Dog News The Digest Volume 32, Issue 12
Of American Dogs $5.00
March 25, 2016
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Contents
March 25, 2016
10 Editorial 14 The Lighter Side of Judging: Gluten Free By Michael H. Faulkner 18 Inside The Sport: Facebook And Crufts/Center Stage By Pat Trotter 22 Question Of The Week By Matthew H. Stander 26 Irving’s Impressions: Crufts Successes And Controversies By Ronnie Irving 30 Remembering Cathy Nelson By Seymour Weiss 34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions Asked of David Frei 40 Celebrating 125 Years of Crufts - Part One By Barbara Lounsbury Anderson 42 You And Your Vet: Zika Virus, New Cancer Vaccine And More By Dr. Merry Fitzgerald, DVM 46 Oregon Dog Judges 2016 Sporting Breed Seminars By Dianne Kroll 50 Off The Leash: Out In The Cold In Alaska and Bringing Dogs To The Masses By Shaun Coen 54 Gimme Shelton: Compelling The Pet Sector To Register Dogs With The AKC By William P. Shelton 58 Ringside Judging, Mistakes Happen (I Guess), And More By Matthew H. Stander Photos of Heart of America Kennel Club by Julie Lux
60 In Seattle, It Happens Downtown! By David Frei 64 The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 66 Click: Crufts 2016 By Vince Hogan and Barbara Lounsbury Anderson 70 Click: Seattle Kennel Club By Jerry Levin & David Frei 74 Click: The Way We Were - Treasure Coast Kennel Club 1992 By Eugene Z. Zaphiris • 72 handlers directory • 76 classified advertising & subscription rates • 78 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 4 Dog News
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PUBLISHER
STANLEY R. HARRIS
C O V E R S T O RY • M a rc h 2 5 , , 2 0 1 6 • V o l u me 3 2 , I ss u e 1 2
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Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson • Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald • 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 • Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson • Sharon Pflaumer John Shoemaker • Kim Silva Matthew H. Stander • Sari Brewster Tietjen Patricia Trotter • Connie Vanacore Nick Waters • Seymour Weiss 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. 6 Dog News
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The Editorial THE SECRETARY’S PAGES
Some of the information contained in the Secretary’s Pages about people applying to be Delegates or people approved to be Delegates raise interesting issues. These pages note that a resigned COO of AKC has just become a Delegate--namely John Lyons. Good for John and AKC is the reaction of these pages although one must admit this Delegacy raises several points of interest. Namely should a person who receives compensation from AKC in the form of a monthly retirement fund be eligible to become a Delegate and secondly would he/ she be eligible to run for the Board of Directors as well? Is this a potential or actual conflict of interest under AKC R&R’s? And to take these situations one step further--which is certainly not the case with Mr. Lyons should a former employee who has been released for cause by AKC be permitted to become a Delegate much less sit on the Board of Directors? Resigned or even fired former employees of AKC fall into very special categories and are situations for which it is doubted that the original Constitution and or By-laws ever anticipated. Now that the elections are over for this year perhaps the Delegate Committees and/or the Board should take a look at these questions. Similarly should the Board be looking at this past election and review the extent of Staff and/or Delegate and Board participation in an apparent effort to unfairly manipulate delegate votes. These pages are not too certain how to prevent Delegate attempts to get “their” choices elected and not even certain that these attempts by Delegates fall into the area of a possible investigation but certainly the held and perceived notion that Staff should play no direct role in attempting to influence Delegates deserves to be strengthened rather than ignored. If it is true other former employees are considering looking for Delegate seats with the intention of running for the Board the problems raised above become even more acute in requiring Board and or Delegate anticipatory action.
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A DOG NEWS CONTINUING DISCOURSE
In light of AKC’s newly found monetary resources being used to develop it’s doggy care center and doggy collars and who knows what other schemes are in the air isn’t it time to reconsider re-opening the New York City AKC Library again? The millions of dollars being spent and earmarked for what some consider hair brained schemes that have little or no bearing on the mission of AKC makes the monies saved in reopening its Library on a daily basis to the dog loving public seem like peanuts. Similarly the republication of THE GAZETTE in print form is a project many within the Fancy would like to see AKC take and again how can AKC cry poor mouth when funds for these other projects are made so easily available? And as for the long forgotten and basically unsupported by AKC DOG MUSEUM for how long will this project be ignored as well? Till it goes under? What’s more important bonuses at the end of the year for Staff or the distribution of monies earned by AKC for projects that in the long run benefit not only the AKC and its constituents but the American dog loving public as well?
175 DOGS PLUS A GROUP OR TWO A DAY
The exhausting “job” of adjudicating at large Clusters of dog shows upwards of 525 dogs plus 3 to 6 groups over a 3-day period of time must be revisited by both the Board and the Judging Department. Not only are most people so exhausted by having these amounts of dogs the time period starting at 8am and ending at 8 to 9pm is absolutely overwhelming. And some of these Clusters last for four and five days and the number of dogs increase accordingly, which can result in poor opinions and decisions such that the adjudicator in some instances makes his or her decision just to get onto the next set of exhibits. If AKC is truly looking to improve judging one of the things to do is to streamline judges’ assignments in these giant Cluster situations and reduce not increase the number of dogs a judge may judge in an hour and keep group assignments to one type group per day! With the graying of judges these assignments become more and more difficult to perform and result in less and less competency in performance. These pages hardly endorse the practice of a show chairman who on Facebook recently sent out a request to any judge with just one or two breeds to apply to his club for an assignment as a means to reduce the number of dogs one adjudicates on in any given day but the existing set of numbers do not take into consideration the large Cluster numbers and is something worth changing.
THE MENTORING SITUATION
A very interesting article was recently written by an exhibitor complaining about how judges and others were being mentored by people whose dogs were in competition in the very ring in which the mentoring was taking place. The so-called mentors were allegedly overheard ripping competitors’ dogs in the rings! That is just an unacceptable situation which must be rectified by AKC’s Judging Department. Mentors must be free from bias and quite frankly should be free of negativity and push the positive aspects of the breed rather than the negative qualities of a dog being looked at for mentoring processes. The entire implementation of the mentoring process has been questionable. What started out as a pretty good idea has turned out to be circus-like in implementation with all too many times the Parent Club representatives being too limited and narrow about the breed with which to begin. Mentoring must be a positive type learning experience that is both unbiased and as free from personal prejudices as possible. The emphasis upon Parent Club input in any of these instances must be tempered such that deserving breeders who elect not to become members of their parent Clubs are represented in these kinds of exercises as well. Let’s face it, sometimes it can be shocking to see the people Parent Clubs select as Breed Club Educators and who are sitting outside the ring mentoring. Perhaps that’s when telephone mentoring becomes acceptable-when the Parent Club’s Breed Educators turn out to be acknowledged unsuccessful breeders of the breed they are chosen to represent.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Let’s trust that the Events Department does a thorough re-analysis of its Event Application for a Club to hold its show and writes in some sort of requirement that before Premium Lists are sent out that at the very least the Club has a signed contract for the venue the show is alleged to be held at. The recent Cherry Blossom fiasco can not be permitted to happen again and AKC must reconsider changing its original Application form to assure that before Premium Lists are distributed the show itself has legal assurance that it can hold the shows at the venues stated on the form. That sounds like a pretty easy and reasonable thing to expect and to accomplish as well, one would think.
Last Six Shows: Two Best In Specialty Shows, Four Group Firsts, Reserve Best In Show & Best In Show
Hedda Muliple All Breed & Specilaty Show Winning
GCH. Excelsia’s This Side of Paradise Sire: Ch. Cambria’s Out For Justice
Dam: MBIS MBISS GCh. Caryola’s Antigua WAC
Best In Show Judge Ms. Marjorie Underwood
RESERVE Best In Show Judge MrS. Lisa Warren
OWners
Naomi & Malcolm Barksdale Don & Nora Gau
Breeders
Naomi & Malcolm Barksdale Daniel Avedon Presented By
Andy Linton 12 Dog News
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Gluten Free
rental car or through the use of a local taxi. If neither is available, I go to the business office and create a dazzling sign that reads: PLEASE HELP THIS DOG SHOW JUDGE! I HAVE CELIAC DISEASE AND I HAVE NO TRANSPORATION TO THE MARKET. I NEED A RIDE TO THE STORE AND BACK. (Sometimes I feel like I should add a photo to the sign, like one of those canines in a dog-shaming picture.) You would be amazed how many dog show exhibitors come running to the rescue in hopes of increasing their chances of winning. And, on the flip side, how many turn their back hoping and praying I am forced to consume the dreaded gluten protein from the continental breakfast selections, leaving me no option By Michael H. Faulkner but to cancel my assignment. For the record, the chances of that happening are slim to none beell prepared food, like beautiful art, cause I follow the THREE-B Breakfast Rule: Boiled a well written book, a walk in nature, egg, bacon and banana. It has yet to fail me. a great bottle of wine, and well-bred Judge’s lunches are another story all togethdogs are passions that burn deep inside my er. Often I do not disclose my disease, as there soul. Throughout my fifty-five years, it has beare so many people that approach the issue come increasingly easier to navigate my pasfrom the fad perspective, and I truly do not want sions, and choose what fulfills my inner being. to be a bother. I would rather suck down waI select what art I want to look at, I choose my ter all day than make a spectacle. I enter every reading materials judiciously, I chart my favorjudge’s lunch in full anticipation of eating lettuce, ite wines, and breeding/judging dogs keeps maybe a tomato or two, a cucumber, and if I am me energized with the thought of the next TRULY fortunate, a piece of protein that has not great one appearing in the whelping box or been smothered in a wheat-thickened sauce. in my ring. However, as a Dog Show Judge, Club judge’s dinners, or going out to eat with which requires frequent traveling, my biggest fellow judges, are another issue all together. It dilemma is my passion for deliis a bit more complicated to not disclose cious and artfully prepared food. “When entering your dietary restriction in fear of collapsNot from the sense of not being a restaurant, ing in your room later in the evening due able to locate quality eating esdehydration, exhaustion, and pain, leavI make every to tablishments, but rather from the ing disappointed handlers who flew across attempt to the country to show their dog to you when constant desire to fall into a deep hole and discuss with absolutely quietly secure they read the Superintendent’s sign, taped no one that I have Celiac disease. a gluten free to the ring number, that you have been reTraveling to Dog Shows, as menu before moved from the panel because of GLUTEN an elite member of the Celiac Leaving you feeling like Typhoid sitting down.” SENSITIVITY. Community, is no easy task. I am Mary. not talking the Kardashian-fadWhen entering a restaurant, I make evtype of the disease, but rather the ery attempt to quietly secure a gluten free real deal type that leaves me with gastro intesmenu before sitting down. This alleviates the tinal explosions, debilitating joint pain, isolated need to explain issues to the other judges sitting psoriasis, constant coughing, weakness and at the table, and it relieves me from having to overbearing fatigue. endure a barrage of questions and statements At the airport and on the plane, my opthat often include: tions are extremely slim---potato chips, yogurt, “I could not live without bread.”– Usually salad with no dressing, and nuts. You have no said while they pull a thick slice of warm bread— idea how many times I glide through the food slathered in butter---from a basket directly in courts, especially in Charlotte, North Carolina, front of my face. just wishing that I could sit down to a big break“Can’t you just cheat?” My response: “Sure fast, a large juicy burger on a thick toasted bun, thing! I really get a kick out of rolling around in a larger order of French fries, the Asian buffet, agony, waiting for the next gastrointestinal detofried chicken, etc. Cross contamination of the nation.” fried food, soy sauce with wheat additives, and “Seriously, are you just doing this to be everything wheat, leaves me feeling like one of trendy?” My response: “Yes, I am depriving myour backyard squirrels, constantly in fear of not self of invitingly-delicious to be ever-so trendy.” being able to locate the last nut or seed. “All gluten free foods taste like shit.” My reIf I am lucky, which often I am not, when I sponse: “Actually not when I cook it at home… check into the dog show host hotel the room but thank you for reminding me so what I will will have a small refrigerator to accommodate most probably find here.” gluten free purchases that I make using my “I tried Gluten free foods to lose weight
