Dog News, November 22, 2013

Dog News

Dog News The Digest Volume 29, Issue 47

$5.00

Of American Dogs

November 22, 2013

November 22, 2013

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Contents 10 Editorial

38 Ten Questions Asked of Pat Willer

14 Inside The Sport: AKC Field Staff Expanded To Meet The Fancy’s Needs

42 A Midwestern Hunting Dog: American Water Spaniel

By pat trotter

by MJ Nelson

18 The Lighter Side of Judging: Teams

44 Dogs Save Lives By Sniffing Out Food Allergens

By michael H. Faulkner

by sharon pflaumer

22 The Question Of The Week

50 The Juniors Speak: Kristen (Krissy) O’Brien

By Matthew h. Stander

By kimberly silva garrett

26 Veterinary Topics By connie vanacore

30 The British Scene

54 Off The Leash: A Million Friends, Many In Need

By geoff corish

34 Bests Of The Week

By shaun coen

56 Lions And Tigers And Ridgebacks, Oh, My! The Rhodesian Ridgeback National Specialty By denise flaim

58 Back To Italy, Some Reorganization At AKC... And More By matthew h. stander

68 Let The Games Begin!

The Portuguese Water Dog National Specialty By janet boyd & Peter Paige

76 Caribbean Classic Cluster by desmond j. murphy

80 The Gossip Column

BY Eugene Z. Zaphiris

84 Click - The Purina Cup Genoa, Italy BY fotoplanet.org masimiliano torri

90 Click - The Way We Were BY keith kerr

105 Letters To The Editor

November 22, 2013 100 handlers directory • 102 subscription rates • 104 classified advertising • 106 ADvertising rates

DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010. Periodical Postage paid at New York.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received camera-ready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.

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Dog News Cover Story - November 22, 2013

PUBLISHER

STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SEAN K. GAFFNEY ADVERTISING MANAGERS

SHAUN COEN Y. CHRISTOPHER KING ACCOUNTING

STEPHANIE BONILLA GENERAL TELEPHONE

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dognews@harris-pub.com www.dognews.com facebook.com/thedognews SUBSCRIPTIONS

Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson George Bell Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald Patricia Gail Burnham Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Michael Faulkner Denise Flaim Geir Flyckt - Pedersen Allison Foley Yossi Guy Ronnie Irving Roz Kramer John Mandeville Linda More Desmond 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 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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TERRITORIALITY Interesting that both the Delegate Show Rules Committee as well as the Staff made either separate or a joint proposal to the Board on proposed amendments to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows with regard to territoriality. The Board Minutes did not distinguish between the proposals of Staff and the Delegate Rules Committee and then lo and behold as if by magic according to these very same Board Minutes “a number of suggestions were received from the Delegate All-Breed Clubs Committee on this very same topic just prior to the start of the Board Meeting”! Now then one may conclude from these Minutes that two Delegate Committees working on the same topic is a waste of time and effort, and in all probability, it definitely is but at least these Committees were publicly willing to tackle this very contentious subject. Add to this the By-Laws Committee very progressive stand on eliminating occupational eligibility requirements from the By-laws for Delegates and one should understand why these pages have altered its stand so radically against the formation of these Committees. Without their input little if any truly positive changes in these areas would probably ever have been publicly proposed and/or discussed. It would appear that it is just not the nature of this Board and its Chairman to initiate these kinds of needed proposed changes in controversial situations. This is in the opinion of these pages a most unfortunate philosophic attitude under which to operate as a Board of Directors. And thus fortunately or not for us, all the Delegate Committees seem to have replaced the Board as the people who are willing to tackle controversial and needed changes. Whether that will remain the case in the future remains to be seen, Of course in the matter of Territoriality the suggestions of the All-Breed Club Committee were never spelled out in the Minutes as the Board is going to consider further these as well a number of other ideas raised at the meeting in December in Orlando. It should be interesting to learn what the Board will do, if anything, in this matter. For the specifics of what was proposed and written about why not try checking out the October Board Minutes Page 3.

CONFOUNDED BY NUMBERS As noted previously Daryl Hendricks, the COO in North Carolina, analyzed the decline in Conformation entries at AllBreed events during the ten-year period 2003-2012 and presented this analysis to the Board. For years now these pages have attempted with no success whatsoever to get a break down of the differences in Event entries among Agility, Performance and Conformation particularly with the monthly reports submitted by the President of AKC usually indicating a rise in Entries and Events on a monthly basis. So when the Board Minutes were published these pages contacted the COO requesting a copy of his report. He was unable to honor our request! One would presume this denial 10 Dog News

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Editorial NOVEMBER 22, 2013

was at the direction of someone higher up but he assured Dog News that once he could release the figures he would. Certainly his attitude was understood but one must wonder with incredulity why the Report would be mentioned in the Board Minutes at all if the Board had no intention of releasing the figures at this time. Perhaps Executive Session would have been a more acceptable place to keep ones secret information. Curiosity may have killed the cat but only satisfaction will bring him back so one can be assured these pages will continue to press for the release of the information contained in the Hendricks report. And on the subject of numbers these pages now have seen two sets of figures relative to the attendance at the recent Meet the Breeds event.

One indicated a total of 35,000 spectators, another 25,000 spectators. Those figures seem as difficult to confirm as the Conformation events figures. Not a good perception, is it? And of course lastly but hardly of least importance is the total refusal of ANYONE at AKC to give any registration figures whatsoever. Nonetheless updates were given at the Meeting on Registration and Canine Partners. These pages have provided you with some figures concerning Registration of Purebreds which was supplied to Dog News however nothing on the Canine Partners registrations (mixed breeds which these pages have heard are referred to as “All-American dogs” in certain quarters at AKC) has been noted or discussed. The figures projected by Mark Dunn for the Canine Partners initially may not have been even closely reached so far but may be higher than initially expected. And of course there was no financial report given at this meeting at all! When queried about this AKC’s reply was at Budget Meetings financial reports are not given!! Explain that one if you can please! However you may be interested to learn the one figure given was circulation numbers for AKC Family Dog which is alleged to be 540,000 per issue. Now that’s critical news--yes??

THE SERVICE DOG VERSUS THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL While not specifically on point THE NEW YORK TIMES and the Board both have recognized the need to take stands about dogs particularly on planes. In a recent front page article the TIMES wrote about the conflict which can exist between the so-called emotional support dog, the service dog, passengers with allergies and flight attendants. Classifying dogs as emotional support animals has long been permitted under antidiscrimination laws. This allows the owner to have the dog loose on a lap instead of being in a cage or under a seat and at no cost to the owner as well. Also there are the added benefits of being able to take those dogs so designated into restaurants and shops or to residential buildings that have no pet policies. To demonstrate the need for an emotional support animal, the dog’s owner needs a letter from a mental health professional. Some claim that airplane cabins have become crowded with uncaged dogs that have no business being there. The Department of Transportation does not require airlines to keep data on emotional support animals. One that does, JetBlue, expects more than 20,000 emotional support and service animals this year per the TIMES article.

Airline websites have detailed policies on dogs, typically allowing for dogs and cats that can fit into a carrier that slides under the seat. Airline fees vary but not for emotional support animals which travel free and restrictions on their size and species are left to the airlines’ directive.

They are not required to be caged and unlike service animals that undergo extensive training they require no training. Their task is to provide comfort to their companions. Contrast this with our show dog people who claim similar rights most incorrectly in the eyes of these pages.

Finally the Board is reviewing the Canine Legislation Position on Public Transportation for Dogs, which will hopefully expand its position and come out with a clear statement on where they stand in all this hullabaloo.

HEALTH ISSUES AND TRANSPORTING DOGS It seems to be an accepted fact in the Shelter BUSINESS of adopting dogs that most animals brought in from the South will have heartworm.

Now then some shelters are alleged to look for the disease and foster out the dogs which have it prior to adoption while some totally ignore it. Some questionable transporters of dogs of whom there are all too many never even talk about it. Introducing heartworm into areas thought to be free of the problem is of course a terrible thing to do although most people agree that with the exception of Alaska all States have the problem in varying degrees.

Nonetheless it is a problem to consider when adopting a dog. Just as the problem of rabid dogs becomes a consideration due to a recent case of a shelter puppy having had rabies and biting an owner. Rabies is becoming a concern in parts of Europe and the UK too as a result of some of the Internet sales of dogs from Eastern countries and no doubt will become a concern here in the States as well if it has not already become one. The myriad of health issues concerned in the transporting of dogs on an intrastate basis needs strict regulations to be implemented but when and how will this be done remains a burning issue.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK It’s Thanksgiving time and the Holiday Season is about to begin but our message remains the same as it has been for the last twelve years.

These pages urge the Fancy to start the Season off remembering the tragic deaths of Flavio and Danielle Werneck in Brazil 12 years ago.

They were tragically killed at this time of the year in an automobile accident and a Fund was established for their children, which still exists at the Ridgewood Bank in Ridgefield, Connecticut-address is 150 Danbury Road 06877 attention Joyce Ligi. How nice it would be for their friends to remember them by contributing to help in their children’s education. It is strange how these climate events such as Sandy and the typhoons in the Philippines or the tornadoes of the Midwest seem to occur at the same time of the year.

This does not mean we should not enjoy ourselves and celebrate the Holiday season but let’s keep our values in mind and think of those less fortunate than we are. In the meantime have a great Thanksgiving and good luck at the remaining shows of the year, too.

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Inside The Sport

AKC FIELD STAFF EXPANDED TO MEET THE FANCY’S NEEDS

By Pat Trotter

The breeding, exhibiting and judging of quality animals truly represents a cooperative combination of skilled personnel: breeders, groomers/ exhibitors and judges even though it’s not always possible for these individuals to know each other. At the same time the dog show is a sporting competition, it is also a performing art. For the sport to be at its zenith, masters in all these skills must be participating.

In recent years we have lost some of our finest judging artists-experts who knew the anatomy of a dog inside out as well as what constitutes correct type. Such extraordinary people lost just in the last month include Michele Billings and Lawrence “Skip” Stanbridge, two outstanding adjudicators of purebred dog flesh much beloved by the sport who can never be replaced. Yet to honor their dedication to our sport, we must persevere to fill the judging voids that face us.

In this spirit, our AKC Board of Directors and field staff are adding three more field reps to AKC’s personnel roster to work with and guide advancing judges in their collective efforts to fill some voids. This endeavor is all the more important due to the continuation of the board to “mask” applicants’ names in the judging approval 14 Dog News

process. (One can only hope that this controversial decision will be re-evaluated and reversed in time-after all one’s experiences with dogs to prepare to judge represents a lifetime’s body of work).

In essence, the weight of determining those talented applicants ready to progress falls heavily on the shoulders of field reps that interview the candidates and are best able to evaluate their readiness and guide them as they move forward. For some time now, such evaluations have been most difficult to obtain due to the reduced size of the field staff with the resulting lack of their availability on site at so many shows. Consider that this work-force addition will make it possible for field reps to cover an estimated 94% of future shows compared to the approximate 72% of shows covered in recent years. Not only should aspiring judges be greatly relieved at this improved situation, but so too should show chairpersons around the country. The field rep’s job is very multi-faceted and having one on site prepared to deal with all emergencies is of great comfort to the fancy.

The evasive “eye for a dog” is something that our recently deceased expert judges and breeders came by naturally-almost as if they were born with it- others must work hard at developing their skills. Yet both can become excellent judges and bring much to the evaluation of our breeding stock at America’s dog shows.

Varied quality opinions based on differing foundations are of value to all.

As long as judges and breeders are dedicated to breed improvement and committed to continuing education, the dogs will be better for it.

Judges who rightfully pride themselves on finding the best dogs in their rings earn the respect of the fancy.

Even when that respect is temporarily begrudged by a given exhibitor on the day when his top winner is defeated by a superb unknown specimen, in time said exhibitor will recognize how right the judge was! And what if the exhibitor does not? Then that person’s lack of objective observing and reasoning leads him or her to become his own antagonist preventing himself from selfimprovement.

Respected judges bring quality opinions to us from both the world of the professional handler and the world of the accomplished breeder-judge.

Breeder judges are sometimes more exacting in evaluating certain breed traits and type, emphasizing qualities hard for them to get in their own program and in the breed itself. Multi-group and all breed handlers bring a solid base to the judging world with their expectations of sound functional running gear and dogs that exude the character and ability of an able athlete. Superior judges can and do come from differing roots and backgrounds in our sport. Their amalgamated skills give us direction in selecting breeding stock.

Field reps are a vital part of this dog show equation. Many are former professional handlers with both breeding skills and presentation skills. Some of our best field reps achieved extraordinary success in their own domain before joining AKC’s staff. Because they bring so much experience to the judging approval process, the expansion of the pool of field reps should bring a sigh of relief to us all. After seemingly being out of touch for a while, we welcome the AKC Board of Directors back to the real world!

