Dog News, November 14, 2014

Dog News

Dog News The Digest Volume 30, Issue 46

Of American Dogs $5.00

November 14, 2014

November 14, 2014

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Dog News Contents • November 14, 2014 10 Editorial 14 The Way It Is: Judging Proposal By Sari Brewster Tietjen 18 Inside The Sport: Let’s Get It Right This Time! By Pat Trotter 22 Question Of The Week By Matthew H. Stander

108 handlers directory 110 subscription rates 112 classified advertising 114 advertising rates

26 The Lighter Side of Judging: Friends, You Gotta Have Friends! Part 1 By Michael H. Faulkner 30 Babbling: Time To Introduce Some Finnish Sisu? By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen 34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions Asked of Vicki Seiler 42 Maud Earl’s Canine Treasure By Nick Waters 44 A Different Perspective: Complaints & Compliments Based On Ignorance By Linda More 46 Showdown In The Heartland: Doberman Pinscher National Convention By Janet Van Wormer with Adrian Woodfork 56 You And Your Vet By Merry Fitzgerald, DVM 58 The Pekingese Club of America National Specialty Weekend By Susan Shephard 60 The Judge Speaks: A Judge’s Response To The New Board Proposal By Charles Olvis 64 Off The Leash: Heroic Dogs Get Their Due By Shaun Coen 70 Discover Dogs, The NAIA Meeting, Collating The Survey And More By Matthew H. Stander 74 Seven Days Of Fabulous Fun: The Great Dane Club Of America’s National Specialty By Margaret A. Ontl 90 Beagles ‘Hound’ The Badger State: Beagle National Specialty in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin By Julie Lux 92 The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 96 Click: Discover Dogs By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 100 Click: The Way We Were By Leslie Simis 102 Letters To The Editor DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010. Periodical Postage paid at New York.

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Dog News Cover Story - NOVEMBER 7, 2014

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STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

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

The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted.

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TEAM GUS One Weekend...

y t l a i c e p S n I t s e B A , s t s r i F p u o ... 4 Gr

Team Gus thanks Judges Mr. Jon Cole, Mr. Joseph Gregory, Mr. Ken Murray, and Ms. Beverly Capstick for these Group wins.

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Team Gus thanks Judges Mr. Peter Green, Mr. Jon Cole, and Ms. Beverly Capstick for these prestigious wins.

TOP WINNING SWISSY IN AKC HISTORY H The Number One Swissy, All Breed H The Number 11 Working Dog

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A PHYSICAL RESTRUCTURE IN RALEIGH Have you heard the big news

from Raleigh this week? Customer service, registration and other services are going to be done remotely (staff will be telecommuting); thus third floor essentially is going to be sublet. The main thrust of this restructuring will result in many work stations at home for departments affected, which as reported to these pages will primarily affect the registration department. This seems to be the route of many corporations whose staffs have been downgraded in size due to the use of computers reducing the need of actual manpower. It was reported to these pages that the departments involved were told personally and then there was an email that went out to the rest of the employees in Raleigh. This decision, one would presume, was made in Executive Session at the last Board Meeting and implemented thereafter. It will be fascinating to see if other restructuring announcements both physical and job ways are made as well. It is interesting to note that there will probably be a sublet of part or the whole of an empty floor in Raleigh, which could save AKC a pot full of dollars should a deal come to pass. While many of the employees in NC may be believing it’s the beginning of the end for that office for sure these pages think that that is a tremendous overreaction since it is doubtful that any future real estate plans have been finalized much less even discussed at this time. Perhaps it would be a good idea for either Alan or Dennis to assuage these fears by talking to the existing employees both in New York and Raleigh if they have not already done so.

ILL DOGS ON SHOW GROUNDS

Not since the 1979-80 period

where the dog world was faced with the widespread Parvo scare has AKC really been involved with the problem of ill dogs on show grounds. That is until the Great Dane National of a month or so ago when AKC received concerns regarding the potential illness of two dogs there. Alan Slay, the Director of AKC Events programs,

issued the following statement to exhibitors who made inquires, to supers and others about the problem. “The AKC has received concerns regarding potential illness affecting two dogs at the Great Dane Club of America National Specialty in Huron, OH on October 19-25, 2014. We have carefully reviewed this situation, including speaking with the veterinary clinics that treated the dogs. They have informed the AKC it is inconclusive whether the dogs have a communicable disease. Exhibitors should closely monitor the health of their dogs and not bring any dog onto the show grounds that shows signs of illness. We appreciate your support of both the sport and the health of dogs.” This situation of course is more isolated than the Parvo cases of the late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s. There have not been any other cases about which AKC has been notified of ill dogs at the Great Dane National and the incubation period is well past for any dogs that may have come in contact with the sick dogs. AKC has a series of Rules and Regulations regarding Dog Health at an AKC event that spells out in detail particularly Chapter 11 Section 9 as to how to handle these instances, which apparently are few and far between. It certainly appears that AKC handled the matter in a proper and judicious manner.

THE BREEDER OF MERIT QUANDARY The requirements to become a Breeder of Merit are pretty well spelled out

by AKC and include a stipulation that the person has a five-year involvement with AKC events, has earned a minimum of AKC titles on at least four dogs from litters they have bred or co-bred, are a member of an AKC club, certification that applicable health screens are performed as required by a Parent Club and commits to ensuring 100% of puppies produced are AKC registered.

All pertinent to a degree but quite obviously an attempt to get more dogs registered is the main goal. The title implies a degree of respectability to the general public, which is a mite misleading since AKC neither sanctions nor licenses breeders. However, some may interpret the title of Breeder of Merit as being such an endorsement. Particularly is this the case when it comes to the upcoming Puppy Mill Auctions planned for November 22nd in what is reported to these pages as a sale

in Missouri. It is alleged that an AKC Breeder of Merit is about to sell a large number of Cavaliers there and that she is an AKC Breeder of Merit. React as you will there is no denying the fact that the implication is that a licensed AKC breeder is involved in this horrific event.

Somehow AKC must take action to clear this matter up for the general public to understand that an AKC Breeder of Merit is merely a title and not an endorsement of the actions of the title holder.

SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Some post-election results on who

the AKC/PAC supported and how they did at the polls. From a positive standpoint of the 52 candidates supported by PAC only four candidates lost and one in a primary race.

Less positive is that only $30,750 was donated which as is generally known less than a drop in the bucket in these days of ultra massive campaign contributions. This only emphasizes the need for more people to contribute to AKC/PAC. These pages strongly urge you to contact Sheila Goffe, Director of Government Relations at AKC, or Carl Ashby, Chairman of the PAC, to find out how and where to make donations. The NAIA Conference this past weekend in Orlando was reported as a major success with enormous AKC support. See the AND MORE column on a more detailed account as to what went on there. Yes another high level resignation from IT on Staff level reported to be the result of yet more intracorporate problems. The Judges Survey is meeting some heavy resistance with an online petition against it. It has been reported to me that the Board Minutes were incorrect in that in fact three board members voted against distributing the Survey to the Fancy as a whole.

Will that be corrected in the future presuming that is correct information? Who knows!!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

The DOG NEWS Calendar for 2015 is now completed and at the shows being sold

by various vendors and directly through DOG NEWS itself. It’s only a few weeks for the AKC/ Eukanuba show and still no word as noted last week as to how and when the TV show will be broadcast nor the Channel with which a deal was made. As for streaming live that’s a verboten topic in the altogether. Nothing like transparency from AKC is there?

E d i tor i a l

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The wayit is

By SARI BREWSTER tIETJEN

JUDGING PROPOSAL

A

t its October meeting, the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club voted to send out a proposal to restructure the judges’ approval process for input to be submitted by November 18th for consideration by the Board at its December meeting in Orlando, Florida.

The proposal is fairly radical in a couple of ways, some of which are: • It removes the Field Representatives from any evaluation of a judge’s (new or already approved) ability to sort through a class of dogs and submit findings of the same to AKC’s judges’ department; • Allows for quick advancement by permitting judges to apply for and receive new breeds before previous ones are off “permit” status; • Treats low numbered breeds the same as higher entry breeds; • Places greater emphasis on Parent Club educational opportunities; • Regards a judge’s ability to judge solely on his/her ability to check educational completed boxes; • Grants multi-group judges quicker advancement opportunity without having to fulfill the same box checking as the newer judges; and • Brings back in-ring Apprentice training as a possible educational component. (Not radical unless one considers the fact that when used in the past it raised more than a few eyebrows when certain breed-judges-to-be apprenticed under judges who were not considered knowledgeable about the breed in question.)

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There is little doubt that this proposal as designed by some AKC Board members came about because of individual distrust of some overbearing Field Representatives who have taken their in-ring observations way too far (note: this is a management problem – instead of throwing the “baby out with the dishwater”, Field Reps should be given clear instructions as to generalization of observations –those who fail to do so should be call on the carpet!). There is also a feeling by some AKC Board members that all judges should be treated equally and that the marketplace will separate the good judges from the bad (note: that might have been true thirty years ago, but not today. There are too many shows, too many “instant know-it-alls”, too many eager beavers.)

This proposal is also designed to fulfill the need for more and more judges judging more and more breeds to satisfy more and more clubs with fewer and fewer entries needing more and more judges judging more and more breeds.

(Whew!) When one considers the fact that this is an AKC Board that advanced the concept of permitting all-breed clubs with entries of a certain number to hold two shows in one day, then you can understand how this concept came about.

It is obvious that those of us who have been judging a long time and want to apply for more breeds but have held back because of the current onerous process and lack of time to fulfill all the present requirements will applaud most of this new concept. Indeed, many of us could – if we so desired – apply for all breeds status, but that is not where we are coming from. We want quality judging. Not just those who

stand in the center of the ring and point to the top handler because he/she must have a good dog, or the dog owned by a show chairman in order to get a future assignment, or the dog that is the flashiest in the ring no matter how incorrect for the breed. We care about our purpose.

Our reason for being there: - to find and reward the best dog in that competition on that day for that breed regardless of anything else.

Many of us are upset at the lack of independent Field Rep. or other outside independent AKC authorized observation of in-ring decisions. We recognized that you cannot judge outside the ring the same as inside the ring, but you can be in the ballpark absent any detrimental faults – such as bite – and indeed just watching a judge use his/her hands should be telling enough as to whether there is depth of breed knowledge or a judge merely systematically going through the motions.

The whole problem with the judging aspect of our sport is not just that it is subjective in nature, but that it requires an artistic ability – not just the interpretation of words as written in a breed standard, but of overall balance, structure, carriage, foot-timing, and the sum of the total – meaning it is not fault judging, but looking for the positives.

Where AKC has a problem is that – especially with this new proposal – it treats all judges as equals, but we are not equals. Some are more artistic in nature than others; some are more rudimentary, some zero in on one element and cannot focus on the overall dog, and then there are those who are just insecure, in over their heads as they speed faster and faster for more and more breeds so they can get more and more assignments. It is a vicious circle that does little to serve our sport of purebred dogs.

Maybe that is the question we have to ask ourselves – are we interested in maintaining and advancing (as directed in AKC’s Charter) purebred dogs or have we just evolved into an organization that cares more about volume and monetary gain?

Certainly this new proposal leans more towards the latter than to the former!

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Inside The Sport

LET’S GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME!

By Pat Trotter

There’s no getting around it, the American Kennel Club keeps trying to configure a Judging Approval Process that pleases all while still serving the best interest of the sport. Good luck with that!

The recent 19-page epistle sent to those in the fancy is proof of the board’s willingness to keep trying.

And that’s a good thing as there is much to applaud about this latest proposed process.

Gold stars to the engineers of it for making the judging path much more navigable and removing many obstacles that slowed down judging status. However, it would be in the best interest of the sport for the powers-that-be to slow down their own final decision on the proposal until the fancy has had ample time to study and review all facets of it. The board has spent much time designing this outline, and should give the fancy the same opportunity. It’s the right thing to do! Feedback from the grass roots of our sport indicates many feel this is an attempt to blitz and rapidly pass the program into policy before the fancy can properly analyze and assimilate it. Thus it would be good public relations for the decision-makers to take a pedestrian approach to the matter.

A strong section of the proposal

presents ways for provisional (permit) judges to submit new breed applications while fulfilling low entry breed requirements-an area that really has proven to be a roadblock in recent years. Some outstanding judges have had difficulty in obtaining entries in my own breed, one of the 81 breeds designated as low entry.

Permit judges get credit for judging a low entry breed in the group and can now continue to advance as they fulfill provisional requirements rather than having to wait until all are completed. Nonetheless, judges should seek opportunities to familiarize themselves with any breed they wish to judge. Breeders and exhibitors expect judges to work as hard at getting it right as they do themselves.

Another strong feature of the proposal rewards the previous educational experiences for credit and grandfathers in a lifetime’s work. Most of us who have been in dogs forever are quite aware that educational experiences from our past often are much more meaningful

than those we’ve experienced in the last five years! No doubt that is because there were more hands on opportunities, master breeders and mentors around who taught us so much. The loss of bench shows and matches deprived many in the sport today of learning experiences that cannot be replaced by an afternoon seminar, ringside mentoring or the Internet.

Thus a positive aspect of the proposal is the return of in-ring observations- tweaked to a higher level as the experienced judge will work with the trainee (apprentice judge) on evaluating the breeding stock brought into the ring. The experience is strengthened by the requirement for the trainee to study the standard and prepare accordingly prior to the session.

Show chairmen and mentor judges must agree to this educational experience prior to the show. It is hoped that aspiring judges do not abuse this practice as some did in the past and that they follow the procedures as outlined in the plan.

How one achieves the qualifications to apply in the first place is spelled out with both mandatory and elective activities (components known as CEUs) for the potential judge to satisfy.

Interested parties can access this component information on AKC’s web at http://www.akc.org/ judges/approval_process2014. cfm. This optimistic approach allows individuals to collect credits aimed at both general knowledge about dogs and breed specific expertise. Receiving wide support in the judging community is the following sentence: “The more groups the applicant is approved to judge, the fewer CEUs per breed his application must present.”

Many feel that this concept is long overdue.

So while this column is accentuating the positive, what are the negatives of this ambitious proposal? Total lack of accountability concerning judging competence is the weak point of the proposal causing much angst across the sport with breeders, exhibitors and yes-even judges themselves. Most judges agree that there should be accountability in the judging process even though a number have had negative experiences with field reps and some may want the easiest path possible to more judging status.

Continued on page 88

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QT UH EE SW TE I E OK N O F

By Matthew H. Stander

So long as Alan Kalter and the Board have turned to the Fancy as a whole on the matter of a revised Judges Approval Process should they now solicit the opinions of the same people on other matters concerning AKC such as how to increase registration and whether or not to combine the AKC offices?

Bob Smith I think it is always a good idea to solicit input on important issues from those who are knowledgeable and concerned about and affected by the issue. On the issue of registrations (stopping the decline would be a worthy goal), God knows, AKC could certainly use all the help they can get, since the “best minds” in the organization have not been able to find adequate solutions to the problem. Of course, it is a waste of time to solicit any input unless the decision maker(s) will seriously consider what they receive.

Pam Mandeville Ha! Well, it would be as much of a sham as the request for input on the Judging Approval Process is. Mr. Kalter, as former marketing whiz, should know better: you don’t ask for your customers’ opinions if you’re not prepared to act in response to them.

(And for free: my opinions on increasing registrations are too radical to be accepted and it’s a no-brainer on combining the AKC offices.)

Johnny Shoemaker I think more things should be put out to the fancy before decisions are made.

Since this Sport is a group of people who are interested in what may affect their enjoyment and participation in exhibiting their dogs whether in confirmation or performance events...it is very important to solicit their opinions.

What format this may take is the question. I believe conformation and performance clubs should be contacted when it concerns their events. I am a strong believer in getting more opinions from the fancy on any subject. That will make it more acceptable when it is adopted or rejected by the Board.

Thomas M. Davies I see no reason for the Fancy not to be accorded a formalized process for conveying their individual opinions on any issue before the AKC and/or the sport.

I think that many folks already do, but lots more would likely comment if invited to do so. On a limited basis this is how the Delegate Committees interact with the Board currently. This only reaches (theoretically) the folks in the Fancy who are members of Member Clubs (through their Delegates). The Delegate-L chat list also allows input for thoughts and ideas by the Delegate Body. This input is informally available to the Board (they are Delegates, too).

The commitment by the Board would have to be to establish a method to collect, consider and weigh the opinions put forth, in the decision making processes. It might be some sort of an “Internet Bureaucracy” set up to colContinued ON page 109

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The Lighter Side of Judging Friends, You Gotta Have Friends!

