We are Best in Show
Dear readers,
I am thrilled to share that our first Canadian edition of Best in Show Magazine was a tremendous success! Your warm welcome and enthusiastic support truly made it a memorable experience for our entire team. Thank you all for embracing this new chapter with such enthusiasm!
As promised, we are excited to bring you our August edition, filled with an array of beautifully designed advertisements that showcase the best in our community. In this issue, you’ll find captivating interviews and inspiring stories that highlight the passion and dedication of dog lovers across Canada. We are committed to bringing you content that informs, entertains, and celebrates the vibrant world of pedigree dogs.
Additionally, we’ve included our calendar for the upcoming month, so you won’t miss any important events or shows in the dog community. Whether you’re a seasoned handler or just starting your journey, there’s something for everyone in this edition.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for being a part of our growing family, and here’s to many more successful editions ahead!
Warmest regards,
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER JUDGE JUDITH TAYLOR
INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER
LAURENCE GIGUERE
TRAVEL TIPS
JUDITH Taylor
by Lee Grogan
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs. What breeds have you been involved with throughout the years?
I have a twin sister, and the two of us were animal and dog lovers from the very beginning. We used to bring animals home all the time, and at one point, we even collected snakes. We always had a pet dog: Trixie was a VERY large Sheltie, and then Laddie was a beloved Collie, sort of...
We took great pleasure in training Laddie, and we ventured to a pet show where the grand prize was a six-week obedience course with the Hamilton Dog Obedience Club! Well, surprise, surprise, Laddie won the overall prize, and we were off. We even entered Laddie in the Oakville Obedience Trial, where he achieved High In Trial! Alas, they wanted proof of his registration, which, of course, we were unable to provide; all ribbons and trophies had to be returned.
That was okay because it introduced us to the world of purebred dogs. Although I initially started with a registered Collie, it wasn’t long before I was captivated by Golden Retrievers. I have been involved with Goldens ever since (1965), and although Brian Taylor (my husband at the time) and I had a couple of litters of Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers have always been my everlasting love.
What is the meaning behind your kennel name?
The kennel name “Skylon” came from a very famous Golden from England: Boltby Skylon. My sister continued with “Chrys-haefen” (Golden Haven), and I purchased “Skylon” from John McNicol in the late sixties.
The dog showing bug did not stop with you; the next generation of your family is also very much involved in the world of dogs. Please could you tell our readers about your children’s involvement with the world of pedigree dogs?
I have two daughters: Jill Taylor has been tremendously successful in breeding Irish Setters, selling them throughout the world. She has bred and/or produced over sixteen all-breed Best In Show Irish Setters in both the United States and Canada, and in 2022, she owned and bred the American National Irish Setter Best In Show, making it only the second Canadian-bred dog to do so!
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER/JUDGE
JUDITH TAYLOR
My other daughter, Sara, worked for a professional handler, Carol Hollands, from the age of nine to sixteen, and then her path took her in a different direction. She is a chemist and has a family, but just recently, when her hairless cat passed away, her life brought her back to the dog world. She acquired a silver toy poodle, whom she is currently showing. She loves putting her artistic abilities to the test, and he is currently the number one Toy Poodle, winning several groups and a Reserve Best In Show.
I should probably mention my niece (my twin’s daughter), Rebecca McAuley, who breeds Golden Retrievers and Manchester Terriers and was successful a few years ago, placing in the Terrier group at Devon County.
You were a professional dog show handler for over 38 years. Please share some of your most memorable wins with dogs you have handled for clients.
I was indeed a professional handler for thirty-eight years, and during that time, I had a very successful career. One of the wins that stands out is when I handled the first Bearded Collie in Canada to go Best in Show. That was under the late Ed Dixon. Another memorable campaign was when I had the distinct pleasure of showing a Rottweiler, Can. & Am. Champion Roborotts’ Arco Von Ilco. He was a magnificent dog (a bit of a handful outside the ring) but ended up Number One Working and Number Two All Breed.
As well as being a professional handler, I know that you have also bred Golden Retrievers for most of your life! Was it hard to balance the life of a professional handler, breeder, and mom?
