving to CA, Jack and I visited friends that lived in Key West, Florida. They purchased a dog that would sound large when barking behind a closed door, would be protective of the family, and yet was friendly. They had the first Kerry Blue Terrier (Maxine) that I had ever seen - a beautiful blue gray spayed bitch. Our friends had trained her to do so many tricks it was a joy to be around her. Maxine was very devoted to their toddler son and often herded him and his playmates around the yard. It was fun to watch!

Once we purchased a home in San Jose, CA, I begin to think about a family pet. Naturally, I thought of the Kerry Blue Terrier. I began my search for a puppy. There were a couple of breeders in the Santa Clara area but no one would sell us a puppy because we had a toddler. I contacted my Key West friend to obtain the information from whom she purchased her Kerry. I contacted them and purchased our first Kerry sight unseen, but picked from many photos and a couple of videos sent to us during her first nine weeks. Our AKC registered Kerry arrived at SFO via Delta Dash and off the plane came a very cute little black bundle of wiggles. While driving home our daughter said, “Mom, she is dark, see?” So she became Darcee. Months later I was invited to attend a meeting of the Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Northern California and met William Caffey (Wexford, Mensona, CA) and Carole Dickinson (O’Mara, Walnut Creek, CA). These two breeders became my mentors – Bill is now deceased and Carole’s health is failing; however I keep close tabs on her through Kerry friends.

To say Carole Dickinson took me under her wing is saying a lot! She finished pasting Darcee’s ears correctly and taught me how to accomplish a pretty respectable pet trim. Carole was extremely patient, while teaching me how to interpret the

breed standard and how Darcee was not “the best representative of the breed standard.” However, she showed how I could help improve Darcee’s outline with the trim.

Carole asked me to enter Darcee in a few dog shows to build points and to see if I would enjoy showing. She also told me Darcee would not win and why. I then realized that Darcee was a wonderful pet with a great temperament, and that she was a fabulous learning “pet tool.” My first dog show as an exhibitor was the old Eden Kennel Club at the Pleasanton CA Fairgrounds, known today as the Del Valle Dog Club of Livermore. Guess What? I loved showing Darcee even though we did not win one single point!

TG: Were you a breeder? A handler?

AK: I was a breeder/owner/handler of Tyrella Kerry Blue Terriers. Tyrella is a point of view in the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

I was an owner handler in the Terrier Group in California for Pete’s sake! Talk about competition! If I could do it, work full time, raise a family and show dogs at the same time, so could anyone else. I competed with Ray Perry, a Kerry Blue Terrier breeder and professional handler along with his wife Mary Lou (Tontine). Both became very good friends and even though Ray is no longer with us, his wife, Mary Lou and I are still friendly. Not to mention Ric Chashoudian (even when Woody Wornall worked for Ric), Clay and Bergit Coady, Danny Sacko, and Maripi Woolridge. In my opinion Maripi broke the glass ceiling for the West Coast woman’s professional handler. She was difficult to beat and put my passion for the sport to test every time we competed. I have the upmost respect for this woman who is today a very talented breeder of numerous terrier breeds. Carole, Maripi and Bergit made me work harder to perfect my handling and challenged me to keep my grooming skills up to par – I never have said thank you to these three ladies, but I do so here as I believe these three ladies made me a better breeder, groomer, handler, and because of them, today a better judge! THANK YOU LADIES!

Carole Dickinson has continued to be my conscience, sitting on my right shoulder many times throughout the years. She was the one that

taught me sportsmanship and how to show a dog instead of a horse. When I had very nice wins with my Kerries she was right there to warn me that tomorrow might not be my day again. She taught me how to “read” judges faces and interactions: how to keep a small booklet on the judges under whom I won or lost and I wrote why I thought I won or why I thought I lost. I learned many professional tricks of the trade because they were all pulled on me at one time or another. Watch out in my ring –there are no dirty tricks I will not see and I will call you out on them! I believe in a fair playing field –professional handlers and owner handlers a like. I usually handled my own Kerry Blues, however, I will admit to hiring a professional when I knew a particular judge would not “put up” an owner handler. Yes, there were some of those judges back in the “good old” days.

TG: What started you on the road to become an AKC judge and what attracted you to judging?

AK: One time I was showing under a well-known judge, now deceased. In those days we usually had a decent Kerry entry at shows. This judge made a cut and I was dismissed. I put my dog away to rest and I got a chair to sit and watch the remainder of the Kerry judging. I was on eye level with the judge, with the sight line between the top of the dog and the exhibitor’s head. I watched this judge look at the first dog in the line, then look up the lead to the handler’s face. After watching this for a few minutes, it became very clear this judge was placing the handler’s according to his opinion of seniority. Once I decided that judging was my goal, I decided that I would NEVER, while judging, look up the lead. Over the years, friends have told me they stopped by my ring but could not get my attention because I never looked up – that is a BIG compliment in my book! Another time I was in a judge’s ring and was told to go down and back and when I got to the corner of the down, I turned to look where the judge should be standing, to see him with his back to me, talking with someone outside of the ring. I stopped and waited for him to turn around and when he did he looked at the spot where I should have been, however I wasn’t there. He looked down to see me waiting at the corner and motioned for me to come back. Guess what? I did not place that day, but I hope I got a message across – probably not though because I still see this happening in rings today.

TG: What do you enjoy about judging and which show has been your favorite to judge? So far, what has been the high point of your judging career?

