Dog News, March 13, 2015

Dog News The Digest Volume 31, Issue 10

Of American Dogs $5.00

March 13, 2015

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*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

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Dog News Contents • March 13, 2015 10 Editorial 14 The Lighter Side of Judging: Fiesta! By michael h. faulkner 18 Irving’s Impressions: Litter Decisions

By RONNIE IRVING

22 Question Of The Week By Matthew H. Stander 26 Babbling: Being Totally Bi-Flexual, Is It Possible? By Geir Flyckt-pedersen 30 Marxisms: Adding Breeds By Sid Marx 34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions Asked of Lane Tarantino 42 A Crufts Report, AKC Board Election Results And More By Matthew H. Stander 46 Off The Leash: March Madness By Shaun Coen 52 Dog Photographer Of The Year By Nick waters 62 A Hound From Antiquity: The Saluki By mj nelson 68 Beneful Lawsuit Will Be Hard To Prove By carlotta cooper 72 The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 74 Click: West Palm Beach DFA By David sombach 78 Click: Crufts By Eugene Z. Zaphiris and Barbara Anderson 82 Click: The Way We Were By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 85 Letters To The Editor

84 handlers directory • 86 subscription rates • 88 classified advertising • 90 advertising rates DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010. Periodical Postage paid at New York.

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Dog News Cover Story • March 13, 2015 • Volume 31, Issue 10

PUBLISHER

STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson • Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald • Patricia Gail Burnham Shaun Coen • Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish • Michael Faulkner Merry Fitzgerald, DVM • Denise Flaim Geir Flyckt - Pedersen • Allison Foley Yossi Guy • Ronnie Irving • Roz Kramer John Mandeville • Sidney Marx Linda More • Demond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson • Sharon Pflaumer John Shoemaker • Kim Silva Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen • Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore • Carla Viggiano Nick Waters • Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette Dog News Photographers Chet Jezierski • Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell • Leslie Simis

DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved Conformation Judges with more than one breed every week and have adjudicated at a licensed AKC show within the past three years on a complimentary basis. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. The opinions expressed by this publication do not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher.

The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted.

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Editorial

The Board election and subsequent election of a different Board Chairman and Vice Chairman was a pretty definitive statement by the Delegates concerning the Kalter years running the AKC as well as what they thought of the services of one of his strongest supporters on the Board Bob Amen.

Mr. Amen failed to pull in votes to equal his own weight it would appear while the majority on the Board obviously was not willing to accept another year of the Kalter/Garvin/Amen leadership. Certainly this triumvirate of men deserves credit for some of their very innovative ideas including the push for the expansion of AKC’s use of social media as a part of meeting its role in today’s ever changing society. They succeeded in updating AKC’s attitude in this area for sure but how and at what expense both financial and psychological were problems they refused to share with the Fancy at large. Indeed to the apparent exclusion of the foundation of AKC--its long-term constituents-- these men seemed to march forward without consulting or even letting people know what was going on. Their own Board Members were kept in the dark in so many matters that in many an instance their programs were leaked to the public before the Board itself was made aware of what was going on much less even proposed. Or else new programs or ideas were treated with such secrecy in Executive Sessions few people knew what was even going on. Take the case of the hiring of the new Vice President in charge of technical problems to work out of New York. The Board I am told was not told of his hiring nor of the new position until it was announced at the February meeting in Executive Session. The position as told to these pages was for AKC to enter the increasingly important field of getting AKC financial data “in the cloud.” What this means as explained to these pages is the transitioning from the data center servers in Raleigh to all info “in the cloud,” in other words, not stored in a physical space. This addition was questioned by some as to why it was necessary to bring in an extremely highly paid and expensive individual to do when it was said the existing IT people in Raleigh would know how to make that transition.

If that is now the priority why not let IT just do it unless of course this is but another example of the intra-corporate feuding going on between MAR/COMM and IT. Hopefully the Menaker Board will be up to either stopping these kinds of moves, which are both wasteful and expensive, or at the least making someone more accountable for doing them.

Just look at the Web site fiascoes and you’ll better understand how the Kalter administration failed to serve and understand the needs of its constituents in ever so many situations. Indeed this is the first time in recent years that these pages can recall that a seated Board Chairman was not reelected to his post. That may not be the spin the AKC PR department may give to this election but let’s face it that’s just what happened. And in the case of the PR department perhaps it’s time to cut down people ways the size of that department. Each press announcement when they are issued seems to come from another new name. How many people work in that department one must wonder with incredulity!

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

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THE CRUFTS EXPERIENCE

Well from a strictly dog experience and point of view Crufts 2015 was one of the better dog show events of our times. The breeders were treated to the rare opportunity of seeing a return to our roots as breed judging and evaluation was the emphasis and while one may not have agreed with all breed decisions certainly the diversity in results made for interesting discussions and evaluations. Unfortunately for TKC and Crufts generally the after show publicity turned negative if not downright ugly as allegations made without being total factual were treated as fact by the British Dailies, which seem to thrive upon this kind of irresponsible journalism with regard to the alleged poisoning of a dog at Crufts 36 hours after it left the UK to return home to Belgium as well as other unsupported allegations with regards to their dogs being sick as well as the spurious, unkind and totally illogical attacks particularly on Facebook about the manner in which an American handler presented the best in show winning Scottie. Encouraged in both instances by the do-gooding animal rightists of the UK and Europe in all instances mountains were made of molehills to discredit the show and its supporters generally. Of course the death of the Irish Setter to alleged poisoning is inexcusable if true but so far nothing has been proven that makes the case legitimate except that the poor dog did die. Where, how and when remain unknown as of this writing while the other allegations are merely copycat cases without any credence so far being established. As far as Rebecca is concerned utter nonsense insofar as these pages are concerned as we stand 100% behind her.

While the Westminster TV ratings seem higher than ever the elusive AKC TV Ratings for its show remain in play.

Why Crufts ratings are being hailed in the UK for a show held less than a week ago the January figures for AKC remain unannounced and unaccountable. The conclusion is a sad one-these figures were so low that they border on the non-existent, which would have resulted in an expenditure by AKC of hundreds of thousands of dollars that produced next to zilch for AKC. What other Marketing ventures by AKC fall into those categories as well one is forced to ask. How on time has MAR/COMM been in its schedules of projects--not too many these pages are advised and how near to budget have these projects been in producing monies for AKC--not so close these pages are advised. And now the biggest test of all is soon to come as Wikipedia will soon produce in the Spring--whenever that may be-- its long awaited and referred to miracle dog collar meant to tell you everything about your dog’s activities from its health status to how many times a day it barks! Why this project was not licensed instead of being developed by AKC itself at an indeterminable huge cost is only one question facing its origin. To make a killing one would guess but that’s some gamble to take. At what cost one can only imagine and if the same people are responsible for this product as were for the web site “oy vey” is the hopefully mistaken reaction here!

THOSE ELUSIVE AKC TV RATINGS

Thought For The Week

A DISCRIMINATORY TKC POLICY

It seems that if one is 75 years or older in the UK not only may you no longer take a judging assignment one may not sit on any Club Committees either! Have you ever heard of a worse age discriminatory policy anywhere? The excuse is that TKC is looking to attract a younger clientele and that’s their way of doing it. True it is the Young Kennel Club in the UK is one of the most advanced and progressive organizations in the world but its success has little or nothing to do with discriminating against the person advanced in age. When both Jean Lanning and Brenda Bradbury advised these pages of this fact our reaction was and remains one of horror and disbelief. While telling other Kennel Clubs how to act is truly not one of the goals of DOG NEWS this kind of discrimination should be restudied

by TKC and reversed for sure.

FCI has responded to AKC’s letter by stalling claiming it needs more time study the situation. These pages totally endorse AKC’s stand with regard to refusing members of the South East Asian division from judging here in the States and 90 days thereafter anywhere in the States if the matter is not reasonably negotiated by then. Particularly at risk will be the Mexican FCI Judges who come here to the States to judge in batches it would seem so a little pressure from Mexico on FCI to at least negotiate with AKC would be in order for sure.

Watch for

as she returns to the ring after her humans’ brief vacation!

Ad Design and Photo by Giuseppe Renzulli

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FIESTA!

By Michael H. Faulkner

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:30 am, Wednesday morning, BIG MICHAEL delivers a steaming hot cup of coffee in a large mug, which is masquerading as the head of Santa Claus. “Seriously, can we not put the Christmas crap away, it’s almost March. Geez Louise!” I think to myself, while I politely offer an appreciative response. “Oh, Honey, thank you for my coffee.”

MURPHY FRENCH and SAM-THE-CAT remain warm and comfortable with me in bed, snuggled between my legs and on the top of my stomach totally oblivious to the minor drama unfolding. BIG MICHAEL lowers himself into the overstuffed, leather wing backed chair next to the bed with his cup of java in a normal, white stoneware mug that represents nothing other than a vessel for nourishment. “Now why in the hell could he not have given me that mug?” I silently muse. We begin our ritual morning chat.

BIG MICHAEL dominates the conversation with updates on a major criminal trial involving a local friend from the town and the never-ending winter weather reports. Sipping from Santa’s head, I come to the realization that I married a cross between NCIS and JIM CANTORI from the Weather Channel. “You know, there is a major storm coming our way this afternoon and through the evening. You just might want to confirm your flight to Phoenix. My intuition tells me it is going to be cancelled, and you will have to try to get out today, if at all possible.” “You are joking?” I respond a bit early, sending a stream of coffee down Santa’s forehead, across Santa’s right eye around his nose towards the 1000-thread count Egyptian sheets. I manage to lick his face and divert the disaster in the “nick” of time (pun intended in the best dictionary tradition). I “spring” from the bed to call the USAIR preferred-line and to see about changing my scheduled flight.

“Hello Michael, we have matched your mobile number with your account. How can we help you? Please choose from the following options….” The charm spewing through DROID in an attempt to seduce me into a rotary option, one-sided electronic conversation fails. “Speak to a representative!” I repeat twice. “Thank you, please wait and I will connect you to the next available representative.” “MR.FAULKNER, good morning this is REBECCA, I notice you are scheduled to depart Richmond tomorrow morning at 5:20 AM. Is this the reservation you are calling about?” “Yes, it is. I am concerned about the weather forecast and the possible cancellation of this flight.”

“We have already issued a travel advisory and we are expecting major delays and cancellations tonight and tomorrow. We will need to get you out today, if at all possible.”

REBECCA reads my mind perfectly.

“Tell me, what are my options?” I politely ask while juggling DROID in one hand and Santa’s head in the Continued on page 50

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Irving’s Impressions

By Ronnie Irving

Litter Decisions Decisions, decisions, decisions As I write, the six Border Terrier puppies of a by now seven-week-old litter are running around my feet pulling my laces and moving around our kitchen in what seems like a series of waves. A good deal of planning has had to go into the litter and a huge number of questions have had to be answered and decisions made before we even got to this stage.

Whether this is the right time for this bitch at her age, background and history to have a litter? Whether it is sensible to have a litter at all at this time of year when the weather is not ideally suited to getting the pups outside and playing in the sun? More particularly with Crufts coming up and guests coming to stay, was this a sensible time to have such a young troupe of Border Terriers for Kate to be looking after – for it is she who shoulders the lion’s share of the work with puppies – and to have all the inconveniences of having a litter around at such a busy time? Well obviously we managed to decide yes to all of these questions - for here we are.

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Which Stud Dog? Having decided that the litter should be conceived at all, the next decision was which stud dog to use. There are many theories about breeding dogs and everyone has a view on the subject. Do you choose a stud dog because you like the look of it and approve of its temperament?

Or do you choose it because of its pedigree and which dogs you are aware do, or do not, lie behind it?

Do you choose it because of the existing progeny that you have seen that it has produced - not forgetting that the bitches involved in those litters did also have some influence over the outcome? Or do you choose it because it has some attributes that would be complimentary to your bitch and enhance her qualities or maybe even because you are hoping to cancel out some of her faults? Are there some overriding health conditions in your breed that you have to take account of such as hips, eyes or other issues of which the breed is aware? Do you care about the coefficient of inbreeding that the mating will produce, either as that coefficient affects the direct progeny in the litter or as it might affect the average coefficient of inbreeding for the breed as a whole? Or do you Continued on page 64

Was Hot Off The Gate in Franklin, Tennessee!

Thank you to BreederJudge Mr. Thomas Nesbitt for Best in Show and Group Judge Dr. John Reeve-Newson He also went Reserve Best In Show the next day!

