Also in this issue● 2015 Year End Breed

Standings● 2015 AKC Eukanuba

National Championship

● Guest Article - R.A.T.S.● Meet The Breeds - Orlando● Healthy Dogs, Sick Dogs● Form to Function

Specialty Results● Fort Wayne● Palm Springs● Rose City Classic

Also in this issue

● 2016 Year EndStatistics

● In Memoriam -Linda Miller

● PRTAA History Quiz● Guest Article -

Knowledge-basedBreeding

● Tick-borne Disease● The Preacher’s

Hunting Dog

Show Results● National

Championship● Palm Springs

January 2017

Official Newsletter of the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America

2016AKC

Royal CaninNational

Championship

Coverage beginspage 12

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The Parson’s NookEditorial PolicyIt is the policy of The Parson’sNook to encourage submissionof articles, photographs, lettersto the editor and other informa-tion based on materials written and/or submitted by members ofthe PRTAA. The Parson’s Nook will print new member applicantsand approved Specialties as provided by the PRTAA Secretary. TheParson’s Nook Committee and Editor reserve the right to refusepublication of any materials they deem contrary to the best inter-ests of the breed and/or the PRTAA, or that are libelous in nature.The Nook Committee reserves the right to edit submissions forlength, clarity and personal content. The Parson’s Nook will notknowingly accept fraudulent or misleading material or advertising.All changes by the Nook Committee are final. Opinions expressedin The Parson’s Nook are not necessarily those of The Parson’sNook Committee, The Editor or the Directors of the PRTAA. Noarticle, portion of articles and/or artwork may be reprinted with-out written permission of the Editor. Editorial policies are notintended to be exclusive and may be modified as needed by voteof the committee and approval by the BoD.

Advertising Policy1. Advertising space may be purchased by members and non-mem-

bers in any issue of The Parson’s Nook. If possible, text copyshould be submitted via electronic format to be ready for speedyinclusion in the digitally created Nook. The Nook is able to scanphotos and assist with layout.

2. Images must be identified with the name of dog, its owner andowner’s address; accompanied by a statement of permission foruse in the Nook.

3. The following sizes will be accepted; Full page - $35 includes one image, each additional image $10 Half page - $25 includes one image Quarter page - $15 no image PRTAA Specialty Announcement – full page, no cost Litter announcement $.10 per word. Min. $5.00. Max. 75 words*The PRTAA/Parson’s Nook do not license nor endorse any breed-

ers, including those listed here. The PRTAA/Parson’s Nook haveno control over their business practices and are not liable for anydealings between buyer and breeder. The PRTAA/Parson’s Nookdo not sell dogs and make no warranty or guarantee as to thehealth, quality, parentage or any value of any dogs. Theselistings are provided as a service to the membership/public.

4. All ad payments may be made by check submitted with the adto a Nook committee member or by Paypal to the PRTAA trea-surer at prtaatreasurer@gmail.com. Payment must be receivedprior to the use of ads submitted electronically. Ads not meetingthese requirements will not be published. A $25 surcharge willbe levied on every “insufficient funds” check received for pay-ment of advertising.

5. All material should be mailed in a non-bendable envelope.Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the re-turn of your image. The PRTAA accepts no responsibility formaterial damaged in mailing.

Editor & Committee ChairBrenda Koeppel

81 Sand RoadCanaan, CT 06018

860-733-3447brenda.koeppel@yahoo.com

Contents

Regular Columns

Editor’s Desk .......................................... 3President’s Message .............................. 4Member Notices .................................... 4History Quiz ............................................ 7Breeders Corner - Limited Registration ... 7AKC Delegate Report .............................. 8The Dog Behind the Tail ........................ 37

Features

In Memoriam - Linda Miller ..................... 9Meet The Breeds - Hartford ................... 102016 Year End Statistics ....................,.... 15Health & Genetics - Tick Borne Diseases ........................... 172017 PRTAA Show Calendar .................. 21Guest Article - The Preacher’s Hunting Dog .............. 22Guest Article -

Knowledge-Based Breeding ............... 27

Show Results

AKC/Royal Canin Nat’l Championship .... 12Palm Springs Specialty ........................... 25

Cover photo © Mindy Musick King Photography

Printed by permission

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N ew England dog loverswere treated to AKC

Meet the Breeds at theHartford Convention CenterOctober 29 and 30, 2016.The Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubsrepresented by South Windsor Kennel Club,Farmington Valley Kennel Club and WindhamCounty Kennel was once again the host. Andfor the third consecutive year the PRTAA wasthere to familiarize the public with our breedand the AKC, to promote buying a purebreddog from a reputable breeder and responsibledog ownership.

