Best in Show Magazine USA • June/July 2022 by Best in Show Magazine

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B E S T I N SH OW MA GA Z I N E

1GSP

NO.

ALL SYSTEMS

TOP

10 SPORTING DOG

G S P B R E E D S TA N D A R D E X C E R P T :

The overall picture which is created in the observer’s eye is that of an aristocratic, well balanced, symmetrical animal with conformation indicating power, endurance and agility and a look of intelligence and animation.

Katie Gochev GRAPHICS Many thanks to Best in Show judge Mrs. Anne Katona & Group judges Mrs. Claire (Kitty) Steidel, Mr. Lewis Bayne & Mr. Wood Warnall! BE ST IN SHOW MAGAZI N E 4

GCHG CLARITY REACH THE SKY VJK-MYST

• MULTIPLE BEST IN SHOW • MULTIPLE BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW

Owners: Carley Simpson, Suzanne Acevedo & Yvonne Hassler-Deterding Breeders: Claire Malcolm & Mariah Dupuy Owned And Presented By: Valerie Nunes-Atkinson Assisted By: Antonio Vidmar B E S T I N SH OW MA GA Z I N E 5

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WE ARE

Best in Show Dear Reader,

What a great edition is in your hands! Starting on the front cover with our lovely model Enzo the Frenchie (MBISS GCHS Fabelhaft Robobull Ferragamo, owned by Melissa Mulchahey and James Dalton, and presented by Alberto Montila and Rachel Adams), and Emmett the Rottweiler on the back cover (MBISS BIS GCHG Cammcastle’s Back To The Future, owned by Pam Marsh, Suzan Guy, Jerry and Sherry Roberts, and presented by Erin Piercy). Professional handler Diego Garcia is the first interview, which is followed by the history of Madison Square Garden and the Westminster Kennel Club. In this edition we are welcoming young and talented photographer Kaitly Price and her Ringside photos from the Ephrata Moses Lake Kennel Club show, followed by Crowned 100 - Shannon the Scottie. This edition’s interview with a judge is George Milutinovich - not only a successful judge but a great businessman! Sharon Sherwood will tell us her story about being a very well-known and successful owner-handler. Meet the Breed in our June/July edition is about smallest of the Toy Group dogs - Chihuahua and Japanese Chin. We also have several additional interviews including junior handler Taylor Johnson, and one I am most proud of with the one and only Rhonda Cassidy. The Best in Show Magazine team would like to say thank you to all our subscribers, advertisers, and interviewers for being part of our existence!

Until August edition! Stay safe!

JOVANA DANILOVIC Chef Editor

LEE GROGAN Colaborator

CHRISTIAN RANGEL Marketing Director

JUSTYNA SKROBISZEWSKA Social Media

MARY MARSHALL Writer & Proofreader

DJORDJE DANILOVIC Social Media

BONNIE GUGGENHWEIM Sales Department bonnie@bismagazineusa.com BISCREATIVE.COM Art Department

www.BISmagazineUSA.com • info@BISmagazineUSA.com • www.BIScreative.com

CONTENT INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER

DIEGO GARCÍA

TWO ICONS

RINGSIDE CLICK

CROWNED 100

Ephrata Moses Lake

SHANNON, THE SCOTTIE

FROM AN OWNER-HANDLER LEASH

INTERVIEW WITH JUDGE

GEORGE MILUTINOVICH

156 14

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CHIHUAHUAS

SHARON SHERWOOD

MEET THE BREED

106

WESTMINTER KENNEL CLUB

130

JAPANESE CHIN

INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER

INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST

TAYLOR JOHNSON

RHONDA CASSIDY

194

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Mrs. Linda Hurlebaus Reserve Best in Show  Yakima Valley Kennel Club

FLASH! Lusty wins Best in Show at Klamath Dog Fanciers. Thank you to Dr. Daniel Dowling.

M U LT I B E S T I N S H O W / M U LT I R E S E R V E B E S T I N S H O W W I N N I N G

GCHS Solivia’s Whatever Thy Soul Lusteth After (GCHP Chesterhope Never Ask Why for Daykeyne X Solivia’s Que Sera, Sera at Alcher) 22

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Mr. John F. Booth Best in Show Yakima Valley Kennel Club

Handlers  KEVIN and DIANE CHESTNUT | Owners  ARLIE ADAM and PAMELA LYSTER Breeders  DENNIS and KATEY BROWN, CHERYL GREEN, SUSAN L. THOMPSON ADVERTISING DESIGN

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Captain

Photo by Laurie LaRock

38 years in the making. 10 generations of Jasiri-Sukari, going all the way back to our foundation bitch. Every generation born in our home.

Breeder/Owner/Handlers: The Basenji Sisters (Kathy & Julie Jones) • www.BasenjiSisters.com 24

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Multiple Group & Reserve Best in Show Winning

GCh Jasiri-Sukari Cap-Tin Obvious

(GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari Win Tin Tin SC x GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari High Win Warning SC)

Our appreciation to all the judges that have recognized Captain, including Mrs Susan St John Brown (pictured) Co-Owner: Ming Chua B E S T I N SH OW MA GA Z I N E

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

Diego thank you for taking time for this interview. Please tell us more about your beginnings and how you got involved in the sport of dogs? I have had dogs my whole life. I used to come home from school and ask permission from my mom if I could visit a grooming shop and veterinarian so I could walk the dogs and see how they groom them. Our first dog was a fawn Boxer. We loved her very much and took her everywhere. My father worked for Lever Brothers, and they moved him from Argentina to Mexico after a couple of years in Venezuela. Our Boxer also went along for this adventure. We eventually purchased a well-bred Boxer and the breeder suggested that we take her to a dog show. I was so excited that I could not sleep the night before. When we got to the dog show I was like a kid at Disney World. All the people were dressed impeccably, and the dogs were beautifully groomed. I was so nervous, but our dog won four out of four classes. We were all so happy, and my father took the family out to dinner to celebrate. The following week I went to school and told my friends that I went to a dog show, and I could not stop thinking about it. At that moment, dogs and dog shows became my life.

I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · DIEG O G ARCÍA

Did you have dog or a handler that inspired you to continue showing? I remember one dog at a show whose name was Bab El Mandeb de Abraxas who was a son of an incredibly famous dog in Argentina. His pedigree went back to Aracrest Talissman. We bred to him and decided to keep one. I fell in love with this brindle girl. So, after watching how handlers prepare their dogs for shows I decided to prepare my puppy. We took her to the Argentinian Boxer Club Specialty in 1984 and she won best puppy under the great Evelina Martinelli, a Boxer breeder from Brazil. What prompted you to move from Argentina to Mexico? When I was young my father use to get dog show magazines from the USA and every night, I would read them. My schoolteacher asked me what I wanted to do, and I told her that I wanted to live in America and show dogs. She blinked her eyes like she did not understand what I was saying. I will never forget watching the Westminster Kennel Club show. It was a magic night for me and was my dream. Do you know how many Best in Show wins you have won up to today? What was the feeling winning your first BIS in US? I have won over 250 BIS and my first one was with Ch. Ravenswood Southern Cross under Mr. Roger Hartinger in Pennsylvania. What would you say is highlight of your career so far? I have had the pleasure and satisfaction of showing dogs and sharing everything that the American handlers have taught me throughout the years in and out of the ring. I enjoy teaching young people and helping them improve and reach their goals.

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I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · DIEG O G ARCÍA

You are well known for Boxers and Dobermans. What is

Would you like to see the FCI grading system introduced

so special about them in your eyes?

at AKC dog shows, where only dogs graded excellent

Their personality. They are great working and

can compete for points and the breed?

companion dogs which is a perfect combination. Boxer

I see that being extremely hard in to do in the USA

and Dobermans are athletic, beautiful, intelligent dogs

because the AKC holds dog shows every week of the

with beautiful movement, balance, and type. They can

year and those weeks will offer multiple dog shows

be your best friend and perform anything that is asked

that will vary in size of the entry. To foster interest in

of them.

showing and breeding pedigreed dogs there must be

Can you name three dogs you have shown in the past and why you have chosen them and how they changed your life? Ch. Ravenswood Southern Cross. He changed my life by winning the group at the Garden in 2000. Ch. Windfall

an opportunity for all to highlight their dog in the ring and work toward what ever goal they have with their beautiful dog. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference.

Brookwood Styled Dream, nicknamed Scarlett. There

I enjoy showing at specialities and all breed shows, but

are no words needed beyond she is very special to my

I love when your breed is judged by a breeder-judge at

heart. Ch. Mephisto’s Speak of the Devil who gave me

a specialty show. You get to see the best of your breed

the thrill of winning the group at the Garden with a

at specialty shows, and the quality of entries is always

Boxer. It was truly an exciting moment in my life.

high.

Can you please name three dogs you have not showed or owned in past that you would have loved to? Ch Millan’s Fashion Hint, Ch. Salilyn’s Condor, and Ch. Altana’s Mystique. How do international dog shows compare to American shows? Around the world you see many owner-handlers showing their own dogs. There are professionals that show internationally as well. In America you see more professional handlers on the end of the lead. Ownerhandlers also show their own dogs, but not as many as in Europe and world-wide.

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Could you name three people - one judge, one breeder and a handler that you specially admire? Judge Bill Shelton, breeder Michelle Santana of Foxfire Dobermans, and handler Kaz Hosaka. What you would do if you did not choose to be a handler? I would have to say tennis player. I love the sport. It is hard to imagine doing anything else other than showing dogs. We travel in our motorhome, and normally carry six or seven dogs at a time and attend around 160 shows per year. I love the outdoor shows, and the time that I spend with the dogs is priceless. There is very little time for tennis right now. Where do you see the sport of dog showing evolving ten years from now? There are hard times around the world these days to keep the sport growing, but there will always be enthusiastic people including breeders and handlers who share that interest. The sport, interest, great dogs, and superior breeding programs will keep it moving forward. Do you have any future goals and wishes in the world of pedigreed dogs, or life in general? To keep walking side by side with my wife Eve and showing beautiful dogs.

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Two icons

WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB HISTORY by Mary Marshall

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T W O I C O NS · W ES T M I NSTER K ENNEL CLUB HISTORY

that number was matched on day three which provided the incentive for a fourth day from which the proceeds were generously donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals so that a home could be opened for homeless dogs. The first show also had owners or breeders of historic significance, including two staghounds from the deceased General George Custer’s pack and two New York City was rapidly becoming a hub of international acclaim as the world’s greatest city in 1877. An upper echelon group of gentleman hunters and sportsmen would meet regularly at the old Westminster Hotel bar formerly located at Irving Place and Sixteenth Street in Manhattan to trade stories, imbibe in a few cocktails, dust off their tweed, and loosen their ascots to regale and embellish upon the exploits of their hunting adventures. These wealthy sportsmen from some of the most socially prominent and influential circles made the decision to showcase their gun dogs in a dog show

Deerhounds bred by the Queen of England. The show was of such acclaim that it drew extensive coverage from the popular sporting publication Forest and Stream which generously stated, “To say that the dog show held in the city last week was a success would but poorly convey an idea of what the result really was. It was a magnificent triumph for the dogs and for the projectors of the show. We question if on any previous occasion has there ever assembled in this city such a number of people at one time, and representing as much of the culture, wealth and fashion of the town.”

away from the field. After many discussions and tossing

In following years many celebrities and influential

about multiple names they decided to name the club

figures began to recognize the significance of

after their favorite meeting place, and the Westminster

showcasing their beloved dogs at the annual dog show

Kennel Club was born. The first annual New York Bench

which was rapidly becoming the world-wide fashionable

Show of Dogs was held at the Hippodrome at Gilmore’s

social venue to attend. The Czar of Russia is listed as

Garden, which would eventually become known as

the breeder of a Siberian Wolfhound entered in 1889,

Madison Square Garden. The first show was for gun

and the Emperor of Germany had a Russian Wolfhound

dogs, primarily setters and pointers, and drew an

entered in 1890. Industrialist J.P. Morgan entered his

incredible entry of 1,201 dogs.

Collies in 1893, and famous American journalist Nelly

The first dog show drew so much interest and

Bly showed her Maltese at Westminster in 1894.

participation that it was extended to four days to

Much of the success of the Westminster Kennel Club

capitalize on the public interest which escalated to 8,000

Dog Show can be attributed to its location in Manhattan.

ticket sales on the first day of the show. The second day

The immense growth of the show in the upcoming years

of the show drew an incredible 20,000 spectators, and

reflected the interest and expansion of New York City,

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and Manhattan itself, as an international business hub

being staged in MSG IV. It is one of only four events to

and fashionable destination. The dog show continued to

be held in all four “Gardens.”

grow in participation and attendance year after year, and before long the Westminster Kennel Club became the symbol associated with the purebred dog and the show became branded as America’s Dog Show.

The American Kennel Club was not inaugurated as a governing body of the sport until seven years after the Westminster Kennel Club. Original members of Westminster and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia

The name Manhattan, the smallest of New York City’s

established a set of dog show rules and regulations in

five boroughs, comes from the dialect of the Lenape

1877. A Board of Appeals was also created to act as the

Native Americans. In translation is means “a thicket

overseer for the rules. In 1884 the AKC was established

where wood can be found to make bows.” It was first

based upon this criterion.

recorded in writing as Manna-hata in the logbook of an officer who was aboard the Half Moon, a ship belonging to Henry Hudson the first Dutch explorer to visit the area in 1609. The territory passed between the Dutch and English for approximately 50 years, but eventually ended up in English possession in 1674. The Dutch named part of the island New Amsterdam in 1624, but when the English seized the land in 1664, they renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York. The historical significance of the Westminster Kennel Club and the annual dog show as an American icon has withstood the test of time. It has grown to exponential proportions as America’s Dog Show completely upon its

The most-coveted award in the dog show world, Best In Show at Westminster, was given for the first time in 1907. That year, and for the next two years as well, it went to a Smooth Fox Terrier bitch named Ch. Warren Remedy. She remains the only dog ever to win three times. There have been six other dogs that have won Best in Show twice including the most recent Ch. Chinoe’s Adamant James, an English Springer Spaniel, in 1971-72. The history of Westminster is rich in innovation and tradition. On pages below we show you the timeline of many of the highlights of the Kennel Club and the show.

own merit. It is the second longest continually running sporting event only two years behind the Kentucky Derby’s inaugural running in 1875. The annual dog show has overcome the Great Depression, two World Wars, multiple power outages, historic snowstorms, and two world-wide pandemics. The annual dog show pre-dates the invention of the automobile and the light bulb. It was well in existence long before the final completion of the Brooklyn Bridge (1883) and the original Yankee Stadium. The dog show has outlasted three previous versions of Madison Square Garden and is currently

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1876 The Westminster Hotel bar in Manhattan is

exceeding entries at the previous show held at the

a meeting place for a group of wealthy sportsmen

Crystal Palace in London, England.

who meet there regularly to regale their hunting

1907 The award of Best In Show is given for the

stories. They form a kennel club and name it after

first time at Westminster to a Smooth Fox Terrier

the Westminster Hotel. The newly formed West-

bitch named Ch. Warren Remedy who holds the

minster Breeding Association aid in creating a dog

significance as the only dog to win three Best in

show in Philadelphia to celebrate the centennial

Show titles.

of America. The show is an overwhelming success,

1908 The show’s entries reach 2,000 dogs.

and the group decides to change their name to the

1909 – Ch. Warren Remedy wins her third consec-

Westminster Kennel Club which was incorporated

utive Best in Show title.

in 1877.