AK: For some reason, I love helping newbies and owner handler’s that are struggling, or even give just a small suggestion that would help an owner handler stack their dog easier. Often exhibitors will be the recipient of a bit of my owner-handler knowledge, usually whether they want the information or not. I support the National Owner Handler series, and if the program had been available when I was showing I would have been a part of it. I know a lot of the judges do not care for the program and I wish there was a way to improve that feeling, but it is what it is. I love seeing a new young pup or youngster coming through the classes. I mark my catalog about a good one and post the catalog pages on my

Photo: ©NOR CAL BULLDOGGER 2018

office wall. I will watch those youngsters to see if they develop and to see what happens to them. It is very gratifying to have a group of handlers tell me at the end of judging that I picked all the same family or something of that nature…Consistency in judging: finding and/or putting up the same dog in different parts of the country being shown by different handlers.

I love teaching and perhaps that may be part of the reason I wanted to judge. I really like to watch handlers - newbies, owners, professionals, participating in the sport at any level. At times, I think to myself – “wow, what a beautiful dog, too bad he/she is so poorly handled, or so poorly groomed.” Grooming does play a part of showing a dog. It is a dog show and dog and handler should be ready to go on the stage (or ring in our sport). If you are a beginner, please try to find someone to mentor you. Like all of life, there are good mentors and there are bad mentors. Just keep trying and asking people for help until you find the right mentor match for you and your dog.

As mentors, Bill Caffey and Carole Dickinson were very valuable directing me with decisions as to the best Kerry Blue stud dogs to use with my bitch. They were my step-by-step helpers during my first couple of litters. Believe me, mentors are the lifeline between newbies and established breeders and especially those that chose to own/handle/breed the rarer breeds!

Speaking of mentors, I have to mention Michelle Billings (Mike, to those that loved her). When I started judging in 1985, Mike took me aside and gave me some great advice – the same that I shared with many new judges that I mentored when I worked as the AKC West Coast Executive Field Representative… “JUST JUDGE THE DOGS AND YOU WILL NEVER GO WRONG”. She told me about “do overs” as all judges have them. Example: as soon as you point you know it was not the right dog – just remember why you did what you did and try not to ever do it again.

She let me know that putting a dog best of opposite sex to a dog is not a death penalty – all judges will do it regardless of how much they try not to do so. Your judge’s mind is working and if a dog goes best of opposite sex to a dog, maybe the best of opposite that day looked like a bitch. Or, if the

best of opposite bitch goes to a bitch, maybe the best of opposite looked like a dog. Perhaps one of them was out of condition and looked heavier (maybe because of grooming?) that day. Decisions are rapidly made and we are human.

TG: What has been your most memorable judging assignment?

AK: My most memorable judging assignment has to be the Goldfield Kennel Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. I went on this assignment with some very popular judges: Arlene Czech, Joann Dutton, Dorothy Dalton, Barbara Rupert, Grace Brewin, Helen Furber (UK), Jack and Marlene Boyd (NZ). We spent several days touring the Kenya National Reserve and Park. It was the best experience ever! Just to get to see and hear the wild animals in their natural habitat was remarkable and to hear the monkeys chatter through the night while we were trying to sleep in a bush hut was a delight! Memories that I will cherish forever!

TG: So far. What has been the high point of your judging career?

AK: As a terrier/breeder judge, without a doubt judging best in show at Montgomery County Kennel Club on October 6, 2002. I am looking forward to judging The Scottish Terrier Club Of America’s National Specialty and the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association National Specialty this coming October at Montgomery. I have also enjoyed several great assignments with the Westminster Kennel Club. My love for the dogs and for judging has taken me to many foreign countries that I would never have visited otherwise. I am very grateful for the wonderful part of my life that involves dogs and dog people.

TG: How do you see the state of the terrier these days, with the dwindling entries at shows and with fewer litter registrations?

AK: I personally believe the terrier breeds are in very good condition at the present time. Whenever possible I do watch the Terrier Group judging. There are several really nice representatives of their breeds being exhibited. On the East Coast recently there was a wonderful Terrier Group – how nice to see a really beautiful Airedale Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier bitch, Wire Fox Terrier dog, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terriers (both dogs and bitches), Sealyham Terrier, Staffordshire

Terrier and a beautiful Welsh Terrier. There are only our placements and what a joy to have this many nice breed examples from which to choose.

On the West Coast there are some equally wonderful examples in the Terrier Group. Recently doing some nice winning there has been an Airedale, American Staffordshire, Border Terrier, Mini Bull Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier dog, Irish Terrier (almost seemed like this breed was extinct - so welcome back!), Lakeland Terrier dog, Norfolk Terrier, and Russell Terrier, and a very nice West Highland White dog. And just recently retired from showing, has been a beautiful Parson Russell Terrier, an awesome Australian terrier, a wonderful Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and an unforgettable Wire Fox Terrier dog.

I would like to mention my breed as there have been some gorgeous examples of the Kerry Blue Terrier in the last couple of years, both dogs and bitches, that I feel will put their stamp on the future of the breed. I have so much respect for today’s Kerry Blue Terrier breeders. They have been battling some very hard decisions as to the direction to take the breed for the last ten to fifteen years. These breeders have done a yeoman’s job of getting the breed recognized again in the Terrier Group and I salute all of you for having the passion for the breed to hang in there!

The above mentioned breeds are beautiful examples of breed type and will hopefully be used to continue the growth of these terrier breeds into the future.

TG: How do you feel about the dwindling terrier entries at shows, and the decline of litter registrations?

AK: I was discussing breeders a few days ago with a good friend. In my opinion what I think I see happening is the breeders are only breeding when they need to replenish show stock, or have a list of waiting buyers. I believe breeders are selecting the stud dog with greater care in the hopes that the litter will produce that special animal all breeders strive to produce. There are fewer litters, but the consideration and preparation for those planned litters today is greater than ever.

TG: Any encouraging thoughts for individuals who are new to the terrier breeds and to the dog show scene?

