Where do I Start? Introduction

  Pet Puppies
in the Red Corner

  Show Puppies in the Blue Corner

  Rescue Scotties in the Green Corner
 

Last update - 5/10/05
 Content Provider:
     Jim Orsborn
Copyright © 2004 - 2005 STCA

STCA Information Pamphlet for Show Puppy Buyers and potential Scottie Breeders

This is the BLUE Corner for Show Dog Owners:

   The material on this page has been prepared as a guide for newcomers.  It is intended to answer many of the general questions that prospective show dog owners frequently ask (or should ask) before purchasing a "Show Quality" Scottie puppy or Brood Bitch.

Jim Orsborn
STCA Webmaster
Email > jto@mitre.org
Edited by Tina Khera
Graphics by Cindy Johnston

Show Puppy
Scottie Puppy
 

Table of Contents:


Introduction

Showing dogs is a sport:
Many people show dogs because they think it is a great sport.  Dog shows are one of the few sports where professional and amateur competitors compete side by side against each other.  The rules are fairly easy to understand and professional competitors really don't have any insurmountable advantages over amateurs.

     
Photos are BOB and BIS winners from previous Regional Specialty shows.  All photos are copyrighted.

Showing dogs is a hobby:
Businesses are typically run with an objective of making a living or at least contributing to the owner's net wealth.  But most dog show exhibitors feel lucky if they can reach a point where gross income can cover even a majority of their expenses.  As a result, most exhibitors classify their activity as a hobby.

Showing dogs requires skill and artistic talent:
Towards the end of my first "handling class" some years ago, the instructor told me that I should go home, tie a pillow on the end of the leash and stop torturing the dog.  I was using a finished Champion in the handling class and I guess the instructor felt that the dog knew more than I did.  Other skills that are needed in the show ring include: bathing, grooming, feeding, using poop scoopers.  Each of these skills also has an artistic side, which means that pretty much everyone else knows or has an opinion about how they should be done.

     
Photos are BOB and BIS winners from previous Regional Specialty shows.  All photos are copyrighted.

Dogs shows are a canine beauty contest:
Well, at least I'm pretty sure that they are not a science contest.  Most forms of competition (even science fairs) include some provisions for hiding flaws and exhibiting or showing off strengths.  If the judge is not using a ruler, tape measure, or a clip board to make his judgments, then the winners are probably being judged against an artistic scale.  Your challenge will always be to understand the judge's scale and then look for ways to use that knowledge to your advantage.

Observations from ringside:
This article [Click here] is written from the perspective of a ringside observer and tells the story of how Mr. William Berry judged the 2005 STCA Sweepstakes.  It explains the Order of Classes and makes some observations about how Scotties are judged in the show ring.

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Importance of the Breed Standard

So what is the Breed Standard?
The Breed Standard is the yard stick that every dog show judge should use when evaluating your entry in the ring.  The standard has been prepared and updated by the Scottish Terrier Club of America, because we are recognized by the AKC as the steward for this breed.  The standard is a description of the "ideal" Scottish Terrier.  Every AKC judge that has been approved to evaluate this breed is recommended to use this description to visualize their own version of this ideal Scottie.  Then as they judge each entry in the ring, their objective is to compare that entry to their vision, picking the one that comes closest to the ideal.

Why is it so important?
The Scottish Terrier Breed Standard is so important because it helps guide and direct everyone associated with the breed.  As discussed above, judges use it to visualize their ideal Scottie and then evaluate every show entry.  But breeders are using the standard as well.  Again, each breeder has their own visual interpretation of the standard.

So how do you plan to use the Breed Standard?
If you have not done so already, get a copy and plan on spending some time studying it.

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If I only knew then what I know now!

The following question was recently posed to an experienced breeder with several years experience.
"What do you know now, after breeding a few generations of dogs, that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?"

Having started a breeding program ~6 years back (Sharyn had approx. 30 years off-and-on experience, I had none) we still are pretty clear about how we started; some things we got right and some we got right later on.

1. Don't breed until you have owned the breed a while. (What if you don't really *like* these dogs?) During this stage learn the history of the breed and get to know numerous breeders -- not necessarily the big winners, but the folks who shaped the breed, who remember the 70's or earlier. You are not going to be the creator of your own breeding program for a long time -- it will have been created by those who bred your foundation stock and their ancestors. Meet as many of those people as you can, and ask them for their ideas.