1917 A German Shepherd named Filax of Lewanno,

1877 The First Annual New York Bench Show of

a canine hero of World War I which had brought

Dogs, sponsored by the Westminster Kennel Club,

54 wounded soldiers to safety, was a special guest

held its inaugural show at the Hippodrome at

at Westminster.

Gilmore’s Garden in New York City, drawing an

1918 The American Red Cross received profits

amazing entry of 1,201 dogs. The show is extended

from the show to support the war effort.

to four days due to the overwhelming number of

1923 The prize for Best in Show is not awarded

patrons.

due to rule changes in the American Kennel Club.

1884 The American Kennel Club is established

1924 New AKC rules and format make Westmin-

by members of the Westminster Kennel Club and

ster the first club to apply Best in Show based

Kennel Club of Philadelphia.

upon five Group winners (Sporting, Working, Ter-

1888 Anna Whitney becomes the first woman to

rier, Toy, and Non-Sporting) in the final judging

judge a dog show in America. She judges every

for the title.

year for the next seven years, but it would be 1901

1926 Westminster moves the show to Madison

before another woman judges any dog show in the

Square Garden III, which opens on 8th Avenue

U.S.

between 49th and 50th Streets. The show remains

1893 Philanthropist and industrialist J. P. Morgan

there until the facility closes in 1968.

shows his Collies for the first time at Westminster.

1928 The first woman to join the Best in Show

1894 – American journalist Nellie Bly enters her

judging panel is Mrs. Reginald F. Mayhew of Forest

Maltese in Westminster.

Hills, New York.

1905 1,752 dogs are entered in the dog show mak-

1933 Mrs. M. Hartley Dodge judges Best in Show

ing Westminster the largest dog show ever held,

to become the first woman to officiate as the indi-

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vidual judge for this selection.

1976 The first person to judge Best in Show three

1933 New York Yankee great, Lou Gehrig’s Ger-

times is William Brainard, Jr.

man Shepherd Afra of Cosalta takes second in the

1983 The Working Group is split, and the newly

Open Bitch class.

formed Herding Group begins.

1934 Westminster offers the Children’s Handling

1987 An annual scholarship program for veteri-

Grand Challenge Trophy for the first time. This

nary students is established by the Westminster

competition continues year after year and be-

Foundation.

comes known as Junior Handling.

1987 German Shepherd Ch. Covy Tucker Hill’s

1935 The first woman handler to win Best in Show

Manhattan becomes the first dog from the Herd-

is Mrs. Sherman Hoyt who pilots her Standard

ing Group to win Best in Show.

Poodle to Best in Show, a feat that would not be

1989 Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild as the Wind CD, a red

repeated until 1956.

Doberman Pinscher bitch, becomes the first dog

1937 Entries escalate to 3,140 dogs entered at

with an obedience title to win Best in Show.

Westminster. Percy Roberts, a professional han-

1992 Westminster is the first champions only dog

dler, becomes the first to win four Best in Show

show held under AKC rules, and Awards of Merit is

titles at Westminster including 1926, 1927, and

added to the awards roster.

1934.

2005 Breed judging is broadcast to the public via

1941 and 1942 Proceeds from these shows are do-

streaming video on the Westminster website. Over

nated to the American Red Cross. Dogs for Defense

1.4 million streaming videos are requested from

receive the proceeds in 1943-44, and in 1945, the

140 countries, along with 15 million page views

National War Fund is the recipient.

online.

1948 Westminster is shown on television to view-

2005 Madison Square Garden is completely sold

ers throughout the country for the first time.

out for both days of the dog show for the first time.

1956 The first female professional handler and the

2006 Westminster is completely sold out for two

second to handle a dog to the Best in Show title is

days of the show despite the Blizzard of 2006 that

Anne Hone Rogers. She holds the record for most

dumped a record 27 inches of snow on Saturday

Best in Show title wins by a female handler includ-

and Sunday before the show.

ing 1959 and 1961.

2009 The Sussex Spaniel, Ch. Clussexx Three D

1968 The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is

Grinchy Glee, nicknamed Stump becomes the old-

the final event held at Madison Square Garden III.

est dog ever to win Best in Show at Westminster at

The show moves to the current location of Madi-

the age of ten.

son Square Garden IV in 1969.

2011 A Scottish Deerhound nicknamed Hickory,

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GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, wins Best in Show

to New York City with over 3,000 dogs competed

and is the second Scottish breed to capture the

from 50 states in conformation, agility, and obe-

title two years in a row. Hickory was the first Deer-

dience in the inaugural event during Westminster

hound and the fifth hound to win the title, but also

Week.

the second in four years. Madison Square Garden

2017 The kickoff of a ten-year partnership with

is sold out for the 7th consecutive year and the

FOX Sports -- Nat Geo WILD, a FOX Sports net-

television audience is the largest since 2006.

work, telecasts live coverage of the daytime breed

2013 The move to Piers 92/94 for the daytime

judging, a first for the dog show.

breed judging on Monday and Tuesday boasted

2018 The inaugural year for the Westminster

the club’s largest entry (2,720) since 1998.

Gives Back Award bestowed upon three national

2014 The Masters Agility Championship at West-

breed clubs for their dedication to breed rescue.

minster is added to Westminster Week and brings

The Bearded Collie Club of America, the English

back mixed breed dogs to the club’s activities

Cocker Spaniel Club of America, and the Great Pyr-

for the first time since its early years. The event

enees Club of America each received a donation to

reaches its 225-dog limit quickly with 16 mixed

help support their breed rescue work.

breeds and entries of 63 breeds from 23 states.

2018 The finals of the Masters Agility Champion-

2014 The Seventh Annual Westminster Kennel

ship at Westminster reached the largest audience

Club Hunting Test was held for two days, with a

to date after being aired on the FOX Broadcast

total entry of 48 dogs representing many point-

Network.

ing breeds competing at the Tamarack Preserve

2020 AKC’s newest recognized breed, the Aza-

in Millbrook, NY. The Westminster Kennel Club

wakh, debuted at Westminster in the Hound

became the first all-breed kennel club to hold an

Group, the Masters Obedience Championship’s

American Kennel Club licensed hunting test for

creates a High in Trial winner that receives the

pointing breeds.

Streicher Cup, and the show is expanded to three

2015 Westminster Week adds a new event, the 6th

days in order to accommodate the closing of Pier

Annual American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds,

92.

in partnership with the AKC. This combined event

2021 Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the show will

is promoted as “meet and compete” and helps to

be held outside in June for the first time and out-

educate the public about purebred dogs and dog

side New York City at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tar-

sports.

rytown, New York. Four newly recognized AKC

2016 The Masters Obedience Championship

breeds are added to the show; the Barbet, Biewer

brings top obedience dogs from across the country

Terrier, Belgian Laekenois, and Dogo Argentino.

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Ephrata Moses Lake Kennel Club Ringside Click

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Crowned 100

SHANNON C h . B ra ebu rn’s Close Enc ounter by Mary Marshall

From the highlands to the lowlands of Scotland the plucky Scottish Terrier has dug out a prominent place in the history of its native country as a valued companion, guardian and working dog. The Scottie, as the breed is affectionately known, is intelligent, playful, independent, a wee bit opinionated and closely bonds with their family or caretaker. Ch. Braeburn’s Close Encounter, nicknamed Shannon, may not have achieved her fame rooting out vermin on the family farm, but she certainly carved out her own niche in Scottish Terrier history as the Best in Show winner of the 1985 Westminster Kennel Club Show and retired with an incredible 214 BIS victories.

C RO W NED 100 · SHANNON

Judge Ellsworth Howell, who gave Shannon Best in Show

became a creature of championship habit sauntering

and had attended Westminster since 1933, exclaimed

over to her place in front of the declaration Best in

after the show that she was “the greatest show dog I

Show.

have ever seen in my lifetime of judging, and I have seen some great ones. She has everything you could ask for, grace, beauty. She is perfect. Her temperament is lovely. I admire that dog very much and I have admired her over the years.” Shannon’s rate of success became even more remarkable considering the rules of the game of

‘’She thinks it is all over,” said Ward following Shannon’s Best in Show Westminster win. ‘’She knows where she is going. She has always been a natural performer and has always had that instinct. Shannon seems to know what you are trying to tell her.”

dog showing in the highly competitive terrier and breed

At home, the charismatic Scottie showed a more mellow

rings of the 1980s when the popularity of the sport was

side of her personality.

at an all-time high.

“When she is outside of the ring Shannon is like the pet

According to an article in the New York Times, spunk

you have at home,” said Sonnie. “She will lay down, curl

and tenacity had a lot to do with Shannon’s undeniable

up on the sofa, and she does not bother a soul. When the

success. Her handler, the legendary “Dean of Terriers”

lights come on and the judge is watching—she knows

George Ward, told the newspaper, “She never stops

her cues.”

showing. Nothing bothers her. She has learned to deal well with the distractions around a dog show. She is always focused, and virtually ignores the flashes of

Ward, representing the third generation of handlers in his family, handled Shannon throughout her career. He

cameras and crowd noise.” Shannon, who was owned by Alan and Sonnie Novick of Plantation Acres, Florida, showed the potential to be an all-star by the time she was a year old. ‘’But I never figured the dog would win like this,’’ Ward told the New York Times. ‘’She’s the all-timer.’’ ‘’She also makes a good pet,’’ Alan, an investment banker, told the newspaper following the BIS victory at Westminster. ‘’But when she gets in a ring, she knows when it is time to do it. She knows when it is time to become a show dog.’’ Shannon became so accustomed to winning Best in Show that she knew directly where to go to the sign that designated the spot where she received her honors. She

with the dog. George taught me three things when I first started working for him; never keep your hands in your pocket—it makes you look like you’re not serious, never chew gum in the ring, and talk to the dogs—don’t ever let them think they are in there alone.” Ward, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 87 while attending a dog show in Louisville, Kentucky, handled two dogs to Best in Show at Westminster, and won BIS kept her at his home with the other show dogs at his facility. Like many of her ilk, the spunky Shannon was demanding about wanting treats especially candy bars. “Somehow she manages to get what she wants,” Ward said. “She knows when we eat on the way home and screams until she gets her share. If we have candy bars, she has to have some. If we stop for a milkshake, she has to have some. Anything!”

at Montgomery County several times. Shannon also vaulted Ward into the history books as the first person to handle a dog of any breed to win 200-plus all-breed Best in Show victories. He was born in Canada on October 17, 1917, and lived in Constantine, Michigan, for 65 years, where he owned and operated Albany Kennels. Ward became known the world over as one of the most knowledgeable dog people in the business. He had a tremendous love for dogs and

Shannon’s championship persona was reflected in her

was a friend, teacher, mentor, and an icon to thousands

outstanding lineage. According to the Scottish Terrier

of people around the world. He was revered as part of

Club of America pedigree database, Shannon was sired

a disappearing breed of professional dog handlers and

by Ch. Sandgreg’s Headliner, bred by Sandgreg Kennels,

was very instrumental in preserving the profession.

John and Barbara DeSaye, in Orion, Michigan. He sired eighteen champions. Her dam was Ch. Anstamm Happy Moment bred by the esteemed Anstamm Kennels.

Ward was well known for putting a great deal of work into the care and conditioning of not only Shannon, but all the dogs in his care. At shows there were always dogs

Judge Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine met Ward at a local show

on tables and in the exercise pens. He was not one to

in Wisconsin in 1977 when she was a young woman.

take shortcuts in trimming and everything was done by

At that time, he was seeking full time help, and Beisel-

hand. He was the first person at the dog show in the

McIlwaine wanted to learn.

morning and usually among the last to leave. Ward

“I never intended on becoming a professional handler,

believed dog shows were about one thing: the dogs.

but I wanted to learn more about dogs and breeding,”

Shannon and Ward were a record winning pair whose

she told the newspaper. “I was impressed by the

legacy will be handed down in dog show lore and

cleanliness and quality of his kennel and fell in love

Scottish Terrier history as two of the great ones from

with Wire Fox Terriers. Ward truly had a special bond

which legends are told for generations to come.

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

GEORGE Milutinovich Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs. What was your first ever dog and what breed did you first show? My first purebred dog was a Pug in 1966! I was 16 years old and went to see a local litter of puppies. The litter of pug puppies was adorable, but my eye went to a 6 month old male who was very skinny and appeared to be in poor health sitting alone in his run. He had a horrible skin condition and was covered with fleas. I asked about him, and the breeder said, “Oh, that’s George” him”!

“Nobody wants

Needless to say, that George went

home with this George!