Jester and Roger were our breed ambassadorswith a support staff of members Kim Baker,Brenda Koeppel and Gary Koeppel. TheParson Russell boys were also joined by Prima,a young female Russell Terrier so visitors hadan opportunity to learn about the Parsons anda Russell side by side. The Terrier Group as a

whole was well represented with a majority ofthe breeds in attendance.

The event draws roughly 30,000 people overtwo days. To accommodate, the sevenrecognized groups are split to 3 exhibiting onone day and 4 on the other. At intervalsthroughout the event each group is presentedin a ring similar to group judging at a show.An announcer introduces each breed using thesame script that is used at the nationalchampionship.  This format is hugely popularwith people standing several deep all aroundringside. Many then follow their favorites backto the set up areas to meet the dogs in personand learn more.

AKC Meet TheBreedsHartford, Connecticut

The PRTAA is a popular stopJester greets his fans Roger gets personal

Prima and Jester in thespotlight

Ready to welcome visitors

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Friday, June 23PRTAA Specialty

Sweeps Judge - Kayla KuruzBreed Judge - Nancy Lovelady

Saturday, June 24PRTAA Supported EntrySweeps Judge - Michelle

QuesadaBreed Judge - Duff Harris

Sunday, June 25PRTAA Specialty

Sweeps Judge - Adrian QuesadaBreed Judge - Joe Vernuccio

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area15501 East Arrow Highway

Irwindale, CA 91706Click here: Santa_Fe_Dam

Flying in?LAX, Burbank or Ontario Airports

are all within 1 hour without traffic!

New Location

June23rd-25th

2017

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Trophy donation are being accepted and can be sent to Jennifer MoxleyPRTAA Contact Jennifer Moxley moxleyj@sbcglobal.net

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FINAL Parson Russell Terrier Standings 2016

Data from Canine Chronicle for 2016 ê Denotes a dog owned by a PRTAA Member

All-Breed Standings

1. GCHB CH Brywood Heluva Ride 2 GCHB CH Posey Canyon Classic Stun Gunê 3. GCHS CH Blossom Valley Guilty Pleasure Of Wild Fireê 4. GCHG CH Dream Hi's Lil' Surfer Dude 5. GCHB CH Keeferfarm's Quik Draw Mcgrawê 6. GCHB CH Highland Downs Mind Your Biscuitsê 7. GCH CH Snow Winds Legend Of Zorroê 8. GCHB CH Fox Valley Bustin Looseê 9. GCHB CH Barnun's No Secretê 10. GCH CH Shasta N Neon Lightê

No. 1 Breed and All-BreedGCH CH Brywood Heluva Ride

“Toodles”Owners: Dana Bryson-Benn & Kiki Courtelis

Breeders: Dana Bryson, Kiki Courtelis& Joyce Wilkinson

Breed Standings

1. GCHB CH Brywood Heluva Ride 2. GCH CH Dream Hi’s Lil Surfer Dude 3. GCHS CH Blossom Valley Guilty Pleasure Of Wild Fireê 4. GCHB CH Highland Downs Mind Your Biscuitsê 5. GCHB CH Barnun's No Secretê 6. GCHB CH Keeferfarm's Quik Draw Mcgrawê 7. GCHB CH Windy Ridge Hell's Bells CAê (tie) 8. GCHG CH Snow Winds Masked Bandit CGCA ê GCH Snow Winds Legend Of Zorroê 10. GCH CH Shalimar Orejacs On Targetê

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No.1 CH Posey Canyon Classic Hijinx

“Jinx”Breeder/Owner- Handled by Tricia Stanczyk

AKC National Owner-Handler Series Rankings

Qualifying Period October 8, 2015 through October 12, 2016

1. CH Posey Canyon Classic Hijinx ê 2. GCHB Barnun’s No Secret ê 3. GCHB Fox Valley Bustin Loose ê 4. GCH Twerkswerks Mr. Blue Sky ê 5. GCHB Posey Canyon Classic Stun Gun ê (tie) 6. GCHG Ardsley Run Heaven Sent ê GCH Red Rock Just Bite Me JE CAA RATO CGC ê (tie) 8. GCH Foxbend Celebrity Status CH Shalimar Orejac’s On Target ê 10. GCHS Blossom Valley Guilty Pleasure of Wild Fire ê

ê Denotes a dog owned by a PRTAA Member

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T here is not a very completerecord of the Reverend John

Russell's effectiveness as anAnglican priest in either his positionas vicar of St. James' Church inSwimbridge, where he served for40 years, or as rector of BlackTorrington in North Devon. Hisobituary in the Swimbridge ParishNews in 1883 mentioned that hehad been a kind-hearted man witha sense of duty to this sacred officeand his responsibility to the sick,weary and the poor in his areas. Hewas also known for hiscompassionate treatment of thewandering tribes of gypsies whowere frequently persecuted astrespassers in other parts ofEngland often having their horsesand donkeys impounded whilebeing driven out of areas wherethey had camped and weregenerally treated like viciousanimals.

