MEET THE JUDGE: Honey Glendinning

1. How long have you owned dogs?

I have owned dogs all my life. My parents always had purebred dogs. When they were first married my mom gave my dad an Irish Setter. I never knew that dog as he passed before I was born. The first dog I remember is actually own Dalmatian , Patches. She was fun and lived a good long life. After she was gone our family doctor recommended we get a Dachshund. Tiger was a standard smooth Black and Tan. He lived till just before we moved to BC in 1966. For the first time we did not have any pets. So for my 16th birthday in 68 I asked for a dog. My parents knew I loved and wanted an Irish Setter and they surprised me with one.

When we went to pick him up the breeder said, Why don’t you show him?. I asked, To Who? She then explained dog shows. One was going to be in Vancouver in the next few weeks so we all went. I had no idea what was going on but I knew I had to be part of it. Thus started my love affair with this sport. I soon after bought myself a second one. My young sister said she wanted her own dog and my father sent me on a mission to find a good breeder of English Setters. Thus started my journey into English and stayed there for over 50 years under the kennel name Fantail. They have done incredibly well of which I am very proud. My young sister grew up to be an incredible handler, much better than myself and married the most wonderful man in the US. They are known as Taffe & Bill McFadden.

2. What breeds have you owned?

I have owned personally, Irish and English Setters, a Golden and a Lab. Married into Newfoundland dogs. I have been involved in the breeding etc of these breeds plus a few others.

3. What do you do in your ‘other’ life?

Recently moved to Lethbridge Alberta, so setting up a new home and all that involves I love gardening and music. For work I ran a book store for many years and actually have some non dog friends that I keep in close contact with.

4. Tell us about the first time you saw a Dalmatian in your ring?

I am not sure of the first time I saw a Dal, but I did show one for a couple of years called Pride. He was owned by the couple that started Canine Review so many years ago.

5. What are the main differences between the first time you judged a Dalmatian and the most recent time?

I have learned so much more over the years, on this breed and others I will never own. I say that because if you dont own one, you don't truly understand what makes them tick, mentally and physically. Breeders see their dogs grow from new born to aging adults and all the stages in-between. You can read a standard and understand it, but you need to see and judge several all over the country or countries to really get a feel for them. Different areas have bloodlines that have effected their lines and this can differ from region to region. Take a look at Tollers, rarely do you see the same traits from the west coast to the east coast of North America yet all fit into their standard, some better than others. I can not tell you how many times I will be faced in the ring with something I have never seen before and then gone back to the books or talk to what I call long time experts in the breed so they can help me.

6. What is a pet peeve of yours when judging the Dalmatian?

I am not pro or against handlers and never will be, but some owners that want to show their own dogs should go and watch the good handlers and pick up tips. It doesn’t have to be with this breed but several that are the same size coat type etc. I say that because then the handler wont be worrying about the coat, have a table or a giant breed that they are showing. Let’s talk about baiting. Watch when they do it and truly how little they give them. Also Never before a judge is trying to see the bite. Also never on the down and back which makes a dog side line. So don't dislike them as they are giving away all their great tricks right in front of you to pick up for free. Even notice what they are wearing. No long sweaters that float in front of the dog as they go down and back. Most people show them well, but there is always room for improvement.

7. Can you offer a piece of advice for those who show Dalmatian in your ring?

Never crowd, never be late, never run up on the dog infant when going around, slow down with the food and above all Practice in from of a mirror to see what set up highlights your dog to its best advantage. Then use your phone/ camera to video tape your dogs movement so you can see what speed is correct.

8. Do you feel there is an aspect of the standard that is being forgotten about when you are judging this breed?

So many breeds these days are having a problem with the total structure of the head. From improper size shape and depth of muzzles to incorrect ear placement. When the muzzle isn’t right then the teeth size and placement are effected. When the back skull isn’t quite right then the ears are set on oddly. I am not seeing a lot of poor heads but keep it in mind. This is the most beautifully built dog with a melting expression.

9. Which do you rely on more, visual or manual evaluation?

I first line the dogs up to see the overall, shall we say first glance as to what I have in front of me. I look down the line up to see the overall size and proportions of the dogs. Then one at a time my hands tell me a story. The texture of the coat, The development of the body. The conditioning of its muscles. I check the mouth, color on both sides etc. My hands tell me what I will probably find when the dog goes down and back. Sometimes I am surprised that I didn't pick up on something or thrilled they told me what I am seeing. Then send it around to see the foot timing, the strength of theta line, carriage of the tail and carriage of the head. So I honestly use both all the time.

10. When you look down a line up of Dalmatians, what catches your eye?

Balance. What it does going forward it has the strength to kick or follow through in the back. Head carriage, correct top line and tail carriage for which it was developed to do and be.