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What breeds have you owned and shown throughout the years? My Pug George later became, a Champion C.D. Pug and lived to be 16 years old. In addition to PUGS, we have owned and shown Italian Greyhound, English Toy Spaniel, Boxer, Bichon Frise, Smooth Fox Terrier and Russell Terrier. What is your kennel name and please tell our readers how you decided on this name? We have bred very few litters over the years! Certainly not enough to establish a kennel name. What was the greatest advice you have been given in your time in dogs? Every dog deserves a forever home. Show prospect or pet, find the perfect home! With regards to judging, the best advice I was given was to “Never forget the original purpose of the breed” and “Can the dog before you do the job for which it was originally bred?” Do you feel dog showing has changed since you first started showing? I think our sport has certainly changed since I first started. My buddy and I would get to the shows very early and stay until after Best in Show! We were complete novices and would position ourselves in key positions to listen and learn from the icons of the time! It seems many fanciers today leave right after their class, not even waiting till their breed judging is complete or stay for groups. The emphasis with many is on the win, not on education. When did you first begin judging? My first judging assignments were in 2000

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INT ERVI EW W I T H J UDG E · G EORG E MILUTINOVICH

What have been some of your most memorable judging assignments over the years? Honestly, I have been fortunate to judge dogs on 3 different continents! WESTMINSTER ranks as number one. Other memorable shows are many! What is the feeling judging one of the greatest shows in the world – Westminster? “Westminster, There’s Only One” Their mantra is the truth! Nothing can compare! It is a pinnacle that every judge aspires to reach! The most cherished invitation! Do you prefer judging at all breed shows or breed specialty shows? I enjoy judging both very much! Specialties generally have larger entries and as such, afford a judge the opportunity to get down to finer points within the written standard. Do you have a favorite breed you like to judge? My first breed was a Pug! I still get excited each and every time I judge them! It is a thrill to discover a promising puppy or reward an outstanding example of my original breed. I study each and every breed I judge prior to each assignment. I review standards and watch breed videos at home, on my I pad on flights and in my hotel room. Is there a breed you find particularly intricate to judge? I believe newly approved AKC breeds pose the biggest challenge to judges. Often times, we have had very little experience with the breed and depend heavily on the interpretation of the standard conveyed by our mentors! Study guides and learning from judging the

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I N T ERVI EW W I T H J UD GE · G EORG E MILUTINOVICH

Misc. Class certainly help but nothing beats the hands

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Qualified mentors are key

on that judging provides.

to understanding nuances within breeds.

Could you please share with us some of your favorite dogs that you have judged over the years and are not shown at this time?

Form

follows function! Original purpose of dog shows was to evaluate breeding stock. Never forget the original purpose of the breed you are judging. Judging isn’t a race to see how quickly you can progress! Fanciers pay

There are too many to mention. Ironically , many that

their hard earned money for your opinion. Make sure

would be on my list were never heavily campaigned!

it is an educated one based on study and knowledge!

Stellar representatives of their breed, their show

AKC approval to judge a breed should never stop your

careers

ongoing thirst for additional education about that

were limited!

Thankfully, knowledgeable

breeders utilized them in their breeding programs.

breed.

Do you have any advice for those wishing to began

What advice would you like to give to owners and

judging or those currently judging that wish to progress

handlers that are showing under you?

into other breeds/groups.

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I want owners and handlers to enjoy the experience!

INT ERVI EW W I T H J UDG E · G EORG E MILUTINOVICH

Your entry fee guarantees an honest and respectful evaluation of your dog! My hope is that when you leave my ring, win or lose, that you believe your entry fee was money well spent. Do you feel USA needs more young people involved in the Sport? Absolutely! Our sport needs more people of all ages dedicated to preserving pure-bred dogs! Do you think that always the best dog wins? Ha Ha. What a great question. Each judge has their own interpretation of a breed standard. We may prioritize qualities differently and weigh faults to different degrees.

If the same dog won every day,

there would be no need to enter. Judging is on the day! What attributes do you look first in dogs when judging? I was taught to have a mental image of the ideal specimen of each breed, remembering the original purpose. To stand across the ring and look to see which exhibits type comes closest to that ideal! Then upon examination, finer points are evaluated and the soundest specimens are rewarded. What do you enjoy the most when you are not judging? My wife and I are blessed with 4 married children, 12 grandchildren and a large extended family! Our 40+ year career in the restaurant business ended with our retirement 8 years ago. What didn’t end, however, was our love of cooking and hosting family dinners! Most Sundays, if we are in town, the “group” along with friends and grandchildren’s dates converge at our home for dinner, cocktails, and maybe a poker or liars dice tournament! Family and Dogs! MY PASSIONS!

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F RO M A N O W N E R - H A N D L E R L E A S H

SHARON Sherwood Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, and what breed of dogs you have shown over the years. We moved to Colorado from Michigan going on 28 years ago. Other than my oldest sister and her husband, we knew no one. Needing a sense of community, combined with my love of our dogs I bought our first conformation Golden Retriever. Looking back, I made all my mistakes on that boy, but I was bitten by the dog show bug and here we are today. We had only Goldens for nearly two decades, until I met my first Welsh Springer Spaniel and was immediately smitten. We got our first Welsh in 2010 and have had only Welsh since 2014. Our kennel name is Painted Sky Farms. One immediately understands where the name comes from when seeing Colorado sunrises and sunsets. Our skies become an array of beautiful colors. Where did you get your foundation dogs in your and what breeders from the sport do you work with today? Our first Golden Retriever came from Quest Goldens owned by Sharon Baxter in California. She was an incredible mentor to a new exhibitor, and more importantly, a good friend. My first and several of my Welsh came from Rocksprings WSS here in Colorado. The Captain, MBIS, MRBIS, MNOHSBIS, GCHB Rolyart’s Navigator @ Painted Sky Farms was bred by Cindy Ford and Shelley Traylor of Rolyarts WSS. I cannot thank them enough for allowing the Captain to become part of the Painted Sky Farms family. While I have always enjoyed showing dogs, he has made dog shows fun.

on the all-arounder and sporting dog judges to know the breed standard and interpret it as written, so I cannot say there are too many all-arounders but having a few more breeder judges would be helpful. Please share with our readers some of your highlights in the show ring, so far. Our Sammy, GCHG Cole Creek PSF Sophisticated Lady, was the first female Welsh to obtain the Gold Grand Champion status. How difficult or easy do you find it fitting dog shows into your normal life?

Captain has three Best in Shows, five Reserve Best in Shows, Multiple NOHS Best and Reserve Best in Shows, and has won two Regional Specialties - but

I work for an educational company that teaches

the icing on the cake was winning NOHS Best in Show

veterinarian’s integrative medicine. While it’s a full-

at the National Owner-Handled Series Finals at the

time job, if I do not have students in-person, I can

AKC National Championships in Orlando, December

often do my job remotely, from anywhere. Close

2021. Captain has also been awarded the Welsh

shows are not an issue fitting them into regular life,

Springer Spaniel Club of America’s Deckard Cup

but Colorado does not have many shows which means

(top conformation dog) twice and has been awarded

more planning and traveling to other states. Those

the Wildfire trophy for the top owner-handled

are harder to fit in, but we do as many as we can.

conformation dog four years in a row.

Would you rather win an All-breed Best in Show or a

Please mention some of your most successful dogs,

Specialty Best in Show?

owned or bred by you.

That’s a good question. Each one was special in its

Most successful is the Captain and he has some

own way. I think it depends on the judge. Winning

lovely get on the ground that have finished their

under a breeder judge is always memorable but

championship just as easy as he did. When judges ask

winning an all-breed under an esteemed judge is a

me if I bred him, I tell them no, but I sure which I

highlight for anyone.

could say that I did!

Overall, do you believe there are too many all-around

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere

judges judging your breed and not enough breed or

in the world and why?

group specialists? There are very few judges in my breed, so we depend

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That would

have to be the AKC National

Championships (although I love the Palm Springs

F RO M A N O W NER- HANDLER LEASH

shows the first of the year as well) It’s such a spectacle! So many fabulous dogs, good judges, great shopping, and it’s in Orlando. What can be better than that? Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. We try to never miss a specialty because we have so very few - but our national is almost always part of an all-breed show. They just have better ribbons! I really don’t prefer one over the other, they are all fun. The purpose of dog showing was, and still should be, to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock. Do you think for some breeders and owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? I think it’s all part of the same equation. I would hope that judges will always judge dogs according to the breed standard, which means it is to evaluate breeding stock. That said, rankings tell you how well your dog stacks up to others in your breed and how well they compete against the best in other breeds. There should be nothing wrong with striving to be number one in your breed or all-breed standings. That shows that many judges believe the dog meets the standard. How do you feel competing with professional handlers? Is it always a level playing field? As an owner-handler, it’s my job to be as good as the pros, have my dog in just as good of condition as the pros, or better. Pros have nice dogs - but so do I. Rather than whining about losing to a pro, I would rather think it through and figure out why a pro might have won. Did they do something I didn’t? Was their dog a better dog? Better condition? Better

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handled? Once an owner- handler starts to think of it as their job it becomes a level field. Do some pros have an advantage by knowing more judges? Maybe, but that’s all the reason to work hard to present a great dog, to a good judge. In my opinion, most judges will put up the best dog no matter who is handling it. Many shows in Europe have a breed’s class and stakes where breeders compete with a team of dogs bred by them. Would you like to see this class introduced at general championship shows in the USA? I think it would be hard offering this at all-breed shows in the US. At specialties, we already have stud dog and brood bitch classes, and it’s a good fit for a specialty show. What are your hobbies outside of the world of dogs? I paint, create stained glass, but beyond dogs traveling with my husband David is my favorite thing. Do you judge, and if not, would you like to judge some day? I am not a judge and have always said I don’t aspire to be a judge, but I have learned in this life to never say never. Is there any advice you would like to give to professional handlers, owner-handlers and judges? To the pros, be kind to the owner handlers. To the owner handlers, show the best dogs to the best of your ability. To the judges, know the breed standards and judge towards that goal of type, structure, and movement. This helps to keep breeds as they were intended - and that’s good for everyone.

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Talking about

CHIHUAHUAS 108 Shea O’Connell BCR CHIHUAHUAS 116 Carol Davies DACHIDAS CHIHUAHUAS 122 Sandra Ludmir MALKANORAH CHIHUAHUAS

BCR Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time “Alibi”

Davishall Diamond Rio who goes back to all of Linda

MEET THE BREED

George’s bloodlines. Rio is in the pedigree of nearly all my Chihuahuas now and I still look at some of my puppies and see qualities that he has passed on. He was the dog that solidified my love for brindles. My foundation bitch was Zarak Khan’s Charmed One “Phoebe”. She was a gorgeous little black and tan with ear fringe to die for! I have never seen a Chihuahua with more fringe than her. I’m so incredibly lucky that she passed on that trait! Phoebe became mom

SHEA O’CONNELL

BCR Chihuahuas

of some of my favorite dogs, and many generations later, I am still drawn to those who go back to her out of all the Chihuahuas that I own. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Chihuahua and dog showing.

Not many Chihuahua folk were friendly to us when we began. They told us that white dogs are preferred, and we needed to get them if we wanted to win.

I first started in AKC conformation events when I was

The standard states that any color - solid marked

about 10 years old. We were looking for a house pet

or splashed- is allowed and are all judged equally. A

to add to our big family and eventually decided on a

good dog is a good dog. The top winning long coat is a

Chihuahua. One turned to many, and we all completely

black and tan with white markings. The top winning

fell in love with the breed. We went to a local dog

smooth coat has self-colored pigment. Their point is

show for fun, met a few breeders and decided we

moot. The negative comments lit a fire under us to

wanted to try showing ourselves. Our kennel name

prove them, and their misplaced beliefs, wrong. Since

started with the fact that our first Chihuahua was a

then, I have always stated that it is my goal to win

little blue girl and we lived by many horse ranches in

the National with a brindle one day. We learned to

California, so we named our kennel Blue Chi’s Ranch.

have thick skin very early on and we used it to build a

Later, we decided to shorten it down to BCR.

breeding program of our own, doing our best to breed

Where did you get your foundation Chihuahua’s and what breeders do you work with today? My foundation dog was a beautiful boy named CH

according to every line in the standard, not just the ones we find ideal to walk away with a quick and easy ribbon. The exhibitors were much more welcoming when we moved from California to North Carolina.

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I guess I had a natural talent with the animals because eventually Russella Bowen of Jokuba Handling took me under her wing to help fine tune my skills. Training and showing a bunch of Basenji’s will turn you into a wise handler, that is for sure! She taught me proper poise and ring etiquette to make me into the handler I am today. She taught me that every time you walk into the ring you and the dog at the end of your lead are a team - the goal is to make both of you look like one beautiful picture together. CH Blue Chi’s(BCR) Hello Kitty “Kitty”

I worked as Russella’s assistant up until I graduated from high school. We still have a great relationship and talk about dogs all the time! In the past few years, Erika Lanasa (Bayard Chihuahuas) and I have become like family. She has been so great to us and has given me so much of her knowledge of our breed. Erika tells it how it is and does not sugar coat anything. Just how I like it, straight to the point! We talk dogs and pedigrees, planning out future breedings two, three, four generations out. We talk about what is great in my program and what could need improvement, potential stud dogs and why.

CH BCR Shameless “Fiona”

I am so grateful that Erika saw the potential in my kennel, she knows this breed like the back of her hand and could quote the standard front and back. Which Chihuahua breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world? Melanie Newell, Erika Lanasa, William Miller, and Kenny Saenz (Bayard), Joan Scott (Wissfire), Linda George (Ouachitah) and Shelda Hornby (Bramerita). They are all brilliant breeders and seem to turn everything they touch into gold.

Our Tri with brindling on her legs, CH Blue Chi’s(BCR) Sugar How You Get So Fly “Dolly” going Reserve Winners Bitch at the CCA National under breeder-judge Terri Lyddon.

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With the invention of social media, the internet and

MEET T HE B REED · CHIHUAHUAS

multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Facebook has become the ultimate social media outlet for all of us dog fancy. I love seeing Chihuahuas from all over the world and how they differ from what we have here in the states. I have imported dogs from several countries to add to my program, but I believe that the USA has the strongest breeding. It may be just because I see what there is to offer from seeing them in person and having my hands on them. Photos can only do so much. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? Health testing. Where is the “preservation” in breeding without healthy animals? I think it is so important to know what we have in our program, not only structurally, but internally as well. We cannot preach preservation if the comfort and longevity of our animals is not put as our priority.

BIS RBIS GCHB Krispin Ever Body Nose Yur Name “Cheers” and her handler Erika Lanasa win photo under judge Jose Molina.

disappointed. We definitely need to work harder to better our breed. What is your proudest achievement so far in the world of Chihuahuas? My proudest moment as a breeder was when I handled my heart dog, Tipsy, to Best of Variety from the Veterans class at the 2021 Chihuahua National under breeder-judge Linda George. To gain the recognition from such an admirable breeder was the win of a

How has the Chihuahua changed since you first

lifetime and I do not think I could ever forget it. I was

started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and

riding on cloud nine for weeks after it had happened!

or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? I believe that true breed type has been muddled. I am Facebook friends with people who have other breeds and sometimes it takes me a moment to realize the photo I’m looking at is of a Chihuahua! Any of us should be able to look at a dog and know what breed it is at first glance. For a long time when I first began, I would watch in awe as some of the most beautiful dogs went around the ring, but right now I have been

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you--show ring, litter box and/or stud. BIS RBIS GCHB Krispin Ever Body Nose Yur Name “Cheers” (Handled by Erika Lanasa, Bred by Dail Corl, Owned by Paula Martinez, Shea O’Connell, and Holly Maxwell) Group Winning, NBOV MBISS GCHS Blue Chi’s (BCR) Topsy Turvy “Tipsy” (Breeder/Owner/ Handled by myself, Shea O’Connell) Blue Chi’s (BCR) Dirty Little Secret ROM “Spencer”.

