Dog News, June 4, 2010

” y w e “Ch

The Outstanding Lakeland Terrier with Beautiful Reach and Drive

Group First • Judge Mr.William Bergum

Multiple Best In Show Winning

Ch. Talydales Friend Of The Force Breeder/Owner Sheri Smith

Handlers Michael & Michele Kemp 724 448-4104 mkemp629@yahoo.com Dog News 3

10 ♦ Editorial

CONTENTS June 4, 2010

14BY♦JOHN Inside Out MANDEVILLE 18 ♦ The Way It Is

BY SARI TIETJEN 22 ♦ Question Of The Week

BY MATTHEW H. STANDER 26 ♦ Obedience And Rally Musings

BY MINTA “MIKE” WILLIQUETTE 30 ♦ Corky Vroom Remembered 34 ♦ Bests Of The Week 38 ♦ Ten Questions

BY LESLEY BOYES 42 ♦ Jerry Speaks

BY GERALD SCHWARTZ

46 ♦ The Mission Circuit, Breeder Judges, HSUS And More

BY MATTHEW H. STANDER 50 ♦ Texas Roundup – The 50th Anniversary Of The Belgian Tervuren

BY JANINA LAURIN 52 ♦ Pyr’n Around The Great National Pyrenees National

BY KAREN JUSTIN 54 ♦ Party TimeBY At The GSP National LEITA ESTES 56 ♦ Off The Leash

BY SHAUN COEN 58 ♦ An A-Plus For Versatility

BY M.J. NELSON 60 ♦ Animal Abuse Research

BY CARLOTTA COOPER 62 ♦ Rare BY Breeds Of The World AGNES BUCHWALD 64 ♦ True North (Strong And Free)

BY ALLISON FOLEY 66 ♦ The Gossip Column

BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS 78 ♦ Click – Nor’East Toy Dog Cluster

BY ALICE LAWRENCE 90BY♦MATTHEW Click – Mission Circuit H. STANDER & EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS 94 ♦ Letters To The Editor 98 ♦ Click BY–MARIAN The MIZELLE Way We Were

100 dog show calendar • 104 handlers directory • 106 subscription rates • 108 classified advertising • 110 advertising rates All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received camera-ready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.

4 Dog News

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

Dog News 5

JUNE 4,, 2010

PUBLISHER

Dog News Cover Story

STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SEAN KEVIN GAFFNEY *

ADVERTISING EDITORS

SHAUN COEN Y. CHRISTOPHER KING EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

COLIN KENNEDY ACCOUNTING

STEPHANIE BONILLA GENERAL TELEPHONE

212 807.7100 x588 FAX NUMBER

212 675.5994 FAX EDITORIAL SUBMITTAL

212 243.6799 EMAIL ADDRESS

dognews@harris-pub.com WEB ADDRESS:

www.dognews.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

IAN MILLER 212 462.9624 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sharon Anderson Lesley Boyes Andrew Brace Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Allison Foley Denise Flaim Yossi Guy Mary Jung John Mandeville Billy Miller Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson Sharon Newcombe Robert Paust Lenora Riddle Sharon Sakson Gerald Schwartz Kim Silva Frances O. Smith, DVM Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore Carla Viggiano Nick Waters Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette DOG NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS Chet Jezierski Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell Leslie Simis Paddy Spear

DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved judges every week 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

*

*The Dog News Top Ten List & C.C. All Breed Systems

Dog News 7

8 Dog News

*

*All Systems

Dog News 9

DOG NEWS EDITORIAL USDA Blasted

byproducts of human food production,” one of the scientists who report on this matter stated. “No matter what the package says, your dog is not getting whole chicken breasts, but what remains after the breasts have been removed for human food,” she goes on to say.

No agency requires proof of pet food health claims and according to Jane Brody while pet food companies say they do research, it is rarely done in a scientific fashion, with comparable control and experimental groups. Many people according to this article pay good money for marketing gimmicks. It is said that if characteristics like natural, organic, holistic, or vegetarian are important to the pet owner it maybe worth it for them to pay top dollars for pet foods that claim to provide the desired attribute, even if there is no official or enforced definition of the claim. Sort of like a pig in a poke is it? Why not establish an agency to really ensure what is said is really being done one must wonder.

A recent report by the Agriculture Department’s inspector general’s office said that the agency in charge of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act often ignores repeat violations, waives penalties and doesn’t adequately document inhumane treatment of certain kennels labeled as “puppy mills” across the nation. The report recommends that the animal care unit at the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service immediately confiscate animals that are dying or seriously suffering. The so-called “grisly conditions” included dogs infested with ticks, and living with gaping wounds in pools of feces as case examples. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the USDA takes the report seriously and will move to immediately improve enforcement and inspector training. Sounds good on the surface but those amongst us, and there are many, who reject the term puppy mill and claim it should be banned from the lexicon of today’s language no doubt may raise objections to the scope and intent and possible result of this report. Some people consider these reports as being part of a plan to limit the rights of people to own and breed dogs. Whether these reports are being instigated by HSUS and/or PETA as part of their insidious plot to destroy the credibility of responsible breeders or are in fact based upon horrendous conditions at inspected kennels the fact is that it is the welfare of the dog which must be the base concern of everyone involved. If the extremists within the animal rights movement are responsible for promulgating these reports and the reports are legitimate of course something positive must be done to protect the dogs. If the reports are phony and made to strictly destroy our credibility then of course they must be countered in kind.

Whatever the case the dog’s safety and welfare must come first. After that it’s only game playing and exercises in power play deployments.

Most people are now aware of the three-month-old campaign of HumaneWatch in its efforts to expose the deceptive practises of HSUS as little more than the PETA-esque animal rights group that it is. In this week’s Letters to the Editor pages is a form for you to fill out if you so desire to financially support the organization as it continues to run full page ads in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the very influential Variety magazine, which has so much influence with the star power people in Hollywood who must learn the truth about this faux humane society. Setting the record straight for these celebrity types and their agents is of the utmost importance as a means to counter their activities endorsing the work of both HSUS and PETA. There are some people who believe that these are paid endorsements from some of these celebrities. If that is the case this should be fully disclosed, wouldn’t you think. After all PETA acknowledged paying $5,000 for someone to hang a banner across some one’s home endorsing neuter and spaying – what would stop them from paying a celebrity for the use of their name, too?

Is There A Truth About Dog Food?

The Breeder Judge Furor

In the New York Times Science Section of June 1, Jane E. Brody wrote an article, “The Truth About Cat and Dog Food.” It was an interesting three column thesis which in the long run told us nothing truly new about commercial dog food. She raises some interesting questions about whether people who invest in high-end pet foods really are getting their money worth, whether their pets are healthier and happier, whether they live longer and are these high-end foods any better than the generic versions sold in supermarkets and big-box stores. Recognizing the high value most people in America place on domestic animals and distressed by recent recalls of contaminated pet foods two scientists decided to examine the pet food industry and the evidence for the values of its products and the claims made for them.

The so-called premium pet foods cost three to four times more than supermarket brands and within the premium brands there is a wide price range too but all seem to list strikingly familiar ingredients meeting basic nutritional standards.

Most important it is claimed to look for products labeled “complete and balanced” indicating that they meet the nutritional requirements listed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

This organization, in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, state officials, and the animal feed industry develops model regulations for pet foods, which are voluntary unless encoded in state laws. “All pet foods are made from the 10 Dog News

Support Center For Consumer Freedom

It has been a long time controversy about whether or not a breeder-judge should adjudicate upon a dog he or she has bred. Under present AKC rules it is absolutely legal to do so long as the exhibit has been transferred to the new owner at least a year before. Presuming there are no other ties legally it is perfectly permissible – no matter the level of competition. Whether it should be done or not is a matter of priorities of the individuals involved.

There are some who believe it okay – some who do not.

If it is such an important issue the way to handle the matter is to get AKC to change its present rules and to totally disallow the practice. In fact and unfortunately the very loosely worded AKC so-called Sportsmanship which appears in most premium lists does not mention the matter directly but leaves the interpretation of what is a perceived conflict up to the individual themselves. Once that happens who is to set the guideline? AKC should take a firm stand and reverse the existing rule if people feel so strongly about it.

Thought For The Week

The unexpected and shocking passing of former Board Member Steve Gladstone’s wife, Maireann at a comparatively early age saddened us all. Indeed it reinforced the fragility of life itself on earth and reminds us all how vulnerable we are to death. This was an extremely unhappy episode for all involved in our sport and our sympathies and thoughts are with Steve and his family in these sad days. •

Dog News 11

12 Dog News

Dog News 13

More On Judges’ Fees

InsideOut

by John Mandeville

T

he world as we know it did not come to an end at 7:15AM on Monday, May 24, 2010, but there was a seismic shift in my DOG NEWS experience.

I know it was exactly 7:15AM – not 7:14 or 7:16 – because that is the time an email message clocked into my Inbox from Matt. Matt’s message was to tell me I had committed a “major cop out” because in last week’s column I failed to take a “Yes” or “No” stand on AKC charging judges fees per breed.

Being called out for something in a column is one thing. When it’s the first time by email with its horrifying potential for getting your attention 24 x 7 from anywhere in the world you take notice… to say the least.

Am I so out of touch Matt is already carrying his trusty laptop wherever he goes? Grappling with field reps for space at superintendents’ set-ups? Sending messages to various and sundry at all hours of the day and night? Shouldn’t there be a law against that? I would never offer a bounty on that laptop, would I? All of which is to say Matt’s “Where do you stand?” question is a valid one. Do you or don’t you have a “Yes” or “No” position?

Should AKC charge judges annual fees based on the number of breeds they have, “Yes” or “No?” Seldom do you encounter a question with such a clear choice: “Yes” and you’re kissing up to AKC, which would be a surprising first from me, at least in the last 12 years or so. “No” and you’re pandering to judges.

So, “Yes” or “No” do I think AKC should be charging judges an annual per breed fee?

No. No, I don’t.

That is different than saying AKC cannot levy fees on judges; annually, per breed, or per ear or leg if they so choose, determined by the phases of the moon, astrological signs, rolling dice or whatever. AKC’s Bylaws unambiguously give the Board that authority. Fortunately the court of public opinion necessitates such decisions withstand common sense consideration and the ‘ol smell test, as well as rigorous fact-based analysis… ho, ho, ho.

The Board’s decision to exempt delegate judges from the fee because “AKC Bylaws prohibit Delegates from charging a judges’ fee” would have a hard time passing the common sense test. It utterly fails the smell test.

AKC says these are tough financial times.

14 Dog News

Agreed. They need to save as many pennies in as many places as they can. That’s today’s reality. It costs AKC a bundle, some $2,300,000 per annum – or at least that’s the amount AKC says it costs, for “the Conformation Judging Operations area”…. which, of course, like all of AKC’s operations has seen every last penny possible squeezed out of it. Wanna bet?

Delegates as a class are exactly like judges in one major way: Nobody has to be a delegate. Nobody has to be a judge. They’re voluntary positions, so to speak.

If you don’t like the limitations overt or implicit that comes with them, don’t sign on. Delegates by their own choice are Simon pure amateurs, if considerably less than virginally so.

