Carl C. Ashby | Blujac Kerry Blue Terriers

Interview with Carl C. Ashby, Breeder of Blujac Kerry Blue Terriers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
3. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
4. What does “Montgomery” represent to you as a Preservation Breeder? As an Exhibitor?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Carl C. Ashby

1. Jaimie and I began a lifelong journey with Kerry Blue Terriers fresh out of college. We moved to North Carolina where we live today. In my first professional job, I was in a cubicle with a colleague whose wife was a veterinarian and very active in breeding and showing Miniature Schnauzers. Through that relationship we became interested in pursuing our own way and met the late Margo Steinman (Kilmarley) who introduced us to the Kerry Blue. Our foundation bitch “Penny” (Ch. Kilmarley Irish Imp) was entrusted to us by Margo, and Penny produced multiple Best in Show Ch. Blujac’s Afternoon Delight ROM-G. “Del” was owner-handled by Jaimie. We have over 45 years in the sport, currently actively showing and breeding under the Blujac prefix.

We believe in the importance of giving back to the sport. Jaimie and I have been active in dog clubs from the beginning, both at the local and national level. I have chaired over 75 all-breed shows over the years and currently chair the Carolina Cluster. We both helped form the Carolina Terrier Association. At the national level, I currently serve as a Governor of the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, its Treasurer, and AKC Delegate. I am Past Vice Chair of the American Kennel Club.

2. Our breed is generally in good shape but faces the challenge of a shrinking gene pool and replacing preservation breeders at a slower rate than is necessary to preserve the breed. In Kerry Blues, bigger is NOT better. Like many breeds with no size disqualifications, we are seeing bitches that exceed the ideal size (18.5 inches) and dogs exceeding the ideal size of 19.5 inches. A proper coat, a hallmark of the breed, is also a concern.

3. There is no question judging has changed since we entered the sport. There was a day when judges grew up through managing large kennels, handling, and then becoming a judge. The number of all-breed judges was much smaller and dog knowledge was deeper. Today, the large kennels are gone and the need for multiple Groups to get assignments is driving many judges out of their comfort zone. In terriers this has become a serious issue, with very few judges coming from terriers as their first breed. This results in making it difficult for newly approved judges to have the experience of forming a good image of the breeds they are being asked to judge.

There are too many shows. The number of shows over the past years has increased around 18% and the number of unique dogs in competition has decreased about 11%. We are simply redistributing a shrinking pool of exhibitors. We must find ways to increase unique exhibitors and reverse the decline of the past 15 years.

4. For any serious terrier person, Montgomery is the most coveted place to have success and prove your breeding program. A class win is just as thrilling as Best of Breed to serious preservation breeders. In our breed, it’s the one place where breeders from across the country bring the best of the best to compete. Nothing beats the anticipation and excitement of that Sunday. The disappointing part is seeing the decline in entries from 2,500 a few years ago to about half of that today.

5. When not abused, social media has the potential to grow our sport. People are proud of their dogs and want to share success, and social media provides that ability. There will always be bad actors who abuse it, but the good outweighs the bad.

6. The biggest challenge is the declining participation in Conformation! It contributes to the increase in the number of low entry breeds, the decline in unique dogs and exhibitors at shows, the shrinking gene pool, and the graying of our club structure. All threaten the future of purpose-bred dogs. There is no one fix but a combination of steps that can help to reverse the trend.

Examples include:

• Use of different show models, including expanding use of two shows in a day and, in some cases, reducing four days of shows into two. Use of the 4/3 Group model, where for a 2-day event, four Groups are done twice on one day and three Groups twice on the other, with only Group winners having to stay for the second day.
• Make shows both more accessible and affordable for busy families.
• Develop an “on ramp” for new exhibitors where they can learn while enjoying early success.
  Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try new things… some of which will work and others will fail, but the learning with move us forward.

7. Positive changes include:

• The National Owner-Handled Series has provided a reason for many to keep their dog in competition. Participation in NOHS has exploded over the past years. I was instrumental in the AKC Board adopting this competition and am proud of how AKC has continued to expand it.
• The Grand Champion title has enhanced the sport, allowing further recognition of dogs and their preservation breeders.
• The Club Development Department at AKC which works closely with clubs to assist them in remaining viable.
• AKC.tv and engagement with ESPN to raise the visibility of purebred dogs and their contribution to the lives of all people.