Page 17 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2
P. 17
This vision of a silhouette template is no less be of a tightly knit pedigree giving her the ability
important for a breeder than it is for a builder, who to put her stamp on her offspring. The initial goal
would never find himself midway through creating is to obtain daughters of the foundation bitch who
a structure before deciding whether it should be have different sires but also adhere to their dam's
an ambling ranch house or a three-story colonial. basic style.
Before pounding the first nail, a builder would have
size, proportions, and relationships firmly calculated Today space and legal limitations create a
and know precisely how every timber relates to the significant handicap, but this hurdle can be
next and to the finished product. overcome by finding a suitable partner with
similar views and a compatible personality. Even
The breeder also must be crystal clear on the history the most limited breeders working together can
and origin of their breed. That knowledge helps create miracles.
answer many questions that may remain undefined
in the breed standard. The partners must have similar goals in mind and
agree on what constitutes the essence of their
Only after the preceding data is mastered should breed. They must also both be dedicated to setting
the prospective breeder embark upon locating type and maintaining it. Win records or fads and
their foundation stock. The clever novice (including fancies must not unduly influence type.
experienced breeders taking on a new breed) will
seek out the successful breeder for their initial I always find it interesting that a good many, if not
purchase. This is a breeder who has a long-standing most, of the United Kingdom’s most significant
record for producing quality. It is not someone who exports were whelped in the kitchen behind the
has simply "hit the jackpot" and made a big winner stove in the most modest of homes. Their living
or two by throwing money at a big show campaign. quarters were shared with their human owners,
At the feet of the talented and successful breeder, and their “kennel runs” were a tiny patch of garden.
the wise beginner will learn how success was
achieved. So, is it easy to establish and maintain breed type
in this day and age? No, I can't say that it is. But
Outstanding breeders did not arrive at the top of the then, it never really was, except perhaps, for the
mountain by falling there! They got there through few blessed with the means to maintain those
hard work, knowledge, and objectivity. super kennels of the past.
Their experience and advice must be treasured. Can it be done today? Of course, it can. Too many
Their little tips can save novices years of serious weren't aware of how difficult it would be and
breeding mistakes. have gone ahead and done it. Small hobby kennels
limit themselves to one litter a year, often less, but
I have interviewed scores of breeders around the if working with others toward the same goal, they
world, and regardless of breed, great breeders have become highly influential in their respective
concur on two things. First, as has already been breed. Their influence doesn't come about in a
pointed out, the beginner must go to a successful day, a week, or a year. It takes time.
breeder for their foundation. Second, the beginning
breeder must buy the best possible daughter of the It isn't as easy as the words on these pages might
breed's best-producing dam that they can afford. make it seem, but anyone who has come into
dog breeding as an easy way to success will be
Most of the breeders interviewed seem to agree that vastly disappointed. Even the best partnerships
the foundation bitch doesn't have to be a glamour and most excellent breeders have heartbreaking
bitch as long as her credentials are impeccable. disappointments. Still, when those marvelous
Often, the well-bred, basically sound, but not puppies start appearing throughout a litter, one
particularly, flashy female will end up the producer forgets all the trials and tribulations that were
of merit. It would be assumed that the bitch would overcome to get there.
A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023 | 17