PART ONE

By Michael H. Faulkner ‘Cause you gotta have friends That’s right, friends, friends I gotta me my, I gotta me my, I gotta me my Look around and see all of my friends Oh, friends, that’s right, friends, friends Friends, friends, friends, friends, oh Friends, you gotta have friends – Bette Midler Friend/Noun: A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

W

hen you are judging a four-day dog show weekend there is nothing more wonderful than to be sharing the experience with professional colleagues, whom you enjoy, whom you respect, and whom you consider FRIENDS. My recent journey to Atlanta to judge the Georgia Classic Cluster Dog Show provided the perfect blend of excellent canines, hospitality, great food, wonderful accommodations, dog-show-drama and yes, FRIENDS! The excitement when I realized that I would be joining fellow judges and FRIENDS---DC, EB, AK, MAB, BDA, MD, DR.RI and RK, not to mention seeing another FRIEND, the lovely Kathleen Steen (LKS), and also, spending time with FRIEND and mentor DR.JD (retired AKC judge, Atlanta Kennel Club member, Westminster Kennel Club BIS Judge, close FRIEND and all-around great guy). For those of you who do not know DR.JD, he is unique in so many ways. Even in his mature years, he remains commanding, scholarly, opinionated, witty, loving and generous.

Scheduled to start judging at noon, Thursday, October 16th, I choose to fly out of Richmond, VA early in the morning, rent a car, and drive directly to the show, saving the independent specialty clubs a day’s hotel expense. My arrival at the Expo building was half FRIEND and half DRAMA. Fellow judge and FRIEND, MD, greets me with professionalism, warmth, and genuine respect. But, simultaneously I am socially spit upon by an individual who receives a salary and benefits to actually be polite, supportive, and civil to all participating in the sport. I refuse to allow the lack of social graces on the part of another affect my FRIENDLY morning. I proceed to judge German Shorthaired Pointers and Irish Setters. After GSP judging, but before the start of Irish Setters, I command DROID to contact DR.JD to confirm his

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schedule and my pick up time. DR.JD answers after the second ring and before the third. “Hello there my good man, nice to hear your voice.” “Hi DON! Quick update, I will call you after Irish Setter judging, at which time I will head your way.” “No need to come today. I have an appointment this afternoon with the doctor. Something is going on with my lower left back and left leg. Let’s plan on you picking me up tomorrow, Friday, after the show. I will spend Friday evening and all day Saturday with you at the show.

After which you can drive me back,” DR.JD offers.

“Perfect! I will see you tomorrow. Plan on dinner together---can’t wait.”

I take a moment before the start of Irish Setter judging to really connect with the emotional excitement I feel surrounding the opportunity to share and to experience time spent with my respected mentor and the opportunity to give back through being a good FRIEND. My meditative state is interrupted by the arrival of the Irish Setter Club of Georgia Show Chairperson and old FRIEND, MS.BK. “Michael, it is so good to see you. We are so thrilled with our entry. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask.” “Thank you and I think everything is all good for the time being,” I offer while we still embrace. MS.BK is the consummate show chairper-

son---attentive, respectful, joyful and efficient---an all-around great gal. The judging proceeds on time without any major hiccups. After photographs, I proceed to the Hilton Hotel to check in and to settle an earlier situation that occurred during the reservation process.

You see, the clubs requested that each individual judge make their own reservation at the Hilton Hotel. Upon my reservation request, I was informed that I would not be able to get a room for the first night at the guaranteed rate, and instead I would be forced to pay $245.00 for the additional night stay. In my attempt to explain to the Hilton reservationist that this would not work, she proceeded to become agitated and rude.

Eventually, I gave her my credit card number and name (spelling it three times) for a three-night stay.

When my electronic reservation arrived in my AOL in box, I opened the attachment to confirm it for accuracy, and was shocked by the creative way the rude reservationist spelled my name---MR. FUCKNER. Of course, I printed a copy and I was prepared to hand deliver it upon check-in.

The young lady working the expansive check-in counter is attractive, pleasant, and speaks with an Eastern European accent. In lieu of offering my name, I hand her the printed out reservation. She takes the piece of paper, scans the reservation, and hesitates to respond. I wait. “Welcome to the Hilton Hotel MR. FUUUUUKNNNNNNNNARRRR.” She tries her best to put her own unique spin on the awkward situation. I smile and offer, “Thank you!

You see this is the reservation I received by email after an unpleasant experience with a member of your staff. My name is actually Mr. FAULKNER and I do believe the error was made deliberately.

I have already filed a complaint with corporate headquarters and if you happen to know which member of your staff is responsible, I would dearly love to meet them.”

“Um, ohhhhhhhhh, well I really do not know who is responsible. I will check things out and make a report. Here is your room card. If you need anything at all, please let me know. Have a wonderful stay.”

Totally aware that I have made this poor young girl uncomfortable, I turn, proceed through the expansive lobby, and run directly into fellow judges and FRIENDS---MAB Continued on page 94

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BAbbling

TIME TO INTRODUCE SOME FINNISH SISU?

By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen

U

nfortunately I was unable to attend the World Show in Helsinki in August, but I am not surprised by the seemingly undivided admiration by all overseas visitors regarding all aspects of the organization and the way it was carried out.

And isn’t it just wonderful that all these old borders and boundaries are gone and that dog fanciers from the entire globe can get together and compete at an event like this?

When I first got involved in this sport, living in Norway, we could compete in Sweden, Finland and Denmark only. With the exception for a few years that we could go to places like Czechoslovakia and from Sweden to Belgium…Then even a few years later even Denmark became out of bounds.

The freedom to travel with our dogs was very restricted and restrictive- and as I keep repeating: That exhibitors from the entire world now can compete against each other at Crufts is just amazing!

But back to Finland: I suppose many of you will at times have heard about these three Finnish judges referred to as the Flying Finns.

Hans Lehtinen, Rainer Vuorinen and the youngest of them, Kari Järvinen. Popular and respected all over the world.

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The latter seems to have been the “Primus Motor” and the main brain behind most of the detailed planning of the 2014 World Dog Show.

Having more or less grown up with these guys (at a distance…) and known them for decades I am not surprised, but I don’t think this fantastic event would have materialized without the original input of the Best in Show judge himself. Hans Lehtinen.

Living in far away Bergen on the west coast of Norway where being dog crazy was considered “a serious mental disorder” with a rather isolated life compared to Helsinki and other Scandinavian capitals- I envied these guys the opportunities they had to get together and discuss dogs. And Hans had the best meeting place of all, his work place Trimmer, which I can guarantee a lot of the currently successful breeders and judges will name as an important location for their knowledge about dogs in general.

We shared a special interest in English Cockers and Schnauzers, but Hans was equally interested in and well informed about most breeds, still I had the idea he had a soft heart for terriers. And later in life Norwich terriers became his breed of choice.

Although not so much older than me I had huge respect for him, but actually feared most Finnish judges that were active at that time. They were famous –or

rather infamous- for really using the grading system at its most extreme- and to win under any of them was something else.

Their written critiques were straightforward and often harsh, but in most cases true and justified.

Some years ago we visited a Nordic art exhibition in London’s Barbican. Basically paintings by famous artists from each country and I remember so well being asked why the Finnish paintings were so different from the other three countries. The Finnish paintings were all darker, more serious, no bright colors-while the Danish of course had that “Skagenish” yellow, bright light while Norway’s as well as Sweden’s exhibits very colorful and scenic. In my opinion that to a certain extent describes the difference as well as common mentality between the countries.

The “harshness” and tough way the Finns approached their task of judging in combination with the serious way in which the countries’ breeders took on the task of breeding excellent dogs is most likely why so many Finnish dogs have done extremely well all over the world.

When I look back to the time when I got involved Finnish breeders excelled in Afghans, Salukis, Dobes, Boxers, Great Danes, the Schnauzer breeds and maybe their top breed was Continued on page 105

Dog News 31

32 Dog News

*

*#3 overall 2013, #2 overall 2014, The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points #2 overall, CC System

Dog News 33

OF Bests THE WEEK Pontiac Kennel Club Greater Muskegon Kennel Club Grand Rapids Kennel Club Portuguese Water Dog

GCh. Claircreek Impression De Matisse Judge Dr. Eric Liebes Judge Mr. Eric J. Ringle Judge Miss Virginia L. Lyne Owners Milan Lint, Peggy Helming & Donna Gottdenker Handler Michael Scott Wine Country Kennel Club Toy Poodle

GCh. North Well Vivian JP Rose Queen Judge Mr. Norman L. Patton Owners Toni and Martin Sosnoff Handler Tim Brazier Hernando Beach Kennel Club Skye Terrier

GCh. Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie

Madera Canyon Kennel Club - Friday Canada Del Oro Kennel Club - Monday Whippet

GCh. Sportingfields Shameless

Judge Mrs. Judy Webb Judge Mr. Robert Shreve Owners Barbara Call, Jane Cooney-Waterhouse, Dionne Butt, Amanda Giles Handler Amanda Giles

Mispillion Kennel Club - Sunday Airedale Terrier

GCh. Joval Sweet Time Judge Mr. Clay Coady Owners L. Bryan & V. Rickard Handler Adam Bernardin Caribe Kennel Club I & II Akita

GCh. CR Wicca’s Trade Secret

Judge Mr. Jon Cole Judge Mr. Edd Bivin Owners Tom and Ann Bavaria, Jo Ann Charnik and Carla Burke Handler Heather Bremmer

Judge Mr. Ronald Rella Owner Victor Malzoni, Jr. Handler Larry Cornelius

Tri State Kennel Club - Saturday and Sunday Saluki

Decatur Alabama Kennel Club - Thursday and Friday Huntsville Kennel Club - Sunday Standard Poodle

Judge Mr. George Boulton Judge Ms. Marjorie Martorella Owner Julie L. Mueller and Eugene Blake Handler Eugene Blake

GCh. Dawin Hearts on Fire Judge Mrs. Dawn Vick Hansen Judge Ms. Janet Allen Judge Mrs. Margo Klingler Owner Linda Campbell Handler Sarah Perchick

Frontier City Kennel Club - Sunday Boxer

GCh. Mephisto’s Speak Of The Devil Judge Dr. Carmen Battaglia Owners Mrs. Jack Billhardt, Sergio Tenenbaum Handler Diego Garcia

GCh. Auroras The Song And Dance Man

Cypress Creek Kennel Club of Texas Papillon

GCh. InVolo The King Of Pop Judge Mrs. Donna Buxton Owners Madeline Mosing & Gia Garofalo Handler Brian Livingston Black Russian Terrier National Specialty

GCh. Gladiator S Zolotogo Grada Judge Mr. Garry Newton Owner Sarah Gaunt Handler Laura Coomes

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

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

Dog News 35

36 Dog News

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Dog News 37

23 8 7 10

4 56

1

How did you decide on your kennel name?

Windwhistle is the kennel name I came up with while living near some beautiful woods where I walked. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees relaxed me, and I plan to use it when I start breeding again.

What was your most disappointing dog show loss?

Who is/was your mentor in dogs?

I was lucky to have several really good mentors. Judy Doniere, George Rood, Lorna Demidoff and Max Riddle amongst them.

What was your most important dog show win?

It’s a toss-up between the AKC Centennial show group win on the Doberman and the Westminster group win on the Giant Schnauzer.

9

The last book you read?

You get your news from CNN, Fox News, PBS, local or none?

CNN.

I read the Bible every Sunday.

Would you rather judge or win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club?

Win!

I’m never all that disappointed. I just look ahead to the next show and the opportunity it presents.

Can you forgive and forget?

Absolutely-no Which reason for dark two people clouds.

would you have face off on “Survivor”?

Patti Strand and anybody from PETA.

Questions ASKED OF:

VICKI SEILER

You would like to be remembered as?

A good Mom, and a good friend.

BORN: PITTSBURGH, PA • RESIDES: SPRINGBORO, OH • MARITAL STATUS : SINGLE • ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: CANCER 38 Dog News

*

Dog News 39 *ALL SYSTEMS

40 Dog News

Dog News 41

~Maud Earl’s

42 Dog News

CanineTreasure

BY NICK WATERS

Maud Earl is arguably the best known canine artist worldwide and her work amongst the most appreciated and loved of all dog art. The daughter of George Earl and niece of Thomas Earl, both celebrated dog artists, she grew up surrounded by dog art and dogs, her father’s Setters in particular. It has been said that Setters were her first sitters!

Although she learnt a lot from her father she developed her own unique and recognisable style, slightly romanticised, often impressionistic, but always with feeling and depth.

Her work was never choked with impedimenta of any sort.

Individual portraits were not cluttered with velvet drapes, vases of flowers, or other background distractions; these were placed exactly in accordance with their importance and never allowed to steal from the principal subject.

Much of her work just embraced a whisper of association with the subject’s habitat, work or mood. She was famously capable of giving us more than readily meets the eye.

She gathered around her a list of patrons that read like a Who’s Who; British and European royalty and the great and successful in dogdom.

The number of top show dogs she recorded on canvas is endless.

In the early years of the twentieth century the Berlin Photographic Company published two beautiful portfolios containing photogravures taken from her paintings, one of which covering Terriers and Toys I feature here. It was published in 1903 in an edition of 500 and contained 25 images. Sadly most have been

broken up over the years and when a complete portfolio does come on the market it commands a lot of money. A complete portfolio of the Terriers and Toys sold in PBA Galleries Books in All Fields sale in 2006 for a premium inclusive $20,700.

The credit side is – if indeed there is a credit side when books and portfolios are broken up – is that collectors of limited means who would never be able to afford an original painting by Maud Earl, are able to enjoy her work reproduced at its very best by owning individual plates.

Maud Earl was working on the images for the portfolios at a time when many breeds were in their infancy as show dogs in the UK. The Pekingese for example, with Ch. Goodwood Lo and Ch. Gia-Gia, both owned by Mrs. Douglas-Murray and Mrs. Lilburn-MacEwen, being the first dog and bitch champions in the breed in the UK. Other breeds were struggling over their identity and the two dogs in the plate we today refer to as ‘French Bulldogs’, Ch. Peter Amos and Ch.

Ninon de L’Enclos, were in fact known then as Toy Bulldogs, a breed that had championship status from 1896 but did not survive the First World War. There was much infighting between supporters of Toy Bulldogs, Miniature Bulldogs and French Bulldogs and the reality is they were probably all variations of the same breed with the French Bulldog finally winning the day.

Similarly the West Highland White Terrier of which the pedigree of any ends around the beginning of the 20th century with, amongst others, the White Scottish Terriers, two of which feature in the portfolio, both owned

by The Lady Angela Forbes, a member of an old Scottish family.

Many of the plates feature top winners in estab-

lished breeds. The Schipperke, Ch. Fandango, owned

by Dr. Freeman who wrote the first book on the breed and now a very rare item; Miss Ethel Hatfield’s Crufts CC winning Wire Fox Terrier, Ch. Morden Bric-a-Brac; the Skye Terriers, Ch. Ballochmyle Beautiful and Ch. Young Rosebery owned by Sir Claud Alexander, whose kennel was one of the most successful in the breed, and a group of Scottish Terriers owned by Miss B.M. Hannay, the first woman Scottish Terrier breeder of any note. The group includes Ch. Heworth Rascal who won 25 CCs over a six-year period.

The portfolio includes ‘by special command of His Majesty the King (Edward VII)’ his Irish Terrier, Jack. The King would not allow Jack to be taken to Miss Earl’s studio, so the sitting took place at Buckingham Palace where a room was specially fitted out. Jack died a young dog, choking on some food that was lodged in his throat.

Dog News 43

A Different

By Linda More

Perspective COMPLAINTS – AND COMPLIMENTS BASED ON IGNORANCE

Here’s the scenario, with some facts altered “to protect the innocent,” as the famous TV program used to say…….

On a nice spring day, Judge X has the enjoyable task of judging his national specialty. X has been involved in his breed for decades, and has made it a point to produce generations of dogs that are compact and well within the desired size range of the breed standard. People who know X well are fully aware of these priorities of his, as they have never been a secret. After working his way through a sizable entry, X has found a very compact, shapely dog on the small side for his Winners Dog, and a compact, medium sized, feminine bitch for his Winners Bitch. His Breed choice is likewise compact and of medium size, and X is pleased that within the choices available in this entry, he has been able to reward dogs that meet his priorities in size and shape as well as in other attributes.

Afterwards, a friend of Judge X’s overhears a conversation between one of the exhibitors and a companion, who asks the exhibitor how her dog did. “Well, we made the cut, but you know X likes them bigger and longer, so….” Excuse me?????

What was this exhibitor seeing, and what does she see when looking at her own dog, to reach such a completely wrong conclusion? Does this 44 Dog News

exhibitor know anything about the priorities held by breeders of long experience in the breed, or listed in the breed standard? Does she need an appointment at the eye doctor?

In the same vein, we have exhibitors praising only those judges who put up those exhibitors’ dogs, without even thinking that perhaps their dogs did not deserve “We know that it on the day and would a large number not have won under a more of exhibitors knowledgeable judge. And hey there, both these kinds identify poor of exhibitors are among judging of their the very people that the breed(s) as the proposed new AKC judges approval process would deprimary reason pend on to decide who the they enter fewer good judges are. shows. But in There has always been criticism and comment the past year or about judging, and it’s so, it seems to nothing new to dog shows. have reached We know that a large numever louder ber of exhibitors identify poor judging of their volume as more breed(s) as the primary readisgruntled son they enter fewer shows.