AK: “Losing is more educational than winning” is a statement that stood out when I read the article in

New

Owner-Handlers, the July-September 2018

Poodle Variety written by Crystal Rublaitus. Why? Because she is 100% correct – learn from your mistakes: do not blame your dog, the judge, the professional handler as you and you alone can do the work to make yourself better if you make that a goal. I promise! Remember: grooming, trimming and presentation are not inheritable traits.

If you are showing in the classes to obtain a championship or already have that and are showing in the best of breed class and you lose – don’t pack up and leave. Stay at the show and watch the groups and today if you are participating in the Owner Handler Series it is even more important that you stay to watch the groups. Watch owner handlers in each group, watch the professional handler in each group and you will learn so much as to how to “show” your dog and also learn how to “not” show your dog. I am surprised at the number of exhibitors that lose or go second or third in their class and pack up and leave. You can’t learn anything if you only partially participate.

There are so many things a new exhibitor can learn just by sitting at a ring side and watch professional handlers show their clients’ animals – any breed can and will teach you something if you just watch and concentrate. Do not let someone come up and sit down beside you to talk – if you are talking you are not listening or learning what is happening around you. FACT!

TerrierGroup gives appreciative thanks to Anne Katona for sharing her thoughts on dogs and dog shows, and for this very thought provoking interview!

A TerrierGroup Interview: Anne Katona

GChB Fishback It’s Miller Time

... caught my eye immediately as he proudly and confidently moved around the ring to the table. He has good bone for his lovely size, wonderful head and expression, strong level topline, bang on tail set, and moved extremely well. An excellent bite and large white teeth.

- Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine, AKC Judge & Terrier Specialist

Grand Champion Bronze

Grand Champion

Diamond Grand Champion Honors Champion

Owner / Handler: Kelly Francisco-Foos

kellyfoos@frontier.com • Norwalk, Ohio

Groomer: Elsie Francisco

Breeders: FISHBACK

Susan Miller Hall, April Clark, Amy Clark

The Anatomy of Successful Dog Club Leadership

I’ll start with the fact that the thoughts expressed here are my views alone and not representing any club or organization.

Several All-Breed and Breed clubs are just coming out of elections for Board members, while others are heading into the selection process.

I’ve had a few weeks in front of my computer, and following many of these processes got me thinking about the ingredients of successful dog club leadership.

In the immortal words of Ophrah Winfrey, this is “what I know for sure” - the foundation of a successful dog club is strong, visionary leadership partnered with active, engaged members, all united around a common goal. Sounds easy, right?

Having served in roles ranging from Member to President and everything in between for several Breed and All-Breed Clubs has provided me insight into the best and the worst in club politics.

Over the years, I’ve tried to define the attributes of clubs that experience continued growth and engagement. At the same time, I’ve observed what to avoid from clubs consistently embroiled in dysfunction, litigation, and all-out war.

Never mistake that a dog club is, first and foremost, a business. A business constructed for the greater good of the entire membership. It is not a social club, not a resume builder, and it’s not a place for self-directed personal agendas.

So what makes effective club leadership? Some food for thought when evaluating future candidates:

The Past Predicts The Future -

Professional job recruiters and virtually all hiring managers will tell you that the most significant predictor of future success in a new role is how well someone has performed in past or current positions. It’s why “behavioral-based” interview questions are so important.

Suppose someone is challenged to meet basic requirements, lacks self-starting initiative, requires constant direction, or cannot move past the status quo to successfully deliver new solutions. In that case, it is naïve to believe this individual will excel in an expanded role with greater responsibility. It simply sets the individual and the club up for almost inevitable failure.

Personal vs. Business Success -

I’ve seen resumes for dog club positions comprised mainly of personal accolades – thousands of champions, winners worldwide, top-performing everything, etc. Does this represent a passion for the breed and one’s individual goal achievement –absolutely! Does this equate to success as an engaged business leader within a complex organization? Not necessarily.

Some of the most successful club leaders I’ve seen didn’t have long tenures in a breed or a string of awards to boast about. But instead, they brought tangible skills that translate to success in most business settings.

Skill sets that are extremely valuable to clubs today include finance and accounting, IT/technical, legal/ contract review, compliance, web services, marketing/advertising, etc. The most valuable attributes, however, are emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.

We’ve all had relationships falter in the dog world. But if someone has a track record of failed personal/ business dealings, it might call to question how they can effectively represent the views of a large and diverse membership without bias. Can they effectively work with other club leaders to ensure consistent progress versus constant stalemates?

Conversely, popularity does not always equate to success as a leader. While noble, striving to make everyone happy is virtually impossible in dog clubs. The time spent appeasing individual objectives will distract from strategic goals and actions that benefit the greater good. The best candidates are those willing to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, but always for the well-being and sustainability of the club.

Promises, Promises -

Election season is often rife with gaslighting – an extraordinary ability to convince the masses that the challenges that exist are someone else’s fault, often crafting narratives for problems that don’t really exist, all while deftly diverting attention away from one’s own less-than-stellar track record.

Catchy taglines meant to inspire and an equal amount of mud-slinging all make watching the political process both equally addictive and tiring. “Together, we are going to change the world!” Sounds great. But why? What’s wrong with the world, and exactly how will we change it?

I love aspirational thinkers. But as the saying goes, “a goal without a plan is just a dream.”

Tell me exactly what we are solving for and why. Then provide tangible, actionable ways you are going to tackle this. What are the resources needed, and where are they coming from? Who is accountable for defining milestones, and who is responsible when things get off course?

I’m all for warm, fuzzy, feel-good messages, but my long-term bet is on the actual strategy.

SELFLESSNESS (In capital letters!)

