Best in Show Magazine Summer 2016

Publishers Jovana Danilovic Ruth Rauherz Managing Editor Ruth Rauherz editor@bestinshowmagazine.com Art Director Jovana Danilovic jovana@bestinshowmagazine.com Marketing Manager Juraj Sokolic ads@bestinshowmagazine.com Contributin Writers Anne Tureen, Richard Hellman, Juha Kares, Paul Stanton, Karl Donvil, Jovana Danilovic, Bo Bengtson, Ante Lucin, S. Edgar Andersen Stanton , Viltė Šokaitytė Contributing Photographers Karl Donvil, Boris Glukharev, Lisa Croft-Elliott, Selene Favretto Jeffrey Hanlin, Jovana Danilovic Web Designers Jovana Danilovic Sanja Jukic Printed by GrafoMark d.o.o

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Best in Show Magazine

intro

Dear Best in Show readers and followers, we are proud to present you Best in Show Summer edition 2016, our 14th edition.

Our beautiful cover model this time is Shaira the Afghan Hound owned by Erika Heilmann.

In this edition you will be able to enjoy report from the World Dog Show in Moscow ‘16 which was amazing show; Selene Favretto prepared for us report from two International and one National show in Pisa which was held on lovely San Rossore Hippodrome with Specialty show on saturday morning just before National Show. Boris Glukharev in this edition prepared for us two reports: one of the reports is a report from three International shows held in Szilvasvarad, Hungary.

This was my first year showing in Szilvasvarad, and despite bad weather condition and a lot of rain, these shows are one of those that you should put in your sheadule. Beautiful and big rings with huge tents for the exhibitors. Another report by Boris are famous 4 Summer Night Shows in Split. This year in Split, besides two National and 2 International shows, was held Prequalification of Eukanuba World Challenge judged by Andrew Brace.

Besides show reports, in this edition you will be able to read a lot of interesting articles written by Richard Hellman, Anne Tureen, Mihaela Kosic and Anne Szabo. truly hope you will enjoy spending time reading our new edition with a cup of coffee or tea until our next edition which will be our 15th edition - Annual 2017.

Enjoy!

Jovana Danilovic publisher & art director

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Content 16

World Dog SHow

56

Week in Szilvasvarad

78

Winners from Pisa

88

4 nights in Split

126

Travel in a hot weather

134

“The Dog Breeder’s Manual”

150

Meet the Breed: Akitas

by Karl Donvil

by Boris Glukharev

by Selene Favretto

by Boris Glukharev

by Richard Hellman

By Anne Tureen

Friedrich Birkmar • Estava Rain kennel Marin Nekic • Nekmar kennel Margaret Hippolite • Kodo kennels

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2016 World Dog Show 2016 MOSCOW, RUSSIA • 23-26 JUNE

by Karl Donvil

Who had expected that the Russian Kennel Club would have a World Dog Show after all the rumors going around about turbulent razia’s, etc. Some things were true but it was probably out of proportion and things seem to have settled now.

Hardly 45 days were left after the change on the top, but with the help of the FCI and some experienced people like Mr.Stefan Stefic , the RKF build some of the most remarkable World Dog Shows ever seen. In several ways it even surpassed the show of Milano. Anyway, future organizers will find it very difficult to outclass this show.

The venue for this event was the Crocus Expo, about 45 minutes by car, traffic problems taken into account, from Moscow center. As said, the halls were huge, comparable to those of Birmingham and Milano. Four halls were first reserved, but at the end they needed 6 halls to accommodate the 26,500 dogs , the 66 rings, the trade stands and the special rings for the side competitions and world championships. The total area was 84,000 square meters. Around the halls was space for 20,000 cars and outside a big square was created for leaving the dogs out or have a drink. Every hall was decorated all around with big white banners with the nice blue ornaments and the borzoi, symbol of the show. It gave a very bright, clean impression.

It seemed that the Russian Kennel Federation, the organizers of this show, had a good look around visiting other shows like Helsinki and Milano and copied and improved their ideas. The rings were large and very nice, on one side accessible to the visitors, on the side facing inside it was accessi16

Best in Show Magazine

ble to the exhibitors only and without a badge there was no coming in. It was not totally clear what it was for, probably security reasons. Pickpockets maybe?

They can be among the exhibitors as well. I suppose it was only the prevent problems with visitors and dogs as some dogs are not so stranger friendly and many visitors have no idea how to approach them. But it could have practical reasons too. Visitors could now have a clear view on the dogs in the rings, not obstructed by exhibitors trimming dogs or having chats and drinks in large improvised saloons around the rings. On the other hand, the main purpose of dog shows is to bring visitors in contact with breeders and if there is no way to get in contact with them to ask information, it misses its purpose.

In between the rings, as said only accessible with a badge, exhibitors could set up tables and cages in demarcated zones leaving open corridors to walk fast around. Long cabinets equipped with electrical outlets were at their disposal to föhn the dogs, absolutely top and safe. Outside every ring was a large screen indicating the numbers and results, the electronic version of the flip over boards, and if that was not enough, every ring had its own camera for life streaming, unique in history! Will this be the future?

All participants were supposed to have read the “Rules of Conduct”. Interesting and an example for future shows. It clearly stipulates where exhibitors were supposed to sit, how to conduct, how to behave in the ring, etc. 34 Points, all worth to be read. But I liked the general statement at the bottom most: “ Please do not forget that the international

dog shows are not only the prizes and titles for your pets. The dog show is not only the best representatives of the breeds, but also the best breeders, who through their passion for animals and a humane attitude to nature serve as the example for new dog amateurs. And they demonstrate the standards of behavior not only at the shows, but also in everyday life!”. And that is very important indeed, let’s not forget that the 50,000 owners and breeders have their responsibility towards the 100,000 visitors. I have no idea how accurate these numbers are, they were provided by the RKF, but they might be slightly overrated in my opinion. If you take two persons for every dog, you have over 50,000, but aren’t we more used to one handler for one or several dogs instead of two handlers for one dog? On the other hand it’s very well possible that there have been 100,000 visitors. It was not crowded on Thursday and Friday but Saturday and Sunday were pretty busy. And in halls of this size it’s easily underestimated. But compared to Crufts it’s not the same. Here it was always pleasant walking and notwithstanding the high outside temperatures of around 30°C, inside it was very comfortable and cool. Tickets for the main ring were rather expensive and the occupation was very low. For Sunday it was decided to drop the price and for the first time the tribunes were as good as full. Signs and Indications in the halls were mostly in Russian, except when it could concern foreign exhibitors. English translation was rather limited but not a big problem overall. On the other hand a lot of multi linguistic volunteers and professional translators were recruited to help the foreign judges in the rings, the info stands and wherever it was needed like in the few foreign trade stand.

There are no exact numbers of entries from foreign countries. They go from 1500 to 30%, unfortunately the website has no page with fact and figures or any other statistics. I’ll keep it to 1500. Of course Russia is the biggest country in the world and if we take regions from the western border to the far east, it can be compared with more than Europe.

There were 19295 dogs entered for the official FCI World Dog Show and I count 311 different recognized breeds. Most popular were the Labradors with 505 entries, followed by the Siberian Huskies

with 456 entries and strangely enough followed by the Cane Corso that seems very popular here with 358 entries. But nothing is more strange than finding no less than 100 Spanish Mastiffs here. I wonder how many shows, even in Spain can show numbers like that. I wonder if that has to do with the Moscow Guard Dog that has many similarities and could be confused. The Moscow guard dog is somewhere in between a Spanish Mastiff and a Saint Bernard.

Besides the dogs for the show we also have the competitors of Dog Dancing, Obedience, etc, but also the dogs entered for the specialty shows. And this probably brings the total number to 26.500 dogs. There could have been much more dogs entered if there were not the political problems within the Russian Kennel Club. Too many foreign exhibitors didn’t trust it and would not risk money due to eventual cancellation or whatever. And when rumors faded and changed for good news , it was too late for many to get the papers and visas ready. What a pity! What a missed chance.

There was a special catalog for the specialty shows. The most important was the InTerra show for the Terriers. It was the biggest one ever with over 1500 entries! But the other specialty shows were confusing to me. I only brought a catalog with me from June 24, meant for Group V and VI. In here I find almost all the breeds of these groups plus the non-recognized breeds. How can there be a specialty show for breeds that have only one or two entries like the Volpino and the Eurasian?

I should have asked explanation, but nobody even mentioned it at the Press conference and for the rest , most information was in Russian only. I only saw it when it was too late. OK, those breeds can participate for the World Show, but a specialty show is meant for a popular breed and is supposed to have a club or so. I don’t see the point. On the other hand It would have been interesting to see the many unrecognized breeds. Russia has 22 breeds, but only 9 are recognized, the rest are in this group, Group XI ! There was a Harlequin Miniature (Pinsher with Harlequin color like some Great Danes), 13 Biewers (particolor Yorkshire), 3 Phantom Dogs (kind of black and tan miniature Poodle), A phantom Miniature, and Estonian Hound (large Beagle), etc. In fact most of these breeds are existing breeds that don’t Best in Show Magazine

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fit in the standard due to non recognized colors or size or whatever. Others are regional variations like the Taygan, a breed in between an Afghan and a Saluki. All these entries must bring the total number up to 26.500.

There were not as many trade stands as in Milano and almost all of them were Russian trade stands.

Coming to a show from outside Russia had probably so many complications that traders didn’t want to take the risk to lose a lot of money. On the other hand, foreign exhibitors did not have problems. On the contrary, there was a lot of help from the RKF and the briefing to the customs and embassies seems to have had positive results. Everybody seemed to have been positively surprised and felt welcome. It was beyond expectations. There was a lot of security all over the place. Without badge there was no coming in and at the entrance there was a luggage scan too. Nobody seemed to make a problem out of this. In the cynological world we are all used to a high tolerance towards gay people and so many were afraid to have problems in Russia but there was no problem at all, certainly not on the showground. Maybe in certain areas in the city or during the night, but that risk exist in all big cities over the world. After all no incidents were reported and the tolerance towards gay people was as exemplary here as in any other show in the canine world.

118 Judges were invited and I count 42 different nationalities. 30 Of them were Russian Judges. Most of the rest were familiar faces scheduled very often on many European and World Shows. They were invited from all over the world including Australia, USA, Uruguay, Malaysia, South Africa and India and many more. Thursday was reserved for Groups V and VI, good for 3081 and 822 entries respectively. Friday was reserved for Group, I with 1854 entries, Group III with 2389 entries and Group IV with 800 entries. On Saturday 4 groups were on

Best in Show Magazine

term, Group VII with 569 dogs entered, Group VIII with 1284, Group IX with 3110 and Group X with another 605 dogs. That brings the only remaining group to Sunday, Group II with no less than 4779 dogs in competition.