But in the past year or so, it exhibitors seem seems to have reached ever to complain.” louder volume as more disgruntled exhibitors seem to complain. Too often, it appears, their complaints focus on blaming the easy targets – for example professional handlers, and any judge that puts up Continued on page 107

Dog News 45

2014 DPCA

NATIONAL CONVENTION

The 2014 DPCA National Convention was held in Topeka, Kansas at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center and it was one to remember! The show committee arrived early to set up the decorations and get the common areas ready for the “Showdown in Topeka”.

They brought in huge sunflowers, hay bales, saddles and floral arrangements that fit the “Showdown in the Heartland” theme. It could not have been decorated better!

Adrian Woodfork, Linda George and DPCA President Michelle Santana

SHOWDOWN IN TH

By Janet Van Wormer, DPCA National Event chair

W

e started the week off on Monday with the general meeting. This is a time when the membership and board come together to talk about issues concerning the club and our breed and we covered a lot of ground. We also instituted a new program called “Honor the Effort” where we took the opportunity to honor people who have made significant efforts in conformation, performance sports and/or service to the club. We also instituted two new programs: Generation Forward, which targets new members between the age of 18 and 40 to introduce them to the club and start them on the path to education; and the Legacy Awards, which awards outstanding breeders, sires and dams.

The DPCA also revived and expanded a long dormant program for our junior handlers. We now have a DPCA Juniors Top 20 Showcase and we also instituted a stipend program to assist qualifying juniors with their expenses when attending the Westminster and/or Eukanuba dog shows.

The juniors also have their own booth at the National, which they use as their home base.

This year they ran a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to raise money for their endeavors.

The DPCA is very proud of our juniors and we congratulate Ashlee Claggett for winning this year’s Top 20 event! Continued on page 50

Show committee member Glen Some of the amazing decorations that Lajeski with his huge sunflower! went well with the “Showdown in the Heartland” theme

Ashlee Claggett with Judge Adrian Woodfork and DPCA President, Michelle Santana; Ashlee is showing GCH Van Orman’s I Want It All, CGC “Chazz”

From left to right: Top 20 Conformation Winner GCH Kamterra’s Legato, Top 20 Obedience Winner Ch Starlaine Best Kept Secret CD VER AX AXJ, Top 20 Agility Winner CH MACH Carosel Suddenly So Hot MXS MJS NF T2B

THE HEARTLAND

*#2 overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

SHOWDOWN IN THE HEARTLAND Continued FROM page 47

Moe Miyagawa, Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno, Dr. May Jacobson

Judge Peggy Esposito and Erin LaPlante

Judge Beverly Capstick, Diego Garcia and Marj Brooks

Adrian Woodfork, Teresa Nail, DPCA VP Skip Lee,

50 Dog News

Speaking of the Top 20, we run Dark Demitasse CA DJ WAC TT CGC our Conformation, Obedience and “Guiness,” bred by Pat Onley and Agility Top 20 events on Monday, owned by Pat Onley and Mary Ann Tuesday and Wednesday nights, Burns. respectively, so all members can In the performance arena, the HITattend. The depth of quality for Obedience award went to Meritage I each event was amazing and the Want It All, CD, BN, OA, AXJ “Alli”, wins were well deserved! The DPCA bred by Mike and Sara Patton and is very lucky to have such committed owned by Cindy Bohnert (Judges breeders and owners who put Amee Kincaid and Rick Garvin). The their blood, sweat and tears into HIT-Agility award went to MACH LH’s achieving the highest pinnacle they Heart of a Dragon MXS, MJS, T2B, can. They have really dedicated owned by S. and D. Houg (Judge themselves to preserving and Christie Bowers). protecting the Doberman Pinscher At the fundraising banquet, we in doing all things possible to bring raised $24,000 for health and rescue. their natural qualities to perfection!

We appreciate the generosity of our Congratulations to everyone on a membership and want to thank each job well done! and every one of them for supporting Longtime DPCA member and health and rescue. professional handler Moe It was at this banquet Miyagawa judged our that we took the time Futurity event this year and to honor a very special put up a very promising member and dear friend, young bitch for Grand Mary Rodgers (Marienburg Prize Futurity, Gemini Dobermans) with the Princess Sansa Stark v Lifetime Achievement Alisaton, bred by Marion Award. In considering Mary Collins, Gwen DeMilta and for this honor, we took into Rodgers Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno. Mary account her many attributes. accepting “Laney” is co-owned by the Lifetime Breeding since 1963, Mary is Heidi Boettcher and the Achievement world renown and has had aforementioned breeders. Award from numerous achievements over Judge Peggy Esposito the past 50 years. She is a found Fayek I’ll Have Another for breeder, judge, mentor, writer and Winner’s Bitch, which was also artist who is always focused on the selected for Best of Winners.

Doberman Pinscher. She was the AKC “Shamrock” was bred by Elizabeth breeder of the year 2003 and to date Zellmer and is owned by Christy has bred over 100 champions. Her Moore-LaPlante.

Dobermans have won seven DPCA Winner’s Dog went to Vision national best of breeds (showing four Bring the Action v Velo by Judge different Champions) and she has set Beverly Capstick. “Bono” was bred many other records. It was an obvious and is owned by Christine and choice that Mary should receive the Ronnie Tarter and Alison McDonald.

Lifetime Achievement Award and we Another longtime breeder and were very pleased to honor her at this DPCA member, Adrian Woodfork, year’s National. was our intersex judge. Everyone The best part of the National is was pinned to the edge of their always catching up with old friends seats as he announced the winner and meeting new people that you for Best of Breed, which went to hope will become friends. There were the very beautiful and deserving many late nights in the bar and a fun GCH Dezperado’s Hallelujah time was had by everyone. The only “Glory”. Glory was bred by Hillary drawback was that the week went by Zimmerman and Linda and Rick too quickly – but it always does! At George and is owned by Hillary least we always have next year and to Zimmerman and Jacqueline and that end, we hope to see everyone in Alan Wendt.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the 2015 Best of Opposite Sex went to DPCA National Convention!

Continued on page 52 the gorgeous male GCH O’s Godiva

Multiple Best in Speciality Show and Multiple Group Placements

GCh. Black Bart’s Calamity Jane

Currently ranked #4 Top Twenty Doberman* Our sincere appreciation to Judge Adrian W. Woodfork for Raven’s Award of Merit at the Doberman National in Topeka, Kansas.

Handled exclusively by Kelly Marquis Owner: Christy Jordan

Breeder: Sandra Boyas

*DPCA Statistics September 2014

Dog News 51

Continued FROM page 50

Showdown in the Heartland…

By Adrian Woodfork Best of Breed Judge

Eye Candy!

I

t was a privilege and honor to judge the Best of Breed competition at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America National in Topeka. The setting was fabulous. The weather was awesome. People came in from all over the world. And of course, the beautiful Dobermans made it a dream come true!

Win or lose, the DPCA National is the greatest showcase for our breed.

Breeders get to mingle and share stories and see dogs that they only wondered about. As a judge, I get to sort out and select the ones that impressed me the most… on that day! I can’t tell you how much fun it was… there aren’t words to describe it. What made it soooo exciting and challenging for me was the quality of the dogs, showmanship and sportsmanship.

I commend the exhibitors for bringing forth some of the most amazing Doberman champions for the fancy to view.

For me, it was pure eye candy.

I could not make a decision on which dogs stood out without the help of a pen and note pad. I did not want to accidently miss one. While my favorite music was playing in the background, I concentrated on the pluses each dog was bringing to table and tabulated a score accordingly.

The problem was there were not enough ribbons to go around. But, a decision had to be made, and in the end, the most pluses went to a well-muscled (conditioned), well-balanced, typey, square red bitch that moved beautifully and struck a pose with the intensity of a Hollywood Diva. This bitch was the WOW factor. Ch. Dezperado’s Hallelujah owned by Jacqueline and Alan Wendt and shown

52 Dog News

flawlessly by Linda George.

The best opposite sex dog, Gch. O’s Godiva Dark Demitasse Ca DJ owned

by Mary Ann Byrns and Pat Onley was a strong contender as was the select dog Ch. Goldgrove High Intensity and select bitch Ch. Cambria’s Vraiment Parfait. The award of merit selections were wonderful representatives of the breed, as were the few who were left standing in the end as finalists. To get to the final line-up, they had to be square, balanced, wellconditioned with a strong topline when moving. In addition, I love a dog that exudes confidence when standing on its own, and in the end they were the ones that were left standing in the winners circle.

There are so many people to thank for making this National a five-star event. So I say thank you big time! But a special note of gratitude must be given to President Michelle Santana, the show chairman Janet Van Wormer and event chairman Joanie Krieg, who worked all year to make it happen. Glen Lajeski’s team of decorators made the place pop!

My life-saving stewards Barbara Bender and Judy Smith, who kept the ball rolling.

And finally, a very special thank you to Dr. Irena Vitkovitsky(Ron Babics is a lucky

man), who made sure I was well hydrated throughout the day (6 hours). What a formula for wellness… wonderful dogs, wonderful people and good music!

To the exhibitors… much love always! Thanks for the eye-candy…

Sweeeeet!

Dog News 53

*

*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

54 Dog News

Dog News 55

You And Your

Vet

BY Merry Fitzgerald, DVM.

Will medical marijuana help or harm my dog?

There is growing evidence that cannabis can reduce pain and nausea in chronically ill dogs without the dulling effects of narcotics. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy, or suffering from epilepsy, arthritis or severe anxiety may also benefit. While this herb may improve the quality of life for many patients, there are not yet definite therapeutic or toxic dosages established.

Twenty-five U. S. states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing the use of medical marijuana. Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon have also decriminalized recreational marijuana use. More cases of accidental marijuana poisoning of dogs are likely to occur. The typical overdose involves a dog that has consumed an owner’s plants, drugs or food cooked with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. When those foods also contain chocolate, such as brownies or cookies, the risk of additional toxicity is increased.

Poisoning can also occur following inhalation of the smoke.

Signs of marijuana poison56 Dog News

ing in dogs include glassy eyes, stumbling, appearing drunk, dilated pupils, trembling or vomiting. In about 25% of dogs, agitation and excitement can occur. Urinary incontinence or urine dribbling is common. Serious effects include low or high heart rate, coma, and seizures.

The signs typically begin 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, or sooner if inhaled. It is extremely rare for dogs to ingest enough marijuana to cause death, although they still may need medical treatment to recover from the poisoning. In a recent report, two small dogs died after ingesting baked goods made with highly concentrated medical grade marijuana butter.

Treatment for marijuana poisoning includes IV fluids, medication to stop vomiting, oxygen, blood pressure monitoring, body temperature regulation, and in severe cases, ventilator and/or respirator support. Inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal to bind up the poison may be performed if the ingestion was recent and a large amount. However, this should

not be done without consulting a veterinarian or poison hotline.

The anti-nausea effects of cannabis can make it more difficult to induce vomiting. If the dog is lethargic, vomiting may lead to aspiration and pneumonia. It can take dogs 18 to 36 hours to recover.

Over-the-counter human urine drug screening tests have been used to help diagnose dogs with marijuana exposure.

The results can be inconsistent and false negatives occur. With these drug-screening tests, a positive THC result is consistent with marijuana poisoning, while a negative result does not conclusively rule out poisoning.

Veterinarians and poison hotline staff are primarily concerned about the wellbeing of the dog.

Honest communication about what the dog ingested or was exposed to will result in faster, more effective treatment. They are not inclined to report owners to the police following a dog’s marijuana ingestion.

What do you know about Dancing Doberman Disease?

It is a condition that occurs in the rear legs of young adult Doberman pinschers. The disorder causes progressive deterioration of the nerves and muscles. The cause for this condition is unknown. Both males and females are affected.

Signs of the disease appear between 6 months and 7 years of age and initially consist of continually flexing one rear leg while standing. The opposite rear leg becomes affected in most cases within 3 to 6 months. This causes the dog to repeatedly shift their weight from right rear leg to left rear leg. These dogs are also Continued on page 106

Multiple Best In Show GOLD GCh. Dunkirk Imagine That

y m om Judge: Dr. Jose Luis Payro

BEST IN SHOW Judge Mr. Roger Hartinger This outstanding Peke continues his winning ways‌.

Still Number One Pekingese

*

Owned By Marcia Merrill, Imperial Palace Pekingese and Timothy Reese and Randy Winters, Dunkirk Pekingese

Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger Shown as always by his breeder Timothy Reese *The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

Dog News 57

The Pekingese Club National Specialty

of America Weekend

By Susan Shephard

Vice President, Pekingese Club of America

PhotoS BY J.C. Photography

The week kicked off with an old tradition brought back: The Black Mask Party on Thursday evening. Sponsored by Doll McGinnis publications (The Orient Express) and the Pekingese Association, the party began in the early evening with cocktails, hors ‘douvres and great conversations.

The Pekingese Association annual awards were given plus Joe McGinnis and Duane Doll were recognized with Pekingese Club of America’s Lifetime memberships.

Early Friday morning the catalogues were available. With more than 50 pages of member ads, this is truly a keepsake catalogue!

Friday morning came early as there were back to back Specialties for the Allegheny Pekingese Club followed by the Colony Pekingese Club of the Southern Tier. Both regular class judges; Diane Burvee (Qazara) and David Kelland (Michaelmas) found their Best of Breed in Thomas and Diane Curley’s GCH Pekeden PHD for Schuyler. Ringside mentoring was offered for both shows by PCA. Continued on page 104

October 3-5, 2014 After nearly a decade of turmoil, The Pekingese Club of America is back and in a big way! Using a theme of the Phoenix arising from the ashes, PCA joined forces with the Triple Crown cluster of Pekingese Specialty shows this past October in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

The Judge Speaks

By CHARLES OLVIS • Ed. Note: Printed with the permission of the author

A Judge’s Response To The New Board Proposal Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club Dear Board Member: Even though I, like most others with whom this matter has been discussed, feel that this is an exercise in futility because the Board has already made their decision regarding the Judging Approval Process and requesting input is just a way of placating those who do not agree, you have asked for our input and so here is mine.

I, too, feel that the proposed changes will all take place with something close to the magical 99.9% approval rating, even though the majority of people… judges, breeders, and exhibitors… with whom I’ve spoken do not feel the proposed changes would benefit the sport.

Some of the proposed ideas seem workable; others are terrible!

While there are certainly ways the approval process could be made “more fair” for those who feel it is not, just giving everyone what they want, with no accountability, is a recipe for disaster. Every job has some accountability that comes with the territory, and it is felt across the sport, from judges to exhibitors, that removing the Field Reps from the accountability of judges will have disastrous results.

And it is unfathomable that you believe that an exhibitor letter writing campaign will be the method by which judges are held accountable. Most of you have 60 Dog News

some business background, and it has been proven time and time again that a businessperson will never hear the vast majority of unsatisfied customers complain. While there are those who voice their displeasure, giving the business owner an opportunity to meet their demands, right or wrong, to silence them, the vast majority don’t complain…. they just go away and never return. It happens every day at restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and it is going to happen all too many more times at AKC events if the new system of no accountability passes…the exact opposite of your intention. And, those who are happy will mostly never take the time to write.

The majority of displeased exhibitors will quietly leave the sport as you scramble for clues as to the downturn in entries.

And, even if your answer to accountability, letter writing to the Board, would take place, who is going to answer all those complaints??

A clerk?? A Board member??

How would anyone even know what actually took place last weekend?? How are you going to answer when they all complain that their dog should have won? How are you going to know if that dog was any good, let alone better than the rest of the competition? How will you have a clue whether the judge was right? A standard “too

bad, but the judge determines that” letter is not going to work out too well and will result in even more people leaving the sport because they will feel that you don’t understand and you don’t care enough to change the results of a show from the past. Most exhibitors are kennel blind and can never see the reason why their dog should ever lose. How will someone in the office be able to make that determination, because if these people’s dogs lose, it must mean the judge is no good.

We all know that few will take the time to complain, but putting the shoe on the other foot, even fewer will take the time to write when they feel a judge has done well, unless, of course, their dog has won and they have lots of time on their hands. You will hear much more about “bad judges” than you will ever about “good judges”.

The AKC Field Reps have a job that is necessary for the integrity of AKC Shows. One of their vital functions is to be a sounding board for just those irate exhibitors who feel their dog was unjustly passed over. Whether you want to admit it or not, Field Reps play a valuable role in helping judges. They also by their very presence help keep the judging honest. We have all heard about “crooked judges”….just wait till there’s no accountability!

In my years of judging, starting with one breed where almost no one knew me, I have learned firsthand that the AKC Field Reps are NOT terrible people telling the judges they are wrong in their decisions and who to put up.

Continued on page 111

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62 Dog News

Dog News 63

A

s the nation recognized the brave servicemen and women who have fought for and protected our rights as Americans, the role of the dog in these efforts has been recognized as well.

