BIS Magazine Europe • Summer 2022 by Best in Show Magazine

BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

WE ARE

Best in Show I am truly happy that after all the hard times in Europe and the World, we are in print again! I am extremly happy we got all the support from all of you who are part of the magazine, including Best in Show Magazine team, all breeders, handlers, judges and exhibitors with your interviews, articles and advertisements! In Summer edition 2022 of BIS Magazine, be ready to enjoy interview with Salvo Foti - Professional Dog Handler from Italy; Mr. Robert Kanas - one of the most famous Skye Terrier breeders and Terrier judges; interviews with Bedlington Terrier and Irish Terrier breeders; interview with Ana Gajzer - ex Junior Handler; World Whippet Congress by Mauro Perna; European Dog Show report by Karl Donvil; Travel tips to enjoy Madrid and many other! Lately Dog Sport in Europe is having a great fight with animal activists and now, more than ever, we should stand up together and defend our sport of purebred dogs! To all of you who is on the way to Madrid, we wish safe trip and great time! Stay safe.

JOVANA DANILOVIC Chef Editor

MARY MARSHALL Writer & Proofreader

DJORDJE DANILOVIC Social Media

LEE GROGAN Managing Editor

JUSTYNA SKROBISZEWSKA Social Media

BISCREATIVE.COM Art Department

www.BISmagazine.com • info@BISmagazine.com • www.BIScreative.com

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C o nt e nt INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSIONAL HANDLER

SALVO FOTI

INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

ROBERT KANAS

ARTICLE

WHIPPET WORLD CONGRESS 2022

MEET THE BREED

BEDLINGTON TERRIER

C o nt e nt MEET THE BREED

IRISH TERRIER

INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER

ANA GAJZER

124

TRAVEL TIPS

MADRID, SPAIN

136

REPORT

EUROPEAN DOG SHOW • PARIS

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I N T E RV I E W W I T H H A N D L E R

SALVO Foti Dear Salvo, knowing how busy you are I have to say thank you for taking your time to answer the following questions!

Please tell us how did you start with dogs and how did you decide to become a handler? A big thank you, Jovana, goes to you for such an amazing surprise. I am very pleased to answer your questions. Since my brother Andrea and I were children, we’ve always loved dogs, pure bred dogs in particular. Unfortunately, our relatives didn’t share that kind of interest, so it wasn’t easy for us to acquire our first dog. In the meantime, we collected about a 100 dog magazines and books in order to learn as much as we could about each breed. We have never missed the annual show in our city, the Palermo International Show. We weren’t interested in smartphones or any other device, but just dog shows which always fascinated us. In 1990, our father gave us a Bolognese as a present, so we started to breed a few litters. From that point our first aim was to breed Bolognese and we used to show our dogs at any show that was close to our city. I took a long break to study in college where I received a specialist University degree on pure breeds. After college I could resume my

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INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSIONAL HANDLER

into this environment. Nowadays, I like to go and observe my colleagues while in the ring to catch some of their work details. What do you consider your greatest win so far? The greatest and the most sensational was winning the title of World Winner with multi–Ch. Seasight Derring-do “Derry” at the 2016 World Dog Show in Moscow over 503 Siberian Husky entries. It was my first world dog show, and one with a dog who had been a gamble for me. I counted a lot on him. This title win has been full of satisfaction and emotion. I achieved considerable notoriety thanks to that result. passion with dog shows and breeding. I started showing our dogs, at first, then some owners began to ask me to show their dogs and I did it with good results. By that time, I was working in my own grooming and bathing services place. In 2015, I decided to try become a professional handler, so I moved from Sicily to Rome, where my official and current activity began. My thanks are due to some breeders who have trusted me with their dogs.

If you were not a handler, what else would you do for living? I don’t really know how to answer this question, I’ve done many different jobs in my life. For sure I wouldn’t work in an office, that’s not for me. I like to work in the open air. Please name three dogs that were the most important in your career so far.

No beginning is easy. How did you evolve into a professional handler?

Of course! I have to ask you to let me mention four dogs though. None of them can be excluded.

Exactly, nothing is easy at the beginning. When I was a boy, the only information I had were from magazines, which gave me the opportunity to get to know about Richard Hellman and Mia Ejerstad, professional handlers who became a real model for me and someone to be inspired by. Step-by-step, show-by-show, I’ve met all the other professional handlers. Watching Richard Hellman and Mia Ejerstad for the first time live was amazing. I used to go and watch them either in the rings or their grooming area to observe the way they worked, their organization, and the grooming before the judging. I started asking them questions and they’ve always kindly given me the answers I was looking for. I’ve always appreciated to have been accepted and welcomed

Seasight Derring-do, Siberian Husky, World Winner in 2016, Vice European Winner in ‘16, winner of many club shows under specialty judges known all over the world. Multi BISS, Multi Ch. Magellan Go Tessaiga, a Shiba Inu, the dog who I gained my first very important results in with as the top dog in the breed in Italy for three consecutive years, apart from many Best of Group wins at International shows. The list also includes Ikumi Go Di Bordakitainu, an Akita Inu, World Winner, Best of Opposite Sex at Crufts in 2019, and winner of many Best of Breed titles in a very important historical moment when the entries in this breed where so high at around 40 entries per show. Multi BISS, Multi Ch. Radamantino Dante, Bolognese, Best of Breed at Crufts ‘19, Best in

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Show (the second Bolognese in the breed history who has got a BIS all breeds and awarded third at the Italian Breeds Cajelli Cup). Do you have a handling philosophy? What do you think is the most important aspect of boarding and showing dogs? I must believe in the dog I’m showing, bring out the correct features of him or her, and try to make as few mistakes as possible. I must manage to give the dog the best appearance adapted to that ring. The handling, the grooming, everything must be done in order to enhance the performance. Do you have a favorite show to attend as handler? What do you think show organizers should change to make shows easier for exhibitors? I prefer Crufts, one of the most important dog show appointments. The charming green carpet… it’s the most beautiful show to me. I’ve never been to Westminster and I might change my mind. I would suggest to dog show organizers to provide suitable locations according to the kind of exhibition, with comfortable, speed entries and, above all, comfort for the dogs. They are the stars there, and they must always be protected. I showed at several exhibitions in Europe that met those requirements. Recently you are working with Gaia Favretto and you two are great team of professional handlers. How important for you is to have good help? How many dogs per show approximately do you have? Thank you for the kind words. Gaia and I have been working together for the past three years and I must say we have gained great achievements. Her collaboration has been very important and having a skillful partnership is very important for teamwork. It is quite hard to realize, though. In my experience during the last years I have had excellent coworkers who have helped me in my professional growth. My brother Andrea, Virginia Orlandi, Nina Cabral, Alex Ancona have 32

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been my precious partners during the last years. I owe them a lot. It hasn’t been easy to make a team, there are some management difficulties. I usually bring six or seven dogs to the show so that two people can easily handle them. There are particular circumstances in which we bring more dogs and, in these cases, I arrange work in a different way. For example, I hire someone to be on the team, which is the most important and necessary thing to do. How do you feel about junior handlers and young people in the sport? Do you think it is important to be an assistant to a professional before becoming one of them? Do you think kennel clubs are working hard enough to educate youngsters? If the opportunity had come about I would have been a junior handler, but I used to play other team sports when I was young. I think it’s very useful for them to work with a professional handler, especially in the kennel. In the last years I followed the growth of some of them and they’ve obtained much better results than the others who

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start training them to exhibit. I started to attend grooming lessons, especially about stripping, as I hadn’t had spare time to do it before to find out how fascinating it is. However, I’ve been trying to be always present in our work environment by keeping in touch with several colleagues and exhibitors. Would you consider being a judge one day? Sometimes I’ve thought about doing it in the future as I’m attracted by such an idea. I’ve always loved studying breed standards in order to learn as much as possible about each breed, their history, and their features. We will see. Meanwhile I still love doing what I do and do it as my job. Do you prefer showing under all around or breeder judges? What in your opinion, is a good judge?

hadn’t been flanked with professional handlers. I happily noticed that some European kennel clubs organize both campus and meetings for junior handlers with professional handlers. I think it’s a good initiative to take as an example. During the pandemic it was especially hard for Italy, so how did you spend your time? It has been a worldwide tragedy. At the beginning I was worried for the whole situation and for our health. Then I started spending my time doing those things in my own structure which had been pending, in order to be ready to get back to work when possible. As soon as it was possible my clients have given me their dogs so that we could 34

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I think it’s essential for our dogs to be judged by both of them. The judgement from an all around judge and the one that is a specialist should be considered together as a whole. The dog’s career depends on both these judgements, which are equally important and complimentary to each other. This is important not only for the handler, but also for the breeder. A correct dog can win and gets confirmed again by both judges. That is something I could personally see with some of the dogs I showed during my career. A good judge has a great eye for the dog and watches the movement to verify his initial perception according to the type and the standard. A good judge is also able to get close to the dog, knowing the peculiarities of the temperament of each breed. Are there enough professional handlers in Europe or too many? How do you feel about professional handling in this part of the world? I think that in Europe there is not a clear definition of the professional handling. I don’t think it can depend on the number of dogs you deal with. I think that, apart from the ability in

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handling a dog, it requires the means of transport and the kennels where we work with dogs and keep them. In Europe a regulation about the entire vocation doesn’t exist. Each professional handler chooses his own arrangements according to his own requirements. I would appreciate if we had the same kind of rules and regulations as required in the USA. Nowadays, how is it possible to distinguish a professional handler? Obviously, at the moment, it looks like it’s only the ability what makes the difference. I think there is a large number of professional handlers, but I don’t know exactly what the situation is all over Europe. Being a professional handler, do you think it is important to be able to condition and groom dogs you are showing? How do you feel about having dogs at your home and ringside pickup? I am absolutely sure it’s very important to be able to condition the dogs we have in handling. It is necessary to get them used to the ring and it is necessary for us to get to know their temperament traits better. It’s also important to teach them about grooming and take care of them, keeping in mind their nutrition needs. This is something I care a lot about, in fact I prefer to keep dogs with me, in my kennels, and especially those who come from far away from my place in Rome. It’s very unusual that I take dogs ringside to show them unless I need to help a colleague. What advice would you give to young people who aspire to become professional handlers? If they deeply wish to live with dogs and if this is the world, they are attracted to then they should try and take an active part in the dog show world. Many of them are children of people who are inside this environment and sometimes they get interested because of it. Young people who decide that it is their path should do their best to learn from a professional handler, live his life with dogs, and also how to groom them. A professional handler’s life is not just about showing.

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I N T E RV I E W W I T H J U D G E

ROBERT Kanas A FEW DAY AFTER OUR INTERVIEW, RÓBERT WAS ELECTED A BOARD MEMBER OF THE PRESIDIUM OF SLOVAK KENNEL CLUB. WE WISH HIM BEST OF LUCK AND LOTS OF SUCCESS IN HIS NEW CHALLENGE!

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Please tell our readers what is your background in dogs? How did you get started? In the beginning, it was not even specifically about dogs only, but I have always been so close with all the living creatures and nature. I was led to it because of my grandfather, who raised almost all existing domestic animals. Since he was also a hunter, there has always been a hunting dog present in his house. It was my grandfather, who introduced me to breeding as such, even though he was never a registered breeder himself. Eventually, dog breeding became a passion for me and certainly more than a hobby. I remember the times when my grandfather took me to dog shows, which were relatively rare at that time. Also the number of breeds shown at them was significantly lower than today. On the other hand, the number of entries in many breeds was significantly higher than today. It was quite common that some breeds were being judged in several rings because of their high entries. It was the dog shows that got me hooked to the idea of having my own dog and later to devote myself intensively to the world of cynology. Unlike my grandfather, my parents had no relationship 46

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with this hobby and no understanding at the time. Since I am a somewhat stubborn and goaloriented person since childhood maybe the fight of having my own dog and the effort to prove that I will be able to take care of it has left me with love for dogs ever since. Today, I am grateful to my parents for this, even though it was not easy for them at the time. In addition to spending all my free time with my grandparents in the countryside, there are a few interesting stories associated with my beginnings in dogs. Imagine a 13-year-old me who decides to travel alone by bus to a dog show held in a city almost 100 km away. This was long before the times of the cell phones and the internet. We know that you started with a Cesky Terrier and later on a Skye Terrier? Why was that? These breeds are today considered as rather rare, was it the same case when you started with them? What attracted you to these breeds? My path to terriers was not as straightforward as it might seem, even though today I know that terriers were, are, and will be a part of my life. My first purebred dog was a Wirehaired Dachshund, gifted to me in 1989 by my already mentioned

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grandfather. Unfortunately, he was stolen from me when he was a year old, yet I still remember his amazing personality. It was a personality that is very typical for Dachshunds, their incredible charisma and expression. After I lost him, I started thinking about what breed to get, not only as a companion, but also as a show dog. Can you imagine when I showed my parents an Old English Sheepdog and said that this is the breed that I chose and it could live with us in our apartment building? My choice has gradually changed and the size of the breed has decreased. For some reason I was enchanted by the Cesky Terrier. Maybe because at that time it was our national breed in Czechoslovakia. As you mention, even at that time the breed was relatively rare and getting a puppy was not easy. All the more so when a 14-year-old boy calls the breeder. I succeeded and in the summer of 1992 I brought home my first Cesky Terrier from North Bohemia, a female named Zambi z Nového parku. It was not only a successful entrance into the world of dog shows but also into the world of terriers, and I am forever grateful for this coincidence. When I entered the world of terriers, I met also with Skye Terriers but the breed was indeed rare. Nobody was breeding them at that time in Slovakia, but there were some breeders in the Czech Republic. The breed has always been able to draw my attention but the real turning point came when I saw a bitch, Rannoch Skye Gwyneth, at one dog show. From then on it was clear to me that I need to own one. I got my first Skye Terrier in 1997. I originally wanted a bitch, I contacted some breeders in Europe and I also approached the legendary Olga Smid in the USA. The Skye Terriers from her Kennel Olivia were exactly what I wanted to have, and it was Olga who gave me contact to the breeder who at that time was expecting a litter. There was no bitch in that litter, so a cream dog Silversky Bohemian Asterix joined the family, and it was decided on the breed for life. I got my first Skye terrier with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Štětinovi (Euri-Escot Scottish Terriers).