Moreover delegates have only relatively recently voted to remain Simon pure, defeating a bylaw amendment that would have permitted them to charge judging fees. AKC not charging delegate judges the fees they have imposed is wrong. That delegates don’t charge has nothing to do with AKC incurring the same costs for all judges.

Not charging delegate judges looks like the Board’s effort to minimize political fallout… from the constituency they most care about, the people who elect them. At this point thoughts about treatment of non-delegate judges, different constituencies AKC annoys, and what might make AKC think twice come to mind, but translating those thoughts into written words will only needlessly infuriate the powers that be.

Maybe AKC needs to ask itself, “Are we annoying too many people too often?”

AKC likes to say it “subsidizes” events – with the full dose of malodorous aroma that suggests. It’s true.

AKC’s event operations aren’t close to self-supporting.

“So what,” may not quite be the right reaction to that truism, but there are better ways to view events. A perennial favorite: Why not view events as a loss leader?

Justifying any money loser because it’s traditional – “it’s always been done that way” – is an ever more difficult task. Still, that doesn’t make me comfortable with AKC extracting per breed fees from judges in order to somewhat reduce their gross show outlay.

AKC probably doesn’t agree with that, but it’s clear they heard the firestorm of complaining, proving once again loud enough screaming gets through.

But don’t equate AKC’s willingness to acknowledge and respond to the outcry about fees to thinking come January 1, 2011 judges’ fees aren’t going into effect.

The fee structure will be neither as costly as AKC proposed nor as weighted toward making the most experienced judges approved for the most breeds pay the highest fees. There are an infinite number of ways to do that. •

*

*

*All Systems

Dog News 15

Absolutely Smooth Fox The Number One* Smooth Fox Terrier, Number Two* Among All Terrier Breeds and Number Ten* Among All Breeds

This Past Weekend The Mission Circuit Four Shows Four Group Firsts One Best In Show Judge Mr. Frank Sabella Owner J. W. Smith Absolutely Smooth Fox Terriers

Breeders Joan & Mark Taggart *The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed stats

16 Dog News 00

Handlers Edward & Lesley Boyes Grass Valley, California 530.272.4940

Terriers

Specialty Best of Breed • Judge Ms. Betsy Dale

Multiple All Breed Best In Show & Specialty Winner

Ch. Slyfox Sneaks A Peek

Dog Dog News News 00 17

the Way Itis

by Sari Tietjen

T

here must be something in the air of the American Kennel Club’s Board Room that compels competent, intelligent, and knowledgeable people to make dumb, asinine, and stupid decisions sometimes. And whatever it is that is in the air, it must have been heavy indeed at the May meeting of AKC’s Board of Directors.

In a truly amazing move, without input from any of the judges’ organizations or other interested and affected parties, the Board voted to enact an onerous, discriminatory, and arbitrary Annual Conformation Judges’ Fee to be assessed to every judge of conformation classes who is not a delegate. The fee was supposed to be $50 a year, plus a yearly charge of $5 for each breed approved for 2011 and then $10 for each breed for every year thereafter. This assessment or tax was only to be charged to all conformation judges who are not delegates. Delegate-judges were to receive a free pass, as were judges for all the other events under AKC’s umbrella.

Within a week’s time as emails, various online lists, and phone calls riled against the fee as enacted, the Board pulled it back to be reviewed and revamped. The concept of a yearly fee is still on the table and, indeed, has been in the works for some time.

What are the problems that AKC encountered? How was the whole situation mishandled? Can it learn from its mistakes?

Board members who are judges should have reclused themselves from any discussion and any vote on judging fees as they have a direct conflict of interest.

(This is especially true when they voted to not assess themselves any fee!)

If AKC is going to enact a yearly fee, then it must admit that it licenses judges and stop skirting around legalities by saying it approves judges.

Any concept of a yearly fee should be assessed to all judges – delegates and judges of other AKC events should all be equal. Delegates should not be pandered to, nor should other events which incur expenses related to judges be exempted.

Any concept should first be vetted by interested organizations representing various judges and events.

The main reason given by AKC for charging a judges’ yearly fee is to offset the cost of Judging Operations – the main expenditure, of which, is the Field Representatives – their salaries, travel, and other expenses incurred. Field Representatives are extremely important in their main function as being on hand at shows to assist clubs in their events and to be AKC’s representative to the Fancy. What they do for judges is secondary – the myriad paperwork and watching judges is charged to them because of AKC’s policies for licensing/ approving judges which are unnecessarily cumbersome, costly and have little value. The cost of Field Reps should be a charge against Event Operations and not Judges.

The original per breed fee was ill-conceived and ill-considered as to its consequences. In the brief time this fee was adopted before being pulled back, 18 Dog News

judges were considering what low-numbered breeds they would drop, what breeds they would not consider applying for and/or whether to remain as a judge. This is especially true for those provisional judges – who have already spent thousands of dollars pursuing their full approvals – and those who seldom judge.

While many professional organizations have yearly dues – they are just that – dues that one pays to belong. These dues are not over the top and apply to everyone. Many of these organizations are tied to occupations that one earns a living wage from – very, very, very few of our judges earn a living wage from judging. In fact, our Board members, who received $12,000 a year plus expenses, are netting far more than the vast majority of our judges.

The above aside, if AKC is truly and seriously concerned about its financial bottomline, it needs to be willing to take on some hardships. There have been many suggestions bantered about. The prime one seems to be a consolidation of its offices. AKC is not large enough to have two separate office facilities, nor is it filling its offices to their capacities: - a lot of wasted space, a lot of unnecessarily expense to carry those empty rooms.

AKC can also save money by having fewer Board meetings and fewer Delegate meetings.

It could also eliminate the wandering Delegate meetings that result in additional expenditures for staff and facilities. And, the Board, for that matter, could eliminate its monthly stipend ($12,000 x 12 = $144,000 a year: note, one Director – by his choice - does not take the stipend.).

Then, of course, as we have learned from going online to Guidestar.org , the extravagant salaries, bonuses, and benefits should be cut.

Companies across the board are cutting salaries and benefits. AKC could take a page out of their book.

That then leads us to the trips – especially those overseas that are very costly. Does AKC brass need to attend so many shows? With so many staffers? Or, incur the event expenses that it does?

AKC entered the electronic age about 15 to 20 years ago and has yet to embrace it fully.

It can save a lot of money in staff salaries and time, paperwork and supplies by adopting more of the technological advances that are available today.

What all of this has pointed out is that AKC is financially troubled. While not as bad as the financial circumstances of the Canadian Kennel Club, AKC’s cash cow – which was its registry – is not as dependable as it used to be. The company needs to tighten its belt a lot more than it has done thus far and make some hard decisions – that might even be painful to some.

The glory days of yesteryear are over. It is highly doubtful that registrations will return and with entries falling, the interest in AKC as a prized entity in the minds of the populace will fall as well.

Many of us have seen the writing on the proverbial wall and have been writing about this for years – mostly to unseeing eyes. One hopes that this ridiculous taxation on judges and, in turn, on clubs will awaken the heretofore blind giants to see the light! •

Dog News 19

20 Dog News

Dog News 21

BY MATTHEW STANDER

T he

of t he Week As A BreederJudge Do You Have A Problem With A Dog You Bred Being Shown Under You?

22 Dog News

Gayle Bontecou I have no problem with anyone showing anything to me whether I have bred it or not.

The exhibitor may have a problem with me however, as I may not like the way the exhibit has turned out and not use it at all. When you sell a cute threemonth-old pup it’s one thing, and when you next see it at two or three years of age it’s another. You should judge what’s in the ring and so long as you’ve had no relationship with the exhibit for a year, as presently required

by AKC, and there are no future ties between the breeder and the new owner the breeding of the dog should be immaterial. Just go in and judge the entry – that’s how I look at it.

Luc Boileau There’s no problem for me since when I sell a dog there are never any strings attached except I tell the new owner I do not want it to be shown under me in any circumstance. You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t so why open the doors to seeming improprieties.

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson It’s not even a question for me as I tell any buyer not to show anything I have bred under me. The problem is in the perception of what others may think.

Personally I know I can make the distinction of what I consider to be the best dog whether I have bred it or not but I prefer to avoid the controversy which we all know will occur when this happens.

Jane Forsyth Yes, I do have a problem with the entire concept. I think it can lead to the potential of a huge conflict of interest. Certainly if the breeder has any control whatsoever over the future use of the exhibit it should not be shown under the breeder-judge for sure. If an outright sale took place and AKC’s rules permit this to be done I think the rule should be changed so that no dog is shown under a breeder-judge.

Pat Trotter Dogs I bred are simply not shown to me so there is no problem. In fact, I even discourage dogs sired by my dogs from being shown to me.

Keke Kahn Absolutely – I would never allow such a thing to happen. If it did I would excuse the dog forthwith no matter the level of competition.

*

24 Dog News

*Breed points, All Systems, & C.C. All Breed

Dog News 25

Obedience andRally Musings

by Minta “Mike” Williquette

Every judging assignment is unique and some are real adventures.

Judging in Nashville the weekend of the flood was one of these adventures. I decided to drive to Nashville that weekend and a friend rode along. We went sightseeing on Friday afternoon, as she had never been there. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. Saturday morning was quite a change as the rain had started, but it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.

I

was judging inside a building with few windows, so we were unaware of the weather brewing outside. There were very few absentees and the trial finished mid afternoon. Surprise, surprise. By that time there were torrents of rain and a flooded parking lot made it difficult to reach our cars when we were ready to leave. When we arrived at the motel, the water in the lower parking lot was 3 feet deep and filled with floating debris as it raced down the street. Luckily there was an upper lot that the water had not reached.

As we walked into the lobby the manager was waiting and asked us where our room was located. It was on the first floor of course. He said “you are the last ones we needed to find”, and then told us we were moving to the fourth floor. We had planned on watching the Kentucky Derby that afternoon, but the only thing on TV was weather non-stop. Now I was getting a little concerned. Howard Gladstein was also judging that day, and we had arranged to go to dinner together. The rain stopped for the hour we were at dinner, and the flooding had subsided in the parking lot. Surely a good sign, but that didn’t last for long. The rain started again in earnest and we watch from our room as the flooding began again. Within an hour the water was four feet deep in the lower parking lot.

Morning arrived and I was expecting a call saying the trial was cancelled.

However, that didn’t happen, so we made our way to the trial site through flooded roads, but luckily little traffic.

The Clarksville Kennel Club members were trickling in and everyone was looking a little bedraggled. These folks are dedicated, and worked very hard to keep things as normal as possible. The

26 Dog News

trial secretary drove over in her motorhome as she had to evacuate her home. Obviously the entry was very small that day.

To make the weekend even more exciting for me, I awarded my second 200 score in the many years I have been judging. It went to Curt Brock and his Golden Retriever, Key. It was too bad there weren’t more people there to share the joy with him.

The drive home, heading southeast of Nashville, was torture with rain so heavy that the exits on the interstate were not visible. This lasted for over an hour, then, with a sigh of relief, we finally drove out of the bad weather. We got lucky, I am told that Howard sat for six hours on the interstate trying to get back to Memphis only to be rerouted and spend the night in Huntsville, AL. The Brevard County Obedience Training Club held their first two day weekend trials at a new site this year. Here again forces beyond their control intervened, and challenged the trial committee and trail chair to solve problems they hadn’t anticipated.