Indeed, many positive stories about the dog’s firmly entrenched place in wartime efforts specifically and in our society in general have circulated across all mediums this week as we thanked and honored our veterans and the dogs who served alongside them and aided in their transition back into civilian life. For the first time ever, canine veterans had their own float in New York City’s Veterans Day Parade. The rapper, actor and Army Veteran Ice-T and his wife Coco rode atop the float along with six military dogs that served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The float was funded by philanthropist Lois Pope, who works with several organizations that help reunite veterans with military dogs that served alongside them, and presented by the American Humane Association.

In addition to the recognition of the military dogs, a second float featuring several therapy dogs was also including in the parade for the first time. This float was sponsored by the A&E Network, which began airing a new reality TV series on Veterans Day that promises to portray dogs in a positive light. Titled Dogs of War, this reality show sheds light on veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental disabilities. The show features the nonprofit Paws and Stripes, which was founded by veteran Jim Stanek and his wife Lindsey. (I profiled the couple and their organization in an Off The Leash column back on Sept. 14, 2012, in the wake of the announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs would not cover the cost of service canines assigned for mental disabilities such as PTSD because it lacked research substantiating the efficacy of mental health service dogs. That article is available in its entirety on our archives at http://issuu. com/dognews/docs/091412/47).

On the Dogs of War program veterans select a shelter dog that they want to help them through their rehabilitation. Should the dog not cut it as a service dog it is returned to the shelter. By profiling real people suffering from this serious issue and the dogs that help them cope, it’s hoped that the general public will become aware of the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and the important role that dogs can play in their rehabilitation and transition back into civilian life. Any show that calls attention to the importance of our heroes – human and canine –and seeks to ease their suffering is recommended viewing.

The protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused a rise in the number

Veteran Jim Stanek and his service dog Sarge, who are featured on the new A & E reality show series, Dogs of War; photos by Kim Jackson

of veterans suffering from PTSD and other serious maladies and the need for companion and service dogs to help them function in society has increased tremendously. The National Center for PTSD states that about 5.2 million adults have PTSD during a given year, with 10% of women and 4% of men developing PTSD at some time in their lives. The number of veterans with PTSD varies by service era, with 15 % of Vietnam vets currently diagnosed with the affliction, 12 % of Gulf War vets and between 11 and 20 % of veterans from the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom missions having it in any given year.

Our neighbors to the North also recognized the role of service dogs that have helped Canada’s veterans, including those suffering from PTSD. During ‘Remembrance Day’ ceremonies in Calgary, the 119 dogs that are currently trained and certified to work with soldiers with a wide range of disabilities were recognized. Another 180 service dogs are being trained to help veterans, with organizations such as Courageous Companions attempting to bring the public and the programs together to unify behind the cause of pairing dogs with veterans and to raise awareness of disabilities such as PTSD. In addition to recognizing our veter-

ans and service dogs, efforts continue in the U.S. to mark March 13 as K9 Veterans Day. The date marks the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps back in 1942. The movement is credited to Joe White (now deceased), who founded the organization K9 Veterans Day in Jacksonville, Florida, and his wife Sally carries forth the efforts. Jacksonville and the State of Florida have signed proclamations declaring March 13 as K9 Veterans Day and other cities and states have followed suit across the nation.

Bergen County, NJ has celebrated two annual K9 Veterans Days and New York State Senator Cecelia Tkaczyk is seeking the designation in the Empire State, just two examples of the growing movement to acknowledge that dogs are veterans, too. They continue to serve and to save lives and they deserve to be remembered.

Meanwhile, the role of the dog in the military continues to evolve. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has just launched a program called ROVER, written by computer scientists for the popular video game console unit the Xbox Kinect, which was designed to help handlers practice working with a dog to find improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Lastly, it would be remiss not to mention the recent heroics of Hurricane and Jordan, the two Belgian Malinois dogs that subdued a fence-jumper and possible intruder at The White House last month, just weeks after a knife-wielding man jumped the fence and made it into the unlocked First Family’s residence. The much-maligned Secret Service is undoubtedly overjoyed to have Hurricane and Jordan — who weren’t deployed the first time — working alongside them, and hopefully they have learned a valuable lesson and will continue to place trust in the dogs. Both dogs were cleared by a veterinarian to return to active duty after suffering bruises in the incident. They are two more in a long list of heroic dogs serving and protecting our country and they and their handlers and trainers deserve our thanks and recognition.

off

64 Dog News

Heroic Dogs Get Their Due

by SHAUN COEN

66 Dog News

Dog News 67

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o

DISCOVER DOGS, THE NAIA MEETING, COLLATING THE SURVEY...

And

M re

by Matthew H. Stander

This past weekend we went to the last Discover Dogs to be held in Earl’s Court in London. The building is to be razed and this world setting event upon which our own Meet the Breeds events is based will move to the less centralized but more modern ExCel Exhibition Centre in another part of London for its 20th consecutive year of celebrating dogs. More than 33,000 Londoners jammed Earl’s Court to watch and learn about more than 200 breeds of dogs on display and to meet and greet dog “experts” with information to help one make the right choice about the important decision of which breed of dog suits the prospective buyer the best. There were more than token nods to the mixed breed owners with the Scrufts competition (not a favorite of mine I must admit) as well as a salute to adopted mixed breeds as well. While TKC’s emphasis seems to be to try and encourage people to own a dog based on the lifestyle of the prospective owner the fact is that research has shown that in the UK anyways more than 40% of people are influenced by the looks of the dog when they chose a companion and more than one in ten get a puppy on a whim. Whether or not this kind of event whether in America or the UK can reverse these figures as kennel clubs in both countries seem to be trying to do remains doubtful to my mind. Stressing responsible dog ownership and caring for the health of the dog would be more logical goals to me and quite an achievement in itself I believe. Another goal which of course is a worthy and absolutely necessary one is to slow down if not stop entirely the purchase of dogs from puppy mill farmers.

Both TKC and AKC are going a long way in trying to distinguish quality and concern among breeders by promoting its Assured Breeder Scheme and/or its Breeder of Merit programs in an effort to get the educated consumer to buy dogs from people with some form of accreditation. Hopefully buy70 Dog News

ing or getting a dog from people who have a real concern about the health and welfare of a dog will result in more secure and sounder pups as companions for the future. At Discover Dogs there is a Breed Rescue area as well to suit the needs of those looking to help out dogs in less fortunate status than other animals. It’s a thrilling perhaps less commercial event than our own Meet the Breeds but both events should stand high on the list of attending for anyone even slightly interested in companionship and love offered to humans by the dogs they own or will hope to own in the future as well.

I

n Orlando this past weekend too was the highly touted NAIA Conference and Meeting. In one of the largest AKC supported attendees that I can recall five people from Staff were there and two Board Members. The five Staff members were Chris Walker, Hillary Prim and Lisa Petersen from the New York offices and Sheila Goffe and Mark Dunn from the North Carolina offices and from the Board Alan Kalter and Tom Powers. Not too sure what prompted this outpouring but from what has been reported to me it was a very worthwhile and productive meeting.

Sometimes we get direct reports about the meeting for publication-others not but I am hopeful this will be one of those years we do get a formal report through the good offices of Patti Strand. I understand the very controversial Ed Sayres was expected to attend but did not show up.

Mark Dunn’s appearance is somewhat difficult for me to understand since he is as most of you know the head of registration-how that fits into the NAIA I can’t figure out. The other AKC Staff people make a certain amount of sense and I am told that Chris Walker spoke with Cindy Powers, the therio vet who was on that abortive HBO Sports program last spring or so. In case

you have forgotten the therio program is the one AKC through Alan’s influence is the breeding program at the three veterinarians schools which AKC gave $100,000 grants to each school instead of to the CHF. I am told that the highlights of the program were the talks of Cindy Buckmaster and the Feld attorneys.

Cindy Buckmaster is the Director of the Center for Comparative Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas and Vice President for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), very outspoken advocate about the significant contributions that have been made from the use of animals in research. The Feld attorneys are the lawyers who worked on the Feld (Ringling Brothers) litigation and obtained the big settlements against ASPCA and HSUS. As to the “JAP” survey it is meeting with all sorts of responses but one of the things which has me the most concerned about it--other than the fact I question the very need for it at all is that I have seen no announcement as to who is collating the responses and how they will be presented to the Board. I have the highest regard for most on Staff and trust them implicitly but I can’t help but wonder whether certain Heads of Departments may lean over backwards to try and assure that their bosses (the Board) get the kind of answers they want to hear.

I say this in light of the fact that I hear that so far perhaps 700 responses have been sent in with the overwhelming number in favor of most of what the Board proposed. How strange that is when most of the people-(albeit no where’s near 700) have written into DOG NEWS with anything but questions about the proposals AND there is a massive petition online to reject the proposals. HOW CAN THE NUMBER 700 MOSTLY FOR IT BE ACCURATE I HAVE TO ASK. I never believed that a Survey so open was the way to go in this process but this Board can and does act peculiarly at times and this is but one instance. As I have written before and no doubt will write again no one will ever agree totally on every point for a judges approval process revision and to to include people who both have vested interests and no knowledge of what is really going on in the same survey courts disaster.

Dog News 71

Top Twenty Contender

GCh. Anandane’s Sire: Ch. Anandane’s Top Of The Charts

Bred, Loved, and Spoiled By: Jody Lewis and Russell Lewis russell.lewis3@cox.net 540-310-4878 72 Dog News

Top Gun Iceman “

”

Dam: GCh. Anandane’s Sun Is Shining

Judge Mr. John P Wade Specialed and Spoiled by: Jeff and Melissa Brucker Belleview, FL 352-572-0321 • mkkjlb@aol.com Dog News 73

The Great Dane Club of America’s National Specialty 2014

Many owners walked the short distance from the Saw Mill Creek to the shore of Lake Erie with their dogs. Photo

by Margaret A. Ontl

Seven days of fabulous fun

74 Dog News

By Margaret A. Ontl On the shore of Lake Erie, the Saw Mill Creek Resort was home to hundreds of Great Danes, owners and handlers who arrived from coast to coast. The week-long Great Dane Club of America National Specialty kicked off October 19 and ran through October 25. Presented by the Central Division, it offered something for everyone, performance events, educational seminars and health screenings as well as futurity and conformation judging. The Continued on page 78

From the left are GDCA President Dianne Powers, judge Laurie Maulucci, ‘Fender’ BISS BIF GCH Windy City Orion’s Guitar Hero, AOM, Jeff Lawrence, handler and Carol Grossman, representing Diamond corporate sponsor Nestle Purina Pet Care. Photo by Jen Ashley Photos.

Judging took place in the 16,000 square foot Wilderness Hall at the Saw Mill Creek Resort located in Huron, Ohio.

Leon Reimert is judging class dogs. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

Waiting for the judge to examine her bitch in the bred by class, breeder, owner and handler was 15 year old Seryna Martindale.

TLC NV’E Of All Promises won the class, winners bitch and best of winners.

She was co-breeder by Linda Dalton. Photo by GreatDanePhotos.

GCH Hauerdane’s Don’t Bury The Treasure V Caps, handled by Betty Jo Constantinidis was one of 15 Great Danes in the 2014 Top 20. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

Mari Lynn Davisson shows a fawn puppy from the 3 to 5 month class in the GDCA Futurity. He was bred

by Glenn and Cindy Niske. Photo by GreatDanePhotos

Dog News 75

Nash

Very lightly shown, Nash is already the winner of Multiple Bests of Breed and Group Placements.

Bronze GCh. Rosendane’s The Big Shot

Sire: Ch. Maitau’s Here’s Lookin At U Kid ROM • Dam: BISS GCh. Rosendane’s Just Like Heaven, AOM

Special thanks to Judge Mr. Robert Eisele (pictured) and the many others who have recognized Nash’s qualities.

Look for Nash to begin his specials career in earnest in 2015.

Owner: Cathy Mundt Breeder: Angela G Kusmiesz, Rosendane Great Danes Handlers: Krista Nuovo, Dennis Collins 76 Dog News

Regis

2012 Top 20 Breed 2013 Top 20 Breed 2014 Top 20 Breed contender *

*

Gold GCh. AnjaDane’s Regene v. Malvern, AOM

Sire: Ch. Lobato’s Highly Classified Dam: Ch. AnjaDane’s Ananda v. Malvern, AOM

Best In Specialty Show, Multiple Group Winner Special thanks to Judge Mrs. Sulie Greendale-Paveza (pictured) and the many Judges who have recognized Regis’ qualities.

Owner: Cathy Mundt Breeder: Carla Carey, AnjaDane Great Danes Handlers: Krista Nuovo, Dennis Collins *CC System

Dog News 77

The Great Dane Club of America’s National Specialty 2014

Seven days of fabulous fun Continued FROM page 75

16,000 square foot ence and rally trials, Wilderness Hall gave with 96 obedience the ‘gentle giants’ the entries and 100 rally ring size they deserve entries. Followed by plus ample space for two agility trials with spectators and ven20 entries and 85 dors. runs. The third GDCA Location, locaObedience and Rally tion, location-Huron, Invitational was held Ohio is close to maconcurrently as well. jor transcontinental “We took a leap highways and two maof faith and tried two jor airports, bringing Best of Breed entries, were divided into groups of 10. Judge Laurie trials,” said Moriarty. in participants from Maulucci is taking another look at this set of dogs. Photo by “The obedience entry was pheOlympia, Washington Margaret A. Ontl nomenal. As a result we had to hire to Nantucket Island, an over flow judge.”

Massachusetts and Agility was held outdoors on over 45 international a level grass surface, which was guests. fenced. It gave exhibitors an appro“The thing priate place to showcase the breed’s that made it run so ability to run the courses. smoothly was the full Up next was the popular GDCA participation of all 10 annual Futurity with a total entry clubs in our division,” of 279 puppies and juniors, age 3 said Lynda Moriarty months to 18 months. The breeddivision and show Trooper takes a jump. He Llsa tackled the weave poles. ers showcase, held over two days chairperson. “We had is owned and handled She is owned and handled by was judged by Ms. Fran Lass (Coloby Marta Brock of Teresa La Brie of New York. over 50 volunteers Washington State. Photo by rado) and Ms. Joy Lobato (Missouri), Photo by GreatDanePhotos and everyone of them GreatDanePhotos both respected and long time Dane pitched in throughbreeders. Best in Futurity went to out the week.” They Paxton’s To Each His Own – Breeddid everything from distribute 800 welcome er and owner: Dr. Allison Paxton. bags to serve on the poop patrol.

The bitch, which was from the 7 to Before anyone arrived, Saw Mill Creek 9 month class, also won the CHIC owner Greg Hill took some extraordinary Challenge Trophy, which is offered measures to add to the quality of the experiby the parent club to the Futurity ence. winner if both the Sire and the Dam “What he did was bring in an entire new have CHIC numbers. electrical system to accommodate us and fuThe award was started in 2009.

Paxton’s To Each His ture breeds,” said GDCA RV Parking ChairOwn earned Best This is second time it has been given. man, Marshall Stoner. “We had 60 RV’s and Puppy Bitch, Best At the conclusion of Futurity judging, they had the choice of 50 amp or 30 amp Puppy and Best in the ring area was quickly transformed for Futurity in the GDCA’s electrical hook-ups. There will be a lot more the formal and esteemed Top Twenty Invi2014 Futurity event. dog breeds interested in the Saw Mill Creek, tational. Always a subdued Tuesday eveBreeder, owner and now as a site. He even went to the trouble ning event, 15 of the 20 eligible Danes parhandler is Dr. Allison of black topping and painting new lines on Paxton of Napa ticipated. The nearly silent crowd watched the parking lot.” According to Hill the GDCA California. Photo by as handlers and dogs stopped at three brought in three times more RV’s than any GreatDanePhotos. judging stations. The results are tabulated other group event, including other breed by a CPA and kept secret until the end of specialties. the week. Continued on page 80 The week kicked off with two each obedi78 Dog News

Dog News 79

The Great Dane Club of America’s National Specialty 2014

Seven days of fabulous fun Continued FROM page 78

GDCA 2014 National Specialty Winners are: High In Trial:

Raintree Erinwood Dixie’s Optimus Prime

– 195-1/2 – Novice B – Owner: Patricia Thomas Best In Futurity:

Paxton’s To Each His Own Owner: Dr. Allison Paxton Top 20 Winner:

GCh. Mjm’s Hi-Air All Eyes On Me Owner: Laurie & Michael Maulucci, Arthur & Leslie Solnick Best of Breed:

GCh. Windy City-Orion Guitar Hero Owner: Kim Wood & Betsy Phelan Best of Opposite Sex:

Ch. Lagarada’s Ever After Owner: Crystal & Ashley Brooks

Best of Winners/Winners Bitch:

TLC NV’E Of All Promises Owner: Seryna Martindale Select Dog

Ch. JPL’S The Velvet Dog Owner: Tetsuji & Akemi Mita Select Bitch

GCh. Longo Miller N Lore Diamond Lil Owner: Tootie Longo, Jay Miller, Lorraine Matherly & Col. Charles Crawford Winners Dog

Northpark Michaeldane The Gift Of The Prophecy Owner: Emily Warren Best Puppy

Remo’s Inspector Clouseau Owner: Jim and Angela Remaklus Best Bred By Exhibitor

TLC NV’S Of All Promises Owner: Seryna Martindale

Best Owner Handled

Ch. Lagarada’s Ever After Owner: Crystal & Ashley Brooks

A

s the week progressed, most of the guests marveled at the facility, situated on 235 acres. One of the biggest needs, GRASS, was easily met. The Dane Fanciers essentially sold out the property booking all 236 Junior handler, rooms for six nights Emma Rodgers in a row. showed CH “The facility was Shoreline’s Let fabulous and the staff Me Be Your Hero outstanding,” said in the Parade of Titleholders.