However, one thing that is knownabout his ministry is that hissermons were brief, by Victorianstandards, because his huntinghorse was almost always saddledand waiting in the churchyard. TheRev. Russell, although a "man of thecloth", was a passionate fox hunter

and his zest for the sport ledhim to develop a workingbreed of terrier which wasleggy enough to keep up withthe horses but small enoughto go to ground and chase thefoxes out of their lairs.

Starting with a crossbredterrier female that he boughtfrom a milkman while he was

still a student at Oxford, heeventually created a nearlywhite breed recognized as adistinct type of Fox Terrier thathas now evolved into threed i f f e r e n t (Preacher, page 8)

The Parson Russell Terrier

Endo (Windy Ridge Endo JE XAMXJ CAA DM OF RATN UFA USAUCA WV-E EAC TN-ETG-O OCCEJC OV AJ SAA AD), DianaYares’ Parson Russell Terrier,goes through the straw tunnel in abarn hunt.

Preston works on focusing onhis owner as he sits on a tree

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Smith’s Parson Russell Terrierfound dock diving to be hisfavorite dog sport and becamegood enough at it to placesecond in his division at the AKCNADD Diving National in 2015.

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As is the case withPreston, dockdiving is one ofEndo’s favoriteactivities

Showing the breed’s speed andnimbleness, Endo races around an agility

varieties, all of which bear theparson's name in some form andspring from common ancestry.The name "Parson RussellTerrier" stems from a disputewithin the breed between thosewho wanted to be recognized bythe major kennel clubs and thosewho wanted the breed standardto focus on hunting ability ratherthan conformation. ParsonRussell Terrier is the name giventhose dogs that have distinctlybred bloodlines, a clear breedstandard and description and areregistered with the AmericanKennel Club. (Note: The AKC alsorecognizes the "Australianbranch" of the breed, the RussellTerrier.)

While it is not known exactlyhow Reverend Russell createdthe original breed, it is generallyaccepted that using the bitch heacquired from the milkman ashis foundation dog, he then bredto some of the fighting breeds todevelop more aggression andtenacity and then introducedsmall "pocket" Beagles to themix to temper the hard edge.The result was a breed that wasoften one jump ahead of the fox,

knowing what afox would dobefore theanimal actuallydid it. Although

the parson never used his dogsas rat hunters, the breed is alsoa formidable ratter. They arequick, agile, affectionate dogswith a well developed sense ofhumor and an affinity for horses,according to their owners. Thislatter trait, combined with theirratting abilities, has made thebreed very popular with stableowners and they are frequentlyan important asset tothoroughbred and quarter horseracing operations both ascompanions for nervous horsesand as rodent control since everyracetrack in the country fights aconstant battle against rats andmice.

"Parson Russell Terriers arefriendly, they are biddable andthey are always up for the nextadventure," said Janie Smithwho owns Preston (GCH ArdsleyRun Press to Go OA OAJ CAABHO DM). "They are intelligentand eager to please. But, youneed to use positive training

methods with them and it'sreally helpful if you have hadexperience working withterriers."

"Parson Russell Terriers have ahigh drive and a square, lean,athletic build. They also havegreat noses and they are veryintelligent. But, they have theirown little quirks. For example,Endo (Windy Ridge Endo JE XAMXJ CAA DM OF RATN UFA USAUCA WV-E EAC TN-ETG-O OCCEJC OV AJ SAA AD) getsdisinterested if the weather ishot or she has had too much toear or if we have been trainingand drilling too much. She alsofinds earthdog work to be a bitof a killjoy for her. She is a greatnatural hunter and readily goesto ground while hunting on herown. She also finds, chases andkills rodents and birds.Unfortunately, she has figuredout that she can't get to playwith the rat at all at a trial. Thishas presented a really difficulttraining challenge for me. We'retrying to find people that we cantrain with that will help simulatethe atmosphere at a trial but ina training (Preacher, page 9)

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situation where she can playwith the rat. In this way, I hopeit will give her a more hopefulattitude when we move on tosenior and master earthdogwork with her as she's really agood hunter otherwise. Thegreatest challenges I've foundwith Parsons have beenpreventing boredom andkeeping their focus especially ifthey are distracted by goodsmells or they see animals thatthey want to chase. With Endo'sissue with hot weather, she lovesto play with the water hose andreally likes garden sprayers orleaping into the water after atoy. These activities seem tokeep her both cool andmotivated. I keep the trainingsessions short with lots of praiseand very high value treats and Imake sure to celebrate her goodperformances with tons ofpraise, jumping around andhaving a party" said Diana Yares.