NASA planned the launch of the last space shuttle for that Friday and invited sixty-thousand people to come to Cape Kennedy to watch. The trials were being held 15 miles south in Coco, Florida. The rooms that the club had reserved for the judges, there were six of us, were given away by the motel, and “there was no room at the inn” or any others for that matter. The problem was solved by housing three of us in a beach front condo with a huge basket of snacks. What nicer way to spend time after judging than walking on the beach with fellow judges Susie Osburn and Linda Mills? Cancellations at a motel several miles away helped accommodate the other judges.

The club was very organized and had top notch stewards, including an extra for each ring. What a pleasure for the judges.

There were several rings provided for run throughs the night before, and there was a practice ring each day during the trials.

This is the first club that I have judged or attended trials at that provided a practice ring since AKC approved this. The exhibitors used them constantly through out the weekend. There was a fee for this privilege to help off set expenses.

The trial included all classes, including Wild Card, Optional titling and Rally, both days, therefore allowing dogs at all levels of training to compete. Add the availability of good food and all the elements are there for a successful show. The entries for these trials will surely grow as the word gets out about the good facilities and the well run trials.

Life is never boring when you judge dog events.

Exercise finished. •

Dog News 27

28 Dog News

Dog News 29

Dear Friends, aying goodbye to the largest part of my life is a journey for which is impossible to prepare.

What was two, is now one. It is an amputation of part of the soul and the disappearance of a figure which for so many years was larger than life to me. To say that I am overwhelmed by the kindness, caring and support of the many good people in our community is an understatement.

I am humbled by their kind and constant concern and willingness

S

, 30 Dog News

to share and lend strength during the painful emotional process of losing my husband, my friend and my life partner.

My hope is that I can, when needed, pay it forward and pay it back. To say a simple thank you for being there would, in a way, take away from the beauty of what you all gave to me. It is the reason that I am really fine; grateful and blessed to be among a great group of humans in the dog world.

So I will say it… thank you from my heart.

Corky thanks you too.

,

Dog News 31

Mercury

CH. HIALEAH’S CINNABAR V LUCENE Mercury is currently the #5* Smooth and moving up!

Our appreciation to Judge Ms. Jane Roppolo

Owner: Sharon Lutosky

Handler: Marj Brooks *The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

32 Dog News

Sammy

CH. SUNTECKEL’S SAMUEL II

Sammy is currently the top winning Dachshund And the #16* Hound

Our appreciation to Judge Mr. Raymond V. Filburn, Jr.

Owner: Sharon Lutosky Terry Abst

Handler: Lorene Hogan

*C.C. System

Dog News 33

The Bests oftheWeek

JUNE 4, 2010

San Fernando Fe do K Kennell Club Smooth Fox Terrier Ch. Slyfox Sneaks A Peak Judge Mr. Frank Sabella Owner J. W. Smith Handler Edward Boyes

Spokane Kennel Club I & II Standard Poodle Ch. Brighton Lakeridge Encore Judge Mr. Norman L. Patton Judge Mrs. Janet Sinclair Owners Toni and Martin Sosnoff Handler Tim Brazier Illinois Valley Kennel Club of Peoria I Pekingese Ch. Franshaw Hear Me Roar Judge Mr. Raymond Bay Owner John Shaw Handler Hiram Stewart Classic Dog Club of Western Massachusetts - Friday Town & Country Toy Dog Club - Sunday & Monday Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ch. Mondrian V.H. Lamslag RE Judge Mr. Jeffrey Bazell Judge Mr. Carl Yochum Judge Mrs. G. R. Taylor Owner and Handler Janet York Hangtown Kennel Club – Saturday & Sunday Alaskan Malamute Ch. Catanya’s Latin Lover Judge Mrs. Nancy Liebes Judge Mrs. Betty Stites Owners Alisa Syar, PJ Kendrick, A. Martinez Handler Mike Stone Grand Rapids Kennel Club Black Cocker Spaniel Ch. Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction Judge Mrs. Donna Buxton Owners B. Van Deman, C. Douglas, M. Walker, C. Cassidy, & L.G. Moore Handler Linda Pitts Seminole Kennel Club Pekingese Ch. Palacegarden Malachy Judge Mr. Peter J.Green Owners Iris Love, Sandra Middlebrooks & David Fitzpatrick Handler David Fitzpatrick Kalamazoo Kennel Club Greater Muskegon Kennel Club Greyhound Ch. GrandCru Clos Erasmus Judge Mrs. Keke Kahn Judge Mr. Donavon Thompson Owners Melanie Steele & Rindi Gaudet Handler Rindi Gaudet 34 Dog News

To report an 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

Coeur D’Alene Dog Fanciers - Monday Puli Ch. Lajosmegyi Singin’ In The Rain Judge Dr. Alvin W. Krause Owners Anna Quigley & Patricia Turner and Steve & Alice Lawrence Handler Anna Quigley Genesee County Kennel Club - Saturday Standard Poodle Ch. Dawin Spitfire Judge Mr. James Noe Owner Linda Campbell Handler Sarah Riedl New Castle Kennel Club - Monday Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Ch. Fireside’s Spontaneous Combustion Judge Ms. Angela J. Porpora Owners Joan Coughlin and Elaine Hunsicker Handler Michelle Scott New Castle Kennel Club - Saturday Rottweiler Ch. D’Oro Solido’s Feliciano Uno Judge Mr. Clay Coady Owner D. Cabe Handler Michelle Scott The Kennel Club of California Sierra - Monday Shetland Sheepdog Ch. PaRay’s Cirque Du Soleil Judge Mrs. Monica Canestrini Owners JoAnn Wixson, D. Ann Clabby & Tray Pittman Handler Tray Pittman Gloucester Kennel Club of Virginia - Sunday Lhasa Apso Ch. My Thai Ta Sen Halleluiah Chorus Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger Owners Susan S. Giles and Mary D. Vaden Handler Susan S. Giles Los Encinos Kennel Club Pomeranian Ch. Powerpom High Performance Judge Mrs. Helen Stein Owner Ponsakorn Pongsak Handler Taffe McFadden Mid-Continent Kennel Club I 15” Beagle Ch. Torquay Midnight Confession Judge Mrs. Dorothy A. Dalton Owners Mr. & Mrs. Marco Flavio Botelho and Marcelo Chagas Handler Marcelo Chagas CONTINUED ON PAGE 97

WESLEY

15”

BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW WINNING CH. DANTER’S SON OF TROUBLE 2007 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best Bred By In Variety Judge Mrs. Judy Doniere 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best Bred By In Variety Judge Mrs. Lowell K. Davis 2009 National Beagle Club of America Award of Merit Judge Mr. Dana Cline 2009 Phoenix Beagle Club Best In Specialty Show Judge Mr. Jon Cole 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Award of Excellence Judge Mr. Elliott Weiss Thank you to all the Judges

Thank you Judge Mrs. Pamela Peat for this awesome win!

Danter Beagles

Terri Papagni - Carter & Daniel Carter - BREEDERS • OWNERS • HANDLERS Clovis, California - terripapagni@yahoo.com / www.danterbeagles.com Dog News 35

CAELAN

First four shows as a special....

Four Group Placements

Judge Dr. John Shelton (also Best of Breed)

Judge Mrs. Lynne Myall (Best of Breed Judge Mrs. Gloria Geringer)

Judge Mrs. Judith Daniels (photo unavailable) (Best of Breed Judge Mrs. Dempsey Alderman)

Judge Mrs. Barbara Dempsey Alderman (Best of Breed Judge Mrs. Judith Daniels) Bred & Owned by Barbara & Sam Callaway www.calabay.net 36 Dog News

Handled by Bergit & Hans Kabel Assisted by Chika Kawachi

Her ďŹ fth and sixth shows as a special...

Two Best In Specialty Wins San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier Club April 15th and 16th Specialties (Northern California Terrier Association)

Judge Mr. Jay Richardson

Judge Mr. Frederick Stephens Thank you to all of Caelan’s judges for such an exciting start to her specials career.

Best In Specialty Show Winning Ch. Calabay Caelan Dog News 37

1

What is your favorite dog show moment exclusive of a win?

5

The first annual Breeders Cup competition in Santa Barbara last August. I was fortunate to have one of the 56 pairs of feisty Terriers in the show ring at the same time. What a sight it was! Thanks, Desi, for putting that show together and encouraging everyone to come.

3

“Uh huh.” (And Which nod my head at the words or phrases do same time.) you most overuse?

If you could My age – I wish I could change one go back 30 years. thing about yourself what would it be?

2

I would love to be a gourWhich met chef and be part of talent an Ironman competition. would you most like to have?

4

Who is your real life hero or heroine?

My husband of 37 years, Chris, who is always there for me and encourages me to grow as a person everyday. However, you will never see him at a dog show!

6 7 Other people think I am: A mom – I bring the Band-Aids, the aspirin, the needle and thread, and the cupcakes everywhere I go.

Then I’ll stand on the sidelines and cheer you on!

How would you describe yourself in a personal ad?

Loves dogs ... not too sure about small children.

8 9 What was your most embarrassing moment at a dog show?

I was showing my dog “Chip” while having hot flashes. Everything was going wrong and the judge wanted me to do everything over. By the time I finally got it “right” I was soaked.

Which judge, no longer alive or judging, do you miss the most?

Annie Clark – painfully honest ... you always knew where you stood with her.

10questions What do you miss the most at dog shows?

When there were only two or sometimes three shows on a weekend. We had more time to spend with each other rather than spending time getting ready for yet another show. We need to slow down a bit and take the time to smell the flowers!

38 Dog News

Asked of Pam Davis

Born: Queens, New York

Resides: Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania Marital Status: Married, two children, one (and a half) grandchildren, 12 Cairn Terriers, and a Chihuahua.

By Lesley Boyes

*Breed points, All Systems

40 Dog News

Dog News 41

I

recently received a letter (a real letter, you know – paper, pen, envelope, and stamp) from a reader regarding an article I wrote in the March 12, 2010 edition of Dog News entitled “Hurdles.” This column concerned the American Kennel Club’s revisiting judging approvals. The letter writer first commented on how much she looked forward to, how much she enjoyed, and how highly she valued my views and opinions. BUT (oh, here it comes) she was very uncomfortable with my following comment:

by Gerald Schwartz

Jerry Speaks

Hurdles (Part Two)

“H

urdles placed for judges applying for their second group should be quite different than the hurdles placed for judges applying for their second breed.” Her concern was that each and every breed is unique and should be thought of and treated as such.

This being the case, judges at any level should be required to clear the same hurdles!

I wrote back (a real letter, you know – paper, crayon, envelope, and stamp) and thanked her for her kind words and concerns. I proceeded to explain that in my humble opinion there are far more similarities between breeds than differences. A Great Dane has the same number of bones and appendages (eyes, ears, legs, noses, etc.) as a Chihuahua. The differences are basically limited to size and shape. This, to say the very least, is quite a simplification! My point being by the time an individual has been approved (cleared those hurdles of testing, attending seminars, ringside observations, etc.) for an entire group, he or she has encountered a large variety of shapes and sizes. By then they have proven (or not) their ability to distinguish those differences and deal with those distinguishing differences. It is of course those very differences that determine the uniqueness between the Dane and the Chihuahua, the Poodle and the Golden, the Whippet and the Collie, the Scottie and everything in between!

