Sorry about that, will ask the question again ..

As a matter of interest, how many other people in the show world agree with you on the coat being excessive?


It was meant as a serious question BTW!

Just wanted to know if it was just a personal opinion, or one held by others in the breed .

So, to bring it back (albeit tenuously) what do folk think about the way Kerries and Soft Coated Wheatens are being presented in the ring? Does it enhance the appearance of the dogs, or is it trying to make a 'classic terrier' out of breeds that were intended to be multi-purpose?

I've not mentioned Wheatens up til now because I know what I've read - but is it true?!!! I think the Kerries were identified as a separate breed to wheatens when the occasional blue pups were bred deliberately to create a distinct type. Not sure which of the 2 breeds was officially recognised first though. However, it seems to be the wheatens that found favour with the badger-diggers, so a few wheatens in the past did get very broad heads and fronts, while others were more racy and suited to less specialist work.

I hasten to add - I have never worked a terrier on badger - digging or baiting and nor will I!

In fact, why are Irish shown 'strung-up' the same as fox terriers, Lakies and Welsh, when the whole conformation is different and they should present the appearance of a dog capable of speed and agility?

where's that Border Dawn when you need her contribution? - Calling Dawn........

Coat
Soft and silky, plentiful and wavy.

Coat
Soft and silky. Neither woolly nor wiry. Loosely waved or curly, but if curly, curls large, light and loose. The coat should not stand off but flow and fall naturally. Coat abundant all over body and especially profuse on head and legs. Length of leg coat sufficient to give good balance to the length of coat on head and body. There is no seasonal change in the length or texture of the mature coat. Over-trimming or stylising should be penalised. For show purposes the coat may be tidied to present a neat outline. Coat colour and texture do not stabilize until about 24 months and should be given some latitude in young dogs

I know several people in various breeds who now clicker train their dogs in showing which is great because it eliminates the stringing up and looks more natural.

Its nice to see a freer stand as well without heads held under the chin etc.

It shouldn't make any difference to the results of course as the judges aren't looking at how the dog is shown.

Re another question entirely, in the canine multisports booklet it requires you at one point in the ringcraft section, to get between the judge and the dog. Apparently because in Gordon Setters they were meant to do that. I showed my Gordon and it didn't happen then----I didn't think it happened now. Does it?

Thanks

rune

I know several people in various breeds who now clicker train their dogs in showing which is great because it eliminates the stringing up and looks more natural.

Its nice to see a freer stand as well without heads held under the chin etc.

It shouldn't make any difference to the results of course as the judges aren't looking at how the dog is shown.

Thanks

rune

I know several people in various breeds who now clicker train their dogs in showing which is great because it eliminates the stringing up and looks more natural.

Its nice to see a freer stand as well without heads held under the chin etc.


Free standing or stacked, it really does not matter, both can be dont well and both can be done badly.

The object after all is to show a dog off to its best , (bit like having your photo taken, if you are slumped all over the place, you will not make such a good image , compared to striking a pose!

Someone stinging a dog to high will impair its conformation and movement, as with a bad stack.

I agree though a good free stand is wonderful to see, but it all depends on the dog and handler to get the best results from each other.




It shouldn't make any difference to the results of course as the judges aren't looking at how the dog is shown.

Of cause they are it is after all a dog show, and although confirmation is paramount, you cant get away from the fact a dog that is not shown correctly , will not present a good impression, nor is it fair to others who have put the time in to showing their dogs well.


Re another question entirely, in the canine multisports booklet it requires you at one point in the ringcraft section, to get between the judge and the dog. Apparently because in Gordon Setters they were meant to do that. I showed my Gordon and it didn't happen then----I didn't think it happened now. Does it?

Thanks

rune

Not quite sure what you mean? Do you mean when you are moving the dog? if so, its always been understood to get between the dog and the judge will impair the judges view of the dog, so therefore is bad practice and poor handling.

Rune - get between dog and judge - I'm sorry don't understand the question hun?

Alot of dogs are still stacked - i.e. head under chin. All the setters for example are.

The fashion of stringing dogs up in gundog breeds is creeping in - I prefer to show on a loose lead - I think it shows the movement better others will argue this?

Sadly in Junior Handling the like them to hold the lead in a position which gives the impression of stringing up but I've tried to teach Jess to keep the arm relaxed! Emily seems much more able on this though!

Coat presentation is an argument within our breed at the moment and judges have been advised to penalise excessive coat! I will admit I prefer a less heavy/long coat there are many other things which are of importance which will hinder a dog working - sickle hocks for one!