the
Lighter Side
JuDging
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once.” My response: “This is when I really want to hurt you.” “We are all going out to eat tomorrow night, so you probably will not want to come.” My response: “Yes, I will stay in my hotel room and drink water.” “At least you will not be tempted by all of this wonderful tasting food.” My response: “No problem, I prefer the nasty tasting selection. Frequently the first question that I ask the waiter is…What is your least appetizing selection?’” “Oh, I am on the gluten free diet, too. It is horrible tasting. I plan on giving it up.” My response: “I admire your strength. Now, go to hell!” “You are so brave. I would die if I were you. My response: “Then Die!” I am always careful to tell the server that I am not gluten-free by choice, I have Celiac disease, so please be careful. This usually leaves the kitchen staff in a tirade, and it leaves me in fear of intentional contamination. And to be honest, it sucks because I love good, well-prepared food. Not to mention that when I judge overseas I have to learn to say “no gluten, wheat four, barley, or rye” in multiple languages. I would love to be able to leave the house for a dog show weekend and not think twice about what I am going to eat. It would be great if something as simple as food did not have to be complicated, but rather enjoyed as one of my deepest passions. Yes, things are changing, and there are more options for those with Celiac disease, for those who are gluten sensitive, and for those who enjoy the concept of being gluten free. Come August of this year, I will travel to Greeley, Colorado to judge the Golden Retriever Club of America Western Regional Specialty. I am certain there will be dogs that inspire, I will make the time to walk to experience the state’s natural beauty, I will visit a few art galleries, read a novel or two on the flight out and back, and if am a lucky enough, my friend and fellow Golden Retriever fancier, LORI BAUMANN, who is currently working at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, will personally deliver me gluten free options to fill that burning passion deep within my soul.
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DANNY 16 Dog News
The Top Winning Pomeranian in Breed History... National Specialty Show Winner America’s Number Two* Dog Among All Breeds 2015
Platinum GCh. HiTimes What The Inferno Owned by Bonnie Bird Presented By Curtiss Smith *The Dog News Top Ten List
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Inside The Sport Facebook And Crufts/Center Stage By Pat Trotter
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wo amazing things that happened recently are truly worthy of sharing! One of those relates to my long-standing uneasiness with anything called “Facebook,” which evidently reveals one’s life to the whole world. The fact is I can’t keep up with my own life much less the lives of everyone else. Anyhow, while judging last weekend a delightful terrier entered my ring and the taking of the resulting win picture produced the surprise of the weekend. When asked if the exhibitor bred the dog, the young lady responded with “No, I got him off Facebook.” I almost fell over as she related how she had seen the dog’s picture as an eight-week old puppy and purchased him sight unseen from Slovakia. The details of how long it took to get him and so on were quite involved. My original exposure to Facebook came years ago when a close friend sent me an email inviting me to be friends. I promptly deleted this because we were already friends. After receiving another such request a few days later, I finally telephoned the friend and got it straight. It wasn’t just being friends; it was a network of many who stay in touch with each other. For me it was a late wakeup call to the world of the 21stCentury or something of that nature. Anyhow, because I wasn’t into the concept, my friend and I agreed telephone conversations would continue to suffice for us. And so they did until my friend’s death a few years later. Now the young lady who lives with us is an expert with technology, so she keeps me posted if there is something I truly need to know on Facebook. So it isn’t as though I am totally out there on another planet these days. Yet the idea of purchasing a dog through Facebook was foreign to me. However, when people have been purchasing dogs and selecting breeding stock from old-fashioned pictures forever, why should that be? My recollection is that the Slovakian Facebook provided videos as well as standing pictures of the puppy. And the purchaser researched pedigrees and evidently did her homework before acquiring this outstanding young dog. Bear in mind that Slovakia wasn’t exactly close for her, as she told me she was living in Hawaii at the time. Slovakia was once part of Czechoslovakia and is located in Central Europe. No doubt about it, as more dimensions are being added to the world in general and our world of dogs in particular, the opportunity to bring more diversified quality bloodlines 18 Dog News
to our existing American gene pools is a good thing. As for me, it opened my eyes to all the potential good in the world of Facebook and helps combat all the ugly things I have heard about it. Maybe it’s time for me to update my old-school thinking! Another interesting turn of events occurred at Crufts when an American Longhaired Dachshund shown au naturale won the competitive variety and went on to place in the Hound Group. Evidently the Brits do not believe in taking much hair off, so the American breeder did not strip or trim this dog for the best part of five months in order to present him at Crufts. I’m told his neck and outline looked quite different covered in hair and applaud the exhibitor for taking such a dramatic step. This indeed was a show of respect for another country’s way of doing things and much welcomed following the criticisms of previous American performances at Crufts. Actually, the trimming and over-trimming of dogs is a subject of concern in many breeds in the U.S. today as well. In the short time the Berger Picard has enjoyed regular AKC status, it is becoming more and more trimmed even as the breed standard emphatically states the breed is rustic, shaggy, not sculpted, shaped or scissored. Furthermore, excessive grooming is to be “severely penalized.” Berger Picard breeders are requesting judges pay serious attention to this aspect of their standard. Consider what has happened to the Bouvier des Flandres over the years. Early breed standards called for this rugged farm dog to be both rough coated and tousled, and even went so far as to describe the breed as “seemingly badly groomed.” Today the Bouvier is one of the most sculpted dogs at the dog show. The PBGV also has suffered from zealous over-grooming where exhibitors seem to think more is better when it comes to grooming. And what about breeds such as the Newfoundland and Golden Retriever? My own breed has become plagued by this problem of late with excessive trimming and grooming. Shearing of the underline and scissoring of the hindquarters do indeed make a Norwegian Elkhound look dramatically taller on leg and shorter in body. Yet the standard clearly states “the coat is not altered by trimming.” Furthermore, why create a faulty extreme tuck up when the standard calls for “very little tuckup?” Some of these barbered dogs are al-
ready too tubular in body even though the Elkhound standard calls for a deep chest that is moderately broad with well sprung ribs. Excessive trimming of these dogs produces an incorrect stick figure of a dog. Pity the judge who would like to follow these sacred words from the standards but is presented with a ring full of dogs all trimmed to the nines with the best ones amongst those said exhibits. Should the judge put up the best dog even though it is over-groomed for the breed? Or should the judge go with a lesser dog that follows the breed standard on grooming but not on much else? Judges are constantly faced with such perplexing calls. There is always the question of who bears the most responsibility in this ongoing dilemma-the judge or the exhibitor. Judges can only judge what is presented to them in the ring, and the grooming is just one factor in the decision. Furthermore, the current mind-set of the fancy seems comfortable with lower expectations all the time. Thus some may find it easier to learn to groom mediocre animals perfectly rather than struggling on to breed outstanding better ones. One wonders if the day will come when judges are asked to pass out “participant” ribbons. Breeder responsibility becomes more difficult as the years go on with large kennels becoming a thing of the past resulting in fewer dogs from which to select, causing dwindling gene pools in many of our breeds. Breeders face more obstacles today than at any time since I registered my first litter of Norwegian Elkhounds in 1951. Yet the ultimate responsibility for most things related to the exhibition of purebred dogs does indeed rest on the breeder. For the breeder is after all, the backbone of the sport. Let us hope we are worthy and able to carry this weight. Meanwhile, the sport’s gratitude should go out to the two visionary young women mentioned in the events of this article-the one who imported a dog from a country that has existed only since 1993 and the other who showed her dog in the old-fashioned style of the past at the world’s largest dog show. It gives the old-timers lots of faith in the younger generation.
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Question the
Of the week By Matthew H. Stander
Do you think AKC is recognizing too many new breeds or should there be no limit on the number of breeds recognized so long as they meet the requirements established by AKC?
Cliff Steele
I don’t see an issue.
Anne Hier
Yes. Most of the new breeds coming in are being pushed through without enough interest numerically. As a result, finding any unbiased, long-standing breed experts and quality examples of many of these breeds for judges education purposes is rather difficult and questionable. The solution to declining registrations in breeds that have been around for generations is not to bring in more marginal breeds to further dilute participation. Granted, some of the breeds on the docket do have excellent examples and quality breeding pools worldwide. However, breeds that have been basically “invented” in the last few decades or breeds that are just some variation of a long-recognized breed are problematic.
Alicia Hanna
Yes, I believe there should be restrictions on the number of breeds recognized. There is a disturbing decline in the quality of judging because judges are struggling to make good decisions based upon clear understanding of the Breed Standards presently in place. The constant influx of newly approved breeds only exacerbates the problem.
Lorene Hogan
I don’t think they should recognize more.