By the same measure, a judge who is approved for but one or two breeds has far more to prove (hurdles 42 Dog News

to clear) than a group judge who has already cleared so many of those hurdles. A group judge over a period of many years has dealt with many breeds in real life conformation rings and should not have to go through the same rigmarole as those considerably less experienced! To insist they do is a waste of time, effort, and expense; time, effort, and expense for the American Kennel Club, the applying group judges, and all concerned parties!

This does not mean that educational exposure is not of great value. It does, at least to me, suggest that after years of judging a multitude of breeds that formal educational experiences are not so critical in gaining the ability to properly evaluate an additional number of breeds! At this point my crayon was worn to a nub, and I closed the letter with many thanks.

Note: It has always been my contention that the best learning experiences are found in a conformation ring judging real, live dogs, not preselected dogs competing for champion points. The downside of this “experience is the best teacher” policy is the involvement of exhibitors who may exact a price for being part of the education of judges!

In a perfect world there would be an assembly line of tests (hurdles), seminars, ringside observations, etc. that would guarantee at the end of that assembly line good judges and good judging! In as much as that will never be the case, the use of imperfect assembly lines should be utilized with a touch of common sense! •

Dog News 43

Dog News 45

T

AND MORE

his is the first time I had been back to the Mission Circuit since it was moved indoors to air-conditioned buildings at the Los Angeles Fairplex in Pamona, California.

What a major improvement is this new airy site with its large and beautifully laid out rings. Food courts abound both indoors and outdoors and the two additional air-conditioned buildings used for grooming areas (for which there is no charge assessed) are hard to beat anywhere in America for sure. Certainly it is as good a venue as anywhere in California and comparable if not better than any show I have attended in the US of A insofar as comfort, practicability, and exhibitor and dog comfort are concerned. Entries happily held their own as compared to last year as the four clubs San Gabriel Valley, Los Encinos, Antelope Valley, and San Fernando did themselves and the dog world proud in presenting such lovely events.

The Fairplex/Cluster Coordinators are Arlene and Lowell Davis abetted greatly by the fast improving health ways Joe Waterman who both looks and is acting up to snuff. No doubt in great part to the care being provided by his lovely wife, Doreen. As I recall there were different BIS winners each night – the Portie bitch Friday shown by Amy Rutherford, the Pomeranian exhibited by the McFaddens Saturday, the Bouvier of Larry Fenners Sunday, and the Smooth Fox Terrier shown by Eddie Boyes on Monday. All fine exhibits in their own rights I may add, although the Groups varied greatly in quality primarily due to some of the differences in opinions on the breed level. Do I think this is a top notch show? Absolutely, and it is a series of shows not to be missed. Oh, yes, forgot to tell you a Sheraton Suites is attached to the Fairplex and less than a two minute walk away – now that’s a nice convenience isn’t it!!

This is the first weekend I have seen the Grand Championship competitions going on. Don’t ask me why this new title was added except as an attempt to get more monies in for both the clubs and AKC. So insecure is AKC in the matter that

The Mission Circuit, Breeder Judges, HSUS...

by Matthew H. Stander

Mission Circuit photos by Matthew H. Stander & Eugene Z. Zaphiris

46 Dog News

CONTINUED ON PAGE 72

Dog News 47

48 Dog News

Dog News 49

Texas Roundup

The50thAnniversary oftheBelgianTervuren

By Janina Laurin

W

ith open arms and a smile as big as the state of Texas itself, Showchair Elly McCarthy of San Antonio welcomed 311 dogs (427 entries) of Belgian Tervuren to her home state and the Tanglewood Resort.

Tanglewood is set about an hour north from the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport just past the long horned cattle ranchette on Lake Texoma in Pottsboro. Dallas suburbia is far-reaching. It doesn’t yet look like Northern New Jersey (no offense) but it was the full hour ride before it felt like Texas. The resort is a nice mix of villa-condo combinations and hotel rooms.

The villas come complete with all amenities.

It was comfortable for people and dogs. The dogs loved bounding from the master suite down the hallway when visitors knocked. It was just like home! The grounds were large and wide but convenient grounds close to the hotel were difďŹ cult for showing as many exhibitors with knee/hip issues as well as any dog not as least decently structured could attest to after once or twice around!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

50 Dog News

Dog News 51

Pyr’nAroundthe GreatPyreneesNational O

by Karen Justin

n Wednesday, April 28 through Saturday, May 1 the Great Pyrenees Club of America held its 75th annual National Specialty.

This year was special as it was not only our Diamond Anniversary show but also the fourth Great Pyrenees World Conference. Instead of the National being hosted by a regional club, GPCA members Jean Pero and Whitney Coombs chaired this historic event. The site was the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Pensylvania. The location was great as there were plenty of restaurants close by and a lot of shopping in the area, including many outlet malls that are very popular. Both chairpersons, along with all their committees deserve a big pat on the back for putting on a very successful show that seemed to go off without a hitch.

Since this was also a World Conference, the events began on Sunday, April 25 for visitors from far and wide to enjoy some sight seeing tours that the committees arranged. On Sunday there was a tour of Washington, D.C., and on Monday visitors enjoyed a tour of the Amish communities of Historic Lancaster County along with an international visitor mixer that night. On Tuesday a tour of Philadelphia was scheduled along with a visit to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School where Dr. Abigail Smith, the daughter of Edith and C. Seaver Smith, Jr. of Quibbletown Kennels, gave a tour of their facilities and a lecture on some of their canine health projects. It was my understanding from several people who attended that these tours were well run and very informative. Again, on Monday night there was an international visitor mixer for attendees to unwind and get to know each other better.

Bright and early on Wednesday morning was the start of the World Conference Breakfasts that were held every morning for the rest of the week.

Each day a different topic was discussed in a round table format. I was only able

to attend one day and found this to be not only informative but a great opportunity to discuss breed related issues with others. All of the people that I spoke with who attended enjoyed themselves immensely. Hopefully other specialties will offer a similar opportunity to share information.

Wednesday was the start of our National Specialty judging. We had a total entry of 330 with 190 individual dogs.

This included 21 in Rally with 13 in Obedience and seven in Junior Showmanship. In addition, there were two dogs competing in the draft dog competition.

The morning was busy with Rally, Obedience, and Futurity. Rally and Obedience were judged by Nancy Withers from Wernersville, Pennsylvania. High in Trial went to Blitz owned by Jeanne-Anne Polichetti. Carrie Stuart Parks of Catalda, Idaho judged Futurity. Carrie has been in Great Pyrenees since 1959 and a member of the GPCA since 1972. With the passing of her parents in 1972, she has carried on the Skeel kennel name. She is an AKC Junior Showmanship judge and was recently elected as president of the GPCA. Carrie is an accomplished fine and forensic artist, author/illustrator of numerous books, and law enforcement instructor. Her watercolors of Great Pyrenees are in high demand and sell out in the first hour of their exhibit. With 14 entered, Best in Futurity went to Ch. Rivergroves Vera Wang bred by McKee Cox and Jean Boyd and owned by the breeders and Marcia J. Stewart. Best of Opposite in Futurity went to her littermate, Ch. Rivergroves Gianni Versace, bred by and owned by the same group. After Futurity, the draft dog test was held on the grounds near the expo center. With meetings held in the afternoon and an evening of Fun & Games activities that finished late in the evening, participants were ready to get some rest for another full day of events on Thursday.

A

fter the World Conference Breakfast on Thursday morning, Puppy Sweepstakes began mid-morning.

Charlotte Perry of Midland, Virginia was the judge. Charlotte and her husband, Jack, purchased their first Great Pyrenees in 1969. Under the kennel name Pyreau, the Perrys have been successful in the show ring for many years. They have produced a National CONTINUED ON PAGE 80

52 Dog News

Dog News 53

PartyTime AtTheGSP National T

By Leita Estes

photos by Leita Estes and Anita & Gary Weiss

he German Shorthaired Pointer National is a week-long Family Reunion filled with many fun times to be had by all. We the human half of the family are very much like our dogs, fun loving and see life as a laugh out loud adventure!

Because of the versatility of our breed we have a full schedule of “real events” to include Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Water Retrieve and of course Futurity, Sweeps, Junior Showmanship and Conformation. We also held Cardiac, CERF and CD health clinics as well. But we also find the time and energy (like our dogs) for the fun stuff too. This is what makes our Nationals different from most others.

The Florida Panhandle GSP Club sponsored their own specialty show just prior to the beginning of our NSS and even that was preceded by a welcome party that included “Flamingo Handling” classes judged

by AKC breeder-judge, Betsy Yates.

There was a rather large entry of competent “handlers” who exhibited their ability to effectively show the many qualities of the Florida feathered native fowl. It was challenging but in the end the birds were treated humanely and the handlers were presented awards for their outstanding efforts to appear competent and professional in dealing with both the pink, plastic, and metal varieties.

Our first fun filled event on Wednesday May 12 was the 11th annual Margarita / Tattoo party. This event started small the first year with just a few friends getting together in their room having margaritas. Each year it has grown in the number of people and of course the amount of margaritas consumed.

This year we had to do a you fly (the designated driver of course) and we buy run for another case of “Golden Margaritas.” Thanks to Marty Cornell for the first case!!! As you noticed we also have a Tattoo artist, the famous Betsy Yates tattoo artist extraordinaire and her apprentice, Victoria. And you thought Betsy was just an AKC judge! Betsy can do any type of tattoo any where you would like it. Lou Torres is the official spotter to be sure the tattoos are revealing enough.

54 Dog News

Our Top 25 (yes I said we were different) event produced by Maureen “Moe” Farley and Maxine Moinier starts off with a no host bar and appetizers, dinner and an Art Auction with proceeds to our Health Fund. Then the top dogs in our breed with owner picked music for the showcase event are the beginning of the rock’n good time. At the conclusion of the showcase the conga line, dogs included, gets started for another night of fun.

We decided to include the second annual Hula-Hoop party on this night as last year we got in trouble making too much noise. This is a fun addition to the party. When was the last time you tried to Hula-Hoop? Last year the big winner was Val Atkinson and this year the big winner was a new comer (her first Nationals) Erin King. Both of these big winners are California girls, but who would think anyone but we California girls could still Hula-Hoop?

Since we have one of the top handlers in the country as one of our own, Val Atkinson, we of course have handling classes for both young and old-er. But the best 15th annual laugh out loud event is “Adult Handling” with this year’s judge being Larry Cornielus. There is nothing that can prepare the judges of this event. What is in store for them on this night requires only one thing; they must have a sense of humor. Each year we have a sign up sheet at the Purina booth, who is sponsors of our National, for those that would like to participate in the Adult Handling event. The fee is $5 per person with the money being donated to GSP rescue. After the introduction of the evening’s judge let the games begin.

Each entry includes both two- and fourlegged participants. Each individual group comes in and does a go around, well kind of.

