Best in Show Magazine Fall 2019

Danilovic Jovana Editor & Art Director jovana@bismagazine.com Kanninen Milla Advertiser Relations milla@bismagazine.com Lee Crogan Features Editor Contributing Writers Anne Tureen, Richard Hellman, Juha Kares, Karl Donvil, Lisa Croft-Elliott Pekka Hannula, Bo Bengtson, Ante Lucin, Mihaela Kosic Contributing Photographers Lisa Croft-Elliot, Selene Favretto, Horvath Balazs, Mak Dodan Karl Donvil, Tommaso Urciuolo, Anna Szabo, Boris Glukharev Web Designer JL Studio Published and printed by GrafoMark d.o.o

intro Dear Best in Show readers and followers, we are proudly presenting our 22nd edition of Best in Show Magazine!

You will be able to enjoy beautiful photo reports from European Show scene taken by Dog-Foto team, Mak Dodan, Tommaso Urciuolo, Boris Glukharev and Roman Nemesszeghy.

Besides many show reports around the World, in this edition, you will be able to read interviews with one of two Group Crufts winners Jozsef Koroknai and Nikolas Kanales; as well as interviews with breeder and judge Augusto Benedicto Santos, Junior Handler - Csenge Pรกlocska HajnalHajnal, ENCI president Dino Muto, article about Caucasian Shepherds and many others

Through the year Best in Show Magazine was Official Media Sponsor of some of the biggest and most important shows in Europe, providing beautiful rosettes and many other presents for the winners.

We are looking forward for many other shows to come.

I truly hope you will enjoy spending time reading our new edition with a cup of coffee or tea till the next time.

Enjoy!

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publisher Grafomark d.o.o can not accept liability for any statement or error contained herein.

Best In Show Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers.

No part of this magazine, inckluding texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any other way without the prior written consent of Best in Show Magazine.

Best in Show Magazine

Jovana Danilovic publisher & art director

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Content

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24

World Dog Show

40

Euro Dog Show

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Augusto Benedicto Santos

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A Window on Italy

76

Csenge Pรกlocska HajnalHajnal

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4 Summer Shows Split

128

Nitra Shows

168

Old English Sheepdog

194

Caucasian Shepherds

206

Donaueschingen

by Yan Wen team

by Mak Dodan

Interview with Judge DIno Muto

Interview with Junior Handler

by Tommaso Urciuolo and Boris Glukharev

by Dog-Foto team and Roman Nemesszeghy

by Jozsef Koroknai and Nikolas Kanales Group winners at Crufts

by Dog Review

by Beltran H. Alonso

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CH. REALLINE FINAL BOSS Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Owned by Kim Jong Oh Judged by Denis Kuzelj, Slovenia

PETRO-PRESTIGE DZHIYA Tibetan Mastiff

Owned by Alexsander Kashin Judged by Paul Stanton, Sweden

CH. KARBALLIDO STAFFS MAMBO GOLDEN LEGEND American Staffordshire Terrier

Owned by Carballido / Gonzales / Garcia Judged by Adrian Landarte, Urugay

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CH. FORMULA USPEHA TOP GEAR Miniature Dachshund Smooth-haired Owned by Khapaeva Irina Judged by Gopi Krishnan, Malaysia

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CH. WHITE SUNDAY’S LA CINQUETTE Siberian Husky

Owned by Kardnirun Augkaradacha Judged by Rafael Malo Alcrudo, Spain

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CH. FANTA’S BRAND MAKE PEOPLE TALK Beagle

Owned by Jed Chua Judged by Santoshi Bessho, Japan

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CH. DOUBLE DREAM LOVESET EDINBURGH Gordon Setter

Owned by Yakimov A.V. Judged by Miguel Angel Martines, Argentina

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CH. WUNDERS ACES WILD Clumber Spaniel

Owned by Zhang Qiang Judged by Tamas Jakkel, Hungary

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BRIARSIDE TG ALL ABOUT VEDA

Standard Poodle (Black / White / Brown)

Owned by Ilaria Biondi Judged by Francesco Cochetti, Italy

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CH. SOLOVYEV TALISMAN FOR GRAN VENCEDOR Borzoi

Owned by A.A. Klishas / Zampini Francesca Judged by Kari Jarvinen, Finland

JBIS

PETRO-PRESTIGE DZHIYA Tibetan Mastiff

Owned by Alexsander Kashin Judged by Rafael de Santiago, Puerto Rico

CH. REALLINE FINAL BOSS

BIS

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Owned by Kim Jong Oh Judged by Augusto Benedicto Santos III, Philippines

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BURIA OT BIALA LIASTOVICA South Russian Sheepdog

Owned by Nikolay Kolev Judged by Otto Schimpf, Austria

URSINUS VELUTUS ZESTY GUY Newfoundland

Owned by N. Varga and O. Fantur Judged by Miguel Angel Martinez, Argentina

LOULINE REPERCUSSION AT RANDOM Wire Fox Terrier

Owned by Agneta Astrom Judged by Francesco Cochetti, Italy

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WANHELSING DEL WANHELSING Miniature Dachshund Wire-haired Owned by Gabriel Pascarella Judged by Erwin Deutscher, Austria

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AMARA’S THE KING OF DIAMOND @GRAND ANGKOR Thai Ridgeback

Owned by Peerada Bowornanekskul Judged by Kari Jarvinen, Finland

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FORGET ME NOT VAN TUM-TUM’S VRIENDJES Grand Basset Petit Vendeen

Owned by Gwen Huikeshoven Judged by Heliane Maissen-Jarisch, Austria

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YOU ARE BORN TO BE WILD English Pointer

Owned by Anett Stieber Judged by Eva Anttinen, Finland

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FRANCINI’S DAY BY DAY English Cocker Spaniel

Owned by Angela Francini Judged by Claudio de Giuliani, Italy

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PLANET WAVES FOREVER YOUNG DAYDREAM BELIEVERS Papillon

Owned by Kathleen Roosens Judged by Monika Blaha, Austria

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BIS

r.BIS

SOBERS XTRAVAGANZA Greyhound

Owned by Bitte Ahrens and Pierluigi Primavera Judged by Tamas Jakkel, Hungary

URSINUS VELUTUS ZESTY GUY Newfoundland

Owned by N. Varga and O. Fantur Judged by Miguel Angel Martinez, Argentina

PLANET WAVES FOREVER YOUNG DAYDREAM BELIEVERS Papillon

Owned by Kathleen Roosens Judged by Monika Blaha, Austria

STORY ABOUT Augusto Benedicto Santos

by Fred Salud

I don’t remember the first time I went to a dog show as my father has been showing dogs before I was born. I do remember one memorable day in 1973, I was probably 6 years old when one of my dad’s German Shorthaired Pointers won Best in Show and earned his CD title on the same day. His name was Ph Ch Weidenbach’s Mac von Jobe CDX (USA) or “Mark” as we called him. At that time, our house was full of GSPs.

My main hobbies growing up were dogs and horses. At a young age, I was an equestrian and would compete internationally for show jumping and dressage. As I got older, I played Polo together with my brothers and cousins.

We also grew up with lots of animals in the house. My father loves animals and would support us with the hobbies we pursue. We’ve had fish, reptiles, birds, a horse and many more in our house. My father himself is a known koi hobbyist. He’s known throughout the world for his koi, and for one to see his Koi, he’s got to like you first.

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We had many animal escapades as a family when we were young. We would often come home from trips abroad with something surprising - from fish, to birds, to dogs to reptiles.

I remember fondly one family trip we had to Japan in the late 70s. We saw some Japanese Akitas and we fell in love with them. We eventually went home to Manila with three of them.

There was also a time when we went on a family vacation to Shanghai in the 80s and fell love with the singing birds in the nice Chinese bird cages. We went home with 5 of them with their nice cages.

In 1990, my father and I went to Cow Palace in San Francisco, California to watch the bench show. We ended up coming home with my dog, Brutus, who became the first Grand Champion Labrador in the Philippines.

It was a very interesting childhood because we were allowed to pursue our hobbies and our parents always supported us. There was always something new in the Santos home.

My love for cars and vintage cars is another story.

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Growing up, my dad would get into different breeds, one at a time. I still recall the time when we had German Short-haired Pointers, Japanese Akitas, Bull Terriers, Shar-Peis and German Shepherds. I was very fortunate to grow up in a family that loved and adored all sorts of animals. Our parents encouraged my siblings and I to get into various hobbies such as dogs, fish, reptiles, horses, and many others. Our house was always filled with different kinds of animals and my parents supported us with all of them. My parents would also buy us books in order to learn more about our pets.

As sidekicks of my father, we showed various breeds, but it was mainly with German Shepherds where we spent most of the years.

I remember how we always had a team of staff who would set up our tables and benches, then prepare our food while we watched the GSD shows. I would run outside the ring together with my father and siblings while my mom watched from the benches, it was a family affair indeed. This would happen every time there was a GSD show. Otherwise, we were at the races on Sundays watching my father’s and grandfather’s thoroughbred horses run at stakes races. Dogs and horses were the highlights of our lives.

The first dog I can really call my own was a Labrador Retriever that my father brought me from New Zealand in 1988. I have always been fascinated with the breed and I was finally able to convince my father to get me one. After which, we would frequent the shows in the United States and watch the Labrador Retrievers and visit the benches. Again, I was very lucky that my father enjoyed our hobbies as well and he would often come with me to the shows to look at the dogs and discuss the types.

The person who influenced me the most is my father. Growing up, he would talk 54

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to me about his dogs and racehorses and we would often study the pedigrees, whether it was dogs or horses. We would also go to horse sales overseas where we would purchase Thoroughbred yearlings and broodmares. He would teach me about conformation and structure in a racehorse, which is very similar, if not more difficult, to that of dogs. This is where I learned that any animal has to be fit for function. Just like a Thoroughbred racehorse, a dog must be structurally sound for it to be able to accomplish a day’s work. Of course, it is imperative that one needs an “eye” in order to become a good breeder. Even with all the knowledge, it is only when one has an “eye” that one can transfer this knowledge into a perfect picture.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the “eye”.

I had been involved with Labrador Retrievers from 1988-2007 where I showed, bred, and/or owned over 150 champions, most of which were from 1990-2003. It was not easy to breed champions at that time since we only had a few shows per year unlike today, where we have an average of four shows per weekend. I also owned the country’s “Dog of the Year” in 1996; this dog was also #5 in 1995 and #3 in 1997. To this date, I own the top sire of champions in the country who sired 56 titled dogs, a record still to be surpassed.

I began breeding Welsh Corgi Pembrokes’ in 2013 and I have been fortunate to be quite successful thus far with very limited breeding.

I do consider myself a true-to-form dog lover. I can’t sleep without just one beside me on the bed.

I also owned the Philippines’ Top Dog (All-Breeds) for 1996. His name was Driftway Truffle who was bred by Guy Spagnolo. I got him when he was 11 months old and no other Labrador Retriever in the Philippines has duplicated or even come close what he has achieved. I also owned the number one sire

of Champions (All-Breeds) with56 champion progeny, still unsurpassed to this day. His name was Veyatie Driving Along, who I imported from Jim and Elise Nolan in Scotland. I’ve also had many other imports from breeders in the UK, USA, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia. If I were to name them all, it would be way too long. To them, I am grateful. I’ve bred many Best in Show winners and top Labradors under my Kennel prefix SUNSHADOW. It’s the same prefix I presently use for my Pembrokes.

Back in 1998, a very tragic accident happened to five of my dogs, my favorites, my top ones. I was out of town but decided to send my dogs to the show with my kennel manager and his staff. They loaded the dogs in their crates, as they would always do, and placed

them inside the van. The van back then had it’s own air-conditioning at the rear for the dogs was separated from the the cabin where the driver and staff stay. Due to traffic on the way to the show, they dogs arrived late and were not allowed to enter the ring anymore. So, the kennel hands took the dogs out and walk around and relax for a good thirty minutes before proceeding home. Once again, they did the same procedure in putting the dogs in the crate and loading them into the van. The traffic was worse on the way home and it took them about an hour more. When they got home, they opened the door of the van and noticed that the air-conditioning had stopped and there was a strange smell. As they opened the crates one at a time, they saw my dogs dead. I Best in Show Magazine

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“Everything takes time, change is not easy, but with proper guidance, things can only get better for our beloved dogs. Change doesn’t happen immpediately.

There is a start for everything and we should start NOW! then received a call and got the report, I didn’t know what to do. It was so tragic, I could not talk for days. I thought it was a nightmare! I couldn’t believe such a tragedy could happen and in just a split of a second, they were all gone. It took me three years before I was able to go to a dog show again. It was difficult. To this day, the ashes of my dog, Jack, are still in the urn in my Library.

This lesson has taught me that nothing in this world is permanent. Everything is temporary so savour each moment, whether it be your family, dogs, winning, happiness, etc. For all of these are temporary and you will never know when things will turn to the opposite direction.

My family is a “dog” family. We all grew up breeding and showing dogs so it’s very normal for us. Everyone in the family has dogs and we are all breeders.

Trish loves our dogs. In fact, I see her as a “dog whisperer”. She communicates so well with our dogs and they do listen. They lis56

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ten more to her than me. But Trish does not like showing. She just loves our dogs.

My children like dogs but none of them are involved in breeding and showing dogs. I guess they’ve had too much of it with me.

Many people ask me whether I still own dogs.

My answer to them is that I always have and always will. In fact, I want to have lots and lots of dogs at home. I cannot sleep without my dogs.

I have been very fortunate to have judged in many countries and many big shows - like World Dog Shows, Section Shows and other big events around the world. Each of them have their own pros and cons. Every one of them is a unique experience for me. I treasure some more than others but I always manage to have a good time.

One of the reasons I cannot judge too often is because I want to be home with my dogs. If I were to choose judging or having dogs, it will be a very easy decision. ;). I used to judge almost every weekend but for the past three years I have limited my judging assignments to 12 weekends in a year. So, I try to spread them out to once a month, if possible.