Camille McArdle, DVM
I am troubled by what seems to be too much haste and, in some cases, poor selection of breeds recognized. New breeds get full recognition before they can offer National Specialty Conformation or Judges Education (e.g. Cirneco, Sloughi) and in some cases are barely exhibited anywhere following recognition. How are judges supposed to learn about them? In other cases, breeds known for aggression (Boerbel) or extreme spookiness have been recognized recently or are on track for recognition. I watched Azawakh judging at Eukanuba and the breed could not be touched. I understand the Dogo Argentino is also in the works; will we see the Fila Brasiliero next? Experienced dog people may be able to handle them properly but are these dogs safe in the hands of the general American public? A lot more thought needs to go into adding new breeds, with concentration on 22 Dog News
the numbers actually available for AKC events as well as how a breed might be wrongly used by the segment of society that values big and mean. The Doberman and the Rottweiler are still red flagged by home insurers, many years after achieving recognition as the “Mean Dog of the Decade” back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, in spite of so much work by the parent clubs to undo the damage since then. And what kind of message is the AKC sending about responsible dog ownership if they admit breeds that cannot be approached or are dangerous to approach? Increased numbers of some of the new breeds in the hands of inexperienced people is a natural consequence of AKC recognition. At the shelter where I work we have had purebred Cane Corsos, a Dogue de Bordeaux (!), and a Presa in quarantine for dog-on-human attacks just in the last six months. How many incidents of bites and maulings will it take to further the restrictions against dog ownership and increase the regulatory burdens being placed upon all of us? AKC should be a leader in this arena.
Barbara Lounsbury Anderson
It’s all about the bottom line. More breeds, more dollars.
Ruby Hertz
I think that the AKC is obligated to abide by its own rules and has to adhere to the criteria it has set for admitting new breeds. Some groups have gotten very large. I think the AKC needs to realign some groups a project they have given up in the past because change generates so much negative reaction.
Anne Bowes
I believe that at least for the present time, the AKC should recognize any breed club that meets the established requirements. It is no secret that the conformation side of our sport has experience shrinking participation for at least the past 5-10 years. Folks interested in “new” breeds are some of our most enthusiastic exhibitors! They are often new to our sport and excited about being a part of AKC events. We need them! I am Chairman of a sub-committee of the AKC Delegate Parent Club Committee whose mission is to help new parent breed clubs who are currently in the process. We encourage and help them proceed to AKC Member status. We will be with them throughout the process to answer their questions and also we will be there to welcome their first Delegate into the AKC Delegate body.
Elaine Paquette
Unfortunately with current state of dog shows I do not think that there should be a limit to the amount of new recognized breeds. New breeds equals new people involved in this sport.
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CRUFTS SUCCESSES AND CONTROVERSIES
Irving's Impressions By Ronnie Irving
But mainly successes
Crufts this year was celebrating its 125th anniversary, though of course the 1891 show that we all currently regard as the first Crufts, was actually the seventh major show that Charles Cruft had organised. It was the first to use the ‘Cruft’ name and as shown in a recent issue of Dog News, the great man himself actually described the show in its premium list as ‘Cruft’s Seventh Great Dog Show’. Incidentally that same premium list states that the prize money in offer in 1891 was £2,000, the equivalent in today’s money of £178,000 ($250,000). This year the prize for Best in Show at Crufts was £100 ($144)! But this year’s event can, in my opinion, be regarded as a great success. A great success that is, apart from a couple of incidents that were picked upon by the national media after some outbursts on them in canine social media. More of those issues later. Why do I regard the event as a success? First of all because it had its biggest entry of dogs since 2010 with 21,919 dogs making a total of 24,462 entries. Don’t forget that at UK shows you can enter a dog in more than one class if you so choose, and people often do. And don’t forget also that all of the dogs entered at Crufts have to qualify at other championship points shows during the previous year, before being able to attend. Another success for the show was that it had its highest ever entry of overseas dogs with 3,396 from a total of over 47 countries outside the UK competing. 26 Dog News
GOOD PUBLIC ATTENDANCE
Yet another encouraging feature was that the Crufts public attendance once again broke all records with more than 160,000 people attending the event at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre over the four days of the show. Some readers will remember the furore that met the introduction of Veterinary Inspections for the 14 so-called ‘High Profile Breeds’ at Crufts Show in 2012. Though there are still a few people who hold out against these tests and though sometimes dogs do get through the examination that aesthetically may not be all that you would hope for, nevertheless most people agree that the progress that this has caused for most of the breeds, has been phenomenal. Indeed the well known Finnish All Round Judge Kari Järvinen, who this year judged the Working Group at Crufts, said in his judging report: “I would like to compliment TKC and the British breeders for the improvements in health and fitness seen on my enjoyment around all rings. In this group I thought I saw a miracle of good responsible breeders.” Knowing the amount of effort that the Finns themselves have put into canine health and welfare over the last twenty or so years, I regard that as praise indeed. And add to that the degree of scepticism that met the initial introduction of the tests among some FCI people, then all of these issues can be regarded as a success.
PERSONAL ENJOYMENT
I have to admit that you usually regard a show as a success if you personally enjoyed it. Though last year I had the honour of judging Best in Show at Crufts, this year I was even more pleased to judge my own breed – Border Terriers. This was the second time I had judged the breed there, the first having been in 1977. The difference in numbers of the breed between then and now is staggering. Even although this year’s entry of the breed at 239 was somewhat down on last year it was well in excess of the entry in 1977. Then the number of Border Terriers was only 66. Just an indication of how fashion can affect a breed over the years. But the depth of quality of the dogs included in this year’s entry of 239 was very high in my opinion and that too added to my enjoyment of the show – as did the fact that the Border Terrier Best of Breed winner went on to take second
in the Terrier Group, beaten there only by the eventual Best in Show winner. But perhaps the most important success of all for the 2016 show has been its two top winners. The Best in Show West Highland White Terrier Ch Burneze Geordie Girl has captured the imagination of the UK general public. She is just 20 months old and seems to be a great character. I was pleased, last September when she was only 14 months old and entered in the Junior Class, to award her the CC and Best of Breed at the Darlington Championship Show. She is handled by Marie Burns who coowns and co-bred her with her Mother Ann. Marie Burns in the interview after winning Best in Show said that this was the first time she had ever had a dog in the Group Ring at Crufts, let alone win the Group and compete in the final Best in Show line up. But this dog epitomises the best and biggest part of the British show scene. It comes from a small kennel that has consistently produced champions over the years, And one of the really good things about this West Highland is that she is not, like some Westies, over presented. The Reserve Best in Show winning Whippet Ch Nothing Compares to You at Crosscop was also a popular win – again from a small kennel owed by Mrs Leigh Morris, Mr George Waddell and Miss Charley Donaldson. Again quite a young bitch of only just over two years. It was Charley Donaldson who handled the bitch to top awards and she, at only nineteen years of age, is possibly the youngest person ever to pilot a dog to this top award. In fact this kennel had enjoyed a very good day having won the Bitch CC and best of Breed and also the Reserve Bitch CC with her older sister in the huge entry of 397 individual Whippets. Neither of the top winners was part of what you might call the canine glitterati! So there were many factors which made for a successful Crufts. Sadly however it is often the negative aspects of a show which gain the greatest attention both in social media and also in the national media. Last year we had the alleged poisoning of an Irish Setter which turned out not to have been poisoned at Crufts at all. This was quickly followed by what has come to be known as ‘Tailgate’ when Rebecca Cross lifted the Best in Show winning Scottish Terrier from the judging table by using her neck and tail. That didn’t seem to upset the Scottie one little bit. But it did upset the press and the gossips who love to latch on to something negative.
GERMAN SHEPHERD CONTROVERSY
This year was unfortunately no exception with a huge storm over the Best of Breed winning German Shepherd bitch. I didn’t see the Group but I understand that the GSD’s performance in the Pastoral (Herding) Group Ring left a good deal to be desired. She was apparently extremely agitated and the TV program commentators talked about the dog being “distinctly unsettled” in the ring and they said she was “not doing her best in the ring.” Continued on page 68
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Remembering
Cathy Nelson by Seymour Weiss
Cathy Nelson was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; she was also the most tried and true friend anyone could want. Cathy left this life on February 13 after a brief illness and the dog world has become a lonelier place without her.
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hose who knew Cathy also knew that she was a brilliant dog person and her breed choice, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, presents unique challenges in breeding, keeping and showing to all who accept those challenges. Cathy met every challenge head on with resolute determination and the will to succeed – and succeed she did, in spades! She acquired her first Dandie from Nancy Mann, whose Woodbourne prefix is associated with many of the breed’s finest. Cathy was from the Chicago area and eventually relocated to Potomac, Maryland where she spent the rest of her life. However, she didn’t stay in Potomac, but became a world traveler with numerous trips to a host of places many of us can only dream about. China, South America, continental Europe, Great Britain and Antarctica were just some of the places she visited, explored and recorded for her own pleasure and for that of many others. Cathy was an accomplished artist. Many of her renderings were delightfully whimsical in nature while 30 Dog News
others were more serious and her illustrations depicting a number of breed standards allowed countless fanciers to better understand the dogs with which they share their lives. As a breeder Cathy was preeminent, testament to which are the 83 owner-handled homebred champions Cathy produced. She was always a serious contender and gave the best of herself in the ring, in the studio and wherever else this remarkable person applied her prodigious talents. Cathy Nelson set the bar very high for all her peers. Numerous honors went back to the home in Potomac. A
multitude of Specialty and Group victories went to Pennywise Dandies for many years, but perhaps the most memorable show ring triumph was the 1993 Westminster Group for the unforgettable Ch. Pennywise The Butler Did It. The picture of Cathy in her beautiful costume and Butler looking the picture of the Dandie Standard with both performing perfectly is a vision those friends of the breed who saw it will never forget. Cathy also always paid it forward. Just as her dogs were always impeccably presented, she also shared her artistic talent for grooming to all who sought help. Likewise in breeding, Cathy was a fountain of help and precious information for all. She served the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America in numerous capacities including many terms as president, and had just begun a judging career. Everything she did truly benefitted everyone around her. Cathy was also a proud member of the Montgomery County Kennel Club, president of Columbia Terrier Club of Maryland and the National Capitol Kennel Club and was active in other clubs in Maryland and environs. Will the dog fancy ever fully realize what we have lost? Not likely. We can, however, consider ourselves blessed that Cathy Nelson was in the dog fancy, in the Dandie breed and in our lives. To her sons, Douglas and Jeffery, her daughters in law and her grandchildren, we share your loss and will remember together this amazing friend. Before concluding this tribute, I would be remiss not to mention her great friend and fellow road warrior Norma Ryan. This pair hung together, showed together and worked together for the benefit of Dandie Dinmonts and everything that made the dog game special. Rest well Cathy Nelson, legions of people will never forget you.
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*The Dog News Top Ten List **CC System
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York Kennel Club - Wednesday & Friday Delaware County Kennel Club - Saturday English Springer Spaniel
GCh. Cerise Blindside Judge Mr. Alfred Ferruggiaro Judge Ms. Carol Brown Judge Mr. Robert Vandiver Owner Dorothy Cherry Handler Howard Huber Jr.