Did you have a mentor when you got started? Of course. Fortunately, I entered the dog world in a time when it was natural to learn from the more experienced and to respect those who had already accomplished something. I don’t consider the right way to learn from the Internet and to have one’s opinions based on Facebook posts. I was very lucky to meet some great people, who did not only have great results behind them, but above all they were willing to share their experiences, advise, guide the newcomers and openly express their opinion. There were many who inspired me and still there are many who inspire me today. In the very beginning it was Erika Pekárová (z Tichého podhradia Old English Sheepdogs and Shih-Tzus), our friendship has lasted to this day. I will just mention some other ones but the list is long. The person who accompanied me in my first steps in the world of terriers and has a significant participation in the fact that I stayed with the terriers. This person was Mr. Milan Šedík (Tornádo Slovakia Wire Fox Terriers and Cesky Terriers), then President of the Slovak Terrier and Fox Terrier Club. I started organizing my first dog shows with him, and he taught me what it takes to organize a dog show. Even up to this day, I often think about him when I face some decisions about what he would probably advise me to do. I am proud to be the current President of the Slovak Terrier and Fox Terrier Club that he founded. Another person who undoubtedly helped me significantly in my beginnings in the Skye Terrier breed was the already mentioned Olga Smid (Olivia Skye Terriers). She was a very charismatic person with incredible energy, talent and a sense for breeding dogs. My dream to own a bitch from her breeding came true for me a few years later, when we got Olivia Victory to Flanagan in 2010. This bitch is still my daily memory of a real master breeder. My first steps when it comes to judging were mainly influenced by our Slovak judges Mrs. Gabika Ridarčíková and BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

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Mr. Jaro Matyáš. There is one more person who has been a great influence and that is my wife Martina (Sunshine Celebration West Highland White Terriers). As important as it is to have the right mentors, not just in the beginnings, it is also important to give back everything that has been given to us. I am glad that today I can be the one who has a chance to pass on my experience. Do you remember your first dog show? I don’t exactly remember the year, but I think it was the International Dog Show in Nitra in 1985 where I went with my grandfather. In those times, it was the only international dog show that took place once a year in Slovakia. I still have a very thick catalog at home from that show, by the way in those times it was being hand-assembled and typewritten. Today we can’t even imagine that. Remembering my first dog show, I have to mention another great person, the director of this show Mr. Alexander Bakoš, who was its long-term director and with whom I had the opportunity to cooperate. Later he was also my university lecturer. I had the honor to take over the tradition of Mr. Bakoš in organizing the International Dog Shows in Nitra and build the Dog Expo Nitra brand. BREEDING

the vast majority of our dogs stay with us for life. We usually have around 15 dogs at home, half of them being our seniors. In terms of the number of dogs we do not belong to large kennels, but we do everything to produce quality and healthy dogs. We do have some of our dogs in co-ownership in other families, they are usually our good friends. It is the co-ownership that allows us to have such a reasonable number of dogs at home, so we can combine it with our daily jobs, and at the same time engage in breeding. In the past, I myself have been a co-owner of several breeds, that I have actively shown. Would you say that a brood bitch is the backbone of a breeding program? It is a fact and everyone who has some experience with breeding must confirm this fact. Until you realize this fact at your beginnings, you are either still looking around or you are producing successful dogs, but they are a product of random coincidence. I know only a few stud dogs who have been able to produce quality offspring with any bitch. On the other hand, I know a good number of brood bitches that are behind many successful kennels. Advice for beginners: If someone advises you that a quality brood bitch is the backbone of a breeding program, do not think about whether it is true or not. Just think about where to get this bitch and how to select her.

How did you pick your kennel name, Flanagan? Flanagan Kennel was registered in 1994 and my first litter of Cesky Terriers was born in 1995. Flanagan was a successful racehorse, whose name I used as an inspiration for my kennel name. How many dogs do you keep in your kennel? Do you co-own dogs in some other households or families? My wife and I breed two breeds under two separate kennel names - Skye Terriers under Flanagan and West Highland White Terriers under Sunshine Celebration. We are small-scale breeders, and

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When considering a breeding, which do you look at first, pedigree or physical virtues? Very good question, but very difficult to answer. In Skye Terriers, you have to consider both. First of all, I will not consider to use a dog that does not meet my expectations when it comes to type. Then I look at the pedigree, and the struggle begins. It rarely happens that I am 100% satisfied with both, the phenotype and the ancestors. Breeding is about feeling, talent and the ability to make the right compromises. And even if you have it all in your hands, the nature will often

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play it differently and show you who is the master of the situation. I tend to say that it is difficult to get to the top in breeding dogs, but it is much harder to stay on the top. It is almost impossible to continuously achieve the same quality. It takes constant work and patience. Also a certain amount of respect, humbleness and modesty. Which dog was your top record holder? I have to say, that I was lucky because in my beginnings I got some quality dogs. On the other hand, later it makes it hard to settle for an average. I don’t like to answer this kind of question because several of my dogs have been successful, and have the highest titles. My first Skye Terrier - Silversky Bohemian Asterix was a two-time European winner (in 1999 and 2000), and the most successful terrier in Slovakia at the time. My first World Winner title came with a male bred by me, who was a multiple BIS winner and also a European winner - Flanagan Zuccherino. My female, Flanagan Xclamation was a two-time European winner, and the winner of

the Terrier of the Year competition in Slovakia. The US import, Olivia Victory to Flanagan has only been shown at a few shows, but she has also won the World Winner title. One of my latest successful Skye terriers so far is Gold Monarh Tramontana . She was awarded BOB at the World Show, European show, and at Crufts. In the history, perhaps only three Skye Terriers have achieved this. Flanagan Limited Edition is being regularly placed in BIS competitions, among his many wins are: two time European Winner title, Best Dog at Crufts in 2019 and BOB at Crufts in 2022. One of his greatest achievements and the most valuable one for my Flanagan kennel is his 4th place in a strong terrier group at this year’s Crufts dog show. Flanagan Energizer at Feorlig was the top Skye Terrier in 2021 in Great Britain, he has finished his UK title in a relatively short time, and thanks to his success, Flanagan was ranked as the top kennel for the breed in the UK for 2021.

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It is necessary to realize that the success comes from the quality of each dog, but behind is also hard work. The work that is done by their owners, and for this I would like to express my thanks to them. Have the Skye terriers changed over the years? For better or for worse? Yes, I can say that the breed has changed. Something got better and in something I would like to go back a few years. Particularly, the temperament of the breed got better with the selection done by the breeders. Skye Terriers are now friendlier and more open than they used to be years ago. It is a very positive change, mainly because the breed has a chance to find a wider group of its supporters and lovers. On the contrary, not positive is the fact that the gene pool of the breed has narrowed a lot in recent years. After a few years of stagnation, however,

I have a feeling that the work of the breeders is beginning to bear fruit and the overall quality of the breed is returning to the top. This year, I had the honor to judge my breed at two important shows - the Skye Terrier Club of Finland Jubilee Specialty Show in Helsinki and the World Dog Show in Brno. I am pleased to say that I have seen several excellent dogs in my ring. This gives me hope that the exterior quality of the breed is on the rise. You are again a Dachshund owner. How does it feel, going back to the original breed which you had as a child? Do you plan to breed Dachshunds, as well? It is a great feeling. As many times as you say that they are great, the same amount of times you say that one Dachshund at home is enough. I started with Wirehaired standards, but last year a Wire-haired Miniature bitch, Jazzmeenah Vitoraz joined us. It was not planned. At one show, where I was judging, I asked Jan Bušta (kennel Vitoraz) if he would sell me a young bitch, which he was showing there. Apparently I’m not the only one, who gets these great ideas, to bring home a completely different breed from the show, because at the moment you get enchanted by one. So somehow it happened, and now we have her sister at home. Dachshund’s temperament is incomparable to the rest of our dogs at home. While terriers will be happy to do something for you, the Dachshund is happily demanding that you do something for him. And do I plan to breed Dachshunds? I definitely plan to have a Wirehaired red bitch with my kennel name Flanagan. We will see how many litters I will have to breed to achieve that. Please share with us two or three names, whose skills do you admire when it comes to breeding, showing or judging? It is very interesting to find out who has influenced the beginnings of famous kennels, or whose work is being appreciated by respected breeders. I’m not sure if I can answer this question with the

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same excitement and to mention only two or three names.

Both of us know quite well what we want to achieve and which way to go to get it.

In breeding, my great admiration still goes to Olga Smid for her dedication and work with Skye Terriers for over 50 years.

We do have an unwritten rule in our household: When it comes to breeding dogs, we respect the other’s decision, even though we may have a different opinion. I can say that as we discuss very often, and normally agree. Martina makes more decisions by feeling, and it is very interesting to see what results it brings in breeding. She simply has the gift of looking at two individuals and knowing whether it goes together or not.

In showing, I always admire the detailed work and professionalism of Javier Gonzales Mendikote. In judging Liz Cartledge is very inspiring to me whenever I see her in the ring, or whenever I had the opportunity to show under her.

JUDGING I also admire the results of some Slovak breeders. We do not have big kennels, where you could select from a number of different litters and choose the best show dog or stud dog/brood bitch. Our breeders have to consider every step in breeding more carefully, because of the number of chances. And yet Slovak breeders are not lost in the world and we have some top breeders and exceptional results in some breeds. I have already mentioned three names, but I can’t help myself not to mention one person and that is my wife Martina. She is a real proof that it is possible to be at the top, even for a breeder who is engaged in breeding only as a hobby, does not own dozens of dogs and can combine breeding as a hobby with a relatively demanding profession. Your wife, Martina is a successful Westie breeder under her Sunshine Celebration affix. Are you somehow involved in her breeding program? A: Above all, my wife is a great and extremely hardworking person who pursues her goal. This gives her a clear idea of what the ideal representative of her breed should look like. If you adjust your breeding priorities to this, the results will come. It sounds like a simple recipe for success. However, there is a lot of hard work behind it, a great deal of respect and sincerity for oneself in selection, plus talent. It is her talent and feeling for the breed which creates Sunshine Celebration Westies.

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When, and why, did you decide to become a judge? It is thanks to one of my mentors the already mentioned former president of the Slovak Terrier and Fox Terrier Club Mr. Milan Šedík. We often exchanged opinions on some dogs during our talks, initially about Cesky Terriers. We both had the breed at the time. Despite my young age and experience, he was able to listen to my opinion and shape it. During one of our talks, the idea that I could become a judge came up. At that time I already had Skye Terriers and I would also say quite a decent overview in the terrier group. I took my first judge’s exam in 2001, in the very same week as my final state exam at the university. For which of these exams was I studying more? Now I am a group judge for FCI groups 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and some breeds from groups 1, 2, 5 and 6. Do you aspire to add more breeds/groups to your judging CV? Frankly, I do not have a clear answer. As I consider myself a determined person, I only had one very clear goal to achieve in terms of judging. That was to become a judge for all terrier breeds. I get asked whether I want to become an all rounder quite often. I do not say no, but when I think about

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which new breeds or groups I would like to add, I tend to follow my intuition and feeling that I know the breed well. You may be an experienced judge, yet there are still things that are new to you when judging. Judging dogs is a lifelong learning even in breeds which you have been judging for some time. For now, I am satisfied with the breeds and groups that I have. Is there a breed or breeds that you personally enjoy judging the most? Terriers! What are your priorities when judging--head and expression, general morphology, movement, attitude? The absolute priorities are the standard, breed type and overall balance. Personal preferences and priorities are correct only if they are within these three elements. We have to realize that the judge is not the one who has the right to change the standard. On the contrary, the role of the judge is to preserve and guard the heritage of purebred dogs. Judging dogs is for me more professional than a social activity. Dog shows are a social event, and that is right, but the judging part should be primarily about expertise. Just as the right approach of the judge can help the breed to progress, so can the personal preferences beyond the breed standard do more harm to the breed. The responsibility of the judges for the development of individual breeds is often underestimated. Yes, we can argue if the breeders are the ones who are responsible for the development and fate of individual breeds. However, let us realize that anyone can become a breeder. The judge is the one who is undergoing exams and education. I will state that head and expression are very important to me. It is the head that is a very characteristic feature of the breed, and in some breeds also very demanding for a correct judging.