Then the judges will try and get the group to behave for examination. Believe me this isn’t easy and it is the two-legged ones that present the biggest challenge for the judge. Larry was such a good sport in this ordeal. It is hard enough staying in your chair on the other side of the ring ropes as we are all laughing so hard we are crying.

I can’t imagine being the judge and trying to control your ring of fools.

This year the entries included the Boca Babes Flag team, Beach Blanket Bitches, 2 and 4 legged ballerinas, Mad Cap pirates, Corella Deville changed her spots, the Service Dog being served by the handicapped owner, Backward Aussies, Tailgate party, Retirement Community Wal-Mart Man, Florida vacationing retired couple in their bikinis. And of course the “Pointer Sisters” for their final tour again. We do expect and encore from them again next year if they know what’s good for them!! Our Service Dog entry was very special to all of us. Steve Datillio suffered a severe brain aneurism and it was his wife, Sharon’s and his goal to be able to make it to our Nationals. He has always been the life of the party and this year was the most special of them all to have him there for our Family reunion. •

Dog News 55

I

f it seems as if there has been a barrage of antidog and anti-dog owning and anti-dog breeding legislation recently, that’s because there has been.

On the national level, Sen. Rick Durbin (D-Ill.) has introduced a new “PUPS” bill, which seeks to overhaul the previous bill of the same name and close an Internet loophole in the Animal Welfare Act. This bill would require individuals who breed and sell more than 50 puppies a year over the Internet or directly to the public to be regulated by the USDA and would classify them as High Volume Breeder Retailers.

Under the new bill, they would be required to obtain a USDA license, meet federal standards of care and be inspected at least once every two years by the USDA. Perhaps in answer to the American Kennel Club’s annual Responsible Dog Ownership day, the Humane Society of the United States planned a Lobby Day this week right in North Carolina, where the AKC maintains its operations center. In North Carolina, the General Assembly has been in session for nearly a month. The HSUS is pressuring legislators to enact Senate Bill 460, which was first adopted by the Commerce Committee more than a year ago (May 4, 2009). For those unfamiliar with the tactics of the HSUS and so-called animal rights groups, it would seem that the bill is well intentioned. It purports to be “an act to eliminate abusive practices and provide for the humane care and treatment of dogs and puppies by establishing standards for their care at commercial breeding operations, excluding kennels or establishments operated for the purpose of boarding or training hunting, herding, show, or working dogs.”

Tough to argue with that, right?

Everyone can stand behind a bill that protects the welfare of animals and makes reasonable exceptions.

Under Section 1 of the bill, the stated purpose is “to protect the owners of dogs and cats from the theft of such pets; to prevent the sale or use of stolen pets, to ensure that animals, as items of commerce, are provided humane care and treatment…”

Again, all sounds good to an outsider.

However, items within the bill are cause for concern for responsible dog breeders.

The AKC specifically takes issue with the way the bill is currently written, and its vague definition of “commercial breeder.” SB460 defines “commercial breeder” as someone who owns 15 or more intact female dogs “of breeding age” and 30 or more puppies. It is not clear if this is a cumulative number owned over a lifetime, or the number on a property at one time. The AKC argues that if the measure is intended to address commerce, this should be defined by the number of dogs sold, rather than by what an individual owns.

The AKC also questions the need for such a bill, when the state of North Carolina already has effective animal abuse laws. Effective enforcement of current laws would do more to protect the health and welfare of dogs than this new, superfluous piece of legislation. In addition, should SB 460 be enacted, it would create a new, unfunded mandate for counties. While SB 460 would give the state authority to launch investigations based on complaints against commercial breeders, it actually makes county authorities responsible for conducting the investigations and following up pursuant to the state’s direction.

However, no money will be earmarked for counties

OFF LEASH

by Shaun Coen

THE

56 Dog News

to conduct such investigations and follow-up. Talk about passing the buck - without actually passing the bucks. In this economy, where will the money and the manpower come from to conduct such investigations, and what safeguards, if any, are in place to protect responsible breeders from fraudulent or libelous claims?

In a recent press release, the AKC also takes offense to what it deems “false and misleading legislative findings,” claiming that the “the bill’s legislative findings are based on unsubstantiated claims and state that the bill does not interfere with a person’s right to participate in hunting and working activities with their dog.” But the AKC points out that the bill only exempts “those who board or train – not those who breed – dogs for show, hunting, working, etc.”

This is a very important distinction. At first glance – and especially to those uninitiated in the ways of the HSUS, which very cleverly and calculatedly crafts legislative talking points - the bill seems to be about protecting animals and breeders in the process. But look again at the opening line of the bill: “…for the purpose of boarding or training hunting, sporting, herding, show, or working dogs.” Where’s the protection for the breeder, the backbone of the dog show world?

What would become of the stock of hunting, sporting and working dogs – not to mention show dogs – without protecting the responsible breeders that produce the bloodlines that serve those endeavors? So, is the bill really about protecting the welfare of animals, or is it another veiled attempt to expose breeders? The argument can be made that SB 460 is indeed just another anti-dog breeding piece of legislation.

Responsible breeders and owners everywhere – and especially in the Tar Heel State – are urged to contact North Carolina’s legislators to inform them of the lack of protection provided for them under SB 460, a bill that will do little or nothing towards its intended purpose of protecting the health and welfare of dogs.

North Carolina can help put an end towards animal cruelty in its state by enforcing the laws already on the books. •

Dog News 57

by M.J. Nelson

An A-Plus For Versatility

L

ook at the yearly compilations for virtually any of the main performance activities—agility, obedience or rally—and dominating the lists of dogs that have earned titles in that activity are Border Collies. The same is true of herding whether it be AKC or American Herding Breeds Association competition.

While other breeds certainly have more ability and stronger instincts when it comes to scenting, retrieving or swimming and more pizzazz in the show ring, there seems to be little argument that the Border Collie is capable of doing the widest variety of jobs and doing them quite well. They dominate the ranks of the working stock dogs, they can be found at the top levels of nearly every dog sport and they have also been successfully employed to keep golf courses and airport runways free from geese.

There is only one job where the breed is a complete failure and that is couch potato.

This truly is a breed that constantly needs something mentally and physically stimulating to do or they will happily invent their own games, most of which will result in the dog being in serious trouble with its owner and probably everyone else in the neighborhood.

As a result, there is no shortage of Border Collies with multiple championships, many of which say BC folks, have been acquired in self-defense in order to keep their BCs happy and out of trouble.

In addition to his four AKC championships, Slider has an agility championship from USDAA and a herding championship from the American Herding Breeds Association.

58 Dog News

“Slider” (TC MACH ADCH HTCH Hob Nob Triple Play UDX RLFIII HRDIII HTDIII HTADIII) Jo Roach’s Border Collie, was the first in the breed to earn four AKC championships. He has a conformation championship, a herding championship, an obedience championship and an agility championship.

The energy level for Border Collies probably goes back to their original work which required a dog with considerable stamina. This has also stood them in good stead with a variety of dog sports. “When you go back to their original purpose—working with a shepherd in the fields,” said Laura Kincaid who owns U-Ch U-ACHX U-CDX HTCH Ch HC MACH Oelamp’s Jackpot UDX2 HXAs HIBs XF OAC OGC NJC HRD-IIIs HTADIIIs HTD-IIIs RLF-IIIs CGC - (“Jack”) and U-Ch U-GRACH HTCH Ch HC MACH Oelamp’s Remembrance HSAds HXAs HXBs MXF HRDIIIs HTAD-IIIs HTD-IIIs RLF-IIIs (“Remee”), “They were bred for one thing—their herding ability which encompassed many traits including herding, instinct, bidability, stamina, problem solving ability and athleticism. These last four traits allow the breed to excel in many activities.”

“Border Collies have been bred to work.

That is what a Border Collie lives to do,” said CONTINUED ON PAGE 82

Dog News 59

Thank you to the following Judges; Mr. James Frederiksen, Mr. Roger Hartinger, Dr. Robert Smith, Mrs. Karen Riddle, Mrs. Robert Smith, Mrs. Joan P. Anselm, Dr. Daniel W. Fleitas, Dr. Harry Smith & Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin

Animal Abuse Research

by Carlotta Cooper

For the past few weeks my computer screen has been covered with saved files with titles such as Social Work and the Law: Proceedings of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work; Animal Abuse and Youth Violence; and Animal Cruelty Prosecution: Opportunities for Early Response to Crime and Interpersonal Violence.

I have literally dozens of these files saved, in various stages of reading. I can tell you that they don’t make pretty reading. I can only read so much before I have to stop and play with my puppies to get what I’ve been reading out of my head.

That’s one reason why it was very dismaying to read the March 26, 2010 issue of DOG NEWS, in particular the editorial “States Growing Tougher.”

The editorial referred to “growing evidence” that people who abuse animals often go on to attack other humans and mentioned that states are increasing penalties for animal cruelty and “developing better methods for tracking offenders.” I’m afraid there are some problems with these seemingly straightforward statements.

After all the research I’ve been doing one thing is crystal clear: the “growing evidence” that links animal abuse to other forms of abuse is highly suspect. The same is true where animal hoarding is concerned. For instance, the first study of what we call today “hoarding” was conducted in New York City in 1981, with funding from the ASPCA. This would form the pattern for virtually all of the significant later studies on hoarding as well as the studies linking animal abuse to other forms of abuse. Studies on animal abuse, which are being used to convince lawmakers to make tougher laws, create animal abuse registries, and consider laws for “hoarders” are based on animal rights research.

One of the most significant studies of animal abuse and other forms of 60 Dog News

abuse was done by Randall Lockwood and his co-authors E. Deviney and J. Dickert in 1983: The care of pets within child abusing families. International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems, 4, 321-329. It just so happens that Dr. Lockwood became the Vice-President of the Humane Society of the United States the following year, in 1984, a position that he held until 2005. He is currently a Senior Vice President for Anti-Cruelty Field Services for the ASPCA. Yes, he does have credentials in psychology with a doctorate in psychology from Washington University, but his animal rights beliefs have to make any research produced by him very questionable. At least, it should be questioned.

And yet, his articles and books have become standards in the field of animal abuse.

Dr. Lockwood worked with humane societies and law enforcement agencies, as a psychologist and in his position as vice president of HSUS for more than 30 years, advising them on the “interactions” between animals and people.

He testified in numerous trials involving so-called “cruelty to animals” — dogfighting cases, child abuse, domestic violence, even murder cases, if there were animals involved.

He did everything possible to increase awareness of what he considered to be the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence. He continues to provide training to law enforcement, social services, mental health and veterinary professionals. And he has written several books on the subject of animal cruelty. (Information taken from his curriculum vitae and published biography.) In short, he’s been a very busy and successful man when it comes to promoting the idea that there is a link between animal abuse and other forms of violence.

However, just because Randall Lockwood, as vice president of HSUS, believes that animal abuse is linked to other forms of violence, doesn’t mean it’s true. It means that he’s had 30 years to sell this idea to the public and to convince the people in positions of authority — your local police department, child protective services, therapists and counselors, your vet — that it’s true. And now his books are being used to teach courses in animal abuse to other aspiring psychologists. CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

CH. MAJORAY’S ALLSTAR Sire: Ch. Kendoric’s Riversong Mulroney

Dam: Ch. Ivanwold In Your Dreams

Jeremy

Thank you to Judge Mrs. Lydia Hutchinson for this win and to Judge Mr. David Kirkland for his Group Third the week before.