Bests
Shenandoah Valley Kennel Club - Saturday 15” Beagle
GCh. Torquay Midnight Victory
Judge Mr. James E. Noe Owners Marcelo Chagas, Dr. Roger P. Travis, Marco Flavio & Alessandra Botelho Handler Marcelo Chagas
Week of the
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
Lancaster Kennel Club Delaware Kennel Club Boxer
GCh. Mephisto’s Speak of the Devil Judge Mrs. Margaret Reed Judge Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark Owners Mrs. Jack Billhardt & Sergio Tenenbaum Handler Diego Garcia Evansville Kennel Club - Saturday Greyhound
GCh. GrandCru Giaconda
Judge Mr. James Reynolds Owners Melanie Steele, Amy Phelan, Rose Tomlin and Rindi Gaudet Handler Rindi Gaudet Miniature Pinscher Club of America
GCh. Marlex Classic Red Glare
Judge Mr. Jason Hoke Owners Leah Monte and Armando Angelbello Handler Armando Angelbello American Brussels Griffon Association National Specialty
GCh. Seagryphs Sleeping With The Anemone Judge Mr. Peter Green Owners Dr. Kellie Rogers, Mrs. Maud Rogers, Mr. Adam Bernardin, Dr. Monroe Kornfeld, Mrs. Edna Kornfeld Handler Mr. Adam Bernardin
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” The Nation’s
Group First Thank you Judge Mr. Stephen Hubbell
! d n u o h d o o l B e n O r e b m u N
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GCh. Quiet Creek’s Limited Edition CHIC
Breeders/Owners: & Susan LaCroix Hamil John Hamil, DVM nds Quiet Creek Bloodhou rnia Laguna Beac h, Califo Handlers: ltz Bruce and Tara Sc hu *CC & The Dog News
d
Top Ten List - All Bree
Dog News 37
Ten Questions asked of
David Frei
Born: Portland, Oregon • Reside: New York City Marital Status: Married • Astrological Sign: Aries
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6 7 8 9 10
When did you start showing and how did that first show go?
How many shows do you attend a year, and which three are your favorite ones?
My Afghan puppy won his 2-4 class at my first match back in about 1972, but it didn’t really set me off at that time. It was fun, but dog shows were not my deal.
20-25 shows. Four favorites: National Dog Show (Kennel Club of Philadelphia), the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills, Westminster (of course) and the Cavalier National Specialty.
How difficult was it to finish your championship?
Who from dogs would you like to see on the television show “Duck Dynasty?”
I married into it, my wife was a great handler and she made it look easy. As I started to show myself, it seemed a lot harder for me than it looked for her.
What things in the world of dogs brings you the greatest joy?
Other than your own breed, what other breeds do you like?
I am supposed to love them all, of course, but here goes: Standard Poodles in a sporting clip, Boxers, Goldens, Labs, Beagles, PBGV, Doberman Pinschers, Long Coat Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, Havanese, German Shepherds … and the list goes on.
4 5
Which dog person of the opposite sex would you be? Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge.
How do you feel about AKC’s role in our sport?
I worry that the AKC is doing more and more of the things I think they should do less of, and less and less of the things that I think they need to do more of. The AKC needs to get out of its bunker mentality when it comes to the media. Time to stand up and be eloquent about purebred dogs without being defensive or apologetic, in the words of Bill Shelton, “purebred proud.” Speaking for us in the sport and advocating for purebred dogs should be the AKC’s full-time focus. 38 Dog News
Gene Zaphiris.
My own dogs working as therapy dogs in the Ronald McDonald House and at the VA Hospital here in New York, and any other dogs and their humans who do the same anywhere.
What characteristics do you admire in others and strive to emulate? Honesty, integrity, and “I got your back” loyalty with your friends, your colleagues, and the people who work for you; add in a sense of humor and not being too serious about yourself. Knowing what it is that you don’t know.
If you could afford to host an elegant catered dinner party, name at least three dogs and/or people you would like to invite? Lots of dogs: All of my own through the years, including Grace and Angel; three WKC BIS dogs who had more of an impact outside of rather than in the show ring (Uno, James, Rufus); Dakota (Golden Retriever star of my first book) and his human partner, Mike Lingenfelter; my Dad; Teddy Roosevelt; Pope Francis; Chet Collier; Wayne Ferguson; Patty Kanan; John O’Hurley; Mary Carillo; Hunter Thompson and Tom Brokaw to cover it; my wife (Cheri, a Catholic chaplain) to do the blessing; Gordon Ramsay to do the meal; Steve Griffith to do the PR and Mary Bloom to photograph it!
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2016 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed Thank you Judge Mr. Richard William Powell
#1 Miniature Schnauzer 2015 *
Multiple Best In Show
GOLD GCh. Yanga’s
Owners Octavio Martinez & Hot Paws Breeder Yangas Kennel Handler Christian Rangel & Team *CC All Breed
Time
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All The
MEXICO
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Multiple Best In Specialty Show Multiple Best In National Specailty Show Winner Dog News 39
Celebrating T
125 Years of Crufts By David Frei
By Barbara Lounsbury Anderson
00 Dog Dog News News 40
PART ONE
his year marked the 125th anniversary of the dog show that still bears the name of its founder Charles Cruft. The original show, held in London, included 35 breeds, including several dogs owned by Queen Victoria. From a total of 2,500 dogs to over 22,000, the show now includes nearly 200 breeds, with several making their debut this year. Breed classes were offered for the first time for the Cirneco Dell’Etna and the Lagotto Romanolo. Three additional breeds were shown in the “variety” classes for the first time: the Azawakh, Hungarian Pumi & Picardy Sheepdog. By the way, in the head count of the original 1891 entry, Mr. Cruft included a number of stuffed dogs from a taxidermy exhibit in order to inflate the numbers! This year marked my 20th trip to Birmingham. I’ve missed only one year, that of the infamous hoof-and-mouth disease outbreak when the show was cancelled and subsequently held in May, a time when my university obligations made the trip impossible. Two groups are benched and judged each day with the exception of Gundog day. Entries are so large that only the one group competes, this time on day two of the show. And thus some of the controversy that arises each year began. But let me begin at the beginning. Day One, March 10th, was Toy and Utility (non-sporting) day. Entries in many breeds are huge, with 255 Papillons, 292 Pugs and 245 Bulldogs. Silkies had the lightest entry with only 13. The press facilities at Crufts are unsurpassed, with a large room, lots of seating, wonderfully efficient Kennel Club people to answer questions, press calls and, not to be overlooked, tea and coffee available all day – gratis. There are photographers and reporters from all over the world; I sat one afternoon with a group that represented Belgium, Austria, Japan, Greece, Poland and Russia. I’ve made good friends over the years and spending time with such far-flung dog people is one of the most enjoyable parts of my annual pilgrimage. James Skinner is in charge of the “press corps” and does an awesome job at making things easy for us. His patience is astonishing. He left after two days on personal business, turning the job over to two equally efficient and personable Kennel Club press people. We owe a “thank you” to all of the folks with the Kennel Club and the NEC who make our very hectic four days immeasurably better. At about 5 o’clock many of the photographers and reporters make their way to the Genting Arena where the group judging takes place. The evening’s festivities also include other events that are designed to entertain the general public, including agility, flyball, heelwork to music, police dog demos, and the junior handling finals. All of the activities taking place in the main ring during the day were streamed live via YouTube. Toy breeds were first up on Thursday evening, with Mrs. Val Blore doing the honors. She found her Group winner in the Peke CH Yakee Ooh Aah Can-
tona, owned by the very successful team of Bert Easdon and Philip Martin. The Yakee dogs have been also very successful here. Reserve Best of Group [sic] went to the Havanese CH Larwinsca Lady Guinevere owned by the Claytons with Italian Greyhound bitch Florita Tueletta in third place. She is owned by Miss H. Lister. Fourth place was clearly the crowd favorite, a lovely little Pom with a string of titles who hailed from Norway, owned by Mrs. Lemtun and Mr. Kaald. Her name was N UCH/ SE UCH/DKCK Alpha Lyrae ‘s Be My Lover. Speaking of Havanese, I had heard that my friend Stuart Band who had come to New York to cover the Garden for the British dog weekly Our Dogs had wound up in the hospital in NYC and was quite ill while he was over here. Glad to say that I caught up with him in the press room and he’s doing fine after a very scary few days. Utility followed next. The make-up of the group is nearly identical to our Nonsporting, with a few idiosyncrasies, such as the inclusion of the Mini Schnauzer and the exclusion of the Bichon (they’re in the Toy group). First in group went to Ch Longdale’s Jen You Win JW SHCM. The titles as the end of her name represent titles that young dogs can achieve prior to the championship title. She won under American expat Mary Deats, herself a notable Schipperke breeder who came to the UK years ago with the U.S. military. She told me that she’s finally returning to the U.S. where she’s bought a house in the Carolinas. This little dog is a German Spitz (Klein) meaning, to those of you who don’t speak German, the smaller variety. It’s a spitz breed and looks a bit like a larger, old-fashioned Pom. (This is where the German Spitz people will no doubt become cranky.) Second in Group was the Japanese Shiba Inu Cro/ Balt CH Vormund Leonardo DiCaprio owned by famous breeder/handler Liz Dunhill’s daughter, Michaela Dunhill-Hall. Liz had her daughter in the ring as a toddler and so winning is not a new experience for her. Mrs. And Miss Godfrey’s Toy Poodle CH Aedan Talk of the Town was third, with fourth in group going to the Lhasa CH Forochel Fjord owned by the Dungate/Minton team. It’s difficult to imagine the size and scope of the show without actually being there. The NEC is an enormous convention/exhibition complex comprised of nearly 20 halls, many offices, and even a shopping mall. The show takes up five of the halls, plus the huge arena where the group judging takes place. It is an area of over 100,000 square feet. I wore my “fitbit” device and uploaded the info while killing time at the airport on Tuesday. In the four days of the show, I walked more than 25 miles! Wish I could say the same for my day-to-day fitness regime at home! In addition to many dozens of rings, there are more than 200 trade stands at which you can literally shop ‘til you drop. It’s apparent that many of the 150,000 spectators come just for the shopping, wheeling suitcases or shopping carts from vendor to vendor. For reasons I’ve never understood, the super mop stand is perennially a big hit. Well, come to think of it, I guess I CAN see why dog people would travel all day to buy a great mop. There are, of course, many dog-related stands selling herbal remedies, collars and leads, grooming equipment, etc. If you’re a collector, there are ample opportunities to buy artwork and collectibles. I used to come home laden down with stuff. Now I limit my purchasing to something that I can’t buy here, such as the great waxed jacket I snagged on Sunday for half price.