Moriarty.

Photo by After, a day of Margaret A. Ontl meetings, health testing and educational seminars the show, which had 484 dogs entered with a total of 550 entries continued. Leon Reimert (Pennsylvania) judged dogs and Pat Ciampa (New Hampshire) judged The casual bitches over two Halloween Costume days. Winners Dog Contest was held went to Northpark after the traditional parades. The prize, Michaeldane The was a stuffed Scooby Gift Of The Proph- Doo. Brianne Rock ecy – Owner: Em- won the prize ily Warren. It was with GCH Naples the first time he was Sanroque North in the ring. Winner Shore Isadora. Photo

by Margaret A. Ontl Bitch, also took Best of Winners, was TLC NV’E Of All Promises – breeder, owner and handler was 15 year old Seryna Martindale. The bitch came out of the bred by class.

Friday night, music set the stage as the high-energy crowd cheered for Danes entered in the Parade of Titleholders and Veterans followed by a Halloween Costume Contest.

Continued on page 82

80 Dog News

Remo’s Inspector Clouseau

Benny, pictured here at 9 months was Reserve Winners Dog at the Great Dane Club of America National Specialty Thank you Judge Mr. Leon Reimert.

He was also awarded Best Puppy - Thank you Judge Mrs. Laurie Maulucci.

He had 6 points with both Majors.

Breeder/owner/handled by Jim Remaklus Owned by Jim & Angie Remaklus Bred by Jim & Angie Remaklus, Leslie and Gary Kettring Dog News 81

The Great Dane Club of America’s National Specialty 2014

Seven days of fabulous fun

Continued FROM page 80

Best in Show went to GCH Windy City-Orion Guitar Hero, AKA ‘Fender’ owned by Kim Wood & Betsy Phelan. Team ‘Fender’ at the National included Jeff and Patrice Lawrence (both handled him in breed) and Brianna Rock. Rock stepped in to cover for the others and was on the dog when he made Award of Merits: history as the first mantle to win the GCH. D.S.S. KINGS RANSOM JP MCLAREN National Specialty. In Owner: Tetsuji Mita & Hitoshi Sayama 2012, as a junior dog ‘Fender’ was the first GCH. MK DANES ALL ABOARD THE CRAZY TRAIN mantle Best in FutuOwner: Michele & David Moore rity winner and first winner of the CHIC It was the first time in the ring GCH. GMJ DANERIDGE LEAN MEAN GAMBLING MACHINE for Winner’s Dog Northpark Challenge Trophy.

Owner: Gina Jaeblon Michaeldane The Gift Of The The show Prophecy – Owner: Emily wrapped up with the Warren. He was handled by Cindy GCH. TUE-JS PACIFIC CATEGORY FIVE Owner: Jaimie Chiaravalle, Tuesday & Hadley James, Joan Apuna Annual Awards ban- Kelly. Photo by GreatDanePhotos. quet attended by GCH. GRACYN LOST CREEK THE DESCENDANT OF ELAN over 300 guests. The Owner: Jon & Sue Finck, John & Jessie Gerszewski winner of the Top Twenty, GCH MJM’s Hi-Air All Eyes On Me – Owners: LauGCH. ALPINES BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY rie & Michael Maulucci, Arthur & Leslie Owner: Norm & Tricia Smallwood Solnick was announced. Also presented were the 2013 annual awards.

GCH. ALPINES ICE WARRIOR V HAWTHORNE Joe Longo, long time GDCA memOwner: Phil & Linda Clesi, Ann Heavy ber and former Central Division Chairman, was instrumental in bringing the GCH. GHDD SEAMUS LORD OF THE DANCE show to the Saw Mill Creek Resort.

Owner: Doug & Kristin Kish “From the welcome party on every GCH. DIVINE ACRES RING LEADER day went smooth,” said Longo. “Saw Owner: Carole & Jim Cataudella Mill Creek is one of the best locations we have had. The grass there never GCH. ROSENDANES SO THIS IS HEAVEN @ SPOT-ON ends. The owner and the staff did a fabOwner: Suzanne Widner ulous job. It is nice when you can work one to one with the owner. They did a GCH. JOURNEYS GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES great job.”

Owner: Leslie Hotchkiss “We try to adapt to each group,” said Hill, owner of the Saw Mill Creek.

GCH. SWEETS FIRE N RAIN V SARAVILLA BN CGC “About 75 percent of our business Owner: John Lilliston & Paula Sweet comes from groups and we feel our GCH. NAPLES SANROQUE DANA HONALULU LULU location and amenities are perfect for Owner: Maren Cornish, Jeannette Copeland, breed specialties. We want you to feel Dawn Dana & Maggie Foerschler comfortable here.”

October 25 offered the majestic Best of Breed competition with an entry of 145 GCH and CH Danes vying the coveted BIS title. When breeder judge Mrs. Laurie Maulucci (Connecticut) pointed to a handsome and deserving mantle dog to win, he was on his third handler of the day.

GCH. RAINTREE ERINWOOD DIXIE FOR HEAVENS SAKE Owner: Renee Greenberg Gumbs, Pam Deloria & Lori Cornelius

82 Dog News

Dog News 83

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84 Dog News

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Dog News 85

TWIST

BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW

Thank you Judge Mr. Dana Plonkey for this Specialty Win!

Twist #2 OHA TOY Twist is #1 OHA Cavalier Multiple Best In Show & Reserve Best In Show CKCSC-USA Bred, Owned, and Shown by: Owner/ Handler Janet York *Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, The Dog News Top Ten List

86 Dog News

BOO!

TWIST’s Not Scared of The Blues!

Thank you Judge Mr. Ronald Menaker for this Group First Win! Platinum AKC GCH & CH & CKCSC USA CH Piccadil’s Twist & Shout, BN, CD, RN, RA, RE

Multiple Specialty Winner, Reserve Best In Show Winner, & Multiple Group First Winner in AKC #2 In-Breed & #3 in All-Breed in AKC

*

*CC SYSTEM

Dog News 87

Continued FROM page 18

Furthermore, of the dozen or more victims of negative experiences who have related their stories to me, the overall opinion is that field reps should stay in the process with some changes in the implementation of the system.

In the much more accountable world of livestock judging, judges are scored on both their placements and their reasons for said placements.

However, keep in mind that livestock judging is far more objective than dog show judging and contains far fewer variables. The actual placements in classes have been the cause of the most disagreements between judges and field reps over the years according to my sources.

Now accountability is kept in the process by the judge verbalizing reasons for the placements based on breed standards and breed specific traits. The judge that can validate placements to the field rep or anyone else involved with breed specific explanations is a prize to be treasured, a person much needed in the evaluation of breeding stock. And wouldn’t just presenting one’s reasons eliminate or greatly reduce some of the disagreeable elements of the “encounters” that have occurred in the past between judge and rep? Or for that matter between judge and exhibitor?

response was alarmingly different in breed traits emphasized.

Another judge said “reps aren’t even on the same page.” It would appear that more consistency is needed in both the judging process and the evaluation of same. With reasons becoming the criteria and placements out of the loop, reps themselves will not be inconsistent.

This leads us to another issue. One welleducated judge stated in an interview with me that it wouldn’t bother her so much to be challenged on selections if: 1) the rep was truly knowledgeable about the breed involved and 2) the rep was courteous and projected a feeling of “we are here to help” and 3) negative rep responses were verbal and did not go in one’s file.

Thus the rep could be supporting the judge while making improvement suggestions-all off the record. Even if judges have had negative reports in the past, this new era encourages them to try again and should be more user-friendly to such efforts. If judges develop confidence that reps are on their side, it would make a world of difference in relationships between judges and the establishment.

The field rep remains the stabilizing force in the world of the dog show not only as the “face of AKC” but as the nonpartisan individual most able to stimulate better judging for the future. It is wishful thinking that the “marketplace” is trained or competent to determine who the best judges are-especially in this day of outrageous Internet gossip on the one hand and the lowering of the bar amongst the exhibits on the other. Keep in mind that most people think a good judge is one who puts them up, and a bad judge is one who does not. They do not even consider how they could prepare their animals better, how they could improve their stock or what the competition is on the day-or know the difference. Do we want the evaluation of our breeding stock to become a popularity contest based on feel-good judges who are the most fun? Or what?

Inside The Sport

Over the years some of these judge/field rep encounters evidently resulted from important issues like interpretation of the standard as well as petty ones such as personality conflicts. One judge with 21 field rep evaluations had problems with only two of them-one a definite personality clash and the other that led to positive feedback upon writing a letter to the office stating the judge’s position. My own husband’s 35-year judging career resulted in two field rep disagreements with his selections that resulted in negative performance evaluations. In one instance he resolved the situation at the show by providing his reasons for his choices to the rep. In the second situation he wrote to Judges Operation about his decision, again providing reasons for them and was able to move on. Today he is an all breed judge.

Another judge stated that in an evaluation by two different field reps on a similar entry in the same breed, the 88 Dog News

According to my personal interview and survey/feedback of breeders, exhibitors and aspiring judges, the least experienced of our fancy are the ones who want the most rapid entitlement judging status.

While others have quietly toiled for years to achieve what these people want now, their noise is heard and should be properly considered. But should the squeakiest wheels always get the oil? Or does the troubled quiet wheel sometimes come off and cause the wreck? Should all accountability be thrown under the bus? Should the determination of recognizing quality judging be solely in the hands of the public? Consider that one of the most outstanding singers of our lifetime-the gifted tenor Luciano Pavarotti-was eclipsed in sales by Michael Jackson and other pop stars. This, dear dog friends, is the “marketplace” at work. Maybe we should be careful what we wish for!

S

uppose the Health Department no longer monitored safe practices among food processors, restaurants and so on?

What if there was no accountability in the world of physicians once they met educational requirements?

In all walks of life there has to be accountability of some sort. Rather than removing the field reps from the accountability process, why not figure a way to make their role more positive while still utilizing their collective talents? American philosopher William James advised: “Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.”

This column is based upon the input from more than fifty individualsfellow breeders, exhibitors, judges and delegates that willingly shared their concerns with me. My plea to the powers-that-be is simple: Do not rush into another decision you have to tweak later-do the tweaking before you finalize the plan. Why else would you send out such a comprehensive proposal requesting feedback? If you ignore this widespread feedback when you respond with your decisions, will you end up damaging the sport long-term as well as your own credibility? Please give us a program-once and for allthat can exist in perpetuity!

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State

Photo by Kayla Bertagnolli

The 2014 Beagle National Specialty in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 90 Dog News

By Julie Lux

Photos by the author except where noted Bright autumn colors, brisk temperatures and a large entry of beautiful and talented Beagles came together when the National Beagle Club of America held its annual specialty show at The Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The weekend of October 18 and 19 was devoted to Performance with Agility, Rally and Obedience followed by Conformation judging and special events Monday through Wednesday. The committee led by chair Floss Billger, secretary Margaret Milne and treasurer, Deb Krier also planned a number of added activities for all to enjoy both in and outside the ring.

A Weekend Packed with Performance

Obedience and rally chair, Denise Nord and assistant chair Vicky Shultz managed an entry of 39 in Obedience and 36 in Rally, judged

by Mrs. Anna Lorenz of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Highest Scoring Dog in Regular Classes with a 198 was CH Wilkeep Ivy League NA, NAJ, a 15-inch bitch bred by Alene and Hugh Peek and owned by Susan Yanoff. In Rally, Highest Combined Score in Continued on page 98

Dog News 91

o s ip G scolumn the

BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS

G

et out your best bib and tucker, the WESTMINSTER THEATRE BENEFIT

is back. Following the AKC Humane Fund’s bowing out of the event, the under writer PET PARTNERS, the pet insurance company, has graciously agreed to continue the long tradition of this most popular evening. DOG NEWS is also pleased to be assisting in the evening, with all the proceeds going to TAKE THE LEAD. RON MENAKER, who ran the event for over twenty years, is once again back at the helm seeing to every detail. The benefit will take place on Friday evening, February 13th. The theatre selection is the 2014 TONY AWARD winner for Best Musical A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER followed by dinner at the 21 CLUB. Tickets are $350. per person. Last weekend was the last DISCOVER DOGS to be held at London’s Earl Court. The crowds were huge and they got to see MARY RAY and RICHARD CURTIS, who writes the Heelwork to Music column for DOG NEWS perform their very popular dance routine with dogs. Their other appearance is right before the best in show judging at Crufts.

The English Kennel Club took this opportunity to present its A DOG’S LIFE MANIFESTO to the public, which was created to improve dog

92 Dog News

welfare at every stage of a dog’s life. A quarter of all households in the United Kingdom own a dog and this gives owners a guideline to acquisition, training, responsible ownership, breeding and every day routines. Among those present were

ROSE SMART, CAROLINE KESKO, CAROLINE LEE, SUE SAMPSON, LIZ CARTLEDGE, VALERIE FOSS, RONNIE IRVING and the still recovering from foot surgery VINCE HOGAN of OUR DOGS. On this side of the pond, the AKC’s long awaited new edition of the AKC Complete Dog Book is ready. This weekend’s Kennel Club of Philadelphia

is dedicated to the memory of the

JIM MCTERNAN. The MORRIS & ESSEX KENNEL CLUB will be holding

an art show offering $1000.00 as the Best in Show prize. For further information and complete details email morrisessexartshow@ gmail.com. Glad to report that KEN KAUFFMAN is making great progress, as he rehabs from his recent fall. Happy Birthday to one of the great gentlemen of the sport LOU AUSLANDER. Celebrating Birthdays…TONI SOSNOFF, PAM

DEHETRE, RAY HARRINGTON, PAT KEEN, CURTISS SMITH, TIM KERNAN, GLENN LYCAN, LINDA FLYNN, JAY HYMAN, JACK SIMM, SCOTT KIPP, REBECCA CARNER, MICHAEL CANALIZO, JERRY KLEIN, GAY DUNLAP, LINDA STRYDIO, JOAN ZIELINSKI, MICHAEL FAULKNER and JORGE NALLEM.

The Lighter Side...

Continued FROM page 26

and RK. We exchange pleasantries and agree to meet in the lobby for dinner. “I am happy to join you, but I told EB that I will have dinner with him this evening. Will it be OK if he joins us?” I ask. “No problem.” “Great. I am going to drop my things off in the room, change clothes and I will be right down.”

I exit, head to the eighth floor and return to the lobby/restaurant area fifteen minutes later. Before sitting down with MAB and RK, DROID is activated to call EB. No answer, voice mail. “Hello, I am at the hotel restaurant with RK and MAB. See you soon.” I hang up and proceed to restaurant. Along the way I stop and converse with FRIENDS AK and BDA, who are half way through their dinners and seated in a different section of the restaurant. Once seated with RK and MAB, I cannot help but be seduced by the overwhelming aura of joy and happiness surrounding RK and her recent “I am healthy” report from her physician. EB arrives ten minutes after I sit down with good fellow and FRIEND, DC. Considering I normally would be ordering room service and avoiding human contact at all cost, I am thrilled to be dining with four FRIENDS, whom I adore, respect, and value. Yes, the perfect end to a great first dog-show-judging day.

The five of us retire at the respectable hour of 9:00 PM. I return to the eighteenth floor, take a quick shower, followed by a hot bath. The hot bath is intoxicating. I peruse the breed standards on IPAD for my provisional status breeds that I am scheduled to judge at tomorrow’s show. I complete the task, place IPAD on the back of the commode, and slowly slide down in the tub, covering up as much of my body with hot water as possible.

After a minute or so, I take a deep breath and pull myself upward and into a standing position. Lifting the towel off the upper bar, I face the mirror and the marbled vanity and begin drying myself off before stepping out of the tub. Raising my right foot, I lift up, guide it forward, lower it to the floor and proceed to step out of the tub. In the process, my

right foot takes on a life of its own and continues to slide forward out of control.

I panic as the distance between my right foot and my left foot is stretched---like a cartoon character---far beyond my body’s physical ability to do so. Turning slightly to the right I endeavor to gain control and I simultaneously attempt to keep myself from slamming my head into the marble vanity.