In every hall there was at least one big screen, a really big one, with live stream of the main ring. This ring was in a central hall and again a pass was needed to come in, even during the day. The front stage was reserved for the VIP’s while the press was located below of them. The VIP’s could only sit there, not like on previous shows, where they had tables and were allowed to eat and drink. I prefer this as it does not show respect for the spectators if they eat and drink in front of them. Their buffet was below the stairs, where they could follow on a large screen.

The main ring itself was probably the largest ever seen. The background was an enormous video-wall, beyond imagination. It was clear that prestige was important, representing what the Russian Nation is capable of. And I must admit that it left a deep impression. The company behind it was the very same company that arranged the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014. The size of the ring was very big, allowing enough space to let the dogs line up and run. The only problem was that it was too blue all around. Blue is the opposite color of yellow, the color of the lights and that can cause strange colorcasts on dogs in the photos. In the far corners where the dogs entered and on the opposite site where they left, was not enough even light, but that had only an impact on the photos, not for the visitors or the video. The first day the judges could do what they wanted in the main ring. Some chose for the long side, some for the short side, some for a round run. From the second day, on request from the photographers, it was asked to keep strictly on one way. It proved that the committee was very sensible to any critique. They wanted to be as close to per-

Best in Show Magazine

Best in Show Magazine

fection as possible and it was arranged from then on. All judges were instructed to keep to the very same schedule and were corrected friendly if they tried to do as they liked. Bravo!

The Opening ceremony took more than an hour but it was very entertaining. While the Russian breeds were presented on the large screen in their natural environment, different groups performed several acts, from ballet to acrobatic over modern singing, to primitive tribe dances, one by one very entertaining and high class. Nobody complained about waiting for the finals. On Sunday for the closing ceremony there was another series of acts followed by a moving tribute to the people who left us over the past year and the official part with speeches and the Flag ceremony. Highlights here were the presentation of the Russian winners, lead by a Barzoi, with Russian Eurovision Song Contest participant Sergey Lazarev singing in the background preceded by a choir of kids. Everything that represents the largest country in the world was on display in some way in one of the ceremonies. But one of the top acts was the performance of the President of the RKF , Mr.Aleksandr Inshakov, who is not only a national famous stuntman, but proves to be a good singer too. He was accompanied by a group of 5 singing ladies and received a big applause afterwards. It was really falling from one surprise after another.

The time schedule was followed very well. On Sunday, with one group only to judge in the main ring, there was enough time for entertainment and the ceremonial part. After the magnificent show and relatively short official part, it was time for the finals.

Judge was the RKF’s first and founding president, Dr. Eugene Yerusalimsky, Dr in Biology and writer of several books including his famous book on Dog Conformation and Improvement. He judged in 52 different countries and is a well known all round judge. Judging Best In Show on this occasion will

without any doubt be the highlight of his life. 10 Dogs were selected for him, and now it was his term to crown 4. His 4th place was for the Rhodesian Ridgeback “Makao Line Atuin Art” owned by Ovchinnikov Alexander from Russia. A Belgian Weimaraner was placed 3rd. It was “Doc N Camelot’s Heaven Can Wait”, a dog co-owned by Edwin Lenaerts, Tonie Finch and Linda Van Der Sichel. Finland took the second place with a Swiss dog, an American Cocker Spaniel “Very Vigie Huluberlulu”. He is co-owned by Heidi Cangas, Sanna Vartiainen and Terhi Korhonen. The Best In Show on the contrary, went to a Russian dog, a Russian breed and a Russian owner. It was the Russian Black Terrier “Fine Lady’s Zolotogo Grada”, owned by E.E.Zaytseva.

It was a fantastic show in every aspect and beyond expectations. Who would have thought that this was possible in 45 days only. A fortune was spend but it was worth every penny. When I asked if the government had sponsored the show, I was told that everything was paid by the RKF itself. Anyway, a magnificent job was done, the result was close to perfection. In general the RKF staff and whole crew people were extremely helpful, efficient and friendly, and all worked very hard. They made you feel at home and succeeded brilliantly! They can be proud on what they realized in such a short time.

Congratulations, tenfold !

Best in Show Magazine

G R O U P 1 • J U D G E D B Y M R L E I F H E R M A N W I L B E R G ( N O R WAY )

1st place

nd 2place

DOUX OF ICE WINE White Swiss Shepherd

Owned by Magyar Katalin

OOPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie

Owned by O. Klimova

3place rd

BOTTOM SHAKER ZEPHYR DREAM Old English Sheepdog

Owned by Jozsef Koroknai

4place th

FINES FAVORIT RUDOLF Berger de Brie

Owned by A. Tsygankov

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G R O U P 2 • J U D G E D B Y M R R A FA E L M A LO A LC R U D O ( S PA I N )

1st place

FINE LADY S ZOLOTOGO GRADA Black Russian Terrier

Owned by E. E. Zayteseva

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

CHUCARO BRAVOURE BLANCHE Dogo Argentino

Owned by Martin Bellavitis

GENTLY BORN CHILLI PEPPER Giant Schnauzer Black

Owned by A. Vlastova

TEN LUNY KING KRAUN Miniature Pinscher

Owned by A. V. Nizovtseva

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G R O U P 3 • J U D G E D BY M R K A R I J A R V I N E N ( F I N L A N D )

1st place

EDBRIOS PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Kerry Blue Terrier

Owned by Sandra Inovska

nd 2place

3place rd

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier

Owned by F. W. Schoneberg

L’END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE Bedlington Terrier

Owned by E. Pykhtar

4place th

RUS KORNELS SIMVOL POBEDY Airedale Terrier

Owned by S. Nikulin

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G R O U P 3 • J U D G E D BY M R H O R S T K L I E B E N S T E I N ( G E R M A N Y )

1st place

nd 2place

JCH. U KNOW I LIKE IT VITORAZ Kaninchen-Dachshund Wire-Haired

Owned by Jan Busta

ALTER DEI GRAND V KANTRI PARK’S Standard Dachshund Short-Haired

Owned by I. E. Troshin

3place rd

4place th

DVINSKIE ZORI TEODOR Kaninchen-Dachshund Long-Haired

Owned by Molodkina Svetlana

ERALASH II S ZELENOGO GORODA Standard Dachshund Wire-Haired

Owned by M. V. Rusakov

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G R O U P 5 • J U D G E D BY M R G E R A R D J I P P I I N G ( T H E N E T H E R L A N D S )

1st place

ANTEFA’S XPERIAH ON REEDLY ROAD Pharaon Hound

Owned by Maria Evteeva

nd 2place

SIAM GRAND MUNG-MEE BY D-D-P Thai Ridgeback Dog

Owned by Thamarut Ngampromsakul

3place rd

4place th

THAI SILK UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE Pomeranian

Owned by S. Mironenko & E. Gaynulina

SMILING SNOWBALL MOON WALK Samoyed

Owned by Oksana Dombrovskaya

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G R O U P 6 • J U D G E D BY M R C H A N W E N G W O G ( M A L A S I A )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

MAKAO LINE ATUIN ART Rhodesian Ridgeback

Owned by Alexander Ovchinnikov

HUNCWOT KLUSUJACA SFORA Polish Hunting Dog

Owned by Dariusz Bielecki

BALTIK SHOW ZZ TOP Basset Hound

Owned by E. Zhukova & S. Posokhina

LION KING OF RING AIRIN’S STYLE Beagle

Owned by K. S. Evseeva & I. M. Vorozheykina

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G R O U P 7 • J U D G E D B Y M R L U I S P I N TO T E I X E I R A ( P O R T U G A L )

1st place

DOC N CAMELOT’S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner

Owned by E. Lenaerts, T. Finch & L. vd Sichel

nd 2place

GOANGO BLACK HAKUNA MATATA Gordon Setter

Owned by Gusevana Baranova

3place rd

4place th

MALOMKOZI GRAF German Short Haired Pointing Dog

Owned by Istvan Nagy

STANNAMORE RAFAELLA DI VITA Spinone Italiano

Owned by M. Khenkina & S. Ukraintseva

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G R O U P 8 • J U D G E D B Y M R TA M A S J A K K E L ( H U N G A R Y )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

VERY VIGIE HULUBERLULU American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by H. Kangas, S. Vartiainen & T. Korhonen

RAYARAGUA BILLABONG Spanish Water Dog

Owned by Viktoria Kyselova

WEST SIB STORY AIDAHO Labrador Retriever

Owned by N. Shatrukova

ALEN ASHEN JAMAICA English Cocker Spaniel

Owned by E. V. Kuskova

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G R O U P 9 • J U D G E D BY M R S L I S B E T H M AC H ( S W I Z E R L A N D )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

CINECITTA’ IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese

Owned by Stefano Paolantoni

AFTERGLOW MAVERICK SABRE Standard Poodle Black

Owned by I. Bondi de Ciabatti

LOS CHATOS DEL NORTE IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING Griffon Belge

Owned by J. L. Santiago & M. Pier

4place th

LIVANDA FABERGE Pekingese

Owned by Suwan Ngamsiriwong

21

G R O U P 10 • J U D G E D B Y M R S C A R L A M O L I N A R I ( P O R T U G A L )

1st place

AMAL SALANG DREAMS COME TRUE Afghan Hound

Owned by N. Kurilev

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

AZAMOUR AIDHA Azawak

Owned by F. Zampini

SOLOVYEV TRIUMF Borzoi

Owned by

SIPREX PASCAL Whippet

Owned by Maria Sheina

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JUDGED BY RAFFAEL DE SANTIAGO

1st place FINE LADY S ZOLOTOGO GRADA Black Russian Terrier

Owned by E. E. Zayteseva

2place nd VERY VIGIE HULUBERLULU American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by H. Kangas, S. Vartiainen & T. Korhonen

3rd place DOC N CAMELOT’S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner

Owned by E. Lenaerts, T. Finch & L. vd Sichel

th 4place MAKAO LINE ATUIN ART Rhodesian Ridgeback

Owned by Alexander Ovchinnikov

JUDGED BY RAFFAEL DE SANTIAGO

1st place SHUT UP AND KISS ME DELL’ALBERICO Lhasa Apso

Owned by Stefano Paolantonio

J.

