Stacy McWilliams, Rat Terrier
Telford, Pennsylvania
River Ridge Rat Terriers
www.RiverRidgeRatTerriers.com
(Biography) |  |
Breeder Spotlight
How long have you been involved in your breed?
Since 1998. I started in Rat Terrier rescue. In 1999, I purchased my first show dog.
List three words you feel best describe your breed.
Intelligent, loyal and tenacious.
In your opinion, what physical characteristic defines your breed the most?
Impression of great strength, stamina and agility for size. Wedge head, pronounced cheek muscles, strong jaws. Overall muscular working condition.
In your opinion, which behavioral characteristic defines your breed the most?
Extremely attentive, tenacious hunter and successful, talented multi-tasker.
What is the largest false impression your breed gives?
That Rat Terriers should be little or elegant, when, in fact, most breeds which make up the Rat Terrier were tall in height and working breeds.
What should breeders be most concerned about today?
Health and genetic disorders in the Rat Terriers today. As a relatively new breed, we are fortunate that knowledge and testing is available to help kennel programs eliminate or diagnose genetic problems in their dogs/lines. Also, help educate others of the importance of testing.
Is your breed standard sufficient? If you do not feel it is sufficient, briefly list changes you would like to see made.
I am currently happy with our breed standard. We are still a new breed and a bit too young to open it for tighter or looser language.
What counsel would you like to give to newcomers?
The importance of purchasing tested foundation dogs, from breeders who are producing genetically healthy dogs to their best ability. Research before you purchase your dogs. Find a mentor or two, and always be willing to learn.
What is the single most charming attribute of your breed?
Would you consider this charming? They bring me presents. Mice, rats and rodents of all kinds!
Do you prefer your breed judged moving or standing?
I would have to say both.
What is the most common judging mistake in your breed?
Placing a “showy dog” over a dog which better fits the breed standard. Also, the Rat Terrier has a slight slope at the croup. Our topline is different than the Toy Fox Terrier.
What quality lends itself particularly well to the show ring?
Attitude, or as we call it, RATitude!
Who would you like to see judge your National Specialty?
Judy Threlfall or Kathy Lorentzen. Kathy has recently finished writing our judges power point presentation for the Rat Terrier breed standard, and I feel she is very close to our breed standard after completion. I would enjoy seeing her placings and comments after just finishing this presentation.
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 This Weekend At UKC
Grand American - Orangeburg, South Carolina. The January 1st opening ceremonies of Grand American mark the traditional start of the coonhound year! The first big competition event of 2009 will take place this weekend, with nite hunts and bench shows, the exciting start of a new Purina race, and of course great food, entertainment and fellowship. Head to the fairgrounds in Orangeburg this weekend to ring in the coonhound New Year!
Find an event in your area. 
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Of the six breeds of UKC registered Coonhounds, only the Plott Hound doesn’t trace its ancestry to the foxhound; and of the breeds, we can be most certain of the Plott’s heritage and the men most responsible for its development.
The ancestors of today’s Plott were used for boar hunting in Germany many years ago. Jonathon Plott left his native Germany and came to this country in 1750. For the rest of the story behind the modern Plott Hound, follow this link. |
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Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here. |
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