With quick action, I grab the handle of the half-opened door. It swings forward, twisting me sideways along the wet tiled floor.

Relieved that my head is not split open, I stay silent for a moment before rising and before realizing that my lower back, left side, is a bit wrenched from the adventure. I stretch forward, backwards, sideways and take two Tylenol PM before hitting the bed.

Exhausted from my early morning flight, traveling, and judging two specialties, I have little trouble falling asleep. One hour and fortytwo minutes after going to bed, I awake from a deep sleep to overwhelmingly debilitating pain in my lower back---left side, limiting my ability to move even a wee bit. “This never happens to the cartoon characters,” I silently muse. “I will for sure contact the Bureau of Labor Statistics and add Dog Show Judge to the professions that experience more musculoskeletal problems than the average worker,” I say to the wall, hoping that humor will help with the pain. It does not work.

With every breath and every slight move, shooting-pain radiates through my lower back and left leg. In tears, I attempt to get out of bed and move toward the bathroom. My left side collapses. I fall to floor and drag myself to the chest of drawers for support.

Wincing in pain, I once again “rise to the occasion” and manage to slowly get to the bathroom. There is one lonely Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) in my toiletry bag. I open the small container and consume the small yellow pill, hoping for a miracle before morning. No miracle occurs and after a sleepless night of wrenching pain, I, ever so carefully, semi-wash myself, shave, and brush my teeth at 5:30 AM knowing full well I will not be able to judge under the current circumstances. Afraid to lie back down on the bed, in fear of not being able to get up, I lower myself onto the chaise lounge and ponder my next move…or

“Exhausted from my early morning flight, traveling, and judging two specialties, I have little trouble falling asleep.

One hour and fortytwo minutes after going to bed, I awake from a deep sleep to overwhelmingly debilitating pain in my lower back---”

94 Dog News

not. At 5:45 AM, I phone EB’s room for help. “EB this is Michael. I need your help. I fell in the bathroom last night, wrenched my back and I can barely walk. Do you have anything with you that will help with the pain?”

I plead. “What is your room number?

I will be right down,” EB replies. I provide the room number and in short order he is knocking on the door with, what I hope is a miracle solution to my problem. “OK, here, take one of these, and afterward take one every 6-8 hours. It should get you through the day.” EB stays with me for a short time and assists me with getting ready. “I will return in thirty minutes and we can go to breakfast. Hopefully by then your mobility will have improved.” EB returns to his room and I wait for miracle pill to take control of my body. It does! Thirty minutes pass, EB knocks for the second time and I am able to waddle to the door. The two of us leave to join our colleagues for breakfast. Walking ever so slowly, I pretend nothing is wrong, hoping in a little while longer all will be well.

The morning breakfast club consists of the dream FRIENDS’ table.

EB sits to my right, DC to my left. He is seated next to the lovely BDA (Who happens to sport absolutely great ankles and legs!), who is seated next to the charming, healthy RK. To her right sits the entertaining MAB, and again to the right is sweet AK. To EB’s left and AK’s right is DR.RI. The morning chatter is lively, fun and I make every attempt to disguise my periodic, shooting pain. Wishing I could order a perfect Bloody Mary to go along with my pain pill, I sagely opt for coffee and water. The waitress, an adorable young girl, manages our over-zealous energy and eccentric needs with class and professionalism. She even takes it in stride when EB manages to sever the thick white porcelain handle from his heavy coffee mug, sending it flying to his right, directly onto my plate of bacon and eggs. “Excuse me Miss, this mug appears to be defective. May I please have another?” The FRIENDS at the table, not missing a beat, beg the waitress to put it on his bill. With two eggs, three strips of bacon, and coffee costing $20.00, we all figured EB’s abuse of the restaurant style coffee mug was sure to drive him into a financial frenzy.

Thankful for a hot breakfast before a long day of judging, we climb aboard the shuttle van for the show.

I choose not to drive the rental car, due to my drug-induced state and pain. After Best in Show, I will come back, collect the car, and drive the forty minutes or so to pick up DR.JD. TO BE Continued IN A FUTURE ISSUE

}

!

} Best of Opposite Sex at the Medallion Rottweiler Club Specialty

Flash On the w ! a from the y home Medallion Rottweile r Sp Ema & Sa ecialty, Best of Br rah go eed at the Ramapo K Club show ennel w large Rott ith a w entry. Tha eiler nk You, Judge Mrs . Ma Ann Alsto ry n.

&

have been Best of Opposite Sex at three of the Largest Specialties in 2014. Thank You Breeder-Judges Mrs. Suzan Guynn - Medallion Rottweiler Club, Mrs. Cathy Thompson - American Rottweiler Club National Specialty and Mrs. Donna Rice - The Colonial Rottweiler Club.

B r o n z e G C h . A n t r e n ’ s J u s t L i k e T h at Handler: Sarah Janner Breeders & Owners Anthony & Karen DiCicco • 10 Oceanview Rd, • Lynbrook NY 11563 tonyshoes@aol.com

Dog News 95

CLICK

DISCOVER DOGS

Photos By Eugene Zaphiris

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Dog News 97

Beagles ‘Hound’ The Badge Continued FROM page 91

Advanced B and Excellent B classes went to a 15-inch bitch Sweet ‘n Silly Lily MXJ, MJB, CA, THD, CGC, CD, RE, MX, MJS, NF, owned by Colleen Bush.

Two days of Agility were also offered on Saturday and Sunday, generating an entry of 68 Beagles judged by Joan L. Simon. Saturday’s High in Trial honors went to MACH6 Bayou Oaks Talbot Hill La Baffi MXS, MJG2, MXF, TQX, T2B6, a bitch, bred by Alyse Gilmore and Carrie Davis and owned by Laura and Brian Hiatt. On Sunday, a dog, Echo Run Huntin’ with Our Gang bred by Marcia Marley and Kathleen Carlig and owned by Vicki and Steven Davis was High in Trial.

Activities for Beagles of All Ages Puppies were highlighted on Sunday afternoon with 29 entered in a match, judged by Jay Refirunia and Trisha Till and chaired by Peggy Weissfuss. Also on Sunday, Chanel Lafever prevailed from the Open Senior Class to be named Best Junior from an entry of six junior handlers judged by breed judge, Mrs. Sharon Clark. Chanel presented her 13” bitch, Merry Music Glad Mill L’Amoure Est Bleu.

Those too young for the regular classes were given their time to shine bright and early Monday morning with a 4—6 Month Beginner Puppy competition judged by Ms. Kathy Forbes.

Ms. Forbes chose as Best Puppy a bitch, Bridgehill’s Sunbriar Shenanigans, bred

by Gretchen and Dan Milke and owned

by Brett and Susan Sprout.

Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes took center stage on Monday with Mrs. Mandy Bobbitt of Rockridge Baths, Virginia judging. Mrs. Bobbitt brought a special

98 Dog News

eye to her assignment as she has not only owned and bred a number of conformation champions but runs her own hunting pack under the Bedlam name as well.

Her selection for Best of Breed in Sweeps went to the 15-inch Variety winner CH Foxtail’s Never Say Never, a dog bred

by Sheri-Berndt-Smith, Darrell Smith and Mike Kurtzner and owned by Serena Soares. Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Sweeps was Pun Kotzky Coachella at Redstone bred by Drs. Oleg N. Voloshin and Oksana Gavrilova and owned by Christine Cone, Lisa Best and Gretchen Milke.

In Veteran Sweepstakes, Best went to 12 year-old GCH Eagle Ridge Captain America, a 15-inch dog bred by Sarah and Nanette Prideuax and owned by Mary Cummings. Best of Opposite Sex was the nine year-old 13-inch bitch, CH Lanbur Encore Red-E or Not CA, bred

by Wade Burns and Jon Woodring and owned by Teresa Nesmith.

Celebrating Achievement Monday evening was devoted to recognizing the accomplishments of 54 Beagles in the first ever Parade of Performance Beagles followed by the annual Top Beagle competition honoring the Top 20 conformation Beagles of each Variety from the previous year. This year’s Top Beagle event was judged by Mrs. Heather Lindberg, Mr. John Shaw and Mr. Kenneth Murray, who chose as their winner GCH Torquay Midnight Interlude, a 13-inch bitch bred by Marcelo Chagas, Roger Travis, Marco Flavio and Alessandra Botelho and owned by Betsy Manifold and the breeders. GCH Bridgehill’s Mr. Mason’s Misbehavin’, a 15-inch dog bred and owned by Gretchen and Dan Milke received the People’s Choice Award.

Tuesday, breederjudge Mrs. Sharon Clark

adger State

The 2014 Beagle National Specialty in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

of Swan Lake Beagles, was presented with an entry of 160 in the 15-inch Variety. Mrs. Clark ultimately selected CH Tashtins Lookin For Trouble, owned by Eddie Dziuk, Lori and Kaitlyn Crandlemier and bred by Lori Crandlemier as Best of Variety with Best of Opposite Sex going to GCH X’Plorers Destiny Done It, bred by Poosak Posayachinda and owned Pakhan Kanchana, Lindsay Bryson and Bobby Ott. Mrs. Clark chose the 6 to 9 Puppy dog Gwencalon’s Tam O’Shanter, bred and owned by Kathleen and William Friend, as Winners Dog. Also from 6 to 9 Puppy, Winners Bitch and Best of Winners honors went to Manahound Just a Matter of Grace at StarbuckTorbay, bred by Elizabeth Rosbach and owned by the breeder and Lesley Hiltz.

Following judging, Beagles were able to put on their Halloween costumes for a little advance Trick or Treating during the Costume Contest.

A highlight of every Beagle national, Tuesday evening concluded with the American Beagle Relief Network (AmBrNet) dinner and auction. John Shaw returned as auctioneer with Nick Peaker assisting in driving up the spirited bidding.

“The NBC does not have an official rescue arm, but the Supporting Membership comprised of show beagle breeders generously supports AmBrNet at the yearly national specialty,” Julie Wright, AmBrNet president said. “The total money raised at this year’s National Specialty in Wisconsin is expected to total $9,000.”

The Best of the Best The 2014 national concluded on Wednesday with judging of an entry of 68 in the 13-inch Variety as well as Best of Breed and the “Best of the Bests”.

Mrs. Clark herself holds the distinction of breeding the first 13-inch to win Best of Breed at an NBC national, in 1981.

This year, Mrs.

Clark chose CH Carlota Sommerled De Suarias, owned by Juan Esteban Calleja and Deborah M. Kirby and bred by De Suarias Kennels and Juan Esteban Calleja for the Variety win. Best of Opposite Sex went to CH Windkist Hellon Wheels, bred by Leah Bertagnolli and owned by Keith and Randy Paladino.

The 13-inch Winners Dog, from the Open Class, went to Merry Music Walking in Rhythm bred by Gretchen Belan and Bill Guappone and owned by the breeders and Jon Woodring. Winners Bitch and Best of Winners, from the Bred by Exhibitor class, was Shadynook Light the Stars, bred and owned by Ruth E. Werlein.

Mrs. Clark selected 15-inch Variety winner, GCH Tashtins Lookin For Trouble, as Best of Breed, and 13-inch CH Windkist Hellon Wheels as Best of Opposite. Best Veteran honors went to CH Merry Song Sam Houston, a 15-inch dog bred by Mara Baun and Nancy Bergstrom and owned by Tom and Debbie Krier and the breeders.

Best Bred by Exhibitor was the 13-inch Best of Winners, Shadynook Light the Stars and Best Puppy went to the 15” Best of Winners, Manahound Just a Matter of Grace at StarbuckTorbay. The Best Stud Dog was 13-inch dog, CH Lanbur Carson City, bred and owned by Eddie Dziuk, Wade Burns and Jon Woodring and 13” bitch, GCH Shadynook’s You Light Up My Life, owned by Ruth Werlein bred by the owner and Julie Anderson was named Best Brood Bitch.

The 2014 NBC national concluded with the annual awards banquet on Wednesday evening. “This has been one of the finest run nationals I’ve attended,” said Ted Swedalla, the supporting member director for the National Beagle Club. “I applaud Floss and her entire committee for putting on an outstanding show.”

The NBC will gather again in September 2015 with Agility on September 12 and 13 in Glen Carbon, Illinois and all other events September 14—16 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri.

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Letters To

The Editor

Dog News will consider all letters for publication but reserves the right to edit these as required. Letters will not be considered for publication unless full name and contact details are supplied, including telephone number. Letters may be mailed to Dog News 1115 Broadway NY, NY 10010 or emailed to dognews@harris-pub.com.

The AKC’s Judge’s Education Questioned I was startled to read the AKC’s Judge Education Component Requirements for new and additional judge applications. The only part of it that seems to require reading and writing is the Breed standard test for each breed and even that is open book. I was pleased to see that field reps will no longer be second guessing the placements of the judges that they observe. It gives me hope that someone at the AKC is reading my articles. The rep will observe ring procedure which is a subject they should be knowledgeable about.

It was when I got to the Educational Components that things deteriorated.

For 5 Points you get to attend a National Specialty and participate (when available) in a Parent Club Judges Education Program and Ring Side Mentoring. What is attending a National worth if a Judge’s Education Program is not available?

For 4 points you get to attend an Approved Breed Specific or Breed Comparison Seminar and Workshop. (Approved by whom? The AKC? The parent club? Neither one routinely approves Seminars now. Are we putting them in the business of controlling seminars in the future? And if you get 4 points for attending a seminar, what would it be worth to speaking at a seminar?

For 3 points you get three choices.

A. Long Term Mentor (Parent Club Approved or recognized Breed Mentor.) So do we want the often political parent clubs approving their friends and fellow breeders to mentor new judges? And what is a recognized breed mentor.

Recognized by whom? One danger of parent club approval is that the governing faction could try to promote their own type of dog. My own cub has a long history of that, extending back to the original slide breed presentations, through video, and printed handouts.

B. Attend Breed Specialty Show w/Major and Participate in Ringside Observation with Breed Mentor. Is this the same breed mentor that is approved by the parent club? For numerically small breeds there are only a handful of breeders spread across the country. Finding one in your area that is parent club approved would be nearly impossible. You are doing well to find a breeder at all.

C. Apprentice Training. What kind of apprentice? The only apprentices I know of are Handler’s apprentices. Are there any other kind?

For 2 points you get another three choices: A. Sweepstakes or Futurity judging at a Specialty or Parent Club Supported event for the Breed with competition.

B. Attend a Performance Event when applying for a performance event breed where the breed is present. I actually love that this was included to give applicants a reason to attend a field event. But if simply attending an event is worth two points, what about field judges who have been evaluating these breeds in the field for a year, or ten, or twenty years? Field judging experience should be worth more than 2 points.

It certainly teaches you more about how the dogs should be built to perform well.

C. Judge the breed a total of 3 times at either/or AKC Sanctioned Match, Special Attraction, NOHS, or 4-6 month class. Sanctioned matches are hard to find. How about having unsanctioned match judging being worth a point?

Homework: But the biggest oversight is the

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lack of recognition of the way people study anything: By doing our homework; by reading and writing about a subject, in this case dog breeds. I am a huge fan of old dog books. Especially ones that are illustrated with photographs of the then-current dogs. Those books are a time machine that let you see where the present day dogs come from. And the books don’t have to be all that old. Recently I looked through an AKC Dog Book from the 1950’S. Many of the breed photographs were by the famous photographer Tauskey so presumably the dogs were show dogs. Looking at those pictures lets you see the genetic drift that has taken place over time in some breeds. From one year to the next the drift is barely noticeable but it adds up.

Even older dog books are even more fascinating. Really old dog books are rare and increasingly expensive but magazines often use old photos to illustrate history articles. In order to do that somebody has to write articles about breed history. And they have to do the research to put into the articles.

That is the most intense study done about dogs.

Should it be entirely neglected in the AKC’s Educational Components?

While writers have the articles that they have written as proof of what they have learned, nonwriting fanciers also research the old books without ever intending to write anything. They do it just to learn about their breed, and the other breeds that interest them. I am just not sure how they would display what they have learned to the AKC. Knowledge is invisible.

Then we come to the most puzzling line of the form: MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BREEDS PER APPLICATION (Breeds equaling % of entries in prior year) The percentages they give are 50% for a judge’s first group, 80% for a judge’s second, third, and fourth groups, and 100% for a judge’s fifth, sixth, and seventh groups.

OK. The percentages by group I can figure out.

As you get more groups, less education is required.

But what absolutely baffles me is the quote” Breeds equaling % of entries in prior year”. The % of WHAT KIND OF entries in the previous year? The number of dogs of that breed? The number of dogs the applicant has judged in the previous year? Remember they can’t judge the breed that they are applying for yet except at sweeps and matches.

So are these sweeps and match entries? This is the most baffling part of the entire form. We need a little help from the AKC here.