2place nd SUNWARD OPTIMA Afghan Hound

Owned by A. O. Volondina

3rd place ANDVOL KLEMENTINA Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Owned by O. B. Savko

th 4place JCH. U KNOW I LIKE IT VITORAZ Kaninchen-Dachshund Wire Haired

Owned by Jan Busta

A R O U N D T H E R I N G S • C A N D I D P H OTO S B Y B O R I S G L U K H A R E V

B R E E D I N G G R O U P S & C O U P L E S • C A N D I D P H OTO S B Y B O R I S G L U K H A R E V

J U N I O R & A D U LT G R O U P C A N D I D S • C A N D I D P H OTO S B Y B O R I S G L U K H A R E V

J U N I O R & A D U LT G R O U P C A N D I D S • C A N D I D P H OTO S B Y B O R I S G L U K H A R E V

3 International Dog Shows Szilvasvarad, Hungary 13 - 15th of May 2016 Photo credits: Horvat Balazs

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Best in Show Magazine

Best in Show Magazine

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 1 DOUX OF ICE WINE

WHITE SWISS SHEPHERD DOG OWNED BY KATA MAGYAR JUDGE - PETER HARSANYI (HUNGARY)

GROUP 2 VERTU PLATINUM IZ DINASTII CHEMPIONOV

CANE CORSO OWNED BY CHIRSKOVA ELENA & CHURAKOVA DARIA JUDGE - SAVVAS SHIAPANIS (CYPRUS)

GROUP 3 LOVELY-ORANGE JACKPOT JACK RUSSELL TERRIER OWNED BY OLGA SEROVA, KUBASH O. JUDGE - JOHN CONSTANTINE (USA)

GROUP 4 PICOLLO TECKEL IDEA FIX DACHSHUND SMOOTH HAIR OWNED BY EKATERINA PIKUL JUDGE - VIJA KLUCNIECE (LITHUANIA)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 5 XXX

AMERICAN AKITA OWNED BY JUDGE - GEORGIY ONISCHENKO (UKRAINE)

GROUP 6 VIENNA CALLING DOLLARS TO DONUTS AT SOUTHISTLE BEAGLE JUDGE - MARTIN RIADY (INDONESIA)

GROUP 7 XXX

IRISH RED SETTER OWNED BY JUDGE - KARDOS VILMOS (HUNGARY)

GROUP 8 AMBROSIAL ALLEGRA BIG CITY LIFE

ENGLESH COCKER SPANIEL OWNED BY LUKÁCS NÓRA AND CZEGLÉDI ATTILA JUDGE - EKATERINA SENASHENKO

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER MALTESE OWNED BY FRANCO PROSPERI JUDGE - TATJANA UREK (SLO)

GROUP 10 ABSOLUTE MANN BETTY BOOP WHIPPET OWNED BY FABRIZIO MANNI JUDGED BY GERARD JIPPING (NETHERLANDS)

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW TOUCHSTAR GOSSIP MAKER JACK RUSSELL TERRIER OWNED BY FRANCESCA SCORZA JUDGED BY MIGUEL ÁNGEL MARTÍNEZ

BEST IN SHOW LOVELY-ORANGE JACKPOT JACK RUSSELL TERRIER OWNED BY OLGA SEROVA, KUBASH O. JUDGE - STEVEN D. GLADSTONE (USA)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 1 JUMPING RIVER

BORDER COLLIE OWNED BY PIERPAOLO CERCHIONE JUDGE - MARTIN RIADY (INDONESIA)

GROUP 2 SKIPPER’S ZERO ZERO SEVEN NEWFOUNDLAND OWNED BY LUKÁCS ÁGNES JUDGE - STEVEN D. GLADSTONE (USA)

GROUP 3 AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN LAKELAND TERRIER OWNED BY F. W. SCHONEBERG JUDGE - LOKODI CSABA ZSOLT (ROMANIA)

GROUP 4 PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA

DACHSHUND SMOOTH HAIR OWNED BY EKATERINA PIKUL JUDGE - GEORGIY ONISCHENKO (UKRAINE)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 5 XXX

SIBERIAN HUSKY OWNED BY XXX JUDGE - STEVEN D. GLADSTONE (USA)

GROUP 6 VIENNA CALLING DOLLARS TO DONUTS AT SOUTHISTLE

BEAGLE JUDGE - MIGUEL ÁNGEL MARTÍNEZ (ARGENTINA)

GROUP 7 XXX

IRISH SETTER OWNED BY OLGA SEROVA, KUBASH O. JUDGE - HENRIC FRYCKSTRAND (SWEDEN)

GROUP 8 AMBROSIAL ALLEGRA BIG CITY LIFE

ENGLESH COCKER SPANIEL OWNED BY LUKÁCS NÓRA AND CZEGLÉDI ATTILA JUDGE - MARTIN RIADY (INDONESIA)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER MALTESE OWNED BY FRANCO PROSPERI JUDGED BY VIJA KLUCNIECE (LITHUANIA)

GROUP 10 ABSOLUTE MANN BETTY BOOP WHIPPET OWNED BY FABRIZIO MANNI JUDGED BY MIGUEL ÁNGEL MARTÍNEZ

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW TOUCHSTAR GOSSIP MAKER

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER OWNED BY FRANCESCA SCORZA JUDGED BY CHRISTIAN STEFANESCU (ROMANIA)

BEST IN SHOW AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN LAKELAND TERRIER OWNED BY F. W. SCHONEBERG JUDGE - GERARD JIPPING (NETHERLANDS)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 1 ALBERT EINSTEIN MONACHRISTIE BEARDED COLLIE OWNED BY PAVLA MACHÁCKOVA JUDGE - EKATERINA SENASHENKO (RUSSIA)

GROUP 2 HELEN HOFF KLEMENTINA MINIATURE PINSCHER OWNED BY SELEZNEVA E.V. JUDGE - AGABEYLI ZAUR (AZERBAIJAN)

GROUP 3 AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN

LAKELAND TERRIER OWNED BY F. W. SCHONEBERG JUDGE - LUIS GORJAO-HENRIQUES (PORTUGAL)

GROUP 4 PICOLLO TECKEL IDEA FIX

DACHSHUND SMOOTH HAIR OWNED BY EKATERINA PIKUL JUDGE - STEVEN D. GLADSTONE (USA)

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 5 LEKKOU MAKES PEOPLE TALK ABOUT

SHIBA OWNED BY ALLA KUREKOVA JUDGE - PETER HARSANYI (HUNGARY)

GROUP 6 MAKAO LINE ATUIN ART

RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK OWNED BY ALEXANDER OVCHINNIKOV JUDGE - PETER HARSANYI (HUNGARY)

GROUP 7 MILLENIUM FALCON FROM CRAWFORDLAND

IRISH SETTER OWNED BY LOCSKAY GABRIELLA JUDGE - SZABÓ SÁNDOR (HUNGARY)

GROUP 8 AMBROSIAL ALLEGRA BIG CITY LIFE

ENGLESH COCKER SPANIEL OWNED BY LUKÁCS NÓRA AND CZEGLÉDI ATTILA JUDGE - MIGUEL ÁNGEL MARTÍNEZ

GROUP W I N N E R S GROUP 9 CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER MALTESE OWNED BY FRANCO PROSPERI JUDGE - ANDRAS KOROSZ (HUNGARY)

GROUP 10 ABSOLUTE MANN BETTY BOOP WHIPPET OWNED BY FABRIZIO MANNI JUDGED BY TATJANA UREK (SLOVENIA)

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW SHUT UP AND KISS ME DELL ALBERICO

LHASA APSO OWNED BY STEFANO PAOLANTONI JUDGE - DR. JAKEL TAMAS (HUNGARY)

BEST IN SHOW ABSOLUTE MANN BETTY BOOP WHIPPET OWNED BY FABRIZIO MANNI JUDGE - JOHN CONSTANTINE (USA)

3rd of June • CACIB Empoli 4th of June • CAC Lucca 5th of June • CACIB Pisa Photo credits: Selene Favretto

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Best in Show Magazine

Best in Show judge Mr. ANDI HUDONO

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER CABAKA’S BOBBIE OF STORM CAT SAMOYED OWNED BY MORESCHI B.

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BLU EMPEROR OF NEWFOUNDLAND HILLS NEWFOUNDLAND OWNED BY DE VITTO D.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BOLO

BRACCO ITALIANO OWNED BY TURCI M.

Best in Show judge Mrs. SHRIGLEY SUSAN

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BIG BOOM’S BANDITOS DEX

CLUMBER SPANIEL OWNED BY LANA LEVAI

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER THOR DEL WANHELSING DACHSHUND KANINCHEN OWNED BY SILVESTRO D.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER THOR DEL WANHELSING DACHSHUND KANINCHEN OWNED BY SILVESTRO D.

Best in Show judge Mrs. Paloheimo Annukka

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER SAMARCANDA ITALIAN LOVER

STANARD POODLE BLACK OWNED BY MERATI L

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BALBOA SALADIN KERRY BLUE TERRIER OWNED BY CASSIN F.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER CABAKA’S BOBBIE OF STORM CAT SAMOYED OWNED BY MORESCHI B.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) JOYLAND`S MAGIC AMBITION Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

CHARON SERDCERVAC ÄŒCeskoslovensky Vlcak, Ow. FOK RODICA

FCI 2, JUDGED BY PERO BOZINOVSKI (MK) EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

ELENBERNER BOMOND Bernese Mountain Dog, Ow. ERMILOVA ELENA

SOUL GUARDIAN ATLAS Bulldog, Ow. MATSAKIS MANOS

FCI 3, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) SUNACHATES DANCING WITH DESIRE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow. BEGENA O.

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

JAZENTA BUSY BEING BEAUTIFUL FOR FINNSKY

Skye Terrier, Ow. KITTY & DAHLBOM & HILAKARI

FCI 4, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS D. Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA OLGA

ROLEX IZ IMPERII INES D. Rabbit Size Wire H., Ow. KOSTYGOVA I.N.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) KIN-CHIN RED WORKING ON A DREAM Pharaon Hound, Ow. BELL LARSEN BRITZYK

SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

DAN-STAR-KOM SHARMING BEST BOY Pomeranian, Ow. KOMYAKOVA L.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

BASSETTERRE ZARA SPHIE Basset Hound, Ow. CERNOHUBOVA EVA

FCI 7, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) EARNEST ENTHUSIAST EVERDENE Irish Setter, Ow. VIKTORIKOVA JARMILA

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

FCI 9, JUDGED BY LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK) VANDERFUL PLEIS MASTERPIECE Miniature Poodle, Ow. VOZCHIKOVA D.

TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. LYDON SEAN & CATHY

BEST BENDZAMIN NIGHT DREAM Papillon, Ow. RANCANE SIGNE

FCI 10, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) TRAVIS PASTRANA GANDAMAK SLOVAKIA Afghan Hound, Ow. PROKOPOVA KRISTINA

ABSOLUTE MANN SEA WORLD Whippet, Ow. Pavesi F.