Day Two was Gundog (Sporting) day, with the largest entries of the show. Breeds with very large entries are divided by sex, with two different judges presiding. When it comes time for BOB, the two confer. If they can’t come to consensus, there is a referee available (usually the Group judge) who will break the tie. Largest entries were in Goldens with 569 and Labs with 588. But the entry in other breeds is equally mindboggling: imagine 203 Welsh Springers! This is the first time I saw a German Longhaired pointer of which there were 22. The Gamekeepers’ classes are a favorite of mine, largely because there is still such a thing as a Gamekeeper in Britain. When I asked the ring steward years ago for a definition of Gamekeeper he replied, “Madam, a Gamekeeper is one who keeps the game.” Alrighty then… So here’s the definition according to the catalog: classes are confined to owners who are employed as bona fide head, singlehanded, beat or under-keepers, river keepers or stalkers, or those retired… Hope that helps. The finals are held in the big ring in the evening, and it’s really interesting to compare the conformation of the working gundogs with their show dog counterparts. I think that most American fanciers would be hard-pressed to identify a working Springer, for example. Winner of the Gundog group under was a lovely Gordon Setter which sparked the first major controversy of the show. It unleashed such an outcry that it actually made the national papers the next day. He was a very nice Gordon Setter called SH CH Lourdace Fulcrum JW and the judge was Di Arrowsmith. The Kennel Club defended the win stating to the press that the dog had won on several levels in order to appear in the big ring. No one, however, was faulting the merits of the dog. What they WERE a bit riled about is the fact that judge Ms. Arrowsmith gave Group One to her sister’s dog! The TKC pointed out that no rules were broken, and the dog’s owner, sister Josie Baddeley, was quoted as saying that “she expected no favours from her sister as the two are not close.” SERIOUSLY??? While there are rules about not showing to relatives at the breed level, there are apparently no such rules at the Group level and the Gordon’s owner must have said, “But after all, how can I miss this - it’s Crufts!” I remember in years past when Norfolk breeder, the late Elizabeth Mattell, did a lap of honor prior to group judging because the judge was a close friend. Now THAT’S class. Second in the gundog group was the Chesapeake Bay Retriever SH CH Arnac Bay Exe owned by P. Uncles. The SH prefix stands for show champion. Only full champions (meaning conformation and field) can use just the CH in front of their names. And, as you might imagine, they are rare as hen’s teeth. In third place was the new breed the Lagotto Romagnolo from Sweden, making this an historic moment for the breed. Her name was CH Gleska Goody-Goody (apologies for skipping the 10 or so titles before and after her name. Suffice it to day she must be a good one!) She is owned by K. Van Gemert. Fourth place went to the Flat Coat CH Castlerock Simply Magic, another dog with an abundance of European titles owned by Miss A. Dyren. TO BE CONTInUED IN A FUTURE ISSUE.
“It’s difficult to imagine the size and scope of the show without actually being there. The NEC is an enormous convention/ exhibition complex comprised of nearly 20 halls, many offices, and even a shopping mall. The show takes up five of the halls, plus the huge arena where the group judging takes place. It is an area of over 100,000 square feet.”
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Are other mammals, such as dogs or horses, susceptible to the Zika virus?
and
your
VET
By Merry Fitzgerald, DVM.
42 Dog News
Zika virus disease has been in the news a lot lately. It is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually do not get sick enough to go to the hospital, and Zika virus disease is rarely fatal. For this reason, many people may not realize they have been infected. Once a person has been infected, they are likely to be protected from future infections. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitos can then spread the virus to other people through bites. A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus. Zika virus in pregnant women has been linked to serious birth defects, such as microcephaly (abnormally small head), and miscarriage. The virus can also be spread by people through sexual contact and there have been multiple reports of viral transmission during blood transfusion. Zika virus was first discovered in a monkey with a mild fever in the Zika Forest of Uganda in the 1940s. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika infection in Brazil, and on February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern. Because Brazil is experiencing an outbreak of Zika virus, the Center for Disease Control has advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to Brazil. The Brazil Ministry of Health has reported that an increased number of people who have been infected with the Zika virus have also been diagnosed with Guillan-Barre’ syndrome. GBS is a rare illness of the nervous system in which a person’s own immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness, and sometimes, paralysis. It is not known if there is a link between these two diseases. No local mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases have been reported in the United States, but there have been travelassociated cases. With the recent outbreaks, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the US will likely increase. Presently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medication to treat Zika infections. At this time, animals do not appear to be involved in the spread of Zika virus. There is no evidence that the virus is spread to people from contact with animals. No reports of pets or other types of animals contracting the virus have been made. The Center for Disease Control states that animals in the US are not at risk of becoming sick with Zika virus. Continued on page 73
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Oregon Dog Judges
2016 Sporting Breed Seminars by Dianne Kroll
ODJ Seminars Chairman 2016 Photo by Kay Reamensnyder
O
regon Dog Judges hosted its 14th year of judge education seminars held in conjunction with the Rose City Classic Cluster in Portland, OR. Attendees came in from all regions of the continent, from 16 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Fourteen Sporting Breeds were presented, each day focused on Retrievers, Spaniels, or Pointing Breeds – plus the newest member of the sporting group, the Lagotto Romagnolo (otherwise known as the truffles dog.)
14 Dog News
In addition to breed seminars, ODJ offered “In the Field” presentations each day to give judges an insight into the function our sporting breeds were developed for, along with an overview of AKC Hunt Test and Field Trial events. These sessions were well-attended with a fully-engaged audience fascinated by competition ‘on the other side of the fence’. Next year, ODJ will focus on Hound Breeds with four days of seminars, including more “In the Field” sessions. Visit us at www. oregondogjudges.org for more information.
ONE WEEKEND TWO ALL BREED BEST IN SHOWS Sincere thanks to Judge Bonnie Threlfall for this amazing Best In Show, and to the Group and Breed Judge Mr. Allen Odom
Araina
IT’S GOOD TO BE QUEEN
MULTIPLE Best In Show, MULTIPLE GROUP WINNING,
GRAND CHAMPION SUNLIT’S QUEEN OF EVERYTHING
Sincere thanks to Judge Stephanie Hedgepath for this wonderful, consecutive, Best In Show and to the Group and Breed Judge Mr. Houston Clark
PRESENTED BY: TARA M. RICHARDSON, BREEDER/OWNER/HANDLER CO-OWNED AND ADORED BY: PAMELA WINKELMEIER Dog News 47
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Off The Leash By Shaun Coen
Out in the Cold in Alaska and Bringing Dogs To The Masses
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he Alaska Board of Game, part of the state’s Department of Fish and Game, is in the midst of considering 140 regulatory proposals in meetings that will continue through March 28. Tucked deep inside the 158-page document is Proposal 69, which seeks to prohibit the statewide hunting with domestic dogs, an activity that man and dog have participated in together for hundreds of years. The proposal would prohibit the use or accompaniment of domestic dogs with exceptions only applying to those dogs working as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act if the hunter is in possession of a current official certificate of veterinary inspection for the service dog. The stated intention of the proposal is that it is based on a concern that continued use of domestic dogs will result in an increased risk of disease transmission to Alaska’s wildlife populations via non-native tick-borne diseases. The threat of tick-borne diseases is real, as ticks generally considered not native to Alaska have reportedly been found in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the North Pole Area, as well as other areas of the state recently, and fear is at an all time high of such diseases spreading, as witnessed by the hysteria caused by the Zika virus. However, preventing the accompaniment of dogs while hunting in the state is a drastic measure that unfairly discriminates against responsible dog owners and hunters. A more reasonable alternative must be found, and the American Kennel Club suggested in a legislative alert that “Instead of an absolute ban on use of dogs in hunting, a more reasonable alternative may include the continued requirement of veterinary certificates being required of dogs imported into Alaska for any reason and including the application of an appropriate systemic product that kills ticks and/ or veterinary inspection to determine an imported domestic dog is free form the presence of ticks prior to full entry into the state.” That certainly seems like a less drastic, more sensible, non-discriminatory approach to staunch the spread of non-native tick-borne diseases that protects not only wildlife but domestic dogs and the public’s right to enjoy their companionship in activities they were specifically bred to take part in. On a positive legislative note, add Maryland to the list of states that are pushing to declare an annual K9 Veterans Day. The stated purpose of the bill, which was to be considered last week, is “to honor federal,
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state and local law enforcement K9 Corps units and their service to protect out communities, state, and country.” As a free nation that has been served so well for so long by K9 Corps that protect our freedoms at every level, the very least we can do is honor their service and acknowledge their continued presence, which in current volatile times is more important than ever. If this movement to declare an annual K9 Veterans Day isn’t successful on the national level, lets hope the momentum will continue to roll and it will be further instituted on state levels. Public acknowledgment of the K9 Corps by legislators and the general public elevates the status and worth of all dogs and the rights of their owners and breeders. As the AKC continues to wrestle with the problem of how to make purebred dogs more desirable in the general public’s eye – that is, when it isn’t busy scheming up new revenue streams in the form of doggy daycare, smart collars, Reggie box, licensing its name and logo to poop bags and jerky treats, etc. – and increasing registrations, the “adopt-don’t-buy” campaigns continue to seek new ways to get shelter dogs into the hands of the general public. Social media, of course, has played a large part in these areas, as it is perfectly designed to entice users to make impulse decisions by viewing posted photos of either adorable pups or dogs sorely in need of medical care and attention that tug at the heartstrings and loosen the purse strings. No longer are those slickly produced infomercials featuring abused and abandoned shelter dogs accompanied by pop artists crooning heartfelt renditions of heartbreak and love songs necessary to get out the message of the animal rightists such as
the HSUS. Large-scale adopt-a-thons have also contributed to the ease in which diseased and damaged dogs of unknown origin and temperament land in an unsuspecting public’s lap, often resulting in thousands of dollars spent on follow-up and continuous medical and behavioral care. It would make an interesting study to see how much these dogs – which often come with a so-called nominal adoption fee of anywhere from $375 to more than $500 – cost an owner in the long run as compared to what it costs to purchase a purebred dog from a reputable breeder who guarantees the health of the dog and can predict its size, height, temperament, food and exercise requirements and any other particular needs, though we can’t expect the AR or shelter folks to provide such a study. The newest weapon in the “adopt-don’t-buy” arsenal took many pedestrians by surprise this week when the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, an umbrella group working with 150 rescues, rolled out its mobile adoption truck on Monday morning, and parked across the street from our offices near the Madison Square Park Dog Run. There has been a proliferation of food trucks dotting the area in recent years, offering everything from typical street meat to other gustatory delights, and now, apparently, adopting a dog from a truck is as easy as buying a hot dog. The Mayor’s Alliance has helped save over 275,000 pets since its inception in 2003 (as of 2014 numbers) and now instead of requiring folks to take the initiative to go to shelters, they are bringing the dogs to the people. Available dogs are on display in the van’s window and wear “Adopt Me” vests as they are paraded around by their handlers. One wonders what’s next, a shelter dog vending machine? How will the AKC combat this initiative? By tricking out its Pet Disaster Relief Vans into a Purebred Express Caravan to bring purebred dogs to the masses? A more effective way might be to prop up its urban member clubs and help them with the costs associated with holding shows in major cities, such as the Detroit Kennel Club, the Bronx County Kennel Club, etc. There’s a seminal line in the baseball film Field of Dreams, “If you build it they will come.” When Westminster fills the Piers and Madison Square Garden in Manhattan for two days and nights of conformation shows and the weekend preceding it with Meet the Breeds and agility events (and more than 160,000+ people turn out for Crufts in the city of Birmingham, England), what more evidence does one need?
