Guest columnist this month is Bruce L. Petersen, Vice President of the ITCA and well-known breeder and owner-handler of Irish Terriers. Bruce is the editor of the ITCA Centennial Breed Book and provides an overview of this new publication.
Each decade since 1922, the ITCA has published a breed book. The latest one, The Irish Terrier Club of America 199 Handbook Centennial Edition, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Club. Previous editions were published in 1928, 1937, 1941, 1948, 1959, 1970, 1983.
The Intent of the Centennial Breed Book is to tell the ongoing story of the Irish Terrier in America and to provide useful information for newcomers and veterans alike. Written by many of today's successful breeders and exhibitors, this book will be the key reference tool for Irish Terrier enthusiasts for the next ten years. The hard-bound edition has over 300 pages filled with records and rare photos that summarize the past 100 years of Irish Terrier activity. Information also abounds on breeding, rearing, grooming, and training.
Part One focuses on the histories of the breed, the ITCA and its regional clubs. For the first time, this section of the book also includes histories of the Irish Terrier in art and literature. The opening chapter, "The Breed and Some of Its Architects," is a reprise of the late John Best's history written in 1982, and a continuance by well-known breeder/exhibitor Ellis West that takes breed history up to the present.
Thirty-year member March Welch follows with her history of the "Irish Terrier Club of America 1897-1997." In "The History of the Irish Terrier in Art," Rose Marie Saporito outlines breed portrayal by British and American artists. "Irish Terriers in Literature and Poetry" by John Barry Kelly highlights writings on the breed. Part One concludes with regional club histories.
Part Two provides breeder's tips on all aspects of Irish Terrier ownership. It leads off with Ellis West's "Breeding Irish Terriers," a comprehensive look at breeding strategies and techniques, puppy grading, and the challenges facing today's breeders. Jeanene MacDonald, a respected breeder since 1966, provides the inside story to "Rearing Irish Terriers." "Ear Setting" by long-time breeder/exhibitor John Childers, offers a new method to obtain correct ear carriage. In "Grooming for the Show Ring," Marianne Kehoe and professional handler Robert Clyde give advice on stripping and maintaining Irish Terrier coats. "The Successful Owner-Handler;" provides this writer's tips on getting dog and handler ready to compete in the conformation ring. Section Two wraps up with "Irish Terriers in Obedience" by the prominent obedience exhibitors, Barbara Lee Henry and Diana Martin.
Part Three will be the key source of Irish Terrier records for year to come. "Irish Terrier Winners at ITCA Specialties and Westminster Shows" lists the BOB and BOS winners from 1885 to 1996 and includes rare photographs of winners from different decades. Later chapters provide 1983 to 1996 records of annual trophy winners, champions, and obedience titles. Part Three finishes with Dr. Arnold B. Levine's work, the most authoritative bibliography ever compiled on the breed.
Finally, the club member advertisements in Part Four provide an interesting look at the people and dogs of the past decade.
This column was written by Bruce L. Petersen for the Irish Terrier Column to appear in the November 1997 issue of the AKC Gazette. My address is RR 3, Box 449, Bloomington, Illinois 61704.
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