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TheLighter Side

By Michael H. Faulkner

of Judging

Teams

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have been told that athletes, who participate in individual sports, are found to experience more anxiety than those who play team sports and that common sense suggests that being part of a team alleviates the pressure experienced by those who compete alone. Well, I personally revel in my alone time, my alone challenges, and my own personal victories and defeats. I recall my personal success as an athlete as one who excelled at individual sports. With anxiety, I can also recall the sheer agony of being forced to participate in team sports and being the last boy standing in line during the team captain’s selection process. (Mind you, the team captains were often my siblings). I would blindly swing the bat in hopes of hitting the ball, kick the ball in whatever direction in hopes of getting somewhere near the appropriate goal, and then take off down the court---never understanding the meaning of dribble, traveling, or foul. The only saving grace was my lack of understanding of the whole team-sport concept, which usually left me sitting on the bench during most

of the seemingly endless group games throughout my childhood. But this bench-sitting experience gave birth to the most amazing gift---a mechanism to conjure many of my mental images and inspirations---the out of body experiences – OBE. It wasn’t until Junior High School that I found my true athletic prowess---during mandatory square dance and gymnastics. I was able to toss, twirl, promenade left, promenade right, swing and “dosi-do” with the best of them. And, my ability to flip and twist over the pommel horse and on the trampoline brought a new level of respect from Coach Karl, a Testosterone- Driven – Team-Sport-Tasmanian-Devil, leaving my teammate tormentors in awe. My personal search for individual sport achievement continued to grow from seventh grade through my college years with success in tennis, racquetball, bowling, skiing, running, and my most beloved sport of all---showing my dogs.

Prior to being able to drive, I relied on my mother MSJ or my AUNTIEM to shuttle me to and from various Fun Matches,

“It wasn’t until Junior High School

that I found my true athletic prowess--during mandatory square dance and gymnastics. I was able to toss, twirl, promenade left, promenade right, swing and “do-si-do” with the best of them.”

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Sanctioned Matches, Championship Shows and Independent Specialty shows with my dogs. The day prior to our departure was spent organizing all dogshow-day logistics, grooming my entry, loading the van, organizing my clothes, mapping our route, boiling liver, and packing the cooler with food and beverages. I did not rely on anyone for support. I managed every detail with precision. I was even responsible for morning wakeup call, due to the fact that I never slept at all, because of my abundantly excited state. The morning of our departure, I never called MSJ or AUNTIEM to attention before hot coffee was brewed and sweet rolls were ready. There were no Keurig Coffee machines at the time, and it was a real art form for a thirteen year-old boy to brew a perfect blend of morning-mojo in my mother’s avocado- green-70’s-RetroRoyal-Poly-Perk Percolator or AUNTIEM’s Corelle stovetop percolator that provided exciting visual stimulation through the glass top when the coffee hit full tilt. Yes, the cups of hot coffee would be ready along with a heavier-than-hell, two-quartAladdin-Stanly-Stainless-Green-Metal Thermos. “I trust you have everything packed. What about the thermos of coffee?” MSJ and AUNTIEM would always ask before our departure, because without the coffee---absolutely nothing else would have been possible. When we arrived at dog shows, I managed the layout of the land. I spent countless hours reviewing the maps printed on the show schedule and religiously guided MSJ and AUNTIEM to the perfect parking locations to maximize Continued on page 62

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As a result of the report that it may be unhealthy to sleep with your pet--dog or cat-- have you changed your sleeping habits in this regard?

Question Of The Week

Reprinted from February 4, 2011 issue of Dog News Elliot Weiss Many years ago when I was a child, some brain trust said butter was unhealthy. My mother turned to margarine and used it for years. I would not touch the stuff today. Dogs were great bed warmers in Medieval times and still are today. Maybe the dingbat that spent all this time doing this study should look into the unhealthiness of sleeping with their significant other. They might wind up with a lot more room in their bed.

Cindy Vogels We’ve always had dogs in the bedroom. Since taking up with my present bedmate nearly 35 years ago, there hasn’t been a dog on my bed - when he’s home! Would I banish my Greyhound who keeps me company the minute he’s gone? No way!

Charlotte Patterson No, I have not. My dogs do not sleep with me every night but when they do we all enjoy the time together. Since I have toy dogs, I have at least three in bed with me on those occasions.

Denise Flaim I maintain that sleeping with certain humans is likely even more unhealthy.

While the headlines about bubonicplague-carrying bedmates are catchy, the study really looked at cases where relatively rare conditions like menin-

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By Matthew H. Stander

gitis were contracted. The authors concluded that the best prevention was keeping animalhealthy to begin with, not banning them from your 1,500-thread Egyptian cotton.

My personal policy is that bedsharing is acceptable until it infringes on my chiropractic health. I have one old Ridgeback bitch who burrows under the covers to the bottom of the bed and makes an unparalleled footwarmer. I had an old male who slept in a state of canine rigor mortis, all paws planted firmly in your back. He was not long for the Posturepedic.

Carol Grossman I was just saying on Sunday when I was driving home with Lilly in my lap that we should have been born Siamese. Of course she still sleeps in the bed, and loves it!

Robert Hunter No -- unaware of study -- how can I get a copy? Diane loves to sleep with the dogs; me, not so much.

Karen Galipeault Absolutely not! My dogs and some of my clients’ dogs just need that bonding...and so do I!

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By Connie Vanacore

Topics Collaborative Cancer Grants

The combined efforts of the University of Pennsylvania, Morris Animal Foundation, the Golden Retriever Foundation and donations from many other breed club Foundations and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, are attacking the curse of cancer in canines on several fronts.

Two teams of researchers are working on the genetic aspects of cancer risks. Dr. Jaime Modiano of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Matthew Breen at North Carolina State University and Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard are focusing their efforts on the establishment of genetic risk alleles in the role of cellular activation in lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma.

Dr. Jeffrey Bryan of the University of Missouri, Dr. Anne Avery of Colorado

State University and Dr. Heather Wilson Robles of Texas A & M University will focus on discovery of novel protein, blood and epigenetic biomarkers to enhance diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs.

In addition to these studies, Dr. Nicola Mason at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has been researching a new way to treat osteosarcoma, an aggressive and fatal form of bone cancer which affects primarily the leg bones of large

and giant breed dogs.

Her technique, still in the early stages, involves the development of a vaccine using the dog’s own immune system to fight the spread of cancer cells within the body. Certain breeds, such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters and Greyhounds, are predisposed to this type of cancer. A vaccine which would contain, or even prevent, this dreaded disease would be a big advancement. It might also open the way for similar treatments in humans.

Additional Canine Health Foundation Grants

CHF

has also approved nearly a million dollars in grants to fourteen universities covering a wide range of diseases. Some of these studies were proposed by Parent Clubs, who have requested them and are participating in the funding. These studies include both small funded research, called Acorns, which are short term studies funded at less than $12,000, or long term projects, called Oaks, which are funded over several years, usually from several sources.

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and total nearly $1.5 million. They range across many disciplines from inflammatory bowel disease, immunemediated hemolytic anemia, Cushing’s Syndrome, chronic kidney disease and hip dysplasia. There are studies in cardiology, bleeding disorders, behavior and ophthalmology, to name just a few.

The Canine Health Foundation will hold its annual fundraising cocktail party and auction in conjunction with Westminster Kennel Club festivities in New York on February 12th in the evening at the Affinia Hotel on 33rd Street and 7th Avenue.

Veterinary Technicians

The largely unsung heroes of the veterinary community are the veterinary technicians.

They are a vital part of veterinary medicine, but often are the unsung cogs in the wheel of a successful veterinary practice.

The mean salary for technicians is about $35,000, which is a huge leap within the last two decades, but it is also a profession that does not offer much career advancement.

The exceptions are those technicians who work at a teaching hospital. The work that vet techs do often depends upon the type of practice they are associated with.

Benefits vary with the type of practice, but according to industry surveys, they are commensurate with their service. The difference is that today many technicians work three or four day shifts, compared to veterinarians who put in 50 to 60 hours a week.

Depending upon the size and location of the practice, and how many veterinarians are occupied in it, duties of a vet tech vary.

Some of the duties taken on by the staff are animal nursing, client communication, education, administration of anesthesia, laboratory work, radiology, and to a lesser extent, staff supervision. Technology has become increasingly important in a vet tech’s career. Knowledge of managing a website, keeping records, monitoring patients are all growing fields in vet tech education.

Many states have licensing requirements for vet techs, but many do not. One of the goals of the National American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) is to establish licensing requirements in all states.

This will enable vet techs to progress within the profession and also to perform duties in the practice based upon their knowledge and skills. The number of colleges that offer veterinary programs is increasing from 100 schools offering the program in 2000 to over 200 today. The mean tuition for a degree for a veterinary technician certification is $13,000. For colleges that offer the degree in conjunction with other disciplines it’s about $36,000. For more information about the NAVTA program contact www.NAVTA.NET. Continued On page 66

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ournemouth is about as far south as you can go on this small island of ours. The dog show is situated in one of the loveliest parts of the country, The New Forest. The show’s previous site used to be right in the middle of the forest with its New Forest Ponies and Red Deer running wild and often you would see them running across the roads too. But the show has now bought its own showground and is several miles from its old site, some exhibitors feel it’s too long a drive and sadly give it a miss. But like the Welsh Kennel club this is another show on the holiday circuit and very popular of course with the caravan fraternity.

It was touch and go if the show would actually go ahead this year, as in the weeks up to the show it lost its secretary, treasurer and chairman!! So very worrying times for the rest of the committee. But dog folk are a tough lot and the show did go on as usual and didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects.

As is often the case in the UK, group winners can change from week to week, and so apart from one, we had a different set of group winners from the previous show.

Judy Averis, of the famous Saredon terrier kennel, was subject to major surgery last year but thankfully she seems to be on the road to recovery. So it would be a nice tonic for her to hear that son John had won the terrier group with their Estonian bred Airedale, co-owned with Tony Barker of Irish terrier fame. Ch Katherinas Land spicy Cherry at Saredon is sired by the American bred Ch/Int/Est/Se/Dan/Lat and Russian Ch Saredon American Gangster ex Int/Est/Rus/Fin/Li and Romanian also second in the herding group at Ch Katherinas Land One More Cherry, Crufts this year. this bitch won best in show at this I am not sure how popular Irish year’s national terrier. The working Red and White Setters are outside of group was won by the same Polish the UK & Ireland but in the UK they bred Doberman that l mentioned last are very popular, not surprising retime winning the group at the Welsh ally with their striking color and here Kennel Club. Shetland sheepdogs are we had one win the gundog group. quite different in type to the AmeriSh Ch Corranro Connexion, is sired can ones and one of our big winby the breed’s only general chamners over the past couple of years pionship show best in show winner has been Debbie Pearson’s lovely Sh Ch Vanders Veracity. And another blue Merle Ch Edglonian Singin The new face to group winning was in Blues, as well as lots of cc’s, he was toys where the Long Coat Chihuahua Ch Hollyel London Blue Topaz won his first group.

Bill Browne Cole of Travella Wire Fox Terrier fame was judging best in show and his winner was the black Std Poodle Ch Afterglow Maverick Sable with reserve to the lovely Whippet bitch Ch Demerlay Regency |romance.

So from a show as far south as you can, to a general ch show that is as far north as you can go. The Scottish Kennel Club’s second show is situated close to the city of Edinburgh and within walking distance to the city’s airport. Very handy for judges who choose to fly in. The site is the permanent showground for the Royal Highland Show.

The SKC is the only club in the country that holds two championship shows each year, no one really knows why, but it seems to stem from way back in the midsts of time.

In times gone by the show was always held in outside marquees, but doubt l need to tell you, that being so far north, it can get pretty cold at this time of the year and many are the days when we literally froze!!

Nowadays we have a little more comfort and the show has moved inside to newly built exhibition halls. To add extra flavor to the show this year, in another party of the ground there was a Scottish bagpipe competition going, and even brawny men in kilts were tossing their cabers!!!!

British SCENE

By Geoff Corish

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In common with most shows this year the entry was down but only by 150 dogs with Golden Retrievers having the top entry of 153 dogs. And once again we had a different set of group winners from the previous show. Ch Red Witch Will I Am won the non sporting group. Owned by Dave and Jenny Killilea and Arlene Iclure, he has a lot of US breeding in him too. A new one to group winning was the Scottish owned and bred Rottweiler Ch Varenka the Marksman. And yet another new face also won the hound group and that was the Min Smooth Dachshund puppy Bronia Gregario owned by Mark Smith and bred by Fran Mitchell, who is better know for her long haired Dachs. And yet another winning her first group was the cardigan corgi Croatian Ch Telltail Sweet Dreams at Llaneirwg. Owned by US imported Photographer Lisa Croft Elliott (who will now kill me for saying that) and Paula O’Donnell. She is imported from the US and bred from two US Ch’s Telltail Baewyn Jim Dandy and Telltail Roragyn. A lovely lemon and white Pointer won the gundog group. Annette Siddle owns Ch Wilchrimane Ice |maiden but is always handled by her daughter Amelia. She is no stranger to big winning; she has previously won six groups and was best in show at last years Setter and Pointer Ch Show.

It was ex Golden Retriever breeder judging best in show; Freda Marshall was also secretary of the very popular Darlington Ch show for many years too.

Once again in the top spot it was the Wire Fox Terrier Ch Travella Striking Steel that took the top spot with reserve to the new sensation to hit the Smooth Chihuahua ring, Ch Sundowner Play Misty For Me for Aimee Davies and Jean Day. Aimee’s mother, Carol, is breeder of the famous Dachidas kennel of both Smooths and Longs and has produced many excellent champions over many years. I am sure this won’t be the last we shall hear of this young lady.