This way I can still attend to my work, my family, my Kennel Club, my Section and my dogs.

As a breeder, of which I am first and foremost, I always study the breed standard and try to see the best specimens possible. I always have a picture in my mind of my type of dog and I try to produce that specific type. I am a firm believer that the depth of a breeding program is only as good as the quality of the bitches in one’s kennel. Thus, keeping the best bitches possible is the key to success. It is sad that I see many local breeders of both Labrador Retrievers and Welsh Corgi Pembrokes who have no idea of what they are breeding.

They simply just breed and breed without taking type and balance into consideration. These

kinds of practices will only be detrimental to the breeds today. I believe that experience and open-mindedness are the keys to success.

Unfortunately, with the influx of social media, we find many one-day experts who seem to believe they know everything. Sad to say, I do find these people today in both breeds I treasure most and I am sure there are many more in all the other breeds. These people love to say “line-breed” and/or “outcross” without even knowing what they really want to produce. Just today, I was browsing through social media and a Labrador Retriever breeder showed a video of his black puppy moving down and back, he was so proud of the puppy without even noticing that the puppy was out at the elbows, just to give you an example. I still think that the type and soundness of the Labrador Retriever in the Philippines were way better, as a whole, during my time 25 years ago than it is today.

Thinking as a breeder, I study the type of dogs I like within the breed. I do my best to look at outstanding specimens abroad and visit top kennels. I sit down with the breeders and try to pick their brains. Breeding dogs is a nonstop process of learning and I have to say that I

learn new things almost everyday, whether it is from a novice or a famous breeder. Once the learning stops, so does the quality of the dogs one breeds.

When I judge I initially look for type.

As the dogs enter the ring, I like to look at them before I move them as a group. When I first see the dogs, I already have an idea which dogs I like more than others. I then make them move all together and this is when I can, more or less, firm up the dogs that I like. Then I go over them individually, move them down, back and once around. After which I line them up from the first to the last, move them around and that’s it, 1-23-4. I am not a judge who moves the dogs a lot. I can see movement in less than one round.

So, I feel that it is unnecessary to keep on moving them. It just confuses the whole situation. I am quick to decide, my mind works fast and I lose my trend of thought when I slow down.

I first entered into the political arena of cynology in 2003 when I was elected to the Board of the PCCI and became its Assistant Corporate Secretary. I then became the Corporate Secretary, in 2004, and in 2005, due to the political unrest within the PCCI. I took over as President and Chairman of the Board, a position I hold to this day, together with my team.

In 2007, I was elected as a board member of the newly formed FCI Asia and the Pacific Section. In 2013, I was elected as President of the FCI Asia and the Pacific Section (now Asia, Africa & Oceania Section) and member of the FCI General Committee. I was also nominated as the WUSV Continental Director for Asia from 2017, until my resignation in 2018.

In my first year in the board of PCCI in 2003, I was instrumental in converting the puppy registration to direct registration, which is presently being used. I also designed the pedigree forms that are being used today and due to this change; that following year, in 2004, was the largest revenue year in PCCI history.

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Since our take over in 2005, our club has continued to grow by leaps and bounds – our registrations continue to grow together with our list of members. Our net revenue also continues to increase yearly, and to this day, among 90 FCI member countries, we are ranked #6 with regard to registrations. The PCCI is now the center of the Asia Pacific cynology with the head office of the FCI Asia, Africa and Oceania Section now at our PCCI headquarters.

What sticks to everyone’s mind when one talks about Philippine cynology today is the now-famous Philippine Circuit. This all started when we won the bid for the FCI Asia and the Pacific Dog Show in 2011, which was then followed by the now-defunct multiple country CAC shows. The Philippine Circuit is now one of the most popular shows in the world. Everyone 58

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talks about this famous show every January held in Manila. I take pride in talking to people around the world about these shows that have taken the dog show world by storm. No one could have ever imagined our once “little” PCCI going global. We Filipinos should be proud of the Philippine Circuit because it is OUR show.

The Philippine Canine Club has been in existence for 55 years this year. Its name comes synonymous with the pedigree dog in the Philippines. As our club continues to grow, we are faced with many more challenges. Time has come where we need to start focusing on the welfare of the pedigree dog. It is time that the PCCI starts overseeing, directing and improving breeding practices, resolving issues surrounding genetic diversity, research into dog health and ensuring that dog showing is a positive force for change. We must now try to ensure that we educate breeders to produce healthier dogs that are fit for function. My next initiative will be to focus on promoting health clearances before breeding because we must realize that pedigree dogs come from a much smaller gene pool and so the risk of inheriting identical sets of genes from both parents - either good or bad - are increased, and so the risk of certain diseases is higher. This will definitely be a challenge but it is only by education that we can accomplish this – and it is for the future of our dog sport.

Another initiative I would like to promote is to have a “Quality Breeder” program.

This is where buyers of pedigree dogs can be assured of quality and better dogs from reputable PCCI breeders. With the increasing number of puppy registrations yearly, which hit 90,000 in 2018, we must start separating the serious breeders from the so-called “backyard.” This will greatly educate the prospective buyers about purchasing from breeders who are committed to improving and maintaining excellent breeding

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standards. This won’t be easy but we do need to start somewhere.

I have always dreamt of having a World Dog Show in the Philippines. I know that we are now capable. Unfortunately, we don’t have the facilities to host an event on such a large scale. It was funny how at one show in China in 2014, I was having coffee with Gopi Krishnan, Franki Leung, and Denis Kuzelj when I brought up the wild idea of having the WDS in China. It was an interesting discussion while we were doing our statistics and counting possible votes. When the figures were firmed up, we immediately called Andy Gong and Tim Hsieh who then immediately flew over to meet with us. Everything is now history, Shanghai hosted the WDS in 2019, it is not in the Philippines but at least it is in Asia.

As President of the Asia, Africa & Oceania Section of the FCI since 2013, my team was able to do so many things that were not even possible before. We are now able to get more judges from our section to judge at the bigger shows worldwide, we have opened up Asia and we have made Asia one of the most sought-after continents to show and judge, we have promoted the big shows in every country within the section and they are much sought after today. We were also able to solve the problem with Australia’s FCI membership and just last week, they had their first FCI International Show organized by DOGS SA in over 25 years. Just last month, we renewed the contract with Dog New Zealand. We were also able to create the APAC and SEA Champion titles that are very coveted by the exhibitors.

Our latest achievement was getting a majority vote to approve the Grooming Commission as an FCI non-mandatory commission in Leipzig last November. We now have a total of 27 member countries & 15 voting members within our section and it is growing by the year. Last 60

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but not the least, we now have Ronnie Natividad sitting as Secretary of the FCI Show Commission. The PCCI and our section are definitely covering a lot of ground.

Many PCCI members have asked what is the FCI and what benefits do they get from this organization. Well, first and foremost, the FCI is an umbrella organization very similar to the United Nations. The FCI creates the rules, regulations, and guidelines that must be followed by all member kennel clubs around the world. The benefit of being a member is international recognition – pedigrees, judges, titles, etc. – the most important being the recognition of all our pedigreed dogs by all 90-member countries. A 9-member General Committee, of which I am a member, manages the FCI that is based in Thuin, Belgium.

What else do I foresee in the future of our dog sport? – a lot. The Philippine Canine Club is very fortunate to have the two main aspects that make a club – registrations and members. These two are our main sources of revenues and we are, at present, very liquid.

Now, we need to focus on the other modalities that make us a well-rounded club such as

dog sports, grooming, education, dog welfare, and many more. Our club is presently focused on conformation shows and very little attention is placed on the other areas. This is unfortunate since we do have the know-how, the manpower, and the ability to widen the activities within our club. We are presently investing in dog sports that we hope will become very popular with our members. The program has already commenced and there has been a lot of interest. I can foresee this to grow into one of the main activities we will have in the not so distant future.

The Asia Pacific Section is well known to be the leader in the field of grooming. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much interest locally. We will continue to pursue this activity by educating our members that there is a science to grooming and every breed is groomed in its own special way. The “pet shop” grooming is a very simple “cut and clip” that anyone can do. But proper grooming takes time and the willingness to learn. Hopefully, we can take the next step forward by educating those who want to learn how to groom the proper way.

Breed education is very important.

Each breed has very different characteristics.

The large number of puppy registration is both good and detrimental. We have the majority of purebred dogs still not properly taken cared of and many still do “dog farming.” We need to keep in mind that dogs have a soul; look into their eyes and you will see their feelings.

Thus, proper canine care, proper facilities and the love for the dog are what we still need to instill in our members.

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A Window on Italy A 2019 mini series on the dog world in Italy “DINO MUTO�

Written by Anne Tureen

Q: How did you become involved in ENCI? A: My passion for dogs began in conjunction with my passion for horses, but it prevails because dogs become my inseparable companions. In 1991 I started my cynological career first as an exhibitor at Italian and European events, then as a breeder of Dalmatians, a breed protected by the Club Amici Dalmata, of which I have been President since the 1990s.

I have been a member of the ENCI Board of Directors since 2003. I served as Vice President in 2010 and as President in 2014. I was confirmed in office for the three-year period 2016-2018 and confirmed once again in the three-year period 2019-2021. This second confirmation was won with a consensus of more than 86% of the members during an assembly in which more than 87% of the members entitled to participate, personally or by proxy, participated. That was an exciting day, and gave me overwhelming support to promote a program with which I will continue to channel and expand the strengths of our club. At the basis of the program, is the underlying need to 68

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look ahead. My vision is to lead ENCI towards a closer collaboration of dogs within the fabric of modern life. Civil and and law enforcement service, therapy, and many other jobs are enhanced by the dog’s special gifts of speed, scent, empathy, and intelligence.

ENCI has a formidable history, the recent volume published by ENCI, ‘The People of ENCI’ introduces the new generation of the Italian dog world to that of the past, where individuals of exemplary technical understanding and moral value brought ENCI to the fore of cynological practice. It is difficult to take a step into the unknown future with such a brilliant past, but I am determined to try. I was elected alternate member of the board of auditors in the International Dog Federation in 2016 and confirmed at the FCI Assembly in Shanghai in 2019. So my ties to the FCI are deep, and I plan to continue being active at every level for the advancement of cynological affairs.

Q: Which initiatives are closest to your heart, and which initiatives have you launched?

A: We have launched many initiatives that already represent our future. In recent years, important memoranda of agreement have been signed with institutions, such as those at the regional level of government that provide for the specialization of man-dog teams in operations, for example, searching for lost individuals in the forest. The relationship with the Italian Ministry of Justice for the activities of dogs in prisons is also close to my heart.

The decision to develop specialization and certification courses dedicated to breeders in order to develop their ability to evaluate stock is also important. Among the initiatives that I consider most important and that I have created, is the ENCI WINNER show, which for 2019 will take place in December in Verona, the beautiful city of Romeo and Juliet and love. In

our case, the love for our dogs. Another important project is Campo Felice, in the Apennine Mountains of Abruzzo, a week of field trials, zootechnical comparison and meeting among aficionados of hunting dogs. This is an event now followed by the whole of Europe. Among the initiatives of which I am particularly proud, is the close collaboration with the Carabinieri and the Police that ENCI cultivates to combat the illegal importation of puppies.

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Q: What do you think are the most essential talents that make a good Kennel Club President?

A: One of the most important things I can do as President is to listen to the members, to hear their impressions, problems and to grasp the essential points upon which I need to reflect.

It requires sensitivity to orient ENCI towards a more modern dimension and in step with the times. This mission can be carried out on condition that there is a constant exchange with the members. In 2019, ENCI organized the first edition of the ‘Stati Generali’, in which all the members attending worked on thematic commissions. An extraordinary event that allows the central organs of ENCI to understand the real expectations of breeders and enthusiasts. The initiative will certainly be repeated.

Q: What is it that inspires you about working in ENCI? A: To always be at the service of dog lovers, taking into account everything that the territory of Italy and the specialized breed associations require. You can give concrete answers only if you can make a team with the members of the Board of Directors and with the offices. I like to work as a team.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: It is not always possible to give concrete and immediate answers, for organizational, structural or institutional reasons. This is the most difficult aspect, because I feel a great responsibility, that of honoring the extraordinary trust that Italian cynologists have given me.

Q: What distinguishes ENCI from other Kennel Clubs, what is unique about it?

A: I could talk about protecting the wonderful Italian breeds, which is our unique heritage, but there’s more. I think that breeding in Italy, of all breeds, is an excellence at the world level. This is testified in every international event and in 70

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all areas of dog breeding, not only in the exhibition and hunting sectors. Today, the Italian Kennel Club is able to combine tradition with modernity. I think we are unique in this.

Q: What role do you see for ENCI within the FCI in the future?

A: The important relationship that has been created with the FCI could be perceived at the WDS of 2015 in Italy, a World Championship show that still remains an exemplary point of reference at the international level. Our relationship with the FCI is fundamental because the decisions taken by the Federation always have repercussions on the national systems.

Hence, the importance of cooperating with frankness and commitment, including at the decision-making phase, for the enrichment of the FCI. The relationships of trust enjoyed by our Club at this time, in a personal capacity but always as President of ENCI, are important, but would be completely useless if there were no operational phase, that is, concrete proposals, requiring clarity to solve problems and the ability to perceive what the repercussions of our activities will be. In our relationship with the FCI, too, however, the support of the ENCI Board of Directors is crucial. If you think in individual terms, you make mistakes: the team is always central to my projects.

Q: Is Italy a good destination for competing in shows and working trials?

A: Yes, absolutely, following the experience of WDS 2015, ENCI wanted to maintain an exhibition organized directly by the Kennel Club: the ENCI WINNER, immediately became a crossroads for all cynological professionals. This is the event of the year in Italy for zootechnical evaluation in a show context. The ENCI WINNER is also a point of reference for the other Italian show organizers who pick up on our

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ideas and try them out at their own shows.

As far as field tests are concerned, zootechnical verifications of the highest level are carried out in Italy demonstrating the organizational capacity of our system. It’s a way to get to know the leading sectors of Italian dog breeding and to build important technical and commercial synergies in all disciplines.