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won there yet, but I hope to make that happen one day. Do you judge? Who is the greatest Chihuahua you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing? I have never judged, and I don’t have the desire to. The greatest Chihuahua I have had the pleasure of seeing would easily be Sonnito. He is the first and last Chihuahua I have seen that could fly around the ring and never miss a step. He was spectacular and always a joy to watch. The epitome of a Chihuahua! Tipsy winning Best of Variety and Best Veteran at the 2021 CCA National under breeder-judge, Linda George (Ouachitah Chihuahuas)

If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud that is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? I have always loved CH Nauset I Believe I Can Fly “Teddy”. Sadly, I have never had the pleasure to see him in person, but there are many photos. I just drool over him. The body proportions, outline, coat, furnishings, head... I could go on and on. There is a reason he still holds the title of Top Winning Long Coat in USA History. He is not only gorgeous, but he has a lovely thought-out pedigree and is behind dogs that I am happy we all have access to breed to today, although several generations away. If you remove the coat from a Long Coat Chihuahua, it

BIS RBIS GCHB Krispin Ever Body Nose Yur Name “Cheers”

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? Westminster is always an amazing experience! It is hectic and charged with energy, running from hotel specialties to the pier and then Madison Square Garden. There is never a moment to rest and I haven’t

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should be able to win in the Smooth Coat Chihuahua ring. The same should go for adding coat to a Smooth Coat Chihuahua. Do you believe that the current winning dogs could compete in both rings? This question is a bit tricky. In some regards I lean towards yes and in others I lean towards no. The body proportions we see right now are not correct. Put hair on it, and it changes the whole illusion of the outline.

MEET T HE B REED · CHIHUAHUAS

The body is supposed to be slightly longer than tall from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks and wither to ground. I think body proportions is what our breed is struggling with most now. Not only do our long coats look much too long bodied, but our smooths do also as well. Add the correct body coat on top of that and it creates the illusion that they have much less leg than they are already lacking. Would you be in favor of having both varieties compete as one variety? No, I think that the coat is so important that they should always be separate. Coat should have as much importance as the overall headpiece. To have them compete as one variety would almost diminish the importance of coat. Chihuahuas come in two coat varieties, which variety do you believe is currently strongest and why? I would say structurally, they are equivalent. The smooths coat competition are of better-quality coats at the moment. The coat quality on a lot (but not all) of the longs are not correct. The longs right now seem to have a coarse texture and tighter jacket, with no length to the body coat, and little to no ear furnishings. Smooths are supposed to have a soft textured, close, and glossy coat with a ruff on the neck and tail preferred furry, and I see many in the ring who have that. What words would you personally use to describe a Chihuahua? Saucy. Confident. Terrier-like temperament. Working dog in miniature. Group Winning, NBOV MBISS GCHS Blue Chi’s(BCR) Topsy Turvy “Tipsy”

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CH Dachida’s Master Angel

on long coat Chihuahuas until the late 80’s when we

MEET THE BREED

purchased our first smooth coat. To date we have bred 35 UK champions, multiple worldwide and the top long coat Chihuahua in America 1994. Where did you get your foundation Chihuahua’s and what breeders do you work with today? The start of my long coat line was based on Apoco Deodar breeding from our foundation bitch. In 1969 we used Chitinas Peregrine who was the top sire in

CAROL DAVIES

DACHIDAS Chihuahuas

the breed for several years and would later become the grand sire of our first home bred UK champion CH Dachida’s Angelique. Our interest in smooth coat Chihuahuas started in the late 1980s with a show hitch from Chudor and a foundation bitch from Yetagen, these combined with Arrendene and Sventra stud dogs provided the

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Chihuahua and dog showing. Since I was a child I have always been interested in pedigreed dogs, saving my pocket money to buy the dog annuals and writing to top kennels in various breeds asking how much a show puppy would be. I don’t think they realized that I was a ten-year-old year-old child as I actually got a few replies! By chance as a child, I attended the first British Chihuahua Club Championship show which was held in Plymouth Grove, Manchester where I grew up. It wasn’t until the mid-1960’s that we purchased our first long coat bitch. The Dachida’s affix was established in 1968 using our surname to form the affix. We were solely focused

foundation to our line. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with? I do not think I really had a specific mentor it was more gathering knowledge and advise from experienced breeders of the time. And most importantly attending as many shows as possible to develop an appreciation and own eye for the breed. We have worked closely with the Gibeltarik kennel since becoming close friends when they bought a dog from us over 20 years ago. Which Chihuahua breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present? I greatly admired the Apoco Deodar kennel of Sylvia

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and Bill Stevenson as they consistently produced typical, sound examples of the breed in both coats over many years. I admire any kennel who can consistently produce typical sound examples of the breed which also go on to be successful sires and dams. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe International & UK CH Dachida’s Paintb

your breed is currently strongest? I think this is difficult question to answer as I don’t like to judge a dog solely from a photo/video and also different countries do seem to prioritize certain aspects of the breed and therefore a type develops. Wherever you go in the would there are always a couple of kennels that stand out for breeding consistent type and quality. Overall, across both coats I would say Europe has the most consistent depth of quality. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation

Ch Dachida’s Johnnie Angel

breeder? Breeding from healthy sound typical examples of the breed. Not randomly over breeding for short term success but putting thought and time into your breeding program. How has the Chihuahua changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? I think overall Chihuahuas have certainly improved in terms of soundness and temperament. Show

Am CH Dachida’s Chocoholic

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temperament and handlers presentation of the breed

by Pat Porreca of Golden Bay Chihuahuas. She was

has evolved for the better. We must never lose sight

a multiple BISS and the top long coat in America in

of what makes a Chihuahua a Chihuahua, that lovely

1994.

saucy expression and flaring ears.

CH Dachida’s Johnnie Angel (SC) who was named

What is your proudest achievement in the world of

by the very respected American Chihuahua handler

Chihuahuas?

Mr. Jim Leighman on a visit to us when Johnnie was

I think it must be winning the group at Crufts 2005 with CH Dachida’s Master Angel and representing the breed in Best in Show. We were so proud of his performance. He was not just a great showman but also and just as important a great producer from very

a pup. He was top smooth coat for his year, winner of over 20’CCs and multiple Club BIS wins. He was a significant sire producing multiple UK and overseas champions for ud and other kennels. Johnnie is behind all our current lines.

selective stud work. His granddaughter would also go

AM, Irish and UK CH Dachida’s Hi Angel to Drumfair

on to win the group at Crufts in 2008.

(LC) top long coat Chihuahua 2000 and Crufts CC

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. Dachida’s Bugsy Malone (LC) a son of CH Apoco Deodar Music Man was Top Toy Stud Dog in 1988 and the sire of five UK champions.

winner. Bodebi Betty Boo (SC)--her pedigree consisted of a lot of Yetagen breeding. We mated to two of our CH males and Betty produced three UK champions including a multiple Crufts BOB winner and multiple overseas champions. She was Top Toy Brood in 2011.

Chudor Florentina (SC) our first smooth coat show bitch. Florence had one litter by CH Arrendene Aggresor producing three daughters including our first IK champion, the dams of four UK champion males and the mother of CH Dachida’s Master Angel. UK CH Dachida’s Killer Queen (SC). Killer was our first UK smooth coat champion and was a great showgirl. Her confirmation was so correct. She only had one litter and was mated to Sventra Super Blue producing three males 2 UK champions and an international champion who is still in the pedigrees of many European winners AM CH Dachida’s Chocoholic (LC). Chocie was owned 5 UK Dachida’s Campions - Ladykiller, Shoot to Kill, Aim Lucky, Almost An Angel & Johnnie Go Go Go

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CCs, two BOBs at Crufts and multiple RBIS, at general championship shows and Toy Groups. He was the top smooth coat Chihuahua from 2013-2015. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? UK Toy Dog or Leeds General Championship Show which is set in the lovely grounds of Harwood House. Do you judge? Who is the greatest Chihuahua you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing? Yes, I have awarded CC’s in the UK since the 1980’s Am CH Dachida’s Chocoholic

and judged both varieties at Crufts. I have also been

CH Dachida’s Master Angel (SC)--Astro won more

fortunate to judge the breed worldwide including

groups and general championship show BIS in the UK

America.

than any other Chihuahua of either coat. Winning 51 CC’s, four BOBs at Crufts and the Crufts Toy Group 2005. Astro was the Top UK Toy Dog 2002-2003 and runner-up Top Dog All Breeds 2003. International and UK CH Dachida’s Psintbox (SC) campaigned and own by the Owelea kennel in Finland.

My daughter Aimee is also due to judge the breed at Crufts in 2023. If you could go back in time and use 1 dog at Stud (that is no longer alive.) who would it be and why would you use him?

Bindi won group placings in the UK was a BISS winner.

I would probably use CH Allende See Threepio, I

In Europe she won groups at international shows. We

did actually ask to use him when he was alive, but

also had the trip of a lifetime to the Chihuahua Club of

he wasn’t available, and we used a kennel mate. See

America in 2011 where she won the major win of Best

Threepio was a very dominant sire, with great breed

of Winners. We had done the trip very spontaneously

type and a commanding show dog with many awards

and like with a lot of things we do on the last minute!

and champion offspring. I would also use Sventra

But it was a wonderful weekend, and we were made

Super Blue again, an uncrowned champion and son of

so welcome by the America Chihuahua exhibitors. We

See Threepio and the father to four male champions

always meant to go back and finish her title.

for us and a foundation to our smooth coat line.

CH Sundowner Play Misty (SC) for me at Dachida’s

If you remove the coat from a Long Coat Chihuahua, it

who was bred and jointly owned by our friend Jean

should be able to win in the Smooth Coat Chihuahua

Day. He was a grandson of CH Dachida’s Johnnie Go

ring. The same should go for adding coat to a Smooth

Getter, Top smooth coat in 2006-2007. Misty won 50

Coat Chihuahua. Do you believe that the current

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winning dogs could compete in both rings? I think that long coat in the UK are in a much better place than five years ago. Tail sets are improving and the fashion for overcoated examples is disappearing. Smooth coats have remained static even regressing in some essential breed characteristics such as eyes and ear size and placement over recent years. I think at present with or without coat the varieties could compete in the same ring however I feel for the top awards they would more frequently go to a smooth coat. Would you be in favor of having both varieties compete as one variety?

International & UK CH Dachida’s Paintbox

No, I think this would be a difficult task for even a breed specialist to judge. With high entries in each variety, I don’t see the need. There are many breeds which are classified as a separate variety due to coat and I do not see why Chihuahuas should be any different. Chihuahuas come in two coat varieties, which variety do you believe is currently strongest and why? I think globally from what I have seen overall smooth coats are stronger. There is nothing to hide with a smooth coat, however I do believe the standard of long coats had improved in recent years. What words would you personally use to describe a Chihuahua? A big dog in a small package. Very intelligent, bold, and sassy. AM, Irish and UK CH Dachida’s Hi Angel to Drumfair

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I read and studied as much as I could on my own

MEET THE BREED

until I became friends with some of the breeders from whom I bought some of my first dogs. Those relationships were really enriching regarding what I am looking for today in this breed. The Chihuahua captivated me, and I decided to get one with quality. Where did your kennel name originate from and what is the meaning? Malkanorah was born from my mom’s name. Her

SANDRA LUDMIR

M A L KAN O R AH

Chihuahuas

name is Malka, and my dogs proudly carry her in their names all over the world. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you have a network of breeders that you work with today? I made a couple of very dear friends in the USA,

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, dog showing, and the Chihuahua in general?

renowned breeders whom I respect, love, and admire: Linda George and Marcy Blank from Ouachitah. Linda entrusted me with a bitch from her best lines and that is how I decided to have my first litter. This was

From an incredibly early age my parents raised me

the impetus with which it all really started. Thanks to

surrounded by many dogs, for which I always had

these two great women, my passion and the challenge

great affection. Purebred dogs and mixed breeds

of breeding great Chihuahuas became a reality.

that I approached with a lot of love have always been my passion. It may sound funny, but one of the few breeds I did not have as a child was the Chihuahua. As an adult, I came back from every walk or outing with friends and ended up looking through the window of a pet shop. I loved going in and looking at all the animals. That is how my journey began with my beloved breed 15 years ago. I was really impressed to see such a small dog with the temperament, attitude, and intelligence of a big one.

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Which Chihuahua breeders do you respect the most, anywhere in the world, past or present? Linda and Marcy… I have them to thank. They were the ones who introduced me to the dog world as well as being my mentors. Another event that changed my perspective was the arrival of Aladar in my life. From that moment I also had the support, affection, and enriching relationship with Darwin and his daughter Tamra. I also met José Luis and Ainara with whom I have formed a great friendship and team. All my breeding base is on Dartan, Ouachitah, and Dazzles bloodlines. They are truly breeders whom I have admired. What qualities do you attribute to a respectable preservation breeder? I admire those who know what they want, where they want to go, what they are looking for, and do it with respect for the breed and their fellow breeders. They must have love and respect for the dog. How has the Chihuahua changed since you first started showing and breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? The Chihuahua has changed and evolved, and breeders have a great responsibility. It is important to preserve the essence of what Chihuahuas are and have been for so many years. I have a clear idea of what a Chihuahua type is for me that I try to stick with.

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What are some of your proudest achievements in the world of Chihuahuas? Winning Crufts with Indiana, who is a beautiful bitch that makes me feel extra proud with her Best in Show and Specialty Best in Show wins all around the world. Also, our wonderful Tiroloco Malkanorah, who is the number one Chihuahua in the United States and won Best of Breed at the Chihuahua Club of America National Specialty. Please mention some of the most successful dogs bred or shown by you? There are many special dogs, but I must mention my Ali, Dartan the Valiant Aladar, who has been the best Chihuahua I have bred so far. Several who do not live with us but have had successful careers with their owners and handlers include La Prohibida de Malkanorah, Didi, Tiroloco Malkanorah, Tiro, and Indiana Malkanorah, nicknamed Indi. What is your favorite show to attend anywhere in the world? I love the 4 Summer Night Shows in Split, Croatia, Crufts, and Westminster. They are all true dog shows, different from each other but worth mentioning. Do you aspire to become a judge? It is not in my plans to study to become a judge. On one hand, I think it could be a window that would bring me closer to the dogs, to be able to see and study them. My true passion is breeding and competing with the dogs that I raised alongside my handler.

