Judging the MANCHESTER TERRIER by Rod heRneR
I would like to give you an insight into what a judge should look for as the Manchester Terriers (both Toy and Standard judges are approved for both varieties simultane- ously). Walking into the ring, the judge is required to compare each exhibit to the description of the Standard of Perfection that was put together by the National club. The closer the dog comes to this description, the better the chance for winning. The judge’s first view of the dog as it enters the ring is the overall outline. All breeds have a distinct outline, or silhou- ette, that should be readily recognized as an important breed characteristic. Judges’ first impressions are formed when that outline is viewed. These impressions can be lasting. The outline of the Manchester Ter- rier should appear to be sleek, but stur- dily constructed, with adequate bone density that is not overdone, so that an appearance of elegance is portrayed. The outline should not appear to be that of a square breed, but rather one that should measure a greater distance
from point of shoulder to ischium than from the highest point of the withers to the ground. The head should be rather long, well filled and with a strong underjaw. Ears should appear to be erect, cropped or button, depending on the variety of the Manchester. The chest should reach to the elbows with a curving arch reach- ing to the abdomen, giving a graceful, elegant look to the outline. The front legs, which should appear to be the same length elbow to ground as is the distance from elbow to withers, should be set well under the dog with adequate bone. The rear legs should be carried well back with muscular upper and lower thighs equal in length. The stifle should appear well turned and hocks are well let down. Feet should be exam- ined on the table. The line from the neck to the tail should also be graceful with the slightly arched neck blending smoothly into sloping shoulders. The topline, should show a slight rise over the loin. The rise should be above the lumbar vertebrae.
If the rise is over the thoracic vertebrae, it is too far forward and would be con- sidered a roached topline. The topline ends with a slightly sloping croup that flows into the tail set. The tail should be carried in a slight upward curve, but not over the back. These are the features that go into creating that “Manchester Terrier Sil- houette” the judge is looking for, even before the first step is taken. Once that first step is taken, the dog’s move- ment will validate the correct or incor- rect angulation and musculature of the entry. What is needed to achieve correct Manchester Terrier gait? The standard calls for gait that is free and effort- less. Several things are required to attain this. First and foremost, Manchesters should be gaited on a loose lead. String- ing the dog up (trying to correct a gait fault), never results in free movement. In order to get good reach of the fore- quarters without an incorrect hackney or goosestep gate, the shoulder blade and upper arm must be equal in length.
“the outline of the ManchesteR teRRieR should appeaR to be sleek, but stuRdily constRucted, with adequate bone density that is not oveRdone, so that an appeaRance of elegance is poRtRayed.”
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