Terry Stud Information

Thank you! What a wonderful compliment to Terry that you are considering using him. Most of the credit, naturally, should go to his breeders, Ann MacKay and Cheryl Smith.

The over abundance of Malinois in need of homes is one reason we will proceed very slowly and cautiously with any breeding plans for Terry. Another reason is age; Belgians are known for their late manifestation of epilepsy. I think four years old is soon enough to start thinking about breeding them.

On the bright side, Terry is exactly what I hoped for when I looked at Emma’s litter. I have loved Emma since she was a puppy: she is bright and energetic and funny. My selection criteria for a puppy was male, very drivey with sound enough structure to hold up for years as an agility dog. Wow, did I ever hit the jackpot! Which is not the same as saying I’m a talented or experienced enough handler to bring out everything he has to offer.

The conformation thing was good luck and good breeding. We think he’s just marvelous. Terry finished his AKC championship almost immediately and lacks one “best male” for his UKC championship (in one weekend of UKC shows). A more objective view can be found by reading through the UKC judging forms. They are amazingly consistent and make the following points:

Positive:

Good Color
Flowing Movement
Refined, typey head
Lovely eye and ear
Happy, showy attitude

Negative:

Missing one premolar
Carries tail too high when moving

Some other things you might want to know. Terry was very slow to mature. At six months, he was so far under the AKC height standard that I didn’t even consider showing him. Even at a year, I thought there was a good chance he hadn’t made height. When I brought him out to show at 18 months old, he was still on the small side but his ring presence and attitude pretty much prevented any comment or question from judges or spectators. At maturity, his AKC agility measurement is 23.5” but I think a conformation style measurement would probably yield 24 or 24.5.

As far as temperament, Terry has always been very focused and interested in only a few people and almost no other dogs. He is a retrieving fanatic and loves to run and swim. He is not a hard dog and is actually quite submissive to his people.

Terry loves agility like I love breathing. His primary reinforcement is a very wild game of tug but he also loves his food reinforcements and will work for either. At home, Terry thinks he wants to sit on our laps but he has a hard time not squirming. During the dead of winter, when it’s hard to get enough exercise, Terry is more active in the house than we might prefer. Most of the year, we are able to get him out running or swimming and there isn’t an issue.

Would I get another puppy like Terry? In a heartbeat – but not for a few years yet. I am really enjoying the luxury of just one dog to train, condition, groom and show. With a dog like Terry, I’m not bored or running out of ideas for training or thinking about my next puppy.