It was quite a feat balancing being a mother, housewife, breeder, and handler. My husband at the time, Brian Taylor, was also an all-breed handler while working a fulltime job, so a lot of the preparation was left up to me! We were the first handlers to start
TRAVEL TIPS
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER/JUDGE
JUDITH TAYLOR
LANGLEY
taking a house trailer to the shows, which made it easier with small children. I must admit we also hired a babysitter when the children were young.
Do you feel dog showing has changed since you first started showing?
Showing dogs has changed over the years. I seem to remember a lot more camaraderie at the shows, where it was common to get together after the show for dinner at a local restaurant with fifteen to twenty people at the table. It seems to me there was a lot more interest among exhibitors to ask questions, learn, and stay to watch Best in Show. Not so much anymore...
“I
Another memorable experience was at a Specialty in Quebec in 2005. At the regional, I had a day to remember: Best of Breed, Winners Bitch, Best of Winners, and Best Puppy. The judge was Jennifer Johnson from Bermuda, and it was her dog that I saw at a show twenty years prior in Ontario, which forever changed my mind regarding type in Golden Retrievers. She did not know me, but I was so very proud that day.
Good mentors are worth their weight in gold. Please mention some of the mentors you have had during your time in dogs.
handled the first Bearded Collie in Canada to go Best in Show.”
Please share some of your most memorable wins with dogs that you have owned or bred.
My sister and I have had a great deal of success with our dogs. In the seventies, we often had the top three Goldens for the whole decade, and that continued into the eighties. We joined forces with three of us— myself, Jennifer, and Brian—to campaign a Golden to make him the top sporting dog in the eighties.
I have had the privilege of having many mentors in dogs—both in Golden Retrievers and as a handler, and finally as a judge. In Goldens, I must mention John McNicol, who taught me a lot, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Archie Warnock. Daphne Philpot and Joan Gill of Westley Goldens also played a big part in directing me in Goldens.
When it came to handlers, there were so many I respected and tried to learn from. Garret Lambert was one fine handler, and we lost him way too young!
Archie was also my chosen mentor as a judge. I really respected his integrity and honesty. Other mentors included Bill Taylor (famed Pekingese breeder) and Skip Stanbridge.
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER/JUDGE
JUDITH TAYLOR
Please share with us some of your most memorable judging experiences.
I have had so many memorable judging experiences. One that comes to mind is when I was delivering an Irish Setter puppy to Mexico for Edna Gonzalez, my daughter’s friend. While I was there, one of the judges at the show became ill, and I was asked to fill in! Well, I was not licensed for many breeds, including Bulldogs. I was asked to judge them (75 in total), and if you have ever been to Mexico, they have some of the best! I received a great deal of help the night before from the two judges hired to do the specialties—one from
Liverpool and the other from Belgium. It was such fun, and my winner ended up winning the Working Group (Bulldogs are in that group in Mexico) under the Belgian judge and then won Best in Show under Beth Sweighart. How proud I was when the judge from Belgium actually complimented me on my choice, suggesting my winner was, in many ways, better than his choice.
I should also mention my time judging at Syracuse in the United States. It is a big show, and again, I had such fun. My selection in Shepherds was a move-up dog from Canada. This was not a popular decision among the other exhibitors (a Canadian putting up a Canadian), but under Michelle Leather Billings, he won the group that day. She stopped me in the ring the next day while I was judging and complimented me on my selection, saying what a beautiful Shepherd he was! This was, in fact, her first breed! The next day, he won the group again and she put him Best in Show!
There are many instances where I have received such pleasure from judging. Another time, I was judging in the States again and evaluated all sizes of Schnauzers, even though I was only licensed for Miniatures. A Standard walked into my ring and I was “blown away”— one of the finest dogs I have ever had the privilege to handle! It turned out to be “Tye,” before his huge successes. I think he was Number One Working the next year, and now his son is the top dog in the United States.
TRAVEL TIPS
LANGLEY
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER/JUDGE JUDITH TAYLOR
You also take part in hunt tests with your Goldens. Do you feel competing and achieving hunt test titles helps you as both a breeder and judge to develop your eye?