JUCARO SPI DIEGO Galgo Espanol, Ow. NOEL TANJA

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) MEDVEZHYA STAYA ILYA MUROMETS Black Russian Terrier, Ow. SARVARI KRISZTINA

ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

OSMAR`S ZEUS VENI VIDI VICI Bichon Frise. Ow. CIPICIC JASMINA

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY ANDRAS KOROZS (HU) DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

FCI 1, JUDGED BY MICHAEL FORTE (IE) JUMPING JACK FLASH DES TERRES DE KHAIRYACA

Australian Shepherd, Ow. GAJEWSKI MARLENE

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

FCI 2, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) CREA DIEM MAJA Affenpinscher, Ow. WIKSTROM NINA

DIRE STRAITS DE TRUFAS NEGRAS Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. BRODD CAROLINE

BEATRICE’S DIAMOND GLARE OF ILLUSION Miniature Schnauzer Black, Ow. IVIC BRANKA

FCI 3, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) HAMPTON COURT` CHARLES Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. MOHRKE & KOROSZ

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

LACKY HUNTER OLLY QUEEN DLYA IMPERII INES

Jack Russell Terrier, Ow. KOSTYGOVA I.N.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) BESTIJA VAIVORYKŠTE D. Rabbit Size Wire, H. Ow. VERŠICKAITE MIGLE

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

ŠMEKLA MARSELIO KOMPANIJOS VAIVORYKŠTE D. Miniature Wire H., Ow. VERŠICKAITE MIGLE

FCI 5, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) P`TOSHI GO NAMITORI Akita, Ow. SZECSEI KRISZTINA

LEROY TORNADO OT AVERINOY Alaskan Malamute, Ow. LAVRENTIEVA O. & AVERINA L.

SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

FCI 6, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

BORN TO BE MY DESTINY Beagle, Ow. MOONLIGHTSKY kennel

JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

FCI 7, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) ZENSU MOUSTREAP HEART English Pointer, Ow. BRUNO P. & ZAHONYI -A.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) ADVENTURER`S DORIAN GRAY BY ALEX

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW

Portuguese Watter Dog, Ow. TAMMI & RAILAM

American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

ROZEBOTTEL`S PLAYBOY Lagotto Romagnolo, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

FCI 9, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) BEST BENDZAMIN NIGHT DREAM Papillon, Ow. RANCANE SIGNE

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

ATASTAR MISS MONEYPENNY Standard Poodle, Ow. MATKOVIC & LANGDON

FCI 10, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) SOBRESALTO STANDING OVATION Whippet, Ow. LIGUORI GIOVANNI

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

BADAVIE V FOR VICTORY Saluki, Ow. SKAFAR GUNILLA

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

MONALINE LAGOON LEE Welsh Terrier, Ow. PIJUNOVIC & BARTOS

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. VARTIAINEN & HUOVILA

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (CRO) BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

FCI 1, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) JOIE D VIVRE DE MONTRIBOIS Berger de Picardie, Ow. IMMERS & KEULEN

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

STUDIOS OUTLAW TAGALONG PT Australian Cattle Dog, Ow. COOPER & SCHIAVON

FCI 2, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

HASHISH VON JESS BOX German Boxer, Ow. BRZEZINSKI & LEMMER

AMORRAS ISPRINSESSA ITSI Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. GUSTAFSSON T.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

FLORA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. RAIC & LJUTIC

FCI 4, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) GRANDGABLES WEE MR DOUBLE UP Dachund Miniature Smooth, Ow. CSERMAK

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA DIAMONDS FROM TIFFANY Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA O.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) LEROY TORNADO OT AVERINOY Alaskan Malamute, Ow. LAVRENTIEVA O. & AVERINA L.

DAN-STAR-KOM SHARMING BEST BOY Pomeranian, Ow. KOMYAKOVA L.

KIN-CHIN RED WORKING ON A DREAM Pharaon Hound, Ow. BELL LARSEN BRITZYK

FCI 6, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) BORN TO BE MY DESTINY Beagle, Ow. MOONLIGHTSKY kennel

JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

FCI 7, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

LATIN LOVER HIGH DREAMER IN GOLD English Setter, Ow. FIANTOVA ERIKA

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK) BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

ROZEBOTTEL`S PLAYBOY Lagotto Romagnolo, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

FCI 9, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. Lydon S. & C.

ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

MONSIEUR AMES RAJ KARPAT Coton de Tulear, Ow. KLEVIÅ AR DARJA

FCI 10, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) GRANDCRU NEWTON Greyhound, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

SOBRESALTO BUSCAR BESOS Whippet, Ow. GUGLIELMINI ANTONIO

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

DIAMELLA LOVE IN BLACK BOOTS Lhasa Apso, Ow. FRIBERG ANNA & LINDA

FLORA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. RAIC & LJUTIC

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. Schoneberg

ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

FCI 1, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGESSI (IT) JOIE D VIVRE DE MONTRIBOIS Berger de Picardie, Ow. IMMERS & KEULEN

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

CYRANO PUISSANT AME MAGNANIME Beauceron, Ow. NOVAK TOMAS

FCI 2, JUDGED BY MICHAEL FORTE (IE) HASHISH VON JESS BOX German Boxer, Ow. BRZEZINSKI & LEMMER

EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

MURIMAH BONA CAPONA Affenpinscher, Ow. BIZIN ANDREW

FCI 3, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

LIMITED EDITION HIGHLINE ARMAGEDON American Staffordshire T., Ow. DUJMOV & BASARIC

FCI 4, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) MINI GOLF OBSIT D. Miniature Size Wire H., Ow. CSERMAK

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA DIAMONDS FROM TIFFANY Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA O.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

MAMBA - EWANGA AKIMBA BABOO Basenji, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

RUS SHOW FOREVER TEENAGER Xoloitzcuintle, Ow. GOYRINBERG V.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY PERO BOZINOVSKI (MK) LEO LICKI Istarski Kratkodlaki Gonic, Ow. JURICIC ZELJKO

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

JELANY RED DJIMBO FAREY Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. VERENKOVA & KAMILLE

FCI 7, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) ZENSU MOUSTREAP HEART English Pointer, Ow. BRUNO P. & ZAHONYI -A.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

FCI 9, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

PITCH BLACK FACE PUGS JACK SPARROW Pug, Ow. BEXANDER MARIA

FCI 10, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) PERSIAN DRAGON AMETHYST Saluki, Ow. KISS MARIANN

GRANDCRU NEWTON Greyhound, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

SOBRESALTO STANDING OVATION Whippet, Ow. LIGUORI GIOVANNI

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) MEDVEZHYA STAYA ILYA MUROMETS Black Russian Terrier, Ow. SARVARI KRISZTINA

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. VARTIAINEN & HUOVILA

MARCUS AURELIUS THE FIRST AT MEDIOLANUM Dalmatinski pas, Ow. DEVIC NENAD

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

Supreme Best in Shows of Split Summer Shows, 31. 07. 2016.

JUDGED BY Mr. BILL MCFADDEN (US)

FOLLETTI LETIZIA

JUDGED BY Mr. GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO)

MAMORU THE FORCE AWAKENS MILUNA WITH RUTHDALES American Akita Ow. WAEFER RAY & MARIA & VAN MOURIK LUCA (NL)

JUDGED BY Mrs. LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK)

SUANHO`S PLENTY COUPS Chinese Crested Dog Ow. ANDERSEN ADRIANE (NO)

JUDGED BY Mr. OLIVER Å IMON (HR)

LEO LICKI Istarski Gonic Kratkodlaki Ow. JURICIC ZELJKO

Supreme Best in Shows of Split Summer Shows, 31. 07. 2016.

JUDGED BY Mrs. TIINA TAULOS (FI)

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel Ow. VARTIAINEN SANNA & HUOVILA PIRJO (FI)

JUDGED BY Mr. STEFAN SINKO (SLO)

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

Traveling in a hot Weather

By Richard Hellman This article will be released as the summer season is drawing to a close but hopefully will leave readers impressed and make them reflect on the subject of traveling with our beloved dogs in the warm months. Useless to say how torrid a vehicle can become in hot weather. We often find ourselves asking how we survived without airconditioning decades ago. A car or van can be a fatal oven for any living creature and it is shocking to reveal how many lives are lost each year due to the negligence and disregard of parents and especially of pet owners. In the USA alone, an average of 35-40 children perish each year, being left unattended in parked vehicles IN THE SHADE with WINDOWS LEFT CRACKED OPEN! It is estimated that thousands of pets die in the same circumstances a terrible death in less than one hour as their owners underestimate the severity at risk while running a quick errand.

Even on a mild day, with the vehicle parked in the shade and the windows left slightly opened, the inside temperature can rise as much as 40 degrees F. What is worse, as most of you know, a dog doesn’t sweat like humans to cool their body temperature. They can only pant and dissipate a small ammount of heat through their paw pads. Increased panting and drooling leads to respiratory failure, panic and seizure, drop in blood pressure and blood vessel dilation which causes pooling and clotting in the brain, liver, kidneys and digestive tract, organ shut down, coma and eventual death.

All of this can occur in a very brief time, as little as an hour in extreme conditions. An hour or more of

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cruel, excruciating pain, suffering and disorientation.

Never underestimate the risks at hand and avoid leaving your dogs unattended for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time if there is any chance of them being exposed to heat. On a cloudy or even a rainy day, the sun can come out suddenly and greatly increase the outdoor temperature by several degrees in a few minutes. If you have left your dogs in a closed vehicle to run an errand, grab a qiuck bite to eat, or maybe you are in an indoor dog show and are unaware of the sudden change in the weather, it can be fatal for your dogs even in a short time.

Vehicles being used to transport dogs, need to be well insulated with aeration mechanisms. Roof fans, open windows and air conditioning are a must not only while traveling but especially when the carrier is parked. It’s not enough to be in the shade, the sun is constantly moving and in little time the automobile may be fully or partially exposed to direct sunlight. Studies have shown that slightly opened windows do little to lower the inside temperature of a parked vehicle even in the shade. While closed crates such as Vari Kennels may be fine for most of the year, better to use wire mesh open crates in the hotter months to increase the possibility of air circulation. Use individual battery operated crate fans and insist on the possibility of larger, rotating fans placed in front of the animals. This will require auxillary batteries, generators and/or external electricity sources with high quality extension cords to keep fans and A/C running but one must never rely

on the fact that the dogs are out of danger as a mechanical failure or an unintentional intrusion may cause an interruption connecting the power source

“I’m sure many of you readers are aware of the 2 tragedies that lead to the horrific death of more than 20 dogs this past summer in Italy and the USA. “ to the vehicle. That is why the dogs must NEVER be left unattended even in the most ideal situations for for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Install a webcam and a device to the dashboard which will let you reveal the actual temperature of the compartment where the dogs are traveling as often commercial vans have a separating wall between the passenger cabin and the rear section. Any time

you need to leave the vehicle, leave someone to supervise the dogs and take turns going to rest rooms or eating. There is a device available which can remotely warn you when the temperature rises sending you a signal even from a distance but better to always leave someone with the dogs as no device is infallible.

I’m sure many of you readers are aware of the 2 tragedies that lead to the horrific death of more than 20 dogs this past summer in Italy and the USA. These of course are neither the first nor the last to occur to show dogs under the care of Professional Handlers. Many cases go unreported, especially if occuring with a smaller ammount of deaths on the way to or on the way home from shows. Let’s not point the finger just at the handlers as many breeders and individual exhibitors are just as guilty!

Many people travel to shows on ferry boats to reach islands or to decrease road travel.