From the outside, it might appear there is some perceived status from being on the Board of a dog club and that the time investment is just a couple of hours for once-per-month meetings. Not so.

So if being on a Board means a decent time commitment and consistent work, why would anyone want to do it? Selflessness - the ability to prioritize the needs of the many while working toward a common goal, and an overwhelming desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

We all have personal responsibilities – home, business, family, friends, etc., and the older I get, the more I appreciate self-focus. And these are volunteer positions we are talking about after all. But when I look at candidates, I look to those who have prioritized balancing personal responsibility with servicevolunteering for committees, supporting club initiatives, attending club meetings, working at the club’s show(s), etc. Without that, they will likely struggle with effectively executing a club’s more extensive operations and strategic goals.

The election process can be an incredible display of democracy in action that ensures the growth and longevity of a club. But it can also be a confusing time, full of tension and uncertainty.

As much as possible, emotions and personal relationships should be set aside, and everyone should be vetted against the same standard of expectation and performance.

Go beyond the resume and campaign pitch, ask the difficult questions, and look for a history of tangible results.

If this club were your own business, and its success depended on sustainability, growth, and member engagement, ask who you would want to manage its day-to-day operations and long-term strategic plan.

Me? I’ve never been a high-risk better, so I’m handing the keys to the person with a track record of stepping up when nobody else would (selfless service), with a consistent history of seeing solutions through from concept to delivery, and with a detailed plan of execution for the future.

About the Author:

Jeff Margeson is current Breed Education Director and American Kennel Club (AKC) Delegate for the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA). Has has also served as USASA President, Treasurer, and Director, and is current President for the Catoctin Kennel Club. Personally, Jeff has served as an executive in the financial services sector for over 25 years.

Reprinted with permission.

Stacy McWilliams of River Ridge Rat Terriers, Telford, PA

Growing up loving horses, I always wanted a special dog that could trail ride with me and stay right by my side. In 1998 I rescued my first Rat Terrier and fell deeply in love as she was a loyal, true companion, never leaving my side on those trails. I enjoyed the breed so much that I decided to join a rescue organization that was devoted to the breed and over the next few years I rehomed many fosters.

In 1999 I connected with breeder Donna Sullivan who gave me an opportunity to own two of her bred-by puppies. She had high hopes for one puppy in particular and since I was looking to get into conformation shows she allowed him to come my way. I connected with a local handling class run by Sue Petermann of Sandman Kennels and my love for conformation training and showing grew with the wonderful guidance, patience and support from Sue. That special dog allowed me to show very successfully in the United Kennel Club, winning best in shows and constantly placing in groups. At this time the breed was not recognized by the AKC. I knew in 2001 that I was entering something new when I was asked to do health testing on my male, based on all he had to offer to the rare breed gene pool. The breeder and I set up a breeding that we felt would give us a next generation, of hopefully, a show dog. That entire process was a huge learning experience for me and I wanted to do everything right. With extensive research I prepared to dedicate myself to a breeding program which would allow others to experience well-bred, health tested, Rat Terriers. I then sat down and developed my kennel name and set up a website. This was an exciting time for me!

Rat Terriers were still very new to the United Kennel Club and it felt like I was a huge part of

moving the breed forward and gaining more breed recognition with judges and the general public as people we met often had no idea what a Rat Terrier was. It was then that I knew my life was changing and I was truly devoted to the Rat Terrier in both the show ring and in the whelping box.

As I began to build my small hobby program, I knew I wanted to create well-rounded Rat Terriers that could do it all!

The breed was so smart and athletic and it started to gain ground with people in the sports arena as well as the show ring. I began to really study structure, health and balanced temperament and it was paying off as I started to breed and show my keepers and while showing my bred-by dogs, they were doing really well. I was gaining some followers who were interested in the breed and were getting on my waiting list. I had a waiting list!

For me, one of the most important parts of breeding has been understanding what my puppy homes wanted in their future River Ridge

Rat Terriers and taking a deep dive together to fully understand the Rat Terriers training style, personality and what the owners wanted to do with the dog. Many had and have big expectations to do multiple sports and conformation. Equally important was understanding my breedings, genetics, phenotype, genotype, parents, great parents, getting the crosses right.

I took care of my dams very seriously and made sure we had everything needed for delivery. Once the litter was in the whelping box I needed to understand each pup as an individual from birth to eight to ten weeks. I knew I needed to prepare the new owner for what lies ahead, and to prepare them to take on whatever their journey would throw at them. I never considered picks at birth and continue to this day to do full evaluations at eight to ten weeks prior to decisions and placements.

I watch the litter, take videos every day, so puppy homes would feel like they are right here with me. Discovering what each puppy is built to do and what their temperament is, has really helped my

eye and the understanding of my line. I health test parents for everything I can and know that a solid foundation would be better to build on. The next important aspect of my program is the puppy challenges, day after day, week after week, and with each litter I add more equipment and challenges so I am able to really read my puppies and see the resilience, focus, drive and biddability of each pup.

Then the last huge part was puppy placement. Matching that right puppy to the right home. I would never place a puppy I ranked as a pet in a show or performance home, and I never place a show/performance puppy into a pet home. The importance of getting the right fit was and still is a tremendous weight on my shoulders.

This whole process I had developed to monitor and challenge my puppies has paid off for me over the years as I have had fantastic homes who really do great things with their Rat Terriers and the owners were so happy with their puppies.