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What conformation faults bother you the most when judging? I focus on the whole picture and balance rather than on individual faults. However, what really bothers me are the health-related faults. If you could point a highlight in your judging career, what would it be? I had the privilege to judge my breed Skye Terriers at Montgomery County Kennel Club in the USA in 2017. I appreciated very much to be invited there. Another memorable assignment was this year’s specialty held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Skye Terrier Club of Finland. I was honored to judge Best in Show competition at the World Terrier Specialty in Finland in 2014, as well as the terrier group at the European dog show in Brussels in 2016, and judging the terrier group at the World Dog Show in 2021 in Brno was an indescribable experience. Is there a dog show that you would like to judge? If so, will you share with us? Yes, I do have two more dreams. One is quite modest and the other one is a “big deal” but I will not reveal them. What is your favorite show and why? Do you look at dog shows differently when being an exhibitor and when being a judge? I do have a good number of favorite shows. Some I like because of their level of organization, others because of the quality of the breeds which I judged there. There are also dog shows organized by people who have over the years become my very good friends in cynology. From the breeding perspective, specialties and club shows are important to me. They are a showcase of the current state of the breed, the competition is usually higher and also the judge is selected

INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

with more attention. Whether being an exhibitor or a judge, I look at the shows rather the same. Although I do have more demands in the role of an exhibitor. If I had to name just one show which I consider to be the best, it will probably be the Winner Show in Helsinki. The number of entries, the quality of the competition, the excellent organization and environment, marketing and final competitions are among the very best. You are a director of Dog Expo Nitra, organized every June in Slovakia for three days. This event is associated with a great organization. Please tell us more about your shows, its history, the number of entries you usually have and what makes these shows popular among exhibitors. I have been cooperating in the organization of these shows for more than two decades. This is the oldest international dog show in Slovakia. Over the years it has changed its way several times. In the beginning, it was the only CACIB FCI dog show in our country, and the groups were divided into two days. It was not unusual to have more than 3,000 enteries. Later, other shows started to be organized in Slovakia, and the traditional “Nitra

in June” also needed to progress. Already under my leadership, the original one two-day dog show became two one-day shows held in one weekend. Later, a third one was added, so today we have a three-day event called Dog Expo Nitra. In addition to three international shows, on the same weekend the World Special Show of Slovak National Breeds is held. In 2019 we also organized the World Special Show of American Staffordshire Terriers, Amstaff Major, with the largest participation so far with almost 300 entries. We usually have around 7,000 entries every year. Our exhibitors often come from more than 30 countries all over the world. My effort was to create the Dog Expo Nitra as a brand, to which not only exhibitors but also judges return with pleasure year after year. To create shows from which the wins are valued more than from a regular international show. Our organizing team consists of active cynologists who are experienced breeders, exhibitors and judges. Perhaps the combination of all these elements makes these shows popular. It was at our shows that for the first time in Slovakia we BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

used the online registration system, as well as the first livestreaming of the final competitions in Slovakia. We have been there, at the very beginnings of the P1 Dog Shows, and our mutual cooperation brought to the market a company that today brings the atmosphere of the world and european shows live to the world. All your already mentioned activities and the organization of Dog Expo Nitra must take a lot of time. Is cynology also your profession or what do you do in your professional life? No, cynology is still a hobby. Although, my friends who know me well say that I even make my hobby into a job. After my veterinary high school studies, and zootechnics at university, I was attracted to banking and business. However, this has one thing in common with my beginnings in cynology. I also made my way in banking from the bottom. I started as a consultant at one of the small bank branches, and over the time I became the head for more than 1,000 distribution networks. In the banking environment, I had

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the opportunity to participate not only in large projects, but also in the organization of several large events. Maybe those, as well as the organization of dog shows laid the foundation for my previous job as the managing director of the National Exhibition Center in Slovakia. It was a significant experience that affected not only my professional life but also my hobby. TERRIERS As you are mostly known as a terrier judge, let’s talk terriers. Do you think that there is a general decline in the quality of terriers? Unfortunately, I think the golden era of terriers is over. Nowadays, terriers are becoming less popular because people tend to prefer low-maintenance breeds. Some are also worried about their grooming. Yes, it is true that stripping and

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INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

trimming take more time, but at the same time it is also a very good form of relaxation. We have to consider that people’s lifestyles have changed over the years. Today, we have more options and therefore less time. All this affects the popularity of terrier breeds. The decline in their numbers also affects their quality. I am being optimistic and believe that fashion trends will change and terriers will have their comeback. There is a lot of work ahead of us because marketing has dominated all the areas in our lives, cynology being no exception. Which three terriers showing in recent years, not from your kennel do you most admire? A: In Skye Terriers, Olivia Spirit of American Idol, my BOB winner at the World Dog Show in 2009, three-times World Winner, European Winner and Best in Show from my favorite show the Helsinki Winner Show 2008. The legendary Wire Fox Terrier, King Arthur van Foliny Home, who won many prestigious titles. He was my BIS at the World Special Terrier Show in Helsinki in 2014. If I can mention just three then the third is the Bedlington terrier L´End Show Metti Surprise at Glare, who was my terrier group winner at the World Dog Show 2021 in Brno and ended up winning Best in Show there. Q: Let’s discuss sparring. Facing off is not allowed by the FCI. It is allowed by the AKC and is often seen at terrier specialties in the US. Sparring can occur in some terrier rings at the request of the judge. It is done to encourage a terrier to show a “terrier attitude”. Is this something you would like to see in your ring, if it was allowed by the FCI and if it was done correctly? What is your opinion on this topic? Each country or a region has its own characteristics in cynology. American dog shows are known for professional handlers. Although sparring is not uninteresting for me, I don’t think 58

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I need it in my ring. I can’t even imagine this in Europe. The way of showing dogs is different here and we have many beginners in our rings. I do not think that it would add value for us here in Europe. It would not affect my placements when judging. Last year you have been elected President of the Slovak Terrier and Fox Terrier Club. Do you have any vision in this new position? If I did not have a vision and a clear idea, I would never run for this position. My main goal is to create a team of people who can support and work for terrier breeders and enthusiasts in Slovakia. Our club needs to be modernized and we should focus on promoting terrier breeds to the public. Plus promoting and showing Slovak bred terriers abroad. Last but not least, it is necessary to make our members feel united and encourage the Club’s social function. I had a good teacher, Mr. Šedík. I believe that I will be able to do everything in order to reintroduce what has disappeared from the Club in recent years. Because after all our common interest is terriers. Among the first accomplishments in this position is the organization of a Terrier Specialty show with the largest entry in the history of our club, which took place in March this year. Are there any other breeds besides terriers that stand close to your heart? The list is long, I don’t think we have enough time and room to mention them in this issue. Terriers are of course in the first place. In the past I was a co-owner and have actively shown some other breeds. I could see myself again in the ring with an Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Tibetan Terrier or American Cocker. If, in addition to terriers and of course a Dachshund, I would think about another breed that I would like to have at home, it would probably be a Portuguese Water Dog. CONCLUSION

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INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

If you could, what would you change in the dog world? I would probably like to see less ambitions. There are a lot of them in our sport. I don’t consider a healthy level of ambitions to be bad at all. But if winning is the only ambition at all costs, this does not help cynology as such.

great people in cynology. I do like to pass on the knowledge I got from them very much. I do enjoy the success of someone I have been able to mentor or to help in cynology at least as much as I enjoy my own success. If we take the right steps to raise the next generation of cynology enthusiasts, it will be easier for us to deal with the real problems that we have.

My wish is to see cynology as a hobby where at the beginning and the end is a dog. This should be the focus of the whole sport. Everything else, such as judging, dog shows, competitions, board positions, etc., is a part of it, but once it becomes a priority, we are not going in the right direction.

Among the current problems are mainly sick efforts of extremist and pseudo animal rights groups with their aim to regulate the breeding of purebred dogs and their interference in organized cynology.

On the other hand, I would like to add a great deal of respect. Respect for the values that were left to us from the ones who were here before us, but also for the work that awaits the next generation.

Yes, of course. There are many goals, but my main one is to continue breeding dogs that are typey, sound and have good temperaments. It is important for me to continue being a breeder, and not just a judge and cynological official at the expense of my own breeding and my dogs.

Personally, I was lucky enough to meet a lot of

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Do you still have goals you want to achieve?

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WHIPPET World Congress ITALY 2022 Mauro Perna, Majestrian Whippets

The exhibitors group pic (half of them) before starting of judging

Against all the odds the 7th edition of the Whippet World Congress finally took place as planned since 2020 in Italy, organized by the Italian “Club del Levriero” under the supervision of Arnaldo Cotugno (Sobresalto Whippets) the Vice President of the Club as commander in chief. The history of the Whippet Congress started in 1996 taking place in Vermont, USA and organized by the AWC committee along with Bo Bengston (Boheme, USA) and in spite of the “peculiar” location, in conjunction with the National Specialty started immediately as a huge success and attracted some very significant international public. The Americans managed to precede their British “cousins” as the original vision of a World Congress started originally in the Motherland of the breed but did not take place until 1999,

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followed by Belgium 2002, Australia 2004 and Sweden 2008 and after a hiatus of 10 years again in the US in 2018. Organizing such event in post-Pandemic times was a huge risk and the location itself beautiful, Padenghe sul Garda by the Garda lake, but not exactly in the middle of Europe had caused some concern for months. Padenghe is the location of many Sighthounds specialties and important events since 15 years and so the committee decided to keep it as originally planned, weather turned in favor of the event and the whole week has been simply spectacular. The festivities opened to the guests on Tuesday 10th of May with the Cocktail Party and continued on Wednesday and Thursday with the Congress, more than

250 participants attended from more than 20 countries, including Singapore, Mexico, Brazil and the USA. Four breed specialists and judges intervened with four different topics: - Mrs Iva Kimmelman (Merci Isle, USA) on Building a Multi-purpose Whippet to the standard. - Mr Thomas Munch (Flic Flac, Germany) on Type and variation of Type. - Mrs Bitte Ahrens-Primavera (Sobers, Italy) on Whippets vs other Sighthounds. - Mrs Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (Sunsalve, UK) on Whipper breed standard, why? Plus several veterinarian and genetists interventions also during the lake boat tour, such as Intervertebral Disc Herniantion and Sportsrelated Traumatology. On Thursday night the theoretical part of the Congress was celebrated with an incredibly attended Gala dinner. The Congress was followed on Friday 13th of May and Saturday 14th by two specialties held by the Club del Levriero, Whippets only on the 1st day and all Sighthouds on Saturday (with a 3rd specialty for all Sighthounds but Whippets on Sunday).

Whippet entry was big, 153 on each day, although some had previewed many more, but due to the obvious International situation, costs involved and the mid-week date it looked more than a success. The judges rotating over the two days have been: Iva Kimmelman (USA), Thomas Munch (Germany), Bo Bengston (USA), Ann BeckettBradshaw (UK) and Yvette Short (UK) with the addition of Mrs Elizabeth Janzon (Sweden) as a referee for Saturday’s BOB. The main winners as follows: Friday BIS went to the bitch Ch. Crème Anglaise Irish Cream bred and owned by Mt Jan Willem Akerboom from the Netherlands and BOS to the Junior male Majestrian Everdell (also BOB Juniors) bred and owned in Italy by the Majestrian Kennel. Saturday BOB & BIS among all Sighthounds was Ch.Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile, bred and owned by Arnaldo Cotugno & Annalisa Rovani in Italy with BOS to the Open male Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha bred by Giovanni Liguori in Italy and owner/handled by Melita Sternad Lemut of Slovenia. Also on Saturday the Annual Club

Friday BOB bitch Ch.Crème Anglaise Irish Cream (left) & BOS junior male Majestrian Everdell (right)

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W H I P P E T W O R L D CO N G R E S S I TA LY

Saturday BOB bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (right) & BOS Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha (left)

Champions of the Club del Levriero were crowned with their title (and no Intersex competition) by Mr Bo Bengston with Club champion male to the Multi Ch.Majestrian Blue Vertigo bred and owned by the Majestrian Kennel in Italy and Club Champion bitch to the above mentioned Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile. All in all the Congress and Specialties have been a huge success, the international atmosphere was felt throughout every event, size has finally not been the hot topic as the majority of breeders have moved on to more interesting and actual subjects and by all standards the work of Whippet breeders Worldwide has been applauded for their work, the breed has developed and landed into the modern era without loosing it’s typical traits. One fresh new was also shared with the crowd, see you in Prague, Czech republic in 2026 for the 8th edition of the Congress !