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Best In Specialty Show

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

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Canadian Valley Kennel Club - Thursday & Friday Town and Country Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday Portuguese Water Dog

Brazoria Kennel Club - Sunday Cypress Creek Kennel Club Bichon Frise

GCh. Saks Winning Card Judge Mrs. Vicki Abbott Judge Ms. Nancy Bodine Owners Anthony and Kim MacKenzie, Cecelia Ruggles, Sandra & Kieth Hanson Handler Scott Sommer Central New York Kennel Club - Friday Del-Otse-Nango Kennel Club - Saturday Chenango Valley Kennel Club - Sunday Old English Sheepdog

Ch. Bugaboos Picture Perfect Judge Mr. Ronald Pelland Judge Mr. Thomas Bradley III Judge Ms. Susan Godek Owners Ron Scott, Debbie Burke, Colton and Heather Johnson Handler Colton Johnson Whidbey Island Kennel Club I Standard Poodle

GCh. Claircreek Impression De Matisse Judge Mr. Walter J. Sommerfelt Judge Mr. Lawrence J. Sinclair Judge Mrs. Loraine Boutwell Judge Dr. Robert D. Smith Owners Milan Lint, Peggy Helming & Donna Gottdenker Handler Michael Scott Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club Harrier

GCh. Downhome HiTech Innovator Judge Mrs. Debra Thornton Owner Joe Sanchez Handler Susie Olivera Seminole Dog Fanciers Association - Thursday & Friday Miniature Pinscher

GCh. Marlex Classic Red Glare

GCh. Brighton Lakeridge Encore Judge Ms. Mary Anne Brocious Owners Toni and Martin Sosnoff Handler Tim Brazier

Judge Mrs. Terry Berrios Judge Mrs. Judy Harrington Owners Leah Monte and Armando Angelbello Handler Armando Angelbello Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club - Sunday Bloodhound

GCh. Quiet Creek’s Kiss and Tell

ts Week The

of the

To report an AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call, Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon Tuesday. Fax: 212 675-5994 • Phone: 212 462-9588 Email: Dognews@harris-pub.com

34 Dog News

Judge Mrs. Sharon Krogh Owners Susan LaCroix Hamil and Heather Whitcomb Handler Bruce Schultz Fayetteville North Carolina Kennel Club Briard

GCh. Lighting Strike El Xargall Judge Mr. Donavon Thompson Owners Tommy and Merry Jeanne Millner Handler Gretchen Conradt Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers Association - Friday The Kennel Club of Philadelphia - Sunday Irish Water Spaniel

GCh. Whistlestop’s Riley On Fire Judge Mrs. Geraldine (Geri) Kelly Judge Mr. Clay Coady Owners Gregory Siner and Tom and Bethany Urban Handler Rick Krieger Continued on page 103

Dog News 35

36 Dog News

Dog News 37

ten

What person do you most look forward to seeing at the dog shows?

SCOTT DEANS.

What is your greatest extravagance?

EXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

MY THIN HAIR THAT’S GETTING THINNER ALL THE TIME.

What dog person would you like to see on ‘dancing with the stars’?

ROY MURRAY.

Questions

If you were forced to get a tattoo, what would it be?

MARINE CORPS EMBLEM.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you?

MY WIFE, MY BASSET AND MY EX BOSS.

asked of

Pat Willer Born:

CALGARY, ALBERTA (CANADA)

Resides:

When and where are you the happiest?

AT HOME DOING REMODELING.

Other people think I am...?

EGOTISTICAL, BUT I’M NOT. I JUST LEARNED TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

AN ELECTRONIC ENGINEER.

CHAPLIN, CT

Marital Status: COMPLICATED.

38 Dog News

What would be your last request?

TO BE BURIED WITH TWO CUBAN CIGARS IN MY POCKET.

Best In Show and Best In Specialty Show Winning

GCh. MJM’s Hi-Air All Eyes On Me

Sophia

“

”

Best In Show

Thank You To Judges Mr. Dana Cline for Group First & Best In Show and Mrs. Thora Brown for Best of Breed Owners Arthur & Leslie Solnick • Michael & Laurie Maulucci Breeders Laurie & Michael Maulucci And Polly Hix Handler Joel Rosenblatt Dog News 39

GCh. Quiet Creek’s Kiss and Tell 40 Dog News

Judge: Mr. David Miller

Judge: Mr. William Shelton Owners/Breeders: Susan LaCroix Hamil Heather Whitcomb Laguna Beach, California

# 4 Hound, #1 Bloodhound All Breed

Kiss

*

Judge: Mrs. Ann Hearn Handlers: Bruce Schultz Tara Schultz *The Dog News Top Ten List

*

THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL

A MIDWESTERN HUNTING DOG

By M.J. Nelson

T

Demon (BIS Ch His & Hers Gunner’s Demon CDX), one of Linda Hattrem’s American Water Spaniels, was the first AWS to be awarded a best-in-show.

Justin (HRCH UH MHR Ch Gamecr Waterway Just Plain Ol’ MH MHR WDS) and Gator (HRCH Ch Carolina Just Plain Ol’ Gator MH MHR WDS), Susan Liemohn’s pair of American Water Spaniels, in their dog blinds on a goose hunt.

42 Dog News

he Upper Midwest has produced its share of innovators. William L. McKnight was the president of 3M Company, still known at that time as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, during the era when the company invented Scotch Tape, which led to a whole host of other products in everyday use across a wide spectrum of the American economy. William R. Sweatt was primarily responsible for the widespread availability of remote thermostats for furnaces and central air conditioning during his tenure as president of Honeywell. Brothers Charles and Will Mayo revolutionized health care, to name just a few.

The Upper Midwestern innovative spirit even touched the canine world with the development by hunters along the Fox and Wolf Rivers of Wisconsin of a breed that is part retriever and part flushing spaniel. One of only three sporting breeds totally indigenous to the United States– Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Boykin Spaniels being the other two–the American Water Spaniel’s dual identity served the hunters in eastern Wisconsin who hunted both upland game and waterfowl. (Note: Although American Cocker Spaniels developed in the U.S., they are not classified as “indigenous” because the American Cocker merely “diverged” from the English Cocker.) The American Water Spaniels, which were known for a time as American Brown Spaniels, were small enough to easily operate out of small rowboats or canoes and had coats that were able to withstand the cold water temperatures of autumn in the northern tier states while still being very effective on land as flushing spaniels hunting upland game birds and occasionally a variety of fur-bearing animals. Indeed, this is still a quite rare and regional breed with most of the AWS in the U.S. concentrated in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. Continued on page 72

Dog News 43

Food Allergens

By Sharon Pflaumer All photos provided by Angel Service Dogs™, Inc.

J

ust when it seems as if every task that dogs are capable of performing is known, then, someone discovers another and puts them to work doing it. Such is the case with the latest development in service dogs. Allergy Alert™ Dogs are specially trained, food allergen detection canines that can alert their severely allergic owners to not just a single peanut in a pile of leaves, for example, but to the residual odor left behind by a single peanut after it was removed.

Lila and Allergy Alert Dog, Pixie

44 Dog News

A staggering increase

Allergies to foods like peanuts are the fastest growing, potentially fatal disorder in the United States. Their incidence in children, in particular, is increasing at a staggering rate. In those 0–17 years of age, the prevalence of food allergies increased from 3.4% in 1997–1999 to 5.1% in 2009–2011 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Allergic reactions to food allergens (and insect

Angel Service Dogs volunteer puppy raisers and their parents compete in a sandcastle building competition at a Samoan style pig roast.

bites) can trigger anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition. Without medical intervention, it causes organ shut down and death. The amount of allergen capable of triggering it depends upon the individual child’s sensitivity. For some, a mere whiff of peanut butter from an open jar is enough to send them to the emergency room.

Angel Service Dogs™, Inc.

The Allergy Alert Dogs trained by Angel Service Dogs, Inc. are capable of detecting minute amounts of food allergens, i.e., peanuts, milk and eggs in any form: raw, cooked, oil, butter, dust etc. As such, they are an invaluable tool for sufferers of anaphylactic allergies.

Sherry Mers, the founder and Executive Director of Angel Service Dogs, Inc., didn’t set out to operate a training school for service dogs.

Instead, her daughter’s anaphylactic allergy to peanuts led her to it.

“Riley was diagnosed when she was 5 months old after she almost died on her first Easter from being exposed to family friends who had eaten Easter candy containing peanuts,” Mers says.

Because peanuts are everywhere, Mers’s effort to keep Riley safe became her allconsuming focus for the next nine years. Then, she happened to watch a documentary on television one night that dramatically changed her life and her daughter’s.

“It was about working dogs and included a segment on the Beagle Brigade, the specially trained dogs that detect food contraband for the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection,” she says. “It showed a dog detecting a pineapple in some luggage. When I saw it, I wondered if my husband and I could train a dog to find peanuts and give Riley a safe place to play. After researching the possibility, I learned there were people who had trained dogs to find similar food items. Some even had trained a dog to detect peanuts for their own child. But no one was training dogs for children with food allergies in general.”

Willow and Allergy Alert Dog, Ice

An incredible need

Initially, Mers only set out to train a peanutdetecting dog for her daughter but fate intervened. Mers was about to send off Riley’s Portuguese Water Dog, Rock’O, for detection training when she was contacted by a local TV station. After a story ran about the special training Rock’O would receive, the station was inundated with inquiries from desperate parents wanting to know if Mers could train a dog for their child. Clearly, there was an incredible need for dogs capable of detecting food allergens.

From that point forward, every step led Mers closer to founding Angel Service Dogs, Inc. in 2009, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Monument, CO that specializes in training Allergy Alert Dogs. The organization also trains dual-purpose service dogs for clients with multiple disabilities, i.e., food allergy and autism or food allergy and mobility impairment.

“Eligibility for an Allergy Alert Dog is determined by an individual’s medical condition,” Mers says. “The person or parents of the child applying for an Allergy Alert Dog must provide a letter from an Allergist stating the child or adult suffers from a life threatening allergy. The Allergist also must state that having a dog wouldn’t cause additional harm medically --That the child or adult wouldn’t be more allergic to a dog than he is to the allergen a dog would be trained to detect for him.”

Allergy Alert Dog, Phoebe, with two little friends

Careful evaluation

Mers and her staff of six trainers have placed 54 Allergy Alert Dogs, four of which were placed with adults and 50 with children. About 40% of the dogs they train are rescues that are carefully evaluated by an animal behaviorist for any aggression issues. Because it takes between 18- and 24-months to train an Allergy Alert Dog, each dog’s health also is carefully evaluated.

“We test for genetically-based Continued on page 86

Allergy Alert Dog, Theo, waits quietly under a table.

Aimree and Allergy Alert Dog, Pixie

Riley and her Allergy Alert Dog, Rock’O

Dog News 45

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Dog News 49

the Juniors speak

Kristen (Krissy) O’Brien Age: 16 Weeki Wachee, Florida

By Kimberly Silva Garrett

How did you become involved in the sport?

My family bought a 4 month-old Bullmastiff puppy from Cathy Choffy. When we went to see the puppy we just loved her and in order to have her we had to show her. So my sister and I started showing!

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

I would have to say my favorite show moment would be making the final cut in Juniors at Westminster this year, with a Golden Retriever I co-own named Skeeter.

What is the best advice you can give to potential and current juniors?

Smile and have fun! You can be serious in the ring, but make sure you and your dog have fun winning or losing.

If you could change one thing that you feel would improve the sport what would it be?

Sportsmanship. A lot of people, both juniors and adult handlers, have poor sportsmanship. Some get all mad and in a bad mood when they lose. Some people don’t realize that the dogs can feel your anger through the leash.

What are your plans in the sport once you age out of juniors?

I would like to stay being an assistant for handlers for a while. I want to continue breeding and showing Bullmastiffs.

50 Dog News

Dog News 51

*

52 Dog News

*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

Dog News 53

W

Off

ith Thanksgiving almost upon us it’s time to reflect and spend quality time with family and friends but it’s also a time to reach out to those less fortunate or overcome by tragedy.

More than 80 tornadoes devastated the Midwest this week, demolishing homes and destroying lives. The American Kennel Club’s recently renamed AKC Reunite (formerly AKC CAR) certainly has its work cut out for itself as it reaches out to its member clubs and animal organizations in those areas in attempts to locate and reunite displaced pets with their rightful owners.

“After the recent tornadoes that swept across the Midwest, AKC and AKC Reunite are offering assistance via the AKC Reunite Canine Support and Relief Fund,” said AKC Club Communications Manager Stephanie Smith. “During outreach to AKC clubs in the affected areas, we were directed to Tazewell County Animal Control, which is taking in many displaced animals in Washington, Illinois. We’re sending crates and supplies as officials work to reunite pets with their owners. Please let AKC and AKC Reunite know of any other group that needs assistance by calling 212-696-8228 or emailing sxs2@akc.org. The Fund can provide resources and supplies to other not-for-profit animal shelters and other similar not-for-profit organizations providing care for pets affected by natural disasters like these tornadoes.

Donations to the AKC Reunite Canine Support and Relief Fund are always welcome! Visit http:// www.akcreunite.org/donate. One of the most comprehensive lists we’ve found is located here and covers both people and animals and current needs in Illinois: http://tinyurl.com/Illinois-GiveGet-Help.”