A Best In Specialty Winner • A Multiple Group Placer

AND NOW A GROUP WINNER! All owner-handled by Joyce Finnegan

MAJORAY PUGS

Dick and Joyce Finnegan 321 Billington Street Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360

majoray@verizon.net www.majoray.com 508 830-1260 (H) 617 571-1796 (Cell) Dog News 61

E R RA S D E E R BOF THE WORLD ld chwa u B s e n

by Ag

CatalburunThe Turkish Pointer

T

here are some dog breeds which are ensconced in their homelands the same as are the diamonds in a safe box.

Culturally, and for the sake of the recorded history, these breeds must be known, must be reached, cherished, and kept alive for the future generations.

This is the opinion of every true dog lover – not only for the preservation of the given breed, but because they are living lessons for all of us to learn and – if possible – help to keep and guard the given gene.

Being strongly against the “sport” of hunting, I understand that in some places hunting means eating, and when it comes to food the hunter and its dog are the providers for their family’s’ survival, so hunting is not a “sport” anymore.

We all know how much dogs can contribute with men regarding many tasks, needless to develop a debate on the matter. We also know that there are a lot of places where to feed the family a man must hunt. This is still the situation (beside other places) in Turkey’s Tarsus region.

Excavations reveal that the prehistorical development of Tarsus reaches back to the Neolithic Period and continues unbroken to the Early Bronze Ages. Much of the legend of the foundation of Tarsus developed in the Roman era and has different statements. The most interesting is that the winged horse Pegasus was lost and landed here; hurting his foot, and thus the city was named tar-sos (the sole of the foot).

In historical times, the city was first ruled by the Hittites, followed by the Assyrians, and was the seat of Persian rulers from 400 BC onward. Alexander the Great passed through with his armies in 333 BC and nearly met his death here after a bath in the freezing waters of Cygnus. By this time Tarsus was largely influenced by Greek language and culture. Historians praise the cultural CONTINUED ON PAGE 88

62 Dog News

“Patty’s Hardy is one Hard Nut”

American & Canadian Champion

Suzu’s Hard Nut to Crack Thank you Judge Mrs. Madeleine B. Fish

Owned by: Susan Nakamura and Carol Rappaport Bred by: Susan Nakamura Expertly Presented by: Patty Crowley Dog News 63

True North (Strong and Free)

by Allison Foley

The Manchester Terrier Ch Fwaggle She’s So Vain BIS Dartmouth KC

Irish Setter Ch Captiva’s Turning Heads Currently #2 All Breeds

A

s Canadians we pride ourselves on our European heritage, we sing “God Save the Queen,” and we drink a lot of tea. But one reference to modern European culture that is not being welcomed with open arms is the cropping and docking ban that is currently in place in four provinces and being considered in two others, including Ontario.

(Canada has 10 provinces and three territories.) Ontario is the second largest province by area but is the largest by far in population, has the largest dog population by registration, and has more dog shows that any other province.

64 Dog News

The cropping and docking ban started on the East Coast and certainly right now it is Atlantic Canada that is affected. The provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador (one province), New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and lastly Nova Scotia all have bans in place.

The ban in Nova Scotia went in place April 1, 2010 but will not take effect until October 1, 2010 in order for the individual veterinarians to have time to implement the ban.

How This Happened In Nova Scotia, for example, in 2008 the NS Legislature introduced Bill 186, a new Animal Protection Bill. Among other things it gave the SPCA total control over cruelty investigations for domestic animals in the province and left farm animals under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture. This bill passed the first and second reading and was sent to the Law Amendments Committee in November prior to the third and final reading. At this meeting the SPCA introduced a motion that included this statement: “Lastly and in summary, the specific changes to the proposed Act that the NS SPCA is seeking are as follows: 1. The NS SPCA would like to see a provision to the Act that makes it illegal for any person in Nova Scotia to alter an animal for cosmetic purposes specifically, docking of tails, cropping of ears, declawing, or removing vocal cords.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

Dog News 65

the

Gossip column

MARIEANN GLADSTONE passed away suddenly at home in Tannerville, Pennsylvania on Friday, May 28th at the age of 58.

MARIEANN and her husband STEVE bred Cardigan Welsh Corgis for over thirty years under the Aragon prefix.

Both she and STEVE judged around the world and he served on the Board of the American Kennel Club. Services were held on Wednesday and the family has requested that those wishing make a donation to the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB HUMANE FUND, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 in her memory. This past weekend JACKIE STACY awarded a dog that she bred best in show. As the rules are written, JACKIE was within her rights to do so, but the outcry has been overwhelming.

Whether or not she should have excused the dog for a conflict of interest can only be answered by her.

Several years ago, in

66 Dog News

By Eugene Z. Zaphiris

2003, a committee was formed by the American Kennel Club to review and determine what was a conflict of interest.

The committee was headed by DAVID MERRIAM, DENNIS SPRUNG, WILLIAM SPECK, HELEN LEE JAMES, JIM SMITH and JUDI DANIELS (who as a seated member of the board of directors, voted for herself to become president of the American Kennel Club). The committee basically found no conflicts between business partners, judges and exhibitors sitting on the same boards and other like situations. So, if you are bothered by the events of this past weekend, contact the American Kennel Club and ask that a change in the rules be made that says you cannot judge a dog you have bred at any level of competition.

Would I have done it, no, but that’s me and that’s what makes the world go

around. The recent announcement that the American Kennel Club wants to charge judges a fee has caused a mini revolution.

The initial proposal was rescinded but revolution or not, there will be some kind of fee charged to judges. This, of course, will take a back seat to another new plan that will soon be in effect; to have breeds taken away from judges that the American Kennel Club feels are not qualified. Then watch the screaming and threats of lawsuits…but truth be told the American Kennel Club should have instituted this a long time ago…they should also refrain from approving unqualified judges in the first place. BONNIE THRELFALL, a lady who knows a thing or two about English Cocker Spaniels, judged the breed this week at Southern Counties championship show in England, where they are known simply as Cocker Spaniels.

Three more deaths,

MONIQUE DEVINE, longtime Poodle breeder and retired judge, has passed away. Our deepest sympathies to her family. Boxer handler JACK BROWN passed away in a Birmingham, Alabama hospital just a few weeks after the national specialty, shocking his many friends.

Our deepest sympathies to his family. HANS JAKOB GRAM, husband of Maltese breeder and toy judge INGELA GRAM, passed away. Our deepest sympathies to INGELA and her children. Due to the passing of DEE HUTCHINSON there are some judging changes for the upcoming MORRIS & ESSEX KENNEL CLUB dog show in October. CHARLES TROTTER will judge BORDER COLLIES and ROUGH & SMOOTH COLLIES; LYNETTE SALTZMAN will judge BOUVIER DES FLANDERS; and STANLEY SALTZMAN will judge BRIARDS.

Dog News 67

68 Dog News

True North (Strong and Free) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64

The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association had a discussion at their AGM on the topic of cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal. Also considered were debarking and all procedures they consider “cosmetic.” From our sources we understand it was a heated debate and a decision was put on hold to canvas all members of the NSVMA to see how they felt on this issue. The “Council” can still (and did) make their own decision.

And so on March 19, 2010, The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association amended its Code of Ethics, making it illegal for any member to perform docking, cropping or dewclaw removal on dogs. They continue to define these necessary procedures as purely cosmetic, with no consideration to their functional necessity in injury prevention for working canines.

In their announcement of the Prince Edward Island Veterinary Medical Assocaition ban during the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association (CVMA) meeting in Ottawa in November 2009, the VMA noted that they received “no local opposition” and that all the correspondence received was from outside their area of operation, mostly from the USA. They said that this made it easy for them to introduce the ban.

Keep in mind that this is only legislated through Individual Provincial Veterinarian Medical Associations, and is not a Provincial Law. What does it mean? It means that it is not illegal to perform docking, cropping, or dewclaw removal, but it is illegal to have a licensed vet perform these procedures. If a veterinarian was to choose to continue these practices, they have the threat

Ch Mac-Ken-Chars Here I am BIS Dartmouth KC

70 Dog News

Ch Classique Scaramouche currently #1 All breeds

of having their license revoked. Considering the CMVA is a business just like any other large corporations, money is always a key player in many decisions, being the year of recession and all. Many companies are looking at the future development of their companies. (What’s going to make them money in the future? How can we drum up business as well as Make BSL AND PETA GO AWAY?) Here is an example of increasing their cash flow: it costs only tens of dollars to dock and remove dew claws, but it cost hundreds of dollars to repair the damaged done by a snagged dew claw, or a broken tail.

Well I am not suggesting that this is why the amendment was made, here in lies the crutch. The Canadian Kennel Club has no plans to support these bans nor does it have plans to change the breed standards. There are many groups rising up such as K9 Alliance who have formed to supply information to the dog buying public about what breeds are cropped and docked and to help make sure that our breed standards are saved. They do not want these breeds to be changed, after hundreds of years, on the whim of Veterinary Councils!

So the established committed breeder, many of whom already do their own docking of tails and removal of dew claws will keep on doing that. Many who have cropped breeds will travel long distances, with young puppies, in any weather to have them cropped by Licensed Vets in places where no such bans exist (gives a whole new meaning to cross border shopping). But it is the back yard breeder that never learnt from a mentor how to do tails and dewclaws, or has the want to travel to have their puppies cropped that will bring the suffering anew to our four-legged friends. They will try and learn how to remove dewclaws and crop tails somehow, probably off the Internet. They will “know someone” who will “know someone” who will crop their puppies on a freezer in the laundry room, with a can of quick start and the whole thing will be a mess. Our beloved dogs will suffer and all at the whim of a veterinary council who thinks cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal are “purely cosmetic!”

The Canadian Kennel club, through their Web site and the Responsible Dog Owners has encouraged an CONTINUED ON PAGE 92

Dog News 71

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

field reps held special meetings with judges to advice them about the procedures used in awarding the points – so I am told – but more importantly no one can explain to my feeble mind what this title is meant to prove. Does it now make the AKC Championship title obsolete? I am told not – then why the need in the first place I must ask. Also I must say, and this is hearsay but from a source I consider totally reliable, that when judges failed to award the Grand Championship points for the title itself they were questioned about it and advised they should award these points. You mean to tell me that if a judge does not believe in the worthiness of the exhibit to earn this superfluous title he or she must do it?!?! Come on now, what kind of nonsense is that?

Much talk about the breeder-judge who awarded her own exhibit a Best in Show this past weekend. I have very mixed emotions – as a general rule I must tell you on certain levels I have no problem with a breeder-judge adjudicating upon the merits of a dog or bitch they may have bred. Certainly so long as there is no relationship future or present and an outright sale has occurred and the person has not owned the exhibit for a year on the breed level I can accept – unhappily – that kind of situation. On the Group and/or Best in Show level it is to my mind an incorrect thing to do – the person is damned on any basis – conflict if you do and perhaps bad judging if you do not.