Q: Has ENCI ever considered introducing timed breed judging as do some countries (Spain for example) ?

A: This method is used in various exhibitions in Italy. In fact, the operating system of ENCI SHOW created specifically for the registration of exhibitions in Italy has this option available, but ENCI leaves each organizing committee the faculty of choosing how to organize their shows.

Q: Which research projects does ENCI support that you feel are especially urgent?

A: I will never tire of saying this: the selection of purebred dogs must have at its center the essential value of animal welfare. Among the many initiatives we have launched, I would like to mention the one on heart disease, carried out with the Animal Health Foundation and in particular with Dr. Bussadori, a point of reference for veterinary cardiology worldwide. This is a study of breeds affected by hereditary cardiovascular diseases, with the aim of creating specific protocols for each breed based on the processing of data collected.

Much has also been done in terms of training.

For example, the conferences on the genetics and health of dog breeds that we held with Dayana Dreger and Elaine Ostrander, American luminaries in the sector, at the headquarters of ENCI with Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García, of the University of Madrid, were a contribution to our progress in these fields.

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In addition, the Central Technical Commission, one of the most important organs of ENCI, is playing an important role in examining with the necessary attention, and on the basis of recognized studies, the various issues raised by the Specialized Associations to give proper guidance to breeders. In terms of training, ENCI periodically organizes, together with the Association of Italian Veterinary Doctors, the Masters in Breeding course, which consistently focuses on animal welfare. There are also lessons held by qualified speakers at training courses for expert judges, who have a fundamental role in dog selection.

10. Is there still a connection between ENCI and the University of Pisa?

ENCI collaborates with the University of Pisa both in research projects and as a recognized laboratory for genetic parental checks.

Q: Which areas of breeding in Italy today do you think could be improved?

A: The profile of Italian breeding is for the most part, composed of many breeders who produce a few litters each year. This is fortunate because it means that dog culture is well rooted in our country. There are examples of excellence but high quality training of our breeders is a constant priority.

Q: How do you feel Italy’s selection and training program for new judges compares to those of other countries especially in the FCI? A: The regulations of the Corps of Expert Judges of the Purebred Dog regulates the training and updating process that the figure of the expert judge must follow in compliance with the FCI directives. The ENCI training program for judges has a long tradition, and has had excellent representatives. The training process today includes sections of our cynological heritage within the framework of training that is

implemented in the most advanced European Kennel Clubs. Therefore our training program is especially rich.

of course all initiatives are screened and approved by the Board of Directors and the relevant bodies.

Q: The stud book can now be consulted on ENCI.it, that’s really brought Italy into the 21st century!

A: It is available to all and is very much consulted! Transparency is one of the key principles of the proper functioning of our organization.

The more transparent the system is, the greater the guarantee of its correct functioning. We are working to increase the canine data to be included in the online genealogical register.

However, we must always be careful of privacy laws, which are becoming increasingly stringent in Italy.

Q: Finally, one of my favorite questions: if you could magically make one change, of any sort, in the dog world today, what would it be?

A: I would like to see dog shows more open to the public. Often, they are extraordinary technical evaluations, but are appreciated only between professionals. Sometimes the public is scarce and when it is present, it is almost excluded from the heart of the event. People cannot always understand the judging system. I’d like the audience to understand exactly what the judge is doing and why he makes one dog win over another. If he could better understand what happens in a ring or on a field trial he could understand how much knowledge, how much culture, how much preparation and how many personal sacrifices there are in the dog world. Understanding the evaluation of dogs is to appreciate even more our wonderful dogs.

Q: The 2015 World Dog Show presented Italy’s 16 native breeds beautifully, in what way does ENCI continue to promote them?

A: The specialized associations of our breeds are very active. I myself constantly see their representatives in order to have an updated picture of the situation. Italian breeds always have an open channel in ENCI for the resolution of problems and access to resources,

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Csenge Pรกlocska

Interview with Junior Handler Interviewed by Jovana Danilovic

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Q: Dear Csenge, please tell us something about your beginning in the world of dogs.

When did you get your first dog and how did you get an idea to start going to shows?

A: When I was I little child, I had been surrounded by dogs all of the time.

I got my really first showdog, a Black Russian Terrier female in 2014.

Q: How did you decide that you will start taking part in Junior Handling and how was your first experience?

A: I was always interested in the dog show world. But my first time in the ring was “by accident�, but I felt fantastic there. I knew from the first time that I would like to continue this, but I did not know that it would be so hard.

At the same show I started the Junior Handling competition in 2015 February. I will never forget this show, I was placed second with a Smooth Foxterrier, but I felt a bit inexperienced.

Q: How would you describe relations between Junior Handlers? How friendly and helpful are they between each other?

A: This is a difficult question complicated to answer. I am very disturbed, when I can not see the connection between the Junior Handler and the dog, as it is about the dog primarly.

Another thing, that also disturbes me, when I see that, from many children the humility and the willingness to learn is absolutely missing. The respect is for the dog, to the owner, to ther breeder and to the exhibitor and to the judge. I like those Junior Handlers, where I can see this, who respects the dogs and also respects other people and have the will to learn! And there are Junior Handlers who are helping others selflessly. And there are others who are afraid to give their knowledge and jealous of others’ success.

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to work next to one of them and allow me to gain more experience Q: Lately there are many big handlers searching for assistants. What do you think Handlers are expecting from assistants?

A: I think many of the professional handlers are looking for younger handlers that can do a professional job and want to progress their knowledge and experience.

Q: Which things are assistants looking to get from Professional Handlers besides knowledge?

A: I feel that there are some assistants that just do it because they want to handle more dogs at shows.

Q: Do you have someone helping you to improve your skills nowadays?

A: My parents are helping me since I have started.

At first I got a lot of help from many Hungarian show handlers. This gave me a stable base for my knowledge, and I am very thankful to each of them ! Later I have learned a lot from my own experience, and my parents are always helping.

Q: Have you ever worked for a Professional Handler? Is there someone you would like to work for?

A: I have not worked for a professional handler as of yet. Our kennel is “Europica Varietas” which is a family and we are always helping/ working with each other.There are many people in the dog world that I look up to, and I respect their work! I do not want to mention any names as I am afraid of missing someone :) I hope that one day the time will come for me

Q: Do you have a favorite breed that you are usually showing in Junior Handling competition?

A: My favourite breeds in Junior Handling are: American Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, Black Russian Terrier and Border Collies.

Q: Even at a very young age, you have had many great wins in the show ring. Which results do you consider your greatest, not mentioning Junior Handling?

A: I think at the age of fourteen - I have many beautiful results, like Junior European Winner, Junior World Winner, Cruft’s Junior Winner, European Winner and World Winner.

My most memorable moment is the Supreme Best In Show in Split in 2018, but another fantastic memory is from 2016, when I qualified for Cruft’s from Hungary. I represented Hungary at the famous Cruft’s Show as a Junior Handler at 11-years of age!

Q: What about the future? Do you plan on pursuing a career as a full-time Professional Handler or do you have some other dreams?

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A: I would like to continue with the handling of dogs and I would like to be a good groomer also. Handling and the love of dogs and dealing with them is part of my life. I do this with all of my heart. That’s why I would like to improve, and I put great emphasis on dog grooming.

Dog grooming is where I want to improve myself the most.

Q: Do you have hobbies besides Junior Handling?

A: My hobby is photographing, especially dog photography.

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Q: How do you manage your school and time for traveling?

A: At school they are very loyal to me, and I am trying to miss only a little school. I am a good learner and I know that learning and school is first, then comes my hobby.

Q: Do you have any advice for young people interested in the Dog World?

A: Yes, I have. The base is good contact with the dogs, and respect to the breeders, owners, judges and to other handlers- it’s very important. There are ups and downs everywhere, but we can learn from the failures.

Best in Show Magazine

ANDREW BRACE ABOUT THE SHOW

The Four Summer Night Shows at Split on the Adriatic coast of Croatia have now become worldfamous. For many exhibitors they provide a summer holiday with four shows held in the cool of the night and this year around 1,200 dogs had been entered on each night from 43 different countries. Of course this is the show that EVERYONE wants to judge at and those who have been honoured with an invitation talk endlessly about the superb organisation and hospitality they witness in Split. Being situated in the middle of Europe, Split has become a must-go for so many European exhibitors.

Major sponsors Farmina, Best In Show Magazine and Our Dogs provide generously for exhibitors and those who are lucky enough to feature in the major awards could win one of the spectacular giant-size rosettes created by Stefica Lazic. One person who has the good fortune to win Supreme BIS has the honour of having their dog’s statue added to the magnificent BIS Trophy that is presented by Best In Show Magazine and is the work of the brilliantly talented young Josip Rezic.

The driving force behind the Summer Night Shows is Ante Lucin, well known as a professional handler, and it was Ante who had this vision which became a reality twelve years ago and with the support of the KSP – Split, the Sporting Dogs 88

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Club Split, the shows were an immediate success, each year becoming more and more refined. The Club’s President, Zoran Dadic, has an amazing team behind him and visitors often comment how unusual and refreshing it is to see so many young people involved with the running of a dog show of this stature.

This year a new venue had been secured, in a less residential area than the previous showground, which was effectively a huge grass area that provided a blank canvas with vast adjacent parking areas. Just weeks before the show Ante had the nightmare of discovering that their new show venue had been used for the massive Ultra music festival and had basically been destroyed. Imagine trying to find a new show venue just weeks before the event, knowing that exhibitors will have booked accommodation close to the planned location! Miraculously, after endless meetings and phone calls the Club was offered a large sports stadium close to the planned venue, but of course it would be more expensive. Working on the theory that “the show must go on” the new stadium was secured, though it brought extra stress as it included a precious running track, the surface of which could not be damaged.

Thankfully at the end of the show exhibitors seemed to have respected the new venue and very little damage was done.

For the past few years I have made Split my annual holiday and Ante and I made a deal where I would pay my own air fare and he would provide a room at the wonderful Hotel Villa Dvor in Omis where all the judges stay and I would take care of the judges’ hospitality. Previously Ante was getting very little sleep, driving to and from Omis as he needed to be at his Split base near the venue.

This arrangement seems to work well.

I flew out on the Thursday before the shows start, giving me a few days to relax at Ante’s home in Rogoznica which overlooks the most glorious sea.

I am not a swimmer but my Facebook friends take great delight in laughing at my annual venturing into the water! During these days club members collect at Villa Lucin where the considerable preparation takes place – judges’ bags are made up, ring binders for all the critique forms, ring numbers sorted etc etc. There is a lot of work involved as any show organiser would appreciate and I know how much Ante values the help he gets from his supporters in the club.

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CSERI-SUBAS CSÖRE Puli

Owned by Rusz Bodil Judged by Gianfranco Bauchal (IT)

URSINUS VELUTUS C’EST LA VIE Newfoundland

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3

MAREDOLCE PERFECT ILLUSION Jack Russell Terrier

Owned by Massimiliano Marchese Judged by Barbara Muller (CH)

Dachshund Rabbit Size Wire

Owned by Inessa Kostygova Judged by Jose Homem de Mello (PT) Group

5

BENDGAMINO SANTA LAPUS IZ MOSKOVSKOY METELY Samoyed

Owned by Olga Kashitsina Judged by Marko Lepaasar (EE)

Owned by Oton Fantur Judged by Maite Gonzalbo Lorenzo (ES)

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RED HOT CHILLY PEPPER IZ IMPERII INES

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AROUND DOUBLE MAGIC Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen

Owned by Iva Raic Judged by Branislav Raic (SI)

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FAIRRAY GIVE ME FIVE English Setter

Owned by Palocska Henriett Judged by Lesley Chalmers (NZ)

VALENTISIMO’S YOGI Spanish Water Dog

Owned by Nanta Tansacha Judged by Siret Lepasaat (EE)

SMASH JP TIK TOK Toy Poodle

Owned by Omura Yokiko Judged by Ming Kok Chua (SG)

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CHERUBIM`S ROYAL LOVELY LOTTE Whippet

Owned by Katharina Voss-Ehlers Judged by Zeljko Gajic (SI)

JBIS

SMASH JP TIK TOK Toy Poodle

Owned by Omura Yokiko Judged by Guenther Ehrenreich (A)

BIS

SMASH JP TIK TOK Toy Poodle

Owned by Omura Yokiko Judged by Richard Paquette (CA)

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I moved to Villa Dvor on the Tuesday, Ante and I having worked out the various airport collections for those judges who were flying. Before doing so we had a meeting with the ring stewards and secretaries in Split. This year there was a very convivial judging panel which had originally included popular Per Iversen from Norway but sadly his mother died just days before the show and so an all-breeds judge needed to be found as a replacement. Lesley Chalmers from New Zealand always holidays in Europe around Split and so we were grateful that she was happy to step in and help out.

The other judges were Mirjana Krstic Arbanas from Croatia, Gianfranco Bauchal from Italy, Michael Camac from Australia, Chua Ming Kok from Singapore, Guenther Ehrenreich from Austria, Zeljko Gajic from Slovenia, Maite Gonzalbo Lorenzo from Spain, Zeljka Halper Drazic from Croatia, Jose Homem de Mello from Portugal, Marko and Siret Lepasaar from Estonia, Barbara Muller from Switzerland, Richard Paquette from Canada and Branislav Rajic from Slovenia. I have to say this was one of the easiest panels I have had to take care of at Villa Dvor.

Thankfully none of the judges had travel issues (a rarity these days) and by Wednesday night everyone was settled in at the boutique hotel where the Curlin Family make everyone feel so welcome, and where the service and the cuisine is superb.

The shows include two International shows with CACIBs on offer and two National shows with CACs, the Friday show also offering the Split Winner titles. In addition there is always a Dalmatian Specialty as this is, after all, Dalmatia! The BIS winner is honoured by joining the four all-breeds BIS winners in the competition for Supreme BIS.