Handlers or owners leaving dogs in overnight ferry garages is extremely risky as you have no possibility to check the dogs during the voyage. Some ferries allow dogs in the cabins while others have kennel facilities. Some ships have open deck parking with Best in Show Magazine

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the possibility of letting drivers check their vehicles.

Don’t be lazy or try to save money by hiding crated dogs in vans or campers as the temperatures in a closed garage can rise to extremely dangerous levels and you may have a terrible and shocking sur-

“Many American handlers should be applauded as they decided this summer to cancel their show appointments due to extremely high temperatures being forecasted.�

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prise when you reach your vehicle the next morning.

How can handlers and owners assure the safety of their pets while traveling to and upon destination at dog shows during the warmer season?

If your vehicle is not up to par as ideally described in the previous paragraphs make the investments necessary to keep your dogs safe and comfortable.

Not only is it necessary to have comfort features but it is also wise to have the vehicle regularly checked and revisioned by a mechanic to lower the risk of breakdown. It can be very unpleasant and potentially dangerous if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of no where with no shade in the middle of a hot day. Are the tires in order? a blowout on a large vehicle with a heavy load can be extremely dangerous. What happens if there is some sort of engine failure enroute? Is the vehicle insured in that case for immediate towing and substitution of another vehicle to safely bring the dogs back home or to destination?

Many American handlers should be applauded as

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they decided this summer to cancel their show appointments due to extremely high temperatures being forecasted. Owners should always ask to see all the safety and comfort features of their vehicle when hiring a prospective handler. If you cant afford to make such investments, whether you are a breeder, or a handler, or just a simple exhibitor, no one is putting a gun to your head and insisting you attend shows in the summer! Ask your handler how many dogs will be traveling in the vehicle and how many persons will be attending to their care?

An overcrowded vehicle means less air circulation.

Will someone sleep with the dogs or will they be brought into airconditioned facilities or hotel rooms?

Are the dogs individually crated in sufficiently large cages with secure gates and comfortable bedding?

Is clean, fresh water constantly available? How often are dogs walked and exercized in safe ex pens or on lead with safe leads, collars and flexies? How long are dogs left on grooming tables and are they left unattended? Often handlers will ask a neighboring exhibitor to keep an eye on a dog left on a table or in an ex pen, but what if they get distracted or need to unexpectedly leave the set up? Is there an assistant who is constantly watching the dogs at the setup or are dogs left alone for long periods?

Even the calmest of dogs used to falling asleep on a table should never be left there unsupervised. Not only does he risk hanging himself but the table could topple over and he could panic and escape.

After the tragic occurence in Italy, many handlers had a meeting on occasion of a dog show to relaunch the idea of having an association recognized not only by the kennel club but by the state ministry to authenticate and validate professional handlers. Not only is this long and slow in coming but will eventually serve to provide better care and safety not only for the dogs and their owners but as well to the handlers.

It seemed to have gotten off to a good start but unfortunately there seems to be a lack of interest and disponibility and hopefully after the summer a new meeting will take place and things will start to progress.

After an event in Luxembourg last year concerning the precarious transport of show dogs by a young handler and one of his clients, the police 130

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intervened and confiscated the dogs found within.

Although they were not risking their lives to heat stroke, they were found in an unattended vehicle with inadequate ventilation, some in insufficiently large cages, while some cages contained more than one dog. The rear doors were slightly ajar to provide air but the temperature was warming up and had passers by not heard the dogs barking which led them to call the authorities, the incident may have gone unnoticed or on the other hand tragedy could have occurred here as well.

This prompted some friends in the dog world such as Lisa Croft Elliot, Hugo Quevado and Jadranka Miatovic to try and create an FCI recognized Pro-

Why can’t we all pull together for the good of the dogs and the good of the sport and get something done to protect the animals and the people involved? fessional Handler’s association. Bylaws and regulations similar to those used by the PHA in the USA were submitted to FCI but it seems that the project is still at a standstill as is the European association launched by Thomas Wasteaux more recently.

I ask myself why this immediate concern and interest only after tragedy occurs and why do people and handlers lose interest so quickly? Why cant we all pull together for the good of the dogs and the good of the sport and get something done to protect the animals and the people involved?

Why no interest or support from the kennel clubs representing the FCI countries nor from the FCI itself? How many dogs will have to suffer or risk their lives before we all wake up and strive to resolve this problem!

The Literary Dog The Dog Breeder’s Manual by Eric F. Daglish Written by Anne Tureen

Eric Fitch Daglish’s life (1892-1966) spanned the incredibly progressive time frame from the close of the Edwardian age to the modern era ushered in by two world wars. Mr. Daglish’s professional pursuits united two related disciplines, so similar and so opposite: Art and Science. He was an accomplished engraver, and his works are housed at the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other important institutions. He was also a professional naturalist specializing in zoology and published studies on rivers, birds, and flowers. More pertinent to this magazine, he was also a dog show judge whose assignments included Crufts.

The Dog Breeder’s Manual (138 pages) was among his last efforts, and benefits from the maturity of a well developed, well informed mind.

Published in 1951, his era was not very far removed from the nineteenth century, during which most of the breeds recognized in his native Britain were developed within a working context of hunting, herding, dog fighting, illegal bull baiting, etc. Paradoxically, this was for the most part, the ‘dark ages’ of Reproductive Science, before the development 134

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of modern genetic research. Most breeding practice was based upon supposition, superstition and guesswork. These methods proved fruitful in that of the 51 breeds listed as British (developed in Britain, according to Wikipedia), all but 14 of them were developed durng the 1800’s. Interestingly, of these, 10 breeds predated this era including the Bloodhound, Bulldog, King Charles Spaniel, Foxhound, English Water Spaniel (extinct), Sussex Spaniel, North Country Beagle (extinct) Smooth Fox Terrier, Tweed Water Spaniel (extinct) and Whippet. The Lancashire Heeler, Lucas Terrier, and Norfolk Terrier, were turn of the century dogs, while the Northern Inuit Dog was the final addition in the 1980’s, the only Wikipedia listed breed developed in Britain after the publication of The Breeding Manual. Therefore the Golden Age of dogs in Britain was one in which breeders relied on tradition rather than Science.

However Mr. Daglish felt the importance of proven facts in breeding and his text was among the first books on this subject to present detailed and complete information regarding breeding and selection of dogs solidly based on genetics. The first section

of the book is the most interesting from an historic point of view for the author addresses the ‘Rise and Growth of Dog Breeding’, and ‘Some Old Theories and Beliefs’. These two chapters allow us to briefly visit the pre Kennel Club world of dogs and is thus a valuable perspective. The advent of the Kennel Club in 1873 is viewed by Mr. Daglish as a positive advancement; it marks the dawn of a new era in which methods of selection based on success in the field will be replaced with selection based on physical attributes.

He makes the point that structural virtues will lead to functional success, a position which has been the subject of ongoing debate, continuing even today, over 140 years into the experiment. Can the functional ability of a dog be determined in a show ring, or is it necessary to work the dog in the field to ascertain his worth in that particular task for which he was developed? Recent discussion of this question can be viewed in various articles published in our best journals, including Best in Show Magazine when The Literary Dog interviewed Mario Canton (Spring 2015). Also, please see: Dr. John Burchard On Breed Standards, 2010, http://stephenbodio. blogspot.it/2010/07/dr-john-burchard-on-breedstandards.html, or 100 Years of Breed Improvement

by Caen Elegans, 2012, https://dogbehaviorscience. wordpress.com/2012/09/29/100-years-of-breedimprovement/).

The initial chapters of The Breeder’s Manual share with us the thoughts of the founding members of the Kennel Club. Could they have surmised the Colossus that would result from this initiative, imitated in nearly every country around the world?

“By 1870 the more far-sighted of these enthusiasts began to realize that if the showing of dogs was to emerge from sordid obscurity into which it showed unmistakable signs of sinking, it must be placed under the control of a central governing body, powerful enough to enforce its authority in all matters pertaining to show promotion and management.” Similar considerations are expressed later in the chapter when speaking about the progress made in the appreciation of dogs in Britain: “This sensational growth in interest is due in large measure to the autocratic but beneficent control exercised by the Kennel Club, first brought into being, as has been shown, through dissatisfaction with the conditions ruling in the dog world some eighty years ago.” Optimism is the hallmark of beinnings and this sentiment ushering in the KC as the dawn of a new and better order is no exception, and it reminds us of the noble purpose of this great institution.

The second part of the book attempts to demonstrate how Science has brought a new age to dog breeding. Ironically, his observation: “It is curious that dog breeders alone have been so slow to profit by the great accumulation of data which the geneticist has made available to them.” resounds freshly in the 21st century in journals, blogs and facebook sites. How many active breeders have a solid grounding in genetics, and/or update their knowledge with the constant advances in this field? A few of the beliefs presented by Mr. Daglish as ridiculous in 1951, continue to circulate. One such question is whether a bitch is ruined for future breeding by having made a ‘misalliance’ outside of the pedigree world. I received affirmation of this very belief from a number of individuals when my bitch arranged a clandestine meeting with the neighbor’s dog dur-

“It is curious that dog breeders alone have been so slow to profit by the great accumulation of data which the geneticist has made available to them.”

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“The explanation of heredity and genetics provided in The Dog Breeder’s Manual is elegantly and efficiently covered in less than 100 pages with the help of a few diagrams and tables. His style is straightforward but colorful and personal, which distinguishes it from the sanitized textbook approach generally adopted today.” ing her heat cycle. Fortunately no one suggested I destroy her, but I was told without a shadow of a doubt that any future puppies would be tainted, and alien traits such as short legs and fluffy blond fur 136

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would crop up in any future litters from that Irish Terrier bitch. The absolute conviction of these individuals who pitied my inexperienced attempts to refute their belief, helps me to understand the frustration of someone like Mr. Daglish who hoped to convince breeders that certain convictions held as truths by his contemporaries are not founded on facts. For example that it is not by adhering speckled patterns to the side of a whlepig box, that a breeder can obtain a speckled litter of dachsunds.

The explanation of heredity and genetics provided in The Dog Breeder’s Manual is elegantly and efficiently covered in less than 100 pages with the help of a few diagrams and tables. His style is straightforward but colorful and personal, which distinguishes it from the sanitized textbook approach generally adopted today. His explicitness in describing physical details and advice is astonishing in view of the social mores concerning anything sexual which were prevalent in the 1950’s, a stifiling atmosphere well illustrated in the Showtime television series Masters of Sex, describing the social re-

sistance that existed towards any open discussion of sexuality. There are a few cries in the wilderness of dog breeding today echoing the voice of this long dead author in his out of print book, but most of his facts are still only vaguely understood by a large number of breeders who prefer the traditional, if simplistic: ‘Breed the best to the best’.