Ann Beckett-Bradshaw The Whippet World Congress was a wonderful

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experience, and the team of organisers did themselves proud. Everything was beautifully planned down to the smallest details. The venue was exceptional and absolutely perfect for this occasion. The presentations, lectures and boat trip were both educational and interesting, we all went home with more whippet knowledge than we came with. We were also incredibly lucky that even the weather had been arranged for our comfort! There was a lovely, almost family atmosphere once the judging had started and the exhibitors seemed to be enjoying every aspect. I am, I confess, a very greedy judge of whippets. I want it ALL – shape, elegance, movement that is effortless in profile and true and sound on the up and back, temperament, conditioning. Many times when judging, I can feel like I got pretty close to my ideal, it just needs a tweak of this, or a slightly better that. I can forgive much, but as time goes by, I remind myself that the whippet is a functioning breed and MUST be fit for purpose. Then, I see other

breeds where exaggeration and fashion has taken them so far from the performance they were ‘designed’ for that they are barely useful as exercise companions on a walk.

Part of the crowd attending the Congress

We must not allow our whippets to go the same way through chance, or worse still, because of fashion. I won’t care how often a dog has won, nor if it is owned by a complete novice, my best friend or my worst enemy, I will give my honest opinion. That is what I owe both the exhibitor AND the breed, and I WILL honour that debt. Afterwards I will live with a clear conscience that I didn’t become a victim of ‘The Kings New Clothes’ or the latest style of ‘Splash and Dash ‘or ‘Big Movement’. want ALL that is in the Breed Standard, but I want it all in quiet MODERATION.

Part of the crowd attending the Congress

I did find some really lovely whippets, particularly in the bitches, which is typical worldwide. There were several of both sexes that I could have brought home with me, if I could have just squeezed them into my suitcase! Italy has its own version of ‘Sandringham Time’ (look it up on Google) – There was much hilarity at the ringside from the UK contingent as there has to be practically a fatality for UK judging to be delayed. We invented a new phrase - ‘Italy Time’, - at least 30 minutes later than you thought!!

The gadget’s official table

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W H I P P E T W O R L D CO N G R E S S I TA LY

Annual Club Champions: bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (left) & Ch. Majestrian Blue Vertigo (right)

I really enjoyed the different pasta dishes that we had the opportunity to try, the Gala meal was delicious and the after-dinner dancing was an education! My personal thanks must go to Arnaldo and Daniela who were my link from start to finish and to whom I will be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Italy, their whippets and their hospitality But I confess, I will really miss the cappuccino – it was just perfect!Ann Beckett-Bradshaw

Melita Sternad In the 7th Heaven at the 7th WWC. The 7th Whippet World Congress in Padenghe sul Garda was the second breed specialized event I attended. The first was held 4 years ago in Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA. However, I went there with my whippet friends but without my dogs. So, I was basically just an observer, learner, and admirer. For somebody quite new in the breed (and showing) as I was at the time, it was very educational and influential for me to meet 68

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so many pleasant, open, and knowledgeable breeders, handlers, and dog owners. With many, I am still in contact. This time, in Italy, it was different. In many ways, but especially in the related emotions, before, during, and after the event. I knew a bit better what to expect, which dogs I’ll be able to see in the »flesh«, and whom of my friends will I meet again, so it was very exciting to wait for the date to come! And – this time I was also showing. Interestingly that was only decided at the last moment still open to enter. I was weighing between dedicating my time to 100% watching the show and catching up with friends or bringing and showing some of my dogs, including a puppy (I am just not able to concentrate well on all, unfortunately). Obviously, the last-minute decision to show was a great one (especially because I had absolutely no expectations). And the expectations I had otherwise were more than fulfilled. It was really overwhelming to see so many friends after such a long time. And this time also to meet so many beautiful children, siblings, and parents of my

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own whippet boys (such a lovely, special feeling as well!). Moreover, the organizers did more than a fantastic job too, especially with creating an absolutely welcoming and friendly atmosphere in attractive ambients, including a boat. The speakers shared many useful experiences, information, and tips, and the evening together was simply a blast. So, all together felt just like a big family reunion. Like coming back home for a common holiday season. Top of the top in immense surprises was the show time. I have never ever experienced such a calm, encouraging, and positive spirit (in and out of the rings) as the judges, but also the audience and competitors, together with devoted organizers were creating both days. I am usually very nervous, and absolutely not confident in the ring. But this time I was able to quite enjoy the showing too. Even after my Ian (selected both days into the final cut in a big and strong open class) was getting more and more attention on the 2nd day by the well-respected judge Iva Kimmelman and it became quite clear that he has good chances for good results. Even then I miraculously remain calm enough to go through until the end by firstly winning the class, following with a fantastic CAC, and finishing with a dream result BOS with him! Achieved by myself handling. Undescribable and unforgettable feeling indeed! (Well, I did try to pass Ian in the final to his way more experienced breeder, but Ian »decided«, as a typical whippet, to prefer to go on with me, his owner). Ian (Rock’n Roll & Cha, Cha, Cha), out of the outstanding Multi Ch Sobresalto Standing Ovation (BIS veteran on the same show) and sired by the stunning Multi Ch Twyborn Big Ben, is a Corona-time baby and due to all the lock-downs and an injury on top of it, he was hardly ever shown as an adult. But in those very few events we attended before the Congress he was placed well, most successfully on the Specialty shows and despite his obvious lack of experience. And

that encouraged me to give it a try. And I could not be more grateful to all the respected judges involved to recognize and appreciate his qualities! First to Mrs. Iva Kimmelman, for» finding« him and rewarding him with the unforgettable CAC. And then to Mr. Bo Bengston (among others, adding to the decision for Ian to be presented by myself) as well as to Mrs. Ann Beckett-Bradshaw and Mr. Thomas Münch, all together judging in the BOB competition. And last, but not least, I am of course very grateful also to Ian’s breeder Giovanni Liguori (Uptempo now), of whom I own also another two dogs, both placed and evaluated well too! What else can an enthusiastic whippet owner want? Rhetorical question, of course.

Bo Bengston (USA) selecting the bitch as his BOB as referee at the Friday Specilaty

Friday judges Mr Thomas Much (D), Mrs Yvette Short (UK), Mrs Ann BeckettBradshaw (UK) and Mrs Iva Kimmelman (USA) deciding on BOB & BOS. The referee Mr Bo Bengston was later on required.

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M E E T the BREED

B E D L I NG T O N T E R R I E R

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GABRIELE ILARIONI & SILVIA PROIETTI

EYES OF ANGEL DI NEPI LISE NILSSON

VELVETY

MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

GABRIELE Ilarioni SILVIA Proietti E Y E S OF A NG E L D I N E P I B E D L I NG T O N T E R R I E R S

teacher. We immediately became enthusiastic about the breed and everything that surrounded it as well as at the shows. I remember very well; our first show was the international show in Rome in 2006 on June 18. It was the first of the many joys that our boy gave us both nationally and internationally. He became a champion of many European countries and participated with satisfactory results in European and World shows.

Please tell our readers how you got involved with the world of pedigreed dogs, the Bedlington Terriers and dog shows. We are Gabriele and Silvia. We do not come from dog families, but since childhood both my wife and I have always been extremely interested in dogs. When Silvia was young, she had the pleasure and the possibility of having Toy Poodles as a simple owner. I had to wait until our marriage, in fact after our marriage while still very young. We had a male Doberman and then two years later, a Doberman female (without breeding them). We met the Bedlington Terrier in 2003, when my wife Silvia started a course to become a professional groomer. At that moment we still didn’t know how much that meeting would change our life! Oh yes, it has changed it all! Meeting that sweet, kind, and loyal dog with their fascinating and intriguing aspects has triggered a spark of love in us! We discovered these and other qualities in 2005, thanks to our first Bedlington Terrier Mr. Blue who was bred by Silvia’s grooming

Over time, our love and passion for this breed grew more and more, until we concluded that it was time to create something of our own. To give life to our Bedlington project and to bring our idea of the Bedlington to life. By this I mean it was time to start breeding! So, after a few years we created our kennel Eyes Of Angel Di Nepi. It came almost spontaneous and instinctive to me and my wife to choose this name when we decided to breed. Eyes of angel is what we thought when we first met this beautiful breed. The eyes of the Bedlington have the power to speak a great language, while Nepi is the town where we live, a few kilometres from Rome. Where did you get your foundation Bedlington Terrier and what breeders if any do you work with today? We decided to contact Lise Lotte Nilsson of the Velvety Bedlington Kennel. She was a person who was fundamental for us. In 2010 Lise gave us our first female Velvety. A daughter of Velvety Angel Eyes x Velvety Chasing Shadow, two dogs in my humble way of seeing that are important for the breed for their past, for the present and for the future, thanks to their offspring. In 2012 Velvety Waltzing Matilda, daughter of Piperdene Color Me Blu and Velvety Tiramisu also arrived in our house from Velvety Kennel. Both Angelina and Matilda were fundamental for us. Not only for the excellent results obtained in the show ring all over Europe and the world, but for the affection, joy, and above all the litters they gave us. They allowed us to bring forward our breeding with excellent subjects, healthy and well balanced BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

both in structure and in temperament. We had the opportunity to begin to make ourselves known and appreciated more and more in the world of Bedlington’s, in Europe and around the world. Who was your mentor in the breed when you started out and do you still have mentors today? Our mentor is certainly Lise Lotte Nilsson of Velvety Bedlington in Sweden. For us, Lise has been and still is important if not fundamental. Lise gave us the strength to start breeding, being always present with advice when needed. Lise gave us big advice on everything in the breed. On dog management, grooming and the relationship with social media. Are you currently mentoring anyone in the breed, and if not do you have time to mentor a new person that is passionate about the Bedlington Terrier? We are not mentoring anyone now. We are young breeders; we will be very proud to help someone with this amazing breed. Although, I feel there is little desire to listen and learn especially from those who are at the beginning. Not only with the 76

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Bedlington, but in the whole dog world. However, we have a particular “relationship” with Alice Varchi of Plumeria’s Bedlington. Alice has a female from our first litter and has used one of our males several times. We met Alice when she was 16 years old, and now we exchange opinions, ideas, and advice. Not only referring to the dog world, but she is also a true friend! How has the breed changed since you first started? This can be in quality and or presentation. The breed has changed a lot over the years. It is continuing to change for the better, both in quality and quantity of subjects. I remember when we were at the beginning, both in Italy and in Europe, it was difficult to find other Bedlingtons registered in the same show. Both in the expo and at home, we were very often stopped by people asking what breed it was or if it was a little lamb. I remember that most of the dogs were found at the European and World dog shows, but unlike now, the quantity of dogs was very limited. At the last World dog show in Brno 2021 there were 40 Bedlingtons entered, one of which was the winner of Best in Show. This was a record for

MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

the breed, also considering the period of Covid 19. To date I am noticing that unlike in the past, many owners have also become interested in the breed and in the shows. By participating in both the presentation and in the grooming of their dogs, the grooming over the years has changed. From a predominance of “English” grooming with short and functional hair, to the breed standard sometimes performed even with the clipper with longer hair that is pompous and flashy. What is your highlight when it comes to breeding so far? Our strong point has been and always will be total humility and respect for the breed, and for the breeders who are pillars. I believe it is very important to respect and appreciate what the breeders before us have done for the breed. They

have laid the foundations we are experiencing now, and it is especially important never to feel at the top. We always want to improve and learn and that is why we must always ask and listen to the great breeders. What is your highlight when it comes to showing, so far? Having fun. It is important for the show. It is true that the shows are tests on the work we are doing as breeders, but especially for the dog who is the protagonist, it must be fun! From puppy age, we try to create fun in the puppy’s mind to create a connection between them and us. This will make them happy to go to the expo, and consequently we are also happy to go to the expo with them. Another very important thing is respect for the dogs, for us and for other people that are at the

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MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

show. Inside the ring, but also home on social networks.

Which Bedlington Terrier breeder do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?

What do you think are the strong points and weak points in the breed today?

We respect all breeders in the world, because in any case they do their best to carry on their idea of the breed. Obviously, you can learn from anyone, of course there are breeders we focus more of our attention and interest toward, but we must always keep our eyes open and listen to all.

