Barbara Beissel of Lamplighter shares decades of insight on Silky Terriers, breeding to the Standard, and preserving Toy breeds.
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Barbara Beissel: My interest has always been the beautiful coats and temperament of these breeds. Nothing better than a well-groomed Silky or Yorkie being expertly presented. Both of these elements create that “Aha” moment for the judge, handler, spectator, and yes, the dog.
Barbara Beissel: To begin, research past pedigrees. With over 45-plus years of experience, I’ve actually seen many of these pedigrees in a show ring. Temperament is the most important quality for the sire and dam. Identify what each dog can bring to the breeding and the value of what you need. Always breed forward and never give up a quality you have worked hard to perfect, like a great front-end, topline, or perfect color. The puppies that make the show ring are keen and alert, well groomed, and familiar with ring presentation. Littermates are evaluated against each other, then against the Breed Standard. Typically, it’s the puppy your eye is drawn to.
Barbara Beissel: I strongly support sharing stud dogs with a responsible breeder if we agree the breeding will not damage my pedigree and the breeding will enhance the breed. I don’t remember leasing a bitch. My bitches become my housedogs.
Barbara Beissel: The importance of breed preservation to the Standard is significant; it should not be taken lightly. The AKC judge’s function is to judge breeding stock, to find the best dog in the ring. The breeder’s function is to breed better dogs. The two functions should merge in the ring using the Standard as a guide. Judges need flexibility to find the best dog in the ring. For example, the Silky Terrier Standard states, “The tail is docked…,” a man-made quality, and “The topline is level,” a genetic quality. Both are “natural” qualities. Which should a judge select in order to fulfill their purpose? Since 2013, there have been seven different No. 1 Silkys with natural tails and several hundred Silkys and Yorkies earning AKC championship titles. AKC judges appear to be using common sense and the Breed Standards, along with flexibility, to find the best dog in the ring. For those who complain… “Just breed a better dog.”
Barbara Beissel: First, many parent clubs need to be less political and recognize their poor political positions within their breeds. Parent clubs must practice policies of inclusion rather than exclusion. Don’t use associate memberships to keep people from fully participating in a club. So many parent clubs are dinosaurs. They are viewed by the public as elitist, and snobby, and they typically are. Breeders love their dogs just as doodlers love their doodles, but doodlers may not understand responsible breeders’ wealth of breed knowledge, pedigrees, testing, genetic planning, and TEMPERAMENT. These components come with a cost that society may not want to pay. Every inquiry is an opportunity to educate. When you find the perfect home, flexible pricing may be in order. It’s always about the dog. Use AKC resources to help promote the merits of your breed. Always be accessible, before and after a placement.
Finally, open the door to the youth. PROMOTE Junior Handlers; do things like don’t charge an entry fee for Juniors. Support them with your knowledge and mentoring. Share your knowledge even if they beat you in the ring. Above all, teach sportsmanship and just be nice.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
