Linda Servin
1. I began my love affair with West Highland White Terriers in 1972. I entered the world of Westies through the back door by purchasing my first Westie and first dog through a newspaper ad. I sheepishly admit that I had little knowledge of the breed. At that time, however, regional breed clubs were forming. So many people were new and those with some longevity in the breed offered their mentorship. Fortunately, Edla Cummings took me under her wing. She finished my first Westie, and I piloted him to the Top Ten. I bred my first litter in 1975 under the Elsinore prefix. This litter produced a Canadian Best in Show winner and a Montgomery County Best of Winners in 1977. I have since shown all my dogs myself in the Bred-by Exhibitor class. I still reside in Quincy, Massachusetts.
2. When I began showing, it seemed that type was regional. For example, New England’s Westie was lower on leg and longer-backed. In other areas, size was a problem and Westies were too tall. Fortunately, breeders have seen the error of a “regional look” and corrected this by understanding and breeding to the Breed Standard.
I do think that some presentation has become extreme. Some dogs are stacked so that the neck extends to mid-back. That plus excessive use of products and stylizing have become distractions. Our revised Standard, approved in May 2024, states, “The breed requires moderation both in structure and presentation, and any exaggerations are discouraged.”
Structurally, many Westies lack a proper prosternum. When I wrote a critique in 2006, I stated, “Fronts are still a problem in our breed. We still need to strive for well laid-back tightly knit shoulders with the proper length of upper arm. The lack of these angles also prevents the correct forechest in many exhibits. Thus I found front movement to be disappointing in some exhibits.” Although I repeated these sentiments after judging the Roving Specialty in 2023, I was happy to state that the Bred-by Exhibitor classes were full of depth. Breeders are paying attention and keeping better-fronted dogs. Many breeders are health testing. That we can test our breeding stock for CMO is extremely helpful when planning litters.breed
3. Because of the work involved, fewer exhibitors are interested in showing terriers. We still see outstanding dogs, but there are many fewer terriers entered. We are seeing the “Graying of America” in our sport. Because of many breeders’ age, they don’t want to raise puppies. Lack of veterinary availability and cost have also deterred breeders from having litters. Fortunately, I’m seeing more emphasis on Junior Showmanship. The Juniors are the future of our sport.
We are losing some of our judges who are terrier authorities, but we continue to add some well-respected judges. A win under one of these is treasured. I have noticed that judges are given many more Group assignments, and their day is extended. It’s a long day to stand on a concrete floor. Nevertheless, I find that judges are more congenial and greet the exhibitor and dog in a more friendly manner. I remember poker-faced judges who never said a word and gave directions only by pointing. I enjoy the current atmosphere. In an era where many clubs are folding, we are fortunate to have all those who are willing to support our sport by sponsoring shows.
4. Montgomery County is the ultimate terrier showcase. Breeders plan the timing of a litter so that the young hopeful can be exhibited at MCKC or at a National Sweepstakes. At Montgomery, an esteemed Veteran can grace the ring and respond to the applause as if it were yesteryear’s glory. It’s the show where you start preparation a year prior to present your exhibit to a terrier breeder-judge. A win here for the breeder-exhibitor is the culminating achievement.
5. Social media is a two-edged sword. It has certainly hurt advertising in our breed magazine because, unlike printed material, it is free and immediate. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable to see videos of dog shows that we can’t attend. Social media groups can offer learning tools about structure, grooming, and history of our sport. The discussions give readers opportunities to engage and learn. One drawback occurs if someone posts an opinion as doctrine. Once it receives numerous “likes,” readers rarely contest its validity. Social media sometimes resorts to a blitz of brags, but fortunately, one can either pause or simply scroll on by.
6. The biggest challenges facing the dog show community are “adopt, don’t shop” and fewer exhibitors. I believe I discussed the latter when I wrote my thoughts about the sport today. “Adopt, don’t shop” pulled at puppy owners’ heartstrings. They were encouraged to give a rescued and homeless dog a loving home. Breeders were described as a money-hungry business rather than those who preserve a breed due to a lifetime of devotion. We must respond to these accusations. I think The Westminster Kennel Club did an excellent job informing the public with its advertising leading up to and including the show itself. The judge’s comments before “Best in Show” acknowledged how the various participants continue in this sport because of their love of dogs. The ads depicting the life of retired winners further demonstrated the care, commitment, and love our purebred dogs experience.