The Bedlington is becoming more and more appreciated. It is a calm, sweet and affectionate dog. At the same time, if stimulated, it lends itself to multiple activities such as shows, agility, obedience and flyball. Being a very skilled runner and jumper, they are also used for hunting rats. Their weak point is the grooming. Not all groomers are able to groom them at best. Not for any fault of their own, but because they are not really among the simplest or more commonly known when it comes to grooming. What are points you wish all judges knew about the Bedlington Terrier before judging the breed? As the number and quality of dogs at the shows increase the judges are becoming more and more used to judging the Bedlington well. I believe they should focus more on the hair, referring to the texture and color. The hair of the Bedlington is very characteristic and must have a particular texture and coloration. I am now seeing more and more dogs almost absent in pigmentation, and with hair far from the standard, like a Poodle or Bichon. The hair is very distinctive. It must be thick and linty, standing well out from the skin, but not wiry. It has a distinct tendency to twist, particularly on the head and face. The color must be blue, liver, sandy with or without tan and needs to encourage the darker pigment. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world, and why? Important shows, like the World Dog Show, Euro Dog Show and Crufts. It would be my dream that we could one day show one of our dogs at Westminster and Montgomery. At these shows you can see a lot of other dogs and meet a lot of breeders from all over the world. 78

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Please name three Bedington Terriers that you wished you owned/bred. These can be any dogs in any point of history. Choosing only three dogs to represent the whole breed is a very difficult task. You risk leaving out some important dogs in the history of the Bedlington, so I will limit myself to choosing dogs that I have been able to see and get to know up close. These will be dogs that I have seen live. I was very impressed with Velvety Angel Eyes, “Loppan”, who was raised by Lise Lotte Nilsson. She is a bitch who has marked our history in the Bedlington, being the mother of our Angelina. She has left an indelible mark in the world history of the Bedlington Terrier. Another important dog that I like to remember is Velvety Chasing Shadow, “Chase,” who was bred by Joan Weiskopf. A few years ago, we had a co-ownership with an Italian breeder with a dog that was imported to Italy. That dog that has given excellent results in the ring, but above all as an excellent producer. I have recently been impressed by a dog in the United States named Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking AKA “Zoolander.” He is owned and bred by LAMZ Bedlington Terrier, breeders Laurie Zembrzuski and Gaby Gilbeau. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. I must be honest, the important thing for me is the judge at specialty and all breeds, in general. However, I prefer to go to all breed shows where it is easier to find judges prepared to judge the breed. In Italy, it is not easy to find judges truly

MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

specialized in the Bedlington. This is always due to its little notoriety. How important is color and grooming in the breed? Grooming is very important in the Bedlington, for both pets and show dogs. In fact, from birth the dog’s hair will never stop growing. With the correct grooming we can design and shape the dog as reported in the standard. The same applies to the texture and color of the hair which is unique in its kind. It is important that the breeders try to respect and keep this kind of hair. The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? Every weekend in Italy we have at least two or more exhibitions between national, international or the most modern circuits. I have noticed this trend is increasing after the forced pause of Covid 19. I understand that there is a desire to return to normality by returning to the shows, but these

exhibitions were born as zootechnical checks for the work done by the breeders. Of course, not only breeders can go to the show. It is a good thing that individual owners are becoming enthusiastic about showing. They are helped and encouraged by the many handlers we have. I think the primary and fundamental purpose of the shows is the evaluation of the dogs and not of the handler. I believe people fight only for the ribbons; they do not give the right importance to the evaluations from the judges. However, I am sure that there is still someone who goes to the expo to have their dogs judged and are honest about the qualities and defects of their dog. It is just a sport and a passion; it should give us only joy. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? Our goals are to continue to breed happy and healthy dogs. We wish to continue having fun with them, by doing everything we can to be able to progress for the good of the Bedlington Terrier.

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MEET THE BREED: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

LNilsson ISE V E LV E T Y B E D L I NG T O N T E R R I E R

Are you currently mentoring anyone in the breed, and if not do you have time to mentor a new person that is enthusiastic about the Bedlington Terrier? I am trying to be helpful to beginners if they ask me, especially to those from other countries who purchase a dog from me and are ready to start a breeding program with my bloodlines. How has the breed changed since you first started? This can be in quality and or presentation. It has changed so much since I started my breeding in 1983. Presentation and grooming has improved a lot, we have better quality all over. What is your highlight when it comes to breeding so far? Please tell our readers how you got involved with the world of pedigreed dogs, the Bedlington Terrier and dog shows.

For me, type, temperament, and health is especially important. I think I did pretty good over the years to keep each in a good way.

It all started when I got my first Bedlington in 1973. I was fortunate to meet the best breeder you could ask for. I started with shows as a young teenage girl and bought my foundation bitch in 1981. I got my kennel name Velvety in 1986 and whelped my first litter in 1983. Where did you get your foundation Bedlington Terrier and what breeders do you work with today? My foundation bitch was from Irma Dovertie’s Kennel Flamengo. She was a top breeder at that time. Her name was Int. Ch. Flamengos Jirina. I have a few breeders I work with today in Sweden. Who was your mentor in the breed when you started out and do you still have mentors today? My mentor was Irma Dovertie of the worldfamous Flamengo Bedlingtons. I do not have any mentors today, but I still say you are never to old to learn.

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What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? My favorite shows are Montgomery County Kennel Club in the USA and our own Stockholm International Kennel Club Show in Stockholm, always held in December. These are two very prestigious shows that everyone should attend. Which Bedlington Terrier breeder do you respect most, anywhere in the world? t is my mentor who made me fall in love with the breed, she had the most beautiful type of dogs. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. I love both, but of course breed specialties are more fun to attend. Especially if a judge really understands the breed. What is your highlight when it comes to showing so far?

How important is color and grooming in the breed?

My bitch Multi-Winner, Multi-Ch. Velvety Angel Eyes “Loppan” who won the World Winner title three years in a row--2008 in Sweden, 2009 in Bratislava, and 2010 in Herning. She was also the number one Bedlington in the USA in 2009, and the same year she won BOB at Westminster.

Grooming is particularly important, so is color, but we all know a young dog can be lighter in color. Color will change when the dog gets older.

What do you think are the strong points and weak points in the breed today?

The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

Strong points are good strong movement and hindquarters, good long heads, good toplines. Weak points are fronts, they should be more stable. What are points you wish all judges knew about the Bedlington Terrier before judging the breed? Fronts, heads, coat texture, good movement and a good topline are especially important on a Bedlington!

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That is a great question! For me, it has always been to show my breeding stock. Unfortunately, these days, lots of breeders care more about ribbons and ranking which is very annoying. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? My future goal is to continue breeding healthy dogs, combined with beautiful breed type!

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M E E T the BREED

I R I SH T E R R I E R

RICKARD HAGSTROM

MERRYMAC

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HANS GRUTTNER

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ANNE TUREEN

EMSMUHLE TUSCAN RED

MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

RICKARD Hagstrom M E R RY M A C I R I S H T E R R I E R

In the summer of 1997, I got the opportunity at the age of fourteen to go to the USA and work for the famous terrier handler Connie Clark. We were lending out our Carl, Merrymac Do not Blame Me, to Mark Ulrich and I tagged along. That was a fun summer, and I learned a lot about preparing and showing dogs. I went back for a couple of summers to work for Joe and Allison Sunderman. Allison had considerable success and skills. She showed dogs from us, and I am incredibly happy I had the opportunity to work for her. Where did you get your foundation Irish Terriers and what breeders do you work with today? My mom got her first two Irish from Solveig Lamme, Kennel Mikehill. In 1984 my parents imported a top winning bitch from Kennel Carolmac in England. It was Carolmac Once Again. I would say she is one of the foundation bitches. The year after they got the chance to import Ch. Montelle Shooting Star. Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Irish Terrier and dog shows.

The combination of those two gave us MerryMac Kiss Me Again “Tweedie” who later on produced some top winning Irish. In the late 80’s and

I was born into the world of pedigreed dogs and luckily, for me the dogs accepted me. My parents started Kennel MerryMac with their first litter of Irish Terriers in 1977. I started going to dog shows before I could walk, and I have attended ever since. In the beginning, my brothers and me were just running around at the shows with the other kids. However, after a while I started to show my parent’s Irish, Westie’s, and later Jack Russell. I liked it and continued with competing in junior handling and showing other people’s dogs. My mom had a boarding kennel and a grooming salon. So, after school I sat down in the salon watching her groom dogs. Eventually I started to help her and gradually became better and better at it. BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

beginning of the 90’s we also imported three important dogs from the USA who have had a significant impact on our own breeding and for others. First was Ch. Tralee’s Hurricane Kid “Magic.” He had such elegance and authority in the ring that no one missed him. The latter two were the bitch Starkdoms Tralee and her son Tralee’s Design for MerrMac. In a breed like Irish Terrier that is so small in numbers, you must work with other breeders to be able to continue. We work with breeders that have the same passion and love for the breed that we do, and of course have dogs that we think can improve our own breeding stock and vice versa. Who was your mentor in the breed when you started out and do you still have mentors today? My parents are my mentors. They have taught me to have a critical eye and never settle for mediocre. In the dog world overall, there are several people who helped and educated me. That is the beauty of the dog show world, there is always someone that can help you if you are eager to learn. Are you currently mentoring anyone in the breed, and if not do you have time to mentor a new person that is passionate about the Irish Terrier? I am not mentoring anyone becoming a breeder. However, I try to find time to help our puppy buyers to groom and raising their Irish, (the first year is rough). As a board member of the Swedish Terrier Club, I am responsible for our junior club, where we try to encourage and engage young people to get involved in the fantastic world of terriers. It is important work as they are the future! How has the breed changed since you first started? This can be in quality and or presentation. I would say the quality is higher today overall and the temperament more stable. Also grooming and

presentation have evolved a lot. The world has become much smaller today when you can take inspiration from people across the world with just a click. What is your highlight when it comes to breeding, so far? That is when puppy buyers come back to us for a second Irish. Then you know that you produced a healthy dog and that they trust you. What is your highlight when it comes to showing, so far? There are so many highlights. One that I will always remember was when my father and I went to Montgomery weekend in 2016 with MerryMac Zinnia of Gold Again and MerryMac You Are the Winner. They both became American champions in only three shows! That was amazing. The year after Zinnia gave us all goosebumps

winning the dog of the year award in Sweden. Outside Irish, the highlight is winning the breed at WDS in Leipzig 2017, with our Jack Russell MerryMac Conquerer, out of 298 entries. That was epic! What do you think are the strong points and weak points in the breed today? I think we have worked with the temperament from being a little too hot to being manageable. However, we need to watch out, so they do not become too soft. We still want them to be the daredevil of the pack. One thing that I think needs to improve are the fronts. What are points you wish all judges knew about the Irish Terrier before judging the breed? That they are allowed to have a small spot of

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white on their fore chest and that the color can be from wheat to mahogany red. That they should be rectangular, slightly longer then high. A good Irish you can spot miles away by only looking at the silhouette.

Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference.

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

One of my favorite shows are Terri-Eri in Finland. There is always a lot of nice people, good judges, high number of entries and super organization, as always in Finland. Which Irish Terrier breeder do you respect most, anywhere in the world? Mary Roberts, Kennel Tralee. Please name three Irish Terriers that you wished you owned/bred. These can be any dogs in any point of history. Tralee’s Rowdy Red, Rockledge Mick Michael, and number three is still in my head as an inspiration for future breeding.

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I would say terrier specialties. Often you will get good judges who know terriers.

I think that for most of the breeders that are in it for the long run it is about showing the breeding stock and to see new material, possible to use in the future. However, everyone wants to win. There are a group of people who are just in it for prizes and the spotlight. We get people seeing our dogs win and later texting that they would like to buy a great show Irish. That is not how it works! What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? That I can continue the legacy that my parents have started in Irish. I also wish that dog shows would be less politics and more about great breeding dogs.

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MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

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Where did you get your foundation Irish Terrier and what breeders do you work with today? I got my foundation bitch from Wilfried Henrich, which got me off to a good start. The Paternus Kennel was very well-known. He works closely with kennels like Pathfinders, Gnomeshalt, and Russetone. My interest was not in the breeders, only in their dogs. I looked for the dogs that could improve my lines through their genetic material. Who was your mentor in the breed when you started out and do you still have mentors today?

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Irish Terriers and dog shows.

My mentor was F.W. Schöneberg who was famous for his Airedale Terrier Von den Schönen Bergen. My interest in breeding was more awakened and several visits to Ireland and England followed. Later I got close to Harry Davies of Ben’s Heir, and Gerry and Jimmy Sweeney the owners of the famous Teltown Kennel, and in Germany the Comtesse Stauffenberg who owned the Kennel von der Frankenlerche.