During all this time, the breed moved into AKC recognition and I quickly earned my Breeder of Merit title. It wasn’t long after I went from Breeder of Merit to Breeder of Merit Gold. My puppy homes were getting to enjoy a lot of new events with AKC recognition and more accomplishments in another venue opened up. Then a few years after recognition Covid hit and all sports and shows went on a long pause. Maybe it felt even longer for me as I only needed one more title to earn my Breeder of Merit Platinum. The shows started back and my puppy families did it! I achieved Breeder of Merit Platinum and I felt like I had come a long way in just 23 years of breeding Rat Terriers and only seven years of recognition of the breed by the American Kennel Club.

I am continuing to build upon my program and have gained more new challenges to breed more performance driven dogs, as the sports AKC has to offer is growing. Dock diving has become a big draw for my Rat Terriers and I have had to work hard on introducing puppies to more water activities, and even shifted to trying to keep performance breeding aligned so they can come early spring/summer. I can do a lot more with our puppies in the spring and summer around water activities.

Over the years in AKC I have been heavily involved with conformation. I enjoyed bringing the breed in through the miscellaneous class and feel fortunate that I was able to be a part of that new, exciting adventure for the breed. Now Rat Terriers are very settled in the terrier group and here on the East Coast, where I primarily show, those groups are tough! I have had quite a few top ranked Rat Terriers come out of my program here at River Ridge and have had some group first winners, terrier specialty winners, and I have won four of the eight national specialties, and several of the specialties offered by the parent club..

We currently have a young dog that is out of a special and most know his sire as Hunter. I bred Hunter and he achieved a lot of recognition in the AKC conformation and agility events, and now we have his son out in the ring. He is currently number one breed and number three all-breed. It is hard for Rat Terriers to win group placements here on the East Coast so we have our sights set on top breed ranking as a goal. We have a few co-owners and we are having a lot of fun together, showing Hunter and running ad campaigns. We are all looking forward to our favorite Montgomery County Kennel Club terrier show, coming up in October.

I also wanted to add that I love to mentor and I am always looking to support and mentor new

Stacy McWilliams of River Ridge Rat Terriers

breeders so I can pass on to them a lot of knowledge about the breed. I continue to encourage people who love to do multiple sports and conformation, to look at the Rat Terrier as a candidate for sports and show. I am here for my current homes, keeping a specialized Facebook group to connect, encourage, answer questions and have breed topic discussions. It has been a wonderful experience for me and I keep in touch with all my owners, and they know they can rely on me to help them any day of the year!

I want to thank all those who believe in my dogs, and are getting them out to do great things and helping with breed exposure. Together we are moving the breed forward!

Thank you, TerrierGroup magazine for allowing me to share my story.

And TerrierGroup thanks Stacy McWilliams for this wonderful interview on this exciting new breed in the terrier group!

REMEMBERING - Walter Fletcher

Journalist for the New York Times 1916-1993

If you attended the Westminster Kennel Club dog show a number of years ago you would remember Walter Fletcher, who would enter the arena carrying his typewriter, a notepad and pencils, sitting at the long table situated at the end of the rings on the main floor, along with the photographers.

Fletcher was born in New York City and was a true New Yorker, living and working in the city until he retired and moved to a warmer climate. He graduated from City College with a bachelor’s degree and started his newspaper career as a campus correspondent for the New York Post where he soon became a copy editor. From there he moved to the New York Times and wrote for the paper for 42 years, always using his worn-out portable typewriter as he would not bend to any new technology.

By the 1960s most of his journalist writings were about dog shows and dogs, with columns in the Thursday and Sunday papers. He covered the shows throughout the north east coast and before long he had a captive audience waiting

to find out who was where and who had won the ribbons.

The box on his desk was always full of mail and eventually he received more mail than any other sports journalists at the newspaper, which was indeed an accomplishment. By 1965 he was reporting and writing columns for three newspaper editions a week, covering the eastern dog shows and also advising readers about which breeds were good for ownership and, in addition, on how to train them.

In 1965 he was awarded two Dog Writers Association of America awards for reporting and writing columns, and for his magazine articles. He was eventually being referred to as “the dean of canine journalism” with his career spanning nearly forty years. Upon retirement he left New York City and relocated to a retirement community in Niceville, Florida, where he maintained an active life, in addition to singing in a choral group.

Times have changed, including in the world and in the dog world. The likes and times of Mr. Fletcher, whose life was spent in bringing the eastern dog world alive to Americans, has changed and his type will not be seen again.

Muriel Lee

Terrier Spirit: A Timeless Character or a Fading Trait?

Terriers have long been known for their spirited and tenacious nature. These small but mighty dogs have earned a reputation for their fearlessness, determination and unwavering loyalty. However, in recent years there has been a growing concern among dog enthusiasts that terriers are losing their distinctive terrier character.

Claude ReMaynes

This essay aims to explore the essence of terrier spirit, its historical significance and whether it is indeed diminishing in modern times.

Historical Significance of Terrier Spirit

Terriers have a rich history that dates back for centuries. Originally bred for hunting and vermin control, these dogs were valued for their ability to fearlessly enter burrows and chase out prey. Their spirited nature and relentless pursuit made them indispensable companions for farmers and hunters alike. Terriers were known for their unwavering determination, quick thinking and boundless energy. This unique terrier spirit became synonymous with each breed and was highly regarded by dog enthusiasts.

The Changing Role of Terriers

As society has evolved, so too has the role of terriers. With the decline in hunting and vermin control, terriers have transitioned into the more domesticated role as family pet. This shift in purpose has led to changes in their environment, their lifestyle and their overall temperament. Terriers are now more likely to be found in urban settings living in apartments, rather than enjoying life on the farm. This change in living conditions has undoubtedly impacted their behavior, and may have contributed to a perceived decline in their terrier spirit.