Thank you Group Judge Mr. James Briley, Reserve Best In Show Judge Mr. Johan Becerra-Hernandez

Multiple Best In Show, Multiple Reserve Best In Show, Multiple Best In Specialty Show

GCh. Raydachs Ride My Ducati SW Breeder/Owner: Shirley Ray

Presented by: Adam Peterson & Madeline Aroney Harewoodkennel@yahoo.com

Co-Breeder: Neal Glaser

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*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

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Question of the week

By Matthew H. Stander

What were your initial and overall reactions to the Crufts Dog Show 2015?

Christian Manelopoulos

You have all the initial reactions of the size, the crowds, the noise and so forth but I came away with a positive feeling about dog shows and breeding purebred dogs. The Kennel Club does a tremendous job in regards to public education, the what seemed like hundreds of demonstrations of obedience, agility, flyball, and police and service dogs. You get a great sense that Crufts is not just about pretty dogs.

I’d say I heard the phrase “Fit for Function, Fit for Life” a thousand times over the loud speakers, on TV and so forth. I applaud The Kennel Club’s efforts to demonstrate the health and daily well being of purebred dogs. Talking with so many breeders from around the world gives you a positive sense that people are about breeding healthy show dogs not just collecting ribbons or judging assignments. The best breeders have the same goals, even though we may all show to differing breed standards of the same breed. The highlight was watching Michael Coad judge standard poodles, this is what BIG SHOWS should be all about, the biggest show in the world having one of the most qualified breed specialists in the world, judge his breed and do it exceptionally well. He was concise, clear and commanding of the ring and yet he clearly enjoyed the assignment; it’s something I’ll never forget. Refreshing to see really good judging.

Geir Flyckt-PEDERSEN

Crufts has been an important date in my calendar since the mid sixties, I think, but have not been there for a couple of years. If anybody had told me there was a chance that dogs from the Eastern European countries or any other country in the world would be able to show there, I would have laughed. For me this 22 Dog News

show is the place to see breeds in numbers as well as meeting old friends from all over the world. Although I always make a list of what I would like to watch, the crowds make it virtually impossible, which of course is frustrating. When I judged the group there 10 years ago comments were made that I did not place a single British owned dog, which had not even crossed my mind until I was made aware of it ...What was remarkable this year was that only 2 groups were won by British owned dogs, which in a way shows a change in attitude and is proof that although British still is Best in many breeds Judges seem to judge dogs - regardless of where they come from.

The overall influence made by imported or foreign dogs is significant and a sign of open-mindedness, which has certainly made a visible change and improvement in so many breeds . Which makes for a brighter future, I hope. I love the show and plan to return next year.

EDD BIVIN

I thought it was sensational. Very exciting and great fun. The breed judging was exciting, highly competitive, something that we often miss in the USA today.

michael canalizo

It’s a decade too late to give my initial reaction… having gone almost every year since that first time, one would have to assume that Crufts has made quite an impression. I enjoy the consistency of the show’s management as the layout is comparable each year.

I go because years ago I had incorporated breeding stock from the UK (long before it was more readily accessible) and that bloodline is still in the rings. I go to keep a crisp perspective on dogs in competition and trends effecting my breed(s). I go to see many of the friends I have made over the years. I go to better understand the success and challenges that a massive event like Crufts handles so well. (That in turn can lead to enhancements to/for the AENC, which I manage, and share in some similar event conditions).

Continued on page 76

Best In Specialty Show

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BEING TOTALLY BI-FLEXUAL, is it possible?

By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen

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ell, if you never came across this expression before it is simply because until now it never existed. Or at least I don’t think so.

I just “invented” it, hoping to catch someone’s attention- and evidently it made you take a closer look?

Well, if this word/expression is ever to be included in the Oxford Dictionary the meaning would be described as follows: “If you are a judge of any kind of livestock being raised in a world where ideals and standards vary from continent to continent, you would be able to completely and totally put aside all you learnt about a breed or variety on your own continent and adjust to 100% honor and conform to a different standard in a different area?”

If you think this describes you, you can claim to be totally Bi-Flexual!

Well, the reason why this problem came to mind was that at a recent show I was judging Cairn Terriers the first day, but the following day the breed was judged by a very well respected person from a country affiliated with FCI. The placings were a world apart and when I saw what came into the group ring I was rather surprised! Making a comment to a fellow judge who happens to be a very well known authority of this breed- with whom I to a large degree agree about type and outline - her comment was: Maybe he is trying to judge according to the AKC standard! Which I naively believed we all did…

Then another judge made a few comments that made me check and compare standards. His remark: The head is too small.

The UK standard says the head should be small, but in proportion to body. This is not included in the AKC version that says, “the head is shorter and wider than any other terrier breed.”

According to the UK version: Tail set neither high nor low. The AKC: Tail set on at back level!

But the major difference between the two standards: Height UK: 11-12” without separating the sexes, while over here: 9.5 bitches 10 dogs!

And 2 inches difference for such a small breed might create a totally different animal.

The AKC also gives exact measures between height and length of body while the other just says medium length – and leaves it up to you to decide what you think is medium…

So many standards over here give you

exact measurements for proportions from length of head, length of neck, between height at withers and total length of body.

But then you as a judge are told that you can only measure dogs when there is a DQ for size.

There are similar differences in standards for many, many breeds.

For instance height for Whippets over here 19-22” for males, 1821” bitches. Proportions: Length from forechest to buttocks slightly more than height at withers…

UK: 18.5 to 20” males and 17.5 to 18.5 bitches. Proportions: Back firm somewhat long…

But the height difference can create a completely different picture, both regarding bone and movement.

(English) Cockers are in the same situation although only 1” difference in height, but the same proportions between height and length in both standards.

Still it is amazing what this 1 inch difference can make!

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is another breed that I was involved with at one stage. Height only varies with 0.5”, but here there are variations that seriously affect balance, outline and type:..AKC: Skull and foreface of equal length. UK: Distance from eye to nose not longer, and preferably shorter, than the distance from the eye to occiput!

Overall proportions AKC: Square in outline. UK: Length of back from point of withers to base of tail the same or slightly less than from point of withers to ground.

Which definitely does not mean square.

It is a fact that in the 1980’s TKC “rationalized” and abbreviated many previously excellent breed standards.

Leaving many of them very basic, but with the impression that to be able to properly understand and interpret the new version, you already had to have a fair bit of knowledge about the breed concerned. And as a matter of fact, most breeds in the UK are on a regular basis judged by breeders who already know what they want- whatever the newer version of the standards tells them…

In the US many standards are still very Continued on page 77

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arxism M s This Judge’s Point Of View

By Sid Marx

O

K, time for another confession. I - like a great many judges - became so annoyed with the judging approval process when I was rejected for two breeds in 2013 because of one person’s opinion that I swore I would never apply for any more breeds.

“I won’t jump through those hoops again,” I said. Well, here we are two years later, and there are still some breeds that I really like, and would enjoy judging. So, here we go again. Get ready, hoops, here I come.

I thought some of you might be interested in what it takes for a judge to add more

attending specialties and judges education seminars a good thing to have on my “canine resume,” I attend these things because I want to learn - not just check off boxes.

Attending these educational activities is a lot more difficult and expensive than many would think. For those who are retired, it may be easier as far as time is concerned, but the expense is still there. Since I am still semi-employed, attending events is more difficult.

On a side note, I have seen some e-mails with complaints recently about judges’ fees.

Of course, as a delegate, I am prohibited from charging a fee (which is an antiquated, elitist idea that should be changed because it keeps many quality people from wanting to become a delegate. Being a delegate has cost lots of people a pile of money). But for those judges who charge a reasonable fee plus expenses, they are justified in doing so. I have conservatively estimated that it cost on average $2000 - $5000 per breed to travel to specialties and seminars before being approved to judge that breed. For the newer judges who then only have provisional breeds, they often lose money for a while to judge shows until they reach group status. It takes time to build up to being a multiple group judge, and this translates to costing money. Do the math. Many judges are trying to recoup what it cost them to become approved for multiple breeds, and for some, this is their “employment.”

So the trick is to attend as many breed education opportunities as possible without going broke. It is not unusual for judges to fly across the country to attend Nationals and seminars. The cost for flights and hotels is completely on the judge. I have decided I will apply for approval to judge Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Miniature

A D D IN G B REE D S breeds to those he can judge. This article is a periodic diary of my judging process journey.

I started exhibiting at dog shows in 1963, and every February, if I wasn’t showing at “The Garden,” I could be found at the Terrier rings, watching the great handlers, such as Ric Chashoudian, Peter Green, and Jimmy Butler. And what beautiful Terriers like Ch. Zeloy Mooremaides Magic. Having grown up and shown mostly Sporting dogs and Hounds, I naturally began my judging career in these groups, but I always paid attention to what was going on in the Terrier ring. So, after being an approved judge for more than forty years, I began 2014 by adding Border Terriers and Australian Terriers to my repertoire. This year I decided I wanted to add a few more Terriers to the breeds I was approved to judge. And if I must go through this expensive and stressful process, so be it. It’s the only game in town.

And so the journey begins again.

The path to adding new breeds is not always clear, and is subject to change at any minute. But I do know that not only is 30 Dog News

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*The Dog News Top Ten List

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H W

ow the est Was Won Number One Sighthound

A Top Hound

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✩

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Number One Whippet

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A Top Dog

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B razen Among All Breeds

tarring

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est In how B S ✩ ✩

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Pictured with Group First Judge Dr. Anna P. Gallant & Best In Show Judge Mr. Frederick N. Dewsbury

A GCh. Sporting Fields Shameless Production 32 Dog News

*#3 Overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - The Dog News Top Ten List All Breed

W S

✩ hat A how! ✩ Brazen is a Shamelessly Beautiful Star Brazen pictured with Group First Breeder-Judge Ms. Lori. L. Nelson & Reserve Best In Show Judge Mr. Michael H. Faulkner

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Cast Awards To Judges: Dr. Anna P. Gallant Mr. Dennis J. Gallant Mrs. Denise Tatro Mr. Harold Tatro Mr. Randy E. Garren Ms. Lori L. Nelson Mr. Michael H. Faulkner Mr. John P. Wade Mr. Frederick N. Dewsbury

8 Brazen Wins Arizona Whippet Association Specialty with Judge Mr. John P. Wade Produced By Sporting Fields Dionne Butt & Amanda Giles Directed By Amanda Giles Owners Barbara Call • Jane Cooney - Waterhouse • Dionne Butt • Amanda Giles

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BESTS WEEK Nashville Kennel Club - Sunday German Shepherd Dog

GCh. Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It v. Kenlyn Judge Mr. James Reynolds Owners Pamela McElheney, Deborah Stern, & Kent Boyles Handler Kent Boyles Logansport Kennel Club - Sunday English Setter

Ch. Stargazer’ N Wingfield Wait Wait Don’t Tell Judge Mrs. Loraine Boutwell Owners Don and Pat Coller and Eileen Hackett Handler Eileen Hackett

Tullahoma Kennel Club of Tennessee Friday & Saturday Boxer

GCh. Mephisto’s Speak Of The Devil

Judge Mr. Johan Becerra-Hernandez Judge Mr. James Frederiksen Owners Mrs. Jack Billhardt & Mr. Sergio Tenenbaum Handler Diego Garcia Garden City Kansas Kennel Club - Saturday Saluki

GCh. Aurora’s The Song And Dance Man

Judge Mr. Charles E. Trotter Owners Julie L. Mueller and Eugene Blake Handler Eugene Blake

Kings Kennel Club - Sunday English Springer Spaniel

GCh. Foxboro N Shardust Authentic Judge Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman Owners Sharleen Perreira and Ruth Dehmel Handler Lynda O’Connor-Schneider

To report a AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call, Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon Tuesday.

Fax: 212 675-5994 • Phone: 212 462-9588 Email: dognews@harris-pub.com 34 Dog News

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10 uestions Q ASKEDOF...

Lane Tarantino

BORN: SAN DIEGO, CA RESIDES: SAN DIEGO, CA MARITAL STATUS: SINGLE ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: SAGITTARIUS

When did you start showing and how did that first show go?

I was five years old when I showed my first Cocker Spaniel. My grandmother Judy Bjilland said I looked cute “running” around the ring. She has been my great mentor all these years.

How difficult was it to finish your championship?

It was fairly easy at age 18 as I had lots of experience handling by then. Furthermore, my tricolored bitch was very nice and worthy.

Other than your own breed, what other breeds do you like?

Doberman Pinscher.

Which canine of the opposite sex would you be?

Dick Schaefer.

How do you feel about AKC’s role in our sport?

AKC needs to provide better leadership and definitely needs to reach our more to our youth.

Having experienced the 4H program in the past, I feel programs like that involve youngsters and help determine their future. Perhaps AKC could use that model to help keep our sport going.