For ten years, I trained and competed in hunt tests with my Goldens. What a wonderful experience! There is no question it definitely influenced my judging choices. Form equals function is so critical, and that is why it is very important to learn the history of our breeds to understand their original purpose and apply it when judging.
As someone who lives on my side of the Atlantic, I notice there are some differences in type between the Golden Retrievers I see and the Golden Retrievers I have seen in the North American rings. Do you agree, and if so, what are some of the differences and similarities that you personally find when judging?
There is indeed a significant difference between North American Golden Retrievers and European Golden Retrievers. I personally prefer the British style, which is more
INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER/JUDGE JUDITH TAYLOR
traditional in coat—being less profuse and fluffy—with heads that have a beautiful balance between the back skull and foreface, and a more oval eye with the softest expression. The color of the coat is immaterial to me; color can change in one generation. Even the temperament of the two styles is different. North American Goldens tend to be more excitable, while Europeans are more laid-back. I remind myself when judging that I never sacrifice soundness for style, and I can only judge the dogs that are in front of me.
What was the greatest advice you have been given in your time in dogs?
I have received several pieces of advice from experienced judges in the past, but one that stands out is: don’t take too long judging bad dogs; they aren’t going to get any better!
What dog or dogs would you have liked to have judged or handled but did not?
A number of outstanding dogs come to mind, including the Best in Show bitch at Westminster this past year. I never had the pleasure of judging Raz or one of his dogs, but getting my hands on this bitch would have surely been a great learning experience.
Have you any goals or wishes for the future (both in and out of the ring)?
One goal I aspire to is to judge Golden Retrievers in Great Britain. I have judged
Golden Retriever specialties throughout the world, and I would love to judge them in Great Britain. I would also love an assignment in Bermuda. Throughout the seventies, my husband and I traveled there to show our dogs while we were campaigning. Nothing would please me more than to go back as a judge. What great times we had!
Do you have any pastimes or hobbies outside of the world of dogs?
My outside passion is tennis. I have played it throughout most of my adult life, and I love watching it both on television and live. I had the distinct pleasure of attending Wimbledon a few years ago!
If your life was a book, what would the title be?
I think if my life were a book, it would be titled “A Life Well Lived”!
Favorite beverage?
Generally, water is my beverage of choice, with wine (both red and white) enjoyed with a meal.
Favorite vacation destination?
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to travel to many places. At my age, I would enjoy visiting Ireland and Scotland. I was born in England and have yet to visit there.
INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER
Laurence Giguere
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of dogs and dog showing.
I got involved in the world of dogs and dog showing because of my parents. When I was younger, we had Newfoundlands at home, and I grew up with them until my parents bought me a Clumber Spaniel. We eventually switched breeds, and we currently have only Clumber Spaniels. When I was younger, my parents would bring me to dog shows, and one day I saw a junior handling competition and decided that I wanted to participate. The next day, I was participating in my first junior handling competition and never stopped until the day I aged out.
Who were your mentors from the beginning of your dog journey, and do you currently have the same or any additional mentors?
After I started showing dogs, I quickly began to assist handlers. Emily Burdon took me under her wing, and I started assisting her mostly during the summer while I was in high school. She taught me how to handle many different breeds and how to groom and condition a dog.
I currently do not have a specific mentor; I am lucky enough to be friends with many professional handlers who can answer any concerns I may have.
JUNIOR HANDLER LAURENCE GIGUERE
What breed/breeds have you been involved in handling?
I could not tell you every breed I have been involved in showing because there are far too many, but I can tell you that it ranges from a German Shepherd to a Chihuahua.
Do you currently breed, and is this something you see yourself doing in the future?
I currently breed Clumber Spaniels with my mother. I can see myself continuing our breeding program in the future, as it is a breed in decline that needs more breeders, especially in Canada.
What, in your words, is the purpose of dog shows?
In my words, the purpose of dog shows is to bring breeding stock from breeders into the show ring and evaluate the quality of their breeding with the help of judges who have studied breed standards and have been trained by the CKC.