Those wishing to contribute to the efforts can also contact the AKC Pet Disaster Relief at www.akcreunite.org/relief or call 919 8163980.

The AKC Pet Disaster Relief program recently presented its inaugural trailer to emergency officials from North Carolina’s Pimlico County. The trailer houses supplies such as fans, including crates and carriers, microchips and a scanner as well as bowls, collars and leashes. The trailer is designed as a temporary home-base for at least 50 pets immediately after a disaster is declared, either as a co-location shelter where people can evacuate with their pets or as an emergency animal shelter for displaced animals. A recent AKC press release stated, “Over 30 dog clubs, including national parent club organizations with members in every state and local groups in Northern New Jersey, Arizona, Ohio, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina and Connecticut, have donated money toward AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers. The national Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has donated a trailer to Missouri, the state where it is located. AKC Reunite has also pledged $250,000 over the next two years to assist with funding. Individuals, corporations and other interested parties can donate to trailer projects in local areas or across the country.

Donations are tax deductible and accepted online. Approved organizations that raise a minimum of $1,000 will have their logo featured on the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.”

Kalter has identified families with children in the 8-12 yearold range as one of the two key audiences the AKC is focusing on, along with empty nesters. Is the AKC primed to follow these demographics wherever they may wander on the ever changing and trending social media outlets?

Walker is confident that it is.

“I have read the media reports that kids are leaving FB but statistically the amount of dog owners is growing rapidly on all SM platforms but particularly on FB,” Walker wrote in an email. “Case in point all of our feeds are covered in pics of people’s children, pics of their food or pics of their pets.

“With regards to kids on other platforms, we have a tiered approach to use other social platforms. We are doing well on Twitter and Instagram, both of which have gone over 100,000.

We are also now using Vine and Pinterest. Snapchat is an option for us that we are evaluating but we want to make sure we have our bases covered on other platforms before launching another platform. Also of note we have been commended by Facebook and Twitter for our efforts and have an internal joke going that we have more people on Facebook talking about AKC than are talking about MLB, NFL, NHL and my personal favorite the WWE, lol.”

For those concerned with the graying of the sport of purebred dogs or that social media in and of itself is not enough to sustain an interest in purebred dogs, consider that more people aged 18-24 get their information from Facebook than the four major television stations combined, according to Nielsen. And according to Belle Beth Cooper, a Content Crafter at Buffer and co-founder of Hello Code, adults aged 18-34 watch YouTube more than any cable network; the fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55-64 year age bracket, which has grown 79% since 2012; and the 45-54 year age bracket is the fastest growing demographic on both Facebook and Google+. Still not convinced? Cooper reports that social media has overtaken porn as the number one activity on the web. That, my friends, is proof that times indeed are changing and hopefully for the better. Pictures may still say a thousand words but Twitter limits tweets to 140 characters. As Cooper writes, “Putting time and effort into your social media strategy clearly makes sense in light of these stats. If you weren’t already serious about social media, you might want to give it a bit more of your time now.”

It’s obvious that the AKC is taking social media very seriously but it may want to still consider traditional media outlets and expanding television coverage of its product.

Nielsen reports that last year’s coverage of the NBC National Dog Show on Thanksgiving was up 24 percent over the previous year’s ratings for ‘local people meters’ and saw its highest ratings in seven years for the 18-49 age group demographic. In light of those numbers it will be interesting to see how the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational fares with exclusive online streaming this year. In a future report we’ll take a look how the AKC plans to translate its social media success into new revenue streams for the registry.

LEASH

54 Dog News

A Million Friends, Many In Need ByShaun Coen

A MILLION FRIENDS When it need it’s nice to have friends. How about a million of them? The AKC is nearing a milestone as its Facebook page now counts nearly one million friends (979K at press time), a number that may be reached

by Thanksgiving. Now if only these million friends (along with the 100,000+ followers on Twitter) and the several million more that will tune into the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s televised portions of the National Dog Show on NBC could be monetized to bring new revenue streams into the AKC to ensure that its efforts to promote canine health, fair legislation, responsible breeding and ownership, disaster relief as well as conformation, obedience, agility and rally events, etc. will continue.

The AKC is to be commended for engaging nearly one million people, and much of the credit goes to Chris Walker, the social media guru who was hired in March, when the AKC had 100,000 friends on Facebook and its integrity was called into question by some articles in the NY Times. Chairman Kalter deserves recognition for pursuing these social media outlets, and he in turn recently credited both Walker and Bob Amen in a Chairman’s Report with playing major roles on this front, along with the AKC’s new public relations firm, Edelman.

“Our goal was always about improving engagement but there was a lofty goal set of hitting 750,000 fans before year end,” according to Walker. “Engagement… is key for us. We judge engagement on those that interact with us directly during a week long period. At points this year, including 2 weeks ago, we hit over 75% engagement - the final week of August reached 91%.

If you look at most Facebook pages they have between 1-3% engagement. We have set an internal goal of staying above 20% but dialing up and down as not to burn our audience out. This shows us we have a rabid FB audience that we must entertain and engage with. It is also exciting that our people are enjoying reaching out to us via this channel.”

To put that in perspective, Walker, explained, “Being honest, I have never seen engagement like this and I used to manage accounts of some pretty famous musicians. We are way more popular! We have an incredible audience with an incredible subject matter.”

Not to temper the enthusiasm, but recent media reports have shown that teenagers and children are leaving Facebook for other social media platforms such as Snapchat – which, incidentally, just turned down a purchase offer of $3 billion from Facebook. Chairman

Follow-up to K9 Veterans Day: Shortly after last week’s issue of Dog News was put to bed I received this reply from the Joanne Sold, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti, 92nd District in New York, in response to my inquiry about introducing or supporting a K9 Veterans Day in NY. “We have discussed this with a constituent of ours and told her we would be interested in establishing a day to honor the service of military dogs. I have the information she sent on the subject but just haven’t had the time to thoroughly review and determine what legislation/resolution the Assemblyman would sponsor. I expect to work on it with Assemblyman Abinanti during the legislative session and can keep you informed if you’re interested.”

-Joanne Sold

Dog News 55

BROWN HOUNDS follow

the yellow brick road to their 82nd national

Lions Tigers Ridgebacks, h, My! Ridgeback Flying Monkey photo by William Kent

So many costumes so little time photo by William Kent

Best of Breed cuts photo by Sara Venturelli

It’s as inescapable as lobsters in Maine or palm trees in Florida: National specialties held in Kansas inevitably don ruby red slippers and skip straight into the arms of a “Wizard of Oz” theme.

By Denise Flaim

T

rue to form, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States found it impossible to resist the lure of the yellow brick road, gathering all manner of munchkins at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka from October 28 to November 2 for an “Over the Rainbow” celebration.

But rather than feeling dated or derivative, this Ridgeback-flavored conflagration of flying monkeys, blue gingham and lollipop guilds was a classic in the true sense of the word – timeless, inspirational and, for many, more than a little bit transcendental.

It’s impossible to say enough about the organizational abilities of show chair Sandy Weaver, who along with co-chair Celia Hoffman made the entire week seem as effortless as a gentle wave of her wand, but whose attention to detail permeated every event. The gorgeous glass trophies, seamlessly synchronized schedule and super-sized raffle made for a week in which even the hotel food tasted good.

Continued on page 88

56 Dog News

BISS Winner Ida Belle at ring side photo by Sara Venturelli

Top 25 and Best of Breed Winner, MBIS, BISS GCh. Whirlaway’s Ida Belle’s A Ringing photo by Celia Hoffmann

David Hayek and Mike Patterson, photo by Denise Flaim Kiki Courtelis, Joyce Wilkinson and Tammy Lynch photo by Denise Flaim

Marie Glodowski and her own Bred by Exhibit photo by Sara Venturelli

Costume Contest Winner photo by William Kent

Top 25 Judges Linda Clark, Doug Johnson and Mary Lynne Elliott photo by Sara Venturelli

Best of Opposite and Best Veteran In Show BISS Ch. Kimani’s Aires Above The Ground photo by Theresa M. Lyons

Lollipop Guild judges Brian Moodhart, Neil McDevitt and Gerard Walsh photo by William Kent

Jay Hyman, Italian visitor Sara Venturelli and Norah Omerod

Dog News 57

R

eturned to Italy this past weekend to judge at the Purina Cup, which is rotated at various All-Breeds throughout that country. It is a novel event held on the Sunday of a two-day show and is intended to encourage people to breed better and healthier dogs without the emphasis being on showmanship and presentation but on the general attitude and deportment of the young dogs involved. It is a novel idea that was encouraged by Purina and developed and implemented through the hard work of the husband and wife team of Sergio Bottino and Paola Daffunchio, both of whom work for the Company. This particular contest was held in Genoa and as before four judges had the job of evaluating the entries. One judge from Spain, one from Italy, one from the UK and I was the representative for the USA. I think this concept, which I will explain again, as I had done in the issue of November 1 when Gene and I both judged it in Messina, would not only be a great crowd pleaser here in the States but it could help to encourage new and younger competitors to get interested in the world of the show dog. It is a great success in Italy that’s for sure. Here’s how it works-the four judges are sent four exhibits at a time which are a) looked at first for expression and a general attitude--is it a happy animal--does it seem friendly and appear healthy too--that’s worth up to 100 points.

Then we looked at the conformation of the animal without it being moved-you rarely touch them except to socialize and there is no formal examination whatsoever. In any event there should be no formal examination although it is hard to keep your hands off of some of the pups they were so cute. That was worth up to 200 points. The third consideration was to analyze the pup on the move as to structure. That’s a bit Continued on page 101

Back To Italy, Some Reorganization At AKC...

More

By Matthew H. Stander

photos of the Purina Cup Contest in Genoa Italy

by Masimiliano Torri (fotoplanet.org) 58 Dog News

The March Alamo Cluster 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9, 2014 Exposition Building • Joe & Harry Freeman Coliseum 3201 E. Houston Street • San Antonio, Texas 78219

SPECIALTIEs - march 5, 2014 Celeb ratinhg Our 100t ! y r a s r e v i n n A

High Dollar Raffle During The Whole Event!

Cash !

Prizes

Veterans Competition Saturday, March 8, 2014

First Veteran In Group: $150.00 Best In Show Veteran: $1500.00 Special Guest Judge Ms. Maxine Beam

Western Theme

March 6, 7, 8, & 9 Yee No suits or ! haw ties needed!

FREE BAR-B-Q FOR EXHIBITORS & VENDORS SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014 (following the Veteran’s Best In Show)

Dog News 59

60 Dog News

Dog News 61

TheLighter Side of Judging Continued FROM page 18

our dog show days. I unloaded the van, opened the awning, set up the exercise pens, took care of the dogs, and carefully followed handwritten schedules that I prepared in advance, which were taped to the tack box.

Along with help of my dog, I was my own executive in charge of command, project, advisory, work, action and sport performance. It was up to me to make sure I did whatever it took to maximize my efforts in support of my dog’s chance of winning in the ring and my chances of winning in Junior Showmanship. MSJ and AUNTIEM usually surfaced after their fourth cup of coffee and a pack of cigarettes, in order to gossip and mingle with fellow club members and competitors. I paid no attention to their needs, once we arrived at the dog show and they knew well enough to leave me alone. As a young athlete, I was one man, with one dog, linked in a common purpose. It was about my dog. It was about how he compared to the standard. And, it was about my ability to present him to the best of my ability.

Today, when I have the opportunity to exhibit one of our Golden Retrievers I prefer the one man, with one dog linked in a common purpose approach. Now, don’t get me wrong – I adore my various partners in crime and value their integral contribution to the breeding program. But, when it comes to the dog show, it’s about my ability to fully execute the mission, knowing that I dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s. I am fully aware that it is through our group effort and ML’s (one of four partners in

the kennel) ability to manage, breed and organize life before and after the dog shows that I occasionally have the opportunity to explore my mature athletic abilities in the ring. Does this constitute a team effort? I think not.

ML and I function as a dependentlevel working-duo. We function as cosupervisors and on occasion ML is the boss in charge telling me the do’s and don’ts.

Today it is extremely trendy to be part of and to support various DOG SHOW TEAMS that have sprouted all over the country and all over social media. I marvel every time I view an ad in one of the many dog show magazines, read a social media post by an adoring fan that congratulates TEAM SO AND SO on their accomplishments. “When did showing a dog become a team sport and when did TEAM become the buzz word for the sport?” I ask myself. “TEAMA takes Best in Show, TEAMX Sweeps the National Specialty Weekend, TEAMLALA CAPTURES GROUP ONE EVERYDAY AT THE HIGHSKY CIRCUIT, and so on, and so on.” I remark in reflection.

Essential to the TEAM is defining individual roles, responsibilities, and tasks to help the team do its work; often sharing and rotating the various team members within the various roles. “Well, would it not be interesting to randomly watch the person with the pay check, the kennel staff or even the veterinarian take the prize winning canine in the ring for a go at the top prize?” I chuckle to myself.

Teams normally have members with complementary skills and generate synergy through a

coordinated effort which allows each member to maximize his/her strengths and minimize his/her weaknesses. “I guess this explains why it’s so easy to maintain kennel staff and retain dog show assistants.”

