While some Toy breed standards state that the tail is or may be docked, we are seeing more and more of these breeds in the ring with natural tails! If the parent club has not addressed this issue, it is up to the judge in the ring to determine how they will handle this. Every Toy breed, except two, re- quires a level topline. The Miniature Pinscher standard allows for a level or slightly sloping topline. The Ha- vanese standard calls for a topline to rise from the withers to the croup. The Brussels Griffon and the Chinese Crested both have two coat varieties that are judged together. The Chihua- hua has two coat varieties, but they are judged separately. In addition, the Toy Poodle and the Havanese may be shown corded. Many long-coated Toy breeds are parted down the middle of the back! The Havanese standard, however, states that this is not done in the breed. On the other hand, Chinese Crested Powderpuffs may be shown with or without a part. Please keep the differences between the Toy breeds in mind when you are judging them. And have fun in the Toy Store!
“Please keep the differences between the Toy breeds in mind when you are judging them. AND HAVE FUN IN THE TOY STORE!”
in another section of the standard it states that they have a rectangular outline—confusing. The Chinese Crested standard spe- cifically calls for a rectangular pro- portion. PLEASE remember this when judging. The only Toy breed that does not specifically address proportions is the Italian Greyhound. Different Toy breeds require differ- ent tail carriages. Several require that the tail be on or over the back (or hip). These are the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Japanese Chin, the Pomeranian, the Papillion, the Havanese, the Maltese, the Pekingese, and the Biewer Terrier. The following breeds do not require the tail on or over the back: the Af- fenpinscher, the Brussels Griffon, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Chinese Crested, the Italian Grey- hound, the Toy Manchester Terrier, the Miniature Pincher, the Toy Poo- dle, the Silky Terrier, the Toy Fox Ter- rier, and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Chihuahua is unique, as its stan- dard allows different tail carriages. It may be carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back. Be sure that you know the correct tail carriage for the Toy breed you are judging.
Powderpuff. Please check the entire bite on the Powderpuff, as they are to be faulted for missing teeth. Several Toy breeds allow for the hair on the top of the head to be tied up. The Toy Poodle may have a topknot tied with elastic bands. The Biewer Terrier requires the hair on the top of the head to be tied in a ponytail and a bow may be used for adornment. The Shih Tzu standard requires the hair to be tied up on the top of the head. The Yorkshire Terrier standard al- lows one or two bows. Havanese may have their hair loose on the top of the head or may have two small braids tied with small elastic bands. Toys may be square or slightly longer than tall (SLTT) in proportion. Some standards actually call for a rectan- gular proportion. The square breeds are the Pug, the English Toy Spaniel, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Brussels Griffon, the Toy Fox Terrier, the Min- iature Pincher, the Pomeranian, the Poodle, the Affenpinscher, and the Biewer Terrier. The SLTT breeds are the Chihuahua, the Manchester Terrier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Maltese, and the Papillion. The Havanese standard states in one place that the breed is slightly longer than tall, yet
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ShelleyHennessy is currently approved by the AKC to judge four Groups, plus numerous breeds in the other three Groups, Rally, and Lure Coursing. She is a breeder-judge of Chinese Crest- eds, Whippets, and Afghan Hounds. She has participated in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Lure Cours- ing, Scent Work, and Barn Hunt. T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 37
Powered by FlippingBook