Patricia Gail Burnham Fair Oaks, CA REACTION TO “THE PROPOSAL” I am sure you are deluged by reaction to the “proposal.” I just sent the attached letter to all members of the BOD. November 7, 2014 All Members of the Board of Directors The American Kennel Club While there are some good and creative aspects of this policy, it unfortunately eliminates all accountability at every level. Too many important scenarios are not addressed in this proposal, and, since they must be addressed, I fear that they will be with little and incomplete forethought. The next year or two will be fine save for day of show issues with or about judges. Judging panels are for the most part filled from the present bank of competent approved judges for the near term. What about

three or four years from now when the results of this policy manifest?

The saddest part is what is not written. All the blanks will need to be filled in, and I fear the author(s) of this proposal did not look beyond their own agenda(s). On the day, who will hear complaints from exhibitors regarding the judges? Historically, judges have complained ad nauseam about the EFR, except when they page him or her to escort them out of the ring away from irate exhibitors. That does happen on occasion, and no note of it is ever made. Few judges know and therefore do not appreciate how the EFR have had their backs, even in cases where the judges were wrong. Problems have all been handled discretely between the EFR, the judge and then the office. If an issue ever ended up in the street, it was because the judge took it there or leaked it. How will all of this be handled on the day? With this proposed policy, it will likely all be addressed in the street. There must be accountability and the accompanying cover provided by the “dreaded” EFR. The requirements for approval and advancement and the matrix are no more than another shuffle of the criteria that has been around since 1984: check boxes, write narratives, whatever. Requiring six invitations to judge rather than three actual assignments will likely rankle many approved breed judges, but it is fair.

Six invitations easily counter balance the old five or even three actual experiences, Requiring six actual assignments (rather than invitations) of brand new judges would be smart, as the proposal advances a new judge to regular status and eligibility to apply for 50% of the group after only six invitations (with or without exhibits present). Imagine! They need to learn how to judge before they can take on half a group.

The notion that judges should be allowed to apply for breeds while still on permit status could work to great satisfaction for all. It would need to be tweaked to max out in terms of the number of permit breeds allowed.

That should be determined by a formula that takes into consideration performance proficiency and the number of breeds granted in the prior application. Again, this pre-supposes accountability.

The matters I have not addressed are not major issues as I see them. What is paramount for the benefit of all judges and exhibitors is: • All judges should be required to demonstrate an in depth understanding of breeds via interview with staff before they are approved to judge them.

• All judges should be subject to evaluation by staff on an ongoing basis. Using breed “experts” for evaluations introduces biases that savvy judge-applicants learn to identify and work around in seminars.

• All judges need to be aware that they are only approved to judge at the pleasure of the American Kennel Club; they are not “licensed.”

• All judges should have the security and mentorship of the EFR throughout their careers.

• All exhibitors should have

the comfort of knowing there are high standards that will be upheld by the American Kennel Club.

For the most part the field staff is well-equipped to implement and uphold these high standards. When mistakes were made by the either the EFR’s or the committee, they were generally made in being too liberal with those applicants who should have been (more) restricted.

In closing, I invite you to consider statistics, the notion that there are not enough judges would likely be dispelled, if the 73% of judges who are relatively little used was examined to determine how many of them are group or multi-group judges. I am sure the figures are available, as they are part of the premise of this committee’s argument. And while considering statistics, query Tim Thomas, Director, Dog Show Judges.

I remember, roughly, the percentage of breeds limited and/or denied from my tenure in the office but will not try to quote them from memory here. I discussed the matter with Mr. Thomas a while back and know the percentages have been about the same even since the present policy went into effect. If the actual names and numbers were known, I am sure anybody who took up for those judges who felt they were “wronged,” would regret going to the wall on their behalf. The numbers are minimal. Rather than this noble, I suspect that this initiative is motivated by personal agendas, and the rest is an excuse.

Respectfully, Peter A. Gaeta Brighton, MI RE: EMS AT DOG SHOWS I am sorry Ms. Sosne had such a tragic event at her National. BUT an EMT on site would NOT have changed the outcome. This knee jerk response is a sad reflection of too much “reality” TV. I’ve worked in the EMS system as an Emergency, Mobile Intensive Care and ICU Transport RN for over 30 years. On site, private company, EMS availability in most communities is usually one or two EMTs, sometimes with, but usually without an ambulance. An EMT has, at the most, a few weeks of first aid training and can only do that - First Aid/ CPR - NO MORE! They provide much less than intensely trained Paramedics, who can do advanced treatments including medications/procedures, but even then, only under Medical Direction (i.e. MD or RN). They are in the same realm as Police and Fire in that they cannot be privately hired. It’s like the difference between unarmed security officers or real Police. In the event of any real emergency, such as at your event, EMTs will call 911. Clubs would be much better prepared to rent an AED ( Automatic External Defibrillator - which anyone can easily operate) have someone who can do CPR (required by AKC) and an emergency plan to help direct First Responders to the person in need. To expect clubs to add another several hundred dollars to already strained event budgets, simply to give people feel a false sense of security, is a waste of funds that could cause another struggling club to be lost to our sport.

Marcie Dobkin, RN, BSN Poway, CA TAKE A ‘HEALTHY SELFIE’ OF YOUR DOG FOR NATIONAL CANINE HEALTH TESTING WEEK For this year’s National Canine Health Testing Week (17 – 21 November), dog owners are being encouraged to show off their healthy and happy dogs by taking a ‘healthy selfie’ of their pet and uploading it to social media with the hashtags #doghealthyselfie and #NCHTW. The campaign aims to help spread the word about the importance of using recommended health testing before breeding, and buying puppies from appropriately health tested parents.

The Kennel Club is calling for those who support canine health testing to take a photo of their dogs with a piece of paper or card in front of them with a statement written on demonstrating their support for canine health testing, such as ‘I support National Canine Health Testing Week’, ‘I’ve been hip scored’ or ‘Health tested and proud’. These photos should then be uploaded to social media, using the hashtags #doghealthyselfie and #NCHTW to show the world that dog owners care about the importance of health testing.

National Canine Health Testing Week is one of the Kennel Club’s annual initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of breeding and buying puppies responsibly, from appropriately health tested dogs. During the week, breeders and puppy buyers will be provided with information on which health tests are available for their dogs, tools to assist breeders in making health related breeding decisions and information for puppy buyers to ask the right questions before buying a puppy.

Aimee Llewellyn, Health Information Manager, said: “Posting a ‘healthy selfie’ during National Canine Health Testing Week is a great way to help raise awareness of the importance of canine health testing. Everyone loves taking photos of their dogs and sharing them online, and this is a great platform for breeders and owners to highlight health tests that are important for their dogs.

“This is a fun opportunity to send out positive health messages, so if there is a DNA test or a BVA/KC scheme or Breed Club scheme available for a breed, then breeders and owners can use this opportunity to show their support.”

The awareness week will also highlight the value of health testing both purebred and crossbreed dogs prior to mating, so the photos posted online can be of any dog, regardless of whether they are a Kennel Club recognised breed or not.

Although National Canine Health Testing Week focuses on health testing, it also raises awareness of the many other important factors for breeders when choosing two potential

“AHH, ‘ANTI-CLIMAX’…MY LEAST FAVOURITE RELATIVE!”

mates, such as genetic diversity, the way a dog looks and behaves, general health and family history. A breeder’s decision should always be well balanced between all of the good qualities of the sire/dam that are being considered.

During the awareness week, the Kennel Club will be publicising statistics, information and resources regarding canine health testing on the Kennel Club Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To find out how to get involved, to view resources, or see examples of #doghealthyselfie photos, please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/national-canine-health-testing-week/ or follow the Kennel Club on Facebook and Twitter.

Laura Quickfall London, England re: “JUDGING THE JUDGES” I just read the Dog News article, “Judging the Judges” by Patricia Gail Burnham (Vol. 30, Issue 44). Thank you so much for writing it. Can we get it reprinted everywhere? I am so tired of hearing how much more important type is than soundness.

Soundness is a major part of type, otherwise it wouldn’t be mentioned in the Breed Standard. Without structure there can’t be type.

I have been judging for twelve+ years and have 21 breeds, mostly in the Toy and Non Sporting groups, with Pembrokes thrown in for good measure and structure and soundness are very important to me. Your article is so timely as I just judged last weekend and have begun to second guess myself. In looking at the catalog later, I have, as so often happens in my ring, not put up the number one dog shown by the very well known handler, in several breeds. But what I found was an equally good representative of the breed, just slightly better constructed and better moving, and yes----down and back. I would never put up ugly just to get the better front, but I also won’t put up a truly unsound dog no matter how typey or showey.

I come from Poodles, so it’s especially bad. Even though Poodles are hunting dogs----specifically water retrievers, judges attending Judges’ Education at our National Specialty were told that all we care about is side picture and a pretty face. Down and back doesn’t matter.

Whaaaat? Our Standard calls for and our Illustrated Standard (put out by our parent club) talks about our 45 degree shoulder layback with 45 degree upper arm of equal length. Our rear angulation is equal to the front. We call for a moderate side gait. This is a dog that has to swim with a big fat duck in its mouth. Have you been to the Poodle ring lately? At the end of this article I am including a candid photo snapped from ringside of one of the top winning dogs in our breed. We were recently in your neck of the woods attending three all-breed shows with two specialties in conjunction. This dog was BOV at all five shows, BISS at both specialties and won the NS Group I think at least one day.

I come away shaking my head saying, “HUH?” and wondering if I’m just way off base. Then along comes your article and it gives me hope and I know I need to stay true to myself. So thank you again. Very timely!

Best Regards.

Madeline Patterson Camarillo, CA

Dog News 103

The Pekingese Club of America National Specialty Weekend

S

The Pekingese Club of America Results Regular Classes: Judge: David Fitzpatrick Sweepstakes Classes: Judge Frances Tesoriero

Continued FROM page 59

aturday was the Pekingese Club of America’s specialty.

The day started with a Judges Education seminar presented for PCA by Dr. Steve Keating and Don Sutton. PCA allows breeders to attend JE for the lecture portion, so it was a lively group. Following the lecture, the non-judge attendees were excused and the prospective judges spent about an hour with hands-on exam. And again, there was ringside mentoring all day.

The trophies were spectacular. The Challenge trophies made a stunning silver table. The show trophies were hand painted vases, trivets, etc. from artist Kip Kopatch and are sure to be treasured by all that won them.

PCA President Mark Warren welcomed the exhibitors and spectators and kicked off the show day with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Long time breeder/exhibitor Frances Tesoriero (Tu Ta Moon) was elected by the PCA membership to judge Sweepstakes. With an entry of more than 20 puppies, Ms. Tesoriero found her Best in Sweeps with a Canadian puppy; Daiquris Agatha Christie. Overall, the entry was beautifully presented and shows great potential for the future.

With a new ruling from AKC, a national Specialty can now have an established breeder/exhibitor/handler judge regular class. Mr. David Fitzpatrick (Pequest) was the overwhelming members’ choice to judge this National.

From the moment David walked in the ring, he was in total control. He was clear and decisive in his decisions. As on the previous day, his Best of Breed was Curley’s GCH

104 Dog News

Pekeden PHD for Schuyler.

(Complete results are shown on the right.)

Immediately following the breed judging, the Pekingese Club of America had its first annual meeting in nearly a decade that had a quorum.

Although there was no business conducted, the atmosphere was happy and hopeful for the future.

Following the National Specialty was the annual banquet. Each table had a beautiful Pekingese figurine with fresh flowers.

As always, the Camp Hill Radisson hotel served a delicious buffet.

Dr. Steve Keating was our auctioneer, and if you have not seen him conduct an auction, you need to get it on your bucket list! The raffles and the auctions had beautiful, unique collectibles so the bidding was very animated.

Sunday was the Pekingese Club of New Jersey’s Specialty show.

Judged by Andrea Livesey, (Livanda) her Best of Breed was Livanda Faberge.

A few notes of thanks; The Triple Crown committee does a stellar job of making sure the show site is flawless and the rings spacious. The Radisson Hotel staff bends over backwards to accommodate the exhibitors and the dogs.

The Pekingese Association provided breakfast and lunch for all three days.

The show committee of the Pekingese Club of America made sure this was a show to remember.

The next PCA national is in March in Louisville.

See you there!

Best in Sweepstakes:

Daiquris Agatha Christie

Breeders/Owners: Cynthia Dyson & Dennis Rzan Best Opposite in Sweepstakes:

Aslan Aires the Defender with Amerglow Breeders/Owners: Mark and Lori Stephen Best Veteran in Sweepstakes:

GCh. Hoong Tao Tanya Tucker

Breeders/Owners: Dr. Louis & Sylvia Reznick

REGULAR CLASSES Best of Breed:

GCh. Pekeden PHD for Schuyler Breeders/Owners: Thomas Curley and Diane Bell-Curley Best of Opposite:

GCh. Hoong Tao Tanya Tucker

Breeders/Owners: Dr. Louis & Sylvia Reznick Select Dog:

GCh. Sunburst Sunshine Superman Breeders: Karen & Richard Fries Owners:Tom Jenkins & Vince Henrick Select Bitch:

GCh. Palacegarden Selma Breeders: Jim & Jean Smith Owner: Aileen Thompson Award of Merit:

GCh. Sunburst Fernando

Breeders: Karen & Richard Fries Owners: Jeff Lockard & Bruce Spencer Winners Dog/Best of Winners:

Livanda Faberge

Breeders: Andrea & Stuart Livesey Owner: S. Ngamsiriwong Winners Bitch:

Taeplace Coco Chanel

Breeders: John & Beth Ferrier Owners: Gladys Knox & Beth Ferrier Best Puppy:

Daiquiris Amber Mystique

Breeders/Owners: Cynthia Dyson & Dennis Rzan Best Bred By Exhibitor:

Daiquris Agatha Christie

Breeders/Owners: Cynthia Dyson & Dennis Rzan

Continued from page 30

English Cockers where they had a number of excellent breeders-and also produced some excellent judges of this breed.

Then they also kept their eyes open for new ventures. The first really nice Wheaten Terriers we saw in the Nordic countries came from Finland, the Best Skye Terriers likewise, but they also introduced us to “new” breeds like the Kromforländer, Pumi and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were well established there long before being “discovered” in the neighboring countries, etc.

In more recent times they have excelled in so many other breedsand what the Finnish exhibitors have done as long as I can remember: They traveled a lot and they still do. I believe even more so today when the borders East have opened up and some of these “previously” Soviet territories have returned to being “their own” countries with their own champion titles to chase and comTIME pete for.

that can be achieved in a country with 5.4 million residents should surely be attainable in a country with a population in excess of 300 million??

Finnish SISU is a well-known expression in Scandinavia. A wellmeant compliment to describe that uniquely Finnish stamina and perseverance. I think that includes the breeders as well as those responsible for running their Kennel Club.

And in my opinion so much credit should be given to Mr. Lehtinen himself. I just read about his judging at this year’s World Show that he clearly demonstrated by the way he went over the dogs, which features were of

tage of in this part of the world.

Surely we have a number of excellent dog people over herebut if I were invited to a seminar about any breed with a “head-tohead” discussion between Robert S. Forsyth and Hans Lehtinen I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

And what about the wonderful response from all participants in Frank Sabella’s recent engagement directed by a certain Andrew Brace in the UK. Not a shadow of doubt.

There are lots of “hungry” dog people around the world who will do anything to learn more.

No big kennels any more where you can learn from the ground and fewer and fewer people who learnt things the hard way.

So use them while they’re still here!

Please!

Since moving across the Atlantic I have of course attended many breeds’ seminars and many have been very SISU? good, a few excellent – but for too many not a very memorable experience and easily forgotten. Some just a waste of time, but none of the attendees seemed to complain. They had achieved what they wanted: The right to tick off another box on the new breeds application forms….

I have noticed that recently when people have been asked about major influences in their doggy life in general, names like Kendrick, Clark, Roberts, Heckman and Rosenberg (to name but a few names from the past) have popped up.

Without mentioning names I know we have people amongst us who surely would share a lifetime of experience and knowledge with the generations that are destined to shape the future of the sport.

They just have to be asked…

But the big BUT is: Will the people who rule the world at this time be prepared to listen and take advice??

I certainly hope so!

BAbbling

I find it rather exceptional that a country with only 5.4 million citizens can arrange a show with over 21,000 dogs entered- of which 10,000 evidently came from Finland itself. (We are still very proud to brag about the fact that we won “the double”, Best in Show and runner up at Helsinki in 1980 at the til then largest show ever in Finland, around 4,000 dogs, this number today seems like peanuts…)

The fact that a majority of all dogs in the country are registered with the Kennel Club is another impressive achievement.

Some of the other Nordic Kennel Clubs are also doing great things- and I just wonder if in these days when our own KC is struggling to maintain its status and make more money: Has anybody been sent over to these countries to study and maybe get some ideas?? If not, maybe something to consider???

Well, one thing is for sure: The size and structure of America makes a big difference as it’s not comparable to any other country. But things

TO INTRODUCE SOME FINNISH most importance for each and every breed. Not just a routinely patting down from head to tail which we see too often today.