A big feature of the Split shows is the Junior Handling competition, with two age groups being packed on each night. Prior to the show Valentina Zupan had organised a Junior Handling Summer Camp, a marvellous idea, where around twenty young enthusiasts from various countries attended to hear guest speakers Richard Paquette, Javier Gonzalez Mendikote and Alice Varchi from Italy and I understand the event was a huge success.

Certainly the level of Junior Handling seen in the big at Split is exceptionally high and I know, having judged one of the competitions in the past, it is very much a case of splitting hairs on the part of the judges.

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The reason for the night shows is the fact that the days are hot (not overbearingly so but really too warm for comfortable dog showing) and so judging is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. each evening as the weather cools, and considerately the organisers always arrange for the bracycephalic breeds to be judged late in the night. Most of the judges take the advantage of the nearby beach in Omis to top up their tans and on Thursday we had a judges’ briefing meeting at the hotel before lunch.

On Thursday there is an opening ceremony which begins at 6.15 p.m. where Ante introduces the judges and President Zoran presents them with their fabulous gifts – sculptures of their favourite breed individually made by the talented Cesar Alonso Martinez in Spain. I know how much these are treasured and appreciated by all the judges.

The President of KSP Split is also present and makes a welcoming speech as does a member of the local city council of Split. There is also a display of traditional Croatian folk dancing which creates a very local atmosphere.

All fifteen rings saw judging begin promptly, judges working hard with their very efficient stewards and ring secretaries until their breeds were finished. They then adjourned to the grandstand where a delicious buffet dinner was served.

Some of the individual rings were broken down and the main ring created, the first competition being the Junior Handling which was judged on Thursday by Italian Alberto Celestini. However that was not before we were entertained by the Hot Chocolate dance troupe who encouraged everyone into the ring to learn the routine for Sunday’s grand finale. Inhibitions are abandoned at Split where you will see exhibitors, visitors, club members and judges all dancing together in the big ring with boundless energy. If only all dog shows could witness such enthusiasm!

At their stand major sponsors Farmina invite exhibitors late in the evening to sample one of their now-famous blue cocktails which always go down very well.

The conformation judging began with Mirjana making a PBGV Best Minor Puppy, Michael choosing the UK-owned but American-bred Schipperke Best Puppy. Zeljka chose a Couple of Italian Greyhounds and Mirjana had American Cockers winning her Breeders Groups. Zeljka was

the first to put up an English Setter as Best Veteran, whilst Michael had another Setter, the Irish, winning the Best of the Hunting and Working classes.

Gianfranco judged Best of the FCI Non Recognised Breeds where his winner was a Miniature American Shepherd, a breed that still confuses me as I have seen some that seem as big as a smaller Australian Shepherd, the breed from which it was created!

Zeljka’s choice for Best of the Croatian breeds was an Istrian Short-haired Hound.

Then we came to the groups proper where Gianfranco chose a Hungarian Puli in Group 1, Maite a Newfoundland in Group 2, Barbara a Jack Russell in group 3, Jose a Wirehaired Kaninchen in Group 4, Marko a Samoyed in Group 5, Branislav a PBGV in Group 6, Lesley an English Setter in Group 7, Siret a Spanish Water Dog in Group 8, Ming Kok a Toy Poodle in Group 9 and Zeljko a Whippet in Group 10.

Guenther Ehrenreich then judged Junior BIS, choosing the Toy Poodle bitch from Japan and finally Richard Paquette put up the same Toy as his overall BIS winner.

On Friday judges were free to relax during the day and Villa Dvor are always happy to serve unusually late breakfasts, always appreciated when judges get to their beds around 3 a.m. or later!

The big ring judging began again with Junior Handling, this time judged by Blake Hansen who had flown in from the USA to show a Pointer.

The dog judging started with Barbara choosing the same Miniature American Shepherd as Best of the FCI Non Recognised Breeds, followed by Marko who repeated a win for the Istrian Short-haired Hound of the Croatian breeds.

Cleverly the organisers always change the running order of the groups which is much fairer on exhibitors so next on was Group 10 where Lesley chose a Saluki, Richard then put up a Tibetan Terrier in Group 9, Jose an American Cocker in Group 8, Siret an Irish Setter in Group 7, Zeljka the same PBGV in Group 6, Ming Kok the same Samoyed in Group 5, Gianfranco a Miniature Wire Dachshund in Group 4, Maite a Welsh Terrier in Group 3, Guenther the same Newfoundland in Group 2 and Marko an Australian Shepherd in Group 1.

Zeljko’s Best Minor Puppy was a Siberian Husky, Mirjana’s Best Puppy a Bracco Italiano, Michael’s Best Couple was the Bichons Frisé, the

same breed accounting for Zeljko’s Best Breeders Group. Mirjana’s Best Veteran was again the English Setter whilst Jose had a Hungarian Vizsla winning the Hunting and Working section. Branislav judged Junior BIS which was won by the Tibetan Terrier and Barbara’s ultimate BIS winner was the American Cocker who had further glory in store on Sunday.

On Saturday morning judges were taken at 11 a.m. on a boat trip to the beautiful island of Brac, docking into Pucisca, where they could swim, sunbathe or just take a coffee and ice cream at one of the waterside cafes before having lunch aboard where fresh fish was barbecued and served with salad, delicious bread (made that morning in the kitchen of Villa Dvor) and wonderful fresh fruits.

On returning to the hotel there was ample time for everyone to shower and freshen up for another 6 p.m. departure.

Saturday’s Junior Handling judge was Toshinori Omura, the famous Japanese Toy Poodle breeder and exhibitor who had enjoyed a fabulous big ring experience on the first night.

Michael put up a Bichon as Best Minor Puppy, Marko a Basenji as Best Puppy, Mirjana Bichons Frisé as Best Couple – another repeat win, Michael the American Cockers again, Marko the same English Setter as Best Veteran, Lesley’s Best of the Hunting and Working classes was again the Irish Setter and Jose made it another victory for the Miniature American Shepherd in the FCI Non Recognised Breeds. Branislav chose a Dalmatian as Best of the Croatian breeds. Group 1 was won by a Border Collie under Barbara, Group 2 the consistent Newfoundland under Richard, Group 3 a Wire Fox Terrier under Zeljko, Group 4 the Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund under Zeljka, Group 5 a Basenji under Jose, Group 10 the same Whippet under Guenther, Group 9 a Medium Poodle under Maite, Group 8 a Golden Retriever under Branislav, Group 7 a Bracco Italiano under Ming Kok and Group 6 went to the same PBGV under Lesley.

Junior Best in Show was judged by Marko who put up another PBGV from the successful team of Croatian Iva Raic whilst Gianfranco sent forward the Wire Fox to Sunday’s Supreme competition.

Sunday gave our judges another free day to relax, happy that their judging that night would not require any written critiques, merely grading.

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AUTRIAN DREAM FASCINATION WITH FIRE Australian Shepherd

Group

4

Owned by Philipp Harrer Judged by Marko Lepesaar (EE) Group

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URSINUS VELUTUS C’EST LA VIE Newfoundland

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MONALINE FAIRPLAY Welsh Terrier

Owned by F.W.S. & V. Pijunovic Judged by Maite Gonzalbo Lorenzo (ES)

Dachshund Miniature Wire

Owned by Darja & Svetlana Gladkova Judged by Gianfranco Bauchal (I)

BENDGAMINO SANTA LAPUS IZ MOSKOVSKOY METELY Samoyed

Owned by Olga Kashitsina Judged by Ming Kok Chua (SG)

Owned by Oton Fantur Judged by Guenther Ehrenreich (A)

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TSERTUS GARDE-MARIN

Group

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AROUND DOUBLE MAGIC Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen

Owned by Iva Raic Judged by Zeljka Halper Drazic (HR)

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CAEMGEN’S HIS MASTER’S VOICE Irish Setter

Group

10

Owned by Johanna Csermak Judged by Siret Lepasaar (EE) Group

8

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VERY VIGIE LET IT BE American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by S. Vartainen, V. Paulsen & P. Huovila Judged by Jose Homem de Mello (PT)

TI LA SHU VIVA LAS VEGAS Tibetan Terrier

Owned by Katja Rauhut Judged by Richard Paquette (CA)

JBIS

BIS

ZADONAS DURANDAL Saluki

Owned by Elisabet Levenskog Judged by Lesley Chalmers (NZ)

TI LA SHU VIVA LAS VEGAS Tibetan Terrier

Owned by Katja Rauhut Judged by Branislav Raic (SI)

VERY VIGIE LET IT BE American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by S. Vartainen, V. Paulsen & P. Huovila Judged by Barbara Muller (CH)

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As on the previous nights Hot Chocolate danced for us, and were soon joined by a throng of Strictly Come Dancing wannabes, three generations seen giving it their all on the dance floor. The highlight was the appearance of popular young singer, Roko Blazevic, who had not only won the local equivalent of “The Voice” on television but also represented Croatia in the recent Eurovision. He has a marvellous voice and whilst being better known for his deep and powerful ballads he and Ante had come up with a perfect song choice for dancing, touchingly composed by Oliver Dragojevic, a hugely popular Croatian singer songwriter who sadly died during the show last year. Apart from Ca Ce Mi Copacabana, Roko treated us to several of his popular numbers and certainly had a huge following as everyone surrounded him, dancing in the big ring.

The USA’s Bruce Schwartz judged the Junior Handling, Bruce being a legend in Welsh Terriers (as was his late mother Lil) and heavily involved with the famous Montgomery County Kennel Club.

The first of the Supreme awards was that of Junior Handler and here Chua Ming Kok chose Klara Cipcic who was handling a Bichon Frisé, a popular win as she is from Croatia.

We then returned to the daily competitions. Marko repeated the Miniature American Shepherd’s wins in the FCI Non Recognised Breeds, Gianfranco putting up the Croatian Shepherd in the Croatian Breeds before the Groups proper.

Barbara’s Group 5 winner was a repeat for the Basenji, Guenther’s Group 4 a Miniature Smooth Dachshund, Mirjana’s Group 3 a repeat for the Welsh Terrier, Marko’s Group 2 the Newfoundland who was the only dog to win its group on all four nights, Branislav’s Group 1 an old English Sheepdog, Richard’s Group 6 the same PBGV, Gianfranco’s Group 7 the Irish Setter, Ming Kok’s Group 8 the American Cocker but this time the bitch, Zeljko’s Group 9 a Papillon and Group 10 the same Saluki.

Guenther made a Bichon Frisé Best Minor Puppy, Lesley a Bracco Italiano Best Puppy, Maite the same Italian Greyhounds Best Couple, Lesley the Hungarian Vizslas Best Breeders Group, Maite an English Springer Spaniel Best Veteran and Barbara a Flatcoated Retriever Best of the Hunting and Working classes. Siret made a Newfoundland Junior Best in Show whilst completing the quartet of 108

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All Breeds BIS winners would be the Papillon, the choice of Jose.

Maite judged Supreme Puppy BIS and made it a local triumph for the PBGV, Zelko making the English Setter Supreme Veteran BIS. Supreme BIS of the Croatian Breeds was the Croatian Sheherd under Mirjana who has a long association with this breed.

We then came to Supreme Junior BIS which Lesley awarded to the Newfoundland, URSINUS VELUTUS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU, from Poland.

The climax of Split’s Summer Night Shows has always been the introduction of the Supreme BIS judge, accompanied into the ring by suitably attired soldiers from the Diocletian era, and his winning dogs who enter the ring with their respective judges. Even the showers that we had did not dampen the spirits, though a temporary lack of floodlighting did give photographers Boris and Tommaso an unexpected opportunity for some amazing shots!

Built up to an exciting hiatus, with the aid of suitable music and the limitless energy and MC skills of Ante Lucin, eventually Michael Camac handed the enormous rosette for Supreme BIS to Sanna Vartiainen with the American Cocker, Ch VERY VIGIE LET IT BE.

And so ended the Split Four Summer Night Shows for 2019 but it was not over for the judges. On Monday they were given a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace and that evening taken to the waterside Jure Restaurant – between Split and Omis – where we had a long table on a jetty so dined on wonderful food surrounded by water as the sun set.

Unless you have actually attended the Split shows, even with its tremendous Facebook coverage, you couldn’t really imagine what a unique experience it is … why not join them next year?