*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
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*The Dog News Top Ten List
Dog News 53
Compelling The Pet Sector To Register Their Dogs With The AKC By William P. Shelton
A
week or so ago in Mr. Stander’s editorial, he spoke of building the AKC Brand within the pet sector. I’ve had an idea for some time aligned with just that focus group. I won’t go into the specific of the American Kennel Club registration numbers, but about half of the eligible registrations annually are not coming to fruition. Why? Because, mostly we, the core constituents, are the only people who have incentive in registering our dogs individually with the AKC. We are specifically motivated in tracking our family of dogs in this manner, and verification of documented lineage. In some cases by DNA (That’s another article). We are required an AKC registration number to participate in their events.
Now to the real deal: the GENERAL PUBLIC HAS NO COMPELLING REASON TO REGISTER THEIR DOGS INDIVIDUALLY. They see little value in this. Now some might contest this, with the possibility of short term insurance, or AKC support. I will unequivocally relate to you however that as an active breeder, our pet people most always have no interest in their AKC registrations papers. They do appear to be interested in some verification of health testing, and to perhaps see the parents if possible. But not in the actual registrations itself. This would suggest the pet sector assigns no real value in the actual registrations. Particularly when most breeders are choosing to check the box, LIMITED REGISTRATION (That’s another whole article). In most cases we are already handing them the individual registration application with all the information their going to be receiving on a secondary piece of paper issued by AKC as the actual individual registration. In turn they are obliged to pay 35.00 or more for that new piece of paper, with their name on it. So what real value do they see in individually registering their pet? Really NONE! So the core constituents are the bulk of individual registrations for the AKC today. How do we change this, and optimize others’ interest in the AKC registry, and the brand again? We could go to a single tier registration? Or even become like most other countries and make registration compulsory? My idea is not so much for us within the sport of purebred dogs, although we would benefit also, but rather a path to compel the pet sector to identify with the AKC brand in a new, imaginative and positive way, and for the pet sector to also invest into a piece of our purpose. OK the idea: we have an AKC Reunite microchip company and we have an AKC registry. Simply make the Reunite microchip number identical
Gimme
Shelton
as to the individual AKC registration number. I’m told this could be done fairly easily. This would optimize a greater number of Reunite microchips being sold, and would strategically compel the pet sector to register their individual dogs, rationalizing a greater purpose to the AKC registry by the pet sector, where previously they saw no tangible value or little reason to register. This would give a clear and compelling reason to register their pets in the future. Today AKC realizes slight returns on numbers of transfers. Linking the chip with registration once again would compel anyone transferring a dog to re-register. Transferring their pet so they individually would be listed on the AKC Reunite microchip. Always securing their loved family member a path to finding its way back to their home. This would also serve as a public relations boon. AKC public relations campaigns could promote to the pet sector, shelters, rescues, the world, that we, the preservation breeders of AKC, and the AKC brand itself, care so much about the safety, and well being of all AKC registered dogs that none of them need to ever be left behind without identification as to the rightful owner, and finding their way home and reunited. As a business model this could, if AKC chose too? Also include and be a secondary registration and registry for all PAL and any new breeds, Foundation stock seeking permanent recognition from AKC, and yes even mixed breeds to have reason to register with AKC as a path of access to the Reunite chip. It would allow AKC to easily track the progress of new breed’s status when ultimately seeking full registration having already been registered with the AKC secondary program. Mix
breeds through the secondary registration would see AKC as being inclusive, boasting of their microchip registration with the AKC themselves. As Breeders of Merit and the core constituents we should be and are supposed to be registering all our dogs now as a member of the program, but we are not yet required however by any rule. Most of us are microchipping, in some cases with a variety of chip already. Why not give all AKC breeders a reason to specifically use the Reunite chip as an AKC registered dog? If AKC was interested in running a test program, this could easily be done with those that are already presumed to be registering, and microchipping their dogs as in the “Breeders of Merit” program? The bottom line: lets stop al“The bottom line: lowing on an annual basis half of our potential registrations to lets stop allowing through our fingers, missing on an annual basis slip along the way our opportunity for half of our potential greater growth, offering all dogs a registrations to slip Reunite microchip and a registrainclusive in one package, with through our fingers, tion the largest registry known to exist. missing along the The AKC will be seen as progresway our opportunity sive, innovative and responsive to the needs of canines everyfor greater growth, where in this twenty-first century. offering all dogs a I believe this will make the AKC Reunite microchip registry compelling to the pet sector once again, and increase our and a registration bottom line as it relates to regisinclusive in one trations, and microchip participapackage, with the tion. Who knows? We might even largest registry exceed our own expectations. The resources from this could serve to known to exist. The promote our brand the “American AKC will be seen Kennel Club” and give all those as progressive, purposefully bred purebreds, brought to you by AKC preservainnovative and tion breeders, a greater voice in responsive to the today’s society. needs of canines It seems a win-win program, everywhere in this don’t you think, Alexandra Alestwenty-first century.” kovsky? Dog News 55
Silver AKC GCH & CH Piccadil’s Dream A Little Dream of Me BN, RN, RA, RE, CGC Multiple Specialty & Gr. 1st Winner In AKC Multiple BIS & RBIS Winner In OHA AKC
Bred, Owned, And Shown by: Owner/ Handler Janet York 56 Dog News
CATCHER
CATCHES THE BLUE, PINK, & GREEN at Harrisonburg, VA Shows 3/12 -3/13
Thank you Judge Mrs. Susan St. John Brown for this Gr.1 Win Thank you Judge Mrs. Susan St. John for this OHA win
Thank you Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger for this OHA RBIS win
Thank you Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger for this OHA Gr.1 win
Thank you Judge Mrs. Susan St. John Brown for this RBIS win Dog News 57
I
suppose the hardest thing to overcome on the part of us all is the old habit and problem of “ringside” judging. And I really had that lesson brought home to me a few weeks ago at a show I was attending. I watched a friend adjudicating upon some breeds I had never seen the person judge before and quite frankly was surprised to see that this friend had ventured into that particular area of breed judging. And quite frankly some of the breeds in that particular group I am quite up-to-date on (anyways I think so) and others I am not. The breed I was observing the person judge I feel I have studied for years and I have judged them out of the country quite a lot, which under the new judging approval program would make me somewhat eligible I suppose to judge them here in the States too were I decide to become an adjudicator of dogs for AKC---which I have no interest at all in doing. In any event in a class of two pups it was quite obvious to me and to others at ringside that one was an obvious winner. It was well balanced, moved freely, was happy, short backed and groomed to perfection. The other exhibit was clearly outclassed and yet was awarded the class over my obvious winner. Well that just can’t be I thought so I sought out the exhibitor after the breed was over and asked if I could look at the pup held in the person’s arms. I almost collapsedpop eyes, bad pigmentation like you could not imagine, none of which was observable from ringside. So with the lesson well learnt I went and told my friend the judge this story and the person gleefully told me that my reaction to the decision in the ring was noted by the judge and that he saw me go over to the exhibitor to look at the face of dog and my reaction thereto. So maybe just maybe when these people go on Facebook with their ringside report cards before they have too much negative to say about a judge’s decision they should actually ask to look at or go over a dog before they criticize too heavily a judge’s decision--you think?? Last week saw one major club and a particularly important Cluster thrown into a date change uproar al58 Dog News
Ringside Judging, Mistakes Happen (I Guess)...
! e r o M And By Matthew H. Stander
Photos of Heart of America KC by Julie Lux
legedly due to so-called leap year date problems. I refer to the Hatboro Shows long associated with the Montgomery Weekend and to the historic Cherry Blossom Circuit of which Old Dominion is a part. First to Hatboro (which I keep calling “hatbox” as a wicked friend of mine keeps referring to that show as)-at some time prior to the submission of its application to hold the show or perhaps even after the application was submitted but way before the premium lists were printed and sent out it was learned that the site had been leased for a different event. Within a very short period of time another venue was located and announced for this year only. I have no idea what the new venue is like but have reasonable belief in the values of the Show Chairman to think it will be workable at the very least anyways I hope so. The other problem area was the Cherry Blossom Cluster, which sent out its Premium list through its Show Super only to find out afterwards that indeed the area of the Maryland State Farm Grounds they thought they had leased had been leased to another event--again this being blamed on leap year. The following is the release from one of the Cherry Blossom Cluster Committee members Cathi Di Giacomo-- “As you may have
heard the Cherry Blossom Cluster sustained a real body blow when the Cow Palace as well as the Exhibition Hall were double booked by the Fairgrounds. Leap year has impacted several shows!!! As the saying goes “stuff happens”. We are ready to begin making all of this a positive situation. AKC has approved the site change of venue to the Racetrack Infield and Grandstand. We notified AKC along with MB-F and requested a “Change In Venue” to be issued via their websites. We will also use social media outlets to inform exhibitors. Of course with this “Change of Venue” anyone who may have already entered an indoor site and now wishes to cancel their entry the fee will be refunded. The Cherry Blossom Cluster has also decided to cancel the Obedience and Rally Trials so those entries already made will be refunded. The fairgrounds personnel are being Continued on page 77
Breeder Francette J Lass Gauri Nargolkar
Owner Kara Florek
Handler BJ Barnhart Dog News 59
In Seattle, It Happens Downtown! By David Frei Photos by Jerry Levin and Ron Overdahl
T
he Seattle Kennel Club is one of just a handful of dog shows still being held in major venues in the middle of town these days, and once again the club, now in its 77th year, staged a wonderful weekend for the dog-loving public and the sport’s participants on March 12-13. With CenturyLink Field, home of the Seahawks (football) and the Sounders (soccer), on one side, and Safeco Field, home of the Mariners (baseball), on the other side, the Seattle Kennel Club is a happy resident of the CenturyLink Field Event Center in their Pioneer Square location in Seattle. That comes with good news and challenges. The good news is that the venue is a familiar destination for the Seattle-area public. More good news is that the club has a core group of members who are active in the dog show world, both in club activities and as exhibitors and breeders in the sport. With that comes the enthusiasm and public relations awareness of their responsibility to the sport and to the dogs. President Tammie Sommersen-Wilcox and Event Chair Ryann Grady are a perfect combination in terms of philosophies and loyalty to those responsibilities, Ryann as the “outside” advocate and Tammie as her “inside” counterpart. 60 Dog News
For Ryann, “… it’s about the connection with the public and helping them find their next puppy, the right breed for them. So we put everything together here to help them, the educational booths, Meet the Breeds, demonstrations and more. City people can find themselves in a bit of a quandary, living in the city and facing pressures to buy from a pet store instead of finding a responsible breeder. They want to do the right thing, and we are here to bring all of this to them, to help them do just that.” For Tammie, it’s the responsibility of serving the exhibitors and breeders at the event. With her husband, John Wilcox (assistant event chair), they emphasize the club’s loyalty to the handlers, the exhibitors, the breeder-owners, and growing the sport, with special attention to the Junior handlers. “We are proud of the show that we put on for the exhibitors and all of us in the sport,” says Tammie. Tammie and John are professional handlers who understand what can make a show a success from that aspect. So when John is out there dealing with those labor unions whose presence provide special challenges – a simple example is electrical hookups – the facility charges the club $85 per hookup and the club absorbs part of that, passing along a cost of $65 to the exhibitor. “We work hard to get huge media, and we do that.
