a forum on TOY BREEDS
with merle Taylor & James fehring
MERLE TAYLOR His initial breed was
Is it your preference to have the handler show you the bite? It doesn’t make a difference to me; if they do, that’s okay. During the influenza scare and the judge was to have the owner show the bite, I usually waited until after I had exam- ined the dog because in so many cases, I had to wait for the dog to be set up again so I could examine it. Can you name a dog from the past that is your ideal example? There have been a couple that always caught my eye; I think it would have to be the Maltese that Peggy Hogg showed. I have always admired anyone who could keep a dog in tip-top shape throughout its career. Coming from ter- riers, I understand the time and dedication it takes and truly appreciate it. What is your pet peeve when judging? Late to the ring, over handling, bait, etc. I try to understand that we’re not all professional handlers and that often exhibitors need a little help. I try to make sug- gestions whenever I can. I would never hold any “pet peeve” against an exhibitor. I suppose, if I had one, is having people right outside the ring waiting to show, and then they aren’t right at the gate when it’s time for their class to begin. And, when they have multiple entries, not having someone stand- ing by to take the other entries in for winners. “i have always admired anyone who could keep a dog in TIP-TOP SHAPE THROUGHOUT ITS CAREER.”
Scottish Terriers, Merle is currently approved to do the Herding Group, Best In Show, Miscellaneous and Juniors. He is provisional/ permit or approved to do the Toy Group and was sug- gested by a Judges Educa- tion Chair. Merle lives in Hammond, IL with his wife who also judges.
What is your original breed? My original breed is Scottish Terriers; however, in the beginning, 1970s, we assisted an AKC all-breed handler who was an Affenpinscher breeder. We met many toy handlers and exhibitors along the way and have owned Affenpinschers and Brussel Griffons. What three conformation characteristics do you con- sider critical in judging/decisions? s Overall shape of the dog/correct head shape for the breed s Breed specific characteristics including correct expression s Movement/Showmanship AND Condition. What Toys do you currently judge and are you anticipating applying for additional Toys? I just recently completed the Toy Group, yet to judge all of them. What ring pattern do you prefer for Toy dogs? It depends on the ring size—I go out of my way to make sure every exhibitor gets their money’s worth. However, if the ring is unusually large, I often use only half—sometimes, however, it seems difficult for exhibitors to understand. Is your preference the table first or go around first? My preference is the dog is set up on the floor first, goes around, and then on the table.
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