In some cases the author’s opinions are directly opposed to official trends today. The very Kennel Clubs celebrated by Mr. Daglish might be horrified at his insistence that: “A breeder who wishes to found a strain of animals which will breed true to their own type must not be afraid to inbreed”. If there were space enough, it would be worthwhile to reproduce here the entire text from the chapters entitled ‘Dog Breeding and Genetics’ and ‘Inbreeding and Out-Crossing’. The author rationally and in detail supports his views in favor of a prolonged intelligent application of inbreeding of good stock. He brings forth and demonstrates the fallacy of most of the same objections to inbreeding that we find presented at conferences and elaborated in many articles today. He admits no gray area to the logical and scientifically proven conclusion: “The idea that while inbreeding is dangerous line breeding is safe and wise is wrong from every point of view”.

The author admonishes breeders to resist the fashion of breeding widely from the latest and greatest prizewinning dog, a view which science is still pummelling into show circles with limited success.

“Before arranging a mating the breeder should keep firmly in mind the fact that the characters shown by the puppies will depend on the manner in which the genes contributed by the parents are combined in the fertilized egg cells from which the pups develop. This may appear so self-evident as to be hardly worth reiterating. Yet is is no exaggeration to say that nine-tenths of the disappointments which arise in dog breeding are due to this axiom being overlooked or ignored.

In his selection of a stud dog the breeder must be guided by the genetic make-up of his bitch, so far as this is known or can be discovered from her appearance and pedigree. Because a certain dog has sired a champion from one bitch there is no reason to take it for granted that he will be equally successful with other mates. Nearly all available

sires are impure (DR) for some desired points. The most outstanding champion dog in any breed is likely to be genetically impure for many of the qualities or points which have brought him fame in the show ring or trial ground.” Does this imply that a good dog cannot bring desired qualities to our line?

For the answer to that and for unexpectedly simple advice to better breeding I recommend you get your hands on a copy of The Dog Breeder’s Manual.

Warning: be prepared for a ride with Dr. Who into territory that is as controversial today as it was in 1951. The Literary Dog has spoken with two experts, the first, a Veterinarian specialized in Reproduction, and the second, an expert breeder and

“The most outstanding champion dog in any breed is likely to be genetically impure for many of the qualities or points which have brought him fame in the show ring or trial ground.” judge to examine the basic material of Mr. Daglish’s text in light of today’s knowledge and practice.

Maria Carmela Pisu Breeding Expert: Maria Carmela Pisu has her degree in Vetrinary medicine from the University of Sassari where she specialized in reproductive medicine, and later completed training at the European College of Animal Reproduction based in Belgium. As of 2011 she is President of the SIRVAC (Italian Society for the Reproduction of Companion Animals) and her most recent involvement in an FCI event was an invitation to speak at the 2015 WDS in Milan.

LD: As you have seen, this text is from 1951, light years away from today’s world, not only in genetics, Best in Show Magazine

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but in what we might consider to be good breeding pratice. Is any of the scientific information from this book still relevant?

MCP: Let me just state to begin with that the Mendhelian prinicpals presented in The Breeder’s Manual are the starting point even today for anyone interested in this subject. They are the basis upon which everything else rests. They did not know then about incompelete penetration or alteration of different alele, many other things that modern science has revealed, however this book presents genetic principals which we consider to be the cornerstone of today’s laboratories.

LD: What about his advice on breeding, has much changed over the decades?

MCP: The breeding practices that Mr. Daglish describes are at times quite right, but some of his ad-

“One of the central concerns of proper nutrition of both the pregnant bitch and the puppy in weaning, is to concentrate sufficient energy in a small amount of food that is also perfectly digestible to provide maximum nutrition in the small quantities consumed.” vice is amusingly archaic. For example he suggests that repeat breedings should be very close so as to avoid puppies at different stages of development at whelping time. However puppies are all in one ‘batch’ as we might say since ovulation occurs only at one time, and the eggs mature and detach all together with a time difference margin of 18-20 hours at the very most, usually much closer. So the eggs are all fertilized together with the sperm that is present within 24 hours. Moreover the embrios move toward the uterin tubes and implant only 13 days after their fertilization, so in a way they are waiting for each other, and move on together. One embrio 138

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may have 6 cells, another 8, but we cannot say that they are at different stages of development.

Today we advise that repeat mounts take place after 48 hours because the bitch will accept a male for an extended period, but she will ovulate at a specific time, and we need to introduce the sperm as close as possible to that time. When we are practicing artificial insemination we know exactly when to introduce the sperm because we have been measuring the progesterin levels and we know within a window of 24 hours when ovulation will occur.

LD: Mr. Daglish overthrows some of the current breeding practice of his time, which of his ‘modern’ theories would we overthrow today?

MCP: A serious mistake would be to follow Mr. Daglish’s advice of giving plenty of milk or other calcium based nutrients to the pregnant bitch. Firstly, milk is not well digested by an adult animal which no longer produces latimasi after the weaning period.

More importantly, if we give a calcium charged diet to a pregnant bitch, the Parotid glands which harvest calcium from the bones when it is needed become inactive, and fail to carry the calcium needed for lactation when the time comes, putting the bitch at risk of enclampsia. Therefore a quality, balanced diet is the best option for pregnancy with no specific increase in calcium, especially milk which may cause digestive problems. Those breeders who use commercial products would be certain of a proper diet if they use puppy food in increasing proportions starting at the time of diagnosis, which is usually about twenty five days after the mount, and to continue this during lactation. I am a fan of these new ‘start up’ prepared food products for puppies.

On the whole they are excellent for weaning and a good choice for the Mother as well.

One of the central concerns of proper nutrition of both the pregnant bitch and the puppy in weaning, is to concentrate sufficient energy in a small amount of food that is also perfectly digestible to provide maximum nutrition in the small quantities consumed. Those who prefer to prepare a fresh meal for their dogs, must be sure to balance the calcium and phosphorous, the noble proteins and carbohydrates, and many people add vitamins to

the pregnant bitch’s fresh food to be sure everything is in there. It is quite complex.

LD: Nutrition is such a vast and highly debated issue, one that breeders and owners become deeply passionate about. There are so many options that one wonders how dogs managed to survive in the past, before science brought us the detailed studies that we now have concerning a dog’s diet.

MCP: A wild wolf finds nutrients in a carcass, with bones, intestines, even grass in the stomach and digestive tract, and that is balanced.This isn’t possible to replicate; not only do most of us have difficulty obtaining a fresh carcass, but also consider that the modern dog is not exactly a carnivore, it is an omnivore, so we need to have a little bit of everything.

Some of the prepared foods today are deeply researched, and can be a good choice. In the past

people didn’t have this kind of quality available, but then again dogs were not expected to live to 12 -14- 16 years of age with the sort of quality of life we frequently see today. This explains another point made in the Daglish book. He suggests that a numerous brood be divided with lactating bitches who have fewer pups, keeping no more than 6 with one Mother. This is something that modern nutrition and care renders uneccessary. Today there is no problem if the litter is a large one.

LD: Is there any point in reading an out of date book on breeding?

MCP: It is nice to have a window into a moment in our history. There are some charming notions mentioned in the book that would be nice if they were true. That a spring litter would have more females, for example! Naturally many animals reproduce in Best in Show Magazine

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“Do not underestimate the most important tool that a breeder has, which is selection. If you start with quality dogs, and carefully breed type to type you will begin to get somewhere fairly quickly.”

the spring when conditions favor this delicate process. Biotechnology can deterimne the sex of a new animal when we use it on cows or horses, but I know of no other way to influence the outcome. Interestingly y chromosome sperm swim more quickly in gel dishes than the double x, but not in the fluids of the uterus. So there is mixture of basic truths and fantasy in this book, but in this respect little has changed.

We still believe in absurd things today, in fact we continue inventing them. I have heard that one trend taking hold in the USA now is to breed a young bitch 3 times in a row, each time she goes into heat. This is proposed as best for the bitch, but quite the oposite is true. Her nutrients, her muscle tone, the uterus itelf must have time to return to their original condition.

At least one heat cycle is a necessary rest period.

So I suppose one very important thing we can learn from this book is humility, let’s not take everything we hear and embrace it as absolute truth. Social media and hearsay are not necessarily a reliable font of information. A scientific approach is best, gather information from authoritve sources, consult the general concesnsus, reason out whether something sounds plausible based on the axioms we have acquired. Let’s all continue to educate ourselves.

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Espen Engh has been breeding Greyhounds in Norway since 1975, and Jet’s are considered the top winning Greyhounds of all times. He is an all breeds FCI judge with appointments in over 90 FCI countries, he has been invited to judge the World Dog show 13 times, including 2016 in Moscow.

LD: You make a point in the excellent interview in Keys to Top Breeding with Pekka Hannula and Marjo Nygard, 2011, that it is getting more and more difficult to find a good male to introduce new qualities to your lines because other breeders are not working in close line breeding, they move horizontally, mixing all the dogs from various countries together.

What you seem to be saying here is that in reality to get genetic diveristy, what we need are more instances of close line breeding which would result in markedly different ‘pockets’ of genetic groups from place to place in the various countries?

EE: Exactly. From a larger prospective these two concepts: close breeding and genetic diversity are not necessarily in conflict, the one may in fact generate the other. Genetic diversity cannot be left up to the individual breeder who will naturally strive for uniformity within his/her own strain. But if I create a group of tightly bred Greyhounds, and someone in another area has their closely knit group, the genetics will be further and further apart. On the other hand if the handful of Greyhound breeders of the world all interchange dogs on a regular basis, we will have an increasingly uniform gene base.

Close line breeding represents an advantage to the breed in general, and an immediate advantage to

individual breeders. If I need to improve one quality, say a better ear, a line bred dog with that asset will improve my line, whereas a dog who posesses the good ear, but who is loosely bred may not pass that quality on to his descendants in a consistent way.

LD: The Greyhound has been around since the 1700’s, the lineage of the dogs can be traced back for centuries. This is not the case with many breeds however, some are two hundred years old, most less, it is difficult to identify clear strains or lines in many breeds, so none of the dogs can be relied on to reproduce in a ‘true’ fashion.

EE: Well, do not underestimate the most important tool that a breeder has, which is selection. If you start with quality dogs, and carefully breed type to type you will begin to get somewhere fairly quickly.

I do about one litter per year, and I have already seen changes in my family group. I see increasing consistency in my litters, and some of my goals are consolidated. By way of example I’d say I have eliminated frailty in my own line. I see almost all of my dogs maturing into strong solid dogs. My point is that I have set some goals, identified faults I wanted to eliminate, and I see major improvement in those traits over these 40 + years. I have obtained quite a consistent kennel type. If you pair Aunt to Nephew, half siblings or I have even taken the Son to the Mother, in early times, you will learn a lot about those dogs, and your surprises will begin to disappear. I have never done full siblings because I do not see any point in that. I am interested in increasing the influence of one of the parents, never both, but close line breeding is extremely useful in creating a line. I know of one instance in which two breeders started out with littermates, and after just a few generations the two groups of dogs being bred looked completely different, that’s what can be accomplished with selection.