Challenges to Terrier Spirit

One of the main challenges terriers face in maintaining their spirited character is the lack of opportunities to exercise their natural instincts. They may become bored, frustrated or even anxious without regular exposure to activities that stimulate their hunting and chasing instincts and this can lead to behavioral issues, such as excessive barking, digging or aggression.

Additionally, the increasing popularity of designer breeds and crossbreeding has diluted the pure terrier bloodlines, potentially diluting their distinctive terrier spirit.

The Role of Responsible Ownership

While external factors may influence the terrier spirit, responsible ownership plays a crucial role in preserving and nurturing this character and owners must provide their terriers with ample mental and physical stimulation, including regular exercise, interactive play and training. Engaging in activities that tap into their natural instincts, such as scent work or agility training, can help maintain their terrier spirit. Furthermore, responsible breeding practices that prioritize preserving the breed’s original traits can contribute to the preservation of terrier spirit.

Terrier spirit, with its fearless and tenacious nature, has been an integral part of each breed’s identity for centuries. While the changing roles and environments of terriers may have impacted their character, it is essential to recognize that responsible ownership and breeding practices can help preserve and nurture their distinctive spirit.

By providing terriers with opportunities to exercise their natural instincts and ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing, we can help ensure that the terrier spirit remains a timeless and cherished trait for generations to come.

Mary Larson

A Look at Books The Year of the Puppy

by Alexandra Horowitz

Other than breeders, how many are lucky enough to experience their dog’s life from birth forward. In her book The Year of the Puppy, author Alexandra Horowitz got such an opportunity. Horowitz is a researcher in the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College in New York City.

Horowitz had a chance to observe a litter of 11 puppies at the home of Amy, the dog’s foster caregiver. As she observes the puppies, she notes all they can and cannot do and compares them to babies of the same age. Her book is memoir combined with research. The author watches the puppies’ actions and lets readers know how their actions relate to their survival from birth, to how their behavior affects their interactions with people and other animals as they grow older through their first year.

When the puppies were born it was decided that they would not go to a shelter, rather they would be put up for adoption through Amy, their foster caregiver. Horowitz had to decide which of the 11 puppies would join her family, consisting of her husband, son, two dogs and a cat. After choosing the puppy, Quiddity, also called Quid, the family settled in with the first-time dog that will be a part of their family.

Readers follow Quid through her first year of life with the author’s observations of her growth and actions. Some readers may think to themselves, “That’s why my puppy does that,” or “Hey, my puppy does that, too.” This reviewer had the same reaction, remembering the 12 puppies that had been members of her family through the years.

This book is a work of nonfiction and it does not read as quickly as a novel. However, the author has made it very readable, and the combination of Quid’s first year of life with the scientific research and the family is a perfect match.

The book lists all of the research papers and books that the author used to draw conclusions regarding why dogs do what they do. Also included is an extensive index for readers interested in specific topics in the book. This reviewer used to tell her students, “No need to page through your book looking for information, the index is your friend.” Settle in to use the index and to find out why your puppy does what it does/ You will not be disappointed!

Lastly, while this book is not a training manual for puppies, this reviewer was delighted to see that two of her beliefs were mentioned in the book. First, puppies need to learn to come when called as it can save their life; the second is to reward puppies and dogs for desired behaviors. In other words, “catch them being good.” When they are doing something that you like reward them. If they are resting quietly, say, “Yes,” and reward them. If they are looking out the window quietly, say “Yes’” and again reward. This will be so much more satisfying for both of you. Now, keep your eyes open and work on that bond!

Amazon - $19.20 Barnes & Noble $21.99

The Dog Who Saved Me

by Susan Wilson

The old saying “you can never go home again” was exactly what Cooper Hamilton had in mind when he left his home town of Harmony Farms right after high school. He wanted to strike out on his own and leave behind his father Bull who was the town drunk and his brother, Jimmy, who was trouble from day one and was now in prison.

He worked his way through college, graduated and landed his perfect job in Boston as a K9 handler with the police department. Tragedy entered the picture, and he found himself back in Harmony Farms 18 years later as the town’s animal control officer. He told himself this was a one-year position and then he would be out of town for good…..

Author Susan Wilson has deftly woven several storylines into her book The Dog Who Saved Me. Cooper is dealing with his depression over the loss of his K9 police dog, for which he blames himself. He also has his relationship with his father, which he would rather not reestablish even though his dad is now working at keeping sober and trying to turn his life around. Brother Jimmy is out of prison and living with dad, which is not working out.

Enter an abused and abandoned Labrador Retriever. Terrified of humans, Cooper is determined to capture the dog, rehabilitate him, and find a new home for him. During the process he keeps reminding himself of the tragedy that his canine partner endured to protect him, and vows not to get emotionally involved. But we all know how dogs can change even the most hardened of hearts.

Susan Wilson’s book, The Dog Who Saved Me, resonates with emotion like few this reviewer has ever experienced. The author is able to share with readers all the joys, uncertainty and sorrows of the characters through her skilled writing. She is also the author of several other dog themed books that this reviewer would recommend.

Available in paperback: Amazon - $6.99 Barnes and Noble - $15.99

Who is Muriel Lee?

They used to say that the average life of a person in the world of dog shows was fifteen years and perhaps that still stands. The kids grow up and life changes; you lose in the ring much more than you win and that grows old. You have new carpet and you are tired of the puppies using it to poop on so you know it’s time to move on.

For those of you who are relatively new to the world of breeding purebred dogs and going to dog shows, you may not know who I am and wonder why I’m here, doing a job as an editor of a terrier magazine. So…my background in dogs covers a lot of decades, and when I think back, it’s amazing that I persevered through it all. My parents dated and married during the great depression and when they could afford it they would attend a movie matinee, always one of the Thin Man movies, (After they would share a bowl of chop suey at the local Chinese restaurant – 25 cents and they could keep the bowl.)