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WILD STORM BAD BOY Border Collie

Owned by S. Pier, Freire A. & R. Judged by Barbara Muller (CH)

URSINUS VELUTUS C’EST LA VIE Newfoundland

Group

4

Group

5

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NETHERTONION OPTIMIST Wire Fox Terrier

Owned by F.W. Schoneberg Judged by Zeljko Gajic (SI)

Dachshund Miniature Wire

Owned by Peggy Guttierez-Otero Judged by Zeljka Halper Drazic (HR)

LORD INVICTUS DE LA TRIBU VAL’ELSY Basenji

Owned by Valerie Alexandre Judged by Jose Homem de Mello (PT)

Owned by Oton Fantur Judged by Richard Paquette (CA)

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XYLON UIT ‘T VOORTSE HUYS

Group

6

AROUND DOUBLE MAGIC Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen

Owned by Iva Raic Judged by Lesley Chalmers (NZ)

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Group

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YOU CAN BLOW OUT THE FIRE Bracco Italiano

Group

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PEARL OF HUNTERS DOUBLE HEART

JBIS

Golden Retriever

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YAMIT MUSKAT VICTORIA’S SECRET Medium Poodle Black

Owned by Polina Kurbatskaya Judged by Maite Gonzalbo Lorenzo (ES)

BLACK MAJESTY REGGAETON LENTO Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen

Owned by Kersten Bachmann Judged by Branislav Raic (SI)

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Whippet

Owned by Katharina Voss-Ehlers Judged by Guenther Ehrenreich (A)

Owned by Peter Bartos Judged by Ming Kok Chua (SG) Group

CHERUBIM`S ROYAL LOVELY LOTTE

Owned by Iva Raic Judged by Marko Lepasaar (EE)

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NETHERTONION OPTIMIST Wire Fox Terrier

Owned by F.W. Schoneberg Judged by Gianfranco Bauchal (I)

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REATA’S WINTER AT ROYAL CROFT Old English Sheepdog

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Owned by Ivan Seizovic Judged by Branislav Raic (SI) Group

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URSINUS VELUTUS C’EST LA VIE Newfoundland

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MONALINE FAIRPLAY Welsh Terrier

Owned by F.W.S. & Vladimir Pijunovic Judged by Mirjana Krstic Arbanas

Dachshund Miniature Smooth

Owned by Johanna Csermak Judged by Guenther Ehrenreich (A) Group

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LORD INVICTUS DE LA TRIBU VAL’ELSY Basenji

Owned by Valerie Alexandre Judged by Barbara Muller (CH)

Owned by Oton Fantur Judged by Marko Lepasaar (EE)

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GRANDGABLES WEE RUSSIAN ROMEO

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AROUND DOUBLE MAGIC Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen

Owned by Iva Raic Judged by RIchard Paquette (CA)

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CAEMGEN’S HIS MASTER’S VOICE Irish Setter

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VERY VIGIE LETS DANCE American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by Sanna Vartiainen Judged by Ming Kok Chua (SG)

GRACEROSS ZALOMES BIFORIS Papillon

Owned by Tatyana Kedrova Judged by Zeljko Gajic (SI)

Saluki

Owned by Elisabet Levenskog Judged by Zeljka Halper Drazic (HR)

Owned by Johanna Csermak Judged by Gianfranco Bauchal (I) Group

CHERUBIM`S ROYAL LOVELY LOTTE

JBIS

URSINUS VELUTUS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU Newfoundland

Owned by Maciej Ziolkowski Judged by Siret Lepasaar (EE)

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GRACEROSS ZALOMES BIFORIS Papillon

Owned by Tatyana Kedrova Judged by Jose Homem de Mello (PT)

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Supreme Best in Shows

SUPREME BEST IN SHOW VERY VIGIE LETS DANCE

American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by Sanna Vartiainen Judged by Michael Brenton Camac

SUPREME OF CROATIAN NATIVE BREEDS AIRON

Hrvatski Ovcar

Owned by Ante Zeravica Judged by Mirjana Krstic Arbanas

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SUPREME J. BEST IN SHOW URSINUS VELUTUS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

Newfoundland

Owned by Maciej Ziolkowski Judged by Lesley Chalmers

SUPREME VETERAN BIS LATIN LOVER HIGH DREAMER IN GOLD

English Setter

Owned by Jaroslav Seda Judged by Zeljko Gajic

Supreme Best in Shows

SUPREME BABY & PUPPY BIS

SUPREME JUNIOR HANDLER

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

with Bichon Frise

Owned by Dea Kurjak & Iva Raic Judged by Maite Gonzalbo Lorenzo

Judged by Ming Kok Chua

BLACK MAJESTY SUPERSTITIOUS

KLARA CIPCIC

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GROUP

W I N N E R S GROUP 1 CEYRA CORDA ELIZABETH LUPORUM CZECHOSLOVAKIAN WOLFDOG Owned by Eliska Cicmancova Judged by Paul lawless (E)

GROUP 2 GENTLY BORN EVERYDAY HIT

RIESENSCHNAUZER SCHWARZ Owned by Ekaterina and Veronika Vinogradova Judged by Helen Tonkson-Koit (ee)

GROUP 3 LBK’S REBEL AND PROUD SEVEN SPANISH ANGELS AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER Owned by Lacey Kelleer and Benitez Luisma Judged by Vladimir Mihaljcic (RS)

GROUP 4 LUCKY LUKE VITORAZ

MINIATURE DACHSHUND WIRE HAIRED Owned by Jan Busta Judged by Kimmo Mustonen (FIN)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 5 CONGO LINE DONT̀ STOP BASENJI Owned by Elena Kvostretsova Judged by Štefan Šinko (SI)

GROUP 6 NEW ENGLAND PUMPKIN PIE CHIEN DE SAINT-HUBERT Owned by Ferenc Lovas Judged by Gabriela Ridarcíková (SK)

GROUP 7 DOUBLE DREAM LOVESET EDINBURGH GORDON SETTER Owned by Alexander Yakimov Judged by Jozef Jursa (SK)

GROUP 8 FOXBERRYHILLS MY HEART MELODY

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL Owned by Anikushina Ekaterin Judged by Jose Miguel Doval Sanchez (ES)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 FAIR PLAYER LALABAY

PAPILLON Owned by Weronika and Elzbieta Trzybinska Judged by Anders Tunold-Hanssen (NO)

GROUP 10 DON DU RUA IDALGO JUSTE IRISH WOLFHOUND Owned by Elena Serova Judged by Dagmar Klein (RO)

BEST IN SHOW W I N N E R DOUBLE DREAM LOVESET EDINBURGH GORDON SETTER Owned by Alexander Yakimov Judged by Jozef Jursa (SK)

GR A N D PR I X N I T R A , SL O VA K I A J U N E 8 TH, 2 0 1 9

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W I N N E R S GROUP 1 X ‘MEN SRDCOVÉ ESO

8 T H J U N -E 2 0 1 9

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD Owned by Linda Hodova Judged by Andrzej Zamoyski (PL)

GROUP 2 MY MILA V. TANI KAZARI

AFFENPINSCHER Owned by Zoltan Bartus and Oton Fantur Judged by Gabriela Ridarcíková (sk)

GROUP 3 L’ END SHOW MONROE ALL WORLD AT MY FEET BEDLINGTON TERRIER Owned by Pykhtar Elena Judged by SKimmo Mustonen (FI)

GROUP 4 IDESÜSS O’PARDON

DACHSHUND WIRE HAIRED STANDARD Owned by Luca Vertes Judged by Anders Tunold-Hanssen (NO)

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W I N N E R S GROUP 5 KRISTARI’S CHIVAS

8 T H J U N -E 2 0 1 9

SIBERIAN HUSKY Owned by Inna Brueva Judged by Helen Tonkson-Koit (EE)

GROUP 6 BLACK MAJESTY’S ROLLERCOASTER DEL LAGO DEGLI ORSI PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN Owned by Iva Raic Judged by M. Wieremiejczyk-Wierzchowska (PL)

GROUP 7 DOUBLE DREAM LOVESET EDINBURGH GORDON SETTER Owned by Alexander Yakimov Judged by Paul Lawless (IE)

GROUP 8 TRULY YOURS AMERICAN BEAUTY QUEEN

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AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL BLACK Owned by Ekaterina Anikushina and Anna Khrustaleva Judged by Laurent Pichard (CH)

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GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 AMESEN ALL ABOUT ME

8 T H J U N -E 2 0 1 9

LHASA APSO Owned by Luisa Miele and Stefano Paolantoni Judged by Lorena Merati (IT)

GROUP 10 DON DU RUA IDALGO JUSTE IRISH WOLFHOUND Owned by Elena Serova Judged by Jose Miguel Doval Sanchez (ES)

BEST IN SHOW W I N N E R AMESEN ALL ABOUT ME

LHASA APSO Owned by Luisa Miele and Stefano Paolantoni Judged by Stefan Sinko (SLO)

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GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 1 X ‘MEN SRDCOVÉ ESO

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD Owned by Linda Hodova Judged by Gabriela Ridarcikova (SK)

GROUP 2 SCHONE HUND JEMCHUJINA OKEANA MINIATURE PINCHER Owned by Sanna Koivurova Judged by Vladimir Mihaljcic (RS)

GROUP 3 L’ END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE

BEDLINGTON TERRIER Owned by Elena Pykhtar Judged by William F. Potter (USA)

GROUP 4 MAGIK RAINBOW AVALANSHE DACHSHUND RABBIT SIZE SHORT HAIRED Owned by Tatyana Bachurina Judged by Dagmar Klein (RO)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 5 KRISTARI’S CHIVAS

SIBERIAN HUSKY Owned by Inna Brueva Judged by Jaroslav Matyas (SK)

GROUP 6 MELISSA IZ TERLETSKOY DUBRAVY DALAMATIAN Owned by Valeriya Chernova Judged by Konecno Marian (SK)

GROUP 7 DOUBLE DREAM LOVESET GO & WIN IRISH RED SETTER Owned by Ekaterina Voloshina and Thomas Wastiaux Judged by Ludmila Fintorova (SK)

GROUP 8 GALLINAGOS CAUSE NOTHING COMPARES LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO Owned by Sabina Zdunic-Sinkovic Judged by Paul Lawless (IE)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 BIG BANG BABY ANGEL OF EDEN

MALTESE Owned by Marija Sabo and Rade Pops-Dragic Judged by Dusan Paunovic (RS)

GROUP 10 DON DU RUA IDALGO JUSTE IRISH WOLFHOUND Owned by Elena Serova Judged by Stefan Sinko (SI)

BEST IN SHOW W I N N E R L’ END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE BEDLINGTON TERRIER Owned by Elena Pykhtar Judged by Jose Miguel Doval

BILL POTTER ABOUT THE SHOW

I would like to thank Mirko Popovic and Vladimir Mihaljcic for the invitation to judge the dogs and Best of Breed at the 2019 Am. Staff Major. I felt very fortunate to have judged the bitches at the Am. Staff Major in 2016. The invitation to return and do this year’s assignment will always be considered one of the greatest honors of my judging career. I would also like to thank the Show Chairman for the Nitra Dog Expo 2019, Robert Kanas, and the Judges Organizer, Martina Kanasova, for all their efforts to ensure that all the needs of the exhibitors, spectators, and judges of the Am. Staff Major were met and that the Major was a successful part of their Expo. I must tell that Dog Expo Nitra 2019 was one of the best coordinated events that I have had the pleasure of participating in during my 30 years of judging.

I am continually amazed by the depth of quality of the Am. Staffs shown to me in Europe. In the USA, you will find some exhibits of excellent quality at a large entry show, but not as many as to be found at the Am. Staff Major. Every class had a number of superior exhibits. Many of my decisions were extremely close. I am sure that, if I judged the same classes on another day, it is quite possible

that my placements would change based upon the dogs’ performance on the day. My Champion Dog Class deserves special mention. My BOB CACIB and Res. CACIB winners, as well as, the third & forth placements, were exceptionally beautiful dogs of outstanding quality. Each should have much value as sires.

It is my belief that the breeders and exhibitors in the USA are missing out on a great social and learning opportunity by not attending the Am. Staff Major. In my two trips to the event, I have met or talked to only a couple of Americans. Moving forward, the lack of exposure to what is being accomplished by breeders outside of the USA will hinder the development of Am Staffs in their country of origin.

I do have two cautionary observations: Size: Some of the dogs shown to me were far above ideal height, and they lacked breed type because of it. This is also a problem in the USA. Any of the bull and terrier breeds need examples along the continuum between bull and terrier type to maintain the balance of substance and elegance which is the hallmark of the breed. However, once breeders and exhibitors start accepting Am Staffs above ideal height, they become something other than their original breed.

Temperament: I am always amazed by the wonderful temperaments of the American Staffordshire Terriers. The American Staffordshire Terrier has the most amiable and friendly dispositions of any breed I judge. Recently, I have experienced a few exhibits that lacked the characteristic confidence that is so much of what makes this breed so wonderful. A couple of the dogs shown to me at this show could be described as shy. Whether this was caused by lack of socialization, or inherited temperament, does not matter. It must be shunned.

I do not want my observations about a small number of the exhibits at the 2019 Am. Staff Major to overshadow my overall very positive impressions of the exhibitors and their Am. Staffs shown to me. So, in conclusion, the Am Staff Major should be a model event for other breeds to emulate. The depth of quality in the dogs you have been able to breed should be celebrated. I salute you for your accomplishments.

Sincerely, Bill Potter

JUDI DANIELS ABOUT THE SHOW

Of all the countries, special shows, and Specialty Breeds that I have ever judged ,the AmStaff Major weekend in Nitra, Slovakia, was the most exciting, well-organized, exhibitor-friendly, and venue-staged event that I have ever had the honor of judging.

The huge backdrop for the show was magnificent, and the Special Flag Ceremony , with flags from all the countries represented by the exhibiting AmStaffs was a great way to begin the festivities! Congratulations to Vladimir Mihaljcic and Mirko Popovic for their phenomenal organizational skills, both prior and during the show, that made it run so smoothly.

It was my honor to judge the Females.

Each one was in great condition, handled with care and pride. Each of the exhibits in the Minor Puppy and the Puppy classes were graded “Very Promising”, and that speaks well of their breeders! The Junior class was full of potential great ones to come,

and the Champion Class was stellar. I donated a bronze piece as a special trophy for the Best Female, and my final decision for the award went to a beautiful exhibit,”LBK’s Rebel And Proud Seven Spanish Angel s”, sound in every way, and handled without excess. She was statuesque , owned the ground she stood over, and she was not about to let any outside influence break her concentration .

For the final event, Show Chairman, Robert Kanas, announced that he would be pulling from a hat containing the names of all the BIS Qualified Judges included on the panels, one name to Judge SUPREME BEST IN SHOW. Push me over with a feather...when he announced my name! In was the most exciting time of my entire weekend. The final lineup was spectacular, and special congratulations go to each and every one of the 10 finalists. My choice, though not easy, was AmStaff “ATTACKS OF LOVE S PLANETY ZVEZD”, Mr. Potter’s BOB. Special mention also goes to the Lhasa and the Bedlington!

Finally, my very special Congratulations and Thank You to Robert Kanas and his wife, Martina Krisova Kanasova for their fantastic hospitality arrangements ,from Hotel and Transportation and Meals, including a lovely Gala, to the final farewell dinner. My husband and I returned home, having made many new friends, and hope to see each and every one of you someday in the future.