LD: You have a very interesting breeding method, you keep on two bitches the Alpha and the Beta, and from this selection you are able to breed your own bitch line and your own males as well.

EE: I actually keep on all the best bitch pups from a single dam. When she has had her three or four

litters, I then go ahead and basically keep the two best of that entire generation. They mature to a year or more before I make the final decision as to which ones to keep. 6 week or 8 week old puppies is far from the ideal age to make the selection of future breeding stock; I need the dogs to be from 12 to 18 months. I allow the young dogs to go into good families when I am sure, and not before.

LD: Our own columnist Juha Kares has a very interesting proposal of enlarging his breedership to his families. He cultivates the knowledge of people interested in his breeds, he entrusts them with good dogs and they make a sort of breeding team.

EE: I am familiar with this enlightened idea, and I love seeing how well it works in some cases. But I have a different approach. If I raise my own dogs, I eliminate variations in their environmental conditions.

Greyhounds are dogs with a large frame, and such oversights as slippery floors, irregular or suboptimal diet or inappropriate exercise will affect the outcome seen in the adult animal. When I am comparing a generation of dogs to see which one will carry on the line, all I want to see is pure genetics. I need to limit the effect environmental factors by standardizing their conditions.

LD: With all of those beautiful young animals in the house you must have a number of junior championship titles!

EE: Ironically I do not. While I appreciate the recognition I have received from knowledgeable judges, this is not at all my priority. I am fascinated with breeding and my goal is not to have something to show, but to have something with which to continue breeding. To see what is coming up next, to close in on my goals is what is most fulfilling for me, it’s totally absorbing. The puppies that I do not select for further breeding are sold as youngsters. In this way I do not have to keep that many dogs, usually we have 12 to 15 dogs in the house, which is mangeable even without kennel help.

Moreover I spend time working my dogs.

The Grey is a hunting breed, and I need to know that this ability is alive in each generation. I don’t think the breed standard makes any sense unless it is interpreted from an historical and functional Best in Show Magazine

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viewpoint. I would love to be able to hunt because that is the only real trial, but for a number of reasons, primarily the legal basis on which the prey is killed, this is no longer possible. I do the next best thing- lure coursing, and many of my dogs are lure coursing champions. The first two of my dogs who were dog of the year (Int.Ch. Jet’s Once Upon A Dream, 2001 and Int.Ch. Jet’s Something in the Way U Smile, 2003) were both coursing champions.

Something in the Way U Smile was also runner up BIS at the World Show in Dortmund 2003. In pursuing beauty, you can never forget the purpose of the breed, in the case of Greyhounds a day’s hunting. If the first rabbit gets around the corner, another one goes to ground, and you come home with perhaps one lousy rabbit, you and your family will starve. A Greyhound will need to fire again and again during a day’s work in tihe field to bring home a full dinner. The original working Grey had endurance

I am fascinated with breeding and my goal is not to have something to show, but to have something with which to continue breeding. To see what is coming up next, to close in on my goals is what is most fulfilling for me, it’s totally absorbing. and stamina. Dogs bred just for show may be called Show Greyhounds. I call my dogs Standard Greyhounds as they are bred to the standard which calls for functional abilities which are much more than just a pretty face.

LD: Mr. Daglish was a keen supporter of the Kennel club. How can our breed clubs and the kennel clubs best support breeders?

EE: I think they can be instrumental in creating an atmosphere of knowledge, openess and honesty.

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creasing our knowledge by offering educational material, lectures and courses for all of us, breeders, judges, owners, even the general public. Theirs should be a positive role, continually enlarging our opportunities. It isn’t a good trend when there is a move toward establishing limits, say to regulate breeder’s activities or choices in any way. The breeding must be left to the breeders, I don’t believe in collective breeding. If the breeder is taking responsibility for the litter, health, temperament, conformation, abilities, not to mention the future of the dogs and their well being in good families, as well as paying all the bills, then how I choose to produce the dogs should also be my responsibility. I believe this is the only way forward.

I use genetic tests that are available, especially for Greyhound Neuropathy, a fatal disease which exists in my breed. I support that the KC refuses to register puppies of two carrier parents, though I would hope that all breeders are responsible enough to avail themselves of this tool of their own initiative. Bans and restrictions are generally going to have negative effects, a club cannot put themselves in the role of the police force, they need to use their resources to create an ethical environment of shared knowledge. The weighty burden of a good breeding is on the shoulders of the breeder!

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Estava Rain American Akitas

by Friedrich Birkmar Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

F.B.: It started 1999 with a beautiful male called “Timo”. He was bred in Norway by great friends and was a true gentleman of a dog. He gave us so much joy and happiness and lived to be 13 years old.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita`s?

How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

F.B.: I came from a family where we always had dogs so it was natural for me to start breeding them.

My professional career has brought me to move to different countries all over the world and I went to school in Switzerland. When I finally settled down in Norway it was much easier to establish a good kennel for the dogs.

The Kennel Name is taken from the music in the Brazilian combat game called Capoeria that I have been training for many years.

After having very bad luck with my first 2 import bitches not producing well, I got the fabulous Red150

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witch Magic And Sparkle. I made her up to Int.CH and she has been a dream brood bitch.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

F.B.: We have about 12 dogs in total. The bitches always stay here in the kennel. Sometimes after their 2nd litter I find a nearby family that can provide them a loving home and singular attention and later decide if I choose to breed them another time. I always try to find a permanent family for the bitches once they are no longer used for showing or breeding. Our bitches usually don’t have more then 3 litters in total. The show dogs are spread between different members of the Estava Rain team. Richard Hellman has 2 dogs in Italy, Anci Ahlberg has 2 in Sweden and Katja Rauhut has showed 2 of our dogs in Germany and East Europe. We have one homebred dog owned by us being campaigned in the USA and another one in China soon coming back home.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary

Photo 1 • “Chester” CH Estava Rain Reckless Road. INTCH, JWW-15 and Best In Show winner. Showing a perfect outline and moderation. Sired by CH Estava Rain Hold The News. Out of CH Estava Rain Walk The Talk.

Photo 1 • Book-signing of the “Best in Show” book at Borders bookstore in New York in February, 2009 - concurrently with Westminster dog show in Madison Square Garden.

for the betterment of the breed?

F.B.: Yes. it´s important to exchange knowledge and experience. Margaret Hippolite of Kodo Akitas in New Zealand is a dear friend with lots of knowledge – just to mention one.

To be a great breeder you need to make big sacrifices both financially and time. You need to be able to focus and work hard to produce top quality. One needs to travel, and see lots of dogs all over the world to have a reference point. Education is key!!

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

F.B.: My late mother was my biggest mentor and inspiration. She was always following my work with the dogs in every detail.

In Akitas - the work of Mrs. BJ Andrews needs to be mentioned. She was a pioneer in the breed in the US, bred the dogs that would have the biggest influence for the breed and wrote important books to leave a legacy after her for generations to come.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

F.B.: Most our breedings are planned 1 or 2 years ahead. We have a very clear vision about what dogs could work together in the future. Of course it´s just wishful thinking as there is never a guarantee when breeding dogs…. But at least it´s important to have a plan. We breed for ourselfs, not just for the sake of breeding to sell puppies. We normally have from 1 or 2 litters per year and often keep 2 or 3 from each litter to continue our selection. Every generation brings us closer to our ideal of the Akita.

“ To be a great breeder you need to make big sacrifices both financially and time.

You need to be able to focus and work hard to produce top quality.”

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

F.B.: Linebreeding with bringing in outcrosses where needed. Of course outcrossing to typelike dogs that are proven on different bitches of different lines. We have had great results with outcrosses as we are even more happy when we breed back in the second generation.

I love talking to the early breeders in the US. They have a lot of knowledge and are very honest in their opinions. Would like to mention Dr. Sophia Kaluzniaki, Beverly Vics and Carol Foti. In Europe the Redwitch Kennel had an important impact on the breed. They produced some of the most important dogs in many pedigrees and we’re very helpful in establishing my own lines.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

F.B.: Consistency!! Keep focused on your breeding program. Stay true to your type and always keep in mind the breed standard!

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BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

F.B.: We have champions on all continents of the world. So happy to have sold dogs to genuine breed enthusiasts that has taken such good care of the Estava Rain dogs. Because we have exported so many dogs we have lost count on champion titles. In one litter we had all individuals became champions in a total of 3 different continents.

Our top winning bitch would be CH Estava Rain Front Row. Winning Int. shows in 3 different countries and ended up nr.2 All Breeds in Norway and all time top winning bitch in northern Europe. To mention a male it would be “Curtis” Estava Rain Only Style Remains winning BOB at Crufts 2016, BOB & World Winner 2015 and he is also American Grand Champion!

Photo 2 • CH Estava Rain Touch The Flame winning BOW twice with 5 pt major at the Akita Club of America National specialties.

She is American Champion, INTCH and many times Best In Show Winner. BOS at Westminster NY and BOB and European Winner -15 in Oslo.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

F.B.: That’s a hard question.. Winning the group at the World Dog Show in addition to 10 World Winner titles & inumerous European titles. Any of our amazing wins at the Akita Club of America National Specialties, Westminster, BOB at Crufts, and Eukanuba in Orlando. Having the all time top winning male and female in the Nordics.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

F.B.: It´s always a good thing to get the dogs out there to be shown. As a breeder it´s important to get your work evaluated. A top winning dog does not necessarily significate an excellent representative of the breed and of course a top winner doesn’t guarantee a good producer.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

F.B.: Only to the better as far as I am concerned.

Type, structure and soundness has generally improved. Size, substance, coats, temperaments and health issues certainly have made a noticeable improvement.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

F.B.: If you are true to the breed and the standard you don’t breed dogs for any trends. I would never compromise on that. Colors may be considered a trend and a personal preference in our breed as almost all colors and patterns are accepted. A solid colored dog is more rare than 20 years ago as are the scarcely marked pintos which were quite popular until then. Most dogs now have lots of flashy white markings which are attractive. Only an experienced technical judge will appreciate the solid colored dogs if they are of good quality. I think we have some problems with the base colors which fall into less importance as long as the dogs have flashy white markings. We must remember that the stanBest in Show Magazine

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dard calls for any color as long as it is rich and vivid.

Another trend is to breed overangulated Akitas.

Judges and exhibitors tend to seek the overangulated stifle bend as opposed to the moderate angulation required by the standard. Of course I prefer a little too much than not enough but many Akitas should be considered exaggerately angulation which is not to standard.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

F.B.: No. Many judges are too busy collecting breeds and many active and successful breeders don’t take the time to become judges as they prefer to be showing. In many countries not only is it difficult to become a judge but you need to take off 2 or 3 years from exhibiting to complete your education at dog shows.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

F.B.: That they really see the breed and educate themselves before they even think about judging them. Being able to find quality and strengths and not always looking for faults first!!