backs open to show crate space – and apparently two or three of them were sold last year at the show. On Saturday, in keeping with the club’s commitment to “the next generation”, the AKC Registered Handlers and Purina Pro Plan put on a free handling clinic with individual instruction for the young handlers. And as a bonus, the SKC also offers a “Juniors Clothing Closet” on both days, where “growing-out-of-sizes” kids can go to donate and exchange clothing in the hopes of having something appropriate to wear in their ring. Nice touch. Also on display at the show was the AKC Disaster Relief Trailer, provided through the generosity of SKC and other clubs to the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART). Several WASART volunteers were on hand to share their mission, as a nonprofit all-volunteer organization that helps companion animals and livestock out of immediate crisis and dangerous situations. Seattle Kennel Cub supports all of this with a great website. For more news about SKC, log on to www.seattledogshow.org That of course, brings people in to help support the event and also to educate them about all the great things that dogs can do for us.” Ranny Green, longtime pet columnist for the Seattle Times and the co-manager of the Westminster press room in New York every February, oversees the mission to put that media together (Author’s note: He even recruited me, when he learned I was going to be in town on other business that week, to do appearances on the local NBC and ABC television and radio stations to promote the show. And I am a former longtime member of Seattle Kennel Club, after all). Club members such as Leslie Engen, Don Hanson, Katie Campbell and others were at the front door to greet about 10,000 visitors over the two days, and answer questions. Guests were provided with a free spectator handbook with show schedules, a listing of websites and email contacts for AKC Dog Clubs in Washington, AKC PSA’s, and articles about such topics as “The Value of Responsible Breeders,” dogs in the classroom, canine influenza, AKC Care and Conditions Policy, and more. Throughout the day, Katie and various club members led tours around the venue, helping people find points – and dogs – of interest to re-visit later on their own. They had a lot to choose from. A full competitive event slate of conformation, obedience, rally and agility, as well as NOHS, provided some 1400 entries in competition each day. There were more than 100 Meet the Breed and educational booths on site, more than 40 vendor booths, herding demonstrations, and even Amy, the famous pig from the Family Dog Training Center, doing agility with the dogs. Among the vendors on display was a lineup of Mini Cooper automobiles – hatch- Photo by Jerry Levin
THE RETURN OF RANDY
R
andy Schepper did something on March 13 that he has been doing for more than 40 years – he went to a dog show. But this time, when he rolled into the Seattle Kennel Club dog show that day at CenturyLink Field Event Center, it was his first show since a horrible automobile accident last September took the life of his wife, Julie, and left him with serious spinal injuries that will probably confine him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He posted this on Facebook to express the feelings that he had after his full and exciting day. “What a day! In 1969 I attended my first dog show. Seattle Kennel Club. Like everyone else I watched and decided ‘I could do that’. Well, 46 years later I went to my first dog show again. Even though I can’t do it now I wouldn’t trade my 40 years with you people and your dogs for anything. Bless you all.” Randy was a big hit, needless to say. Many of those who had jumped in to help with GoFundMe contributions were there to welcome him back and share hugs and laughs and stories. While he was fighting his rehab battles at Harborview Regional Trauma Center and the University of Washington Medical Center, his good friend Terri Sagmoen, with key help from another good friend, Dee Dee Stevens, helped rally the dog show world, other friends and family, and total strangers to come together for him. In the months following his accident, with his friends in the dog show world leading the way, nearly $70,000 was raised to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for him. That van is now appropriately called “The Golden Retriever” (guess what color it is) and is used to transport him from his rehab facility in the Bellingham area to appointments, volunteer opportunities, family events and now, to dog shows once again. On his list of rehab goals, #5 was to get back to dog shows and to be with his friends. On to #6. Log on to AKC.org to read Ranny Green’s story about Randy’s rehab challenges and his day at the Seattle Kennel Club. Visit Randy on his Facebook and visit the GoFundMe site for more inspirational details.
62 Dog News
Dog News 63
The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris
T
he blossoms almost fell off the cherry trees, when the Cherry Blossom Cluster, three all breed shows, Old Dominion, Baltimore County, Catoctin Kennel Clubs and one day of specialties held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland found out the contract they signed for was for the wrong date. Another reason for every show giving club to have a “Corresponding Date Table” that is based on the first dog event weekend of the year. Fortunately, the show-giving clubs and the fairgrounds resolved the issue by letting them use the racetrack on the property. I’m told one big tent will be used and the entire show will be held outdoors. All the controversy concerning judging at Crufts is still a hot topic. There is always some flap about the judging, especially when you have over 22,000 dogs from which to choose. But the two big headline grabbing items were the German Shepherd Dog best of breed winner ripped to pieces as being unsound and unhealthy. Then the winner of the Gundog group, a Gordon Setter, was bred by and co-owned by the group judge’s sister. Now that’s something that would never go over here. I know you’re judging dogs, but it’s a win that ultimately loses, a lap of honor would go further. Congratulations to our American team of ROSANNE DEMASCIO and her Border Collie MACH ALL ZET ATTACK STRAFE 64 Dog News
MXB MXJ on their fabulous win, the Crufts Agility International Invitation competition, an international competition that brings the best teams from countries around the world to compete at Crufts. And congratulations in conformation to MAGGIE PEAT, whose Dachshund placed in the hound group. See BARBARA ANDERSON’S Crufts write-up in this issue of DOG NEWS. The AKC Pet Disaster relief that helps keep pets and their owners safe following natural or civil disasters has presented its fourth trailer in San Diego County attended by Chula Vista Mayor CASILLAS SALAS and other officials. Donations came from all breed show-giving clubs, show superintendents, obedience clubs, specialty clubs and parent clubs totaling more than $80,000. PETER GREEN, BETH SWEIGART, PAM BEALE and LETISHA WUBBEL are England bound. BETH will be judging breeds and PETER will be judging the group at the National Terrier show. Then a quick trip to London and Wales. VALERIE HAMILTON is recovering from a broken ankle. Having had to cancel show judging assignments, she hopes to be in the ring soon. DEIDRE GANNON, an attorney who helped many in the dog world, has passed away. She was involved with Dogo Argentino and German Pinschers of which she served as the parent club delegate. Our deepest sympathies to her family.
Multiple Best In Show & Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winner
GCh. Bagatelle Rolling Moon Stone
R E G G JA
Thank You Judge Mrs. Nancy D Simmons
Handled by Clifford W. Steele Owners: Roberta Corbett and Bernard and Joanne Charest Dog News 65
CRUFTS 2016 Photos by By Vince Hogan and Barbara Lounsbury Anderson
BEST IN SHOW
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW 66 Dog News
SIR JOHN SPURLING, LORD & LADY KIRKHAM (GRAHAM & PAULINE)
CRUFTS Was packed with a record crowd of 160,000 plus
Dog News 67
Irving's Impressions Continued FROM page 26
TKC’s website was apparently inundated by negative comments from the public and TV viewers accused TKC of cruelty. Many apparently said it was a disgrace for such a dog to have been Best of Breed, So, on the TV show the next evening, a discussion was staged about the affair. This was between the Veterinary Surgeon who is Chairman of TKC’s Dog Health Group, one of the TV commentators and the Secretary of TKC. Comments emerged such as: “If you see this dog moving the front end of the dog and the back end of the dog are doing different things. The judge should consider this as a fault.” “When you see (a German Shepherd Dog) that comes into the ring that was so hyperactive, the judge couldn’t get hands on the dog. She was being handled so that she could not move properly if she was capable of doing so. The performance it put in gave us all concern. It did not look like a healthy free moving dog.” The veterinarian interviewed said, “It certainly did look lame. When I saw that dog I was appalled that a dog like that could be put up as good specimen of the breed. Somehow it has slipped through.” TKC spokesperson said: “It worried us just as much as anybody else. It was disheartening to see one breed so out of step with the others. We need to review the process. We need to look at the support we are giving the breeds. We need to sort out certain judges that are disregarding what we are trying to do.”
WHY DID NO ONE MENTION THE VETERINARY INVOLVEMENT?