When I was 13 years old my parents allowed me to have a dog. We had always had dogs as it was normal for a family that owned a flour mill to have them. I wanted to have a pedigreed dog an Irish Terrier. This breed caught my attention from the first moment I saw them. My parents went with me to a dog show, and the Irish were shown in the first ring. I was thrilled, I found what I was looking for! I got my first Irish Terrier in 1972, my wonderful Paternus Tessie. Her pedigree was based on the well-known Pathfinder-line from England. In 1977 the first litter of the Emsmühle kennel was born. Tessie was mated with one of the top dogs from the kennel of Countess Stauffenberg Frankenlerche. That is how it started. BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

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MEET THE BREED: IRISH

TERRIER

As a breeder you need inspiration. This was my path to becoming an all-around judge and it has opened my field of vision. I am incredibly grateful for that and for the knowledge I have received in this context. Are you currently mentoring anyone in the breed, and if not do you have time to mentor a new person that is passionate about the Irish Terrier? This is a great part of my dog life nowadays. I try to help other breeders since I have judged all around the world as an all-breed judge. Approximately twenty Irish Terrier breeders are in close contact with me, and we discuss which upcoming breeding combination is the best for their next litter. It is important that the breeders make their own decision. When the puppies are about 8-10 weeks old they visit me at the Emsmühle kennel and we look at what we have. This is a particularly good system of cooperation with ambitious breeders because both sides learn from this process. How has the breed changed since you first started? This can be in quality and or presentation. The breed has not changed in quality. We had excellent dogs in the past and we do now. The presentation at dog shows is different. The dogs are shown in a much shorter coat, and they are sometimes shown at a quicker pace than an Afghan Hound. As a reminder: every breed has its own speed. What is your highlight when it comes to breeding so far? My greatest success over the past few years is that I have been able to see that the offspring from our kennel are developing perfectly in terms of type, movement, health, and temperament. I am especially happy when I can pass my breeding

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MEET THE BREED: IRISH

ideals on to Irish Terrier lovers. I have never lost sight of this goal. For this reason, I was pleased to receive the Baron von Gingins Medal, the highest cytological award from the German Kennel Club (VDH) for my commitment to breeding in 2007. What is your highlight when it comes to showing so far? The greatest joy I was able to experience in the show ring was the day when two of my dogs at Crufts got the ticket for male and female. That was under a judge who has owned one of the leading English breeding kennels for many decades. What do you think are the strong points and weak points in the breed today? A strong point in the breed is and remains its temperament. That is the main reason why many turn to the Irish Terrier. The weak point is not caused by the breed-the Irish Terrier is created by his breeder. They always try to make him like the ordinary terrier. The original Irish Terrier’s back is bred to be shorter and shorter, the hair has changed, the head is narrower, and ears are always higher, eyes always small and close together, which is related to the fact that the head is narrower and much longer in the foreface. That is not the head of an Irish Terrier. You lost the D’hurty expression completely.

TERRIER

the ears shows to the outside corner of the eyes. If something reminds you of a Wire Fox Terrier, it is wrong. What is your favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? The one and only Crufts--the atmosphere is incredibly special! Which Irish Terrier breeder do you respect most, anywhere in the world? Gerry and Jimmy Sweeney, Teltown Kennels from Ireland: Harry Davies, Ben’s Heir Kennels from Northern Ireland, and Ann Bradley, Montelle Kennels from England. Please name three Irish Terriers that you wished you owned/bred. These can be any dogs in any point of history. I saw so many beautiful Irish Terriers around the world in the last fifty years. I must mention Ch. Maghill of Ben’Heir, Ch. The Survivor and Ch. Merrymac Copyright. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. It does not matter what kind of show. The most crucial point is that the judge knows what he

What are points you wish all judges knew about the Irish Terrier before judging the breed? The coat is wiry, flat to the body but never smooth. Hair is not broken, it has only a broken appearance. Color is not important if it is following the standard. The back is longer as in most terrier breeds. The head is in proportion, the eyes are never close together and the tip of

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is doing and have the knowledge of the breed. These are the essentials needed as an enthusiastic breeder and exhibitor. The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? It is a widespread problem in our new world. Many have lost the passion and fervour in our hobby. It is forgotten too often that showing is a game and breeding is an art! Two worlds meet at exhibitions. Those of the quality of a dog (breeding) and those of the presentation (handling and grooming). What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? For me as a breeder only a standard Irish makes my heartbeat faster and I imagine how I can bring him to his best advantage. That means many hours of work with the dog, which nowadays no one longer wants to do. Quick success is sought. My wish for the future is to find enthusiastic young people who continue to pursue this wonderful hobby and with whom the knowledge that I have acquired can be shared. Unfortunately, I keep observing that with the departure of the great breeders of our time that knowledge is irretrievably lost.

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MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

ANNE Tureen TEUMS SC M AÜ N HRLEED I IRRI ISSHH TTEERRRRI IEERR 114

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As a wedding gift my husband gave me a Cairn Terrier and soon, we added our first Border Terrier, but when we moved to the countryside, we wanted a larger dog so we thought we would look for a good Airedale. Then I remembered my Mother saying that her favorite dog of all time was an Irish Terrier named Scoogie. We visited Susan Seabridge in Lincoln, and all her beautiful Irish were playing together in the paddock then they ran up to her and started that characteristic vertical leaping. I decided at that moment and a year later our beautiful Sujoncla Ghost Dance arrived. That bitch had all the hallmark breed characteristics: balanced, loving, loyal, dignified, stalwart. She was a joy to have by our side. As per agreement with Susan, we attended a show to obtain an expert opinion when she was about 18 months old. The judge gave her ‘excellent’ but could not award her the CAC. I asked her why, and

Please tell our readers how you got involved with the world of pedigreed dogs, the Irish Terriers and dog shows. My kennel name is Tuscan Red, I live in Tuscany and the dogs are red, and we love red wine, all our dogs are named for bottles of Tuscan Red wine: Sassicaia, Brunello Biondi Santi, Elzana, Ornellaia and recently, Summus! I grew up with Airedales, though the first dog I acquired for myself was a Maltese. She was a wonderful companion for a young woman out on the town in my handbag. I will never forget her chasing the pigeons across San Marco Square in Venice on a rainy day, then she came with me for an aperitif at the Gritti palace, soaking wet. She carried that off with perfect equanimity.

MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

she just looked at my girl rolling on her back in the grass. ‘’She is not ready for the main ring’’. I decided to invest some time so that I could present my dog in a manner worthy of her quality and the Terrier Club of Italy (SIT) gave me a huge helping hand. They showed me how to strip and show my dog, and we began her championship career. I was successful after much work, and I consulted a judge who really liked her on where I could find a quality partner for her first litter. ‘’Merrymac of course, in Sweden’’ was his reply. I found out that a dog of their lines was living in Milan, so I used him as my first mount. Claudia Palazzuoli, the president of the terrier club came to view my litter and showed me how to evaluate the puppies. She selected our Sassicaia, which was an average bitch, but Claudia pointed out that she had an exceptional virtue in her beautiful head and graceful neck. So, I learned my first thing in selection, look for outstanding qualities, not just a lack of faults. Sassicaia did lots of winning, and I was now hook, line, and sinker caught by the world of showing and breeding; learning, growing

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and challenged. Where did you get your foundation Irish Terrier and what breeders do you work with today? A: Sujoncla Ghost Dance was my first bitch, and Susan was an incredibly special breeder. She provided advice and encouragement over the years and when we lost our girl, she cried with me on the phone. I have always tried to follow in her steps, to be alongside every family which adopts my puppies for the whole life of the dog. I was lucky to have support from other great breeders. Karina and Hans Gruttner became especially important friends and they let me have not only some wonderful mounts, but they brought me Aimee Von Oberstan Holtz bred from their own lines, and from her I obtained Tuscan Red Elzana who became a Junior European Champion. Gertrude Hagström gave me a mount from their exquisite Merrymac O’Sullivan. That was a big step forward for me. My Tuscan Red Fontalloro who won his class at Crufts and placed second in open class at the WDS was a result.

MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

I was lucky to meet Kelly Edwards while she was living in Germany and she was a loyal friend, giving me plenty of sound advice, and she encouraged me to contact Daniel Sackos in Washington. That turned out to be a wonderful experience. I went to visit his kennel, and he spent hours with me then, and later on the phone, just talking about the breed and offering tips. He sent his stud, Geordan Eye of the Tiger, over for a year, then my magnificent Geordan Principia arrived, so like her grandmother, the all-time winner of the breed, Geordan Tiger Lily! Today I have two solid partnerships, with Sonja Metschulat of Fireflash, and Camilla Flessner of Galahad’s Guardian. In such a rare breed it would be difficult to manage alone, and I feel deeply privileged to work with dedicated, ethical breeders like Sonja and Camilla. Who was your mentor in the breed when you started out and do you still have mentors today? Gertrude has often made comments over the years that caused me to reflect and grow. Dan and I had many conversations where he was perfectly frank, and I am much the better for it today. People in other breeds have also been fruitful relationships, Daniela Andreani in Border Terriers is extremely knowledgeable and through her I connected with Lakota Dog Training Center in Rome where I earned my certificate as a training instructor. Another source has been the Italian Kennel Club, ENCI. Their judge’s training program was the single most crucial step I have taken in this discipline. The vast wealth of knowledge within the sphere of Cynognostics brought focus and deeper meaning to my activities. Are you currently mentoring anyone in the breed, and if not do you have time to mentor a new person that is enthusiastic about the Irish Terrier? I enjoy helping fellow judges prepare for the exam in my breed, and I was honored that the terrier club nominated me to hold the breed

conference which was recorded and placed in the ENCI archives. There are currently some young people in Italy whom I hope one day will become breeders. How has the breed changed since you first started? This can be in quality and or presentation. A: In many ways it has improved. The breed is deeply indebted to the Hagstrom family who piloted Merrymac Zinnia of Gold Again to the number one position all breeds in Sweden, among the strongest countries in Europe in terms of breeding quality. Not only did they bring the breed before the international public through Zinnia, they continually present dogs that faithfully represent the standard, and their grooming has defined how the breed should be correctly presented in Europe, with enough coat to evaluate the texture but without that Schnauzer like head finish or Airedale legs that had taken hold in the 1980’s. Some examples of the breed are coming out here or there that have an excessively short humerus but sharp rear angles and long femur and tibia which makes the dog look showy but unbalanced. I hope judges and breeders will keep in mind that this is a moderate breed. The Irish is understated, and not likely to be mounting the podium as often as other breeds, specialty wins are the most meaningful. What is your highlight when it comes to breeding so far? Breeding is addictive, there have been many heartbreaking disappointments and I thought I would quit several times, but then you look at your dogs and you cannot stop evaluating what would happen using this male or that male, so you must try once again. My highlights could be the handful of beautiful dogs that have reached titles and podiums, but I have to say that my last few years of uniformly high-quality litters, mixing the three major lines has been satisfying. When BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

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MEET THE BREED: IRISH TERRIER

pet photos come in and they look great, I am beginning to serve the breed. What is your highlight when it comes to showing so far? When my male Tuscan Red Fontalloro came second in open class under breed specialist Gertrude Hagström at the world dog show. Getting CAC at WDS Brno this year was also lovely, under Philip O’Brian of the historic Irish T and Kerry Blue kennel Edbrios. What do you think are the strong points and weak points in the breed today? All over the breed is much more uniformly closer to the standard especially in size and type, coats are improved. We need to keep a close eye on lack of balance between front and rear assemblies. What are points you wish all judges knew about the Irish Terrier before judging the breed? This is a moderate breed, close to the norm type, go for the balanced dog with efficient, ergonomic movement.

Second: the breed was developed during the greatest famine ever endured in Europe, at the mid-19th century the Irish could barely feed their children, and a dog had to make do. So moderate size and substance are key elements of good type, A light racy mesomorph at 45-46 cm is the dog described in the standard. Perfect for nighttime poaching! What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? The Insubria winner show is a terrier tradition in Italy, and always beautifully organized, though the Latin winner show in Rome this year has put together a top-quality event. However, the SIT terrier club shows must be my favorite, the committee goes whole hog on finding the most talented breed specialists in the world and bringing them here. Montgomery is on my bucket list! Which Irish Terrier breeder do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present? This is a very difficult question. The breed does not lend itself to large kenneling since an Irish Terrier languishes in that environment, they thrive in a small family kennel. Therefore, it is not easy for one single breeder to produce troops of great dogs. The single most important influence in the breed is the ITCA (Irish Terrier Club of America), passionate custodians of our breed There is always plenty of interest in the latest discovery of Mike Kowalczuk the club historian who dedicates much time to sifting through archives searching for rare images or snippets of our breed. On an individual level, William Graham, the man who founded the Irish Terrier, is surely the most important breeder. Today I would have to say that Dan Sackos has done a great deal, investing time in new breeders, and working with the best partners. Breeders who closely contend

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for primacy among top breeders include Linda Honey of Rockledge, John Childers of Baystone, and Cory Rivera of Trackways. A perfect example of the virtues of this sort of collaboration is Trackways Cassidy Pi’d Piper, the most beautiful dog in recent times, dam: Trackways Red Letter Day – Sire: Geordan Tribute to Muldoon. Thanks to all these people, the USA is hard to beat in Irish Terriers. Please name three Irish Terriers that you wished you owned/bred. These can be any dogs in any point of history. Recent: Baystone Fireflash, Trackways Cassidy Pied Piper, Merrymac Zinnia of Gold Again. Past: Geordan Tiger Lily, Gloccomara Privateer, Tralee’s Rowdy Red, and squeezing in number four- Donedaire’s Diamond in the Sky. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. The judging panel is the value of any one show, though all-rounders contribute to evaluation of general morphology, the breed expert really sees the dogs from puppy to veteran, so specialties must be my choice. The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? That is exactly right. In his text The Complete Story of the Airedale, from 1911, F.M. Jowett affirms: ‘’...I know of no crowd of spectators who are keener or more outspoken critics than the Bingley ringsiders were in the old days, when every man present knew all the points of the breed.’’ I dream of this happening again, where ringside are people who know the standard and the judging process and are fully capable of recognizing the virtues and faults of each entry. I cannot bear hearing nonsense about political