For Smith, the most significantissue with Preston has been inagility. "It's a team sport whereyou must train and practice withconsistency. Preston has been achallenge to keep him focusedon me and wanting to work withme, not wander off or letdistractions mess up hisperformance. I try to make himthink he is the greatest littlewhite dog in the world and thenlet's try to go do this agilitycourse! Just recently, after twoattempts to complete all twelveweave poles where he keptpopping out at the tenth pole, he

finally succeeded on the thirdtry. I was reminded that this isthe precise moment when atreat or some other high valuereward is crucial to maintainingthe necessary focus to completesomething that's really foreignto a dog's natural instincts likerunning through weave poles.The problem with Preston wasthat he finished hisconformation championshipwhen he was 10 months old andthen completed his grandchampionship shortly thereafter.So, I had a dog that was not even18 months old that neededdirection and guidance tochannel that inner terrier driveand energy. Agility class seemedlike the best answer to this needalthough we also did basicobedience and rally training inan attempt to get him focusedon me. Fortunately for both ofus, he has always loved waterand when we discovered dockdiving, it quickly became hisfavorite activity. Last year, at theAKC NADD Diving Nationals, hehad an amazing performance inthe finals jumping 18 feet, twoinches to take second place inour division.

"You have to be careful how youcorrect a PRT" said Yares. "Endogets sour on any activity wherethere are too many correctionsor too much drilling. I end everytraining session on a good noteeven if I have to regress to a verybasic skill. I also have to makesure that I don't get toocompetitive and ruin the dog's

fun. I have been able to havecontinued success by keeping itlight and fun. I also use reallyyummy treats like bits of steak.Doing several different sportshelps both the dog and I stayinterested and not bored. Itprovides great opportunities forcross training which also helpsstave off the boredom thatseems to accompany onlytraining in one sport at the time.I have some concerns, as thebreed has become popularthough, that there will be toomuch breeding just for "looks"and not enough considerationgiven to maintaining drive,instinct, athletic ability andintelligence of the breed bysome of the people makingbreeding decisions. That's ourbiggest challenge today -breeding the instinct, drive andathletic ability out of the breedin favor of what's fashionable inthe show ring. In order tomaintain the things that make aParson Russell Terrier what it is,the clubs that have dog showsneed to make sure they alsoinclude performance events andthat a dog's achievements inperformance activities arerecognized and valued at alllevels from small local shows allthe way to the big nationalevents."

This article appeared in DogNews in the November 11,2016 issue. It is reprinted in itsentirety with the permission ofDog News.

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Specialty Judge: Carolyn AlexanderBOB: GCH Snow Winds Legend of Zorro

BOS/OH: GCH Red Rock Just Bite Me JE CAA Select: GCH Gaitway He’s Finnomenal WD/BW: Red Rock Maximum Appeal WB: Windy Ridge Montra As If RWD: Blossom Valley Last Man Standing RWB: Highland Downs Born To Be Wild

Desert Empire Kennel ClubIndio, CA

January 6, 2017PRTAA Specialty

Palm

GCH Snow Winds Legend of Zorro

“Kyle”Owner: Mary Strom-Bernard

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Photo Brenda Koeppel

Answer to History Quiz...HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

The model and saleswoman in thephotograph is none other than Lee

Sweitzer of Poplar Hill Jack Russells. Lee wasa tireless supporter of the club in its earlydays and sadly she was taken from us toosoon. The Linda Lee Sweitzer Award for clubservice is named in her honor.

Lee is seen here selling JRTBA shirts at the1992 JRTBA National Specialty. This picturewas taken at Starkweather, the home of Lizand Peter Faber and site of the Nationalweekend’s events.

ReminderAnnounce new conformation and

performance titles for your dogs onthe PRTAA Facebook page.

We love to share your dogs’accomplishments. Send the dog’s

name with new title(s) earnedalong with a photo to the Facebook

administrator.

Brenda Koeppelbrenda.koeppel@yahoo.com

2017 PRTAA MEETING SCHEDULE

January 17 Board of Directors

February 21 Board of Directors

March 13-14 AKC Delegates 21 Board of Directors

April 18 Board of Directors

May 16 Board of Directors

June 12-13 AKC Delegates 20 Board of Directors

July 18 Board of Directors

August 15 Board of Directors

September 11-12 AKC Delegates 19 Board of Directors

October 7 Annual General Meeting 24 Board of Directors

December 14-15 AKC DelegatesCheck official meeting notices for date changes

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