Earthdog
Welsh Terrier Club of Southern California
by Karla Deithorn

It was a cool fall day at Whittier Narrows Sporting Dog Area and perfect for the earthdogs attending the Welsh Terrier Club of Southern California (WTCSC) Earthdog test to show their stuff. The club offered exhibitors hot coffee, donuts and, for those on the low carb diets, hard boiled eggs. Secretary Anne Miller and Trial Chair Carol Hamilton got things moving on time and kept them moving briskly through the day.

Master class judge Charlotte LeVecque gave an excellent orientation and got the dogs to the field on time. The Master walk up was through a field dotted with small patches of trees and bushes and liberally sprinkled with ground squirrel setts for the dogs to explore. Charlotte set her empty den under some trees off the main path of the walk up and it required the handlers to call their dogs to it to investigate. She also laid some scent trails out in the field and a number of the dogs did find them and investigate. Of the nine Master entries two of them qualified and both won the Iron Dog award from the club.

The Iron Dog award is a special trophy offered by various clubs for dogs that qualify in both Master and Senior on the same day. The dogs competing for this award must be Master dogs in order to be eligible to enter more than one regular class at a trial.

The two Iron Dogs this day were the Smooth Fox Terrier, Ted owned by Jana Kay Carter and the Welsh Terrier, Caeri, owned by Jerry and Anne Miller. Both Caeri and Ted investigated a number of the scent lines and natural dens on the walk up in Master and worked very well with their bracemates.

The Senior class, judged by Gustavo Hueremo, went smoothly and the two qualifiers were the Iron Dogs.

The Junior class, judged by Alison Breidenstein, had a variety of breeds and all the dogs had a good time.

The IQ class judged by Steve Schultz, had a nice entry of novice dogs and handlers. All of them showed promise and some qualified to earn a ribbon. Again, a variety of terriers competed in this class and Steve offered encouragement and advice to all of them.

With a beautiful site, wonderful Master walk up, encouraging judges and friendly club members, the exhibitors left pleased with their dogs and looking forward to another chance to show their dogs' earthdog skills.

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