When writing the history of the Irish Terrier, John Childers will stand highly as one of the breed’s most influential breeders, historians, and preservationists. As a breeder, John’s journey began in the 1970s with a partnership he formed with another stalwart of the breed, Ellis West. His foundation bitch, Ch. Gloccomara WD Owl, was bred by Ellis and whelped in 1968. From that foundation descended over 50 champions, mostly under the Baystone kennel name. John had a vision for the breed and he consistently produced that vision over the decades. It’s the highest compliment to a breeder when you immediately recognize their lines the moment their dogs walk into the ring. That certainly applies to the Baystone Irish. Their structure, size, outlines, heads, and coats all have a quality which simply screams the Standard. From his lines came some of the finest Irish, not the least of which was Ch. Geordan’s Tiger Lily, co-bred with Dan and Georgina Sackos. “Lily” holds the record of winning the most Bests in Show of any Irish Terrier.
John’s passion for the history of the Irish Terrier almost equaled his passion for the breed itself. In the late 1970s, Dr. Gary Hammer produced a book containing the four-generation pedigrees of all American Champion Irish Terriers to date. John took it upon himself to update that book in the late 1990s. Every year after, John would add the new champions, creating an extremely important reference for the serious breeder. In addition, John added win photos of the champions wherever he could. Breeders/owners will remember the constant phone calls or emails from John asking for photos of their latest champions! John considered photos the most important record and tool for studying breed type. His collection numbered in the thousands. Using that collection, John published a special book for the Irish Terrier Club of America containing over 375 photographs of National Specialty and Best in Show Winners. A copy of that book can be found in the AKC Library.
As a preservationist, John developed important partnerships with other breeders. To be honest, John did not suffer fools lightly. If you wanted to work with him, you had to demonstrate his kind of passion and vision for the breed. It was more than just winning ribbons with John. It was about developing an eye for correct type, recognizing shortcomings, and coming up with plans to improve your breeding stock. Over the years, he worked closely with Ellis West (Gloccomara), Dan & Georgina Sackos (Geordan), Bruce & Nancy Petersen (Huntermoon), Kelly Edwards (Ceallach), and more recently, Mechele Warren (MyTime). John was especially close with Nancy Petersen, and her tragic passing in 2016 deeply affected him. However, it was through all these partnerships that John was able to move his lines forward and hopefully ensure that his vision for the breed is preserved.
In 2022, the Irish Terrier Club of America established a Hall of Fame which recognizes members “who have made extraordinary contributions to the Irish Terrier/or the Irish Terrier Club of America and devoted the greater part of their lives doing so.” John Childers was of the first four inductees. Without question, John’s understanding of the Irish Terrier, his commitment to its history, and his desire to see it thrive in the future will be a lasting legacy that we can all appreciate as we remember this pillar of the breed.
