Page 15 - ShowSight Presents - The Irish Setter

pieces all fit together. Each part of the head should be in balance with the other parts. The head should be in bal- ance with the neck both in substance and length. The head and neck should be in balance with the body. The body being slightly longer than tall should end with a tail that is of correct shape and length. No single part should draw attention to itself. Each piece should fit smoothly into the adjoining part. This is a dog that should stand as it moves, with a slightly sloping topline exhibiting ground covering reach and drive with no wasted motion. And remember that when judging a class, “that one”, which is not like the others, could be the most correct specimen.
NEW JUDGES
For those planning to apply for this breed, all of the above applies to your learning the nuances of the breed. There are opportunities to become educated about the breed through seminars and workshops. This is a must in my book! There is a list of breeders/mentors
on the AKC website under breed infor- mation or one can contact the Judges Education Coordinator to assist you in your endeavors. Whether it is ringside mentoring or making a kennel visit, the Parent Club coupled with local clubs, are here to help.
To you “newbies” I wish to suggest you attend the National Specialty. We have a two day program which includes classroom experience, hands on and ringside mentoring. There are local spe- cialties throughout the country as well as field event including the National Hunt Test, National Walking Field Trial and National Field Trial. There is noth- ing like the experience of witnessing the Irish Setter at work to better under- stand the breed. Come and join us and watch form and function work together.
IN REFERENCE TO THE IRISH SETTER
As with any breed there are exhib- its that are more correct in structure than others. Breeders are always trying to maintain correctness or to correct
faults that have filtered into their breed- ing programs. When referencing the Irish Setter, one should make sure that they are using correct terminology for the breed and that it is in the standard. Therefore we ask that the use of com- ments like, “Our breed is not straight in front like the Irish Setter,” or “Our breed is not over angulated like the Irish Set- ter,” or “Our breed does not have a ski slope topline like the Irish Setter,” be eliminated when referencing this breed in a dialogue or a comparison. Also the term “racy” does not appear in the stan- dard and should not be used in refer- ence to this breed.
CONCLUSION
This breed has inherent charms which attract people to the breed. With a rollicking personality and high ener- gy, they enjoy exercise each day and you will find they are more than willing to entertain their owners and others. A willingness to please, Irish Setters are never too old to be playful both at home and in the ring.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2017 • 277