How many shows do you attend a year, and which three are your favorite ones?

More than 100. Favorites are Del Valle, Santa Barbara and the Mission Circuit.

Who from dogs would you like to see on the television show “Duck Dynasty?”

Keith Pautz.

What things in the world of dogs bring you the greatest joy?

The satisfaction of breeding to the standard and then watching the puppies mature into great ambassadors for their breed-the Cocker Spaniel.

What characteristics do you admire in others and strive to emulate?

Honesty and trustworthiness.

If you could afford to host an elegant catered dinner party, name at least three dogs and/or people you would like to invite.

Wood Wornall, Joe Berkau and my fun grandmother.

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MO R And

A CRUFTS REPORT, AKC BOARD ELECTION RESULTS...

e

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By Matthew H. Stander Photos of Crufts by Yossi Guy

I thought this was one of the finest, best run Crufts dog shows I had ever attended only to be greeted at Heathrow Airport on my return home with headlines from the sensational oriented London dailies titled “MURDER AT CRUFTS” on virtually every one of those shiny and I may add slimy sheets called newspapers in the U.K. This was bad enough but soon to follow were the Facebook mob attacks about the method of presenting the BIS winning Scottie by

her handler Rebecca Cross from the USA. Let’s take the unfortunate death of the Irish Setter in Belgium some 36 hours after leaving Crufts! Why its own Vet has said it is unlikely that the dog was poisoned at Crufts since the illness came so late after leaving the UK and was so immediate in nature. The toxicology reports are yet to come in but at least the owners of this unhappy and untoward incident reported it to the authorities and the police unlike the rumors of other Crufts competing dogs whose owners as of this writing seem to be spreading copycat incidents of attempted poisonings as well.

We have had more than our share of these kinds of happenings at American dog shows, which usually turn out to be nothing more than publicity hungry people seeking some kind of recognition. Of course it’s a shame and a horrible experience when any beloved pet is poisoned and/or an attempt is made on its life but let’s keep things in perspective and not jump to erroneous conclusions until all the facts are in.

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s far as the Scottie tail and neck incident during the Group and Best the do-gooders in the UK have been after this kind of presentation for years now. Indeed when the Sealy went Best at Crufts the American handler was warned then by the officials at Crufts not to handle the dog in this fashion, as was Rebecca as well. The Sealy’s han-

dler remembered not to do it in BIS which I wrote when that occurred was a ridiculous thing for TKC to get involved with just as I think the socalled warning to Rebecca, which in the excitement of the moment she forgot, was an unnecessary and wrongful admonition at the time!

I mean have the Brits forgot that in both the Border and Lake regions of pursuing fox and other varmint in the development of these great terrier breeds when they went to ground they were pulled out of the burrows and what have you by you guessed it--the tail! That was the only way the owners could retrieve the terriers without them killing the fox--pull them by the tail. But today’s society is so politically correct about everything we seem to do and spurred on by the animal righters of the world some 80,000 petition signers have allegedly asked for the Scottie’s title to be stripped from it. What pure and simple nonsense I say and despite what is being written on my favorite bugaboo of all time by the mass of Facebook illiterates I am happy to see all the American dog people protecting and coming to Rebecca’s defense. Continued on page 87

Dog News 43

44 Dog News

Dog News 45

“March Madness” is a term that usually applies to the men’s collegiate basketball tournament that kicks off each March pitting the top teams in the country against one another in a single elimination competition to determine the ultimate champion. Other buzzwords associated with the tourney include sleeper, favorite, upset, at-large and region, and this year the same terminology can be applied to the canine legislation scenario unfolding across the country, as some issues have snuck up on unsuspecting fanciers, some that will make dog owners happy and others that won’t.

At this moment in New York the Assembly is considering a bill (Assembly Bill 1679) that would eliminate the practice of “debarking” unless it is deemed medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. One could argue that there are many scenarios in New York City in which the debarking surgery could save a dog’s life. Problem barkers can create acrimony amongst neighbors and result in noise complaints. Landlords and law enforcers may not have a sympathetic ear and may seek to remove the pet and/or its owner from the premises. When performed by a qualified veterinarian to soften a dog’s bark the debarking procedure is a viable alternative to relinquishing, abandoning and euthanizing a pet and the decision must remain with responsible owners and veterinarians. It’s certainly not a procedure to be taken lightly but must remain a last resort for owners when all other options have been exhausted. Both the American Kennel Club and the NAIA issued alerts on Monday informing constituents of the impending consideration of the 46 Dog News

March Madness

f f O e th e lsa h

By Shaun Coen

bill to commence on Tuesday and while these efforts are applauded one fears that it may be a situation of ‘too little too late’ to make a difference.

In the West region, all fanciers must be made aware of proposed changes to the Clark County, Nevada animal control code. Owners are required to have breeder/show permits for their intact animals and this proposal would require that the animal also be shown at least once a year. It makes no provision for dogs that have already obtained their championships and doesn’t specify what constitutes a show. Also confusing is language stating that any dog or cat sold by the holder of a breeder/show permit have a microchip implanted and also that it be spayed or neutered unless the purchaser also has a breeder/show

permit. It’s unclear if this would require that eight week-old puppies be sterilized prior to sale. Furthermore, it would be unlawful to possess any puppy born to an animal in violation of the spay/neuter ordinance and directs animal control to impound the mother along with the offspring. It also states that pet animals can only be sold by dealers, operators or retailers, which may preclude pet owners from privately rehoming animals for any reason. There are also troublesome restrictions and requirements such as the declaration of an “at-large” animal even if it is on its owner’s property but is not contained by an enclosure, on a tether, leash, cord or chain.

In the South region, the great state of North Carolina, home to perennial collegiate basketball powerhouses such as Duke, University of North Carolina, NC State, Davidson and Wake Forest as well as AKC operations, it’s hoped that the NCAA tournament doesn’t take the focus off of a bill making a repeat appearance in the Tar Heel State that would define a “commercial breeder” solely on the number of intact female dogs that one owns. The definition applies to those who own 11 or more female dogs over the age of six months but there is vague language included that owners and breeders may find troublesome. The definition applies only to those dogs that are “kept primarily for the purpose of breeding” but this would be difficult for law enforcement to determine (not to mention a challenge for the breeder-owner to decide which six month-old females might be eventual contributors to a breeding program). Owners of multiple dogs may suddenly find themselves considered “commercial breeders” and consequently in violation of zoning laws and homeowners association codes. Commercial breeders should be defined by their actual activity and sales and Continued on page 81

BEST IN SHOW RESERVE BEST IN SHOW MULTIPLE BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW

Thank you to Judge

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48 Dog News

Dog News 49

Continued FROM page 14

other. “I am hoping for a early or mid-day departure,” I add.

“Well, I am happy to tell you we have one seat available on AMERICAN through Chicago and the flight leaves Richmond at 11:10 AM. I take note of the current time---8:25 AM. The airport is an hour’s drive, I have not packed one article of clothing (four days of judging), leaving me a tight thirty-five minutes to toss clothes in black-ballisticnylon-rolling-garment-bag, pull together mini-man-bag, and to shower.

BIG MICHAEL remains seated while MURPHY FRENCH and SAM-THE-CAT, interrupting this morning’s quiet and comfortable reverie, (and actually, at this moment, I would gladly trade places with either of them) watch me create a flurry of activity. Without any forethought, I toss and throw together a collection of shirts, ties, slacks, blazers, belts, shoes, my FIESTA baseball cap (given to me three years ago when I had the pleasure of judging the same cluster), and other assorted necessities in twenty-six minutes, leaving me nine minutes to shower and dress. “Remain focused and move your ass,” I repeat to myself as a mantra.

At 9:15, fifteen minutes later than desired, I say my goodbyes to the loved ones, load VOLVO, and begin the one-hour journey to the Richmond airport.

Per the current schedule, I will arrive at 10:20, park the car, walk to the ticket counter, check in---and God willing---proceed through security at 10:42 AM, leaving me roughly twenty-five minutes before my departure.

Knowing the new departure is with AMERICAN, I will not have my usual, established agent relationships to expedite my needs. I approach the counter. There is one young lady working the check-in desk. “I will be with you in one minute,” she offers while remaining focused on her screen, keyboard and her notepad, in which she is recording her notes. “Thank you for your patience, as I JUST started working here and if I 50 Dog News

FIESTA! don’t write everything down, I will never make it through the day.” “Beam me up SCOTTY!” I quietly think, while simultaneously praying she is able to accommodate my needs in an efficient and timely manner. I smile nervously and offer words of encouragement and praise, despite the desire to leap over the counter elbow her out of the way, and do the job myself. After what seems like eternity (actually only three minutes thirty-two seconds, and yes I am counting!) she lifts her little face and makes eye contact, collects my identification, and begins the baggage tagging. Ten-forty-one, I am four minutes, nineteen seconds off my desired time. I quick step mode, I race toward the security check-in. Thankful for TSA Pre-Check, I breeze through, with belt and

“Something to drink… coffee?” the flight attendant asks. “Yes, please. One cream, no sugar.” She hands me a hot cup of coffee and I am most overjoyed that Santa and I will not be locking lips anytime soon.”

shoes remaining attached to my body. Small black-ballisticnylon-rolling-garment-bag and mini-man-bag are collected from the moving belt and I haul ass to the gate. I am the last person to board with twelve minutes and seven seconds until take off.

Once seated, I attempt to alleviate my stressed, somewhat agitated state. I choose to focus on the positive – my destination, Scottsdale, Arizona and the FIESTA Cluster – Superstition Kennel Club and Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association. My mind goes multiple directions – sun, fun, friends, fellow colleagues, wonderful dogs and, of course, the whole idea of a FIESTA. Seriously, how can one not get excited about a party, unless the FIESTA is really about the 1947 MGM film starring Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban, where Mario Morales (Montalban) a bullfighter wants to be a composer, and his twin sister (Esther Williams) wants to be a bullfighter even though she is a woman!!! “Now, seriously MICHAEL, get a grip, you know damn well it’s all about the dogs!” I chuckle to myself.

‘Something to drink…coffee?” the flight attendant asks.

“Yes, please. One cream, no sugar.” She hands me a hot cup of coffee and I am most overjoyed that Santa and I will not be locking lips anytime soon.

My arrival in Phoenix is made sweeter due to my chauffeur and host, MS.AFFENP and welcoming committee, fellow judges MESSRS RANDEN, who along with a giant, sweet, frosted cake crammed between my right thigh and MESSR DEN’S left thigh in the backseat, proceed to the Marriot Hotel in Scottsdale. I am tempted to lift the large rectangle cardboard cover, protecting the giant sheet cake confection, slide my right index finger deep

into the icing, suck my finger, and begin the FIESTA party in the backseat with MESSR DEN, but stoically opt not to indulge.

Marriott registration is efficient, welcoming and adds to the FIESTA feel that is growing in my soul. I am provided with a soft-sided black canvas tote filled with goodies. The polite gentleman from behind the counter speaks while handing me the bag. “MR. FAULKNER, enjoy your stay with us. If there is anything you need during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask.” I look around---beautiful hotel, great mountain views, warm/sunny weather, FIESTA cap on my head, and FIESTA bag in my left hand, and I reply: “Cannot think of a thing!” I proceed to room 157West Wing.

The hotel suite is spacious, offering a large living area, small kitchenette, bedroom and a bathroom with separate tub and shower. “This will do just fine for my home away from home, let the FIESTA begin with a hot bath!”

I say to my reflected image in the oversized bathroom mirror.

After a soothing hot bath, I proceed to the restaurant/lounge for dinner and a glass of wine. Upon entering I’m thrilled to see TWOJEFFS seated with MR.WFP. The three of them gladly welcome me to join them for dinner. And, truth be told, I would never turn down an opportunity to dine and visit with the TWOJEFFS, unless the menu is heavy in the acid department. The four of us joyfully explore several areas of conversation with the most intriguing being my replay of the local criminal scandal involving pedophilia and bestiality that is consuming our small, rural town. Yep, not one judging assignment story, AKC Board of Director updates, or even current political events can top the story and evidence I provide for Continued on page 54

Dog News 51

Dog Photographer Of The Year

52 Dog News

In 2005 the Kennel Club launched its Dog Photographer of the Year Competition, which attracted about 100 entries. The popularity of the competition and the enthusiasm of amateur and professional photographers alike ensured that it would snowball year after year. Each year records are broken and the Dog Photographer of the Year 2014 Competition attracted almost 13,000 entries from over sixty different countries from every corner of the world.

It has become the biggest dog photography competition in the world.

