Russelltude for the Show Ring
by
JoAnn Stoll,
President and Founder -
The American Russell
Terrier Club
My background before Russells was the American Quarter Horse. Many of the things I learned from my association with horses transferred over to my Russells.
I competed in many different events over the 25 years with my horses. Some events I found more challenging than others. For one thing participating in repetitive performance events presented you with the challenge of keeping a horse fresh on the show circuit.
What prompted me to write about this for the Russells is my observation of our breed in the show ring. I felt it would benefit those showing to address this same challenge within our breed.
Russell Terriers by character are more laid back in temperament than some of the other terriers breeds. This does not mean they lack terrier attitude or nor lack the instinct to work.
Given the level of intelligence the
Russell possesses, they can easily become bored. Particularly if anything in their life becomes repetitive with no stimulation. This is not a breed you can over train without loosing the spontaneity of the terrier spirit. Once they learn, its on recall forever.
Russell Terriers thrive on fun and entertaining activities which challenge them physically and mentally. This makes them excellent at performance events.
Gaiting around a conformation ring is not exactly
a Russell's cup of tea. It doesn't inspire them to give us their true terrier spirit so important in the show ring which is lurking behind their calm exterior.
If you want to instill some inspiration take
your Russell Terrier to the open spaces of the country and let them hunt before an event. This is
a Russell's ultimate reward. The true terrier spirit can best be seen in pursuit of vermin.
Its your challenge to capture your
Russell Terrier's spirit for the show ring.
https://www.thedogplace.org/Breeds/Russell-Terrier/Showing-Russelltude_Stoll-126.asp |
