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Here is a article that was on November 2007 TNT (Top Notch Toys) Magazine.
I was honored to be one of the Silky Terrier breeder who were interviewed in TNT's Special Silky Terrier / Shih Tzu number.
TNT is sent as a courtesy to all AKC judges approved for at least 1 Toy breed (U.S. residents only) or written request, and distributed at Toy Breed National Specialty Shows and other selected shows around the country.
My name is Kristiina Teerikorpi.
I was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland and have been passionate about dogs all of my life. Our family has owned and bred purebred dogs for as long as I can remember.
After completing my education I was anxious to begin my career as both an interior designer and breeder/handler.
I accomplished my goal of breeding in a very short time with the purchase of two Cocker Spaniels in 1978. I bred and showed these Cocker Spaniels when i lived in Finland under kennel name Delightful (FCI authorized).
In 1980 I had my first litter of Cocker Spaniels two of which became Best In Show winners.
I also had the good fortune of meeting Annaliisa Heikkinen, a renowned breeder and judge, who became my mentor and introduced me all over the Scandinavian Region. Our dogs took Best of Breed, Group and Best In Show placements during that time.
By 1982 Annaliisa Heikkinen offered me a promising black and tan Cocker Spaniel male for showing. I was honored to own and show this dog, who eventually became Finland's all-time number one Cocker Spaniel:
INT & Fin & N Ch, Winner 1984, -86, -87, -88, Multi BIS and BISS Winner MISTYWAY SINFUL SIMON. I truly owe my success to Annaliisa Heikkinen, for she taught me everything I needed to know about breeding quality dogs.
Through the years, my life began to become very busy with my marriage to my husband and birth of two beautiful baby girls. I disappeared from the dog show scene beginning in the 90's until the year 2000, when i got my first silky terrier from Donna L. Renton, a breeder to Tawny Mist Silky Terriers.
My first two Silky Terriers, Am & Fin Ch Tawny Mist Seket Get Sirius and Am Ch Tawny Mist Delightful Silk Stocking, finished their championships fairly easily. Both "old ladies" became exceptional brood bitches as well.
I have been very successful in breeding Silky Terriers with my kennel name NOET. A lot of this success is due to several close friends and champions in USA as well as in Europe. My breeding has won group placements , National Speciality BOW and one of my dogs was TOP 10 "silky" in 2006.
Today I am keeping a small number of Champion Silky's at home for breeding and showing. I have always handled all of my dogs on my own.
Nothing compares to the happiness i feel when I see my dogs reaching their full potential.
1. What is the most defining physical characteristic of your breed? An elegant "Toy Terrier".
2. Which behavioral characteristic most typifies your breed? Silky Terriers are loyal, alert and aware of their surroundings.
3. What is the single biggest misconception about your breed? Silky Terriers are not all about the beautiful floating coats, there have to have a sound well balanced body underneath the coat.
4. What attribute lends itself especially well to the show ring? They are elegant, alert and desire to please, witch make them easy to show... at least for me
5. What is the most common judging mistake in your breed? The most common judging mistake is missing the fact that "silkys" come in various shades of blues with complimentary tans. The darker shades of tan and blue are not always better than the lighter ones. What is
important is that the coat should be free from running tan on the body coat. Also, coat texture should feel like cool silk in your hands and contain a glossy appearance. Silky Terriers should not have coarse or
cottony coats, since the breed did get its name because of their coats silky look and feel.
6. Would you prefer your breed to be judged standing or moving? Both movement and standing are equally important while judging a dog. The detailed physical structure of the dog should be judged on the table. While faults in structure, which cannot be seen while the dog is
standing still, can be judged during movement.
7. What is the greatest concern to breeders today? Both physical and mental health are the foremost concern for breeders today, while poor coat color and texture are secondary concerns. Keeping blue shades clean without running tans is very important.
8. What is the most endearing characteristic of your breed? The brave, proud and dignified attitude reveals all the characteristics of terrier.
9. What three words best describe your breed? Silky Terriers can be best described as energetic, loving and intelligent.
10. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes do you feel are necessary? I think the written standard is adequate, but the understanding of it needs work.
11. What tips or advice would you share with a newcomer? Find a good mentor that you can trust, respect and feel comfortable with and listen what they have to teach you.
Watch and Learn! I met my mentor Annaliisa Heikkinen in 1981 and later on in 2005 I met an other important mentor Linda Hart. Linda has taught me many fine points about the Silky Terrier breed.
A good mentor is golden!
12. Who would you like to see judge your national? Any judge who has an accurate understanding of the breed standard. A judge who will honestly evaluate dogs and not be
influenced by who is on the end of the leash.
Kristiina
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt
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Kristiina, the interview is great, you really have got across the points that need to be addressed and it is very informative, not to mention interesting, what an honour to be asked to participate, and to be able to get your point of view across, let's hope with articles like this, it will help judges understand our breed better.
Thanks Tanya for your kinds words!