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If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud

small advantage, and it is that evidence in terms of

that is no longer alive who would it be?

type that would give them a small advantage.

Dartan Grand Slam, because in addition to being a

Since Chihuahuas come in two coat varieties, which do

recognized top producer he had that essence of type

you think is currently the strongest and why?

and quality. I have him in my pedigrees, but I would love to breed to him today. If you remove the coat from a Long Coat Chihuahua it should be able to win in the Smooth Coat Chihuahua ring. It should be the same for adding coat to a Smooth Coat Chihuahua. Do you believe that both could compete equally in the same ring? I really think the long coat can hide defects that you

If you mean strong in character, the smooth coat are much stronger. The Long Coat are sweet and much more sensitive. If you mean popularity, the Smooths are taking a greater force in the shows. What words would you use to describe the Chihuahua?

can see on a smooth with the naked eye, so a breeder

A lovely dog with great character, a lot of personality

may not pay the same attention to structural details

and intelligence in a small but well-structured body.

when breeding. For that reason, smooths play with a

They are like a good perfume.

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Talking about

JAPANESE CHIN 132 Beverly Meritt CINDON Japanese Chin 140 Scott Toney MIDWOOD Japanese Chin 148 David Gutierrez & Dean Schieler ROYAL SILK Japanese Chin

Where did you get your foundation Japanese Chin and

MEET THE BREED

what breeders (if any) do you work with today? I got my foundation Japanese Chin, Deco Cin-Don Annabell Lee from Mary Burr, Deco Japanese Chin. This was a wonderful black and white bitch with the greatest personality. The breeders that I work with today are Scott Toney, Jan Lockyer, and David Gutierrez. Did you have a mentor when first starting out? Do you

BEVERLY MERRITT

CINDON Japanese Chin

currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breedings with? When first starting out, Sandi Hooban Ocala and Mary Burr were extremely helpful. They were wonderful mentors with amazing amounts of knowledge about the breed. Also currently, Leanne Bertani was very helpful. The past few years, I have worked with Scott Toney, Jan Lockyer, Lisa White, Suzanne Warfield, David Gutierrez,

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world

and Dale Martenson and have appreciated their advice.

of pedigreed dogs, the Japanese Chin and dog showing. I began showing my Toy Poodles in obedience events in the late sixties and achieved many titles. In the seventies I began to breed Toy Poodles under the kennel name of Cin-Don. My Kennel name was a combination of my first Poodles’ name, Cindy, and my father’s first name Don. There was a special connection between my little black Poodle, Cindy, and my father Don so this was a sentimental choice. Through the years I have bred many Toy Poodle champions. I obtained my first Japanese Chin in the nineties from Joyce Wall, Cedarknoll Kennels. His name was Cedarknoll’s Hackysack and he finished his championship quickly. I was now hooked on this delightful breed.

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Which Japanese Chin breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present? There have been many wonderful breeders of Japanese Chin throughout the years but, for me I respect Sheila Vincent in England for the beauty and type she has bred. I respect Nanette Wright for the consistent quality and type she has produced. Finally, I love the beautiful, elegant type that Tommi and Sandi Hooban produced under the kennel name Tosaho. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Our breed is currently strongest in the United States and England. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? A respectable preservation breeder is one who studies pedigrees before breeding so as not to lose our good qualities from the past. Also, they would do the required health checks for the breed. How have Japanese Chin changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? Since I started showing Japanese Chin, I feel the breed has become more elegant and showier. Today’s Chin seem to be more competitive, placing more often in the Toy Group. It seems to me that the breed has changed for the better.

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What are some of your proudest achievements in the

since we all know the many different sizes we can get in

world of Japanese Chin?

one litter. Breeders are doing well in breeding smaller

I think my proudest achievements in the world of Japanese Chin would be winning Best of Breed at a

quality Chin. It seems like many more Chin are placing in the Group and earning Best in Show these days.

National Specialty, winning Best of Breed at Westminster

Do you feel more superior Japanese Chin of a recognized

and achieving two all-breed Best in Shows.

color other than black and white (ie shades of red,

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. One of my most successful show dogs was Am. Can. Ch. Cin-Don Gulliver’s Travels. He was the first Japanese Chin that I had out as a special. My biggest thrill was when he won a Japanese Chin Club of America National

sable and tri color) are sometimes overlooked by judges because of their color? I feel that Japanese Chin of colors other than black and white are overlooked by judges. I have seen Chin of other colors who have excellent quality not put up. Some judges just feel safer putting up black and whites.

Specialty. Another one of my Chin that did well in the

What do you wish all judges knew about the Japanese

show ring was GCHG Cin-Don On The Road Again, a

Chin before they judge them?

Gulliver son. Roadie won the Breed at Westminster in 2011. What a thrill! I think one of my favorite Chin is GCHS Cin-Don Dear Evan Hansen. During his show career he earned two all-breed Best in Shows and several Best of Breeds at Chin Specialties. He achieved

I wish judges would realize that Japanese Chin are very sensitive about having their bites examined. I have heard of instances where Chin having bad experiences with their bites being examined have almost had their

Number 3 Japanese Chin, Breed and All Breed for 2021. All of these Chin specials were expertly handled by Alan Waterman. Currently, Ch. Tacori Cin-Don Annamaechin bred by Jan Lockyer and me and co-owned with David Gutierrez is doing well as a specials bitch. She has been showing well and earning many Best of Breeds. It is stated that Japanese Chin should be “daintier the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed.”. Do you feel current breeders are breeding for this or are they breeding more of what they feel judges will award in the ring? Current breeders are striving for type, quality, and soundness in a smaller package. This is difficult to do

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show careers ruined. Also, judges should not expect Chin to go charging around the ring like a working dog. They should have a smooth and steady gait. Do you judge? Who is the greatest Japanese Chin you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing in person? I do not judge and have no desire to judge in the future. The greatest Japanese Chin I have seen in person is Ch Deco’s Look No More. I loved his type and showmanship, and he had all the qualities I love in a Japanese Chin. If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud that is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? If I could go back in time, I would use for stud, Tosaho’s Pale Rider. He consistently produced beautiful typey Japanese Chin. You could not help but notice his offspring when they were in the ring, 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 ranking? I agree that it has become more about ribbons and ranking for some breeders. Many owners and breeders can’t wait until the rankings come out each month so that they can post it in social media. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs? My future goals in the sport of pedigree dogs are to maybe have one more Japanese Chin special out for a while and to enjoy the accomplishments of my friends as they show and breed their beautiful Japanese Chin.

ago, and I was determined to meet Sheila Vincent

MEET THE BREED

of Yama Kennels as I had always admired her dogs. I took a “day off” from vacation and boarded a train to Bournemouth to spend the day with Sheila and her husband, Dave. She prepared a wonderful meal, and we spent the entire day talking dogs. I was in heaven sitting in her home taking turns with all of the Yama Chin on my lap. One year later, I had my first Chin from Sheila, CH Yama Miss Moneypenny. Not only was she spectacular, but she was a fantastic producer and has been behind many of the top Chin in America to this

SC OTT TONEY

MIDWOOD Japanese Chin

day. I have worked closely with Sheila throughout the years. Kip Kopatch, who also had Chin from Yama, was kind enough to let me use her dog, CH Teabear’s Royal Penguin, for my first two matings. I now work with just a handful of breeders who I also consider good friends. My primary breeding and show partner is Susan Link of Richfield, NC.

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs, the Japanese Chin and dog showing. My family always had purebred dogs (Poodles and German Shepherds), and in 1983 we began showing Lhasa Apsos. My mentor was Marion Knowlton of Knolwood fame. When I first started with Japanese

Did you have a mentor when first starting out? Do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breedings with? I have been very fortunate to be close with several top breeder/exhibitors in the states and abroad. I would define these relationships as mentor/peer/ friend, and I value them immeasurably.

Chin in 2003, I lived in a neighborhood called Plaza

Which Japanese Chin breeder/breeders do you respect

Midwood, and as a nod to Marion’s kennel name,

most, anywhere in the world past or present?

Knolwood, I adopted the affix Midwood for my Japanese Chin.

To name one breeder would leave out too many who deserve mention. With that said, the breeders I most

Where did you get your foundation Japanese Chin and

admire are those who have preserved throughout the

what breeders if any do you work with today?

years, and continue to breed Chin of correct, oriental

I took a vacation to London with a friend many years

type. These are people who have taken the risk and spent the time and money to research and import

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foreign stock…. breeders who have preserved and adhered to their vision…breeders who have selflessly shared their dogs with others. They have my utmost respect. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? There are beautiful Japanese Chin throughout the world, but right now is a special time in America for our breed. There is great depth of quality in both the ring and whelping box with pedigrees reflecting some of the very best dogs from America, England, Japan, and other countries. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? One who manages to breed for and maintain type without sacrificing health. How have Japanese Chin changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? There were some gorgeous examples of the breed when I first started, so I don’t think quality is necessarily better or worse. There are always cycles where you will see many high-quality dogs followed by a year or two where you may not be wowed with what you see in the ring. I think the biggest difference is that people are becoming more knowledgeable about maintaining coat and condition and do a better job showing their Chin. When I started, it was only the top handlers and breeders who seemed to really

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“get” coat, condition, and presentation. What are some of your proudest achievements in the world of Japanese Chin? I am very proud to have bred the first-ever American Chin to gain an English championship title. His name was ENG CH Midwood Manacor at Yama (Marco), and I sent him to Sheila Vincent as a small way of saying thank you for all she had done for me. She

of red, sable and tri color.) are sometimes overlooked by judges because of their color? I think judges are used to seeing the black and whites wining most of the major prizes, but there are currently some very special sable, tri-color and red/lemon Chin being shown. I think more and more judges are comfortable assessing and rewarding Chin of color.

quickly showed him to his title, including winning

What do you wish all judges knew about the Japanese

Best in Show at the UK Club’s championship show,

Chin before they judge them?

and he was equally or more successful as a top sire in England and Europe.

Chin are extremely sensitive to oral examination. All that is necessary to check the bite is a light sweep of

Owner-handling BISS GCH Rakuchin Cashmoor

the thumb over the mouth. Also, the standard calls

Midwood to best of breed at a very competitive

for a “small” amount of eye white. Do not overlook

Westminster in 2017 is a moment I will never forget.

dogs who show the correct small amount, and take

I am also very pleased that my experience has given me the opportunity to apply for my AKC judging license. Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. (show ring, litter box and/or stud.) My diminutive CH Midwood Mie Mavis was not only a gorgeous show bitch, but she is behind many top winners including #1 ranked dogs, national specialty winners and Westminster winners. Her great great grandson, BISS BIS GCHS Cin-Don Dear Evan Hanson, bred by Beverly Merritt, Joyce Wall and myself, is currently being shown, and is a multiple best in show winner. Do you feel more superior Japanese Chin of a recognized color other than black and white (ie shades

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into consideration light, sun, wind, or other factors

Type and breed purpose cannot be ignored. When

that may make a Chin squint and/or otherwise reduce

placing the dogs, do not get too hung on one feature

the amount of white shown. Last, the Chin was bred

at the expense of the overall dog.

to be a companion dog for aristocracy, not a working or sporting breed. Do not reward generic dogs just because they zoom around the ring or “show” well.

Do you judge? Who is the greatest Japanese Chin you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing in person? I have been judging sweeps and special events and am now ready to begin judging at AKC conformation shows. I have been invited to judge our national sweepstakes this year as well as the UK Japanese Chin Club’s Open show. I am sure I’ll be judging some very special Chin in the future. If you could go back in time and use 1 dog at stud that is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? JAP/ENG CH Ryusho of Matsuminesow. This dog was imported by English kennel Amantra many years ago from Japan. He was a stunning example of the breed that would easily be a top dog today. More importantly, I believe he was one of the most influential sires of our time and was added to the gene pool in England at a time when he was very much needed. He produced many top wining and producing offspring, and his impact is still felt to this day. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs? I want to continue breeding and showing, and hopefully always have a handful of special dogs and bitches in my program. I also am working for approval to judge all toy and non-sporting breeds, so that is a goal I hope to reach in the next couple of years.

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Where did you get your foundation Japanese Chin and

MEET THE BREED

what breeders do you work with today? Our foundation Japanese Chin came from Susan Lawrence (Senzan’s Japanese Chin) and Michelle Blake (Blake’s Japanese Chin). We acquired three beautiful Japanese Chin from Susan Akemi, Takara and Kiyoshi at Tri, Sable and Red. Michelle sent us Mikko, a very typey black and white boy. We work with Nanette Wright (We-Syng), Miki Cooney (O’Cuana), Cese Resnick (Fiore), Jennifer Baumer (Megumi), Kathleen

DA VID G U TIE RRE Z & DEAN SC H IE LE R

ROYAL SILK Japanese Chin

Sullivan (Six Gems), Janice Seccombe (Chinn Legacy), Scott Toney (Midwood), Nancy Legge (Sinshar), Beverly Merritt (Cin-Don), Denny Mason (Blossom Trail), and EDestiny Lomeli (Kimiko). Did you have a mentor when first starting out? Do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breedings with? When we first started in the Japanese Chin Scene, our

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Japanese Chin and dog showing.

mentor was Susan Lawrence. We are still in touch with Susan. Yes, we have a network of breeders we discuss breeding plans, show plans a small circle of devoted Japanese Chin friends. Nanette has been

I met Dean Schieler in 1998, he was involved in the

a great resource throughout the years, a wealth of

show scene. Dean showed and bred Affenpinchers at

knowledge to say the least.

the time. Dean sparked my interest in showing dogs, he introduced me to the show fancy world. Our kennel name is Royalsilk Japanese Chin. The first people to

Which Japanese Chin breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?

breed Japanese Chin were Buddhist Monks along the

Let us start with the present. Nan from We-Syng

Silk Road. Japanese Chin were owned by nobles and

has been a huge influence in our breeding program.

royals, so we came up with Royalsilk, a combination

I respect her immensely, she is always willing to

of the Japanese Chin’s history. We have been involved

help, share her dogs and give advice. Tony Allcock

with our beloved Chin for 24 years, and we also have

from the UK (Sleepyhollow) has been a key part

Pekingese.

of the breed in Europe. He took the chance on us

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With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? With social media and modern times that have risen I do believe our breed is stronger than ever in the show ring! Before social media, our beloved breed was not in the spotlight like it is now. It is wonderful to see a Japanese Chin winning the toy group and receiving Best in Show accolades, they are very deserving, and I must say, it is about time. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? In our opinion, it takes hard work and dedication to with Aubrey- GCH CH Sleepyhollow Mozart ROM almost 9 years ago. I cannot thank Tony enough for sending us Aubrey, he has made a big impact in our breeding program. Kathleen Sullivan lays low but has been an influential person for Royalsilk. Kathleen breeds healthy, beautiful Japanese Chin and has my utter most respect. Now going to the past, I have admired the Tosaho Chin for many decades. Tommi and Sandi, a mother daughter duo that bred sound, healthy and typey Chin who took the ring by storm. Mary Bransford (Makami) our foundation dogs were heavily bred on Mary’s Chin. Small, cobby sound

the breed. It doesn’t happen overnight that’s for sure. Studying your pedigrees, knowing the ancestry on your dog is extremely important to make the correct breeding decisions. Breeding to the standard is key! The Standard is every fancier’s bible. Breeding sound, healthy beautiful dogs is important. Being able to cut out dogs from your breeding program to continue to move forward is hard at times but remember to always take footsteps forward and never back… never become kennel blind, set high standards and stick to them. These are things that have helped Royalsilk stay on track throughout the years.