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his international interest was reflected in the winners. Art Burasz from London won the ‘Dogs at Play’ category; Cat Race from Preston the ‘Puppy’ category; ‘Dog Portrait’ winner was Grzegorz Gebik from Poland; Carlos Aliperti from Brazil won ‘Man’s Best Friend’; winner of the 18 and under category ‘I Love Dogs Because …’ was Abbie Lee from Bristol, and the winner of the new category of ‘Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities’ was Ruud Lauritsen from the Netherlands.

Picking the winners from such a large entry must have been a challenging task for the diverse judging panel, which was made up of people from different areas of expertise - dog photography, the Kennel Club, art galleries and Samsung, which had sponsored the competition

By Nick Waters and given cameras as prizes to all the category winners and runners-up. The outright winner of Dog Photographer of the Year also received front row seats to watch Best in Show at Crufts. The honour this year went to Steph Gibson, who lives in the Australian interior and who travelled over for the show.

Steph’s winning photograph, which also won her the ‘Dogs at Work’ category, was taken in the late afternoon when the sun was setting red as it often does in that part of Australia due to the red dust from the interior.

It shows her Texan bred Australian Shepherd Dog, Swing, bringing in the sheep to the sheds ready for shearing the next morning. I am sure there are few who would disagree with the judges in their choice.

Also among Steph’s

perks was VIP access to photograph the Crufts Best in Show winner and it would be good if one was able to compare the official BIS photographs as taken for the world’s dog papers, alongside those taken by a farm girl from the Australian interior.

All the winning photographs in the seven different categories, plus those the judges thought worthy of a special mention, are currently on view at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in London’s Mayfair. This is the last exhibition in the old gallery before the Kennel Club moves next door later in the year. The winning pictures can also be viewed by visiting www.dogphotographeroftheyear.org.uk.

Photographs of dogs in show stance have their rightful place within the genre, but there is far more to dog

photography than just that, as a visit to the exhibition will prove. It is a lesson in observation, composition, and the use of light and shade and capturing what a painting or posed photograph can never do, the immediacy of a fleeting moment in time.

For me there is still something special about black and white photography that it still reigns supreme as an art form. It captures the subtle tones and nuances between light and dark and has a softness that no other art form can match. For this reason I have selected two in my choice of five images to represent the exhibition.

Dog Photographer of the Year 2015 kicks off in June and it will mark the tenth year running of the annual competition.

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FIESTA! Continued FROM page 50

their listening entertainment. After dinner, with everyone in shock and awe, we retire early in preparation for tomorrow and for the first day of the FIESTA Cluster judging---the Specialty Breed Shows and the Group Shows.

Arriving one day prior to the beginning of my official duties, I try to allow myself the luxury of sleeping in a bit later than normal. No such luck. With the difference in time zones, I find myself wide-awake at 4:37 AM. Two cups of coffee, four attempts at Candy Crush, reading the Huffington Post and checking in with BIGMICHAEL for the latest scandal / crime updates, I am up, showered, shaved and ready to roll by 7:00 AM.

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IESTA day number one, I proceed to the lobby entrance, I walk through the front entrance doors and I cannot help being consumed by the beauty of the mountains. DROID is removed from mini-man-bag, activated, placed in camera mode, photo taken, special moment preserved forever. Fellow judges V&KM exit through the same doors and offer to transport me to the show site. With appreciation, I politely accept the offer and join them in their rental car. The three of us proceed to the show. VM parks the car, and I wander off to watch my good friend MISSAG, a longtime breeder of Golden Retrievers in Canada, judge the Sweepstake classes at the Specialty Show. Along the way, I run into the TWOJEFFS. The three of us enjoy a lively, spirited chat until JUDGETWOJEFF is efficiently escorted by the other TWOJEFF to begin his Schipperke assignment. I move closer to the Golden Retriever ring to observe MISSAG. The entry is small and MISSAG finishes quickly, after which DR.RH, the regular class judge takes the stand. I move under the tented area and speak with the numerous breeders, owners and handlers, whom I recognize. Not often do I have the luxury of attending a specialty show as an observer, and almost never do I have the luxury of mixing and mingling with the crowd. God forbid a judge should be seen conversing with a potential exhibitor!

Several handlers start to gather ringside for the large Open Dog Class.

I smile, nod my head, wave and spread hellos in several directions. One particular handler takes the opportunity to move forward for a more intimate direct approach. “MICHAEL, nice to see you.

How have you been?” In a gentlemanly fashion, I respond, “I am well, thank

54 Dog News

you. And you?” “Great, it has been a wonderful year so far (now this is only February). I already have the number one (breed mentioned) in the country.” “Congratulations! I am thrilled for you and I look forward to seeing your number one dog tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM when I judge the breed.” (“Now really, was that necessary?”

I ask myself. “NO!”) VM finishes her specialty show assignment early. She and her husband agree to shuttle me back to the Marriott whereupon I manage to take solitude and refuge in the outdoor lounge in an overstuffed sofa, soaking in the sun, drinking a margarita, enjoying my very own personal, private FIESTA/ SIESTA. Later in the evening I join the TWOJEFFS for dinner for yet another spirited, lively evening full of stimulating conversation and rich acidic food.

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riday, FIESTA day number two, I judge a large entry of dogs of a particular breed, and manage to award the number one dog in the country, of that particular breed (remembering the kindness of the handler who afforded me this essential detail) a select ribbon.

Twenty-five minutes ahead of schedule---and before the start of my next judging assignment---I clean my hands, drink a bottle of water, enjoy chatting with my ring steward, and then notice a protrusion coming from the inside right pocket of my blazer.

Reaching in, I feel a thick wad of paper. Probably receipts from my last judging trip. I probably cleaned out my wallet and placed the small wad of white paper in the pocket for later disposal. My left hand reaches in and pulls. Out comes a wad of money. Not just one-dollar bills, there is a hundred dollar bill, one fifty, several twenties, tens, fives and ones--$265.00 total. “Holy @#*$&^!” I blurt out as the ring steward looks in awe of my newfound wealth. “The last time I wore this blazer was New Year’s Eve. I guess it was a more spectacular FIESTA than I remember.” Full of glee (and cash in hand) I complete my morning assignment and proceed to the hospitality tent for lunch. A

new fresh face welcomes me. “Hi! My name is STACEYL, Public Relations and Media.” She extends a hand, I shake it. “How intriguing and sophisticated to have a Director of Public Relations and Media. Is she for real or is this a title that was offered because there were no other roles available in the club?” Silently I ponder before I shake free from this selfinduced divergent state of awareness. I collect my lunch, sit down and eat. Having completed my assignment in the early hours of the morning, and not judging any groups later in the day, I choose to wander the grounds before hitching an early ride back to the Marriott with the TWOJEFFS. One lap around the show grounds, I cannot help notice the flurry of activity everywhere I look.

The second time around STACEYL whizzes on a golf cart. “Hey PR Director, you’re looking good,” I remark to a glowing face, full of energy. She smiles, nods in appreciation and takes off in the opposite direction. Again I reflect on her role and purpose. The second lap around, I broaden my scope with a conscience effort to observe everything. The layout of the grounds is massive. There is, of course, the conformation area, Meet the Breeds, Barn Hunt, Dog Show Tours / Dog Show 101, Agility, Vendor Pavilion, food court and a special competition for Junior Showmanship. Spectators are everywhere, representing all ages. This is not your normal dog show. This is something special, something that has been created through marketing and a creative vision. “Yes, through the efforts of STACEYL.” My third evening in the land of FIESTA is basically a repeat from the night before – soaking warm sun on the terrace, cocktails, visiting with friends and dinner with TWOJEFFS, my friend MISSAG and her sister. Back at the Marriott it is FIESTA bath number three and bed.

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aturday, FIESTA day number three, my morning begins with a visit to the exhibitor coffee station before my 8:30 judging assignment. I look around---porcelain SANTA is nowhere to be found. I gravitate toward the club catalog sales table and take note of an interesting looking lady selling catalogs with an interesting name “YUDA”.

I approach and I am not wearing a judge’s badge. “Good morning!” I offer. “Good Morning!” YUDA replies in a strong Germanic accent. She is not immediately warm and friendly. I have a little work to do. “How are you today?” I ask. “I am fine, thank you,” she replies with nothing else said. The next question I ask is the icebreaker: “What breed of dog do you have?” “French Bulldogs,” she replies. “Wonderful, I have a French Bulldog, too. His name is MURPHY FRENCH. Tell me about your dogs,” I enthusiastically proffer.

Continued on page 58

Dog News 55

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FIESTA! Continued FROM page 54

“I have one puppy male, he is a brindle, named PIERRE. Oh, and I love him so much.” YUDA and I continue an animated conversation about our beloved FRENCHIES, and to my surprise PIERRE is housed in a motorhome next to the judge’s hospitality tent, which affords me frequent visits to offset my need to see MURPHY FRENCH. Morning judging proves to be routine until one particular breed, with a small entry, enters the ring. The second dog I examine is a six to nine month-old puppy bitch, first time in the ring, handled by the owner a novice, tall woman. “Sweetie, let’s follow Mommy. That’s a girl. You are doing so well, Honey Pie,” she utters in a high-pitched sugary voice, attempting to encourage the young dog around the ring. I approach the owner and the dog for the individual examination. The dog immediately licks my hand, attempts to jump up, and then sits down.

The owner/handler makes every effort to get the puppy to stack. No luck! “Listen, you hold her head and I will lift and support her hindquarters. Between the two of us, everything is going to be just fine. There is no need to be frustrated or nervous,” I graciously share with the exhibitor. “Honey, did you hear the nice man. You hang in there, Mommy has your front and this nice man will handle your butt and from what I can tell, he has a lot of experience with handling butts,” she enthusiastically offers to her dog, leaving me flabbergasted and speechless. Which is probably a good thing.

I complete my afternoon breed assignment, judging a lovely English Setter Specialty, without any more attention to my butt handling skills, and I manage to complete the Sporting group judging, love on PIERRE a little, and return to the MARRIOTT with the TWOJEFFS and one last night of dining.

58 Dog News

Already late in the afternoon, we spend little time at the hotel and depart for an early dinner, with yet another evening of watching JUDGETWOJEFF consume a diet rich in acidic food.

“What is that all about?” I silently ask myself, knowing it has to be a deep, dark secret. We finish dinner and the TWOJEFFS agree to escort me to the local GOODWILL and Walmart store in search of a pair of rubber boots to wear in the event the weather prediction for massive rainfall over the next two days comes to fruition.

The GOODWILL is in the same shopping area as our restaurant. We walk directly to the store after dining. A valiant search through GOODWILL proves to be unsuccessful. I finally find a pair of rubber boots at Walmart, five miles up the road for $21.95, size 12, with the intent to donate them to a club member upon my departure Monday evening.

Before my FIESTA bath and retiring to bed, I give my regards the TWOJEFFS and wish them well on their continued journey to the Grand Canyon, starting early tomorrow.

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unday morning, FIESTA day number four---sunshine, no rain and no need for the Walmart rubber boots. I am afforded the luxury of sleeping in. My assignment begins at 11:15AM. I phone MS.AFFENP at 6:30 am. “Hello my darling, I do not start judging until 11:15, would it be possible to have someone pick me up around 10:30 am?” “Sure, no problem, I will see you then,” MS. AFFENP, ever-supportive and gracious, ends the call, leaving me to my relaxing room for four more hours. I take the opportunity to phone

BIGMICHAEL and several friends back home for the latest updates on the trial and the guilty verdict that was handed down. “The neighborhood is swarming with reporters and news trucks. No one wants to be seen and no one wants to speak to the reporters,” my friend, who lives across the street from the now-guiltyman, shares. “The children are all locked away and the dogs, too” another offers, knowing he has been released, with ankle bracelet until his sentencing on May 22nd. The two hours left in my relaxing morning involve reading my standards, writing a few notes for my article, and yes…trallah…FIESTA bath.

MS.AFFENP is prompt, pleasant and perky upon arrival.

I am retrieved and delivered for dog judging duty. The afternoon is calm, steady, with little fanfare other than a Longhaired Dachshund puppy bitch with whom I fell in love, my personal time with PIERRE, the Frenchie, and meeting up with L-MCD, an old high school friend who lives nearby, breeds Portuguese Water Dogs, and judges waterdog trials. After completing my breed assignments, I move toward the group ring and strike up a jovial conversation with the ever fun CHRISEEEEEE, the Show Chairperson for the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association, and the just as fun and lively MRS.CC while waiting for L-MCD to appear.

L-MCD surfaces after supporting one of her friends who competed in the Barn Hunt. I collect my personal artifacts, we depart the show site, and we reminisce over a lovely dinner and wine at an outdoor café with her Portuguese Water Dog at our feet. After which, L-MCD returns me to the hotel for my ritual FIESTA evening.

