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Breed Type

Ah, breed type, how elusive you are! Or are you?


One would think that Rat Terrier breeders don't even know what their dogs are supposed to look like, much less the judges! Breed type is going straight out the window in exchange for ribbons. It makes me ill to hear over and over "for the betterment of the breed" or "we breed for the standard" and even "I know structure, and my dogs are correct!" (when they have 7 differently structured Rat Terriers in their yard - from a whippet to a bull terrier!).


I will grant that the breed standard is somewhat open for interpretation, however that is for a very select few items! "Moderate" is one word that seems to stymie many breeders. I will agree that there is a range of dogs that could be considered moderate of bone and substance. However, there are dogs that fall outside of that category. If the dog looks elegant like an Italian Greyhound, then perhaps it is too fine of bone. It it looks like it could walk into a weight pull ring and beat a Staffordshire then maybe we've gone to the other side of moderate. Both dogs might have a place in a breeding program if their structure is there - each could conceivably "fix" the other - add a bit of refinement or a bit of bone to a dog that lacks that.


One thing is for certain, breed type is not being awarded in the ring except by a select few judges who know what a Rat Terrier is supposed to be and what it is supposed to look like. Flash, leg and size are getting put up over moderate, correct and typey Rat Terriers. Show ring fads have a lasting and seriously detrimental effect on the future of a breed. Irish Setters, anyone? What about German Shepherds? Smooth Fox Terriers? None of these dogs look like their standard or their ancestors due to breeders (a) allowing poor specimens or dogs with detrimental exaggerations get into the ring and (b) allowing judging to dictate the future of the breed. We now have dogs that are "typey" simply because when we think of that dog, we think of the exaggeration they have become.


I wish judges would remember that they too have a smidgen of responsibility for helping us choose our breeding stock. Weaker minds take their awards as signs of their success as breeders rather than a fun endeavor for them and their dogs.


I could ramble on for hours, but let's just get to the point! One of these things is not like the other, and for good reason:



Rat Terrier Breed Illustration from ARTA

Toy Fox Terrier

Basenji


Bull Terrier


And yes, I have seen every one of these dogs in the Rat Terrier ring at one time or another - and be awarded for their lack of type!





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