Page 16 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Perspectives

Outstanding breeders

did not arrive at the
top of the mountain

by falling there! They

got there through
hard work, knowledge,

and objectivity.

A good exercise is to challenge enthusiasts to think breed is having a clear picture of the breed's
for a few moments about what constitutes the real proportions. This partly creates what can be
essence of their breed. Then ask individuals with called the "breed template". This template is the
different breeds to recite in 50 words or less what image through which we view all members of a
truly distinguishes their breed from all others. breed.

You would be amazed how many are stumped Every breed has correct proportions, whether stated
in trying to find the words that characterize their in the breed standard or not. These proportions
breed. Thus, the information they pass on to any create what we refer to as the "silhouette" of the
listener gives the remotest clue as to that breed's breed. A breeder must understand these relative
general appearance. proportions and have them clearly established
in their mind before embarking upon a breeding
A good part of defining the essence of one's program.

16 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023