Personally I would never put someone in that kind of a situation but if it is proven that there are future dealings which may enhance the value of the exhibit due to that relationship in no way whatsoever should the judge adjudicate upon the exhibit no matter the level – breed, group or Best in Show. As it presently stands, AKC broadly permits the breeder-judge to judge a dog they have bred.

If people do not like it they should petition AKC to change the rule, wouldn’t you think?

I

AND MORE

The Mission Circuit, Breeder Judges, HSUS...

72 Dog News

must say the California people are as active as anyplace in the States in fighting HSUS. And rightly so I do believe. I fully realize that some people believe in taking a compromising position insofar as HSUS is concerned and I understand from where they are coming but the fact is that HSUS keeps attacking not only our basic rights to breed and own dogs but misrepresents to the general public what we are doing. The claim AKC should do what is being done in the UK and get parent clubs to change breed standards and demand health screenings of all dogs is just unfair. Furthermore, they want AKC to discourage matings of closely related dogs – but isn’t that what breeding is all about? I think so. In the UK, of course, the Kennel Club there owns all the breed standards unlike the USA where the parent clubs own the standards.

What standards should be changed and why?

Hasn’t it always been the policy of the concerned breeder to breed as healthy a dog as possible? I think so, and how do you deal with the less-thanconscientious hobbyists and commercial puppy mills any stronger than AKC already has? I mean the loss of the commercial breeder is the major reason AKC registrations have fallen so tremendously and yet HSUS fails to acknowledge that the inspection procedures and health demands instituted by AKC to combat bad breeding policies have even been implemented by AKC. Even if begrudgingly HSUS would acknowledge this than perhaps we could give room for giving them some leeway too but they are so strident in their opposition to anything concerning AKC why should we react benevolently when they will not give us an inch. •

Marieann Gladstone

PHOTO: LISA CROFT-ELLIOTT

1951 - 2010

We mourn the loss and send our deepest sympathies to her husband, Steve Gladstone, and family.

Dog News 73

Texas Roundup CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50

Attendees took full advantage of local activity offerings – authentic cattle drives, horseback riding, spa events, etc. The Cajun and Mexican restaurants in town saw their business jump significantly during our week-long event. The resort was very pleased with a full house and as any dog group worth their salt, we partook freely and often from the bar, which offered Belgian Chocolate Martinis in honor of the Club’s anniversary.

Preparing for the 50th anniversary was a collaborative effort between the 2010 show committee and the parent club’s liaison committee. A celebratory evening that showcased the club’s inaugural years themed this year’s annual banquet. Founding President Bob Krohn was unable to attend. George Brykit eloquently read Mr. Krohn’s historical comments. Edeltraud Laurin, Chateau Blanc and Karen Johnson, Sunfire rounded out the featured speakers bringing the hall alternately from laughter to tears to standing ovations with their memories of showing in the 1960s and early 1970s. President Deuth awarded the President’s award to Tannis Witherspoon of Washington State, the Good Sportsmanship award to Pat Weymouth of California. Dr. Libbye Miller of Tennessee was recipient of Lee Carter award.

Festive tables with bottles of nice champagne and good wine were available for all. The committees drew on Dana Mackonis’s fabulous icebreaker idea – Colored balloons of Belgium, the club and 50 anniversary colors floated throughout the room. Everyone who had a dog that finished a title needed to find his or her dog’s balloon. I confess – I did steal balloons from absent attendees ensuring our table didn’t look unaccomplished and admit I forgot to send anything in for the awards banquet.

H

eadlining the evening was the auction of the 50th Anniversary Belgian Pride Bronze created by gifted canine artist Jerry Lobato.

The liaison committee of Teresa Nash, Dianne Allen, and Linda Friedow commissioned the bronze. The larger bronze auctioned at $10,000 to benefit rescue. When the excitement was over, proud owner Vincent Ramirez walked away with the bronze. Fifty smaller bronzes were cast with 20 still available for purchase. They truly are stunning. Equally as breathtaking was art and ceramic works by Jennifer.

Beautiful limited edition plagues of the four Belgians were runaway hits. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Club.

74 Dog News

Returning triumphantly was the Senior Showmanship competition. 2007’s winner, Edeltraud Laurin judged the event this year decked out as a Euro washerwoman. Jill Morstad’s “Sisterhood of the travelling leopard pants” reappeared on Linda Friedow who decked them out with a chicken purse and a hot Texas chickie accent. Carey Mobray looked beautiful as mesmerizing Shelley Medling, a Saturday Night Live take-off of Michelle Edling. An invisible dog with Barb Cook and a leather vested/panted sashaying Malinois handler, Judy Hagen were among the participants.

Rendered speechless when exhibitor Joanne Rizzo’s husband mentioned he was a “virgin” and didn’t know how to do it; the judge put him in the corner for misbehaving. Winning the event was Boy Scout Rory “Grandpa Legs” Friedow as best handler and the leather bedecked Judy Hagen as best costumed.

Judging the formal events for this year were names familiar in the Tervuren world. In no particular order – Carmen Helgesen (sweeps), Richard Lewis (rally), Nancy Glabicki, Shirlee Jacobson and Cindy Simonsen (obedience), Tannis Witherspoon & Carol Ruthenberg (tracking), Kurt Matushek (agility) and L. E “Skip” Stanbridge (breed). Wellknown popular judges Mary Weir and Dana MacKenzie handled herding events. Pinky Johnson’s stewarding ghost was with us this year. Gretchen Brown who learned at the knee of Pinky in Florida managed the ring for both sweeps and breed. It couldn’t have been better – clear, concise and entertaining! Hope we see you next year Gretchen!

Heeling her way to High in Trial was Dianne Allen with Ch. Starbright Casino Royale TD CD AX MXJ XF RN. Owned and bred by Dianne and Sharon Redmer, this team is no stranger to the spotlight. Pressed heavily by the equally successful team for High Combined was Susan Harris & Ch. OTCH Jamaica Object of the Game UDX6 OM1 RN HSAd HSBd HIAd HXA. The curse may have finally been lifted from our nationals where for many years all our top obedience winners fell apart CONTINUED ON PAGE 76

Orion & Kathy

There’s a new team in Town!

Bestt In Specialty Winning B I S i lt Show Sh Wi i

Ch. Glenerie’s Great Hunter Orion Multiple Group and Best In Specialty Show Winner Presented by: Kathryn Gertler, PHA & Kitty Burke, PHA Kindred Spirits All Breed Handling Thank you Judges for a great start for this new team!

Mrs. Betsy Horn Humer, pictured Mrs. Wendy G. Willhauck Bred & Co-Owned By: Owned & Loved by: Edward & Cynthia Noll Mrs. Mary Ann Alston Richard & Sherrie Snider labluvrs@hvc.rr.com moondancelabs@hvc.rr.com

Dog News 75

Texas Roundup CONTINUED FROM PAGE 74

at the national when among so many of their own. May this new trend continue!

Capping the puppy sweepstakes event was the seemingly annual winner from Tacara – this time to Tacara’s Bezant Begerrah owned by Linda Newsome and bred by daughter Brianna from the 6-9 mo. Bitch Class. BOS awarded to LB’s Touch ‘N Go de La Barge also from 6-9 class owned by Lorie Bartell and Shirley LaBarge, bred by Shirley and Dr. Fredericks.

Bowing wisely to elder considerations, the show committee scheduled veteran sweep classes in the cool mornings. Ha! Those gray muzzled or faced elder statesdogs were able to relax the balance of the day in their villas. Topping the seniors was Ch. Aftershock Kryptonite owned

by Suzanne Brandeberry-Reira, bred by Cheryl Brandeberry with Best of Opposite awarded to Ch. Pathfinder Starbright Elion CD RN owned by Robbin Polivka & Sharon Redmer bred by Sharon and Maureen Foley.

Judging for regular classes began on Thursday with males and ended Saturday with BOB, stud dog and brood bitch. L. E. “Skip” Stanbridge of Ontario, Canada began early sorting through the males. Winners Dog went to the Open Dog Canadian owned five year old Blackwater’s Awake in A Dream owned by Sandra Bergman, Linda Fung & Andrea Debbins and bred-by Linda, Andrea and Jan Powers. Reserve Male awarded to the two-and-a-half-year-old bred by dog, O Than Agon Cinema Fionn Mac Cumhail owned by Marnie Polivka of Wisconsin and bred

by Marnie, Mikki Lally and Annie Evarts.

Nothing but girls on Friday! The mature fiveyear-old American-bred bitch Blackwater’s All In owned by Linda Fung of Michigan, bred by Linda and Nancy Lane took the win. Reserve awarded to 2-year-old Open bitch Sidekick’s News Flash owned by Shawn Petersen & Russ Beach, bred by Russ and Chris Alapolulies.

Zero dark hundred for the preparation of specials was the order of business on Saturday.

Frankly, I don’t know how our judge managed it – going from 8:00 a.m. until about 2-3 p.m. without lunch and only minimal breaks. He had all the work. We all suffered ringside afraid to leave and miss the possible “next big thing” for our breed.

Note to next year’s chair – we aren’t going anywhere, could we start at 9:00 a.m.? LOL! Winning the show for his owners was Ch. Blackwater Peloton Current Affair owned by 76 Dog News

Brooke Cole & Andrea Debbins of Kentucky, bred by Andrea and Linda Fung and handled by Trish Borgo. Best of Opposite to the 2008 BOS winner, Ch. Darboshea’s True Colors owned and bred by Shawn Petersen and Sue Haase of Nevada. BOW was awarded to the Winners Bitch. Selects in no particular order: Ch. Blackwater’s Sidekick, Ch. Starbright Casino Royale, Ch. Blackwater’s Peloton A Fine Affair, Ch. Corsini’s Jean Marc, Ch. Blackwater’s Criminal Definse, Ch. High Clearings Zohra, Ch. MACH JustSayNo Toujours Jeune, Ch. Sanroyale’s Devil’s Delight and Ch. Blackwater’s Avant Le Peloton.

Finishing off the show were the Stud Dog/Brood Bitch classes. They are favorite classes and coveted by breeders. Diane Allen and Ch. OTCH Starbright Pandemonium OM1UDX6 MX MXJ XF RE took the Stud Dog class and Linda Deuth, Miki Lally & Eileen Hudak took brood bitch with Ch. Coastwynds Cinema Shivaree VDE1 RA OA OAJ.

R

egardless of how anyone felt about the dogs, the judging or the weather, nothing prepared us for the end of the day. Walking away from the breed ring to exercise dogs, we are approached by a woman inquiring if we would purchase the last two “No Fear” bracelets of red, white, and blue in honor of her son, a fallen soldier. As fate would have it, I had a $20 tucked in my sleeve and did. I didn’t know who she was but my heart leapt out of my skin when she burst into tears. Later I learned she was Debbie Smith and her Army Ranger Sargent son Shannon was killed in Afghanistan following over 500 combat missions. The army is naming a rifle range in his honor, Sunbury Oh has built a shelter house in his honor and his mother has established a wrestling scholarship fund for two local high schools. The national was her first outing since his death last September. There will be a Memorial Car & Bike Show in Freedom Park, Sunbury, Oh on September 12th in his honor and to raise scholarship funds.

Stop by if you can.

