Judges' Education
Welcome to the Judges Education Webpage
The Tibetan Terrier Club of America would like to welcome those of you who already judge our breed as well as those of you who are planning to apply to judge Tibetan Terriers in the future.
You will find the Illustrated Guide to the Tibetan Terrier available in pdf form for study and review. Printed copies may also be purchased from the TTCA store. (link)
There are also several other articles regarding type and judging of the Tibetan Terrier.
The TTCA holds an annual Judges Study Group in conjunction with the National Specialty. This consists of a seminar presentation by members of the Judges Education Committee along with the opportunity for “hands on” learning the day of the seminar. In addition, Club approved mentors will provide ringside mentoring the day of the regular classes and Best of Breed judging.
Other seminars can also be found under events or on the AKC website.
If you will be in the area of one of our Regional Specialties and would like ringside mentoring, please contact me or a local mentor and we will be glad to help.
The list of TTCA Mentors and the regions where they are located can be found below.
Please come back often and continue your education of our wonderful breed. For further information please contact the Chairman of the Judges Education Committee:
Margy Pankiewicz
1645 Seaks Run Road
Glen Rock, PA 17327
(717) 235-6991
Cake or Frosting
The following article Cake or Frosting? was written in 1996 by the late Mrs. Gayle Nittler who was the Judges Education Chair at that time. It has not lost its timeliness or effectiveness on the essential characteristics which embody TYPE in the Tibetan Terrier.
The Tibetan terrier Club of America would like to remind you of our commitment to the origins and heritage of this hardy breed. As stated in the very first words of our Official Standard:
“ The Tibetan Terrier evolved over many centuries, surviving in Tibet’s extreme climate and difficult terrain. The breed developed a protective double coat, compact size, unique foot construction, and great agility. The Tibetan Terrier served as a steadfast, devoted companion in all of the owner’s endeavors.”
The dialogue over the concept of Type vs. Style is of course important in any breed. Long haired dogs in particular are always a challenge because the judge must find the essential dog which lies under the coat. The standard defines and establishes TYPE -those intrinsic qualities that set one breed apart from another. In our breed, those features include the head proportions; the characteristic double coat; large flat feet which are capable of gripping; the gaily carried tail; the compact and powerful body; the efficiency of movement. The features which protected this breed in the Himalayan winters and summers and the overall harsh environment are what establishes type - this dog is a product of his native Tibet and designed by nature to withstand an inhospitable region. Form follows function.
Our standard also states the “the Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible” and that “sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary to breed type and are serious faults.” Correct undercoat IS soft and wooly; outer coat IS profuse and fine but never silky or wooly. Coat should not hang to the ground and both wavy and straight coats are of equal merit.
As guardians of our breed, we ask you, the judges, to work with us in preserving the uniqueness of this exceptional dog - the Tibetan Terrier. Download the article, Part 1 and Part 2, at the top, left red buttons.
Cake or Frosting article, doc. Part 1
Cake or Frosting article doc Part 2
Judges' Newsletter
Judging TTs Showsight 2012
For Judges' Education, Read down, then use the red buttons for Documents