2. Learn how the breed has changed over the decades ... new problems, problems solved, etc. -- Faults and strengths are important, but variations in health, temperament and character are equally important. Which lines have not just good dogs, but are bred and handled by people who you regard as solid and trustworthy partners in your program.  People who will critique their own dogs, tell you frankly what's lying around that pedigree, rather than just approving your breeding.

Raising a litter takes a few years and a lot of work. (Remember you are breeding to show and establish a breed line, rather than sell them in a few weeks.) You don't want to do this if there are people out there who can give you a good reason it won't work. An 'A' stud for which you have solid information on is probably a better bet than a seeming 'A+' with less reliable data.

3. Learn basic Mendelian genetics. Until you can look at a black, yellow, or chocolate Lab and say what colors the parents might have been, your breeding program will be like trying to balance a checkbook without knowing how to add and subtract. Yes, there are many traits for which inheritance is poorly or completely unknown, but basic genetic principles still apply.

4. MAKE FRIENDS. Year after year, litter after litter, show after show, you will need help from others. If you see them just as competitors to be beaten, you will miss most of the fun. And though you may eventually create a top-winning kennel (if you have enough money), you will never have a top breeding program without help.

5. Enjoy the sport.  In the ring, plan your breeding program at ringside. Judges award points for all kinds of reasons; understanding their reasons is interesting, sometimes even useful. Over time you'll get more reliable data *outside* the ring. Ask various opinions about your dogs, and weigh them all. You'll find that some unfamous people know more than you think and others, even some top winners, are utterly clueless.

6. Consider your priorities. Will you:

If you don't put health near the top, then you won't have a long time breeding program -- just a succession of matings.

7. The pet sales side of raising Show Dogs. You can't keep all or (probably) even most of your get. Where do former show dogs of your breed 'go'?  Do they make excellent pets? What kind of family do they fit in with? Are they suitable as pets only in a certain kind of home? Is the breed heavily produced by commercial breeders or do home hobby breeders mostly control it? How do you feel about "letting go" of puppies and even older show dogs that may have outlived their usefulness in terms of a breeding program?
(Scottie specific comment -- The market place demand for Scottish Terriers is currently far greater than the supply.  However, this is not the breed for every owner and a responsible breeder has an obligation to carefully screen potential homes.)

8. Consider your marketplace or salesmanship qualities. Do you enjoy talking to strangers? What if you don't really like to talk or even email? Maybe you're fine with people you know but don't like to be bothered by "outsiders"?

Different marketplace situations and different kinds of breeder personalities can easily impact a breeding program. If you have a breed that's only a good pet in a very few homes and you hate talking to strangers, then you're going to have to plan fewer breedings than if both factors are reversed.
(Scottie specific comment -- As mentioned earlier, Scotties are definitely NOT the breed for every home.  STCA Member breeders have an obligation to spend the time talking with prospective buyers, qualifying each home and helping to make sure that their Scotties do not end up in a Rescue program or worse.)

9. Consider the costs. Some breeds have small litters, are not popular pets, and require extensive (expensive!) vet work. Shows and majors may be hard to find and highly competitive. Some are almost the reverse. Some place great demands on your family and others are "easy keepers." How much family stress is okay?

10. Consider the legal situation and the AR movement. The days of assuming that a modest, home-based, hobby breeding program is a constitutional right, are over. You may have state or local breeder licensing laws that involve inspections by your dog catcher (high school graduate, one week of training) plus regular fees and reporting requirements.  Your town may have pet limit laws, either with or without a way to pay a fee and get a kennel license. The local animal shelter manager may hate your guts just because you breed, your vet may lecture you on the need to sterilize all your dogs, refuse to do dew claws, and give you Hell if you need a Cesarean section. Can you deal with this stuff if necessary?

11. Plan to give back to your breed and to dogs generally. Join a national breed club, join a local club and help at their activities. Help at your shelter (maybe become a board member?), teach obedience to new owners, edit a newsletter, write educational material for new owners, do pure-breed referral, do rescue (dozens of useful things to do there!) ... whatever works for you.