What about the dog? Does it not diminish the win when the focus is placed on the winning team and not the merits of dog? The group of individuals responsible for maintaining the dog, conditioning the dog, training the dog and the individual responsible for exhibiting the dog certainly deserve credit, but not at the expense of the breeder, the handler, the judge and most importantly the dog! What about the individual Breeder/Owner/ Handler–maybe the new buzz word for 2014 should be BOH. “BOH Sweeps the Florida Circuit, BOH dominates the Toy Group Shows, BOH congratulates himself on his big win, and so on.

I have never been one to focus on fashionable trends of any kind.

However the current “TEAM” sensation has driven me to a point of considering a new approach to my profession as an AKC Judge. Hundreds of individuals, over a period of eighteen years, have been responsible for my current judging status. Without my mentors, my partner, MSJ, AUNTIEM, fellow judges, club members, AKC staff, Bank of America, USAIR, the manufacturers of hand sanitizer, and other partners too numerous to mention, I fail to be an effective, independent judge. So, I wonder will AKC list me as TEAM FAULKNER for my next judging assignment or will I have to settle for one man, one dog linked in a common purpose?

“I have never been one to focus on fashionable

trends of any kind. However the current “TEAM” sensation has driven me to a point of considering a new approach to my profession as an AKC Judge.”

62 Dog News

AKC Humane Fund announces the 2014 Theatre Benefit

Broadway’s New High-Heeled Hit The 2013 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical Friday, February 7, 2014

Price: $350.00 per person Includes Theatre & Dinner For reservations, more information contact: Daphna Straus American Kennel Club 260 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 212 696-8243 or email: dxs@akc.org Dog News 63

64 Dog News

Dog News 65

Continued FROM page 26

F.D.A. Proposes Animal Food Regulations The National Food and Drug Administration has proposed rules that would govern the production of pet food and farm animal feed for the first time. The regulation (long overdue it would seem) would help prevent food-borne illnesses in both animals and people.

The proposal comes six years after the biggest pet food recall in history, when treats made in China were found to be treated with melamine, a compound used in plastics. This proposal comes after the FDA reported that since 2007 more than 580 deaths, nearly all dogs, have been reported connected to chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats, nearly all of which were imported from China.

The agency has received more than 3,000 complaints about the jerky over five years, involving 3600 dogs and 10 cats, but the officials still have not positively identified the cause. What they do know is that 60% of the cases involve gastrointestinal illness, 30% kidney ailments, and the rest involve tremors, convulsions and skin irritations.

In April of this year F.D.A. officials inspected several factories in China but found nothing in any of them that would explain the poisonings. Nestle company has removed its products from stores in New York, including Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken jerky treats. The company issued a statement claiming that antibiotic residue does not pose a safety risk.

F.D.A. continues to test for possible contaminants and has performed more than 1000 product tests, finding no results. In October of this year the agency called on the veterinary community to report illnesses associated with jerky treats and to collect and send urine and blood samples from their patients. According to a spokesperson at F.D.A. this is the first time that the agency has talked to veterinarians about this epidemic. (One has to wonder what took them so long!) AVMA has been warning veterinarians for months about the growing number of poison cases related to these treats.

So far the best advice is to avoid all products involving dried jerky foods. It’s easy enough to boil up your own pot of chicken or beef liver as treats for your dogs.

66 Dog News

Spay/Neuter Controversy Shifts Into High Gear

The overwhelming majority of companion dogs in the United States, unless maintained for breeding or showing, are neutered. In the United States this procedure is done at an early age, usually before or just after a first heat. It is often done on the recommendation of a veterinarian, or a breeder who does not intend to use the dog in his/her breeding program.

Recent results from research done at the University of California, Davis on Golden Retrievers, and at other research facilities in Sweden and the UK on different breeds, have found detrimental effects from early spay/neuter procedures.

In Goldens, incidence of cancer and joint problems showed an increased likelihood of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors and canine cruciate ligament rupture. The most profound observations were in hip dysplasia, which also occurs in greater numbers in altered Rottweilers.

In respect to canine cruciate ligament (CCL) no occurrence was found in either intact males or females in the Golden Retriever study or in late-neutered females. Dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity increased the rate of CCL 5.1 percent in males and 7.1 percent in females. In the Golden study cases of lymphoma were 3 times greater in early-neutered males, but in females hemangiosarcoma was highest in the late-neuter group. Studies in this aspect of cancer research is ongoing at UC Davis under the direction of Dr. Benjamin L. Hart.

Heartworm Prevention

A

lthough freezing weather in much of the country seems an odd time to talk about heartworm disease, research is ongoing and so are the symptoms of this mosquito-borne pest. Heartworms take months to develop into active, arteryclogging worms, which invade the heart and lungs of dogs. That is why veterinarians who deal in this disease have recommended for years that dogs be tested during the winter when the microfilaria have developed in the bloodstream. Recently reports have been released showing that there seems to be a genetic change in heartworms, which make them resistant to the preventatives currently on the market. There appears to be some resistance among the veterinary parasitologists themselves as to whether the disease is more prevalent or whether owners are less diligent about prevention and detection.

If a dog appears to be resistant to the preventative, veterinarians stress that it is more important than ever to administer treatment to eliminate both adult heartworms and microfilaria which invade the heart. The scientists say that it is possible for a dog

to have two or three resistant heartworms, while filaricides prevent the majority from developing.

It is important to remember that heartworm disease can take several forms, or may show no signs at all. Dogs may cough, have lung inflammation or congestive heart failure, or may have no overt symptoms until late in the progress of the disease.

Heartworm historically has been found much more frequently in the South in areas where mosquitoes thrive all year. However, weather has become so unpredictable that no place is safe from these pests any more.

Even dogs that survive heartworm disease infections may have permanent damage to blood vessels and lungs, thus shortening their lives. Yearly checkups may prevent permanent damage to dogs’ health from heartworm and other parasitic diseases.

Resources: AKC Canine Health Foundation Annual Grants report, CHF Discoveries Fall 2013, November 13, 2013; JAVMA, October 15, 2013, November 1, 2013; PLOS ONE, February 2013; NY Times, October 26, 2013, November 5, 2013; Speaking for Spot, November 18, 2013

Dog News 67

Artwork for the poster, several photos I took and one photo by Nancy Gaffney of “casino night” are in a folder titled “Dog News story” Let The Games Begin:

The Portuguese Water Dog National Specialty

Let the Games Begin!

After more than two years of location scouting and extensive planning, the “Games” began at the Linn County Expo Center. The site was perfect for the dogs and allowed the handlers/owners to arrive at their leisure to set up in their seemingly endless, free, reserved grooming space. The week flew by starting with water set-up on Friday, water trials on Saturday and Sunday and tracking on Saturday and Sunday.

Conformation began on Sunday night with Futurity. Sweepstakes were held on Monday as well as the Breeder Education Seminar.

The day was capped off with a fun dinner and casino style gaming. Many attendees got into the spirit of the “Hair of the Dog Saloon” with wonderful costumes. Agility and obedience/ rally ran Monday through Wednesday in their own venues about a one-minute walk from the main show site.

Matisse free stack - Best of Breed Winner

T

By Janet Boyd and Peter Paige Photos By Peter Paige except where indicated

T

hey came from all over, moving west, gradually funneling down the Columbia River Valley, finally to congregate near the terminus of the Oregon Trail. No, they weren’t traveling in covered wagons, although some of the RVs might have qualified. They were owners, handlers and fanciers of the Portuguese Water Dog. And, no, they weren’t coming to seek a new and better life. They were coming to …play.

The Twenty-second National Specialty of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was held in Albany, Oregon, September 6 – 12, and its theme was “Let the Games Begin.”

Let the Games Begin

Make plans to bring

your best game to

Linn County Fair &

on for the

Expo in Albany, Oreg

ional Specialty

22nd PWDCA Nat

September 6 thru

12, 2013

as tes and news as well for all the latest upda .pwdcaspecialty.org ialty.

CA National Spec Bookmark the www called 2013 PWD our Facebook group

68 Dog News

he boys were in the conformation ring Tuesday and that evening fanciers attended the popular Top Twenty. In this event, the breed’s top 20 dogs are showcased for three judges: a handler, a breeder and a breed judge. On Wednesday, the girls were in the conformation ring. Wednesday night brought another chance to socialize in a casual outdoor setting, just steps away from the grooming area, as everyone prepped for Thursday’s Best of Breed judging. The “Groom and Grub” Bar-B-Q on the lawn meant folks could hang out and visit — both in the grooming area and out in the courtyard.

The awards banquet on Thursday night capped off a full week of dogs, friends, events and ribbons.

pORTION OF THE grooming area

Artwork for the poster, several photos I took and one photo by Nancy Gaffney of “casino night” are in a folder titled “Dog News story” Let The Games Begin:

pORTION OF THE grooming area

SUPERDOG SAMI PHOTO BY NANCY GAFFNEY

Colton, Open Bitch class

CASINO NIGHT

AWAITING DECISION...

GROOMING GETS ROSETTE

Judy Berger & Bacchus, obedience Dog News 69

*

*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL Continued FROM page 42

While no documentation exists as to the actual breeds that were used to develop the AWS, it is currently accepted that the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever and possibly the Poodle, Field Spaniel, native Indian dogs and perhaps even the Chesapeake may have contributed to the AWS’ ancestral make-up. But as is frequently the case, most of this is pure speculation.

Whatever breeds were used to develop the AWS, the breed turned out to be a versatile dog capable of not only providing stellar work in the marshes and upland fields but also of being a successful competitor in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally, tracking and a whole host of other dog activities.

The desire for the breed to be equally effective on upland birds and waterfowl did, however, cause a major problem for AWS folks in the 1980s when the American Kennel Club began its hunt test program.

The AKC demanded that the American Water Spaniel Club decide whether the breed was a flushing spaniel or a retriever. The AWCA said “Wait a minute. They’re both.”

The AKC replied, “That may be true but for purposes of the hunt test program, you have to decide whether you want to run your dogs in the retriever hunt tests or the spaniel test because you can’t run them in both.” This decision created a split within the AWSC that ignited a dispute in which both sides dug in their heels and neither the “AWS is a retriever” or the “AWS is a flushing spaniel” factions were able to garner enough support to get the necessary number of votes needed to declare the breed as one or the other. The end result was that for almost twenty years, the AWS was shut out of the AKC’s hunt test pro-

“American Water Spaniels do not fit the typical spaniel temperament nor do they fit the retriever temperament...”

72 Dog News

gram. Finally, the club members grudgingly agreed to classify the breed as a flushing spaniel, which gave the AWS entry to the AKC’s spaniel hunt test program. While it took a long time, 23 years to be precise, and required great persistence, in the end, the American Water Spaniel folks finally won their point when in April of 2011, the breed became eligible to also participate in AKC retriever hunt tests.

“American Water Spaniels do not fit the typical spaniel temperament nor do they fit the retriever temperament,” said Linda Hattrem, who owns or owned BIS Ch His & Hers Gunner’s Demon CDX, the first AWS to be awarded a best-in-show and BIS BISS GCh Waterway Game CRK Hot Diggity JH. “Correction with an AWS must be fair and they must understand why the corrections are given. They have to know that you are in charge because if you aren’t they will take over. They are very intelligent and they need to be kept active physically as well as keeping their minds engaged.”

“An AWS has a lot of native ability, a lot of instinct to hunt but these attributes have to be molded into what we need and want. This takes a lot of work and training,” said Sue Liemohn, who owns HRCH UH MHR Ch Gamecr Waterway Just Plain Ol’ MH MHR WDS (“Justin”) and HRCH Ch Carolina Just Plain Ol’ Gator MH MHR WDS (“Gator”). “But, in the retriever tests, their smaller size can sometimes create problems especially when they are running in tall cover. Also, their small size means they have to take many more strides than a bigger dog which can lead to issues with heat and tiring. Actually the biggest issue we face in the field is that because the AWS is so rare, mine might be the only one in a test and thus the only AWS anyone including the Gator waits for someone to throw a dummy for him.

judges ever see. If we have a poor performance, that’s what they will remember about the breed where if a Labrador has a poor performance, there are many others that will follow that may have a good performance. There have been a few people who have worked hard to promote the breed by participating in a variety of activities at a high level and doing it well. Going out and doing the job poorly hurts the breed. So, each time we step to the line or enter the breed or obedience ring, we have a huge responsibility to represent the breed well.”

It is important to keep an AWS focused according to Hattrem. “You have to make sure that an AWS does not get bored. They are not a breed where you can constantly keep repeating exercises as they will get bored and start to improvise or shut down. This is true whether you are training for obedience or hunt tests. But this boredom can also happen to an AWS in the show ring. Several years ago, my husband was showing one of our dogs and after going to show a few weeks in a row, he would lose his enthusiasm for being a show dog. We discovered that he needed to go to a park to run or go hunting or to a game farm to find and fetch a few birds in between shows.

That’s why the standard says the AWS is a dog that is very active. These dogs have a tendency to get bored with repetition and they really need to have fun.”

Liemohn agreed with this assessment.

“American Water Spaniels pick things up very quickly but they are also easily bored. Short training sessions seem to work best. Repeated drilling doesn’t work well with many of our dogs. A trainer needs to be firm, consistent and fair because if they are disciplined fairly, they handle it well but if they don’t understand why they’re in trouble, they are likely to quit on you. Both of my dogs were trained professionally for field work because I don’t feel that I have the knowledge to train the dogs to the level at which I want to run them.