Do you find it difficult to balance personal, school, and dog show life? How do you make time to fit everything in?
I do not find it difficult to balance personal, school, and dog show life. During the summer, when I go to dog shows almost every weekend, I am usually home from Monday to Wednesday and manage to see my friends and family during those days. Also, when I have school, I usually go to dog shows only on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that I do not miss school. Dog shows always come after school.
What profession would you like to have as an adult?
As an adult, I want to be a lawyer. I am beginning my first university semester this September.
Do you prefer handling table dogs or larger dogs?
I do not have any preference for handling table or larger dogs. Sometimes I do prefer handling larger dogs because some dog show grounds are painful to kneel on, but other than that, I like to handle any dogs.
Is there a certain coat you prefer to prepare for the ring?
I prefer to prepare double-coated breeds for the ring. It is the type of coat that I have prepared the most when I was working for handlers.
What professional handlers or owner-handlers inspire you?
Sarah Muth is a professional handler who inspires me. Being a single mother and a handler at the same time is not easy, and it takes a lot of sacrifice to be present for both her son and her clients. She also takes great care of her dogs and conditions them for upcoming shows.
If you could be an assistant for any handler, both past or present, who would it be and what would you hope to learn from them?
If I could be an assistant for any handler, it would be Robert and Hailey Carusi. What I hope to learn from them is how to groom and condition terriers. Both are excellent at grooming terriers for the show ring, which is something not many people can do. They also have different terrier breeds in their setup every weekend, which could be a great learning experience.
JUNIOR HANDLER LAURENCE GIGUERE
What have been some of your greatest achievements in the breed ring?
Some of my greatest achievements in the breed ring include winning the French Bulldog specialty under breeder judge Fred Basset with my friend’s dog and winning a Samoyed specialty with my client’s dog.
What is your favorite show of the year to attend, and why?
My favorite show of the year to attend is the Club Canin Chomedey show in Quebec. This show is Quebec’s biggest show of the year, and every year there are many specialties and nationals held at this event. It is even more special for me now since it is where I won the CKC Junior Handling National.
Is there anything you wish judges understood more when it comes to judging Junior Showmanship?
One thing I wish judges would understand more when it comes to judging junior handling is that it is not about selecting the easiest dog in the ring. I personally prefer when someone takes a challenging dog in the ring and does a good, though not perfect,
job rather than someone taking the easiest dog in the ring and not working as hard, because the dog shows well on its own.
Do you have any pastimes outside of the world of dogs?
Outside of the world of dog showing, I enjoy playing different sports with my friends during our free time.
What are your personal future goals in the world of dogs?
My personal future goals in the world of dog showing are to continue breeding dogs and showing them in the ring, even if I do not want to be a professional handler.
TRAVEL tips
EXPLORE CALGARY
Alberta: A travel guide
Calgary, Alberta, nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a sightseeing adventurer, or simply seeking to unwind, Calgary has something for everyone. Here’s a curated travel guide to help you make the most of your visit, focusing on restaurants and sightseeing.
CALGARY
Restaurants
in Calgary
1. **River Café** - Located on Prince’s Island Park, this restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on sustainable and local ingredients. Enjoy their seasonal menu while overlooking the serene Bow River.
2. **Charcut Roast House** - Known for its house-cured meats and locally sourced ingredients, Charcut offers a modern take on Canadian cuisine. Don’t miss their charcuterie boards and signature cocktails.
3. **Model Milk** - Housed in a former dairy, Model Milk serves up inventive dishes in a rustic-chic setting. Their menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal produce and culinary trends.
4. **Pigeonhole** - A cozy spot in the Beltline neighborhood, Pigeonhole is perfect for sharing small plates and exploring their extensive wine list. The ambiance is trendy yet inviting.
5. **Ten Foot Henry** - A popular spot for healthy and flavorful dishes, Ten Foot Henry focuses on family-style dining with an emphasis on vegetables. Their bright and airy space is ideal for a relaxed meal.