Walt Hutchens, Timbreblue Whippets
Susan Finn, Destiny Scotties

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A Show Dog's Life

The New England Cable News Network (NECN) recently produced a local interest news story about the life of a show dog.  Chet Curtis, a nationally known news reporter, conducted an interview with two local STCA members shortly after the 2005 Madison Square Garden dog show.  The following news copy accompanied the video when it was originally posted on the NECN Web site. 

Because this video conveys such a positive message about the value of pure-bred dogs, the STCA has purchased a copy of the video with permission to host it on our Web site so that visitors can view it as they consider this wonderful breed.

[Click Here-High Speed]
[Click Here-Low Speed]

 (3/11/05 10:45 p.m.) Two Massachusetts women offer an inside look at the world of professional dog shows -- including the famous Westminster Dog Show. Kathi Brown and Susan Getgood are breeders of champion Scottish terriers, including last month's "Best of Breed" at the Westminster show.

Instructions:  Use one of the [Click Here] links to the left to download the video (a .wmv file) and launch Windows MediaPlayer.  Be sure to select the link that best matches your connection to the Internet.  The low speed option uses a smaller window, and over a dial-up link, the video may be "choppy" but the audio should be fine.  Best results will be obtained if you have access to a high speed Internet connection.

 

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Genetic Issues

Did I forget to say that showing dogs is also part science? 

Humans, and dog breeders in particular, have taken the laws of chance and probability out of genetics--At least most of the time, breeders make the decisions about which stud dog will impregnate which brood bitch to produce a litter of puppies.  No laws of probability there.

But the bad news is that making puppies still involves genetics, and by definition we still have several laws of probability involved there.  We don't know or control which sperm cell is going to impregnate which egg cell, so until that actually happens and we see the final results we are still working with probabilities!
Just because both of my parents were Champions,
what makes you think I should become one too?

So how does a newcomer learn about all of these genetic issues and get to the point where they can begin to make informed breeding decisions?  The short answer is that it takes a lot of hard work.  One of the ways that you can help make it easier for future generations is to be open and honest about what you personally know about the health and genetic issues in your blood lines.  The problem is that half-truths and misdiagnosed information introduces errors into any genetic-based decision.  In fact, wrong information is much worse than no information when trying to make a breeding decision.

When trying to improve your knowledge about genetics, look for the best qualified teacher that you can find.  The best teacher will have a superior understanding of the science, but will also have a special talent for explaining the science.  Watch out for the expert that tells you it is too complicated or the good hearted friend that tells you how simple it is.

Another important point has to do with genetic testing.

The STCA Health Trust was established in 1994. The HTF mission is to help provide funding research and study of diseases and genetic defects affecting the Scottish Terrier.  The HTF also helps with STCA Member Education programs and keeps the members informed of the latest advancements in genetic testing and disease treatment programs.  The HTF helped develop the first truly conclusive (i.e. DNA) test for vonWillebrand's Disease (vWD) and is already working on genetic tests for CMO and Scottie Cramp.

Just when you thought you knew everything—Can you explain these stories based on your understanding of genetics?

Genotype versus Phenotype:

Biology Student:  I was in discussion today with a fellow student who said that they had learned in their science class that all fetuses are female until 3 months then the determination is made by a chemical change. I had always been under the understanding that sex is determined at the time of conception.
Could you please clarify this?

Instructor:  Actually you are both right. The sex is determined by the chromosomes of the male sperm cell, at the time of conception. However, development of a fertilized egg is the same for male and female, until at a certain stage, due to the genes on the Y-chromosome. Male fetuses start to produce substances that change the development to follow the 'male' course.

In fact, you are hitting a difference in 'genotype' versus 'phenotype' here. At conception the fertilized egg has the genotype of either male or female, but the phenotype (the 'form' you see) is not yet apparent. The difference between genotype and phenotype is crucial in biology but it is often ignored.

Genetics versus Environment:

An organism’s phenotype is all of its observable characteristics—which are influenced both by its genotype and by the environment.

  

A change in the environment also can affect the phenotype. Most people think of flamingos as being long legged, pink birds. But pinkness is not encoded into their genotype! It is actually the food they eat that makes their phenotype either white or pink.