Along came me – their only child, and by the time I was seven or eight years old it was decided that a dog should be brought into the mix. My dad had had a beloved mixed-breed and my mother had never had a pet of any kind. What to get? Of course, the Thin Man movies came to mind, along with the Wire Fox Terrier by the name of Asta, and off they went to look at a well-bred Wire Fox Terrier.

We brought eight-week old Susie home and she immediately became a beloved member of the family. First, Susie got a collar and a leash along with a study rope tied to a pillar outside the back door. When Susie needed to go out, she was tied to the rope and she would bark when she wanted to come in. Perfect, so we thought.

In the meantime, the Scottie that lived across the quiet street figured out that he had a new

neighbor and would come to visit Susie often. He knew right where her rope ended and always sat about two feet back, giving Susie ample space to lunge at him, break the rope and send the neighborhood into calling, “Susie’s loose!!!” In spite of all that, she lived to sixteen years of age and finally calmed down at the age of 13 or so. Seeing that our background in raising dogs was zip, it was a miracle that Susie became a fairly well-behaved member of the family, in addition to being groomed to look like a proper Wire. And how did that happen? My mother looked at some photos of Fox Terriers and figured out that she needed a brush, a comb and scissors. We never knew about a grooming table so it took my dad and I, holding Susie down on a table, and my mother handling the grooming tools, to get the proper look. It took all three of us, but it worked! Susie lived to sixteen-years and brought great happiness to my parents.

I went to college, married in 1960 and decided that my husband and I needed a dog. And, leaving my terrier roots, I found what I thought would be fabulous…a sheepdog! I called an ad in our local newspaper and a very nice woman told me that she had Shetland sheepdogs and what I wanted was an Old English sheepdog. And off I went in search of the perfect OES. I brought this ball of fur home and a friend suggested that I attend a fun match and show her. What? A fun match? Wow! And off my husband and I went to the fun match.

Muriel

My husband took the dog around the ring, came out and said, “That’s it for me. You’re on your own” and never attended another dog show. In the mean-time I met a friend had a young St Bernard that he wanted to show so we decided to get together and go to the first dog show for both of us. I drove to his house with the OES, met his wife, and the three of us and two dogs got into the station wagon. Who ever heard of a dog crate. The Saint and owner were in the front seat, the wife and I in the next row, she holding a whisk broom, and my OES was in the rear. Each time the Saint started to lunge for the OES the wife would hit him on the head with the whisk broom and send him back to the front seat. The OES lasted some years but the hip dysplasia problem WAS a problem and, although by now I had two OES champions, it was time to move on and back to my terrier roots, (Well, about time, I would say.)

I contacted John Sheehan of Firebrand kennels, just outside of Minneapolis, and purchased my first Scottie, mentioning that, by the pound, an OES was much cheaper than a Scottie, leaving Mr Sheehan speechless for one of the only times in his life. (An aside. John bought his first Scottie from Deephaven kennels, managed by Bob Bartos.)

Then I attended my first Montgomery County with John and I realized that when I left the OES I was one of the older members of the national club and when I attended my first Montgomery County Scottie meeting, Dick Hensel (judge and Scottie breeder) told me it was so nice to see someone “young” in the group.

John and I travelled to a dog show together for the first time within a few months of our meeting and we talked from Minneapolis to Chicago, (six-hour drive) and managed to drive right past Chicago as the conversation was so good. And right there, our travels continued for years, dog shows in the Midwest and Montgomery County in October. I ring stewarded for the Scotties for thirty years at Montgomery and retired, thinking that it was time for someone younger to take over. We went to the Westminster Kennel Club show many times, as well as a few trips to the UK, for not only dog shows but to see friends.

And what did I learn? WELL. I whelped 50 liters for John and knew right at the onset that there was not a good book on whelping puppies, so I wrote, The Whelping and Rearing of puppies. I selfpublished it with some help of great friends, with… the writing, how to get it printed and with the expenses. Through that I was contacted by Andrew dePrisco, who worked for TFH Publishing, and he asked me to write a book on the Scottish Terrier. A book on my breed!

I was thrilled and got out my college Smith Corona and got to work, eventually sending off 100 or so pages to Andrew. “What, no computer?” This all led, not only to a wonderful friendship with multitalented Andrew, (and a new computer) but years of writing books for whoever he was working for at the time. For the last twenty years or so, I have edited several international dog magazines –terriers and a Frenchie magazine, and wrote a big book on the Frenchies. When I got my first Frenchie they were 87th in popularity, and look at them now. All of this has led to a wonderful life in dogs. John was like a big brother to me and taught me about the world of dogs. The friendships made through dogs have been fulfilling and long lasting. Unfortunately, since time moves on, many of the good friends have passed on. I quit showing dogs about twenty years ago due to new hips and then new knees. But, I still have pen in hand, plus a yellow lined pad, and as long as the spirit is there, I will be too!

European Dog Show Top Winners

Herning, Denmark May 18-21, 2023.