Sincerely, Judi Daniels

Winners BEST PUPPY MY CRAZY DREAM CHALLE SALLE • MALE

BEST YOUNG

IMPERIAL HERACLES • MALE

BEST VETERAN

TOP GUN LONG STEP • MALE

INTERMEDIA MALE

JUSTLIKE NIGHTMARE BY DESIGN

OPEN CLASS MALE RING ANGELS TITO

CHAMPION MALE

ATTACKS OF LOVE S PLANETY ZVEZD

Winners BEST BABY

DENVERS ELITE ELIZABETH IS THE MISTRESS OF HEARTS • FEMALE

INTERMEDIA FEMALE

DENVERS ELITE CHASING FOR FAME

OPEN FEMALE

DAKOS C’ERA UNA VOLTA IN AMERICA

CHAMPION FEMALE BEST FEMALE LBK’S REBEL AND PROUD SEVEN SPANISH ANGELS

BEST OF BREED

ATTACKS OF LOVE S PLANETY ZVEZD

Bottom Shaker Old English Sheepdog

by Jozsef Koroknai, Hungary Interviewed by Milla Kanninen

Q: Firstly can you give us some background on yourself? When and how did you start to breed Old English Sheepdog?

A: I got my very first OES in 1995, from my cousin, this was Grey and White Bonifac. He was born in June 1995 out of Lovely Dream Antony and Shaggy Bear Insistent Ireene. That Bonifac sire was the Bottom Shaker kennel’s first dog.

Q: What is the story behind your kennel and your kennel name? How many litters have you had so far? When did you breed your first litter?

A: All my dogs had Bottom Shaker dogs in their pedigrees, but it was year 1998 when I got my very first dog directly from the Bottom Shaker kennel. Her name was Bottom Shaker Marilyn Monroe. The owners of this kennel were Istvan and Aniko Szetmar, very close friends of mine. When I decided to continue to breed and show more professionally, Bottom Shaker My Secret “Jimmy” arrived at my home.

The Bottom Shaker kennel had 30 litters, however, my own breeding program started with Jimmy’s daughter Gina (Bottom Shaker so Easy to Love ). Gina is now 8 years old, and she is the dog who really reflects the line I want to see in my breeding. After 2011 I got a wonder168

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ful opportunity to start breeding together with Istvan. Jagger ( Bottom Shaker Zephyr Dream), Zokni ( Bottom Shaker the Greatest Picture) Rose ( Bottom Shaker Easy Secret Girl ) are my own breedings. I am extremely proud to be the one who can continue Istvan’s hard work in breeding Old English Sheepdogs.

Q: What is your breeding policy? Do you work with other kennels, have joint ownerships or rent dogs in or from other kennels? Or do you prefer to have your stud dogs for yourself?

A: I am honored to continue Istvan and Aniko Szetmar’s hard work and breeding under the Bottom Shaker affix. We cooperate with one of the world most well-known kennels in the USA - Bugaboo’s. Doug and Michaelanne Johnson and their family have been breeding OES since 1972, and we are proud to be able call them friends.

A few of their milestone achievements include GCh. Bugaboo’s Big Resolution, the 2006 top Herding Dog and Westminster Group winner, and the breed’s top winning bitch, GCh. Bugaboo’s Georgie Girl, who is a dam to the famous Swagger – a very well known dog who wrote history by winning Reserve Best in Show at Westminster 2013.

Swagger is the father of our Zokni and Rose. I am honored to have this team as support in my breeding program, to be able to discuss ideas and future plans with them. Myrtill (Bottom Shaker Big Perfect Love) who became our first USA Champion lives happily with Johnson family in Colorado Springs.

Another male from the litter sired by SwaggerSully (Bottom Shaker Easy Lover at Kerjalee) lives with Trevor and Pauline Mils in the UK. They have bred OES since 1977. It is an incredible feeling to have our own breeding living with many famous breeders all around the globe.

This year Sully became Number 1 OES in the 170

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Photo 1 • Bottom Shaker Zephyr Dream “Jagger” BEST IN SHOW at the Kiev European Dog Show 2017 Photo 2 • Bottom Shaker My Secret “Jimmy” BEST IN SHOW at the World Dog Show 2013 Photo 3 • Bottom Shaker So Easy to Love “Gina” r. BEST IN SHOW at the Eukanoba World Challenge 2014

UK. I always tend to keep the puppies with me as long as possible to be sure of their quality before they leave our home or start showing.

Q: Which dog do you consider the foundation of your own breeding?

A: I think that was Jimmy. Everything started with him, and today he is the father of Gina and Jagger, and Zokni and Rose’s grandfather.

He won Euro OES Club Show Best In Show 2011, English OES Club Show Best in Show 2013, European Dog Show Bucharest Best in Group 2012, Best in Group at Crufts 2012, World Dog Show Best In Show 2013 and he also became a UK Champion.

Q: What kind of selection do you prefer in your breeding program line breeding, inbreeding or out-cross?

A: I prefer line breeding, however, we always needs to find something new but in our type.

I am always searching for dogs who can improve my breeding program. I believe everyone has an ideal and a dream dog.

Photo 4 • Bottom Shaker Easy Secret Girl “Rose” and Bottom Shaker The Greatest Picture “Zokni” Photo 5 • Bottom Shaker Easy Secret Girl “Rose” at the BIS at IDS Varazdin Photo 6 • Bottom Shaker the Greatest Picture “Zokni” at the BIS Specialty 2019 EURO BOBTAIL SPECIAL SHOW

Q: What would you say was your greatest achievement as a breeder so far?

A: I prefer to say what am I proud of, and then everyone else can decide which ones are the most important.

Gina (Bottom Shaker So Easy to Love) was European Winner, World Winner and for a several years she was the Top Winning dog in Hungary. She also won Reserve Best in Show at the Eukanuba World Challenge.

Jagger won Best in Show at Kiev European Dog Show, Eukanuba World Challenge last year and numerous All Breed Best In Shows.

I am incredibly proud of our youngsters Zokni and Rose, who already won many All Breed and Specialty Best In Shows. Sully, their brother, is currently top winning OES in the UK. Another Best in Show Magazine

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Photo 7 • Jozsef Koroknai and Zsolt Hano with Jagger 2019 Eukanoba World Challenge Jagger BIS, ( Bottom Shaker Zephyr Dream)

sister, Myrtill, is our first American Champion. I still get goose bumps while talking about all of them, it is impossible to choose one.

Q: How do you interpret the standard? Do you accept that other breeders have different point of views as to what a Old English Sheepdog should look like, or is there just one correct 172

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type?

A: I believe everyone’s opinion about the breed is different, however there is only one valid FCI standard. Every breeder has his own vision of a perfect dog, but we all must work on improvement with each combination and litter. This is the only way to move forward. And that should be every breeder’s goal.

I think the breeders should learn from each other because at the end of the day we are all here for the same reason - for the love our dogs and our breed.

And regarding type, I think there are many dogs from the past which are still appreciated, and I am sure they would still go to the ring and win.

Q: What three qualities do you think are the most important when you look at a Old English Sheepdog?

A: Movement, coat type and body proportions.

Q: Which faults would you not tolerate in your breed?

A: Too long in the body, short legs, scruffy coat and no elegance.

Q: Would you say there is a difference in dogs and dog type in Europe and USA? What is the difference in AKC and FCI Standards?

A: There are some differences. For example the biggest one is definitely the TAIL. I can say their nickname “bobtail” completely lost its meaning in Europe. Personally, I am still getting used to dogs with tails. Our kennel name is Bottom Shaker- which made sense before, when they were shaking their bottoms from happiness.

Their movement and silhouette is different without tail.

Another important difference in AKC and FCI standard is the colour. The white markings in the grey coat colour are approved by the AKC standard, but in the FCI standard that is a fault.

Americans have also developed different grooming trends.

Q: How has the breed changed over the years? Would you say it has gone to better or worse?

A: The Bobtail is not an easy breed and their number in both Europe and the US is not high.

A lot of breeders have quit breeding and that makes me sad. There are not many new breeders, which in one way I can understand because keeping them in competitive form is hard and requires a lot of time and energy. As I mentioned before, with tails the dogs are not really bobtails anymore. Nowadays the grooming gets a more central role, which is definitely a good thing.

Q: Can you describe an ideal Old English Sheepdog?

A: For me, he would be a correct size, good bones, short in the body with a long neck, big head, good length of leg, elegant movement and nicely groomed.

For females I also prefer a feminine face expression- what I love to call a“princess look” which you can’t resist.

And it is extremely important that they are HAPPY dogs.

Q: Please name three of your all-time favorite winners bred by you and three not owned nor bred by you.

A: Bred by us: • Bottom Shaker Zephry Dreams “Jagger” • Bottom Shaker The Greatest Picture “ Zokni” • Bottom Shaker Easy Lover at Kerjalee Not bred by us: • Secret Zorro ad Elbe-Urstromal - Jimmys father • Bugaboo Picture Perfect “ Swagger” • Restas Jimbo, who was Gina’s Grandfather • Bugaboo’s Georgia Girl who is the mother of Swagger and also the GrandMother of Zokni and Rose • Zottel’s Miss Marple of Lameda • Villa’s Cruella at Dizzny

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it yet. Like everything in life, I would say it takes a lot of time, dedication, love and a bit of luck

Photo 8 • Bottom Shaker My Secret “Jimmy” Pastoral Group winner at Crufts 2012 Photo 9 • Bottom Shaker The Greatest Picture “Zokni” Benelux Winner Show, Best of Breed, Junior Best In Show

Q: What homebred dog of yours comes closest to your ideal?

A: I would say it’s Rose, although I always tend to prefer males. When she was born I fell in love immediately.

She stole my heart in a minute. She is definitely the OES which is the closest to my ideal!

Q: What would you say is the secret to continued success in breeding Bobtails?

A: There is no secret, or I have not discovered

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Q: What advice would you give to a new person in the breed?

A: Old English sheepdogs are smart but independent dogs. They do have a remarkable sense of humor and seem to enjoy their owners. Coat care is a big consideration with this breed. Keeping the coat in show condition is a serious commitment requiring frequent baths, coat treatments, and daily grooming as well as limiting the dog’s activities. I would say do it, because if you lived together with an OES you know how intelligent they are. They have a beautiful and strong presence! If you try an OES, for sure you will find a friend who will steal your heart forever.

I would like to mention couple of people who made this journey possible. Jimmy was my 4th dog who’s father was Zorro owned by Marta Buday. Marta and I started working together in 2007. She was our groomer from very beginning. I’m extremely thankful to her, not only for her professionalism behind the scene, but for being a true friend too.

Another very important person, this time on the scene, is our handler, Zsolt Hano. Zsolt has been showing and grooming our bobtails since we started our journey. He is not only part of our team, but my very good friend from who I learned I lot about the dog world, and who is always there to talk about new projects, plans and ways of improvement in all aspects of our practice.

I have to mention another important thing. I have a lot of support and help from my family and friends, we all work as a team! I absolutely believe in teamwork, and when you have that, success is inevitable.

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Aryakas

Old English Sheepdog

by Nikolas Kanales, Greece Interviewed by Milla Kanninen

Q: Firstly, can you give us some background on yourself? When and how did you start to breed Old English Sheepdog?

A: Umberto Eco in his best seller “The Name of Rose” mentions something like: “Every book was written for another book”, and therefore, I strongly believe anyone who has somehow succeeded in dogs, has done it following the example of other successful people, before him, or breeders in this case, and has definitely achieved it with the enlightened guidance and mentoring of at least one talented mentor!

Born on the Greek Island of Paros, during a rather significant part of my childhood I always had contact with many different kinds of animals that were raised in my grandparents’ small holding. Ever since I can remember, dogs played a significant – I could easily define it as “karmic” - role in my life, and that was long before Old English Sheepdogs (OES). Literally, I took my first steps, holding the tail of a wonderful female, a general-purpose and hunting dog, called “Arapina”, who was very tolerant and kind to me. The same was her sire, which followed my grandfather almost everywhere,

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as I did, and I naturally developed a special kind of affection to dogs, probably for their unconditional love and affection.

My grandparents were talented breeders of working dogs and other kinds of animals, and had a very special respect, love and care for all the animals they used to raise. My grandfather in particular had an incredible “eye for a dog”, but also for all the other types of animals “we” used to raise; goats, cattle, horses … even chickens, and I guess he has been my first ever mentor regarding breeding and evaluating dogs. I remember travelling to other small farms, for him to evaluate and purchase breeding stock, and I can still remember him “studying” the resulting offspring and progeny.

“We” later purchased the most beautiful - in my eyes - female G.S.P. and almost at the same time, my grandfather was asked to train two exquisite “pedigree” Irish Setters for hunting, for a friend, and this is how I could start seeing what a pedigree dog was, and realized there were some differences!

Moving when I was young into the city of Athens, I could only downsize to Cocker Spaniels,

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which were effectively my first ever “personal breed”, although I had tried to acquire an English Pointer, before.

As a child, I used to drive my family crazy, because I used to always “collect” dogs and other animals of all sorts, and I would have the perfect excuse every time, and by the age of 14, I had already bred three litters of Cockers, “on my own”!

Old English Sheepdogs (OES) came into my life, in 1981 in the form of “helping dogs” for my autistic younger sister Anna, where my beloved female Cocker called “Laika”, had totally failed.

Ever since that day, the OES were about to become a huge part of my life, and proved to be the kindest most understanding, trustworthy, mild, clever, calm and also vivacious dog one could have, especially with an autistic child at home! OES are and “must be” very easily adaptable, incredibly easy to train and great 178

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fun to have.

Talking about myself, I need to stress the fact that I believe I would have never done anything, regarding showing or breeding dogs, without the guidance, help and mentoring of some great dog people I have had the luck to meet in my life, my late grand parents, the late Mrs. Virginia Mary Saunders and a few more …

I have always had a great interest in many other breeds, and I have been lucky enough to have or live with some of them such as Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers and Griffons Bruxellois.

Also it’s important to mention that not everything was a success, since I have had some dogs and some litters that were almost “a total disaster”. It is a grave mistake for exhibitors to assume, when they see someone being consistently successful in the ring, that they have had it handed to them on a plate. If you explore, you will often find that behind such success is also a degree of heartbreak and disappointment. However, the determined breeder overcomes such setbacks.