Selective Breeding can have
Unexpected Consequences:

As reported in a scientific journal that I read while sitting in my veterinarian's waiting room.

 A group a scientists in Russia reported that they noticed unexpected consequences when selectively breeding a pack of wild foxes.  The sole selection criteria was a demonstrated tendency towards domesticity (failure to run away when approached to willingness to eat from hand).  The unexpected consequence, a higher than average appearance of blaze and star markings (as seen on domestic cows and horses)!

A few more references:
Basic Big B / Little b Introduction to Genetics
Genetic Science Learning Center at the Univ. of Utah

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Grooming

Show grooming is an acquired skill that takes time to learn and perfect.  Most breeders that are just starting their show career will link up with another breeder that can show them the basic techniques for stripping a dog several weeks before an important show, then rolling the coat for several weeks into a series of shows.

There are books available and the STCA has a Show Grooming manual that is available for purchase from the Corresponding Secretary.  Grooming takes practice, and you can't learn it by just reading a book.
"Come on, I say forget the grooming; let's just go to the show
and look at all the other dogs."

One other option is to look to your local Regional Club and see if they have a Show Grooming Seminar scheduled for anytime soon.  It may even be necessary to travel to another club that is hosting a seminar.  These are wonderful experiences where you will get to meet other groomers and discuss the various skills and techniques involved.

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Show Handling

Show handling is something that most newcomers can learn in a reasonable period of time.  Unlike show grooming, handling is something that you can learn, and maybe even win a couple of shows along the way.  A good place to start is with your local Regional Club, or even a local All-Breed club that hosts a weekly handling class.  These are handled like a mini show; except the teacher usually plays the role of judge as well.  By filling in as the judge, the instructor can see things as a judge would and offer direct feedback on your techniques.  One or two classes and you will be ready to take a dog into the ring for the first time.  Remember that this is one of the few sports where non-professional contestants can compete directly against the professionals -- You may not win, but at least you can compete in the ring with them.

Sometimes newcomers choose to hire a handler to exhibit their dogs.  Although some breeders will do this as well, most professional handlers are just that.  They focus all of their attention on getting dogs ready for the show ring and then exhibiting the dog for you (as your agent in the ring) to the class judge.  Their job is to know how to do this in the most efficient manner possible.

By hiring a professional handler, you will get someone that can take care of all of the grooming, show entry, transportation, and presentation needs for you.  You don't have to do anything, except maybe show up and watch from ringside.  The advantage is that your dog may be seen at shows held all around the country. The disadvantage is that you may not be able to travel and see your dog yourself, except at a few local shows.

Doing everything yourself, including finishing your own Champion from the "Bred-By" class is certainly a major accomplishment.  But watching the process from the sidelines is usually going to be a lot less stressful.  No matter which way you start, you will most likely end up doing it both ways eventually.  The important thing is to always be doing something that you feel is FUN.

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A strong willed. independent mind

“The highland Scots needed a big dog in a small package, all muscle, bone and courage to keep their farms free of ground-dwelling predators. Today's stylish Scottish Terrier has come along way from his rough, country roots but his hunting and digging instincts are still strong. A Scottie owner must be firm enough to earn a Scottie's respect, reasonable enough to satisfy the Scottie's strong sense of fair play, and confident enough to love a dog that openly feels superior to its owner.”
Cindy Cooke

This apt description of the breed is one used at the Westminster Dog Show to introduce the Scottish Terrier as he enters the ring for Group competition. It is but a thumbnail sketch of this canine masterpiece that has evolved through 125 years of selective breeding. The unique characteristics of the Scottie are such that it is virtually unknown for owners to ever change breeds. However, these same strong characteristics make it even more important for the first-time buyer to recognize the fact that the breed is not suitable for all settings, nor for all families!

Aloof, strong willed, independent, with a mind of his own, the Scottie performs best when it is his idea. These traits have followed the line all the way back to its founding in 1880; and were cited when the breed was first described in the early books. The Scottie is not a “cookie cutter” dog! Each and every one is as individual as any human; there are no two alike when it comes to personality. But they are all alike when it comes to the traits that set them apart from other breeds.