My two dogs are very different. One always wants to be in the front seat driving the truck.

He thinks that he is always right. The other is not quite as confident and is more willing to listen. The fortunate thing is that we don’t have a split in the breed between ‘show’ and ‘field’. The top winning dog for the breed in the show ring has a JH in AKC hunt tests and most of the highly titled working dogs in the breed also are conformation champions. I’m very proud that both of my master hunters are also champions in the show ring. They conform to the standard and they have proven their ability in the field. It’s really important and up to the breeders and owners to keep this ability in the breed and prevent any split from occurring.”

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Issue of Dog News

“The Silver Issue” will be published

Friday, December 13, 2013 The Advertising Deadline is

Friday, December, 6, 2013 Dog News 73

74 Dog News

Dog News 75

Caribbean Classic Cluster

October 24 – 25 – 26 – 27, 2013 - Caribe & Ponce Kennel clubs

When one has lived in the New York area for sixty-five years, the chances are they have been to Puerto Rico.

I am probably one of the few exceptions. I always greatly enjoy going to any of the Latin parts of the world. When Teresa Santana contacted me to see if I had the dates available, I was so pleased I could accept the invitation.

By Desmond J. Murphy photos by Jose E. Casellas, Reuben Jusino & Ricardo Perez 76 Dog News

T

eresa explained I would only be judging two of the four days and she would get back to me which of the days it would be. It is very difficult to assign judges for this cluster. The entry each day is only about 110 and they need judges to cover the twenty-eight groups to be judged over the four days.

John Reeve-Newson judged the first three days, Jim Noe and Jim Fredericksen judged Thursday and Friday, and Charlie Olvis, Liz Muthard and I judged Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday I only judged one Dogo Argentino, two Terriers and the Terrier group, plus BIS. Even though the Terrier entry was only two, the group had

to be covered. I did judge 58 dogs on Saturday. Actually there were a lot of breeds I am licensed for that I was not assigned.

Puerto Rico is very unique in that they have AKC shows and also FCI shows. Off hand I only know of Japan and China where this also occurs. In Japan a club will, on the same weekend, hold an FCI show and a Japanese KC show. China has come down basically to shows recognized by the group N.G.K.C., which AKC recently recognized. The FCI group has been fully recognized by FCI. Continued on page 94

Dog News 77

78 Dog News

Multiple Best In Show, Multiple Reserve Best In Show, Multiple Best In Show Owner Handled

Dog News 79

Gossip The

By Eugene Z. Zaphiris

S

Column

urrounded by her husband ANDREW and her many friends, ROZ KRAMER continues to make great strides in her recovery from recent surgery. I’m sure it will be no time until she is back in the ring. We are saddened to report the passing of CONNIE CLAPP, a lady I have known for many years. We first met when she was CONNIE and JERRY WEIRICK, who is to CLICK, through our mutual be married at years end. No it’s interest in Bloodhounds and then not the JEFFERSONS who are Skye terriers, and then she found movin’ on up, it’s SUSAN and her beloved Affenpinschers. She DENNIS SPRUNG who have was Club President and a Delegate moved to their new Manhattan to the American Kennel Club sky-high home 21 floors and at the time of her passing a above their old apartment. We judge of the Toy and Non Sporting wish them a long and happy groups. Funeral services were residency and an elevator that held earlier this week. All of us at never stops operating. While DOG NEWS send her family our we missed this years Kennel deepest sympathies. It has been Club of Philadelphia dog show, requested that those wishing make we hear that not all the club a contribution in her memory members are so friendly with to Take The Lead. ED COMBS, one another in that city of the husband of professional “brotherly love”. As the year handler BRENDA COMBS, has comes to the end, the Eastern passed away following a long Dog Club’s annual TAKE THE and debilitating illness. I always LEAD holiday party will be admired BRENDA as to how she held at the Storrowton Tavern managed to have a successful on Saturday, December 7th on handling career and still managed the fairgrounds in Springfield, ED’S care. All of us at DOG NEWS Massachusetts. The event send BRENDA and her family also benefits the Bay State our deepest sympathies. DAVID Children’s Clinic, as guests are HARRIS, the kilt wearing terrier asked to bring unwrapped gifts judge, bull terrier breeder and for the young patients. Tickets author, has passed away. We send are $25. per person and tables our sympathies to his family. Best of eight for $250. Contact wishes to TAYLOR WEIRICK, the Take The Lead, P.O. Box 6353, daughter of BARBARA BENTLEY Watertown, New York 13601.

80 Dog News

Leo &

It is “

”

DavidMurray!

Love...

Measured in Bytes...

Judge Mrs. Sherry Swanson

Judge Mrs. Florence Males

Judge Mrs. Barbara D. Alderman

Judge Ms. Richard Beauchamp

Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Baltic, Russian, Slovenian, Finnish, and Polish Champion

A Top Five* Lhasa Apso • A Best In Show Winner

Ch. Rufkins Monarchs Love Bytes Owners Roberta Lombardi, Jan Lee Bernards and Kersti Paju

Breeders Roberta Lombardi, Kris Harrison & Peggy Hoffman

Handler David Murray

*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

Dog News 81

Dog News

First Issue of 2014: Friday, January 3, 2014 Deadline: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Dog News 82

Am. GCh. & Can Ch. Shagshadow Pandamonium’s First Edition Best of Breed & Group Second Albany Kennel Club 10/19/13 Judge Mrs. Thora Brown Best of Breed Troy Kennel Club 10/20/2013 Judge Mr. Dana Cline Best of Breed & Group Fourth Queensboro Kennel Club 10/26/13 Judge Ms. Louise Palarik

Breeders/Co-owners: Patty & Tom Schulte, Pat Schneider Web Site: Shagshadow.com

Handled by Brian Still Owners: Jane & Bob Ogg Dog News 83

CLICK The Purina Cup & The Genoa All-Breed Show Genoa, Italy PHOTOS BY

fotoplanet.org masimiliano torri

84 Dog News

Dog News 85

DOGS SAVE LIVES BY SNIFFING...

Continued FROM page 45

abnormalities,” Mers says. “Hips and elbows are x-rayed and eyes are examined. We do breed specific testing for diseases like Addison’s as well.

We want each dog we train to be able to work as a service dog for a long time and not be sidelined by health problems.”

The organization purchases the other 60% of the dogs it trains from breeders who occasionally donate quality dogs. Due to the cost of training and the higher success rate associated with beginning training when dogs are puppies rather than adult rescues, the organization has a breeding program in the works that would produce Labradoodles and Golden Retrievers.

“We place each 8 week old puppy with one of our 60 volunteer puppy raiser families, who socialize and teach it basic commands,” Mers says. “At 1 year of age, each puppy is returned and begins service dog training. In the case of older rescue dogs, they may go to a volunteer family for socialization and basic training when we first get them or they may go directly to a trainer.”

Each dog is matched with a client and custom trained to that client’s individual needs, i.e., the dog is trained to detect the particular allergen(s) to which that client is sensitive. Because some children and adults have multiple allergies, the dogs may be trained to detect multiple allergens.

Some have been trained to detect as many as eight for a client.

How the dogs work

When doing a generalized search, an Allergy Alert Dog searches the perimeter of a room systemically seeking the allergen’s odor after being given the “Find it” command. In a more detailed search of a specific area where a child is going to sit for example, the dog would be told to “Check it.”

When the dog detects the odor of the allergen, it alerts. That means it indicates it found the odor by sitting and staring at the handler. When the handler then commands the dog to “Show me,” the dog goes to the source of the odor and points to it with its nose.

Because the dogs selected to become Allergy Alert Dogs are “high drive,” they’re eager to work in order to be rewarded. That means they work even when not specifically commanded to do so.

“They love to work because it’s a game to them,” Mers says. “Whenever they detect the correct odor, we reward them with a treat or give them a tennis ball to carry around.”

A dog that’s on the job 24/7 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Ironically, that was especially true during a visit to the office of Riley’s pediatrician, a place where most parents would assume their child would be ‘safe.’

“We went into an exam room where Riley was asked to put on a gown. While she changed, Rock’O went around the room, then, stared intently at me after he sat next to the exam table Riley was supposed to sit on. Initially, I didn’t pay attention to him because the nurse was talking to me.

Then, I heard him whine. At that point, I realized he was alerting. When I gave him the ‘Show me’ 86 Dog News

command, Rock’O laid down and looked under the exam table where there was a half-eaten peanut butter sandwich apparently left behind by a previous patient.”

The social aspect

What A Difference A Dog Makes

R

anger is Sydney Fitzjarrel’s Allergy Alert™ Dog. In Spring 2010, he was placed with the 8-year-old girl by Angel Service Dogs™, Inc. because she is severely allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. Since then, the 5-year-old Labradoodle alerted Sydney to the allergens that threaten her life many times. For example, only hours after leaving the service dog training facility for the first time, Ranger detected the odor of peanuts on the seat Sydney was supposed to sit in during the flight home!

Being the parents of a child with severe allergies was incredibly demanding before Ranger came along according to Sydney’s mother, Jill Fitzjarrel.

“Everyday activities like going to the store, school, restaurants and playgrounds were traumatic and exhausting for us because of the constant attention that had to be paid to ensuring the surfaces she touched and the people with whom she came into contact were safe,” Jill says. “Thanks to Ranger and his incredible nose; now, we can go out into the world and feel more relaxed because we know he’s on the job protecting her.”

Parenting also was difficult before Ranger’s arrival because Sydney had to be excluded from many activities.

“The look on our daughter’s face was heartbreaking, when we had to tell her she couldn’t do things for fear she would have a reaction,” Jill says.

All that has changed now. Because of Ranger, the difference in Sydney’s life is truly astounding. His presence, in combination with ongoing therapy, helped Sydney who also struggles with autism come out of her shell. So much so, her diagnosis was changed from Autism to Asperger. As a result, Sydney was placed in a mainstream classroom after Kindergarten. That’s something her parents previously only dreamed of happening.

In addition to saving a child from having a life threatening allergic reaction as in the above example, having an Allergy Alert Dog has other important benefits. Because exposure to an allergen can trigger a severe reaction, many of these youngsters aren’t allowed to do the normal things youngsters do.

“A lot of these kids can’t go to birthday parties or play at a playground,” Mers says. “They’re also hesitant to meet new friends because sometimes, when they do, they end up having an allergic reaction that sends them to hospital. As a result, their social skills often are minimal and they don’t have any friends.

For many of them, their Allergy Alert Dog is their first friend. The dog also serves as a bridge between the child and other children. It lets the child know if other kids are ‘safe’ to play with.”

The third degree

Because it can be a matter of life or death, parents must necessarily ask the people with whom their severally allergic child comes into contact if they’ve recently eaten peanuts (or other foods depending upon their child’s allergies). Those who haven’t dealt with an anaphylactic allergy may forget to mention, for example, that they carried around a Snickers™ candy bar in their coat pocket before they ate it. They don’t realize the residual odor from the peanut containing candy might be enough to trigger a life threatening reaction.

“They’re not deliberately trying to hurt your child.

They just don’t realize the severity of the problem because their child doesn’t have the same issue.

Thanks to an Allergy Alert Dog inadvertent omissions are detected so the severely allergic child can be removed from the situation before he has a reaction,” Mers says.

Unfortunately, the “third degree” is still necessary even when an Allergy Alert Dog is on the job.

“Having an Allergy Alert Dog doesn’t mean you can go anywhere without doing due diligence,” Mers says. “ The dog isn’t going to make the peanuts go away-It only tells you if they’re present. If we plan to have dinner at a restaurant for example, I still phone ahead and ask about peanuts. Even if they tell me there are none in the restaurant, Rock’O would alert in case they didn’t realize that I meant peanuts in all forms including peanut butter, peanut icing or peanut sauce.

Often, when a parent does call ahead, the dog still finds things that would have sent her child to the hospital.”

The cost

It costs $32,000 to train each Allergy Alert Dog. The family of each recipient is asked to help raise the first $16,000. The balance is covered by donations from the general public. To make a financial contribution, donate a puppy or volunteer to be a Puppy Raiser, visit Angel Service Dogs, Inc.: http://angelservicedogs.com/

with the brown nose that is taking the show ring by storm!

Photo © John Van Ness

BEAU

THE FAWN RIDGEBACK

Ch. Spring Valley’s-Zambezi’s Beauregard of Mahana Sire: Multiple Best In Show, Multiple Best In Specialty Show Ch. Spring Valley’s Great Gatsby, ROM Dam:Am GCh./Can Ch. Spring Valley’s Shumba Hadzi, SC, CGC Whelped: October 23, 2012

Our appreciation to the following judges, who have recognized Beau’s quality: Mrs. June A. Penta (SEL) Mr. Timothy Catterson (SEL) Dr. Judith A. Newton (SEL) Mr. Ronald Lukins – (BOS). pictured Mr. David Bolus (SEL) Mr. Christopher T. Moore (SEL) Mrs. Patricia V. Trotter (BOB, Major) Mr. Thomas Nesbitt (SEL) Ms. Sharon R. Lyons (SEL) Mr. David B. Swartwood (SEL) Mrs. Christine E. Pollender-Calcinari (SEL) Ms. Celeste M. Gonzalez (SEL, Major) Mrs. Mary Ann Alston (SEL) Mr. Whitney J. Coombs (SEL) Ms. Elizabeth Muthard (SEL) Ms. Nalena Klaas (BSW) Mrs. Susan Nelson Smyth (SEL) Ms. Kalen M. Dumke (BOB, Major) Look for Beau to be selectively shown

by Jack Secrest and Courtney Norris this Fall and to be exclusively shown

by Jack this coming Winter!