Best in Show

Judge: Hanne Laine Jensen

Kiti’s Band Road Runner Superbird

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Adam Ostrowski, Poland

Best Baby - Day 2

Judge: Aida Rivera Franco

3 Unlimited Flash-of-Light Venturesome

Bull Terrier, Miniature

Kateryna Kosovets, Ukraine

4 White Tan Bonnie

Jack Russell Terrier

Maria Cristina Garbarino, Italy

Best Puppy - Day 2

Judge: Eva Nielsen

2 Mathilde z Roxburku Sun

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Kristine Maria Siitan, Estonia

3 Sir Darnley’s Enjoy Emotion

Skotsk Terrier

Maren Bichel-Schnock, Germany

Best Progeny Group - Day 2

Judge Dommer Guido Schäfer

2 Saliva’s 3 Coins In The Fountain

Cairn Terrier

Tine Mathari, Denmark

Best Veteran - Day 2

Judge Dommer Branislav Rajic

1 Finnsky Unforgetable

Skye Terrier

Olavi Ahponen, Teija Ahponen, Finland

2 Angel Pollentia’s Isabella Star

Irish Softcoated Wheaten Terrier

Gunn Kari Skauge, Norway

Group 3 - Terriers

Judge Dommer Laurent Pichard

1 Kiti’s Band Road Runner Superbird

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Adam Ostrowski, Poland

2 Blanca v.d. Schoenen Bergen

Fox Terrier, Ruhåret

Friedrich Wilhelm

Schoenenberg, Germany

3 Filisite Brash Riddle Of Fate

Skotsk Terrier

Ramune Baranauskiene, Lithuania

4 Jackandfish Smasher

Jack Russell Terrier

Olga Klimova, Italy

Junior Group 3 - Terriers

Judge Dommer Kevin Brown

1 Bonwild Black Magic Woman

Engelsk Toy Terrier

Sari Laitinen, Finland

2 Filisite Brash Riddle Of Fate

Skotsk Terrier

Ramune Baranauskiene, Lithuania

3 Matranensis Wyl

Welsh Terrier

Peter Annus, Hungary

4 Jackandfish Smasher

Jack Russell Terrier

Olga Klimova, Italy

Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT

Studying Potential Treatments for Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the nervous system in dogs. It is challenging to diagnose, and the lack of effective treatment options leaves owners of affected dogs feeling frustrated and helpless as their beloved pet declines.

That’s exactly how dog owners Molli and Doug Cook felt. “Bubba was our sweet, loving Boxer and our baby for 11 years,” Molli says. “At the age of nine he was diagnosed with DM and our journey with this disease began. He transitioned from paw dragging, to swaying his back legs, to a wheelchair over the course of two years, but he never stopped smiling and enjoying life with his family.”

Thankfully, a recently awarded grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) offers hope for slowing the progression of DM in dogs. With funding from CHF Grant 03139: Riluzole as a Neuroprotectant in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, investigators will study the drug riluzole as a potential treatment for dogs with DM.

Clinical signs of DM appear later in life and include worsening weakness and paralysis starting in the hind limbs and progressing to involve the front limbs, swallowing muscles, and diaphragm. The disease has characteristics similar to some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in humans.

Riluzole, the drug being studied, was the first FDA approved medication to treat ALS in humans in 1995. It prevents the build-up of excitatory nerve signaling molecules that can kill nerve cells in affected dogs and humans.

“This drug addresses a pathophysiologic mechanism shared in DM and ALS,” says Dr. Joan Coates, the study’s Principal Investigator and veterinary neurologist at the University of Missouri. “Riluzole is shown to prolong quality of life in human ALS patients. This new study will evaluate safety and efficacy of Riluzole in treatment of DM.”

The study has three aims: to evaluate the safety of oral riluzole use in dogs, conduct a multi-site clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of riluzole treatment, and show the utility of a recently discovered biomarker to track clinical progression of DM in dogs. This research is the first step toward the long-term goal of studying multiple DM treatment options simultaneously at several institutions in the United States. To support that effort, Dr. Coates and her colleagues (Dr. Sarah Moore at The Ohio State University, Dominik Faissler at Tufts University and Natasha Olby at North Carolina State University) started Project DM (www.caninedm. org), a network of canine DM researchers working together to accelerate progress in developing treatments for this disease.

“This collaboration allows us to collect reliable data at multiple veterinary hospitals,” Dr. Coates says. “We can therefore efficiently recruit more cases and study more potential treatments than

if the research was being done at only one location. It really allows more dogs and their owners to participate in clinical trials.”

The potential for rapid progress in our understanding of DM sparked the interest of Molli and Doug Cook. “We started our nonprofit, Bubba’s Buddies (www.bubbasbuddies. org), with the mission to raise money for DM research so that no dogs or dog parents would have to go through the same journey we did,” Molli says. “We started out partnering with Project DM, who introduced us to the AKC Health Foundation and the process of supporting canine health research through CHF. Bubba passed in November 2022, but we continue to honor him through Bubba’s Buddies and our partnership with CHF.”

“Bubba’s Buddies research sponsorship will help pay for the in-depth screening tests that are needed for a dog to enroll in the riluzole clinical trial,” Dr. Coates says. “We need an accurate diagnosis to collect meaningful data and this financial support will allow more dogs and owners to participate.”

CHF and its donors are committed to funding studies like this clinical trial to help develop more accurate diagnostic tests and effective treatments for canine DM. Their investment has already been rewarding. With funding from previous CHF research grants, Dr. Coates and her colleagues identified a genetic mutation and gene modifiers that increases the risk of developing DM in certain dog breeds, described the structural changes in the nervous system that define DM, and studied a molecule that can be measured in the fluid surrounding the central nervous system to monitor disease progression.

The riluzole study marks the first CHFfunded study exploring a potential treatment for DM. Participants are currently being recruited at the University of Missouri, Tufts University, The Ohio State University, and North Carolina State University. Learn more about this research, including information on participation, at www.akcchf.org/03139.

Ways to Donate to the CHF

Whatever your capacity to give, there is a way for you to help the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). Many of the ways to give are listed on the website.

www.akcchf.org/how-to-help/other-ways-to-give

Please contact the CHF at 1-888-682-9696 to learn more or find out how you can tailor a gift to your interests.

Bubba and his owners Molli and Doug Cook

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