The Scottie has an independent spirit that can be a real challenge insofar as training him in matters that he deems unimportant. For the most part, life to him is very serious, to be met with dignity and reserve; yet there can be a clownish, fun loving side as well. The Scottie, by his very nature, will develop a special loyalty toward the members of his immediate family and will do anything to protect and serve those he loves.

Basically, today’s Scottish Terrier is no longer an outdoor dog. A secure place in the home, the companionship and understanding of his folk, are essential to his well being as well as his happiness. Consequently, there are environmental and safety factors which must be considered if you are thinking of bringing a Scottish Terrier into your life. It will be a long range commitment in that a Scottie can live upwards to 11 years or more.

The need for the prospective owner to examine the breed characteristics and evaluate their specific home and family setting before charting the long course requisite to acquiring a Scottish Terrier, cannot be overemphasized. The primary goal of any well designed breed education program is to make sure that the first time buyer is made fully aware of the individual traits that set their particular breed apart. Also to assure that welfare and safety conditions are such that the dog will never fall into a shelter and be in need of rescue. Again, Scotties aren’t for everyone. But, if you feel you understand the breed, and its needs, and can meet the criteria, the next step involves finding a reputable breeder.

The healthiest and soundest puppies are those that are bred by knowledgeable Scottie owners.  These individuals are most likely members of both the national breed club and a local club that offer a variety of educational programs. One of the provisions of membership in a dog club is that the breeder is governed by a Code of Ethics, a code intended to assure the health and well being of the dam, the soundness and appropriateness of the sire, and the placement of the puppies once they are brought into the world. Such breeders breed for love of the breed, not for profit. They are aware of genetic health problems and understand the necessity of a breeding program that is designed to breed away from known issues.

This is opposed to the primarily financial goals of commercial, “backyard,” and puppy mill enterprises where the dogs are considered as a livestock commodity.  They are often treated as a cash crop, with nothing but an AKC registration to show for the final transaction. These for-profit bred dogs are the supply source for pet stores, stock advertised in newspapers and magazines, as well as those marketed in computer generated ads.

A reputable breeder stands behind the sale, with a contractual agreement assuring health and accurate pedigree information. Breeder sales contracts often include a first-right-of-refusal clause in the event the Scottie needs to be re-homed. If the prospective first time buyer has done his homework diligently, and the breeder has done his proper screening thoroughly, this should never become a problem and the Scottie will lead a long and happy life in his forever home loving, and being loved by his chosen family.

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Sales Contracts

If you are going to breed and sell Scottie puppies, have you thought about the purchase and sales contract?  What terms and conditions are you going to include in the contract?  What is the selling price?  What are you going to give the buyer besides the puppy?  Do you have a Health Certificate and an immunization record?

Sample Sales Contract

Buyer:__________________________________

Address:________________________________

City, State, Zip:__________________________

Phone:_________________________________

email:__________________________________

Deposit(s) /Date(s): $_______ ___/___/___   $_______ ___/___/___
Final Payment/Date: $_______ ___/___/___

Puppy name: ____________________________

Sire: ___________________________________

Dam:___________________________________

Sex:___________________________________

Color:_________________________________

Markings:_____________________

Whelped:___/___/___

A.K.C. Litter/Registration #:____________

Health Certificate Date: ___/___/___

Conditions:

  • Breeder guarantees that the above dog is a purebred Scottish Terrier with A.K.C. registered parents.

  • Breeder guarantees that this dog is in good health at the time of purchase and that all required – age appropriate - immunizations have been given and that the dog is free of parasites.
    (See attached State of XYZ Health Certificate)

  • Buyer guarantees to offer first right of refusal to Breeder if the Buyer decides to no longer keep the dog.

  • Buyer assumes full responsibility for the health, temperament and behavior of puppy acknowledging that proper training is needed.

Other: ___________________________ .

I, Seller'sName, and Buyer certify that we have read this contract, understand the contents, and agree to it fully.

Breeder ________________________

Buyer _________________________

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Rescue

Do you know that the STCA feels breeders (including stud dog owners) share a lifetime responsibility for the Scotties that they bring into this world?  How do you feel about this responsibility?

Do you have a plan for what might happen if one of your puppies is ever turned into Scottie Rescue?