Chin. Susan Lawrence did an excellent job continuing

How have Japanese Chin changed since you first

Mary’s legacy. Elena Shevchenko (Hin Satori) was

started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and

brilliant with her breeding program. She blended

or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed

European, Japanese, and Finnish lines to create her

for the better or worse?

own and she was extremely successful. Thirty years later, she is still going strong and producing some very lovely Chin.

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The presentation has stepped up a notch from 20 years ago. I feel in the past that Japanese Chin were

MEET T HE B REED · JAPANESE CHIN

presented much more casually, grooming, trained etc. Everyone has stepped up their game in the ring. The Chin are immaculate and in pristine condition. As far as quality, I can say it comes and goes with the

Opposite Sex Japanese Chin National GCH CH Royalsilk’s Pumped Up With Satsuki (Vince)--2020 #6 OH RBIS

years in spurts. You could say the quality has always

GCH CH O’Cuana Tri-N-Stop-Mi By Royalsilk --2020 #5

been there, but you get a run of years with some

chin bitch, 2021 #9 Chin Bitch

outstanding Chin in the ring and then it seems to die out for a couple of years. What are some of your proudest achievements (so far) in the world of Japanese Chin? Some of our proudest moments, great question! A standout for sure is our beloved Fierce, GCH CH Royalsilk’s Next Top Model winning Best of Opposite sex at our National Specialty in 2018. What an honor to receive such a win. Another great win was Sasha CH Royalsilk’s Princess Sasha at only 10 months of

GCH CH Tacori Cin-Don Anamaechin 2022--Currently #1 Chin Bitch, #5 in Breed, 2021 #2 bitch, #11 in breed. GCH CH Royalsilk’s Promise Made--2019 #8 chin Bitch Registry of Merit is earned by producing five champion offspring for males for females requires three champion offspring. CH. Senzan’s Kiyoshi of Royalsilk, ROM CH. Royalsilk’s Crème Brulee, ROM

age winning Winners Bitch in 2017 at our National,

CH. Kiku’s Shine’s Bright like a Diamond In Royalsilk,

with over 35 bitches entered. CH. Royalsilk’s Dark

ROM

Knight winning Best in Sweeps at the North Carolina Specialty. Most recently our Annie - GCH CH Tacori

GCH CH Sleepyhollow Mozart, ROM

Cin-Don Anamaechin taking Best of breed at two supported entries in 2021, 2022 San Diego Toy Fanciers taking Best of Breeds at all five shows within that cluster, she is currently the #1 Chin Bitch and #5 in breed. We are very proud of this girl. Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. GCHB CH Royalsilk’s Icon of Style At Satsuki (Hermes)-- #6 Chin in 2016 CH. Royalsilk’s Princess Sasha-- 2017 Winners Bitch Japanese Chin National GCH CH Royalsilk’s Next Top Model--2018 Best of

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Q: It is stated that Japanese Chin should be “daintier the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed.”. Do you feel current breeders are breeding for this or are they breeding more of what they feel judges will award in the ring? We must keep in mind not to lose breed quality or type regardless of size. A Japanese Chin should be refined, however not as dainty as Papillon or a Chihuahua. The word cobby should come to mind when you think of a Japanese Chin, but you do not want heavy bone. Do you feel more superior Japanese Chin of a recognized color other than black and white (ie shades of red, sable and tri color.) are sometimes overlooked by judges because of their color? Absolutely, I feel that Japanese Chin of other colors reds, sables and tri’s have been overlooked for far too long. I have seen this happen throughout our years in Chin. Judges need to reward Japanese Chin for their quality, regardless of their color. What do you wish all judges knew about the Japanese Chin before they judge them? I would like all judges to know this is an aloof breed. Japanese Chin are cautious and easily distracted. Heavy hands and Japanese Chin do not mesh well. Also, when examining the head, please do not try to pry their mouths open. If you absolutely must see their mouths, ask the exhibitor to show the bite. Do you judge? Who is the greatest Japanese Chin you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing in person? I am not an AKC judge however, I have had the

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pleasure of Judging our National Sweeps in 2019 and

Japanese Chin. Of course, we wish to have success

a Papillon Sweeps in 2021.

in the show ring and national specialties. I hope to

This one is a hard one throughout our years several stand outs: BISS CH. Deco’s Look No More

continue to see the growth of the sport, exhibitors working together. We love seeing the camaraderie, we are in it because we love our dogs. I am happy we are part of this show dog world.

BISS GCH CH Kaminari’s We-Syng Lucky Day BIS BISS GCH CH Touche’s Top and Tails At Samskara If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud that is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? If I could go back and time, I would like to use Nomar BISS CH. Deco’s Look No More. He was a small typey boy who screamed breed quality. Not only was he beautiful and correct, but he also produced beautifully and is behind some of our Japanese Chin today. Q: 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 situation is different. I can only speak for ourselves. Our goals are to breed healthy, sound and quality Japanese Chin that represent our breed well. To each their own, some breeding programs take different routes, some love the fame and spotlight, others strive to improve the quality of the breed and others meet in the middle. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? Our future goals are to continue breeding lovely

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TAYLOR Johnson

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dog showing? I got involved in the world of purebred dogs through my parents that have participated in dog shows their whole life.

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What handlers (or who) inspires you? Those who have inspired me are my parents and grandparents with their success inside and outside of the ring. Do you work as an assistant for a professional handler? If not, would you like too? Who would you like to work for? I work for my parents who are all breed handlers and business owners, I also condition and train our Old English Sheepdogs at home. What breeds have you shown? Over course my focus is our OES, but most of our client dogs are herding, working, and sporting dogs. How did you do at your very first dog show? Can you share a memory from the day that sticks out in your mind? One of my first shows was at the Old English Sheepdog national specialty, as I went around the ring I lost my shoe, I stopped walked over to my shoe and took my other shoe off right beside it and finished showing the dog without my shoes. Do you breed dogs? Do you see yourself as a future dog breeder? I assist my parents with their breeding program, in the future I would like to continue with their legacy. What breeds would you like to establish a breeding program with? I am already involved with Old English Sheepdogs and that is the breed I love.

Do you have a mentor? I am lucky enough to have my parents and grandparents as my mentors. Would you like to be a judge one day? If so, what breeds/ Groups would you like to judge? I would love to be a judge one day, I would want to judge Herding, Working, Sporting, Hound and Best in Show. Do you find it difficult to balance schoolwork and dog showing? I know that I must prioritize my schoolwork to go to shows, and I have a system for weekend we do go to shows.

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What dog from the past do you wish you could have handled? There was a colored Bull Terrier named “Rufus” that won the Westminster dog show the year my dad won the Herding group with one of our OES. Watching videos back he was breathtaking, and I would have loved the opportunity to handle him. What dog currently in the ring would you love to handle if given the opportunity? There is currently a Standard Poodle out named “Ru” I was her in Orlando 2021 in the group, she was so impressive, and I loved watching her. Which professional handler would you hire to show your dog? The handler I would hire would be Karen Livingston, feel that she presents the dogs beautifully and gets a lot out of them.v What dog breeders do you admire and why? I think that there are so many wonderful breeders, and it is tough to pick just one. When you finish school, what career would you like to pursue? If not, dog related, do you hope to always find time for dog shows in life? I do not know what career I want to pursue yet, but I definitely want to participate in dog shows in the future. What have been some of your most special memories in the ring? There are so many great memories inside and outside the ring at dog shows but, One of my favorite memories in the ring was my first Best in Show, it was at Terry-all,

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and the bitches name was “Dee-Dee” she was a class bitch, and it was her first show. Another favorite is Sven winning BOB at 2021 Royal Canine. Both are memories I will never forget! Do you find the transition from Junior Showmanship ring to breed ring difficult? I participated in the breed ring before Junior Showmanship ring, so the transition wasn’t too drastic. Do you find the more mature members of the dog show world treat you with respect and offer advice to help you on your dog show journey? I have met incredible people that have given me great advice and they have been very supportive. What in your opinion is the purpose of dog shows? I think that the purpose of dog shows is the evaluate future breeding stock. What breeds (other than your own) would you love to learn how to present to perfection? There is so much I want to learn from different breeders and handlers, but one breed I would love to learn how to present would be a Poodle. What would be your dream win at a dog show? My dream win would be winning Best in Show or Best Junior and the Westminster dog show. Have you any goals inside and outside of the world of dogs? Goals I have this year are that I want to get my Old English Sheepdog to ten Best in Shows before 2023 and I want to continue to learn as much as possible inside and outside of dogs.

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dog and searched to find a purebred Whippet. My Mother was interested in showing. They were referred to local breeders Phil-Allen Whippets. With their guidance, they purchased a Whippet from Greycott Whippets, Scott Thompson, and Greg Comstock. My mother was a nervous wreck in the ring. At the time, I was very involved in the AQHA horse world. One of

JOHN & TRACY HITE

TIVIO whippets

my mother’s friends suggested she ask me to show the dog since I showed horses. I agreed to give it a try. I won the first time in the ring and was hooked. Our kennel name is Tivio. It was chosen from one of my favorite cutting horses, who had the Tivio bloodline in her pedigree. Over the years, we have enjoyed showing and cobreeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as well as owning and showing both a Beagle and a Harrier at different times. Where did you get your foundation Whippets and what breeders do you work with today? My first Whippet (Ch. Skeedoodle’s Banana Banshee,

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the

“Nanny”) came from Karen Flint of Skeedoodle

world of pedigreed dogs, the Whippet and dog showing.

Whippets in San Angelo, Texas. Nanny was a great

Growing up we had several purebred dogs – Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog, Yorkshire Terrier and Siberian Huskies. My mother became an avid sled dog racer when I was around eight yrs old. She owned a few purebred Siberian Huskies from Jan (Church) Stadler of Midnight Sun Kennels. Jan would show and finish the dogs, while my Mother would race them. That was my first introduction to dog shows. I was introduced to Whippets as a teen when my parents adopted a dog from the local shelter and were told it was a Whippet. It was not! But they loved this little

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dog and she is responsible for my true love of this breed. At the time, I had a horse farm in Colorado and Nanny would walk down the barn aisle every morning to greet each horse, who would lower their heads and nuzzle her. She was a natural show dog and taught me a great deal about showing. Her litter sister, “Shirley” Ch. Skeedoodle’s Shirley Temple, was our foundation for Tivio. Karen graciously allowed us to have Shirley for a litter and she produced our first homebred champion Am/Can Ch. Tivio’s Sagehill Dancer, ROMX.

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There are many who have continually produced dogs past and present that I admire – Snow Hill, Ableaim, Surrey Hills, Brushwood, Nasusa, Delacreme, Starline, Saxon Shore, Chelsea, Tajaen, Nevedith, Sobers, Merci Isle, Cherche – to name a few. Many dogs from these Kennels have gone on to be the foundation for some of the newer breeders who are having great success today. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available Lucia - MBIS/MBISS/BIF CH Tivio’s Fallingwater, SC,CGC, FCH

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breedings with?

to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Although I admire dogs from many other countries, I have to say I think the United States has some of the

I was referred to Karen Flint by local breeders Phil

best Whippets in the world. If you look at Whippet’s

Hedges and Allen Odom of Phil-Allen Whippets.

pedigrees around the world, you will find many with

Karen, Phil and Allen were invaluable mentors in the

American bloodlines.

early years of showing and our breeding program. I will always be grateful to them all. They retired from Whippets years ago, but gave us a strong beginning with which to go forward. Over the years, we have conferred with many breeders for advice and discussion of different dogs and bloodlines. I love talking candidly with other breeders. I feel there are always new things to learn. Which Whippet breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world, past or present?

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? A breeder who focuses on producing a dog that continues to reflect the form and function of the original true purpose of the breed. A breeder, who prioritizes health, type, temperament, and physical soundness. A breeder, who focuses on quality, not quantity. How have Whippets changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or

There are so many! Two breeders with whom I have

presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for

worked and who have contributed to a great deal of

the better or worse?

our success are Debbie Butt of Sporting Fields and Carol Harris of Bo-Bett. Both of these women were always very generous to us.

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I came into the show scene right after the presentation of Whippets was changing. Whippets were free stacking and baiting. This meant temperament was

WHIPPETS

having a big influence on producing show dogs. I

Tivio’s Mr Right, BCAT. My husband loves to jokingly

see both pros and cons to this evolution. However,

say “we are the breeders of both the dog and handler”.

most breeder judges today do not demand ears and showy attitudes to award a great Whippet. One of my most successful Whippets, who really put Tivio on

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you.

the map, was a bitch that did her job in the ring but

Zoey – AM/CAN CH Tivio’s Sagehill Dancer, ROMX

was never particularly showy – MBISS AM/CAN Ch.