Q: What is the story behind your kennel and your kennel name? How many litters have you had so far? When did you breed your first litter?

A: “Aryakas” is the unofficial name of the area where I was born, on the very dry Cycladic island of Paros in Greece. It means a ‘bourne of water going towards the sea’, in the local dialect, and has a history and etymology that is very close to my heart, related to my grandfather; he had given away half of his property, for the access to this “priceless” source of water, every second day!

Whilst I have only bred myself, with my affix, less that 20 litters, during the almost 40 years that I have been involved with the breed, I am responsible for quite a few more that have

been bred or co-bred with other people, as a result of “team breeding”. Although there have been some issues during the years, I am very positive about the overall outcome.

As a young boy and teenager, I had bred litters of Cockers “on my own” and of course I had looked after a few other litters of GSPs, Hungarian Vizslas and English Pointers. My involvement in showing and breeding OES came much later in my life, in 1995, with the priceless mentoring help and guidance of Gina Saunders, to whom I am indebted for any success I have ever had in breeding quality dogs.

Q: Where did your first dogs come from?

A: I knew so little at the time, sadly I had my very first non-pedigree OES from a Pet Shop, and that was a traumatic experience, at a very young age that I would rather not talk about here. I believe this made me focus on having my dogs later from reputable breeders, and truly, I had to totally change direction and explore new bloodlines. So, around 2000 I started by having dogs from or related to the Reata’s kennel of Davor and Andrea JAVOR from Croatia.

These lines traced back to some of the legendary Zottel’s dogs, of Mrs. Christina Bailey in the UK, and a few others that I had been admiring.

Q: What is your breeding policy? Do you work with other kennels, have joint ownerships or rent dogs in or from other kennels? Or do you prefer to have your stud dogs for yourself?

A: Occasionally, we have had dogs come to stay with us for breeding purposes only, and for a limited period of time, both males and females. We would prefer to be able to have the best Stud Dogs of the World in our breedership, but naturally there have been some wonderful dogs in other people’s kennels and we have done our best to use them, when we felt it necessary, and on many different occasions.

Of course, we only work with other reputable, kennels and breeders, and whilst we own on paper, or co-own many dogs, only a few of them actually live with us and in our house. On one hand, times have changed a lot and the “big historic kennels” with many dogs are difficult to find anymore; on the other hand, we truly want our dogs to be having the life of a family member in loving permanent homes, therefore we are essentially against keeping a big number of dogs ourselves.

We believe that, nowadays, only by collaborating can one really work for the betterment of a breed, but this has to be between capable and honest people. This is sometimes difficult to find, since greed can be one of the human’s worst qualities, therefore naturally, there have been some disappointing moments along the way.

Q: Which dog do you consider the foundation of your own breeding?

A: With no doubt multi BIS & BISS Multi Ch. Reata’s Cosmpolitan – “Cosmo” and his “wife” Ch. Fan-Fell Qualify for Happiness – “Patsy”.

Normally one begins with a female for breeding, but in my case, I first had Cosmo and almost immediately afterwards I decided to get my foundation bitch Patsy, obviously, having studied a lot pedigrees and types, and making sure this would be a very compatible combination that would hopefully, give me what I was looking for. Although from different kennels, they were both line-bred on some of my favourite dogs in our breed, and it did work very well, to the best of my ability and knowledge.

Q: What kind of selection do you prefer in your breeding program, line breeding, inbreeding or out-cross?

A: I would say “one has to know how to outcross, in order to line-breed”.

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and I am a firm believer that heavy inbreeding, may be a cause of many health issues within the world of pedigree dogs, and of course a breeder may indeed influence a breed for many generations to come.

Seeking the betterment of any breed, type, soundness and temperament, I believe one has to know primarily how to line-breed, to achieve the best possible results. But on the other side, one has to also know how to outcross, to avoid heavy inbreeding, and health issues.

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Q: What would you say was your greatest achievement as a breeder so far?

A: In all honesty, it is impossible for me to name only one achievement as my greatest, since I have been very fortunate to have had some wonderful experiences within both breeding and also dog showing, that to me, go hand in hand.

Probably, my greatest achievements are related to the happiness and joy well-bred dogs can offer to the everyday life of a family or an

individual, as well as having seen some total newcomers, both in dogs and in our breed, achieving some incredible results…

Having won the FCI World Show, and the FCI European Show a few times, and having bred Champions, Best In Show and Group winners in many different countries around the World is already a nice accomplishment. I believe my greatest single achievement was probably at Crufts 2017, when Multi BIS & BISS Ch. Aryakas Pegasos won the Pastoral Group, whilst his kennel mates UK Ch. Aryakas Stefania at Beauvallon won the Bitch C.C. and Multi BIS & BISS Aryakas Pandora won the Reserve Bitch C.C. What made it more special to me is that none of these dogs actually lived with us at home! The human mum of Pegasos, our beloved friend Paola Siciliano, from Italy, never in her life had a dog before him. Pegasos is actually her pet, going to work with her to her fashion store every day, and also going to swim into the sea, often and that during his career as a “top show dog”!

At the same time Ch. Aryakas Stefania lives with our friends Gareth & Helen Harris in the UK, and CH. Aryakas Pandora lives with Alain and Valerie Labous in France … this is all about team-work.

There is no way, I could ever forget the day Reata’s Cosmopolitan won Best Of Breed at the World Dog Show in Portugal, under Mr. Carlos Saevich from Argentina. I was obviously very far from home and literally burning with fever on the day, and also there had been a change of judge. Obviously, our breed judge “loved” my 15 month old dog to award him Best Of Breed over Champions, and after his judging he honestly asked me: “Now tell me who the h… is this dog? And who the h… are you?” . A couple of years later, I was more that excited to win Best Of Breed at Crufts for the first time, with the same dog, under Mrs.

Jilly Bennett (Pelajilo OES – UK) whose judging I had admired for a long time.

My greatest achievement though, is yet to come, and should be strongly related to consistency in breeding quality dogs.

Q: How do you interpret the standard? Do you accept that other breeders have different point of views as to what a Old English Sheepdog should look like, or is there just one correct type?

A: Many people seem to think that a few different breed standards may be open to various interpretations, but I don’t think the OES breed standard is that vague. For all that, one should really study it thoroughly, and try to read “between the lines” and “behind the words” to put himself in the position to be able to answer “why”… e.g. why the OES should be strong, square, with its “characteristic topline”? Once one prepares himself to reply to the various “whys”, he then knows the Standard, and there is no need for individual interpretations!

Having said that, if I didn’t accept that other people have different views, it would be like not accepting that “the sun rises from the east”, every morning. In so many ways “thank God” they do, since this makes our sport so interesting. On the other hand, some keyboard warriors may like and praise dogs that occasionally I find to be, in all essential points, of a different breed.

Q: What three qualities do you think are the most important when you look at an Old English Sheepdog?

A: I am not sure I could put three qualities in three words, but I would say a compact and strong, bear-like balanced dog, with profuse harsh coat, with playful intelligent character, of a very even disposition. In other words, I would want a dog to be able to Best in Show Magazine

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do a day’s work, talking of course about the work OES were bred to do!

Q: Which faults would you not tolerate in your breed?

A: All those that would make a dog unable to function for what it’s been bred for. Number one in my list though, would be an unreliable temperament, since I believe that is one of the worse faults an OES could have. Then, an overall weak, long, tubular body that lacks balance or an unsound dog, lacking the breed-specific topline. These points I would find hard to tolerate, along with a soft untypical coat.

In my opinion, all the above are faults one should never have to put up with, neither judging nor in a breeding program. Although very few of us will probably have cattle or sheep these days, the dogs we breed and show have a very important role to play indeed, in our modern society, that should coincide with the original 182

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purpose for which the breed was created.

In my book, OES have a great role, and a great job to do nowadays, as a companion and family dog, even a helping dog, as they have done in my own family, and this is a role that should never be underestimated.

Q: Would you say there is a difference in dogs and dog type in Europe and USA? What is the difference in AKC and FCI Standards?

A: There has been and still is a lot of interaction between the different parts of the World, regarding OES breeding and showing. I am not talking only about US, UK and Europe, but also Asia, Oceania, Latin America etc.

I would like to take the opportunity of your question, to say what came immediately to my mind: I have recently, read an article by a well known Dog Club committee member and breeder who stating that the “best dogs of his breed are bred in his own country”. That I

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believe is called a lack of understanding, lack of interest, or even kennel-blindness, since this person has obviously only seen dogs of his own breed on “Facebook”! Dog showing and therefore breeding, is such an international, a global sport, with no borders. What is happening today in one part of the world may very well influence what is going on in a totally different distant place so quickly that it is beyond imagination sometimes! This is what makes our dog world even more fascinating. Remaining behind our PC screen and at home, and affirming that we may have the best dogs ever must be so boring!

Having vented all that, the differences are most evident regarding the tail, which is “natural” in Europe and docked in the US – like the breed I fell in love with a few years back. A few more differences can be found such as white marking in the grey parts of the dogs which are allowed in the US and not in Europe and the UK, etc.

Also the AKC standard calls for slightly shorter dogs that the European and UK standards.

However, in real life, the American dogs – talking especially about males - are overall bigger and even taller in comparison to the European dogs.

It’s more a matter of what exhibitors and judges are used to seeing, in the different parts of the world, rather than the actual differences in the breed standards, regarding our breed.

While the average American dog may be a bit more substantial and squarely built, accentuated by a bit (or maybe a lot!) more scissoring, and at times with stronger rear movement, the European Dogs, generally may have better quality coats, darker eyes and may excel in front angulation and topline. This is surely a generalization, and that may not be applicable any longer, since I didn’t visit the American Nationals last year. From another point of view, pigmentation is overall better in Europe, and 184

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heads I believe may be stronger in the US, over the last few years.

Q: How has the breed changed over the years? Would you say it has gone to better or worse?

A: Like other breeds, OES have evolved in many ways, and I believe there is lot of literature on this topic, written by well-known and most respectable writers and journalists.

In so many ways our breed evolved for the better and many health issues like hip dysplasia, cataracts, PCD are almost disappearing with careful breeding and all the necessary testing that goes with it. In some bloodlines longevity has also been improved, as well as overall soundness, that many seem to believe was lacking badly during the last part of the 20th century, even in some top-winning dogs in Europe and the UK. On the other hand, some modern OES may be too photogenic, and a lot of attention has been given to the looks, rather than the actual function of the dogs, thus in some dogs quantity seems to be taking over quality regarding coats. Instead of double-harsh and realistically protective waterproof coats we may find softer, longer coats and this is, unfortunately, masked by a lot of artificial scissoring and trimming to disguise the actual coat quality. In some cases, groomers and handlers even go as far as creating something that looks like a giant Bichon Frisé rather than something that actually looks like a typical OES. This is, to say the least, disappointing.

Numbers have drastically dropped, but by no means would I like to be one of those who constantly ONLY praise dogs from the past, because living in the past to me, probably means that we are unable to do anything other than “moan” about our breed today. Even worse, that may reflect that we are unable to appreci-

ate somebody else’s good dogs!

No doubt-we have some fantastic dogs today!

Q: Can you describe an ideal Old English Sheepdog?

A: Well … strong, capacious, square, profusely coated, balanced, bear-like, sound, elastic and rhythmically moving, intelligent and playful, with no exaggerations, a strong head and bone.

Q: Please name three your all time favourite winners bred by you and three not owned nor bred by you.

A: Only because I must chose, I shall only name some dogs that are not with us anymore, or have retired. Amongst my homebred dogs, I need to mention first Aryakas Cosmo-Junior,

a.k.a. “C.J.” because he has probably done more winning than my other dogs. During the years, since he was living in Austria with his human mum Ms. Elisabeth Antl, who kept him in great condition and practically showed him almost everywhere – with my help on many occasions - to win a huge number of Championships in many countries, and an incredible amount of Bests In Show. He became Top Dog all breeds in Greece, following the family tradition of his sire, not to forget Best of Breed at Crufts, the World Champion and European Champion title etc.

Another one that I consider very close to my heart, is UK Ch Aryakas Genesis at Beauvallon a.k.a. “Geena”, who became joint Top OES in the UK, (sharing the title with her kennel mate Best in Show Magazine

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Ch. Aryakas Ikaros) mostly shown by her owner Mrs. Helen Harris (UK) and although shown only in the UK was really beautiful. Geena later won Best Of Breed at Crufts as well, and the prestigious pastoral Group 4th place, in very strong competition that year.

Thirdly, I need to mention the very special Multi BIS & BISS, INT. IT. & GR Ch Aryakas Pegasos, who is now retired and had a very limited show career - probably not shown at more than 20 dog shows during his whole life. He also won many Group 1sts and Best In Show awards, as well as Best Of Breed and the Pastoral group at Crufts, loved and conditioned by a total newcomer and beginner in dogs, the lovely Ms. Paola Siciliano from Italy, and groomed and handled by Matteo Autolitano and myself.

As for dogs bred by other people, I have no difficulty naming first the legendary Ch. Zottel’s Miss Marple of Lameda, a.k.a. “Missy”, a female that made breed history, and made me change whatever I was thinking about this breed before I had actually seen her. Bred and handled by Mrs. Christina Bailey, she was a dream to watch moving around the ring and probably would catch anybody’s eye, excelling in breed type and conditioned to perfection.

Again, always conditioned to perfection and also shown to perfection, in my eyes, was UK Ch. Bobbington Latin Lover, who also gave me goose-bumps handled by Mrs. Alex Little, who was his breeder. A dream to watch, and I believe he is another one of the dogs one should always keep in the mind’s eye if your aim is appreciating breed type.

My third dog, would be a lot more difficult pick, since I have admired so many, but it would probably have to be Am. Ch. Mop Top Good Lovin, in the US. Although I had never been able to see this dog in real life, I have always admired him, and Jilly Bennett won the OESCA Nationals with him, so I don’t think I could be that wrong.

