Oh the Americans don't have a clue my darling! Their knowledge experience and wisdom are legendary. they are pre-World War II breeders. Blue skin, blue dog! On the other hand what person would possibly assume that there were two perfect-colored blue and tan dogs that started the breed, silly isn't it? Get creative. Don't mimic and please don't be misled. No one knows it all and Mother Nature herself can be very unpredictable. There are so many theories of this breed's foundation and how does one sit with the introduction of the Maltese? That long silky coat sure didn't come from a ruff broken eared Terrier, believe me! Volume never assumes great coats; color and texture come from the slow growing puppy coats. Maybe some, certainly not all. Heavy coats from day one can get heavier, much silkier and ultimately display the grandeur of quality, quantity and texture! Don't judge a puppy coat as an adult. Its not how you start; its how you finish. And for those ignoring AKC rules, coloring dogs, get "busted" one day by a judge that isn't going to tolerate it and you'll see a cheater is an all round loser! Without the challenge, a breeder has no work, no sport and certainly no art. Be an "artist", get creative, meet the challenge and evolve to the most magnificent breed ever, the Yorkshire Terrier!
  4. What attribute lends itself especially well to the show ring? Attitude, spirit, animation, presentation and stylish presence!
  5. What is the most common judging mistake in your breed? Comparing puppies to adults. This breed matures slowly and may be very different at one year and three. Some may be colorless as young as two years old. Top lines on puppies can improve dramatically as adults when their structures settles in, as well as the opposite.You really have to judge the dog with age consideration first, but things could get sour or sweet with age!
  6. Would you prefer your breed to be judged standing or moving? Moving, moving, please moving! This is where you can see all the parts work and fit, the balance angulation all rounded soundness come to play. The most beautiful dog can be an absolute mess when he moves. Movement, angulation, showcases a dog's athletic abilities and all-over soundness.
  7. What is the greatest concern to breeders today? In as much as we know and love the breed today we must consider tomorrow with every serious attention to soundness, health, muscle, bone and athletic abilities and well as breed characteristics. Today there are so many rectangular dogs, not square. The standard says the head has a small muzzle not too long, than it goes a step further saying slight stop. This means what it says. What part do they not understand? A toy dog must have a toy head. it annoys me to see long muzzles. No stop at all and top knots back combed to the nines. Are they trying to give you an artificial stop and make the head look smaller? Get over it. Who wants a "fake" looking dog? It takes a bigger, smarter person to admit a wrong. Starting over with the best dogs is a very wise breeder. You can't turn glass into a diamond! Don't waste your time! Start over from what you've learned, you will be much happier, and enjoy your dogs so much more and your sport.
  8. What is the most endearing characteristic of your breed? I would say their heart. These little dogs love you with all their heart regardless. Their sweet demeanor and penetrating eyes hit you from your "heart to the bottom of your soul". They love you to death. Their super human like intelligence makes them the most loved dog on the planet!
  9. What three words best describe your breed? Beautiful, elegant extroverts!
  10. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes do you feel are necessary? I think the standard is just fine. I only wish people would take the time to read it more closely, and work towards its benefits.
  11. What tips or advise would you share with a newcomer? Find a type and breeder you can communicate with it, and stick to your guns and your own head! Above all, be a "creative breeder". Use the standard but use your own signature!
  12. Who would you like to see judge your national? This is the hardest question since I feel there are so many good judges. But, considering the breed today, I would say Ken Miller, Dorothy Naegele and Kathy Sawyer all in one breath! Ken Miller had tremendous structure and gorgeous dark honest color, and Dorothy Naegele's Northsires Mozel Tov was one of the breeds most proper sires of our time. He certainly had the most to offer, rich dark steel blue deep shaded tan darker at the roots on the most sound square body this side of the mississippi. Neck and topline were unequaled. I will never forget him or her. Kathy Sawyer is another breeder judge that really knows this breed. Structure movement and again she had gorgeous natural dark steel blue and rich deep shaded tan tremendous length of coat and all natural. She is always focused on the whole dog right down to the angled tail. I would have three judge at once and vote! Boy, would the exhibitors get a surprise, and may the best dog win.

article provided by Raymond Antonucci

<< Previous Page                                                        Return to the Home page >>