Before returning to suite #

157, I approach the bar, and order a glass of wine for consumption during my last FIESTA bath of the trip.

Monday morning, FIESTA day number five, I wake an hour earlier to facilitate packing my luggage. Not unlike my departure routine, I toss the articles in random fashion, not too worried about what goes where, as long as the zipper closes. I collect the plastic Walmart bag from the closet containing the rubber boots, knowing that I will most definitely use them during the course of the day based on the view from my window.

I enter the bathroom to shower before leaving for the last day of judging. Looking around I catch my reflection in the large mirror and smile. Joyful, thankful and thrilled to be part of a spectacular weekend of dog shows filled with opportunities that encourage and reinforce the bond between man and his best friend. Approaching the glass shower door, I turn around grab the white cloth floor mat, place it in front of the large tub, turn the knob, grab my cup of coffee and my DROID, and step into my last, yes---my last FIESTA bath. “Hey Honey, it’s me. Good morning.

How are you and how’s MURPHY FRENCH and SAM-THE-CAT?” “We are doing great. We miss you. Just lying here in bed enjoying a hot cup of coffee wishing you were here. Oh by the way, how do you manage to drink coffee out of that Santa mug---I’m having a hell of a time keeping it from running all over. After today, it’s going in the trash. I hope you don’t mind, I know how much you love the mug.” I slowly sink lower into the hot soothing water and listen to BIGMICHAEL as he continues talk about the weather and the local crime scene.

Dog News 59

Multiple Group Winning, A Top Ranked

GCh. Ice Cream V. It’s Been A Wonderful Time and We Are So Very Proud of All that Our Young Ice Cream has accomplished during his short visit to the USA!

Thank you to everyone for appreciating our wonderful boy!

Proudly Owned and Loved by Jeanne & Charles Hurty Lynne & Mark Florian Benseri Chaiyah Bred by Gwen M. Huikeshoven Presented by Greg Strong, AKC reg’d 60 Dog News

TumTums Vriendjes

Many Thanks To Breed Judge Mrs. Gayle Bontecou For Appreciating Ice Cream And Awarding Him This Garden Honor.

Dog News 61

A Hound From Antiquity The SALUKI

By M.J. Nelson In 1950, Guys and Dolls, a show with music and lyrics by the great American composer Frank Loesser and based on a pair of short stories by Damon Runyon opened on Broadway. In that musical, is a song titled “The Oldest Established” (Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York). If you change the title just a hair to “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Dog Breed in the World,” you may just have stumbled onto the perfect description of the Saluki.

That the breed is old is without question. There are petrographs and rock art in Iran dating back to 10,000 years BCE that show Saluki-like hounds and falcons accompanying hunters chasing prey. The breed was well established for centuries with Middle Eastern hunters before it made an appearance in Europe in 1514 when a dog noted as being a Gazelle Hound, another name for Saluki, was featured in a painting of Henry IV, Duke of Saxony. Its permanence is reflected in the fact that this ancient breed is not only still around but holding its own in registration numbers compared with other sighthound breeds. Floating? Well, anyone who has ever had the pleasure of watching a Saluki chase a lure or even 62 Dog News

Omen (Baja Oman Omen RN FCh OA OAJ), one of Caroline Coile’s Salukis, didn’t have a good enough bite for the show ring but instead of being relegated to the backyard, he went on to earn a field championship as well as rally and agility titles including being high-in-trial at the national specialty.

Pepe (Gold GCh Multi BIF Baja Persian of Interest CD FCh RN OA AXJ NV SC), another of Coile’s Salukis, remains convinced that the yellow contact areas in agility will burn his paws.

While BJ participates in several sports, he also finds time for some serious playing.

BJ (FC Obi-Wan SM Beyond the Fringe CD RA MC CGC VSA), Sharon Walls’ Saluki, has titles in the field, obedience and rally and has both major wins in conformation along with points in open field coursing.

Solaris (Ch Sadik Solar Flare CD RN JC), Cathy Chapman’s Saluki in the breed’s “natural habitat,” awaits the appearance of a jackrabbit for the chase to begin. In what has to be a Saluki’s idea of nirvana, Solaris spent five seasons doing open field coursing.

Whisper (DC Sea Wind’s On Eagle Wings CD RA SC FCH CGC), one of Jeannette Ringer’s Salukis, doing what Salukis like best–running.

If you can’t get in the tunnel, stand on top of it as one of Coile’s Salukis has discovered.

better, a jackrabbit, can answer that question. No ground pounders, a Saluki in full out gallop appears to simply float over the ground.

But, Salukis are capable of a lot more than hunting and chasing although that definitely remains their favorite sport, according to their owners. “Salukis are very intelligent and they like to figure things out,” said Cathy Chapman whose Saluki Solaris (Ch Sadik Solar Flare CD RN JC) also spent five seasons chasing jackrabbits in open field coursing competition.

“They are durable and don’t break easily. Of course, running and jumping are their favorite activities but they can also do obedience, rally and a lot of other activities. They are an active breed but are not really high energy like, for example, Border Collies, which makes a Saluki much easier to live with in my opinion. A lot of people think that sighthounds like Salukis are dumb and that is just not true. They are really very smart. You just have to figure out a way to get them to work with you. Unlike most ‘obedience breeds’ that live to please you, a Saluki wants you to give them a reason why they should work with you. Then, they will think about it and decide if they are willing to do whatever it is that you want them to do!”

“People don’t give Salukis credit for being obedient but they learn quickly and are very easy to train,” said Caroline Coile, who owns Pepe (Gold GCh Multi BIF Baja Persian of Interest CD FCh RN OA AXJ NV SC), the only Saluki to win best of breed at the national specialty as well as being high in trial in agility and obedience at that event and Prophet (GCh BIS Multi BISS Multi BIF Khjiva’s Prophet of Baja CD FCh RA SC JOR), which is a BIS, HIT and Best in Field hound. “My dogs badger me at night to teach them to do tricks. Of course, there are always treats involved so there is a reason. They are an easy breed to show in conformation and they are always the prettiest dogs jumping in agility and they do love to jump! It’s just a matter of finding out what the dog wants to do. No sport is worth hitting your head against the wall or tormenting the dog because it’s just not their thing.

Some dogs live lure coursing, some agility and some conformation and it’s just stupid to try to force a square peg into a round hole. It’s important to give your Saluki a chance at a Continued on page 89

Dog News 63

Irving’s Impressions Continued FROM page 18

perhaps choose it because it is relatively easy to effect a mating because the dog is conveniently located not too far away?

If you are sensible you will ignore the last of these reasons and then use a combination of all of the rest. The range of questions you have to answer and the eventual decision that you have to reach is mind bending.

MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE But these are just the tactical practicalities of the issue. There are also some strategic matters of principle about dog breeding that have to be sorted out in your mind as well. For example one question that needs to be addressed is just what is your overall philosophy on breeding dogs? Do you try to breed one outstandingly good puppy that, of itself, will move the breed forward? Or, on the other hand, do you believe that you ought to try to go for uniformity and have a litter than in overall quality terms is good for the breed?

That great breeder of Bull Terriers, Raymond Oppenheimer, always had a very clear view that you would effect most improvement in a breed in the long run, if you bred a few outstanding dogs that could then be used in breeding programmes to take the breed forward. He, I think, felt that even if that could mean producing some puppies in a litter that fell well short of being really good specimens, the production of a small number of really outstanding dogs was the objective. He thought that this 64 Dog News

approach far outweighed the concept of trying to make sure that the overall standard of the entirety of each litter was as high as possible. He also had some very strong views about how to deal with faults. He did not agree with having disqualifying faults and it was he who was behind the wording in all UK breed standards that says that “the seriousness with which a fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree”.

He also had a dog that was a very influential stud dog and that was in fact a monorchid. It was he too that persuaded TKC to change its rules which previously prohibited monorchids from attending shows. He got the prohibition removed and replaced it with the note at the end of every breed standard of TKC that says: “Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.” This added to the clause about faults being in relation to degree, was intended to have the effect of allowing monorchids to win in the showring. It did not in fact achieve this end, and even today that is something that is very rare and does indeed never actually happen as far as I know.

I guess that all of these views were in line with

his theory that producing a few outstanding dogs is better for a breed in the long run that the more gradual approach of producing an overall improved litter every time you breed. I have to say that I reckon that his view was and is, a very risky one. It would not fit easily into today’s society where most people have to try to find homes for their puppies and where the public has become better and better educated as to what to expect of a responsible and respected dog breeder. He however, had the reputation and financial backing to be able to afford to take that risk.

WHICH PUPPIES TO KEEP So once the choice of stud dog has been settled are there then any more decisions to be made? Well yes of course there are. The next problem, faced with half a dozen seven-week-old puppies circling around, is to decide which of them if any to allow to go to show homes and/or keep. Are any of them good enough?

One old-time breeder of Border Terriers used to claim that she could tell which puppy was a show prospect at the age of three days.

Mind you she was also the person who at one time claimed that once she had had her ears pierced, she never again had to wear spectacles!

I could never really take her views seriously after that.

At the other extreme my old friend Frank Jackson when he was alive and when asked by anyone at what age he thought it wise to choose a puppy used always to say, tongue in cheek: “At twelve months at the earliest!” Continued on page 70

Dog News 65

I’ve had dogs a long time and fed a lot of different dog foods. I rely on results more than anything else. If my dogs look good and they’re happy, healthy and full of life, I’m happy. I will overlook a few less than desirable ingredients on the label. I can’t say that Beneful is a favorite at my house, but we have certainly fed some Purina foods with good results, along with other brands. This is my disclaimer. Although I write about pet food a lot, I don’t get any perks from any companies.

Nestle-Purina Petcare is the second largest pet food company in the world and the largest in the United States. As such, they are a big, tempting target for a lawsuit for any dog owner who feeds one of their foods and has a pet that gets sick. In fact, because they are so big and because they use some byproducts from human food production, Purina is often a target of pet owners who suddenly have their eyes opened and want “healthy” food for pets. By “healthy” I mean grass-fed beef, free range chicken, organic ingredients, or other very high quality ingredients.

These are great ingredients in a pet food, but it’s debatable whether a pet food should be attacked because it does not include these ingredients. Not everyone can afford to feed a dog food that has these pricey ingredients; and there are good dog foods that don’t use gourmet ingredients.

Many people are under the impression that dog foods made by small companies with the most expensive ingredients are automatically better for dogs.

That’s not true. They often believe that dog foods made by large companies like Purina, which can use some modest ingredients, are inferior. Again, that’s not true. Dog foods are more than the sum of their parts. Think of it this way: if someone is a bad cook, it doesn’t really matter if they use the finest ingredients.

The meal they make can be inedible.

On the other hand, a good cook can take humble ingredients and make a delicious meal.

In the current class action suit http://www.classaction.org/media/ pdf/https-ecf-cand-uscourts-govdoc1-035112622493.pdf being brought against Purina over its Beneful dog food, filed February 4 in fed68 Dog News

Beneful Lawsuit Will Be Hard To Prove

By Carlotta Cooper

eral court in northern California, there are already some misconceptions. If you missed the first flurry of reporting about the case, the Lucido family began feeding Beneful to their three dogs in late December or early January. The dogs – a four-year-old German Shepherd, an eight-year-old Bulldog, and an 11-year-old Labrador – were living in different places because of renovations on the Lucido home. All three dogs became sick by the end of January and the Bulldog died. A necropsy revealed that there was internal bleeding in the dog’s stomach and lesions on his liver. A veterinary exam showed similar symptoms for the German Shepherd – signs of internal bleeding and malfunction of the liver “consistent with poisoning.” http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/24/dog-food-makersued-for-allegedly-toxic-chow-but-is-it. html Both the German Shepherd and the Labrador continue to receive vet care.

Mr. Frank Lucido, the plaintiff, blames the dog food for his dogs’ illnesses.

Mr. Lucido is seeking more than $5 million in damages, plus costs and fees.

Jeffrey B. Cereghino, attorney for Mr. Lucido, found reports of dissatisfied dog owners and sick dogs on the ConsumerAffairs.com http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/beneful.html site. According to articles, there were 708 one-star ratings and more than

3000 owners who reported dogs were sickened after eating Beneful. (More one-star ratings have been added to the site since the class action suit was announced.)

Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding (stomach), liver problems, dehydration, and weight loss.

Mr. Cereghino said that he suspected the cause of the problem might be the ingredient propylene glycol. There is some obvious confusion about propylene glycol in the reporting on the case. It’s been reported that propylene glycol is used in anti-freeze. Not exactly.