I have many a time asked Hasse about breeds that were of interest to me. Breeds I just had judged or was about to judgeand I always received answers that were very helpful. And you could ask him WHY when he did things you did not agree with.

And as I keep saying: When you have an answer you don’t mind the question.

And he always had an answerand even at times admitting the result could have been different…

There is no doubt in my mind this guy had a huge effect on my generation of dog people in the Nordic countries- and the fact that so many who have gained international recognition and respect- can be traced back to Mr. Hans Lehtinen in a variety of ways.

We haven’t been in touch for a few years, but I am sad in a way that his expertise in so many breeds has not been taken advan-

Dog News 105

You And Your

Vet Continued on page 56

more comfortable sitting rather than standing. Exaggerated rear limb reflexes and loss of muscle in the thigh and calf are also common signs.

Dancing Doberman Disease is usually diagnosed by medical history and clinical signs. An electromyogram (EMG) test of the muscles can show spontaneous electrical activity in affected muscles.

Biopsy can show changes in muscle and nerves.

No treatment has proved beneficial. The syndrome is slowly progressive, but affected dogs remain functional for years.

106 Dog News

I have heard leeches can be used for some medical treatments. Is this true?

Yes. Hirudo medicinalis is the leech most commonly used in the medical field.

They are brownish green with a red stripe on the back and can reach 8 inches in length. Leeches can be used to decrease postoperative swelling from damaged blood vessels and drain hematomas.

Leeches have a large sucker on their tail end that is used for crawling and attachment. The sucker on the head end is smaller and used for feeding. Bloodsucking leeches can store blood inside their bodies for months and bacteria in their gut secrete enzymes that help break down the components of blood.

Leech saliva contains many bioactive compounds. The most common compound is hirudin, which inhibits thrombin and gives the saliva its anticoagulant, or

anti-clotting, power. The leeching process is minimally invasive and pain-free because of an anesthetic substance found in leech saliva.

Leeches are applied to the clean and dry surface of the swollen area of skin.

They feed until they detach spontaneously.

Leeching can take from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Each leech can remove about 5 to 15 ml of blood per feeding and each site will continue to ooze blood for an additional 24 to 48 hours after detachment, allowing for an additional blood meal (5 to 15 ml) to be lost. A soft bandage is applied to absorb the residual oozing. Leech application is performed daily until the swelling is reduced.

Few complications are seen with medicinal leech therapy. Antibiotics should be prescribed during the treatments. Red blood cell levels should be monitored.

Depending on the number and length of the leeching treatments, blood transfusions may be needed.

A Different

Perspective

COMPLAINTS – AND COMPLIMENTS BASED ON IGNORANCE

Continued FROM page 44

a dog handled by such a perwe know a lot about our breed son, or indeed any judge that and about dogs in general – undoes not put up their dog. til we find out how little we acHowever, as illustrated by the tually do know. But I find it unscenario above, one must ask: settling that one can now find how often do the complainers exhibitors who have bred litters really know what is good, and and produced point winners not so good, about the dog and perhaps even a champion they are showing? How many or two, and yet do not know are like the exhibitor who was their standard, or structure, or just completely wrong and what particular attributes cresimply throwing out an ignoate TYPE in their breed. If you rant statement? This is NOT have little or no understandto say that some complaints ing of these things, it’s so easy are not justified – to lay blame for your some most certainly “Reacting to lack of success on facare. There are some complaints tors other than your very knowledgeable own dog! exhibitors making without knowing Some while back accurate observaif they are well I led a discussion of tions about judging, founded or not, the standard of a cerboth good and bad. tain breed, aimed at and spreading newer breeder-exhibBut……………

To really be comthem around, itors. This standard petitive with your does no service clearly talks about the dog, you the exhibistructure of to the sport, desired tor need to underthe breed, and refernor does it help ences the pasterns. stand where your dog is good, and educate those One attendee – who where he is not. Too who truly would had bred litters and many exhibitors point winners – had to like to improve ask “where is the pasthese days – and not just “newbies” – lack their knowledge tern?” Yet this person real understanding and move was very ready to critof their breed, their icize other people’s forward.” dogs and judges’ breed standard, and what makes a good choices. one. It isn’t easy to Unfortunately this lack of acquire the knowledge needknowledge seems to be more ed. One must find the truly prevalent than we’d all like. wise and knowledgeable Sure, perhaps it was easier breeders and either literally when some of us “old timers” or figuratively sit at their feet were newbies, and there were and listen. It doesn’t happen more “mothers and fathers” overnight. Probably almost of their breeds still around for all of us go through the “five us to learn from. But even then year expert” phase – I know I there were people who prodid – a stage when we think duced a few litters, sired by this

winning dog or that winning dog, and proudly claimed to have a “line.” These folks were always ready to “help” even newer people and spread the ignorance! Now please take note, by “ignorance” I do NOT mean stupidity – I mean lack of knowledge. Who or what is going to encourage these people to improve their knowledge?

Some parent clubs are acting to educate their breeders, and they deserve support and applause. New breeders and exhibitors likewise need help and support in acquiring real knowledge, rather than a superficial veneer from other newbies. AKC could, and I think should, certainly be looking into what more it could do to help educate breeders and exhibitors as well as judges.

Reacting to complaints without knowing if they are well founded or not, and spreading them around, does no service to the sport, nor does it help educate those who truly would like to improve their knowledge and move forward. Is it better to let people complain out of ignorance and eventually leave a sport they come to perceive as fixed and closed, or would it be more beneficial to work on educating newer exhibitors and thus helping them to succeed along the way? I believe we can do some good for the sport if we all put more effort into giving these people sound, useful information, and hope that by doing so, we can develop more dedicated and knowledgeable breeders and exhibitors to sustain the sport over the years.

Dog News 107

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108 Dog News

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Question OfTheWeek Continued FROM page 22

lect, consider and summarize the input. Ten thousand minds are bound to come up with some really good ideas.

Sari B. Tietjen If that is what it takes to get AKC’s Board of Directors to address important issues affecting the future of the corporation and our sport of purebred dogs, then why not seek input from the fancy, provided, of course, that this input is made public in an open, forthright and transparent fashion.

Peter A. Gaeta This would be a step backwards. Anything that slows down the decision making process is of little help; many good ideas are historically talked to death. All decisions need to be made in a timely, decisive and fiscally responsible manner.

While there are many in the general fancy with keen insight into various issues and good ideas, polling them and sorting out the best ideas become impractical and unwieldy tasks unto themselves . . . and who would do it?

Rather than micromanaged by the BOD, upper management should be authorized to expeditiously research issues, consult with staff and the BOD, make decisions and implement them. If management is incapable or untrustworthy, we have the wrong personnel.

I have faith in personnel and staff.

Andrew A. Kramer Only in the circumstance where the changes being considered are radical, with the consequences potentially detrimental. Just like with the Judges Approval Process.

Klaus Anselm If the revised “Judges Approval Process” is any indication, I would definitely say NO. Charlotte McGowan While a few members of the Board are judges, many aren’t. The current proposal seems to be the creation of a couple of people who think everyone ought to be able to judge and there should be no accountability for the quality of judging as long as procedure is ok. It appears to exclude input from the AKC’s own judges’ Department and guts a major function of the Field Reps as far as I can see.

What consideration is there with the quality of judging?

The Board has made a number of rapid decisions related to judges’ approval that have certainly upset judges and the fancy as well. They authorized the Smith Committee and then threw their well thought out plan out. They decided to “mask” applications and threw that out. They authorized the Garvin Committee and apparently didn’t even consider whatever they had.

Now comes the current proposal with anonymous authorship (but we can all guess!) and a quick deadline for comments. So this Board seeks quasi approval to justify what looks like some strong armed measures that will please those who haven’t gone from one breed to a group on their second application. Does anyone care that our sport is in serious trouble? Hard to say.

Now Matt asks, I think with tongue in cheek, if the Board should solicit opinions on the most pressing issues such as

So long as Alan Kalter and the Board have turned to the Fancy as a whole on the matter of a revised Judges Approval Process should they now solicit the opinions of the same people on other matters concerning AKC such as how to increase registration and whether or not to combine the AKC offices? falling registrations and combining offices as a cost cutting and sensible measure. If they did ask for opinions would they listen to any sensible suggestions or would they just put another short date on comments and do as the few like?

As a breeder and exhibitor, I shake my head and wish for better days.

Karolynne McAteer Personally, I cannot imagine that reaching out to everyone with multiple issues would be effective at all. It is hard to get consensus when you are dealing with 20 people let alone hundreds. I hope it works for judges approval process, but it will surely be sifting through a myriad of ideas and take a good bit of time on someone(s) part. Regarding Real Estate, this is not a wheelhouse in which most of the dog fancy lives so I’d imagine this subject is already in good and knowledgeable hands.

Personally, I’d like to see the board have an advisory group and that group could put their best thinking caps on, reach out to the fancy on the board’s behalf and present the best most creative ideas, no matter the subject.

Dog News 109

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110 Dog News

A Judge’s Response To The New Board Proposal

The Judge Speaks

Continued FROM page 60

While I do agree that AKC Reps are not experts in every breed, but they are out there every weekend and know who can judge dogs as well as which judges are not competent in their decision making in the ring. Of course, to that point, I do not believe, either, that every Board member is an expert in every breed, so for that reason you place yourselves in a dangerous situation fielding all the complaints about judges and their decisions.

Your proposal for a lack of accountability combined with entitlement is an example of the era that has befallen this nation.

Anything of value comes with a price tag, and that includes working toward achieving a goal. Effort is part of the formula to success, be it in business or judging dogs. It’s a lot more difficult to do it right, and there are many who don’t feel they should have to make the effort.

Not so long ago, Board members could not apply for more breeds while sitting on the Board…that certainly changed, along with it the method by which not only Board members, but their spouses, applied. Now under your proposal the Board will become the ONLY body reviewing applications and granting additional breeds.

Are any of you going to turn down a fellow Board member, or Board member’s family member, for lack of qualification?

If this is all about “more for you”, then so be it and move forward with that additional entitlement for you.

Don’t open the flood gates to all, qualified or not, competent or not.

Now you want to significantly increase the number of breeds for which lesser qualified judges can apply.

This is going to be a big disservice to those judges who have only a few breeds and turn in applications for half a group or a group without sufficient background. And, when someone is on permit, who is going to determine if they are even competent in those

breeds while at the same time allowing them to apply for more? Getting more permit breeds before one has finished those already granted permit status seems a bit greedy and more than a bit ridiculous…they haven’t proven themselves in the existing breeds and yet you want to give them even more??? Talk about entitlement!!!

There are some strong feelings out there, to which I would not object, regarding advancing experienced judges to move forward a bit faster, but to let inexperienced judges forge ahead before they’ve proven they can even judge their own breed is a disservice to the exhibitors and to the judge.

I was told by a Board member that 99.9% of applicants passed their interviews, which raises the question: If that is so, then why is it necessary to change the system? For .1% of the applicants who may not have had everything in order to proceed? Or is that .1% entitled to move forward.

In the first day or so after the proposed changes were announced, there was a flurry of “yeas” from those who thought it would be wonderful, many of whom have been expressing displeasure with the AKC for some time now and had vehemently announced they would “never” apply for more breeds. Yet, suddenly when the floodgates are opened, they will be lined up, applications in hand, for as much as you want to give them….. entitlement. These are the same ones who didn’t meet the qualifications for additional breeds, and probably have not done any “homework” in the interim. How is that going to help the exhibitors???

Yet it seems that is just what you are doing with this proposal. A few disgruntled judges who couldn’t qualify for additional breeds, or enough additional breeds at one time, and voila! The rules have been changed and now they’re all set to march forward!

Unfortunately, ability is something

that can’t be measured. Two individuals may attend the same shows, attend the same seminar, check the same boxes on their application and be able to quote the standard. Yet, one “gets it” and one doesn’t and is awful at judging that breed, or in some instances, any breed. That’s life… it isn’t always fair. Things, and people, and their ability, are not always equal.

At least there are still requirements to fulfill, and for that I am grateful.

I for one, and all to whom I have spoken, do not want someone judging my breed of almost 45 years who does not have even a basic understanding of the breed.

All exhibitors deserve a judge who has some knowledge of their breed.

For those of you who have not known me, I started judging with ONE breed, and today I am an all rounder. It IS possible!!

However, I did what was required to achieve this goal. It involved an investment of my time, and, yes, some money, to get to All Breed status. I didn’t ask for anyone to hand breeds to me, I started one for one, then two for two, etc. in applying for additional breeds. I didn’t complain that life wasn’t fair, I just moved forward steadily. The journey did involve commitment and patience but for me was worth the time and effort.

That’s the problem with those who have been complaining.

Judging is a privilege, it’s not a right granted to everyone at birth, to be bestowed just for the asking.

If you want something, work for it!

I guess this is a stepping stone to one Board member’s longstanding idea of just giving everyone all the breeds they want to judge and “let the cream rise to the top”. The current proposed Continued on page 113

Dog News 111

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A Judge’s Response To The New Board Proposal Continued FROM page 111

change gets pretty close to that Board member’s ideal.

But, if you look at it, that’s what happens all the time...you complain that 20% of the judges do 80% of the judging….perhaps that IS the cream rising to the top.

If you truly wanted to eliminate “the same judges judging all the time in the same area”, why not just increase the requirements between assignments. Currently 30 days, 200 miles, …why not increase those requirements for judging to 60 days, 200 miles, or 60 days, 300 miles.

That would have been an easy solution, so it doesn’t seem you are about varying the panel at local shows.

If the Board doesn’t soon address the dire need to attract exhibitors to the sport, you won’t have to worry about some judges feeling they deserve more breeds to judge, or more opportunities, or to be on more panels….there won’t be a need for them. The numbers at shows are dwindling in some cases to the point where clubs can no longer find it feasible to even hold an event.

Despite my rambling, this is not a letter of sour grapes. I am part of a large group of judges who feel they did it the right way. It is true that some individuals have seemed to move faster, some way faster than I, that some have moved slowly, or not at all, due to finances, or work schedules, or whatever reason. I have had some difficult times myself. But again, when advancing in the judging process became a priority, I managed to do what had to be done. No handouts.

It is called commitment. Those who choose not to make the commitment should not shout “unfair”, but this is what our society has become.

Everyone is entitled to everything they want, whether qualified or not whether they worked for it or not… just give it to them.

The Judge Speaks A HUGE concern for everyone with whom I’ve spoken, both those who oppose easing restrictions for applications and those in favor of that part of the proposal, is the feeling that this proposal is one step toward eliminating the AKC Field Reps, and ALL agree this would be a tremendous error of the part of the AKC. Even those who feel they “got a bad write up” from an AKC Rep agree that these individuals provide a great service to the fancy. They ARE the face of the AKC at AKC events, and an AKC event without that presence would not be a good direction for the future of this sport, and the AKC. No one out there wants to see shows without AKC Field Reps!

Although it certainly is not your intent, it sometimes seems the Board is out to destroy the AKC and what it has stood for.

It has long been said that AKC judges are the best, the most knowledgeable. We have seen “all rounders” from other countries do a deplorable job in the ring and I would hate to see our judges reduced to that type of rating due to lack of competency. I know that we all care about this sport, but I also feel that we as AKC judges owe it to every exhibitor and breeder who strives to preserve their breed to step into the ring with enough knowledge to competently evaluate the breeding stock before us.

And, while I’m on my rant, let me touch on the Owner Handler Series.

AKC dog shows were always the sport where amateurs competed with professionals…and quite often, successfully. When I competed with my own dogs, professionals in the ring raised the bar and we owners had to have dogs just as good or better, shown in condition, and presented correctly. Now you have

added a segment of entitlement where more losers can go home with prizes. Yes, sometimes we award BOB to the same animal who gets the green owner handler ribbon, but more often than not, it is awarded to a different individual. Two bests of breed??? And, most truly top owner handlers don’t even bother with “checking the box”. They are in there to win Best of Breed. It has become another competition for the second string to get a prize. It may be popular with some, but awarding a lesser animal “best of breed” owner handler just screams Little League to me!

Your positons carry a great deal of responsibility as we watch society change, and with these changes a shift in the status of purebred dogs, and the breeding of purebred dogs.

It is your responsibility to do what you can to preserve the AKC, its name, the status of the AKC purebred dog, and the sport. It is not an easy task and I would like to feel that you are doing what you absolutely feel is best for this sport, not for just a few individuals.

I fear this letter will fall on deaf ears. I feel your decision has already been made and asking for input is just an exercise in futility on the part of the respondents. But I can’t just stand by and let the Board take action that I feel is detrimental to the best interests of this sport. It is my feeling that this is a dreadful mistake that will result in a huge influx of inept adjudication at shows that are already declining and will lead to further exodus of the exhibitor base you seek to increase.

None of this is personal. I’ve just presented the facts as I see them.

Be careful what you wish for.

Oftentimes there are unforeseen consequences.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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November 14, 2014

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