[See also Rescue]  [See also Rescue Coordinator Listing]  [See also Rescue FAQs]

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Good Breeding Practices: Info for Buyers and Breeders

The following practices are common to many reputable breeders. Though this list, compiled by The Scottish Terrier Club of America, is not all inclusive, these ideals are ones which you may wish to consider adopting as your own. These guidelines can also be used by someone looking to purchase a puppy.

  1. Familiarize oneself with the American Kennel Club’s official Standard for the Scottish Terrier, striving to breed only dogs and bitches; that are of characteristic type, sound structure and temperament, and free of genetically transmitted defects detrimental to the animal’s well-being, such as blindness, deafness, lameness, or impairment of the vital functions.
  2. Be familiar with the American Kennel Club rules concerning record keeping, registration identification, sale and transfer of dogs and abide by these rules.
  3. Approve of testing for genetically transmitted conditions common to the Scottish Terrier.
  4. Breed no bitch before its third season, or in no event before 18 months of age. Bitches should not be bred every season. Many good breeders skip at least one season between breedings.
  5. Limit the number of litters one breeds, and not breed primary for the pet market. Undertake the breeding of a bitch only if prepared to keep the resultant puppies until each is suitably placed; and only if one has the time and facilities to provide adequate attention to physical and emotional development.
  6. Sell pets with spay/neuter or other non-breeding agreements, and expect the same of any owner allowed to breed to one's stud dog. Except in the sale of show bitches, one should resist the temptation to sell bitches with puppy back positions, thus leaving novice owners to deal with finding homes for puppies. Many have found the best way to ensure spaying/neutering is to sell or place puppies with the written agreement of the new owner that AKC papers will be withheld until proof of spay/neuter is provided. Some breeders also offer to refund a set amount of the purchase price (sometime $50) when the dog has been spayed/neutered.
  7. Maintain all puppies and adults in a clean and healthy condition. Dogs should be sold with the appropriate inoculations and wormings appropriate for their ages.
  8. Avoid false advertising or other misrepresentation of dogs one sells. Also, avoid maligning competitors by making false or misleading statements regarding their dogs, breeding practices or persons.
  9. Use bills of sale to list any provisions to which the breeder and new owner have agreed, including any guarantees provided, plus terms, conditions or limitations of the sale. Complete medical records and instructions for care and feeding should be given to new owners, along with the assurance of continued guidance.
  10. Help those who are looking for puppies/adults to find reputable breeders. Avoid recommending casual breeders as sources of pets
  11. Take ongoing responsibility for the welfare of dogs one breeds. This includes educating buyers about responsible dog ownership. Ideally, breeders should either take back dogs they breed or help the owners place the dogs in suitable new homes if the owner does not want to, or cannot keep, the dog at any time during its life. We must not expect our communities to deal with dogs of our breeding that may become “disposable” dogs; and we must not allow dogs that we sell as pets to become the producers of “disposable” dogs.
  12. Attempt to help with Scottish Terrier rescue. Even if you cannot take a rescue dog into your own home temporarily, you can volunteer at local animal shelters and refer persons looking for pets to national or regional breed club rescue programs as well as to local animal shelters.
  13. Give back some of what the “Sport of Dogs” has given you by helping beginners.

[See also STCA Code of Ethics]

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Conclusion and Other References

This section was focused on information for potential Scottie breeders. 

The book icons on the STCA Home Page and the buttons in the left margin of every STCA web page link to the seven major sections of the site.

Additional web site references on specific topics:

Ready?

Now that you have read up on Scotties and understand a bit more about their temperament and behavior, you may be ready to contact a reputable breeder. Don’t hesitate to go back over the qualities of a good breeder that can share their knowledge with you before and after you purchase your dog. Also remember that they will be trying to determine if you will be able to provide a suitable home for their dog.

A suggestion about messages left on answering machines: Do not expect that everyone will return your call. Some of these people may get a large number of calls, and it can be very time consuming and expensive to get back to everyone, especially if they do not have anything available. We recommend that you try again, and possibly at a different time of day.

Good Luck!

We hope that you have found this web page full of useful information,
whether you are a prospective owner, first time Scottie owner,
or have had Scotties for many years.

Best Wishes to you
 

The Scottish Terrier Club of America.

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