Special thanks to Beau’s handler, Jack Secrest, Jr. • Assisted by Courtney Norris Loved and adored by Owners: Chandler Elizabeth Parker and Glenn Schaeffer Breeders: Mrs. Lijiva Denavs-Rebane and Dr. Peter Rebane, Zambezi Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dog News 87

“Lions & Tigers & Ridgebacks, Oh, My!” Continued FROM page 57

“A heart is not judged by how much you love,” Oz’s eponymous wizard told the Tinman, “but by how much you are loved by others.” That’s as ideal an anthem as any for the 2013 Ridgeback National’s winner, BISS MBIS GCh. Whirlaway’s Ida Belle’s A Ringing, who enjoyed her fair share of ringside support as judge Dana Cline put 160 or so specials through their paces with his customary cordiality and expertise. The win was doubtless a bittersweet one for Ida Belle’s owner Lynn Fitzgerald, who unexpectedly and tragically lost her husband Jack only weeks before. (Ida Belle is also owned by her breeders Jennifer Lazowski and Christine Kitsch.)

Trim and toned just scant months after whelping her first litter of 13 puppies, “Ida Belle” started off the specialty week by winning the Top 25 competition for the second year in a row. The trio of officiators were all-breed judge Douglas Johnson, handler-judge Linda Clark and breeder-judge Mary Lynne Elliott, who looked glamorous as ever in glittering ruby-red platform shoes.

It was the first time in the dozenyear history of the event that the Top 25 winner was also Best in Specialty Show.

Ida Belle was handled all week by Michelle Scott, who piloted her to her numberone status last year. Though Ida Belle was officially retiring in 2013 for the duties of motherhood, Scott had committed to showing her for the National this year.

Cline’s picks were nothing if not consistent, and several identifiable families of dogs found themselves regularly in the ribbons. Ida Belle’s sire, GCh. Karhiba N Adili’s Winning Hand, JC, earned the first Award of Merit, followed by Ida Belle’s half-brother, GCh. Whirlaway’s Pot O’Gold, who is out of the same dam.

This year’s National specialty was also a successful one for Alicia Hanna of Kimani Kennels, who retired three of the club’s perpetual trophies: Best of Opposite, Best Veteran and Best of Winners.

The first two were earned by 10-year-old BISS Ch. Kimani’s Aires Above the Ground, JC, who went Best of Opposite and Best Veteran in Show. His daughter, Kimani’s Aires Apparent, took Winners Bitch and Best of Winners to complete the trifecta. Four of his grandchildren also took home big ribbons at show’s end: Select Dog and Award of Merit BISS GCh. Lafleur’s Big Mack Attack, who was last year’s specialty winner under breeder-judge Barbara Rupert; Mack’s sister Ch. Lafleur’s Penny Lane, who earned an Award of Merit; Select Bitch and Award of Merit winner GCh. Kimani’s Time Honored, JC; and the Reserve Winners Dog, Kimani’s Something to Admire.

The remaining Awards of Merit were awarded to males GCh. Diablo’s Dark Knight’s Nemesis, the nation’s number-one Ridgeback (breed points); MBIS GCh. Pupukearidge Ikaika O Spring Valley,

CGC, TDI, who won the Veteran Dog 7-9 class as well as Stud Dog; Ch. Kimani’s Indelible Impression, JC; and the bitches BIS GCh. Camelot’s Red Hot Tamale and GCh. Zareba’s Baddest Bess.

Winners Dog, Kakily Ruso Ny Dia, SC, RN, came from the large Bred By class, and his dam, GCh. Kakily Starry Night of Pumamere-Copprdg, RA, JC, went on to take the Brood Bitch class. Reserve Winners Bitch, Imari’s Wildest Dream, also came out of a large and hotly contested Bred By class.

Earlier in the week, Sweepstakes classes were judged by breeder-judge Troy Abney of Rivercity Rhodesian Ridgebacks. As has become the norm to accommodate the possibility of specialty schedules shifting from spring to fall or vice versa, both puppy (six to 12 months) and junior sweeps (12 to 18 months) were offered.

This 2013 national belonged to the bitches, and the sweepstakes competitions were no exception.

Best in Puppy Sweeps was 8-month-old Jahina’s Say Goodnite Gracie, with Calico Ridge Rock Me Mama, just one month her senior, going opposite to her. For Best in Junior Sweeps, the big ribbon went to Aegis

Ulla-Britt Ekengren of Shadyridge Ridgebacks, who was unable to attend, and Alicia Hanna were presented with plaques to commemorate 50 years of dedication to the breed.

Like the hounds that attend them, Ridgeback Nationals are enthusiastic endeavors, encompassing performance events, educational opportunities, the judging that is at the heart of the show (this year’s show drew a conformation entry of some 550 hounds), and as much socializing as physically possible. But the highlight of this year’s national for many was, surprisingly, the mid-week Halloween party. Envisioned as a break from the pressures of competition and the drudgery of dog walking, the costume contest turned out to be so much more – a chance to reconnect with fellow fanciers, tap the tremendous creativity within our breed community and, not least of all, showcase the heartfelt bond between handlers and their costumed charges.

Dozens upon dozens of contestants entered the ring, with Ridgebacks dressed as skeletons, prisoners, butterflies, pirates, lobsters, mummies, bumblebees, racehorses carrying miniature stuffed jockeys, and even a yellow-clad pack of Minions from “Despicable Me.” As would be expected, there were scads of Dorothies and just as many witches, the highlight of which had to be Barbara Rupert cycling around in a scary, green, entirely identity-obscuring witch mask that she kept on until the great unveil.

Costumes didn’t have to be elaborate to make an impact: Beth Karr painted her two Ridgebacks with stripes and spots, respectively, to make a striking tiger and leopard. They were outnumbered by too many Ridgebacks to count wearing faux lion manes, a popular choice given breed history.

The biggest prize of the day went to Charlene Rabinak and Margo, who won Best Human and K-9 costume. Rather than acceding to the degenerative myelopathy that has confined Margo to a canine cart, Rabinak turned her wheels into Professor Marvel’s circus wagon from L. Frank Baum’s original “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” book, and dressed herself as the carnival-barker magician who went on to become Oz’s great and powerful wizard. “This was the event we were waiting for and I have to tell you that Margo is ready to go again this morning,” Rabinak told friends on Facebook. “It has reinvigorated her and has made this whole trip a dream come true.”

The same could be said for many of the two-leggers in attendance at this week-long celebration of everything Ridgeback. As Dorothy and some lucky exhibitors found out, dreams that you dare to dream sometimes really do come true.

“Like the hounds that attend them,

Ridgeback Nationals are enthusiastic endeavors, encompassing performance events, educational opportunities, the judging that is at the heart of the show (this year’s show drew a conformation entry of some 550 hounds), and

as much socializing as physically possible.”

88 Dog News

Hazelnut Expresso, while Tahari’s So Impressive took Best of Opposite. And among the oldsters, double-X chromosomes reigned unabated, with 8-year-old Ch. Dimond’s How Sweet It Is going Best in Veteran Sweeps. Opposite to her was the 9-year-old livernose Ch. Avendale of Nashira.

T

he Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States annual meeting was again a relatively subdued affair, with two important presentations on health initiatives the club has sponsored.

Dr. Nathan Nelson of Michigan State University unveiled initial results on the MSU Elbow Project, in which researchers compared CAT scans and X-rays of Ridgebacks diagnosed with OFA grade 1 elbow dysplasia; the study showed that the majority of grade 1 dogs studied had degenerative changes in one or both elbows. Clayton Heathcock made a brief presentation on the progress Dr. Mark Neff at the Van Andel Institute has made on narrowing the search for the gene that causes heritable late-onset deafness in the breed; in the near future, projectDOG.org will begin to screen Ridgebacks for a nominal suggested donation in the hopes of determining whether they are at low or high risk for carrying the mutation.

♥ Julia

Group Second Carolina Terrier Association

Our appreciation to the many judges this year whose hearts Julia continues to capture with her presence in the ring!

Multiple Group Winning

GCh. Lil’Itch Pretty Woman at Foxwatch A Top Ten Smooth Fox Terrier* *

Always Breeder-Owner-Handled Whitney and Wendy Perry Foxwatch *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed points

Dog News 89

90 Dog News

Dog News 91

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Caribbean Classic Cluster Continued FROM page 77

Puerto Rico used to enjoy much larger entries. Handlers and exhibitors would find it a good place to get majors and enjoy a mini vacation. The decline can be blamed on the point scale being lowered on the mainland for many breeds and economic reasons. It has now become so costly to fly with dogs anywhere. Often the airfare is more for the dog than it is for the owner. The airlines have applied more restrictions and some will not even take the giant breeds.

Hawaii, like Puerto Rico, has also suffered because of the travel by air. To fly from island to island has become very costly and exhibitors are no longer going to all of the shows. Some of the clubs on the outer islands have gone defunct because entries could not support having a show. Nearly all shows anywhere in the world depend on entries as the major source of revenue.

Here for the Caribbean Cluster, Mrs. Blanca Cucurella acts as show secretary.

This saves the clubs the large costs of having a superintendent. But having only 110 entries does not bring in huge revenue. Out of this limited income there are still large expenses. Having six judges becomes very expensive. The airfares, for most of the judges, were quite high and the luxurious Condado Plaza Hilton cost the club a lot of money to house the judges. The venue for the show was very nice and also was another expense to the club. If the entry had been double the size it would double the revenue, but the costs would stay approximately the same.

Mr. Robert Withers was judging obedience two days in a row. I was

surprised to learn that AKC now allows dogs to get titles under the same judge. But as Mr. Withers explained obedience dogs perform differently on different days. In some areas of Asia I have judged the same breed two days in a row. This is hard for Americans to conceive, but sometimes we do have the same dogs within a week only being 200 miles away.

Here in the States we are producing

many of the best dogs in the world and have more dog shows. But in the big scheme of the sport we have very few large shows.

We do not have a handful of shows over 3,000 dogs. Europe and Scandinavia, even in small countries, can attract entries of upwards of 10,000 dogs or more. Look at England and what a small country it is and what huge entries they can attract. Our shows have gotten smaller in most places for several reasons. The main reason being we just have so many shows on any given weekend. If there are five different sets of shows within a small radius the amount of entries gets limited.

Since I had never visited Puerto Rico before, I decided to spend an extra day at my own expense. Along with Canada, the States are the only place that has professional judges. Most places could not afford to pay large fees, since the judges are limited to 85 dogs per day. When a detailed lengthy critique is required it takes most of the day to judge 85 dogs. This leads to large shows in Europe hiring many, many judges. It would be just about impossible for these shows to pay large judging fees.

Here in Puerto Rico it is also a hardship for the clubs to pay judges fees plus large expenses when judges are judging so few dogs. Since the airfare from Newark to San Juan was, I thought, fairly high, I used mileage for a free ticket. I do give mileage to friends during the year, but rarely use it for myself. It is very rare that I travel for vacation purposes. I do try and spend an extra day or two when doing foreign assignments. Using mileage for this trip was two fold; it saved the club some money and what I charged Continued on page 96

Continued on page 131

94 Dog News

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Caribbean Classic Cluster

Continued FROM page 94

the club paid for the extra time I spent at my own expense. I am sure this saving to the club helped a little bit with their overall costs and I was not out of pocket for a wonderful five days in San Juan.

Having a very early flight Thursday morning, without having breakfast, I was ready for lunch after settling into the hotel.

The lovely café at the hotel overlooked the beautiful waters of the ocean. Having a late lunch and knowing I would have a very late dinner I opted for a late afternoon nap.

Thursday and Friday judging did not start until 4 in the afternoon. Shortly before 9 PM, John rang my room to say he had just returned from the show and we could meet for dinner soon. Since the hour was late instead of venturing far from the hotel we opted to dine right in the hotel. The Café Caribe offered good food at actually moderate prices. It was a pleasure to spend some relaxing time with John.

Just before I was getting ready to leave for San Juan something came up that needed attention fairly soon. Since between the San Juan trip and judging five days in Indiana, I would only be home a few hours to repack to be on the road again for seven days. Friday I opted to not venture on a day of touring, but worked on this timely project.

Late Friday evening, after the show, John and friends ventured into the Old City to a fabulous restaurant. It was a famous seafood place and the meal was greatly enjoyed by all. Judging on Saturday and Sunday was at 10 AM so we did not have to be up at the crack of dawn. That was the one day where four judges were working. I had the large assignment of the day – 58 dogs. Even with a nice lunch hour the show was finished by 2 PM. Sometimes in South America the show does not start until 10 AM, but does not end until 10 in the evening or even later. I can now understand why 96 Dog News

so many friends have always enjoyed the shows in Puerto Rico so much. Being that the shows are small makes for plenty of time to party or just relax on the beautiful beaches.