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Q: What homebred dog of yours comes closest to your ideal?

A: Thank you for this question, since I have also bred some non top winners that have been and still are very close to my heart, being close to my ideal OES. Those who have offered so much love and affection to their families and to myself. While dog showing and breeding is with no question one of my greatest passions, effectively dogs are a long standing companion of humanity, and live a 24/7 life with us, away from showing. My most beloved of all dogs would probably be Ch. Aryakas Caryatis, and Calliopee, and Callipous, all from the same litter. Then I adored Aryakas Dorothea, Fotios with Fotini, GeoCosmic, Hermes and Hercules, Ikaros, Ionios and Idioteleia, Kallistos, Lygeia, Midas, Niki, Ophelia, Pandora, Phoenix and Pherenikee, Rodanthi, Stefania, Simon, and Timon.

Some of them have had a successful show career and some not, but I couldn’t exclude any of them and I am sure I forgot some more!

Q: What would you say is the secret to continued success in breeding Bobtails?

A: I must mention here some of the things that have been said many times by other breeders, of many different breeds, believing that OES breeding is no different. One should be determined and passionate towards the betterment of the breed, do a lot of studying along with continuous research and hard work, and always having great respect for other people’s work and history. One must study hard, to form a valid opinion, based on facts, and not get fooled by what other people publish or think – more so not to get fooled by the occasional top winner of the time, but whilst admiring it for its virtues, go for the right one to suit one’s bloodlines and the specific female at the time.

Beyond my original studies in the medical field and my knowledge of Genetics, the interaction with some great breeders and judges - mentors of mine - has helped me. Early on I had already established the idea of what I call the “Double X factor or XX factor”. In many ways Mrs Patricia Trotter, the American breeder, judge and author, has talked about that in a simple and straightforward way, mentioning that whilst males may be influential, they may only transfer 25% of their genes’ potential in any breed’s gene pool, whereas bitches may influence a breed 75%, because they happen to carry their XX gene. In other words, the female genotype maybe described as XX, since the male may only be described as XY. Mating the two together, every offspring will get one gene from each parent, and therefore the X genes will be overall more influential, forming about 75% of a gene pool. Practically, the secret of one’s breeding program are the quality females and a strong bitch line. However, any male should come from a virtuous strong bitch line.

Q: What advice would you give to a new person in the breed?

A: I would advise new people (who are much needed) to search and find the very best of what this beautiful world and breed has to offer… and leave out the rest!

Start only with quality. That may be hard to find in the beginning, but it’s worth the effort, and be very responsible. Always listen to your heart, as this is driven by the true love and passion for your wonderful breed.

Be interested rather than try to become interesting, at once, and study by travelling, and don’t only travel to win at various dog shows - I have learnt a lot more by listening and closely watching, even by losing … than by talking and winning!

Try to differentiate the really knowledgeable dog people from the ones who make too much noise, on the internet and Social media, staying at home and posting superficial opinions, reflecting always the incredible nonexistent values of their own expert breeding … after only having bred a couple of litters … with other people’s dogs. Noise and selfbragging is not necessarily the best possible route to achievement. A truly successful dog person or any serious breeder does not need to be a “keyboard warrior”… avoid being a huge fish in the small pond of one’s own back yard; this does not benefit any breed!

Search to find within yourselves the added values of being in the wonderful breed of OES, or any breed and discover the many ulterior benefits, involved in showing and breeding really good dogs.

Have at least one good mentor, giving your trust to someone with values, ethics and also who has had results … and define “good” by the people who don’t only think that their current dogs are the best ever, but know how to evaluate dogs within the Holy Bible of the Breed Standard.

And always remember, if you try and succeed you may have problems, if you don’t you will have nothing!

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Russian Bears

Caucasian Shepherds G. V. Kirkitskaya • President of NCC “Caucasian Shepherd Dog”, “Russian Bear” Kennel owner Interviewed by Dog Review magazine

Galina Kirikitskaya, President of the Russian national club of the breed “Caucasian Shepherd”, vice-president of the international club of the breed “Caucasian Shepherd”, expert FCI.

One of the most popular breeds in Russia - the Caucasian Shepherd Dog - is worthy of respect and admiration. In our country, everyone has heard of it, and every second person is personally acquainted with it. Perhaps, therefore, a large number of legends, often unreliable, and contradictory, surround the Caucasian Shepherd. The same breed is considered: dangerously aggressive, and tenderly affectionate; very intelligent and extremely dull; faithful to the last drop of blood, and extremely independent; both bad and good nanny; trainable and not obedient. You can continue indefinitely...

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The truth, as usual, is somewhere in the middle. I am convinced of this from my thirtyyear experience working with the Caucasian Shepherds and I would like to offer you a look at this breed with my eyes!

The first thing that people notice is the impressive appearance of these dogs. Large and often very large, powerful and voluminous, with a large head and strongly developed cheekbones, a high set cropped ears, small, deep-set eyes who watch carefully and ominously for strangers - all of which underlines the dog’s likeness to the beloved hero of Russian fairy tales - the Bear. The color of most Caucasian shepherds is monophonic, brown, gray or pale, with a black mask on the face. The coat is very thick, elongated, forming a beautiful “mane” and “combing” on the neck, tail and legs. The structure of the coat allows the dog

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to tolerate any weather conditions with ease, and natural contaminants on it do not linger.

The manner of the “Caucasians” suit their appearance. Quietly, thoroughly, confidently they live next to a person in many corners of the globe. Self-esteem, independence, lack of fear and the desire to be an advocate are characteristic to the representatives of this breed.

Even as small puppies “Caucasians” clearly distinguish between their own and others, not trusting the latter and never taking their eyes off them - “herd”, as the breeders say.

This behavior is typical for Molossians, to which the “Caucasians” belong.

In Russia, the Caucasian Shepherd appeared in the eighteenth century. There are documentary evidence of the use of “Caucasians” as guard dogs in the Russian army. As for the modern history of the breed, the authorship of the first pages in it belongs to Soviet cynologists, who began work in the late 1920s. With the government support, scientific expeditions to the habitats of “Caucasians” were organized; a considerable number of dogs were inspected, measurements were taken and descriptions were written. The Caucasian Shepherd was the undisputed leader among the indigenous breeds of the USSR: it was widely used in the Caucasus, the Krasnodar region and the steppe in the south of the Volga region to protect the herds from predators and thieves. Of course, talking about these dogs as a single breed called “Caucasian Shepherd” can only be theoretically. In fact, the Caucasian dogs were many different groups, united only by the presence of the main features: powerful build, massive head with strong jaws, fearlessness, confidence, an indifferent attitude to pain and the ability to overcome a wolf.

The study of indigenous populations has led scientists to a disappointing conclusion.

In many areas, the dogs were depleted, were 196

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affected by various, including chronic, diseases.

In some areas, almost all the population was composed of mixes. The best were the Caucasian shepherds of Transcaucasia, especially Georgia, the largest of all, mighty, longhaired, with a somewhat elongated voluminous body.

It is not surprising that the exterior of Georgian

dogs was used as a basis for the first standards.

In parallel with the study of the “Caucasians” in their historic homeland, first representatives of the rare breed were brought to the capital cities of Moscow and Leningrad. This marked the beginning of breeding the Caucasian Shepherd, and each dog was used to protect state enterprises and military facilities. Working qualities of “Caucasians” were so good, that soon, even at the state level, the breed became prestigious. Numerous kennels were created, where, along with the service, the Caucasian shepherds participated in the breeding program. At this time, the first Standard was developed, in which, as inherent in the breed, such qualities as aggressiveness, alertness, sharply developed hearing, good eyesight, indiscriminate with food, dense, impenetrable coat were listed. All this allowed, “to use the dog without special material costs for the guard-watchdog service irrespective of climatic conditions” (excerpt from the Standard).

In the early 30s Caucasian Shepherd appeared in dog shows, including abroad. The first such “appearance” was held in 1930 in Nuremberg (Germany). Dogs represented the military kennel “Red Star”. Two “Caucasians” received the highest marks of the international dog show. According to the recollections of the participants, the “red giants” (as our spectators called our dogs), previously unprecedented, aroused a great interest of all those present at the dog show.

In the few surviving records of pre-war time, it is evident that the breed was very well represented at exhibitions in the Soviet Union: the participation of 30 or more “Caucasians” was common. But they all seem to have disappeared in the maelstrom of World War II. None of the names listed in the reports is included in the genealogy of the breed. Almost all modern breeding stock have been obtained from just a few dogs, which the Moscow lovers of the breed managed to save. The origin of these Best in Show Magazine

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dogs has not been established. The only exception is NORA - the ancestor of most modern Caucasian Shepherd. Nora’s father - Karabash - the oldest of the famous Caucasian Shepherds, was born in 1938. This fact gives me the right to assert that the entire process of breeding the breed recognized today had only been about eighty years.

Undoubtedly, the breeding of Caucasian Shepherds was initially closely related, based on numerous inbreeding. “Fresh blood” was poured into the breed by the best dogs of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, brought to Moscow for showing at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition. Most of them were transferred to the nursery “Red Star” not only for purebred breeding, but also for breeding new breeds of dogs. The Moscow watchdog, a rare breed to date, is a hybrid of the Caucasian shepherd and St. Bernard with a minor blood flow from the Russian peg hounds. There is “Caucasian” blood in the famous Russian black terrier, as well as in the most popular breed of the Soviet era - the Eastern European Shepherd.

The work of Soviet and later Russian cynologists was crowned with success. From a variety of dogs, brought from different parts of the Caucasus, a single breed was formed under the name “Caucasian Shepherd”, possessing one, mandatory for all type, described in the Standard.

Getting better food and maintenance, modern “Caucasians” look bigger and more powerful than their ancestors. But, most importantly, the fact that the Caucasian Shepherd has received universal recognition - its temperament, brain and working qualities, remain unchanged. As before, the “Caucasian” is the best guard dog, combining the inherent distrust of strangers, vigilance, strength and courage. Still our dogs prefer to sleep in the winter not in the house, but in the snow under the open sky, in the au198

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tumn they do not experience special discomfort in the rain, and in the summer they do not suffer much from the heat. This is the undoubted merit of the domestic cynologists who have done everything to make sure that the Caucasian Shepherd, almost lost in its homeland - the Caucasus, does not disappear from the face of the Earth. Thanks to the work of these individuals, Russia is not only the owner of the vast majority of Caucasian shepherds, but also patron of the breed officially recognized by the world.

The world of Caucasian Shepherds today many countries, from Korea to America. Despite some difficulty in maintenance, our breed is extremely popular. “Caucasians” are used mainly as guards of private territories, enterprises, and in cattle-breeding farms as protection from predators.

Today, no one is surprised by the civilized behavior of dogs of this breed in public places. Many are very fond of traveling to dog shows, perceiving them as social events, where they can interact with other dogs and show off in the ring.

In all families with children and the Caucasian shepherd dogs, dogs love and protect “their” small owners, for that matter, other pets belonging to the owner as well. However, only “their own”! Real “Caucasian” is a pronounced owner. The credo of the Caucasian is “all around me, mine”. Guard and protect our own. Strangers should stay away. “Caucasians” are intelligent, with an extremely developed intuition. I can always be sure that a guest who was not well received by my “Caucasians” cannot be called a decent person. My dogs have never been deceived.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an authoritarian dog. The roles in the family-pack should be clearly distributed. At the same time, the “Caucasian” does not aspire to power as such and will be satisfied and happy if the 200

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throne is taken by a beloved master. If the place of the leader is vacant, the “Caucasian” will occupy it, and this is the beginning of the problems. In any difficult situation, the dogleader independently makes decisions and punishes the subordinate (including the person), if he violates the subordination. How to avoid these difficulties? It’s very simple: be stronger, smarter, more mature. Do not forget that is not the man that lives for the dog, but the dog for the man. If you are deprived of leadership qualities, do not buy a Caucasian sheep dog, there are other wonderful breeds of dogs. Alternatively, as an option, get a bitch; they are

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more likely than males to subordinate to a person, especially a man.

Contrary to popular belief, “Caucasians” are very trainable. You just need to prove to the dog that it’s easier and more profitable for it to do the command than to demonstrate, for hours, that it can’t hear well from birth, hardly understands and absolutely does not know your native language. In general, for a good upbringing, it is quite enough for the “Caucasian” to just to live in a normal family. The dog will grow balanced, friendly, while remaining confident and strong. Instead of commands, it will perfectly understand human speech. That’s the way my dogs are raised. In addition, if we start communicating with them using commands, 202

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experienced hooligans know for sure: can’t escape the thunder!

Caucasian Shepherd is forever! And… so believe the most diverse group of people, owners of these fine dogs. My colleagues, who live not only in Russia, but also in many other countries, share this opinion. Caucasian Shepherd not only gives me his love, friendship, loyalty, but also interaction with old and new friends. I have no time for boredom, I work with Caucasian Shepherds.

Interestingly, in the Russia Caucasian shepherd dog is mainly owned by women, while in Europe the majority of the owners are men.

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SIGHTHOUND FESTIVAL • DONAUESCHINGEN Saturday • August 3rd, 2019

BEST IN SHOW

Judged by Gabriel Valdez

Greyhound Sobers Xtravaganza

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reserve BEST IN SHOW

Picolo Liviero Italiano Py’s Erotica BEST IN SHOW 3rd

Afghan Hound Xenos Sandor BEST IN SHOW 4th

Whippet Cherubim’s Royal It’s a Christmas Dream

Best in Show Magazine

209

SIGHTHOUND FESTIVAL • DONAUESCHINGEN Sunday • August 4th, 2019

BEST IN SHOW

Judged by Karin Juto Hedberg

Afghan Hound Xenos Sandor

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Best in Show Magazine

reserve BEST IN SHOW

Saluki Gloria Al Zahra BEST IN SHOW 3rd

Greyhound Sobers Xtravaganza BEST IN SHOW 4th

Pharaoh Hound Reedly Road Illuminated

Best in Show Magazine

211