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judging or choosing the handler not the dog. Judges dedicate long hours of study and in many cases all their free time to this activity- for free, it is voluntary service. Only many years of dedicated service bring even a crumb of respect, and judges become the focus of social media rages nowadays. Attending a show should be a zoognostic event, a presentation of the new stock of that year, not only before a judge, but before your fellow breeders. At the end of the day, the ribbon means absolutely nothing since each dog has a combination of virtues and faults and there can be only one winner. A show provides the opportunity for you to evaluate the stock and select for what is missing in your breeding program. The most valuable thing you can bring home from a show are your own observations. If you are lucky enough to have a written critique, you can use that to take a fresh look at the dog you found worthy of entering under that judge, and having seen the other entries, especially those placed above yours, you can plan and earn the respect of fellow breeders as well as a few ribbons. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? The word sport is frequently used; I have used it myself. Like athletes, we strive at an everyday level toward a goal, which, however, is not competitive. We do not really beat other dogs; the winner presents the animal closest to the breed standard. We are compared against perfection, not each other. The final line up is a classification of how closely each entry compares to the standard according to the priorities the judge had gleaned from that standard. Breeders are on parallel paths toward quality. Support and collaboration among the breeders of the day will bring the breed toward that goal faster. Thus, my own goal is to continue collaborating with like-minded breeders toward a shared goal of conserving a rare breed with dogs of quality and

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I N T E RV I E W W I T H J U N IO R H A N D L E R

ANA Gajzer First, I would like to congratulate you on all your successes. Let us start by getting to know more about your start in the dog world. Tell us a little about when and how it all started? Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. My dog show passion took off when I was around eight years old. We bought our first pedigreed dog, a Cane Corso and the breeder told us that he was promising. My Mum, brother and I went to our first dog show, unexperienced and even showed the Corso on a flexi leash in the ring. Luckily, the judge, Branislav Rajić explained how things work. We immediately fell in love with the show world and started to campaign Nox. I quickly noticed junior handling as well and started to train for it. Dogs surrounded me ever since I was born, so finding a hobby including them was a score for me.

Was the beginning difficult for you? Did you practice a lot? As I had no one from home to teach me, I have always offered my assistance to handlers and breeders, trying to find every opportunity to gain experience. By paying attention to detail, I learnt from early on that the key to success is always education, determination, and challenging work. Coming from a non-dog show family and ending up being the only one interested in shows, it was not a walk in a park. I was a small nineyear-old girl, who knew no one, but had a burning passion. As my parents never went to shows, I had to find other usually unknown people to travel with, but I always had my parents’ trust. I was practicing everyday with my Cane Corso; we would not miss a day of training! For a small kid with no experience, it was quite a breed to learn on, but he was showing his heart out for me. Destiny took him way to soon, but he was sent to me with a purpose. Who was your biggest supporter along the way? My parents. They allowed me to go everywhere as they knew it was something I love. Besides them, I would say Lana Premk. She was the first one that took me on show trips with her and showed me the ropes. Not only showing, but I also learned more about the responsibility that comes with taking care of dogs and grooming. I met so many incredible people and got many opportunities. Lana was the first one that saw something in me, for that I will be forever grateful. Later, Fran Rupčić and Richard Hellman took me under their wings, shaping me into the handler I am now. Do you remember your first placement; how did it feel? Yes indeed, it was on my first JH competition ever and I was placed third. I will never forget what a boost that was. I just wanted to compete everyday if I could. I was in my own world, extremely focused on my work and the dog. It truly felt magical, sometimes I miss the exciting feeling that JH competitions gave me, even later in my JH days.

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What was your most memorable win? Since I am no longer a junior handler as of this year, I feel like a great era is behind me. There are a few wins that still make my heartbeat faster. If I had to choose, I would have to say when I won the nationals in Slovenia, with an incredibly special dog for me in 2018. I had the opportunity to represent my country at the EDS and WDS. These were special days for me. I also got into the Top 10 at Crufts in 2019 and EDS in 2017. I consider the cherry on top of my JH career winning first place two out of four days and ending up as the Supreme Best in Show JH in split! I get goosebumps just looking at the pictures. I would love to relive that moment, not only the winning part, but also the whole competition. Negative attitudes are always somewhere around us; unfortunately, how do you deal with them? Unfortunately, it is like that in the dog world, and I believe this increasingly. I developed a thicker skin over the years growing up, but betrayal and lies still get to me. When I was younger, I would be upset over every bad comment and situation, but I was quick to realize that they should not bother me.

What are the biggest advantages of being in the dog world and what is not so great? I can only judge by my own experiences, but to me there was most, if not all advantages. I was a very shy child prior to showing. It was a major development for my character, and the view I have on life now. It also made me grow up faster and become responsible at an early age. I always traveled alone, without my parents. You get to know a lot of different people, cultures, and travel to many unusual places. I met a few of my closest friends at shows. These are the advantages I would not have experienced if it were not for shows. It of course is not all rainbows and sunshine, as people can be very mean and jealous. What is your favorite part of the job and which part do you dislike, and why? I love the start of the show, when the dogs are walked, and we are getting them groomed and ready to hit the rings. I am full of excitement and questions on how the day will go. I simply enjoy the presence of dogs, just being around them. The part I dislike has nothing to do with dogs, but with people as they can be full of negativity and need to bring others down.

INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER

not in quantity. Being eager to learn, humble and respectful is the foundation to build a career, as success can be temporary. To be everlasting, it requires a good amount of knowledge. However, never go in it to win it. Go to enjoy the time with your dog and learn from every single competition, every single dog, and each breed you have in your hands. JH is such a wonderful way to start off your career, but only by soaking up knowledge and experiences as much as you can. Stay humble, respect others and do not be afraid to reach out to people regarding any kind of help! Always remember that winners need someone to clap for them too. In your opinion, is it possible to learn the art of handling dogs or must one be born with the feeling for it?

Do you get nervous before a big show? I was always positively nervous before a big JH competition, as I really wanted to give my best. Now, I get this butterfly feeling every now and then, but it never affects me much. What was the most precious moment in the ring you will never forget? For me, every moment when the dog is wagging their tail in the ring while looking at my eyes is precious, it reminds me why I do this. I would say the most precious moment was when I won the Supreme in Split. My partner, Hu the Setter, was so excited that I could barely make it to the podium and stack him because of his jumping and hops. He was even happier than me in that moment, ha-ha. What do you think is the secret to success for a great junior handler? What supported my drive in competing was learning more about different breeds, in depth 130

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I would say not everyone is made for it, you need at least some kind of a touch for animals, for dogs. Sure, you can learn the stacks, theory, and all that, but it is a major difference if you do it with real feeling. I think many people lack that. How much time is needed to understand a dog and be able to collaborate properly with him? It depends very much on the behavior, breed, and temperament of a dog. Every dog is unique and needs its own approach, at least in my experiences. With some dogs you can just take the leash and go in the ring, while some need a few extra minutes and treats to trust you. I was never a fan of quick changes and grabs out of the cage and goin: straight into the ring. I always take few minutes before entering to relax, pet and connect with the dog. Shows can be incredibly stressful for them, sometimes people tend to forget that. Do you like the Crufts system of the IJH competition, or should they make any changes? I am a huge fan of the system. It is truly a show where skills are shown, and I am not talking about figures and rules. It reveals who has a touch, who

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can react to certain situations and who lacks that. As you only choose the breed, you do not know which dog you will end up with. If there is a dog not willing to cooperate, they always make sure to have some backup.

Have you ever thought about becoming a breeder? Yes, one day when I can really devote and dedicate my time to it fully. I never want to do things by half, and this is a thing that cannot be done halfway.

What is one dream that has not come true yet? I am still dreaming about my first BIS win. It would be even more special with my own dog or a dog that I am campaigning, as there is even more work involved. What are your other interests beside dogs and dog shows? Dogs take up most of my time next to school, however I love hiking and spending time in nature. I still play volleyball every now and then.

Would you like to become a full-time handler, or do you have other plans? It was in my plan for a long time; however, I think a situation like Corona opened my eyes to how quickly things can fall apart. I will study law at the university next year, which I am very much looking forward to. Dogs and shows will forever stay a part of my life. We will see what the future holds. Is there any difference between showing a dog in JH competition and the breed ring?

Did you have to choose between volleyball and dogs? Not necessarily had to, but to be fully devoted to dogs I chose to stop. It was difficult to combine everything as matches are during weekends, as well as dog shows. How are you juggling all your activities? Do you ever get tired and want to quit? As I mentioned before, it surely was not easy, but I always managed to get everything done. When I started high school, I had to be organized all the time. Luckily, I am in a sports program with some advantages. I do get tired, but never to the point I want to stop. I enjoy it too much and it has become a part of my lifestyle. Do you have a favorite breed that is close to your heart? That would for sure be the Cane Corso, as it is the breed it all started with. During the last few years, I have fallen in love with Dobermans, American Cockers, and Jack Russell Terriers.

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Yes! JH is how you present the dog, and the breed ring is, (or well at least should be) about the dog. Although dogs in JH competition should be presented like they are in the breed rings according to the breed standard.

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something I was not looking for. Many judges are still focusing on the wrong things, but I have noticed changes over the last few years. I believe you should represent the breed you are showing in the correct way according to the breed standard. As I mentioned several times, I really think dogs should have fun in ring and it should be a stress-free zone for them. My winner was an absolutely collected young handler, which ticked all those boxes. How different is it to stand on the other side of the ribbon? What do you prefer?

Do you have a role model handler who you admire most? One of my long-time role models became my mentor and a person to whom I am very thankful for everything. That is Richard Hellman, the man of the sport in my eyes. A few others I admire very much would surely be Javier Gonzalez Mendikote, Carissa Shipmeno and Angela Lloyd. What is your opinion about diverse types of judging JH? The whole competition and results depend very much on the judge, as every judge looks for something else. It is not like there is a standard like in normal breed rings that we all refer to. Each judge has their own interpretation of JH, which I do not think is ideal. What should a JH judge look for in the competitors, and what were you looking for when judging the Supreme competition in Split? I have and always will be supportive of the idea that JH is about the connection with a dog, and that you both have an enjoyable time. Circus shapes (8, F, T) do not fit with my ideology, it was

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It is like night and day! If you could only imagine how fast my heart was beating and what an incredibly hard decision I had to make when judging. With so many talented youngsters, I really had to choose between the slightest details I noticed. I now have a feeling what the judges go through. I absolutely loved every second of it and would like to do my JH judging exam as soon as time allows, but I still prefer being in the ring with a dog on a leash. Finally, what would be your advice for new generations just entering this world? I cannot stress enough how important it is to learn about the breeds you are interested in and understanding the basics of dog’s anatomy, otherwise it will be hard to present them to their fullest potential without knowing. Make connections with the dog and try to understand their wellbeing prior to wins and trophies. An idea I support very much is to find a mentor to guide you. Remember, let us be kind to one another. Be respectful, be supportive, and combine enthusiasm with passion. Thank for your time Ana! We wish you many more successes! Thank you very much for thinking of me for this interview!

TRAVEL TIPS

MADRID World Dog Show 22

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The area now known as Madrid was inhabited by prehistoric humans. Numerous ancient objects have been uncovered in excavations along the banks of the River Manzanares, such as axes and large mammal remains, as evidence. Originally named Mayrit, the city of Madrid was founded by the emir Muhammad at the close of the ninth century A.D. The city came to prominence during the Arab occupation of the Iberian peninsula, but passed into Christian hands during the Reconquest of Spain by the Christians. The present location of Madrid—in Spain’s center—was established in 1083 by King Alfonso I. All prevalent symbols of Muslim influence and rule were removed during this period. In 1329, King Fernando V assembled the famed Court of Madrid for the first time ever. This preceded one of the darker periods in Spanish history, the Spanish Inquisition.

How lucky are we to have World Dog Show in one of the most amazing cities in the World? When it comes to Madrid, there are numerious things to be seen and visit, not talking about food and spectacular restaurants, shopping and many other great things you can do while in Madrid. Madrid is one of Europe’s most historically rich cities. Its documented history traces back to the ninth century, but the area in fact has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, in the wake of the Reconquista, Moors and Jews banded together and formed a concentrated population in Madrid— named Moreria to this day. In 1494 they were all denounced as “unbelievers” and expelled from Spain. Mosques and other Muslim imagery once again disappeared from the area. On May 2nd, 1808, a revolt began in the Puerta de Sol—thus beginning the War of Independence. The large-scale war, in which the Spanish fought against Napoleon and their former allies in France, has given rise to a number of

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patriotic memorials in the city of Madrid. The Plaza Dos de Mayo is the most famous of these. In 1835, the world-famous University of Alcala de Henares was transferred to Madrid. The Faculty of Science was added to it, and the academy became the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM).

with buildings that mix architectural styles including Arabic, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque, also it is called the “city of the three cultures” since Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together here. The great painter El Greco lived in Toledo in the sixteenth century. Avila and Salamanca Tour from Madrid

After centuries of historical tumult, Madrid has made tremendous urban progress in recent years. It is considered one of Europe’s most progressive, modern, and beautiful cities. It has a vibrant local arts culture and boisterous nightlife, along with constant reminders of the city’s rich history. It is deservedly renowned as one of the continent’s best tourist destinations.