It is not the same anti-freeze that most people put in their vehicles.

That’s ethylene glycol which is highly toxic. Just a tiny amount can kill your dog. Propylene glycol is a chemical cousin of ethylene glycol and it is used in “safe” anti-freeze.

It’s much less toxic than ethylene glycol. In fact, it is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”), which is FDA slang for “go ahead and use it.” Propylene glycol is in lots of human foods such as ice cream, salad dressings, and cake mixes, coffee, beer, and soda. Your doctor and veterinarian also use it to dilute oral medications. It’s also used in lots of pet foods. It’s a very

common ingredient. It’s used as a preservative, among other things. You probably ingest propylene glycol in your food and drinks every day. Unless there is a toxic level overage of propylene glycol in a pet food, it shouldn’t harm your dog when he eats the food. Is it a desirable ingredient? Not if you are looking for the most natural ingredients. But it shouldn’t make your dog sick either, especially in the small amounts usually found in dog foods. Likewise, some of the dogs that have become sick did so after eating the food for only a short time. The ordinary amount of propylene glycol added to dog foods shouldn’t affect a dog in that way.

Mr. Cereghino also speculated that the food might contain mycotoxins, which can come from moldy grains. It’s produced by mold fungus. Beneful, like lots of pet foods, contains grains. However, mycotoxins can also be found in animals that eat contaminated crops, so they can be found in meat, eggs, and milk products, too. There are over 400 different kinds of mycotoxins (and more being discovered) and some of them can be found in pet food. If they are present in high enough concentrations, it is possible that they could make a dog sick or lead to death.

According to an article in Dogs Naturally Magazine http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/prescriptionpet-foods-found-to-contain-cancer-causing-toxins/ “Testing in the US shows that apart from the recalls from high levels of aflatoxins, nearly every pet food on the market contains aflatoxins or other mold-related mycotoxins. In 2012, animal health and nutrition company Alltech analyzed 965 animal feed samples https://vetreport.wordpress.com/tag/alltech/ and found 98% of them were contaminated with one or more mycotoxins, while 93% contained two or more mycotoxins.

“On top of the existing risk, there is further potential for mold spores to contaminate kibble during storage, especially if it is exposed to a moist environment. This can also happen in your home if your kibble is stored in a moist basement or an open container.”

Both the FDA and the European Union allow minimal levels of mycotoxins in pet foods.

Pet food tests undertaken by The Truth About Petfood web site in 2014, with funding by pet owners, found that eight out of eight pet foods tested contained mycotoxins. Beneful dry dog food was included in the tests and scored a “high risk” for mycotoxins, though it scored much lower than one of the cat foods. http://truthaboutpetfood. com/the-pet-food-test-results/ (The test results have been removed from the web site in March 2015.)

Oddly, Mr. Lucido did not have the food that was fed to his dogs tested before launching the lawsuit, which might lead someone to wonder if the plaintiff was hoping NestlePurina would offer a settlement to make the case go away without actually having to do any investigation or pursue the case in court.

If that was the intent, hopes must have been dashed when Nestle-Purina responded pub-

“The FDA has not identified any problems with Beneful or issued any warnings about the food.” licly by saying they would vigorously defend their product. Keith Schopp, vice president of corporate public relations, said, “We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves. Beneful is a high quality nutritious food enjoyed by millions of dogs each year and there are no product quality issues with Beneful.”

There have previously been two class action suits involving Beneful and both have been dismissed.

The idea of using complaints on a consumer affairs site may not be as sound as it seems at first sight. Everyone on the Internet complains. Complaints about dog food are rampant, whether the food is at fault or not. Some complaints on consumer affairs sites are no doubt justified but there are also complaints that are less believable. Just as some companies try to slip in phony positive reviews, there are also competitors that submit fake negative reviews. You, too, can be hired as a freelance writer to write negative dog food reviews about a company’s competitor for these sites. You think it doesn’t happen? Ask some freelance writers who write about dog food or check ads on freelance writing sites. I write about dog food

full-time. It happens. Writers are hired to post x number of comments or reviews using fictitious names. You can’t believe everything you read online. Imagine that. So, how many of those one-star reviews for Beneful are real? You can check any dog food on ConsumerAffairs.com and you will find some terrible complaints, even about foods with the best reputations.

This is one reason why dog lovers are often stunned when the PR for a dog food is bad but government entities express approval of the food. You can tar and feather a dog food online but it’s more difficult to change a chemical analysis. This is not to say that Beneful is a great food, but it’s not going to be easy to prove the class action case against it based on consumer complaints online.

Likewise, the speculation regarding mycotoxins in the food will be hard to prove. Beneful has never had a recall and recalls of any Purina dog foods have been few and far between.

Most of their foods do not rank with foods like Orijen, Wellness, I and Love and You, or ZiwiPeak in terms of ingredients but they have some very good foods.

Some of the great advantages that large pet food corporations have over their smaller competitors are research and development, product testing, and quality control. Purina is very good at product testing and quality control. If there is a problem with one of their foods, they usually spot it before the product leaves the plant.

The FDA has not identified any problems with Beneful or issued any warnings about the food.

You can read Purina’s entire response on their Beneful web site. https://www.beneful.com/ frequently-asked-questions Don’t be surprised if this lawsuit is dismissed the same way previous class action suits against Beneful have been dismissed.

Dog News 69

Irving’s Impressions Continued FROM page 64

The problem is that most of us do not have the luxury of being able to keep a litter running on that long, to make decisions of that sort at as late as twelve months of age. Even if it were good for their personalities to have a gang of puppies going around together for several months, not many of us would have the resources to do such a thing even if we wanted to. And I must say that we find that as far as temperament is concerned, keeping only one single pup from a litter rather than even as few as two in a little gang, helps from a showmanship point of view.

The theorists say that it is not a problem but we believe that giving a single puppy that added attention and making it have to be resilient without the support of its siblings, is by far the most successful route.

So for most people the crunch decision as to which puppies to keep and which to let go has to be made at around eight weeks or certainly not many weeks after that. We are going through that quandary right now.

How to sort out heads, coats, size, temperament, construction and movement and even worse at times mouths – these are all factors that you have to balance up and they should all feature in your decision. But what weight to give to which aspects – that’s where it becomes clear that judging is very much an art rather than a science.

Mind you, in the case of selecting a puppy of your own breeding you do have some 70 Dog News

advantages. Firstly you have much more time to watch and study and make your assessment. And secondly you have the advantage of having somewhat more of a feel for how your own pups develop over the first few months of their lives than if you are looking at someone else’s stock.

ONE MAJOR COMMODITY NEEDED We have always argued that at eight weeks or so in your quest to decide what pups to keep, you can certainly often start to rule some of the puppies out. But we have equally argued that you won’t, at that age, be able to rule any of them in with one hundred per cent certainly. A great deal can go wrong between that age and maturity.

We have often found, contrary to what the scientists tell you about relative growth patterns, that in a smallish breed like Border Terriers at least, those puppies that always have a look of being a miniature version of an adult, are the ones that seem to go on to do best in the show ring. They never seem to go through what some people would describe as a gangly teenager stage of development. In other words they never really ‘go off’!

But in the end there is one major commodity that you need as a dog breeder and a potentially successful chooser of those puppies that are likely to make the grade. Skill is the first requirement but without that other ingredient, all the skill in the world is unlikely to be enough. What is that other ingredient? Well of course - it’s luck.

Without luck you will have to work even harder than everyone else to keep up.

Be lucky and choose well.

NoFrills Design 2015

Dog News 71

T

he annual meeting and election of the Class of 2019 took place on Tuesday. The election was decided quickly and painlessly with the three Delegates recommended by the nominating committee elected on the first ballot. There were 380 votes cast and one needed 180 to be elected. The three elected to the Board of Directors were former director TOM DAVIES with 211 votes, CARMEN BATTAGLIA with 209 votes, and STEVE GLADSTONE with 201 votes. Of the two candidates running from the floor GREG PAVEZA had 118 votes and current board member ROBERT AMEN had 151. MR. AMEN had originally said that if the nominating committee did not renominate him he would not run. Said to be a major KALTER supporter, his loss ensured the election of RON MENAKER back to his former position as Chairman. CARL ASHBY was elected Vice Chairman. Congratulations to both RON and CARL, who have their work cut out for them. Backing up a few days earlier, CRUFTS’ best in show dog was bred in the United States by longtime Scottie breeder, exhibitor and judge VANDRA HUBER and handled

by REBECCA CROSS and owned by MARINA KHENKINA of Russia. Congratulations all! Sad that such a wonderful win had to be marred by the way REBECCA put the dog on the table. It may not be a universal way to pick up a dog, but it doesn’t warrant the win being taken away. Much more important and somehow lost in the mix, was the poisoning of an Irish setter. Our sympathies to the owners of the Irish setter and when all is said and done, hopefully the blame will not fall on another exhibitor or CRUFTS. Over the weekend GEIR FLYCKT-PEDERSEN hosted a birthday party for his wonderful wife NEENA (THE AUTHORITY) FLYCKT-PEDERSEN. Among those attending where the bubbly was flowing were BETH SWEIGART, PETER GREEN, AMY & ANDREW GREEN, GAYNOR GREEN, LIZ TOBIN, MARIBETH O’NEILL, PAM BEALE, JACKIE BEAUDOIN, MATT STANDER and ERNESTO LARA. Among the Americans attending or exhibiting at Crufts were SALLY SWEATT, GEOFF DAWSON, JORGE OLIVERA, MARILYN JACOBS, JIM EDWARDS, SHARON NEWCOMB, CORREY KRICKEBERG, KAY PEISER, CINDY WILLIAMS, GINNY DORRIS, BRUCE SCHWARTZ, EDD BIVIN who continued onto Paris to celebrate his birthday, TODD & ALLISON FOLEY, MICHAEL CANALIZO, LORAN MORGAN, LINDA SOUZA, JAMIE SOUZA-BARTLETT, ALICIA JONES, SUSAN & VICTOR MALZONI, DESI MURPHY, AMANDA GILES and CHRIS MANELOPOULOS.

72 Dog News

the Gossip column

By Eugene Z. Zaphiris

Dog News 73

CLiCK West Palm Beach DFA

By DAVID SOMBACH

74 Dog News

Dog News 75

Question of the week

What were your initial and overall reactions to the Crufts Dog Show 2015?

Continued FROM page 22

I go knowing that I must pick carefully what breeds I hope to see and have learned to commit to that schedule. (This year it was Irish Setters, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Afghan Hounds (of course) and Pekes and Poodles…each devoting a full day in that order). I equate Crufts to that of Westminster and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship… all three are permanently penciled in every year as events that will not be missed unless there is good cause. I am always stunned by the sheer numbers the event attracts and often think of what that number would be if they supplied electric for grooming, had bathing stations and could keep dogs in the venue overnight like events of that caliber here do….there wouldn’t be a space big enough!

showcase their dogs. Twenty-two thousand-plus dogs in four days is a great accomplishment. The interaction, the swapping ideas, learning in every way that is possible by seeing what others are doing and how they feel about what is going on.

A huge, growing experience that is very valuable.

Jackie Beaudoin

Desmond J. Murphy

I found it to be both amazing and overwhelming.

You definitely need a plan of action and to map out the breeds you want to see. It could take 45 minutes to move from one breed ring to another and a breed ring could easily run for three hours so if you wanted to see every breed represented there the only way you could do that would be to watch the groups. I was lucky enough to be sitting with Ed Bivin and watching Standard Poodles and we saw a poodle trim that I had never seen anywhere before and didn’t even know was allowed but felt I came away with some new appreciation and knowledge for the breed. There was an entry of 66 pulis, which is almost unheard of. It was nice to see some old puli friends and meet some new ones. It was a lot of fun but I don’t feel like I saw as many dogs or breeds as you can at our shows here. It was more about large entries in specific breeds and the breed representation in the groups at night and of course spending time with your friends from all over the world.

Sharon Newcomb

I think the Crufts show is a masterpiece. Not perfect by any means but look at the good it does. Exhibitors come from all over the world to 76 Dog News

Marilyn L. Jacobs

I enjoyed the show. My initial and subsequent impression was that The Kennel Club did a great job. The venue was large with sufficient food vendors and facilities, it was easy to get your dog into and out of the showsite, and the vendors were wonderful. Perhaps security could have been better in light of the Brussels dog that was allegedly poisoned while at the show.

Crufts certainly is the most spectacular show in the world. The huge army of the Committee has to be thanked by the entire Sport worldwide.