(AM/CAN BISS CH Allerei’s Rodeo Drive x Ch

Tivio’s Allure, ROMX. She went on to produce many

Skeedoodles Shirley Temple)

amazing Whippets for us. In quality, I think Whippets are in very good shape as a breed in general. In July of 2021, I judged an entry of more than 130 Whippets in Ohio. I was really overwhelmed with the depth of quality in this entry. There were Whippets from all over the United States

Allie – MBISS AM/CAN CH Tivio’s Allure, ROMX (AM/ CAN CH Nasusa’s Polo Of Taymarc x Zoey) Chief – BIS/BISS/BIF CH Tivio’s Chiricahua, FCH (AM/ CAN MBIF/MBISS/BIS

CH Sportingfields Jazz Fest

x Allie)

and Canada, so a wide range of breeders and bloodlines

Lucia – MBIS/MBISS/BIF CH Tivio’s Fallingwater, CGC,

were represented. I walked dogs out of classes that on

SC, FCH (AM/CAN MBIF/MBISS/BIS CH Sportingfields

a different day could have been awarded with a major

Jazz Fest x Allie)

win. So, I am happy to say I feel our breed is doing well with a bright future. What is your proudest achievement in the world of

Whippets? I have been very fortunate to have had many successes over the years with our dogs. Two wins come to mind – Being the breeder/owner/ handler for my first AllBreed BIS with “Chief” BIF/MBISS/BIS Ch. Tivio’s Chiricahua, FCH. That weekend his litter sister, “Lucia” BIF/MBISS/MBIS Ch Tivio’s Fallingwater, CGC also went BIS being handled by Mary Dukes. The other was watching our daughter, Caroline, win Best In Futurity at the 2016 AWC National, under Judge Graham Miller (Longlesson), with “Felix” GCH Chief - Best in Field. Handled by my husband and my son Pierce

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Whippets over the years. If I had to pick one, I would say “Tawny”, Ch. Sporting Fields Bahama Sands. I had the pleasure of awarding her Best of Breed at the MAWA Specialty from the 9-12 class. It finished her championship. I feel she is exactly what a Whippet should look like – form and function. If you could go back in time and use one dog as a stud (that is no longer alive.) who would it be and why would you use him? Morshor’s Majestic Prince – he stamped type and style. Chief - BIS/BISS/BIF CH Tivio’s Chiricahua, FCH

Lane – MBISS GCHB Tivio’s Lightning In A Bottle (GCH Tivio’s Mr Right, BCAT x Ch. Tivio’s Eye Candy By Orion)

Whippets come in a menagerie of colors and markings. Do you think some judges are influenced by colors and markings? If yes, please elaborate. I do not see color being a big issue with judges, but I

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

do think judges can be influenced and even deceived by markings both positively and negatively. For example, a well marked parti-colored Whippet with a wide white

Westminster Kennel Club. Nothing can compete with

collar can appear to have more angulation in the front

the history, atmosphere and pure love of dogs and

with a well set on neck. And a dog with a poor marking

our sport that radiates with everyone. Palm Springs

over the top line can appear to have a dip or unfortunate

runs a close second. I hope to someday attend the

rise. When I mentor new judges, I always encourage

both the World Show and Crufts, which perhaps may

them to look at both sides of an unusually marked dog

change my opinion.

to ensure they are getting an accurate view.

Do you judge? Who is the greatest Whippet you have

Although Whippets are a smooth coated breed, it doesn’t

ever had the pleasure of judging and seeing?

make them very easy to judge. What do you wish all

Yes, I am an AKC judge.

I have been given the

privilege to judge the AWC National Specialty, many

judges knew before stepping into the ring to judge the Whippet?

of the AWC regional specialties and a good number of

Our breed can be very difficult to judge. We typically

independent specialties.

have great variation in “style” and size of Whippets

I have had the pleasure of judging many beautiful

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in the ring. Some can be square, while others are a bit more rectangular. Some are lower on leg while others

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are up on leg. Then you can have one in a class that is

What are your future goals and wishes in the sport of

at the bottom of our height standard and one at the top.

pedigreed dogs?

All these dogs can be correct, but these variations can be intimidating to a non-breeder judge. Many Judges want a black or white option for our breed, which is not possible. Judges need to remember that every Whippet should have Whippet type. Not like IGs or Greyhounds. Balance is crucial. They should have a continuous flow

With all the legislative changes happening in our world of showing, performance and breeding, I hope we can continue to protect our purebred dogs. We will strive to continue to produce healthy, happy, high-quality Whippets.

of curves, whether square or rectangular. Start at the top of the neck with smooth lines until the hock. The hock should be the only hard angle. Watch the dogs on the go around. A well put together dog should trot easily around the ring while maintaining their shape. Our standard describes the Whippet as a “medium sized athletic hound” – emphasize form and function. The height range in our standard has not changed since it originated. I hear people say Whippets are bigger now, which I totally disagree with. In my 33 years in this breed, there have always been big males and tiny females. I think most fall in the middle as they always have. The purpose of dog showing was and still should be to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock. Do you think

Lane - MBISS GCHB Tivio’s Lightning In A Bottle

for some breeders and owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? I definitely think many breeders, owners and handlers are focused on what will win and not always on what is best for our breed. I think most purebred breeds go through this as a normal evolution and progression - sometimes for the better and sometimes not. But honestly, we all go to dog shows to try to win, so to be successful one has to consider what will help your dogs win in the ring. As long as breeders are not sacrificing type, health and temperament, this should not be a problem. Zoey - Am/Can Ch Tivio’s Sagehill Dancer, ROMX

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color and had the biggest black eyes. She charmed me in no time with that typical Whippet devotion to people and looking at me like I was some sort of God. A few years later, I was given a grandson of Peggy. My kennel name is Merci Isle after the town of Mercer

IVA & JEFFREY KIMMELMAN

MERCI whippets ISLE

Island, in Washington State, where Verdi and his sister Pandora were born. Where did you get your foundation Whippets and what breeders do you work with today? Marie Talbot, who was my employer at Royal Acres gave me my first Whippet, Verdi of Merci Isle who was a grandson of Peggy. Although he was never part of my breeding program, his sister “Pandora” Widget’s Pandora, was my foundation bitch. I work with two protégées I have found over the years, but now they are pretty much on their own, as they

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Whippet and dog showing. I discovered Whippets in the early 1960s and then I saw the Life magazine with “Ricky” Eng/Am Ch. Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth gracing the cover. In 1967 I went to work for a very fancy kennel called Royal Acres, in Woodinville, Washington where I met my first Whippet in person. Her name was “Peggy” Ch. Pennyworth This One Is Mine and she was a daughter of Ricky. Irony didn’t stop there for me. I made so

have learned what I think they need to go on without me. Ironically enough, they both came from horses. I learned by doing and I encourage them to do the same. Hillary Frank, Whip Hill Whippets and Cricket Potter of Willowtree Whippets. I hope their experiences with me will serve them as well as my experiences with decades of just “doing it” served me. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?

many amazing connections via that job and Whippet.

I had so many mentors. Isabell Speight, John Shelton,

I thought she was quite strange looking, but I realized

Bo Bengtson, Pat Speight, Susan Vargas, Michael

sometime later how good she really was and wished I

Dougherty all had strong influences on me and set the

had taken pictures of her. She was fawn brindle parti

stage for how to raise Whippets correctly. Especially

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Merci Isle Rabbit Proof Fence, FCH. “Darling” is shown going BOB at the ASFA reg 8 Invitational

Isabell and Michael. They taught me more about husbandry than actual breeding. Susan Vargas really taught me a great deal about putting dogs together to get good results. It didn’t hurt that I purchased a dog

breeders do it. Which Whippet breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world?

from her (Ch. Westgate The Sorcerer) and used him to

In the USA I have vast respect for Karen Lee (Surrey

create greatness with my own bitches. And his litter

Hill) Linda Larson, (Plumcreek), Susan Hughes (Snow

sister, Ch. Westgate The Sorceress is also behind all my

Hill) Lori Lawrence, (Starline) Cydney Pettit (Kalina).

current dogs.

There are lots of others, but these people are good

Of course, it is all about pedigrees, especially back then. No real breed purists just bred to the winner of the day (popular stud syndrome). The people I was exposed to talked and talked about pedigrees. I was so lucky to live

examples of how to use pedigrees to make choices. Cydney is especially important as she is young and is the future. I expect great things from this young woman. Her mentor is someone I admire a great deal, Gail Boyd.

when and where I did, in Washington State and then

I may not have the same vision on type they do, but they

later, Southern California. These people who welcomed

are good at what they are doing, and they have a look to

me into the fold, sought out pedigrees that looked like it

their dogs that pleases them.

made sense. Like me, they learned by doing.

In Australia: Byerley Whippets, Ryeford Whippets,

Breeding top winners to top winners is futile at best,

Ridgesetter Whippets and Taejaan Whippets to name

but sometimes it seems that is how many modern-day

just a few.

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In the UK: Palmik Whippets, Barnesmore, Shalfleet,

care of their dogs and consider their comfort and brain

again, to name several.

stimulation (not living in crates most of their lives) than

In the past: Peggy Newcombe, Isabell Stoffers, Pat Pettit was very important to Merci Isle. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dogs related publication available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Whippets are insanely popular now, which is quite a change from the decades I bred them, and you couldn’t give them away. I credit social media and media in general for the public discovery of “dogdom’s best kept secret”. However, I don’t like it. Now people are breeding just to sell puppies and there is no breeding program.

they shouldn’t be allowed to breed. Period. These are the people who the animal rights zealots get their fuel from. They damage all of us in the purebred hobby by this cruelty. Under this umbrella is honesty, only healthy dogs going forward and fixing faults in the whelping box, not with a knife. All the winning and production of top dogs is worthless if the dog’s live in filth, in cages, or live in kennels away from human contact, only to be tossed aside when they no longer have any use. Some of the top breeders across all breeds are the worst offenders. Being “devoted” to a breed is meaningless without loving care and concern for all dogs that are created. This includes who they sell

Although there are many very talented breeders who

their dogs to as well. They need to care where and how

are breeding correct type, I do see a trend that is

their dogs live when they leave their hands.

bothersome.

How have Whippets changed since you first started

The breed is very strong in sound movement. Sometimes

showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or

to the detriment of type. This is a galloping breed, not a

presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the

trotting breed. Focus on side gait has come at a cost to

better or worse?

type. I see fewer and fewer Whippets with the proper wide back skull to accommodate the large round eyes called for in our standard. And it isn’t just the breeders. The judges need to penalize these flat, extreme movers who don’t look like Whippets in outline. If you can’t tell a Whippet by it’s outline and head, it lacks type.

Here is this irony again. Peggy Newcombe said for years, when I was just starting out, how the breed was getting too big, too long, and flat and extreme in movement. And I am now sounding just like her. It’s true. Whippets were created as a small affordable dog to be owned by people without a lot of money. I no longer consider the show

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation

ring the only place to find breeding stock. The coursing

breeder?

and racing venues are just as if not more important. We

Animal husbandry. It starts and ends with that. Cruelty has no place in the dog world. If someone can’t take

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are seeing too many Whippets with improper shape and lack of type.

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WHIPPETS

From my perspective, I breed for solid-colored dogs

should fill the eye, with no lumpy places stopping your

and try to avoid white. However, when I judge I always

vision. A drop of water put on the top of the head,

seem to put up parti colors, because I am looking at

should be able to roll down to the tip of the tail. You

conformation and don’t notice the color. I think this

can indeed have a uber fit Whippet and still have that

must be true for most judges. Certainly, knowledgeable

smoothness of outline.

judges!

The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show

Although Whippets are a smooth coated breed, it doesn’t

off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/

make them very easy to judge. What do you wish all

owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

judged knew before stepping into the ring to judge the Whippet? That Whippets are athletes. Please reward fitness over fatness. They are not a trotting breed. Moving them over and over is silly. They are not GSD! Then we get to the real problem. There are too many different toplines seen in the ring. View our illustrations in our illustrated standard please. The balance and proportions pictures are very good and very helpful. The general appearance section of our standard should guide judges to certain images in their mind. The dogs

I view the ring as a breeding stock exercise and always have. Then I chose what to breed on with if they also course well. There was a day when the show world wasn’t so rankings crazy, but those days seem to be gone. One way to end this ranking craziness is to abolish groups. Judging ends at the breed level. I have never specialed a dog, on principle, even though I have had several good enough. Good enough to be approached by top handlers with backers. I have my own money

Ch. Merci Isle Sunburned Country, FCH

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W HIPPETS to promote my dogs, but I don’t care to compete in groups. If I win a breed under a judge I really admire and respect, I will stay for the group. I have won a few 5pt majors that way. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? If only it was a simple answer. The world has changed, and it won’t change back. Young people need to love dogs enough to want to breed them. They need to see the joy of creation. It really is art to breed fine, healthy purebred dogs. I know there are lots of people out there who would like to breed dogs, but for one reason or another, it just doesn’t happen. I hope somehow young people, like Cydney Petit has, will discover the joys of breeding great dogs. It is so fulfilling on so many levels. Every good thing in my life, including my husband and Merci Isle Rabbit Proof Fence, FCH. “Darling” is shown going BOB at the ASFA reg 8 Invitational

my many friends has been due to that first Whippet that caught my heart all those years ago.

Hotz - Merci Isle 110 In The Shade At Whip Hill, FCH.

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Presentation is strong and even a novice with a really

Hammer, FCH, ROM, and her daughter, Ch. Merci Isle

good dog, well trained and conditioned can win.

Dove Feather, FCH, ROM and her daughter, Dual Ch.

What is your proudest achievement in the world of Whippets? Too many to name over nearly six decades. However, finding the gorgeous “Face” Ch. Poppy Hill’s My Brave Face for Best of Breed at the 2003 National will

Merci Isle Jacaranda, LCM. Wow! This just must be the dream of a lifetime from a breeder’s standpoint. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

never be topped. If I am lucky enough to judge another

My national specialty, and then Morris & Essex,

National, he will be my touchstone. Not only was he

Westminster and Crufts and any show in Sweden.

dripping in breed type, but he was also successful in

Australia is my current favorite country for Whippets. I

conformation, racing and coursing. The trifecta of

have imported three from the Byerley kennels. I owe so

Whippet perfection.

much to these dogs. Top quality Whippets!

On a personal level, I have bred two American Whippet

Do you judge? Who is the greatest Whippet you have ever

Club Futurity winners and two AWC National Breed

had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

winners.

Yes, I judge Whippets and JR’s. I am too lazy to apply

My bitch, Dual Champion Merci Isle Jacaranda, LCM

for Afghan Hounds, Greyhounds and Saluki’s, the other

won the AWC ASFA lure coursing trial in 2014. That was

breeds I adore. I had Afghans before I owned that first

just amazing.