Besides the AKC shows in Puerto Rico, the FCI also holds shows and I was told their entries have also fallen off. Like so many other parts of the world there are not as many large breeders any longer in Puerto Rico. Without the dogs that came from the mainland the show would have been only half the size. As so many smaller shows at home are getting smaller entries there will be a breaking p point and clubs will no longer be able to exist. Yes, we certainly have far too many shows, but the clubs that will go under do not have other clubs in the area. Do we foresee any of the 50 plus shows being held in Springfield, Ma going under?

No, but so many clubs that have moved to Springfield do not have a show in their own territories.

I know there is some discussion to allow

some clubs to hold two shows per day.

Canada does it and some South American clubs hold three shows per day. Puerto Rico is a perfect example with an entry just over 100, the club could easily run two shows per day. Hopefully AKC will view this as a financial hardship case. Right now they have to rent the venue for four days and the extra expenses for the judges. If the four shows could be combined into two days it would also save the exhibitors a lot of expense.

Saturday I had the largest entry to judge and this was only 58 dogs and the Terrier group. Having only two Terriers in the entire show the group moved quickly.

Saturday evening the club held a wonderful dinner for the members, judges and exhibitors. It was held at the lovely Barrachina Restaurant in historic Old San Juan. It was a wonderful evening of Spanish dining and a very entertaining Flamenco show. The Canine Chronicle was very generous in helping to offset some of the expense of this fabulous evening. This enabled the exhibitors to enjoy a wonderful evening at a small cost. Without the aide of the Chronicle it would have been a very costly evening for the exhibitors.

Sunday my assignment consisted of judging three dogs in the Sporting Group and BIS. I got to watch some of the breeds I had not judged the day before. There were eight Bulldogs, all from PR, and the overall quality was quite good. Frenchies had an entry of six and two of them had come over from Florida. Like anywhere in the world today, there were several of very good quality. I was very pleased to judge a young English Springer Spaniel bitch imported from England. I thought she was absolutely beautiful. I awarded her the Sporting group.

I later was informed it was the first European type Springer to have won a group at an AKC Continued on page 98

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Dog News 97

Caribbean Classic Cluster Continued FROM page 96

show. By winning the group she also got a major. I was pleased to learn she was sired by a dog I liked a great deal at the World Show in Budapest. The sire won the Junior group in Budapest.

The owners of this young bitch will be moving to Boston and the judges here will be somewhat surprised when she enters their ring. Besides the tail, markings, she is so different than the American Springers. They really are two different breeds. Hopefully some day the breed will be separated like we did with Cockers. We tend to forget that English Cockers and American Cockers were one breed until the late forties. A lot of breeds have evolved. Pembrokes, Whippets, etc. have changed so much over the last fifty years. These breeds have greatly changed for the better. However, English Springers have developed into an entirely different breed. When I awarded the legendary “James” the group at Eukanuba, so many European judges commented what a beautiful

98 Dog News

dog he was. As much as they admired him, they pointed out he was in no way an English Springer. Many European judges admire the American Springers, but view them as a different breed.

The shows in San Juan certainly were small, but the BIS lineups had some top quality big winning dogs from the mainland. Linda Pitts captured

the first two with the lovely Puli bitch.

The third show, Joy Quallenberg, with a Flat-coat. The last night I put up the record breaking Mini Bull handled by Susie Olivera. Since this dog arrived from Russia two years ago, I have only judged him on three different weekends, but have awarded him three Bests. The Puli bitch was my Reserve and I was so pleased to judge her. She was bred in Australia by Sue Huebner. The “Cordmaker” Pulis of Sue have dominated the breed for so long in the States. This bitch is a littermate to the male Jackie Beaudoin is campaigning so successfully. I do not judge the breed, but have given the male a Reserve Best also. Sue and her “Cordmaker” Pulik have to be considered one of the leading kennels in the world today.

I have to thank Teresa Santana and the entire committee for making my trip to Puerto Rico a very memorable experience. Hopefully the clubs will be able to weather the decline in entries and the AKC will let them do two shows per day.

n i a i n i g r i V y r a u Jan

Checkered Flag Cluster Thank you and Triple Thanks from Middle Peninsula Kennel Club, Chesapeake Toy Dog Fanciers, Potomac Hound and Virginia Terrier Clubs for making the weekend of January 25, 26, 27, 2013 Special.

We were up over 300 dogs all thanks to our many exhibitors, breeders, vendors and handlers and of course our many outstanding Judges.

Thanks to the outstanding members of Take The Lead who put on the wonderful Race To The Finish Party.

January 24,25,26, 2014 Friday January 24, 2014 Three Group Shows Potomac Hound Club • Virginia Terrier Club Chesapeake Toy Dog Fanciers Club and Two AKC Coonhound Bench Shows Two All-Breed Shows Saturday And Sunday January 25,26, 2014 Middle Peninsula Kennel Club All-Breed Shows Black And Tan Specialty Show On Saturday Non-Sporting Club Match After Best In Show Supported Entries on Saturday & Sunday Richmond Afghan Club American Foxhound Club Black And Tan Coonhound Club

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Dog News 99

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More

Continued FROM page 58

more difficult since with the young unsocialized pup there were times there was no movement whatsoever. That was worth up to 200 points.

Surprisingly there were a number of promising young animals including a Weimaraner, a Belgian Malinois and of all things a Canaan Dog which impressed me a lot. The ultimate choice of the four of us was a mini-Wire which was absolutely adorable, the Wei was second and another mini wire handled by the Mother of the Handler of the first place exhibit third.

Fewer than 85 points separated 1 through 6 while one and two were only 11 points apart. It certainly is an idea that should be considered for our shows as it takes the emphasis off the formalities of the show ring and creates a rapport among judge, exhibitor and the dog which rarely exists nor is even encouraged in the show ring itself. It is like a kindergarten experience preparing the child for the higher learning experience which is truly ignored in the show ring worldwide. Hats off to Purina, Sergio and Paola for encouraging this kind of thinking as it truly adds a dimension to our dog showing experience sadly missing.

A

s to the all-breed it was held in a lovely arena called the Fiera del Mare in the Kennedy Pizzale. The ultimate winner was a very nice English Cocker which I believe could be competitive anywhere in the world today and in fact is going to the UK to be exhibited. I was impressed by an Irish wolfhound as well and a Mini-Wire which was probably the father of the dog which won the Purina Cup. The mini-wires were overall lovely from what I could see while there were of all things some truly competitive silver toy poodles. When was the last time you saw nice silver toys? There was also a Smooth Chi which was awarded Best in Messina which could only get a second in Genoa which trucked around the ring like you could not believe. One night we met a delightful couple Luigi and Terri Durando of considerable Afghan fame in Italy. He is the vice-president

of the club while Mrs. Durando is of the school of Sunny Shay, Babbi Tongren and Kay Finch if you get the picture. An absolutely delightful and charming character similar to the genre of the aforementioned ladies who are so sadly missing from that breed here today in the States. The president of the Club was Girgio Gaggero, a courtly gentleman whose show was run with a firm but gentle hand. All in all it was a good dog show weekend to which I was thankful to be invited to attend.

W

ithout much fanfare Dennis Sprung announced some major changes in responsibilities at AKC recently some of which appeared in the Board Minutes others of which did not. Those which did not were apparently due to the approval of the new Budget for 2014, which includes the hiring as I understand it of three new field reps. I believe one to be in the Reno area, the other to be in Denver and the third to work out of the office. That’s considered in certain circles to be a major victory over those forces on the Board so anxious to eliminate those positions entirely. Money talks however and I guess that means it was found and approved for those new hirings. Additionally Human Resources is now to report to the very capable VP and General Counsel Margaret Poindexter while ALL Event Departments which include Companion and Performance, Event Programs, JUDGING OPERATION, FIELD REPS (emphasis mine) and Sport Services to Doug Ljungren. Mr. Lunjgren is a quiet sort of chap I am told and to have those some time contentious departments reporting to him requires in my opinion a little more familiarity with the dog show people themselves than has Mr. Ljungren in the past been committed to. It will be interesting to see whether he becomes more of a visible individual for AKC than in the past. I do not say that critically but merely as an observation.

I

don’t know about you but with only four people running for the three seats for the March election and with the way Pat Scully and Charlie Garvin have been voting of late my tendency is to support anyone but those who have been on the Board during the last two or three years. I mean some of the stuff they have done and voted for is outlandish. Are they fiddling while Rome burns or are they involved in a totally different kind of sport than I have been associated with for the last 50 years or so? Masking?? Voting to discriminate against the low entry breeds, establishing computer images to evaluate livestock--come on guys, that’s not what we are supposed to be all about.

Dog News 101

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102 Dog News

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Dog News 103

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104 Dog News

1/4/13

LettersTo The Editor A RESPONSE TO THE JUDGING TASK FORCE DRAFT PROPOSAL We find it especially difficult to believe that the Judging Task Force has entertained the idea of teaching judges how to judge dogs from online experiences and evaluating their knowledge.

We went online to find the committee members and see that they are Dr. Charles Garvin, Kent Delaney, Doug Johnson and Daryl Hendricks.

Since we personally know Kent Delaney and Doug Johnson, we actually can’t believe that they have had any voice in this farce.

AKC has tried to diminish and attempt to force the closure of the actual “hands-on” teaching/ learning that the different judges’ institutes have put forth. There have been other programs of merit (including their own hands-on program) which also haven’t received any accolades. These well thought out and helpful programs have been and continue to be the best teaching and learning experiences that aspiring judges can have.

What is this all about? This is totally Greek to us. Where or from whom is this coming? Learning about structure, temperament, coats, balance and type for any animal is completely different from learning a skill via books or computers. If the committee thinks this is such a good idea they can use the already formatted breed videos that had the boring music.

AKC has created the environment that judges are more important than breeders, and of course this is absolutely incorrect. Novice exhibitors see that the present day goal for everyone is to judge, not produce good specimens to compete or to perpetuate their breed, which is backwards.

Additionally, we need to educate breeders as well as judges because there are too many out there that are not knowledgeable in their own breed. Could not your money be better spent in other ways than in furthering this program such as workshops for breeders about structure and genetics??????

This latest farfetched proposal is a total waste of effort, time and money, especially since it would take a great deal of these things and would still not be as good as an actual hands-on experience.

This too is reflective of why AKC changed their evaluation of judges who could learn on paper but still couldn’t find the best dogs.

Whatever good might come out of this will be far outweighed by the cost.

AKC is not but should be about the betterment of pure bred

dogs-not about income or fancy tech programs!

The game idea for the public is also lame. The Judging Task Force is for JUDGING PURPOSES---Is that not so? We need to get back to the basics of individual breed type, soundness and structure. Good judgment comes from experience and hands-on knowledge.

Houston and Toddie Clark Decatur, TN understanding aphis via AKC’s Webinar Today I listened in on the USDA webinar related to how the new regulations would be implemented. The information was very clear and well presented. I had heard they were not so organized for the first one but I give them high marks on this one. I want to make a few comments on what I heard. The full transcript will be posted to their website as soon as they are able to get it up. They are working on getting last week’s and this one done. I am hoping to set a few things straight as we have all been bombarded with some emotional opinions of what is or what isn’t going to be regulated.

The presenters were Dr. Kay CarterCorker and Dr. Rushin. They reviewed who needs a license. It was clear that those selling only face to face will not be subject to regulation. The location where you have the face to face sale is up to you. If you saw a dog at some point that a breeder showed you and then later purchased it, that transaction is exempt from another face-toface. If all transactions are face to face, you can have as many females as you like. There are numerous ways breeders can be exempt from regulation and these were detailed.

There was discussion that some rescues

that do not deal face to face may be regulated.

They spoke again of “business model” which is how you do business. The organization of USDA was detailed. They have about 120 inspectors who cover all the areas USDA is responsible for. These inspectors are trained on all the different types of facilities they may inspect from kennels to zoos to research facilities etc.

There is a manual for inspectors. They will also have additional manuals on their website.

Animal Care hires vets and non vets to serve as inspectors. If you are licensed and get a negative inspection report you can appeal.

Inspectors will discuss anything that needs to be corrected. At present, they are asking those who believe they will fall under the new regulations to contact them.

Many questions that had been presubmitted were answered. I will simply give some answers that may be of interest.

Federal licensing and state licensing are not the same. USDA is dealing with breeders by reaching out to them with information on their website and these webinars. The regulations were developed to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Regarding rescues: non incorporated rescues are exempt only if they sell face to face. USDA will reach out to retail rescues to determine if they need to be licensed. A question was asked about rescues that use foster homes all over the country. They said they would have to look at that.

If any animal is retired from breeding that was not raised on your premises you can sell that dog for a pet. If you are selling a huge volume of dogs labeled retired, they would look at that but not if it was occasional.

If you are selling breeding stock to preserve a bloodline. you can sell sight unseen. If you sell an occasional pets when you are breeding to preserve a bloodline that is ok. If you are selling the majority as pets they would look at that.

There was a list of people attending the webinar. I recognized two people from AKC legislation department, a number from NAIA and a Dog News writer as well as a representative of commercial breeders.

I would suggest anyone interested in this subject sign up for the remaining webinars.

Charlotte McGowan Newton, MA

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Dog News 105

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