Rebecca Cross

I’ve been coming to Crufts for well over a decade now, almost every year to exhibit, both while I lived overseas and stateside. It brings together so many people from all over the world and this is what I love the most. This year was definitely different, and only because I think I was on the other side of the fence and so you are definitely under more scrutiny. My reaction can be said to be a bit different this year both towards the event and the overall struggles that the club faces keeping well in the public eye.

The support behind the scenes no matter how social media is portraying it, was absolutely terrific and for all the rumors out there, the club has assured me that Knopa will not be “stripped” of the Best win, despite phony petitions by keyboard warriors.

I had nowhere to sleep Sunday night as I planned to drive back and catch my flight that next morning and Sue Sampson so graciously took care of that problem and I’m forever grateful. 2015 definitely showed me that dreams do come true, even when you have so many obstacles to overcome.

BEING TOTALLY BI-FLEXUAL, is it possible?

Continued FROM page 26

detailed, which surely is a help for the majority of judges who have little or no experience with the breeds they are judging.

These are just a few examples of the changes that have happened to standards in this country compared to standards in the country of origin, I could go on and on. And I will forever wonder why these changes were made?

Simply in some cases based on ignorance? Or alternatively, because some influential people were unable to breed to the original standard and were able to make alterations to make their life easier?

I keep saying this and mean it: If you have accepted an invitation to judge a breed in a country where the breed standard is different from your own- you are obligated to judge by their standard or not at all.

How many times have I heard the argument: If they have invited me to judge here it is to get my opinion of the breed and that is what they’ll get!! No adjustment required!??? Not necessarily true.

I know it can be a problem at times. Many years ago a very good friend of mine was invited to do the National in the USA for his chosen breed. A huge entry. This guy was one of my mentors and in addition I had watched him judge as well as showing under him in he UK and Scandinavia. He always did a solid job (even if I didn’t win all the time…)

I spoke with him shortly before the event and he was so much looking forward to it all.

But then disaster: He tried to do the “honorable” thing and adjust to what he perceived as American type, after a while he seemed totally lostand according to experts present - did the worst job they had ever witnessed at any of their Nationals…

Which really was sad, as I knew how capable this guy really was.

So how do you find the balance?

If you as a breed expert from the country of origin or any other country where standards deviate – are invited to judge elsewhere, how do you tackle it?

I vividly remember how we in Norway invited breed expert from mainly England and Germany to put our breeds on the correct track after WWll- and I still refer to them as missionaries. In all breeds we followed the standards from their country of origin. Well, more to the point, tried to follow. As many of the breeds were slaughtered, particularly by the German expert regarding Boxer, Doberman, Schnauzers (off all sizes) and GSD’s.

At that time help was necessary and appreciated- and resulted in new imports from Germany as well as the UK- and bit by bit breeders progressed. Still the highlights were when the old experts returned- even if their comments were not always favorable.

Well, the Brits were usually rather kind and in their polite ways told where we needed to im-

prove, while the Germans were more bombastic and outspoken.

But then: You have to be cruel to be kind!

Or do you?

I have experienced over and over again that breeders from Europe when invited over here tell me they will insist on judging according to their own conviction, whatever the standards says!

Argument: “If they want me to judge in the US they surely want MY opinion!” Sure! But I think it is possible to be bi-flexual, still follow your own ideas and ideals while still conforming to the standard where you judge.

I know- from experience- that it is not always easy. Just a simple thing like increased height can affect what you think is the correct type, but then you will always-at least at most Nationals- find alternatives that better suit your own ideal, hopefully helping to put the “lost” breeders back on the right track.

It ain’t always easy! But it does not necessarily have to be too complicated to compromise?

I recall that a couple of years ago one of the most important breeders and experts of Parson Russell Terriers in the UK judged the breed during the Montgomery weekend. There was absolutely no question about her competence and experience, but she judges British Type and stayed away from many of the top winning dogs over here at the time. And people were up in arms.

But if you have had a chance to watch 150 PRT’s in the ring at a major show in the UK and compared them to what is being shown and winning over here these days, maybe it was a bad idea to ask for someone else’s opinion when you had already made up your picture of the breed ideal- so far from the original that it may look like a different breed?

Asking for someone’s opinion you will normally get an answer. Whether you agree or not is a totally different matter.

But back to the initial question: When you start judging on different continents- is it at all possible to disregard all knowledge you have amassed during a lifetime, all those words of wisdom that have been whispered into your ears and all those pictures you have either seen or made up in your head?

I still think that by sticking with type, outline, movement and temperament you should be able to do a decent job anywhere.

But then isn’t size for many breeds part of that abstraction we describe as type?

Whether or not it really is possible to get excited over a dog that is excellent, but which in your own country would have been eliminated from your line-up due to size or different proportions –I really don’t know.

The perfect dog does still not exist even if there are people who urge that a black dog named after a certain French painter comes close!

Dog News 77

CRUFTS

By Eugene Z. Zaphiris

78 Dog News

Dog News 79

arxism M s This Judge’s Point Of View

Continued FROM page 30

Schnauzers, and West Highland White Terriers. I have previously attended seminars and specialties for the two Fox Terriers in Florida, and since my last breed application, I have spoken with judges, breeders and handlers to add to my understanding of this breed. I have even awarded Best in Show to a Smooth Fox at an AKC all-breed show, and I have judged them in special events. I will brush up on these two breeds again, but will concentrate more on adding to my knowledge of the Miniature Schnauzer and Westies.

Luckily there was a Terrier Group show specialty close by in Denver.

So, off I went. Before I did though, I read these four terrier standards again. (As a matter of fact, before every show I am to judge, I read the standards of every breed over which I will preside.)

At the independent specialties I observed sweepstakes and the breed competition. For Schnauzers, the President of the specialty club was kind enough to sit with me and we discussed the breed (strengths, weaknesses, and breed essence) as we watched the judging.

I also spoke with one of 80 Dog News

the premier handlers and groomers of the breed.

The next day I again observed the breed while being tutored by John Constantine, parent club Judges Education Chair.

We followed this up with a hands-on examination of five high quality breed examples. The breed seminar was supposed to be early in the morning, but was not clear in the judging program.

John Constantine was kind enough to present the seminar again to another judge and I in the afternoon. Thank you, John.

For the West Highland White Terriers the entry here was considerably less, but I again observed sweeps and the breed.

While watching the breed, the officiating judge was kind enough to give me the illustrated standard to use while I watched. We briefly discussed the entries after her assignment.

I also have two excellent mentors in this breed, and I talk with them often.

Since I still show my own dog, now that I have decided to study some new breeds, we look to enter shows where I can continue my education.

The Fiesta Cluster in Scottsdale has three reasons to attend: I have great friends there who we can visit; the weather is definitely better than in Colo-

Adding Breeds

rado this time of the year; and they have some Terrier specialties this year. So, off we go, keeping fingers crossed that we can drive in good weather there and back.

I am fortunate that due to the Terrier specialties there the Scottsdale shows have drawn a very nice entry - in terms of quality and quantity of Miniature Schnauzers.

I observe the entry for four days, and am lucky enough to be able to discuss the placements with two of the breed judges and a sweepstakes judge.

The Valley of the Sun West Highland White Terrier Club, in conjunction with the all-breed clubs, have hired quality terrier judges and they, too, have drawn good quality to their shows. For this breed I spoke with three of the top terrier handlers in the country about the strengths of different entries, grooming, and breed type. I am also able to visit with the sweepstakes judge about her assignment and the entries in the regular breed.

The Terrier specialties brought out a high quality entry of Smooth Fox Terriers. It was a pleasure to watch them. It is a shame that because of the time and work it takes to properly prepare a strong wire coat, entries for Wire

Fox Terriers are greatly diminished. Nevertheless, there were still some very nice Wire Fox to observe at the Scottsdale shows.

One of my Wire Fox Terriers mentors introduced me to arguably one of the top 4 terrier handlers in the country, who is also active in Fox Terrier judges education. We discussed strengths and weaknesses of the breed, as well as how, when, and why to spar terriers.

I believe the best way to learn to judge a breed is to judge that breed. I have enough experience to be ready for the basics of properly judging the terriers breeds for which I am going to apply. To get a better grasp of the nuances seen in the ring, I need to see them in the ring. As far as I am concerned, I am ready to apply for these breeds. But here is the rub! Under the present system - which may be changed by the time this is published - I cannot apply for them until I complete the two breeds for which I am presently a permit judge. So now it is a waiting game. I believe it will take me another few months to finish the “permit requirements” for Border and Australian Terriers, and I cannot apply for these new breeds until then. So for the next few months I will continue to read breed standards, watch the breeds at the show, and talk to mentors.

So, fingers crossed, we just wait ...

Continued FROM page 46

not based on assumptions about what an owner intends to do with his or her rightful property. There are exemptions written into the bill for those who keep dogs exclusively for “exhibiting in dog shows, performance events, or field and obedience trials” but again, the vague language contained therein leaves it as anyone’s guess whether or not one would be excluded from the definition. What if one showed intact bitches only occasionally and they were pets that one didn’t intend to breed? One wouldn’t want to find out the answer to that question the hard way, as the bill also states that all commercial breeders would have to be inspected any time a complaint was lodged against them – whether or not the complaint had merit. Commercial breeders would also be subjected to regulations and standards that could be costly to the owners and wouldn’t always benefit the health of the dogs.

In addition, the bill seeks to wrest control of the state’s animal welfare regulation from the Department of Agriculture, which has experience in areas of animal husbandry, and place it under the control of the Department of Public Safety, which has little or no scientific expertise or experience in these areas. The Department of Agriculture isn’t expected to enforce the state’s criminal laws; likewise, the Department of Public Safety shouldn’t be tasked with developing, administering or regulating animal policy. All concerned dog owners in North Carolina are urged to take a break from filling out their brackets and office pools to contact their state representatives and members of the House Judiciary II Committee, to which the bill has been assigned, and voice their concerns.

Breeders in the South region were also facing a potentially

March Madness

f f O e th e lsa h

problematic bill this week in Arkansas, as the Arkansas House Committee was to consider House Bill 1620, which would establish regulations, fees, inspections and problematic requirements for breeders and for dogs “sold for commercial purposes.” Once again, unclear definitions are cause for concern.

A “commercial breeding kennel” would be defined as a kennel that has ten or more intact female dogs over the age of six months that are maintained for the purpose of breeding offspring to sell as pets but it’s also defined as a kennel “that is not registered,” which could potentially – whether intentional or not – include every breeder in the state. Exemptions made for hunting dogs is also unclear, as it excludes only dogs sold for hunting but not dogs that are owned or bred for hunting. Other problematic language includes defining how often a female dog may be bred. Responsible breeders everywhere cringe whenever the government tries to get inside the whelping box; those decisions are best left to reputable breeders and professional veterinarians.

Some good news in the South region, Georgia is considering a bill that would prohibit local governments from enacting laws that apply to specific or perceived breeds of dogs. If it passes the Georgia Senate this week it will go to the Georgia House of Representatives for another round of voting. All dog lovers in Georgia are urged to keep this movement going forward in the hopes that Georgia will become the 19th state in the nation to ban breed-specific legislation at the state level and adopt ordinances that apply to all dogs instead. Responsible dog breeding and ownership goes hand in hand with responsible legislation and it behooves all concerned to support these efforts nationwide.

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Letters to the Editor AKC-FCI Ruling As many of you know, the AKC and the FCI are having issues and the AKC has restricted the use of FCI Asia Pacific Section judges at AKC events. This will have a significant impact upon the National Specialty for the Japanese Chin Club of America, who has contracted with Mr. Kamisato, of Japan, to judge at its May 2015 National Specialty. Our board of Directors has submitted an appeal to the AKC Board of Directors requesting an exception to this ruling for our event, and we are waiting for their March meeting to see if we are successful.

What I would like to ask of you fellow parent club members is to write, email, contact your delegates and the AKC Board in support of our appeal. The ability for a breed’s parent club to establish standards and host national specialty events, and select breeder judges, especially from the breed’s country of origin, is paramount to the success of our breeds. Any interference in this process will have dire consequences upon our events and the continuation of our breeds.

Please, time is critical—both for contacting the AKC board prior to their meeting, but also so that we can adhere to guidelines and regulations in establishing and hosting an event.

Thank you for your support.

Dave Fleming, President Japanese Chin Club of America ASK CONGRESS TO SUPPORT ALLOWING DOGS ON AMTRAK A bill has been approved by the U.S. House Rules Committee that would allow dog and cat owners to take their dogs on Amtrak trains under certain circumstances.

H.R. 749 is a comprehensive passenger train bill that in part would require Amtrak, when feasible, to designate at least one car where passengers may transport a dog or cat if the pet is in a kennel that can be stowed according to Amtrak’s requirements for carry-on baggage.