Whippet.

Her sister, Eng/Am Ch. Merci Isle Magnolia is the only

I loved “Face” so much, I think I will have to stick with

American bred Whippet to have both AKC and UKC

him.

titles.

The best bitch I had the honor of judging was the

These are the things dreams are made of. So, few really deserving breeders ever get even close to what I have done. I am so lucky and humbled by all of it to be honest. Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. Ch. Merci Isle Hot Flowers, FCH, her son, NSBIS Ch. Merci Isle Meridian, ROMX, his daughter, Ch. Merci Isle A Distant Mirror, FCH, her daughter Ch. Merci Isle Dreamy Draw, FCH, her daughter, Ch. Merci Isle Velvet

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spectacular “Bourbon”, Ch. Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon. If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who would it be? NSBIS Ch. Merci Isle Meridian, ROMX Whippets come in a menagerie of colors and markings. Do you think some judges are influenced by colors and markings? If yes, please elaborate. I have hard this argument for marking over and over.

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A Judges

perspective

Mrs. Jacqueline L. Stacy

So, here is the dilemma. In the United States both the inexperienced and the experienced show your dogs to the judges and get our opinion of who we think is the best. Please do not lose sight of the fact that the entry may be mediocre at best, yet it is up to us to award points, BOB and BOH, etc. In my breed, the Affenpinscher and many others, the problem is that you

mediocre dog appears to be correct. This is wrong for sure, and the judges are left to pick from the pile which may be sorely lacking. The burden to change this lies primarily on the breeders and exhibitors to allow the judging to improve. Show them some greatness and let that be found and rewarded. I have heard repeatedly about how poor the quality of judging is today.

are likely showing a low entry breed to judges who have

This can be changed by giving the judges the

not had enough opportunity and experience to make

opportunity to judge some high quality typey dogs to

their decisions on type, which is where it should be for

see and evaluate.

all breeds. The novice judge and particularly those who have advanced beyond are challenged to pick the right one, with breed type as a priority. Of course, subjectivity should and does when interpreting breed standards. But the driving force must be the language in the standard. When mediocrity prevails, it is a conundrum for all. If the breeders breed and show nothing but mediocrity, then the ideal is seldom if ever seen, so the

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Jacqueline L. Stacy •AKC #6610 Tamarin Affenpinscher, BOM Platinum

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I N T E RV I E W W I T H A N A RT I S T

RHONDA Cassidy Rhonda, when asked to prepare your interview question, I felt a rush of excitement. As a dog lover with a camera that enjoys photographing dogs of any breed, you are always a great inspiration to me. I also believe you are one of our worlds finest humans. Thank you for taking part in this interview.

one of every breed. This love began as early as I can remember. I had a diary from grade school where I wrote I wanted to be an artist or a veterinarian. So, all

Thank you so much, Jovana. I am a great admirer of

throughout my school years I loved everything to do

you and your beautiful magazine and am honored to be

with art and animals. Photography started right after

asked to share my story here.

high school. I received a Kodak instamatic camera for

How and when did you start photographing? What was your first subject to photograph?

graduation. When I realized I needed something a little more substantial I purchased a Canon AE1. I still did a lot of drawing, but photography became my favorite. As

I better start with some background. I have always

much as I loved the arts, back then I was told it was a

loved animals, but dogs and horses were my favorite.

great “hobby” but I needed to get a “real” job. So, I did,

When I was a child I would collect postcards of dogs,

for 39 years and my passion got to simmer on the back

read everything I could about them, draw them, paint

burner. I am sure dogs and horses were my first subjects

them, write stories about them and dream of owning

to shoot and also years of my children.

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my shoulder saying, “you have to do this”. Since I was extremely shy, I talked with a friend of mine who also liked photography and was very outspoken. She said “Sure, why not?” We went to our first dog show with a few sample note cards in a baggie. We knew no one and had no idea what we were doing. If someone let us photograph their dog I would send them a sample in the mail, with a handwritten note thanking them and saying if they would like to purchase some, they were $6.00 for a package of 4. These were all printed, cut, packaged, and mailed out by us. A few orders started trickling in and then people wanted prints, boxes of 50, 100, and it just went from there. Thankfully, quite a few people who saw potential and helped us learn about photographing the different breeds and giving us opportunities, we might not have otherwise had. I will always be extremely grateful for their help. How and when did you discover the world of dog showing? This is where it gets interesting. Besides watching

What is your camera of choice and why do you prefer this make/model?

Westminster on television and going to a couple of dog

I have had a Canon all the way through, it is what I feel

shows I knew next to nothing about them. In my early

comfortable with.

40’s got my first digital camera. I had an Irish Water Spaniel, though not a show dog, was a wonderful subject to photograph. I somehow got a copy of the AKC Gazette

Do you remember the defining moment you said to yourself “I am going to be a photographer”?

and they had a small bit saying they would pay $25.00 if

After we reached our goal with the notecards, my

they used your photos for the breed columns. I did that

business partner decided to go on to other things. That

for awhile just for fun. At the time, I didn’t know any

left me with a decision to make. I felt I wanted to do

other dog magazines existed.

something different, something that was truly me.

During that time, I loved making note cards. I found I could paint the background (not cut out but actually paint) of a dog photo I had taken and it would look like a portrait. The idea came to me to make note cards of every AKC breed. It was as though there was a hand on

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However, it was scary because I had to step WAY out of my comfort zone. I was going through a tough time at home, so I flew by myself (first time) to LAX and went to Eukanuba when it was in Long Beach. That was such a huge step, it was the moment I thought, this is it. If you are going to do it, now is the time.

INT ERVI EW W I T H A N ARTIST · RHONDA CASSIDY

What other photographers (Canine and non canine) inspire you? Ansel Adams and Gordon Parks, I think is where my love of black and white photos came from. When I was a child my second cousin was a horse trader. Their home was full of antiques and among them were large paintings of horses. They had a painting called The Horse Fair by Rosa Bonheur, one of a black horse and white horse called Running from The Storm, the great Man O War and many others that had a huge impact on me. I can still see them as if it were yesterday. When I started out, I didn’t know any canine photographers. I didn’t even know they had dog magazines where people advertised. There are several outstanding, creative canine photographers (including yourself) out there now who inspire me to be a better photographer. I had the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with the iconic Mary Bloom. Something I will never forget. Photography is art, what is your artistic process before you begin a shoot? Yes, I agree. It is hard for me to explain my process in

more relaxing setting. That way we can take our time.

words. It is more about what I see and feel when looking

Handlers work so hard and sometimes the dog and

through the lens, if that makes sense.

handler are tired after days of showing but we can still

Do you prefer to shoot on location in a private setting or ringside? Please give reasons for your preference. Ringside candids are a favorite. Just waiting for that one moment that may never come again. I enjoy capturing the bond between the handler and the dog, or of them

make it work. Your photographs have been the centre of many beautiful adverts and have graced many front covers of numerous canine publications, do you create the adverts for your pictures or leave that to designers?

being silly or hitting that perfect stack. It is about

I leave that to the designers, there are so many creative

observing really. I love different. Also, when a client

ones out there. I tried my hand at it and found it just

comes to me, or we do a shoot off site it makes for a

wasn’t for me.

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noises or say words. During one particular photo shoot I was rolling around on the gravel making noises and they thought I was hurt and were getting ready to call 911. I was doing one where I put crested puppies on a girl’s back while she was lying on the ground. Someone walked by and asked if they were baby goats. I was photographing a girl with her dog on some rocks in a waterfall. All of a sudden, I look up and the dog is there, but she isn’t. She slipped right off (gracefully I might add). She did get a little wet but was unharmed. Since I have a paralyzed vocal cord, I can’t project my voice. Sometimes I try and point with my feet when I am laying down to relay which way I want the baiter to go. This can be quite humorous but not very effective. I’ve laid in the middle of busy streets, been hit by shoes, toys, keys, been in snow up to my waist, fallen in the Is there a particular breed you enjoy photographing?

water, wallowed in goose poop, and been in various other compromising positions just to get a photo. All

I love the hounds, they are art to me. However, I have to

the while (mostly) laughing. I enjoy making people

say I enjoy them all.

laugh and feeling comfortable at the expense of looking

Is there a breed in particular that you find challenging to photograph? Well, I did a photo shoot with chihuahuas that was quite interesting. Haha Having been on location on a Rhonda photo shoot, I know a lot of laughter happens in the background (Lee…

silly. After a photo shoot a client once said to me, “I may not have the best dog, but you make me feel like I do.” What are some of your personal favorite pictures, that you have ever taken? Who were the subjects and where the locations? There are so many. A few stand out right this minute.

run that way…..). Can you share some particular funny

One was of Laura King and Rumor. We were in

moments that took place behind the lens on some of your

Brooksville, Florida it was a foggy morning and I told

photoshoots?

her to go down the hill to the tree and just walk around

Oh, how much room do I have for this question?? I hope to make the photo shoots a fun experience for

with him. Of course, she thought I had lost my mind. It is the last page of my book and hangs above their bed.

everyone. Those who know me realize I get very excited

The first time I saw/photographed Wilma in Claremore,

when everything comes together. I make noises, yes,

Oklahoma. The girls brought her to Michael and Dottie

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that weekend. Right at the beginning of the photoshoot she pulled herself up, looked right at the camera and said, “I’m here.” That was an unforgettable moment. One morning it snowed, and Stephanie Hill called wanting to get some “snow” pictures with James Bond. We went to a local park, just the three of us. With the quiet and the snow, it all came together. It was magical. Jacque Glenn had a beautiful cardigan puppy she wanted pictures of in Kansas City. They have a statue of a mare and colt out front. Jacque laid her up on the

kiss. We took Sarah and Matt Perchick’s boy Stealer to the Capitol here in Topeka. This is him on the top of the steps. Linda Pitts was showing Preston at WKC in 2016. He loved to jump so I just waited, knowing the moment was going to come. I shot the Azawakh, Relic, in Greenville one year. She was mesmerizing.

horse’s back. It had rained the night before adding some

This photo of Louie, the Am Staff, and the judge at MCKC

very cool texture. I love it.

2016. It was such a touching moment.

I was sitting ringside at Royal Canin one year when the

Also, the latest photo shoot I did with Louis, the Afghan

hound group was in. Angela Lloyd was sitting down and

in Palm Springs. We all stayed in the same hotel and

the bloodhound, Nathan came over and gave her a big

planned on doing a sunrise shoot on the day we flew

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What are some of your favorite shows to photograph at? Of course, there is nothing like Westminster. I love, love Montgomery weekend. Morris and Essex is delightful, so many photo opportunities there. I attended my first Palm Spring shows and that has been added to my list of favorites. Purina is another. My local shows are a favorite since there are so many beautiful places around to shoot. Grayslake and Greensville. Just to name a few. What overseas dog show is on your bucket list to attend and photograph? Crufts and the World Dog Show!

home. Everyone had coffee and I believe several were in their pajamas. There was a bare, empty lot right next to the hotel and some were skeptical about the location. The sun was making the mountains pink and purple and I was yelling at Alicia to step away from the dog. He stood there, looking around, like he owned the whole world. It was breathtaking. I could keep going but I think you get the picture What dogs from the past do you wish you could have photographed? Hickory, Mick, Rufus are a few I can think of off the top of my head. You have a wonderful eye for dogs and beauty, would you ever like to judge dogs? No, the thought has never crossed my mind.

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What advice would you give to someone that would like to embark (pun intended) in a career as a canine/animal photographer? My advice is to create a style all your own. Work hard and learn from your mistakes. Experience is knowledge and try to learn something new every day. Be original, be respectful and believe in yourself. Never think you are better than anyone else. Other than dogs, is there any other animals, people or events you like to photograph? My grandson is at the top of the list. I used to sit in my backyard for hours and photograph birds. Horses, wildlife, anything animal related.

I photographed

both of my sons’ weddings and sobbed through both ceremonies. Thank goodness Mike was there with his camera. So, no on weddings (except for one and you will have to ask Tara about that). Is there a breed of dog that you discovered you would like to own one day, from experiences photographing that breed? That did happen. I did a photo shoot with a ridgeback and became friends with the owners. They allowed me to come and photograph their puppies and dogs and I fell in love with the breed. Later, I was lucky enough to get one of their puppies who is my heart dog. You produced a beautiful book featuring many of your beautiful canine pictures, how was the experience of putting the book together and will we see another book soon? Thank you Jovana. Creating the book was truly a labor of love. Since I had an idea of what I wanted to see, it

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advice you have ever been given and what is the best quote you have heard? Thank you Jovana. I love photographing dogs and making people happy with the results. The quote by Ansel Adams, “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas, it is a creative art.” is a favorite. The greatest advice I was ever given was from a dear friend I met years ago. Unfortunately, it can’t be printed here. Do you have any hobbies/interests away from the world of dogs and photography? I have always been an avid reader. It is an escape when the world gets too much. I used to love writing song lyrics, gardening, going to horse shows. I love traveling was a process to put it all together. Deciding which

and seeing new places. There are quite a few on my

pictures to use (which I changed constantly), formatting

bucket list now.

them, etc. The printing quality of the company was exceptional, however, they only had certain colors for a generic background. So, I either used my own photos

Do you listen to music while working on pictures, if so, what band or genre is your go to?

or created the backgrounds as well. It was a learning

No, I don’t. I like quiet while working on them. However,

experience and a very time consuming one. One of

my Dad used to make me mixed tapes back in the day.

the major reasons I did it was to have something my

Muddy Waters, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Sam Cook,

children could hold in their hands and say, “My Mom

Elvis. I love Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt,

did this. This is who she is.” I also did it for the Fancy

old rock and roll, Motown and country. My taste in

and for non-dog show people. Beside each picture I put

music is quite diverse.

the name of the breed in small letters. That way when they looked through it, they might say, “Oh, I wondered what breed that was!” And maybe research it further. Seriously I did not expect the overwhelming responses I received, it was truly heartwarming. No, not soon for a

Thank you so much for taking the time to give our readers an insight into the world of Rhonda, it has been a great pleasure. We look forward to continuing to see the world through your mind and lens.

new book, but I do have an idea bouncing around in my

The pleasure was all mine, truly. I would like to extend

head. Now that I have done one the task doesn’t seem as

my sincerest gratitude to all whose guidance, support

daunting. More to come on that later.

and friendship have helped me achieve my lifelong

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dream. Thank you for believing in me.

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