Meet Working Group Judge Terry Temple

Interview with Working Group Judge Terry Temple

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge?
Terry Temple: I live in the town of Ellington in North Central Connecticut. Previously, we lived in Vandalia, Ohio, and Stillman Valley, Illinois. I have been enjoying the sport; exhibiting, breeding, and judging, for a total of nearly 58 years. I have served as a judge for 52 years, beginning as a provisional judge in 1969.

What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name?
Terry Temple: My first breed was the Saint Bernard. My kennel name was Forever Saints.

Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles?
Terry Temple: Notable Saint Bernards we have bred include Ch. Forever Moxie, Ch. Forever Tsk Tsk Tsk, and Ch. Forever Treasure, each of which attained Saint Bernard Club of America Hall of Fame status. Ch. Forever Moxie was the first white-face (no mask) Saint Bernard to finish at the SBCA National Specialty, going Best of Opposite Sex from the Bred-by-Exhibitor Class. Her impact on the breed was enormous because she proved that an exceptionally good Saint Bernard was good enough to breed successfully (and exhibit) without the traditional dark mask that is favored, but not required, by the breed standard. We exhibited mainly bitches and we won many specialty shows.

What are the qualities I most admire in the Working breeds?
Terry Temple: Qualities I most admire are the physical strength and power that enables them to perform their ascribed functions; personality and attitude that enables them to be excellent companions; and attentiveness and focus that makes them excellent protectors.

Have I judged any Working Group Specialties?
I have judged numerous Working Group specialties, both domestically and in several foreign countries, including Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

I have judged National Specialties in Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands. I have judged the Newfoundland Club of America National Specialty a total of five times.

Do I find that size, proportion, and substance are correct in most Working breeds?
Terry Temple: For the most part, I would say, “Yes,” but often, proper balance is off. Size and substance are generally good, overall.

Is breed-specific presentation important to me as a judge? Can I offer some examples?
Terry Temple: Generally, not a pressing issue, in my opinion.

What are my thoughts on cropping/docking the Working breeds?
Terry Temple: My position on cropping and docking is to adhere to the standard and to follow parent club guidance in the breeds affected.

Are the Working breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns?
Terry Temple: I feel that most of the Working breeds are in good shape.

In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Working Dogs of the past?
Terry Temple: In my opinion, today’s exhibits are a little better than Working Dogs of the past, particularly in the area of soundness.

Why do I think the Working breeds are so admired as family companions?
Terry Temple: They are, for the most part, alert, friendly, and attentive, and they exhibit excellent temperament.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story I can share about my experiences judging the Working Group?
Terry Temple: Sorry, but I cannot think of any suitable stories at this time.