T H I N G S TO D O Private Electric Tour Most likely you won’t be excited sightseeing Madrid during the summer by walk, or driving through a big city. That is why this could be great option! Travelers who want a fun and easy overview of Madrid will love this 90-minute electric tuk-tuk tour. Pass by many must-see places in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the Almudena Cathedral. Make a note of the places you want to return to later on your own. This is a private tour that can be customized based on your preferences. Wine Tasting Enjoy a walk through the Imperial City of Toledo accompanied by an Official Guide, followed by a Winere Experience.Walk through 200 yearold vines accompanied by a local viticulturist in the vineyards to learn everything there is about wine-making. Enjoy an exclusive day out to a local winery in Toledo Region and taste 3 excellent wines . Toledo is one of the oldest cities in Europe

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Visit two unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain on an easy day trip from Madrid. Save yourself the hassle of self-driving or finding public transit to the towns of Avila and Salamanca by joining this tour. History and architecture enthusiasts will love exploring the medieval towns, with their fine plazas, cathedrals, university, and fortifications.

TRAVEL TIPS • MADRID

Avila and Salamanca Tour from Madrid

R ES T AUR ANT S

Fine Dining Raza Madrid A new temple of meat opens its doors in Madrid. In the heart of the Chueca neighborhood, and hand in hand with the creators of the mythical chain La Vaca Argentina, a space begins its journey that will undoubtedly become a reference for carnivores in the capital. A cozy interior design serves as the perfect setting for a careful grill where vegetables, fish and shellfish, and of course exceptional cuts of the best national and international breeds come together to offer customers a gastronomic experience that will undoubtedly be an essential reference for meat lovers in Madrid. Selected pieces from Argentina, breeds such as Friesian or Simmental, with different maturations, are part of the Raza offer, a new and innovative concept of urban and cosmopolitan grill.

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Gastrovia

MID-RANGE

TASTE THE TRADITIONAL LOCAL CUISINE IN MADRID

Montes de Galicia

Drop by GastroVía 61 and sample our traditional dishes. We recommend that you just sit down and let the flavours take you away. We have a dining room where the tables are presided by paintings of Madrid’s most popular squares. Get ready for a luxurious yet affordable gastronomic experience.

The concept of Los Montes de Galicia consists in offering a complete gastronomic experience, from a bar snack with prestigious wines by the glass, to a great variety of both classic and modern Galician recipes to author cocktails in our bar. The quality of the product and respect for the traditional flavor is our top priority, however we always take some creative liberties giving the dishes our particular touch.

Cebo Surprise an increasingly traveled audience from traditional and 100% recognizable flavors is not easy. Emotion based on technique, ingenuity and a thorough background work. We are already shaping the new project, with the that we feel very excited, and defining the concept for the gastronomic restaurant from autumn 2022. Changes are opportunities and we see what has happened as a great opportunity to growth and transformation to follow the path to excellence. CEBO: where the products will be the surprise, and the spectator the protagonist.

EXPERIENCE MADRID • TIPS AND TRICKS 1. Madrileños eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner roughly at 10 p.m. As such, don’t expect restaurant kitchens to be open before 1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. 2. The ‘Bocata de Calamares’ (calamari sandwich) is both a Madrid speciality and local favorite. 3. Walking is the best way to enjoy the city centre, but for places outside that area, you can buy a 10trip pass for the metro. 4. Most museums in Madrid have time slots when you can visit for free. Check it out. 5. Savvy shoppers know that the best time to hit the stores in Madrid is during “Rebajas”. These huge end-of-season sales take place in winter (usually January-February) and summer (JulyAugust).

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D O G SH O W R E P O RT • b y Karl D o n v i l

EURO DOG SHOW Paris '22 or some, the World Dog Show of Paris in 2011 is still clearly in mind. It was the biggest show ever organized with 38.000 dogs all sideshows taken into account. This time was different, right after the Corona situation, it would not be easy and the first rumors talked about only a few thousand entries, but it proved to be gossip only. About 17500 dogs were entered, 7500 for the Championnat, 10.000 for the European Dog Show. Both shows happened in the same halls at the event halls of Villepinte very close to the airport Charles de Gaule. It is impressive how big these event halls are and there is a lot of parking around. Unfortunately there was only one entrance and people who were located in the city and came by train had to walk a very long way around to get by the entrance of the showground. Luckily, the weather was fantastic, no rain, and not too warm. As usual the first day the veterinary control caused long rows of waiting exhibitors, some calm, others exited. I have seen this so often before. Usually the organizations ask veterinary schools for this job and these students take their job a little too serious and examine the dogs as if looking for a disease. I had the impression that the amount of visitors was fair, not overwhelming, but probably the good weather plus the presidential elections on the very same day might have had a serious impact. It was very unusual to find a catalog for every Breed Group and this for the “Championnat de France”, as well as for the European Dog

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Show. If you needed them all, like for the press, you ended up with 22 catalogs as there was even a separate one for Group 11, the group of the non-FCI-recognized breeds. On the other hand, exhibitors only need the catalog of their own breed and in that case you only need just two tiny ones if you entered for both shows, unless you have more than one breed of course. That saves a lot on paper, with less environmental impact. The content of the catalogs on the other hand, was a minor point. If, for example, you were looking for a breed that you wanted to follow, you had to look up what number this breed had, then you had to look inside the catalog to find out who was judging it and then you needed to look in the front of the catalog to see in what ring it was and look on the map where that ring could be found. And that was not all, because you had to go to that ring to find out what time your breed was sheduled. That is very complicated and I can imagine that most handlers with several different breeds to show, were getting crazy to plan their day this way. However, with the many available functionalities of database programs, it should be easy to elaborate a much easier overview. Another point of critique is that the name of the breeds were only in French and not everyone is a crack in translating French, like “ Chien De Cour Italien”, which I found out that this was the French translation of the Italian official name for

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“Cane Corso”. Contrary to the WDS of 2011, it was very clean all over the showground and inside the halls there was a lot of space. Most of the trade stands were located strategically near the entrance of the halls and that makes a significant difference for their turnover. If you want the people to buy something, you need to take care that they find you easily, seeing is buying. Royal Canin was the main sponsor and had a few strategic spots with a stand. Agria was the second sponsor. All over the place there were at least 5 stands where photos could be taken. The “Championnat” rings were in another hall, but there was only one main ring for the “European Show” as well as for the “Championnat de France” and that was located in the main and biggest hall. This hall was huge, containing not only all the rings for the European Show, but also the trade stands , plus the main ring with podium and VIP corner. Around the main ring were no stairs, only a few rows of chairs on one side of the ring, but that proved enough. The opposite side was reserved for the Press and the Live stream Crew. Alike in Budapest and Brno, the same team, called P1, was hired for the organization of the main ring. Instead of 4 placements there were only 3 this time, something that I applaud, because you only find 4 or more placements on Dog Shows and there is no reason for this. You don’t see this in sports or any other contests. The Live streaming Crew is a guarantee that most things went smoothly and well organized, far from chaos that we often saw in the past. It was only a pity that the side of the main ring where the dogs entered the ring was much darker than the other sides and on the podium the background was overlit compared to the foreground and the background was led light while the foreground was clearly tungsten yellowish light. But this is only annoying for the press photographers. The main ring looked very nice and large with stylish decoration via digital panels and with real plants. The podium front announced every time the part of the program that was on in digits plus the name and

nationality of the judge. Convenient as there was no program to be found about what was going on and who judged what. Every day, the finals started very early and there was a very serious reason for. On day one and two the Championnat was together with the European Show and that guaranteed a very long main ring program as everything happened in one main ring as told before. On Friday the Finals of the “European Dog Show” started at 13h and took till 16h30 for group 1, 4 and 5 followed by a pause. At 17h, the show continued with the finals of the “Championnat de France” for groups 7, 8, 9 and 10. All this included, minor puppies, puppies, groups, progeny, veterans, junior class for every breed group plus adult breed groups, good for 30 different judging’s of averagely 15minutes. On Saturday the same scenario plus the BIS finals of the “Championnat de France”. This time there were 36 different judgings, plus the European Junior Handling competition! The show ended past 9PM. On Sunday things were back to normal because there was no “Championnat de France” part this time as that took only two days. Instead we had the flag ceremony. Everything went very smoothly and the timing was very strict, but still both first days were absolutely exhausting. I understand of course that it would make a difference in budget. Hiring the P1 team (life

streaming) for 3 days instead of 5, same for the halls and the judges, makes probably a very big difference. But why not have the “Championnat” finals take place in the other hall and only have the Junior and the Breed Group Finals be held in the Big hall with life streaming. That could have made a significant difference of maybe 1u30 hours every day. On Sunday the show ended at a very reasonable time and that was a relief, with all respect, as for the rest everything went smoothly and within a strict timing. Due to the overloaded program there was probably no time space in the program for some kind of entertainment like we use to see on big shows like these. Of course it’s not a must, but it is always appreciated on condition that it is not overdone. On the other hand, coming to a show of this size in France is a treat on itself because France has 55 FCIrecognized breeds plus 5 more not-yet recognized breeds that you can see here for the first, and maybe only time in your life. Especially for judges this is a very unique experience. France is one of the most important cynological countries in the FCI, with over 130 employees. Every weekend there numerous different activities all over the country. Many of its breeds are hardly known outside France itself, because they are working dogs, mostly hunting pack dogs, differing in size, color or hair type and linked to “Chateaux”. They often have names that would sound nice BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE

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of expensive bottles of wine, names like: “Grand Gascon Saintongeois “, or “Briquet Griffon Vendéen”. I have seen larger “meutes” (packs) of over 30 dogs several years ago, but still, even seeing 6 Poitevins or Porcelaines being presented by two handlers in Hunting outfit attached on a long stick or chain, is impressive. Most of these dogs are branded with the seal of the Chateau on the back or on one of the flanks, and just like in the old times, only those who work fine are kept. In general they are very gentle and social in the pack, if not it would never be possible to hunt with them in large packs of 30 to 50 dogs. Some of the other rare breeds here were the Cao da Serra de Aires, the Romanian Carpathian and Mioritic, the Kai, Korean Jindo Dog and the Norsk Lundehund. In group 7 there we could find breeds like the Ariègeois, the Braque d’Auvergne, the Bourbonnais, the Epagneul de Pont d’Audemer and 3 varieties of Braques Français: the Gascognois, the Pyrenées and the Saint Germain. In Group 2 we found the Fila de Sao Miguel, the Tosa Inu and the Cao De Gado Transmontano. And in Group 6 we had, besides the pack hounds mentioned before, the Français Tricolore, the Grand Anglo152

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Français Tricolore. And finally, in group 11, the Barbado De Terceira, the Cusinu, the Epagneul de Saint Usuge, the Ratonero-Bordeguero Andaluz, the Pödenco Andaluz, the Ratonero Valenciano, a Cane Di Mannara and the Spino Degli Iblei. The most popular breeds of the show were the Teckels all varieties in size and hair type together, good for 362 specimen, followed by the Poodles all varieties in size and colors with 227 specimen, the Chihuahuas long and short coated with 194 entries, the Golden Retrievers and Labradors with 190, and 158 respectively, the Australian Shepherds with 186 entries, and the 155 Huskies. But the most popular was the French Bulldog with 234 entries and from this breed there is one variety only. Along with the 127 Pugs, the 102 Boston Terriers and the 101 Bulldogs, it is clear that the brachycephalic breeds are still extremely popular and that worries me in times they are the main topic of discussion in veterinarians circles. It is the duty of the judges, to promote and favor the healthy types, not the most caricatured ones and help to prevent breeding bans in the future. There seems to be moving a lot in Europe with regard to these breeds and if we keep going on,

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turning a blind eye to this problem, we could be facing a complete European ban. While all exhibitors went home, an FCI- European-section meeting was planned on Monday. I can only hope that wise decisions are taken with regard to this problem and that we can organize many more marvelous European Dog Shows. France can look back on this show with pride. It is not only here that the number of entries decreased since the start of the Covid Pandemic. After the release of the Covid restrictions, there were suddenly so many postponed European and World Shows, like the upcoming and several times

postponed Madrid World Show in Spain, that it could all turn out a little bit expensive for many exhibitors. And let us not forget the impact of the war in Ukraine! No Russian or Ukrainian dogs has a very huge impact on the number of entries. I am confident that it all will come up again bit by bit, especially once the war will be over, and who knows if we will ever get to the astronomical entries of several years ago. The least we can say is, that the big international events did not die with Covid. Another nice European Show is over, up to the next one.

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The Dog Breeders community has an appointment in Brazil! Get ready to the FCI’s World Dog Show 2022! #savethedate December 8-11, 2022 at Expo Center Norte, São Paulo.

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