Sightseeing in Calgary
1. **Calgary Tower** - Start your sightseeing with a visit to the iconic Calgary Tower, offering panoramic views of the city and the nearby Rockies from its observation deck.
2. **Heritage Park Historical Village** - Step back in time at Heritage Park, Canada’s largest living history museum. Explore historical buildings, take a ride on a vintage steam train, and engage in hands-on activities.
3. **Calgary Zoo** - Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, the Calgary Zoo is a must-visit for families and animal lovers alike. Don’t miss the Canadian Wilds exhibit showcasing native wildlife.
4. **Glenbow Museum** - Delve into Alberta’s history and culture at the Glenbow Museum, featuring diverse exhibitions ranging from art and artifacts to interactive displays.
5. **Prince’s Island Park** - Escape the city hustle with a visit to Prince’s Island Park, a tranquil oasis in downtown Calgary. Stroll along the pathways, have a picnic by the river, or attend a summer festival.
Whether you’re savoring local delicacies at acclaimed restaurants, exploring historical landmarks, or enjoying nature in the heart of the city, Calgary promises a memorable experience for every traveler. Plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of your time in this vibrant Canadian city.
CANADIAN DOG SHOWS
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
Oakville & District Kennel Club - Jerseyville, Ontario
Start date. September 6, 2024 End date. September 8, 2024
Premium list. NO
Details.
3 All Breed Shows / Ltd Breed Shows for Group 1, British/Irish Breeds, Dogs of the Americas Closing date.
Heart Of The Continent Kennel Club - St Norbert, Manitoba
Start date. September 7, 2024
End date. September 8, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Oceanside Kennel Club - Chilliwack, BC
Start date. September 12, 2024
End date. September 12, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
4 All Breed Shows
Details. 1 All Breed Shows
Calgary Kennel & Obedience Club - Olds, Alberta
Start date. September 13, 2024 End date. September 16, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date. SHOW CALENDAR SEPTEMBER ‘24
Details.
4 All Breed Shows / Limited Breed Shows for Group 2, 4, 5 & 6 / 6 Obedience Trials / 6 Rally Obedience Trials
SEPTEMBER ‘24
Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers of BC - Chilliwack, BC
Start date. September 13, 2024 End date. September 15, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
3 All Breed Shows / 3 Limited Breed Shows / 6 Rally Obedience Trials
Pictou County Kennel Club - New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Start date. September 14, 2024 End date. September 15, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
4 All Breed Shows / 2 Obedience Trials / 2 Rally Obedience Trials
Sudbury & District Kennel Club - Coniston, Ontario
Start date. September 20, 2024 End date. September 22, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details. 6 All Breed Shows
Club Canin Chomedey - Terrebonne, Quebec
Start date. September 20, 2024 End date. September 22, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
3 All Breed Shows / Limited Breed Shows for Group 1, 4, 5 / 4 Obedience Trials / 6 Rally Obedience Trials
Oromocto Kennel Club - Cross Creek, New Brunswick
Start date. September 25, 2024
End date. September 25, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details. 2 All Breed Shows
Mount Cheam Canine Association - Chilliwack, BC
Start date. September 26, 2024
End date. September 29, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
4 All Breed Shows / 3 Obedience Trials / 3 Rally Obedience Trials
Kennel Club - Cross Creek, New Brunswick
Premium list. NO
Start date. September 26, 2024
End date. September 26, 2024
Closing date.
Details. 2 All Breed Shows
Lloydminster Kennel & Obedience Club - Lloydminster, Saskatchewan
Start date. September 27, 2024
End date. September 29, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details.
6 All Breed Shows / 4 Obedience Trials / 4 Rally Obedience Trials
Fredericton
Miramichi Kennel Club - Cross Creek, New Brunswick
Start date. September 27, 2024 End date. September 29, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details. 6 All Breed Shows
St. Catharines & District Kennel & Obedience Club -Welland, Ontario
Start date. September 27, 2024 End date. September 29, 2024
Premium list. NO
Closing date.
Details. 3 All Breed Shows / Limited Breed Show for Groups 1, 7 & Dogs of Asia