What none of those involved in the TV discussion said was that, as well as the dog being judged Best of Breed by the GSD judge, because it is one of the KC’s ‘High Profile Breeds’ it also had to be examined and approved by a Veterinary Surgeon before having its Best of Breed award confirmed and being allowed to proceed to compete in the group ring. I think that would have been my first reaction in defence of the fancy. The pity of all of this is that TKC has spent years working with the GSD people trying to get them to pay more attention to the structure and movement of the breed. Also the breed in the UK is split into two distinct factions showing two fairly distinct types of GSD. These are commonly referred to as the Germanic type at one end, and the British Alsatian type at the other. In addition the breed is much criticised for the way it is exhibited in the ring. Double handling (attraction of the dogs from outside the ring) is also much practised even although it is completely against the rules of TKC. This often gets the dogs into a degree of agitation not seen in other breeds in the UK and, in my view, prevents judges from making proper assessment of the dogs’ ability to move soundly. Obviously, in view of the official veterinarian’s having approved the dog to enter the group ring, this issue is probably not as clear cut as it is being portrayed in the media. TKC’s instructions to judges designed specifically for GSDs is that they are to look out for (and avoid): • Cow hocks • Excessive turn of stifle • Nervous temperament • Sickle hock • Weak hindquarters Show Veterinary Surgeons have an even more detailed set of instructions in respect of each breed but are fundamentally told, in deciding whether or not to allow a dog to proceed further into the 68 Dog News
Group competition, that they should only prevent dogs from going forward if they are suffering from some clinical problem which obviously adversely affects the dog’s wellbeing. They are not permitted to exclude dogs merely for aesthetic reasons or because of exaggerations alone, unless these are causing the dog some adverse clinical effect on its health or welfare. It may be that the Veterinary Surgeon felt that, no matter how aesthetically poor it looked, the Crufts GSD’s condition was not causing any adverse clinical effect on its health. That may be why she was allowed by the vet to proceed to the Group ring. We shall have to wait to hear what happens next – if anything.
‘GORDONGATE’
The other issue widely picked up by the canine social media, was the fact that one of the four co-owners of the Gundog (Sporting) Group winning Gordon Setter, was the sister of the Group judge and also the dog’s breeder. Some people said that the judge should not have given the dog its top award. On the other hand others maintained that it is the duty of judges to evaluate the dogs that are put before them irrespective of their ownership. Others have stated that the handler of the dog, it having in any case just, in the main arena, won the final of a competition for British and Irish Vulnerable Breeds (judged by me!), should simply have done a lap of honour in the Group ring and then withdrawn the dog in view of its connection to the scheduled Group Judge. The Kennel Club commented that no regulations had been broken by either the judge or the owners of the dog. Both the judge and the Kennel Club said that it is the duty of a judge to put up the best dog on the day. The weekly magazine OUR DOGS stated that the judge told them that: “This was a tough group and she had to make decisions based on the dogs put through by the breed judges. The dog in question was not a newcomer or obscure; not only had it just won BOB on the day, but it also had taken top spot in the vulnerable breeds class prior to the group, in the main ring, judged by last year’s BIS judge Ronnie Irving. It is a multi CC and group winner and the judge told OUR DOGS that the first time she had ever seen the dog was in the main ring that day. Contrary to rumour, her sister was not present at the group ring.” TKC said: “It is important to clarify that no rules were broken here. Any dog that is chosen as a winner is chosen because of the judge’s honest opinion on the day and is judged with integrity. James, the Gordon Setter was judged by two judges before being chosen as the winner of Best in Group for Gundog breeds. Before getting to that stage of the competition. He first won the Open Dog Class, then won Best Dog and went on to win Best of Breed, this was chosen by the breed judge. On the same day, James also won the first ever Vulnerable British & Irish Breeds competition beating 25 other dogs of various breeds. This was judged by a previous Best in Show judge at Crufts.”
CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP
In the UK we do not have, as you have in the USA, a code of sportsmanship that says things such as: • “The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs. • The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.” Nor do we have here the facility which you have whereby a judge may dismiss a dog from the ring if put in an invidious position. Your rule states: “AKC recognizes you cannot control who enters under you. Consequently, situations may arise that require you to excuse an exhibitor for cause known only to you.” If TKC had either of these guidelines written into its various codes for judges and exhibitors in the UK, things might have been different – who knows? But whatever we think of the few negatives at Crufts 2016 we should all instead concentrate on the many positives and be grateful that the show very largely went off with a great atmosphere and with good dogs both in the breed rings and at the top.
Come join us for our shows in Birch Run Michigan
Birch Run Expo Center
Friday April 29, 2016 Great Lakes Toy Group Terrier Club of Michigan Doberman Pinscher Club of Detroit Maumee Valley Doberman Pinscher Club
Progressive Dog Club of Wayne County All Breed Shows
Saturday, April 29, 2016 & Sunday May 1, 2016
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NEW! BEST JUNIOR HANDLER IN WEEKEND $500 Scholarship – SUNDAY Judges to be selected that day CLOSING DATE: Wednesday April 13, 2016 MBF Superintendent Dog News 69
SEATTLE KENNEL CLUB Photos by Jerry Levin & David Frei
70 Dog News
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You and your vet Continued FROM page 42
Do I need to worry about the large “soft spot” on the top of my puppy’s head? Most puppies, like human babies, are born with a “soft spot” on the top of their skull. This area is called the fontanelle. It is made up of the membranes that connect the bones of the skull. As these bones grow together to form the skull, the fontanelle disappears, or closes. A newborn puppy’s skull consists of several platelike bones. At birth, these bones are soft, small and separated. During birth, these plates allow the skull to compress as the head passes through the birth canal. As the puppy grows, the plates grow around the brain and gradually ossify, or harden. The bones fuse together as they meet. Four of these bones join together at the top of the skull. This center area is the final open space to fill in with bone tissue. The space is known as the fontanelle. It will usually be closed when the puppy is 4-6 weeks of age, or may close slowly over a period of 3-6 months. In some cases, the fontanelle does not ossify, or close, leaving a soft membranous area on the top of the skull. This is termed an “open fontanelle”. The soft spot of the skull leaves the brain unprotected by bone and vulnerable to injury. The fontanelle may pulsate, and although the precise cause of this is unknown, it is perfectly normal. The pulsations echo the heartbeat, perhaps due to the arterial pulse within the vascular system of the brain. This pulsating action is how the soft spot got its name – fontanelle means “little fountain”. Puppies with open fontanelles often have other birth defects, such as hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain”. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in and around the brain. This fluid accumulation puts increased pressure on the brain and surrounding tissues resulting in neurologic signs, seizures, and severe brain damage. Bulging tissue at the fontanelle indicates the presence of increased fluid. Open fontanelles are not always connected with hydrocephalus. Many dogs with open fontanelles live normal active lives. However, in these cases, owners must be very careful since any injury or bumps to the dog’s head could cause significant brain damage or seizures. This condition can be seen in any breed, but is more common in toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire terrier. Since the condition is hereditary, dogs with large, open fontanelles should not be bred.
Is there a new vaccine for cancer? Merial has recently released the first DNA-based vaccine for canine lymphoma. It is being released on a conditional basis while some test studies are still being conducted. The vaccine is available to veterinary cancer and internal medicine specialists. Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers seen in dogs. Also known as lymphosarcoma or nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, it is a malignant cancer that involves the lymphoid system. In a healthy dog, the lymphoid system is an important part of the body’s immune system defense against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Lymphoid tissue is normally found in many different parts of the body including lymph nodes, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. While lymphoma can afflict any breed of dog, certain breeds have a higher than average risk of developing this disease, including Rottweilers, Golden retrievers and Scottish terriers. This type of cancer can occur at any age, but is more often seen in middle aged and older dogs. Lymphoma in dogs appears as enlarged, swollen glands which are the lymph nodes. These are located under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knee. Internal lymph nodes located within the chest or abdomen may also be affected. The work up should include blood tests, urine analysis, and a fine needle aspirate or surgical biopsy of the lymph node. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for this aggressive form of cancer. It usually consists of a combination of oral and injectable drugs. There are several different chemotherapy protocols. Each contains different drugs that act on the cancer cells in different ways. The Canine Lymphoma Vaccine, DNA, is used on dogs diagnosed with Large B-cell lymphoma who have achieved remission through chemotherapy. Significant improvement in the length of survival times has been reported following the vaccine. The challenge with many cancers is that the host does not recognize the cancer cells as “foreign”, so the immune system is not triggered to defend the body against the cancer cells. Merial has shown with previous cancer vaccines that the tolerance can be overcome by immunizing with a different form of the antigen, thus stimulating the immune system to destroy the cancer cells. Initial treatment with the vaccine requires 4 doses at 2-week intervals. The vaccine is administered using the Canine Transdermal Device. The site of the injection for dogs of all sizes is into the muscle of the thigh. A booster dose should be administered at 6-month intervals. DNA cancer vaccines offer a safe addition to existing treatments with the potential to encourage longer term remissions. dog News 73
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Ringside Judging, Mistakes Happen (I Guess)...
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very helpful to make this unfortunate situation work to be a great venue. Once upon a time a very long time ago the BCKC show was held in the grandstand. We will also use the infield of the racetrack to enlarge the show footprint. It is approximately 16 or 17 acres and can fit 4-5 Cow Palaces inside its boundaries! There will be gates opened off Timonium and York Roads to help accessibility and in hopes to extend some Good Will there will not be the usual $5.00 parking fee. This will enable traffic to move expeditiously. The Fairgrounds is working to offer electricity for the infield. Those that have generators may want to have them along in case one is not near the power. There will be Prime Parking offered. RV hookups with 20-30 amp electrical hookups will be available. We look forward to seeing you in April. Things will be a little different, but change can be good especially if you help make it so! Cherry Blossom Cluster Committee,” (sent March
21). Now then I fully understand that these kind of problems can and do happen and fortunately for everyone this venue was large enough to be able to handle the Clusters and if the weather holds out everything should be okay excepting of course for the obedience and rally folk and those who wanted to be indoors as opposed to outdoors. What I cannot understand is how the premium lists could have been sent out without AKC and or the Show Supers being aware that there was a contractual problem! I posed this question to the AKC and this is the reply I received on March 21--Matt, currently the Cherry Blossom Cluster is planning on holding their events at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. It is a club’s responsibility to secure the site for their event(s). There is no rule that requires a club to have an agreement in place securing the publishing of a premium list. If a club has changes in the published
premium list, such as indoor vs. outdoors, the club is required to notify exhibitors and post the changes on the superintendents website. The following was my reply to what I considered a very inadequate answer to my query: “Thank you---- for your note. One would have thought that some sort of check and balance would have been established through the years to protect the exhibitor in these instances no matter how rarely they may occur. It seems that if what you are telling me is the case certainly based on the Cherry Blossom experience the Events Department should be reconsidering its policies in these areas both towards the show supers, the clubs and AKC itself. That the Cluster is being held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds begs the fact that the show is not being held at its approved location and that but for some very nimble footwork it could have been cancelled totally. I see where both Obedience and Rally have been cancelled at this Cluster as well so that the changes are much more than merely an indoor/ outdoor situation. At least in the case of Hatboro it announced its problems prior to sending out premium lists.” I subsequently received from various show chairmen the application AKC requires a club to send in prior to Events approving the show. AKC asks for no proof of contract for the site on that date--a simple added line in the applications to that affect is all Events has to do to prevent future problems such as occurred this past week from happening again. Dog News 77
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AS OF JANUARY 1, 2016
AS OF JANUARY 1, 2015
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