The bill would also allow passengers to transport dogs or cats as cargo if the pets are in a kennel, and the cargo area is temperature-controlled. Passengers would be required to pay a fee to transport their pets on trains. This would not preclude those already permitted to travel with legitimate service animals.

AKC GR supports this bill and thanks Congressman Jeff Denham for shepherding this measure that would allow dog owners new options for travel humanely and responsibly with their pets.

AKC urges dog owners to support this measure and to contact your member of Congress and ask them to support the Amtrak Pilot Program in HR 749 that would allow pet owners to travel on certain trains with their pets.

Visit www.house.gov and enter your zip code in the “Find Your Representative” box at the top of the page to find the name and contact information for your U.S. Representative.

AKC Government Relations Raleigh, NC

Dog News will consider all letters for publication but reserves the right to edit these as required.

Letters will not be considered for publication unless full name and contact details are supplied, including telephone number. Letters may be mailed to Dog News 1115 Broadway NY, NY 10010 or emailed to dognews@harris-pub.com.

Heritable Risk for Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers New Discovery Identifies Shared Genetic Risk Factors In June 2010, The Golden Retriever Foundation and Morris Animal Foundation entered into a partnership to jointly fund a major three-year, $1 million canine cancer initiative titled Discovery and Characterization of Heritable and Somatic Cancer Mutations in Golden Retrievers, or the MADGiC Project (Making Advanced Discoveries in Golden Cancers). The study was led by premier canine cancer researchers Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD, at the University of Minnesota; Matthew Breen, PhD, at North Carolina State University; and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD, at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Uppsala University, Sweden.

They worked together to investigate mutations that are involved in risk and progression of the two most common cancers affecting Golden Retrievers, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Although focused on Goldens, this research benefits all dogs because these cancers affect every breed and cause the deaths of tens of thousands of dogs each year.

This research benefits humans too, because the genes involved in cancer are sometimes the same in dogs as in people, but the mutations can be more difficult to discover in people. Therefore, identifying these genes also advances scientists’ understanding of common human cancers such as lymphoma, and rare angiosarcomas.

Some groundbreaking findings from this study appear in a recent paper in PLoS Genetics, “Genome-wide Association Study Identifies Shared Risk Loci Common to Two Malignancies in Golden Retrievers” (http://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/ article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004922) From work performed in Dr Lindblad-Toh’s lab, the investigators report that they have identified two loci that together contribute approximately 20% “DID YOU SEE MADONNA’S TUMBLE?”

“I DID…POOR LAMB. I SENT HER A BUNCH OF HYDRANGEAS TO CHEER HER UP!”

of the risk of developing hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma in Goldens. These two “loci” can be thought of as locations on a chromosome (in this case, both loci are on chromosome 5) at which DNA sequences that elevate risk can be found. So if all of the DNA sequences that create the “map” for building a dog could be compared to the map of the US, then identifying “loci” would be similar to narrowing the locations down to specific neighborhoods.

After identifying these loci, the scientists searched the “neighborhoods” for specific protein-coding genes that could be the cause of the increased cancer risk. No genes that produce abnormal proteins were found, but instead the elevated risk appears to come from groups of tightly-linked DNA sequences called “haplotypes” that regulate the expression of protein-coding genes. It was found that these risk haplotypes regulate genes involved in immune response, and this may be the reason that risk for both hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma is elevated in dogs that carry them. Conclusions from the paper suggest that “the interaction between the immune system and malignant cells plays a common role” in the development of both of these cancers.

“It was unexpected and remarkable to discover that two rather different cancers, B-cell lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, are linked to the same inherited risk factors,” the study authors state. “We find the existence of at least four disease-associated haplotypes in the two nearby chromosome 5 regions intriguing, and speculate that there may be genes in the region affecting traits for which dogs are bred in this population.”

The research team of Modiano, Breen, and LindbladToh was awarded another three year grant in 2013, this time in a partnership between the Golden Retriever Foundation and the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The investigators are continuing to validate the newly discovered haplotypes that predispose some Goldens to cancer so that breeders may soon be able to reduce cancer risk through testing for these risk haplotypes. But while these known inherited risk haplotypes convey a significant percentage (~20%) of the risk of hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, it is likely that there are additional genetic risk factors too. (And of course, environmental and sporadic factors also play a role in the development of cancer.)

In addition to informing breeding decisions, these discoveries could also lead to DNA tests that may be useful for diagnosis and possibly even to guide treatment choices in the future. The scientists are also continuing to investigate mutations that occur in the tumors themselves (somatic mutations) and are profiling the susceptibility of specific tumor types to various chemotherapy compounds, which may lead to improved therapy options.

We express our grateful appreciation to the dedicated Golden owners who supported this research by donating samples when their beloved dogs were diagnosed, as well as those who contributed to Golden Retriever Foundation fund raising campaigns.

There is still more to do, and owners of Golden Retrievers diagnosed with lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma can support this important research by donating a tumor sample (www. modianolab.org or www.breenlab.org) or a blood sample (www.dogdna.org) To contribute to a fund (Zeke Fund) that supports this ongoing research, please visit the Golden Retriever Foundation website at www.goldenretrieverfoundtaion.org

By Rhonda Hovan GRCA Research Facilitator LATE ANSWER TO THIS WEEK’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK, What were your initial and overall reactions to the Crufts Dog Show 2015?

ANDREW GREEN Loved it!! Loved seeing the last five Wire Fox Terrier dogs in the ring together, I could have spent an hour on that alone. Great time with old friends and family. If you haven’t been get yourself there.

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A CRUFTS REPORT, AKC BOARD ELECTION RESULTS...

Continued FROM page 43

e

The show itself was for sure a resounding success.

Crowds were larger than ever, the final line-up one of the best in years. Indeed the Toy Group was as strong a Toy Group as I have ever seen with the Maltese outstanding as were any number of other exhibits. Terrier and Hound Day are my favorite at Crufts with Utility and Toy a very close second. My problem with the show is that some of the breeds have such large entries that one can spend the entire day watching only one breed with an occasional time out to watch something nearby but the problem is that you are more than likely to hit minor classes when this happens and you fail to see the real meat of the competition. American bred dogs did quite well this year with the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Affenpinscher, the Scottie, the Sealy, the Duck Toller (I think) and the King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel all being bred in the States. And that was with only 36 American dogs having been entered in the entire show. Group ways the Flat-coat was bred in the UK but shown in Sweden--I must say he was lovely but had a major flaw as far as

I was concerned--I could not tell if it was a dog or a bitch--he was a dog.

The Alaskan Malamute and the Bearded Collie were both British bred-the Maltese bred and shown in Italy, the Scottie shown in the USA and the USSR but bred here, The Miniature Poodle from Norway I believe-the Toy Poodle to really die for I thought anyways--the Saluki from Sweden with a perfectly grand Irish Wolfhound failing to even make the cut--some other stand outs to my mind were the Kerry Blue, the Chow Chow and the Bulldog to name but a few. It was a grand dog show experience with the primary emphasis where it should be--in the breed ring and that’s what makes the shows in the UK so very special--the emphasis is primarily in the breed ring, which we seem to if not ignore place our priorities in the Group results instead.

W

ell 380 of the close to 600 Delegates deigned to come to vote in the March elections, which saw Battaglia and Gladstone returned to the Board and Davies (the top vote getter) also returned to the Board after a two-year absence. Bob Amen failed by close to 30 votes in his floor run to retain his Board seat while Greg Paveza had a more than decent vote total of 118

votes as a first time contender. Amen’s defeat sort of sealed Kalter’s fate as Board Chairman, which position has been re-retained

by Ron Menaker with Carl Ashby his Vice Chair and Charlie Garvin’s term as Vice Chair gone as well.

As of this writing it is unknown whether Alan ran for his office or saw the handwriting on the wall and did not run. I suspect the latter but will report back. I don’t think people should be looking for miracles in the case of Ron’s return--Kalter did some good things but overwhelmingly played to the non-constituents among the Fancy and eventually paid the price. I think under the Menaker regime we’ll see more of an attempt at even handedness in appealing to all segments within the dog world--without really stressing one segment over the other as was Alan’s wont--intended or otherwise.

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Coile said that it is important for all dogs to do something mentally challenging because she believes it’s wrong to have a dog and never give it that pleasure just as it is wrong to have a breed like a Saluki and never let it run.

Continued FROM page 63

sport and if they don’t seem to like it, try something else. There are plenty of things to do with your dog and at least one of them is sure to be something they like. It’s not like it’s a life or death matter and you have to force them to do an activity they dislike to cure cancer or something. It’s supposed to be fun!”

Although Salukis are “naturals” when it comes to hunting and chasing, that does not mean they’ll always do these sports, said Sharon Walls whose Saluki BJ (FC Obi-Wan SM Beyond the Fringe CD RA MC CGC VSA) has titles in the field, obedience and rally and has both major wins in conformation along with points in open field coursing. “I firmly believe that there is a finite number of clean lure coursing runs in every dog. The problem is that there is no way to predict how many. The dog might have six or it might have 60. For this reason, I pick one organization to do lure coursing with rather than split those clean runs between the AKC, the American Sighthound Field Association or the other groups that offer lure coursing events. Once a dog decides to quit playing that game, you are pretty much done. The same is true with obedience and rally particularly the off lead exercises. Once a Saluki decides it isn’t fun anymore, there is no point in pushing them to continue. Sometimes, giving them a ‘leave of absence’ and trying again in six months will work and it is worth a try.”

Jeanette Ringer agreed that this breed seems to enjoy coursing the most of all the dog sports in which Salukis have been successful.

“As long as you don’t drill them like herding, working or sporting breeds, Salukis are pretty much willing to do just about anything you’d want them to do. But, you have to be patient with them particularly with exercises in obedience like retrieving that are not natural to the breed. In obedience, when you have a breed like a Saluki, you always have the problem of finding judges who don’t expect all breeds to perform like the more popular obedience breeds.” Ringer owns Draco (DC Sea Wind’s Dragonheart FCh CD RE SC CGC ETD), Kisses (DC Seawinds Ms Butterfly Kisses RN SC FCh. CGC), Victory (Ch Sea

Victory (Ch Sea Wind’s American Eagle Song CDX GN RE JC CGC), another of Ringer’s Salukis, takes a jump in open obedience.

Wind’s American Eagle Song CDX GN RE JC CGC ) and Whisper (DC Sea Wind’s On Eagle Wings CD RA SC FCH CGC.) “I feel sorry for dogs that never get to use their bodies and minds,” said Coile. “Trotting around a show ring has its fun points but it is not exactly challenging from the dog’s point of view. Also, people need to look further than just one sport with their dogs. What happens if their dog can’t do that sport or can’t win?

Some people will just place the dog if it can’t win in the show ring but they lose a lot.

I have often told the story of my Omen who had a bad bite and couldn’t be shown.

So, he ran in the field where he finished his FCh and then I tried him in agility, which turned out to be the one thing he took seriously in his life.

What a shame it would have been had he been relegated to the back yard. With Pepe, our biggest issue has been hitting the contacts in agility. He has somehow become

convinced that yellow will burn his paws. Actually, they are really quite small for a big dog to hit in full stride and the truth is that our efforts with regard to the contact zones continue to be hit and miss. I think every dog deserves a chance to use its brain. I am adamant that all my dogs do something mentally challenging because I think it’s wrong to have a dog and never give it that pleasure just as it is wrong to have a breed like a Saluki and never let it run.”

Although it is a job that sighthounds love, Chapman found open field coursing a real challenge. “Coursing is something that comes naturally to a Saluki so it requires very little training time but a LOT of conditioning time. Open field coursing was probably the hardest for me not only because of the amount of conditioning required to keep Solaris in top running condition but also the time needed to attend and travel to hunts.

Then I also had to condition

myself to not panic when he was gone out of sight for what seemed like an hour in OFC but was probably only more like ten minutes. All Salukis should have a desire to chase game.

That is what their purpose was for thousands of years. Do they necessarily need to earn titles?

No, but they should be able to show the speed, endurance and ability to do the job against others in the breed. Of course, in this day and age, one of the challenges for Salukis whose owners are interested in having them chase live game is finding areas to hunt that are safe and have game and of course also states where coursing live game is legal. Breeders need to remember the purpose of the breed and avoid exaggerations and extremes in conformation. For the most part, our show dogs can still course but unless you test your dogs, at least on a lure, you run the risk of losing that ability because of exaggerations needed to win in the show ring. Good conformation makes it easier for a dog to succeed in any sport but in the end, it really all comes down to what you as an owner are willing to do. You have to be willing to devote the time and energy to training and conditioning the dog for any type of performance sport.”

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