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GZ BREED COLUMNStoysthan the dog itself, but that is a topicfor another column.I would love to see more judges bebrave in putting up the Pug who mightstand out as different from the others inthe ring but who in fact might be abetter example of the breed in terms ofsize, type, and structure.The dogs who all look alike are notnecessarily the best dogs in the ring;they might just be the ones who havebeen bred according to the currentfashion. Rewarding that will neverserve to improve our breed—and isn’tthat why we are all supposed to bethere in the first place? —Ashley B.L.Fischer, ashley54@me.com; Pug DogClub of America website: pugs.orgShih Tzu“Cut-Downs” Are anEducational ToolThis year, for the first time, theAmerican Shih Tzu Club offered“cut-down” sweepstakes classes at ournational specialty. Most Shih Tzu arecut down once their show careers areover. We therefore thought, particularlysince 2012 was a West Coast specialty,that such classes would give attendeesan opportunity to see dogs from otherareas they had not seen while they werein the ring.Most welcomed this opportunity, andbreeders were gracious enough to entera number of their dogs. We used ourregular puppy sweepstakes judge tojudge the “cut-down” sweeps, so wedid not have to hire another judge.Classes were offered for dogs andbitches, non-champion and AKCchampion, and neutered dogs andspayed bitches were eligible to participate.All dogs entered had to be 12months of age or older on the day ofthe show and shown with a trimmedcoat (“Schnauzer” trim or less). Thehair on ears and tail could be left long.The winner was an 8-year-oldchampion bitch who is the “housemouse” of Greg and Tammarie Larson.She obviously enjoyed her return tostardom as much as the audienceadmired how well she had held up evenafter having several litters of puppies.Most appreciative of the class, perhaps,were those attending the ASTCJudges’ Education Seminar, presentedby judges’ education chair KristiTrivilino.The prospective Shih Tzu judges,seated at ringside with ASTC mentors,were able to watch coated andgroomed Shih Tzu placed on a ringsidetable close up, before they were presentedto the judges and gaited. Theyhad this same opportunity with the“cut-downs,” allowing them to betterunderstand how elaborate topknots anda well-trimmed curtain of hair canchange a dog’s appearance and sometimesdisguise what is underneath.We found the same to be true whenwe used cut-down Shih Tzu as many ofour demonstration dogs at the BreederEducation Seminar at the 2010 specialtyin St. Louis.If you missed this seminar, four articlesbased on it can be found on the ASTCwebsite at americanshihtzuclub.org, under“Breeder Education”/articles. They areuseful for judges and breeders alike. TheASTC education committee plans topresent a similar seminar at the nextnational specialty, which we hope to putonto a DVD.If you are going to produce or putup a coated dog who conforms to thebreed standard, you need to form amental picture of what is under all thathair, both stacked and moving.Remember, good grooming is not agenetic trait!The 2013 ASTC national specialty,which will include agility trials, obedience,and rally, will be held inAnnapolis, Maryland, the week of April29 to May 4. The Shih Tzu Fanciers ofGreater Baltimore, under the leadershipof show chair Lorraine de Salvo, will bethe host club, guaranteeing a fun time.Two local specialties will also be heldthat week. More information will beposted on the ASTC website.Mark the dates on your calendar, andjoin us to see old and make new friendsand learn more about our breed. Wehope to see all of you there! —Jo AnnWhite, joawhite@juno.com; AmericanShih Tzu Club website:americanshihtzuclub.orgSilky TerriersDefining the BreedNot long ago, I was sitting ringsidewith an all-breed judge, and wegot to talking about form versusfunction and the “look” of individualbreeds. The judge asked me my breed,and when I said “Silky Terrier,” heasked what I believed to be theindividual hallmarks of the breed andhow I could identify it from a distance.We were discussing our opinions when,suddenly, he pointed to a dog and askedwhat breed I thought it was. To me itwas obviously a Silky Terrier. He askedwhy I thought so, and if it could be anyother breed. He was adamant thatoutline is what defines a breed. I agreethat it’s certainly a starting point.So, what does the outline of a Silkyshow? It should show a toy dog withlight bone but substance, and a body thatis low-set and longer than tall. Generally,a Silky is 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder,with proportionate weight. Length ismeasured from the point of the shoulderto the point of the rear. Height is measuredat the shoulder. The tail and earsare carried erect. The ears are set high,pointed, and mobile (active). The neck ismoderate in length, and is neither longnor short. The back should be level; aroach or dip is a serious fault. The gait islively, with good reach and drive. Adultsshould have body coat that is long, butnot reaching the ground.Upon closer inspection, the Silky’shead is shown to be wedge-shaped, andhe has a strong, keen terrier expression.The eyes and eyeliner are dark; thebackskull is flat. The nose is dark. TheSilky has a tight cat foot with short,black nails and black pads. He shouldhave a scissors bite and may appear tohave large teeth. (The standard does notaddress the size of the teeth.) Silkysshould have full dentition, although wegenerally do not count teeth in thebreed.There is much confusion regardingA K C G A Z E T T E • 18 • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2