Thanks to everyone who contributed photographs – Trish Borgo, Dana Mackonis, Vickie Kelly, and a host of others. Next year we will be in Denver, Co with Bob and Sally Davis as chairs, Sharon Redmer of Starbright judging breed and Sandi Weldon of Mon Ami judging sweeps. See you there! •

Rocky fights his way to the top!

Shown Winning Best In Show at the Gateway Toy Dog Fanciers under Breeder-Judge Mr. Robert Sturm at just 10 months of age!

Ch. Heaven Hi’s Cornerstone Breeders: Jerri Hobbs & Carol Henning

Owner Bradley Jenkins

Shown By Terry Smith 972 762-2618 OR OWNER Dog News 77

ST NOR’EA USTER L C G O TOY D

k c i l c y photos b CE AWREN L E C I L A

78 Dog News

Dog News 79

Pyr’nAroundthe GreatPyreneesNational CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

Specialty Best of Breed and a National Specialty Winners Dog winner along with many other accomplishments. Charlotte has served on the Board of Directors of the National Capital Great Pyrenees Club and has also served two terms on the GPCA Board of Directors.

Together with her husband they have attended more than 30 GPCA National Specialties and hope to attend many more. With 46 entries she chose Ch. Rivergroves Gianni Versace as Best in Sweeps and Ch. Rivergroves Vera Wang as Best of Opposite with the breeders/owners listed above.

Later that afternoon, the Regular Dog Classes entered the ring. This year’s judge was Dr. Robert Brown of Benton City, Washington. Bob saw his first Great Pyrenees at the Heart of America Kennel Club in Kansas City while a veterinary student. He got his first puppy in 1967 and joined the GPCA in 1968, serving as the trophy chairman.

He has held every office in the GPCA and since 1981 has served as the AKC Delegate and continues in that position today.

From 1969 to the early 1990s, Bob has bred or shown over 50 Champions under the Starlaxy kennel name. He was first approved to judge the breed in 1978 and has judged the National Specialty three times in the United States, twice in Sweden and once in Canada. With 39 dogs entered in the regular and veteran classes, he chose from the 9-12 month puppy class PyrCountry’s Cowboy Casanova of Pyr D’Lyte bred and owned by David and Darla Daugherty, Michelle Miller and Tamra Green. Reserve Winners dog was Maranatha Pyrfection Thomas Kinkade, bred by Nancy Coombs and Janet Weymouth and owned by Nancy and Whitney Coombs from the American Bred class. The rest of the day was filled with meetings and in the evening a health seminar on Osteosarcoma in large breed dogs was presented by Dr. Kirstin Lindbald-Toh of the Broad Institute at MIT, which was well received. After a visit to the hospitality room we were ready for some rest to prepare for an early start the next day.

Once again the World Conference breakfast started the day, followed by a rescue parade at 9:30 that was well attended. At 10 a.m., Veteran Sweepstakes judging began. Mary Lou Mayer of Willow Park, Texas was our judge. In 1976, Mary Lou met her first Great Pyrenees.

Her home hasn’t been without one since. With very little breeding and showing she and her husband, Jerry, have had both obedience and conformation champions. She became a member of the GPCA in 1982 and has been

80 Dog News

continuous since. She is a founding member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Great Pyrenees club and currently serves as its president. With 24 entries, Mary Lou chose Ch. Rivergroves Andrew Jackson bred by Lisa Cillo, Lorraine Fennemore, and Jean Boyd and owned by Jean Boyd and Marcia Stewart as Best in Veteran Sweepstakes from the 7 to 9 class, and Ch. Andorre Pure Poetry bred by Bonnie Stout Bestoso and Karen Conley and owned by Bonnie Bestoso as Best of Opposite in Sweepstakes from the 11 year and older class. The bitch classes entered the ring at 11:30 with 79 entries, which included the veterans. From the 12-18 month class, our judge chose Pyrview’s Queen of the Gods bred by Sandy Dyment and owned by Sandy and her daughter Casandra Dyment as Winners Bitch and Best of Winners. Reserve Winners bitch from the Bredby class was Wyndhamhill’s Azure Bleu bred by Janet Ingram, Joan Ziehl, and Nancy Carr and owned by Joan Ziehl and Janet Ingram.

The afternoon was, once again, filled with meetings and parties. The annual meeting was held where the judge for the 2013 National was announced and, as it turns out, is going to be none other than. . . ME! Later, the GPCA Awards Celebration and the 2011 National Specialty Kick-off party filled the afternoon and evening with fun and socializing. Once again, after a long day, we were looking forward to some rest, and the anticipation of Best of Breed in the morning filled the air.

On Saturday morning, the juniors entered the ring at 10:30. Bob Brown chose Jamie Lamphier as his Best Junior from the Open Senior class. After juniors, Best of Breed judging began. Best of Breed was Ch. Rivergroves When Stars Go Blu bred-by Jean Boyd and McKee Cox and owned by Jean Boyd, McKee Cox, and Marcia Stewart. Best of Opposite was Ch. Pyrview’s Picture Me in France bred and owned by Cynthia Miccio and Christopher Miccio. The Awards of Merits were given to Ch. TipNChips Limited Edition bred and owned by Judith Roman-Royer and Judith Cooper, Ch. Pyrpressure Victorious Str’mnt bred by Glen and Merry Johnson and owned

by Pamela and Dwain Butler, Ch. Maranatha Nicholas Nickleby bred and owned by Whitney and Nancy Coombs and Ch. Bravehearts Rose of Sharon bred by Paul and Betty Dameron and owned by Barbara Berkesch and Saterino Caladucan. With an entry of 12, the brood bitch class was awarded to Ch. Pyrview’s Get the Picture bred

by Cynthia Miccio and owned by Cynthia and Christopher Miccio, and with an entry of 2, the stud dog class was awarded to Ch. Rivergroves Kiss Me I’m Irish bred by McKee Cox, Jean Boyd, and Marcia Stewart and owned by Donna Mercado and Jean Boyd. Best Brace went to Cindy Miccio’s entry of Ch. Pyrview IsThatYourFinalAnswer and Ch. Pyrview’s Get The Picture. On Saturday evening, the annual awards banquet was held. This year’s banquet was a great success. Whitney Coombs was great as the auctioneer and sold many beautiful hard to find items that were donated by visitors from around the world.

Overall, the National this year was a wonderful experience. It was fun to catch up with friends across the country and see so many beautiful dogs in one place.

Congratulations to all the winners and a very big thanks to the co-chairs and committees for bringing us together for this memorable event.

See you next year in Wisconsin! •

More group placements for this “Top Shelf”

WHISKEY

FLASH GROUP SECOND Genesee County lub Kennel C 5/22/10 u Thank Yo Judge Mr. Ralph Lemcke

CH. SOMERRI JAMIESON’S SEA WHISKEY Number One* Norwegian Elkhound Bitch

Thank you, Hound Breeder-Judge Mrs. Barbara Pepper, for this win in a very strong New England Hound Group at Great Barrington Kennel Club.

In the Northeast there are many fine hounds being shown, but a Hound Group Judge recently stated that of all the hounds in a very strong Hound Group only Whiskey was the best of that breed they had EVER seen. Her correct breed type combined with sound Norwegian Elkhound movement makes her a sight to behold!

Owned & Bred by Jamieson Lewis Laura Hall Lewis Merrimack, NH

SOMERRI KENNELS 50 YEARS with 14 Generations of Norwegian Elkhounds Bea Hall & Ed Hall & Laura Hall Lewis

Handled by Laura Hall Lewis

*Number 4 overall, Dog News Top Ten List, CC & S.S. All Breed Systems

Dog News 81

AnA-PlusFor Versatility

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

Jo Roach whose dog “Slider” (TC MACH ADCH HTCH Hob Nob Triple Play UDX RLFIII HRDIII HTDIII HTADIII) was the first Border Collie to earn four AKC championships (conformation, herding, obedience and agility) and also has championships from two other organizations USDAA (agility) and AHBA (herding.) “The breed was developed to be sensitive enough to take direction from a person who could be hundreds of yards away from them and yet be smart enough to handle situations on their own when necessary. They are the ultimate working breed. They have to be fast, agile and responsive while also being able to think and be under control. All these traits add up to a dog that can do it all and then asks what else needs to be done.”

“Herding is this breed’s reason for being,” said Marion Crain who owns Ch HC OTCH Extreme Firebrand UDX7 HXAs HXBs AX AXJ (“Fire”), HC OTCH Hob Nob Torch Song UDX HXAs HXBs (“Flame”) and HC Wyndspell Playing with fire UD HXAs HIBs (“Scorch”.)

“I got my first Border Collie because I was awestruck at what they are able to do and how much talent they bring to the job of herding as well as everything else that they do. While all the other championships and activities are important, I really believe that all performance Border Collies, if they are to be bred and contribute to the gene pool, should prove their mettle on sheep, regardless of what else they do. Besides, herding is great fun. But, Border Collies learn so quickly and maintain so easily that unless you have multiple activities in which to work with them, both the dog and you can get bored.”

For many Border Collie owners the championship that is most difficult to achieve is the one that requires the least amount of training. “The most difficult of Slider’s four AKC championships was the one from

“Jack’s” (U-Ch U-ACHX U-CDX HTCH Ch HC MACH Oelamp’s Jackpot UDX2 HXAs HIBs XF OAC OGC NJC HRD-IIIs HTAD-IIIs HTD-IIIs RLF-IIIs CGC) strong obedience foundation created problems for Kincaid when they switched to herding. He tended to focus on her instead of the stock whenever she gave him a command.

U-Ch U-GRACH HTCH Ch HC MACH Oelamp’s Remembrance HSAds HXAs HXBs MXF HRD-IIIs HTAD-IIIs HTD-IIIs RLFIIIs (“Remee”), one of Laura Kincaid’s triple champions benefitted from Kincaid’s learning experience with “Jack,” another of her triple champions in that Remee learned about herding at the same time as the dog was getting obedience and agility lessons.

the show ring,” said Roach. “He is from working Border Collie lines and many conformation judges are not used to seeing them in the breed ring so finding judges that would reward a dog that looked ‘different’ was a challenge. However, there are some wonderful conformation judges who will reward a good dog even though, in Slider’s case, he stood out from the rest of the BCs in the ring. I was also very fortunate to be showing with some gracious competitors who were willing to help me out when I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be doing in the breed ring. It is also useful, when you are showing a Border Collie from working lines, to contact others who are doing the same thing and share information about judges who are willing to give working dogs a fair look.”

“Conformation was the most difficult for me,” said Crain. “It doesn’t utilize the dogs’ talent at all and does not necessarily reward the dogs that are the most outstanding members of the breed because, by definition, it only considers looks and the Border Collie is all about the breed’s work ethic, biddability and athleticism. However, I have also faced some challenges in performance with my BCs. They find the work so selfrewarding that it can be hard to control them, hard to keep them from going over the top with enthusiasm. Their attitude seems to be ‘If you like it this way, I will give it to you faster and there’s no need to give me a command first.’ Herding is endlessly challenging because of the many possible permutations involving sheep reactions, the handler and the dog. I never tire of herding. Obedience actually is the easiest for a Border Collie although maintaining the dog at the peek of precision needed to achieve an OTCH poses its own set of difficulties.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

82 Dog News