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

F.B.: Yes. The standard can not be misunderstood. It is clear in overall proportions and outline down to details in head, feet and tailset.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

F.B.: No. The standard is clear and can´t be misunderstood. I think we overestimate the power of All rounders… they vary way too much in quality and there will always be a better judge coming after putting things back to standard.

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

F.B.: Education. As a FCI judge myself I can´t understand how a judge can walk into the ring not being educated about the breed he/she is judging.

Judges should be invited for their knowledge and passion for their work.

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Photo 3 • Our dogs have a standard that should be recognizable for an Estava Rain dog. In fact we have been very successful in the breeder’s group competition in top European events!

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

F.B.: I´m a caretaker of the breed. My goal is to produce the best dogs to my ability.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

F.B.: Type, health or temperament!!

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognisable kennel type?

F.B.: I hear that from many people and it´s always a nice thing to hear. Our dogs are very sound and they do fit a frame. Then there will always be dogs that are different mainly because of size, coat or color. But In general our dogs have a standard that should be recognizable for an Estava Rain dog. In fact we have been very successful in the breeder’s group competition in top European events!

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

F.B.: “Heart of a lion”. Brave and proud. Calm and intelligent.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

F.B.: Someone with experience with dogs in general.

The Akita owner needs to be consistent and willing to work with their dog. It´s a big dog in need of excersise and periodic grooming to keep him in shape and to be competitive in the show ring. They

Photo 4 • “Jackie” Estava Rain Looking For Action pictured winning BIS Bred By with a major at the Akita Club of America National Specialty only 1 year old. Group winner at INT shows and winner of res.CC at Crufts 2016. She won BOW in Orlando 2015 and is a result of an outcross breeding to an American Sire to our own CH Estava Rain Front Row.

have a strong willed temperament and need to be guided in adolescence, if not they will learn to take advantage of their owners.

BIS: Does the breed have certain problems or any genetic diseases? Can you tell us little bit about breed problems in your opinion?

F.B.: We have been lucky by doing the correct selection and screening in our breeding program and been able to produce healthy and good tempered dogs. Although bloats, elbow and skin problems is not rare in the breed.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

F.B.: Always!!

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding

to “popular” Champion studs?

F.B.: Very bad for the genetic variety. Some of these dogs have major faults but are used because they

“ Not everything is written in books – the most valuable knowledge you get from talking to people and making your own opinion.” might be the only one around in a specific area.

These faults are very easy to recognize in generations to come.

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Photo 5 • “Curtis” CH Estava Rain Only Style Remains pictured winning BOB & CC at Crufts 2016. He is one of the all time top winning American Akitas with JWW-14 and BOB and WW-15, American Grand Champion, AOM at Westminster NY, BOB in Orlando and many Best In Show wins all over Europe!!

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

F.B.: Pedigrees are extremely important. It shows a consistency both in type and health. When we choose a stud dog we need to see the dog and his siblings. Is he just a standout or does he come from a litter of equal quality? Some dogs that we have outcrossed with lately we have seen in the US already 10 years ago. We have followed that dogs offspring bred from many different bitches.

BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

F.B.: CH Estava Rain Front Row “Sydney”. – Not just top winning bitch all time – but also produced amazing offspring to different sires. CH Estava Rain Hold The News “Bronx”. - First non US/UK bred Akita to become GBCH, top winning here in Scandinavia and a very consistent producer. He was nr. 1 Stud dog in the breed in the UK 2014 and has sired the current nr.1 Akita in the UK as well as our own Curtis and Chester (both World Winners).

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Photo 6 • “Simba” Estava Rain Lionhearted - pictured at 10 months showing perfect bone, reach and balance!!

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

F.B.: Travel and educate yourself! Talk to experienced breeders and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Not everything is written in books – the most valuable knowledge you get from talking to people and making your own opinion. Study the standard and make sure you understand the key points of outline, proportion, movements, head details, tailset etc..

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Juha Kares Blog

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Nekmar American Akitas Interview with Akita Breeder

by Best In Show Magazine

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

M.N.: I would first like to say hi to all readers of Best in Show Magazine and thank you for making us a part of this issue. Behind the NEKMAR affix stand two people, my whife Ivana & myself.Both of us have been doglovers and animal lovers from early childhood.

Ivana grew up on a farm in Karlovac and her father was a hunter who also bred dogs like Labradors , Bavarian Bloodhounds & German Wirehaired Terriers.To this day I have not met a person that has more love towards all animals in itself than Ivana. As for myself, I tried to breed every single pet I got from the day I was born no matter was it a dog, cat, paraqueet, rabbit, goose, guinneapig or a hamster.I was literally driving my parents mad as many times they would just see one day that adult pet got offspring and me with angelface explaining how I have nothing to do with it.

As you can imagine when the two of us started dating it was just a matter of time before we 160

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started towards this direction. While visiting a dogshow with Ivana we saw a dog that made every single hair on my body go up. It was a mature akita male, and it was a good one too. I will never forget that feeling as long as I live. We got back home, did some research on the breed and the decision was made that we would buy an Akita (back than their registered name was Great Japanese Dog).

We wanted a show dog of course. Since there were no Akitas in Croatia at the time we got our first Akita from Austria(bred in Poland). She wasn’t really a showdog but she had a lovely pedigree, great temperament and she was a healthy dog.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita`s?

How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

M.N.: As explained in previous answer I was a breeder by birth so very soon after Ivana & I got our first Akita we started thinking about having a litter although the first litter didn’t come until couple years later. At the time of registering our kennel I owned a company called Nekmar which is basically first three letters of my surname and name so we tought it would be great to register the kennel

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“ A great breeder will find a way to produce quality generation after generation while a hobby breeder will produce quality in the first generation and get stuck there.” under same name. Our real foundation bitch is Ch.Redwitch Dramma Queen and today she stands in pedigrees among the world’s most succesfull Akitas. We owe her a lot of Nekmar Akita’s fame.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

M.N.: We currently have in Rijeka 7 adults and 2 youngsters(one five months old and one 9 months old) but we have couple more dogs in coownership with our dear friends.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

M.N.: It is impossible to go forward in breeding without collaboration with other breeders, those that are in it for the betterment of the breed and know what they are doing.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

M.N.: I don’t have a role model as I strongly believe everyone is unique and has its own way but I surely have and still do admire a number of kennels in Europe and USA as well as in other continents. There is however one kennel that I admire the most for what they have achieved and that have mentored me from the very beginning until today, I will occasionally need that phone call to pick their brains. They are Redwitch Akitas kennel.The amount of time and patience Jenny Killilea had for me and my numerous 162

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questions over the years is just incredible.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

M.N.: A “great breeder” in my opinion is a quality stockman. To become one, takes a person with that special talent called “EYE FOR THE DOG”.Without that one can have all the passion , determination and devotion in the world but still wont be able to become a great breeder.

The most important thing a breeder should never forget is breeding healthy animals, without health you can’t go very far.The biggest diference between a great breeder and a hobby breeder would probably be consistency. A great breeder will find a way to produce quality generation after generation while a hobby breeder will produce quality in the first generation and get stuck there.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

M.N.: We average only two litters a year because of our work commitments and the fact that we will never compromise on quality rearing of the litter.

We plan our litter sometimes months and sometimes even years ahead BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

M.N.: We prefer linebreeding and most our pedigrees if not all are linebred. Sometimes we use outcross studs but they will than be linebred in their own line and strong in features we are going for both with their pedigree and looks.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions you have so far? Who is your biggest winner ?

M.N.: Our first Champion was a bitch, Ch.Susquehanna Akima , I don’t count champions and will mostly not even aply for issuing a title certificate if a dog already has one for entering Ch classes but we have bred many.

The biggest winner we have bred would have to be BISS/BISCh.Int.ChNEKMAR NO FEAR

Photo 1 • Ch. NEKMAR NO FEAR GO FAITER - World Winner 2016, European Winner 2015

GO FAITER . This dog is probably the biggest winner of todays Akita world being a current WORLD & EUROPEAN champion especially if we mentioned he became a World Champion on WDS 2016 in Moscow that had biggest entry in breed history.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

M.N.: My most memorable win is winning Best In Show & Best In Show Junior in my home town Rijeka. We had to beat a World Champion bitch handled by a top winning handler to go through the breed. To go both junior and adult Best In Show and

OWNER/HANDLED was a great feeling.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

M.N.: Dog shows are a good thing. We must have a place to show, compare and evaluate breeding stock and dogshows should be just that, no more or less.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

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Photo 2 • Ch. NEKMAR SECOND TO NONE

a lot and that means more competition and more options which is always a good thing. Looking back to Akitas 10-15 years ago I would say that we have more quality dogs in terms of construction, dogs are more “neat” and generally more sound. I don’t believe there has been much progress in type and I believe that breed type is not always understood well today.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

M.N.: No, I don’t think show trends changed the breed as there are some smart breeders in this breed that are quite immune to fashion of a big winning dog with an even bigger winning handler with

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owner who can pay for it all. These things can be dangerous for newcomers in the breed and to less experienced judges who can be mislead by trends.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

M.N.: There are many breed specialists in Europe and abroad but unfortunately they almost never get invited to judge at allbreed shows.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

M.N.: Breed specialist judges will get in the ring and he or she will choose breeding stock regard-

“ Perfect akita temperament will be a gentle giant with no need to show or prove his strength but if challenged will act without hesitation.” less whether the dog was running three meters in front of a handler or not. That is what I like and I believe that dogs should be awarded in the ring according to their potential to contribute to the next generation.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

M.N.: Yes .I think that the Standard is good. It could have a more detailed part about general appearance but more or less its OK. BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

M.N.: All-round judges together with profesionall handlers make and change trends.That is surely todays reality on allbreed dosghows.I don’t know weather it has anything to do with understanding the standard or not. However I think this breed has some smart breeders and I am sure they will be able to preserve the breed and even win at dosghows!

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

M.N.: To improve judging organizers would first need to have a bigger budget to be able to invite more specialist judges. This could only be achieved by having a larger number of dogs entered and this will only happen if there is less shows and by concentrating on making quality events rather than series of small events.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

M.N.: To be able to consistently, generation after

generation produce quality dogs that can not only win a dogshow but can also produce quality.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

M.N.: I will never compromise on health. I believe only healthy vigorous animals should reproduce.

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognisable kennel type?

M.N.: Yes ,I believe that we have a recognizable kennel type and style of dogs.

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

M.N.: Perfect akita temperament will be a gentle giant with no need to show or prove his strength but if challenged will act without hesitation.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

M.N.: Ideally an Akita owner will be a calm person with some experience in owning a dog. While the Akita is a very gentle and silent dog it does have dominance factor towards other dogs and because of their size and strength this should be taken into consideration.

BIS: Does the breed have certain problems or any genetic diseases? Can you tell us a little bit about breed problems in your opinion?

M.N.: The Akita is a very healthy breed and doesn’t really have many breed specific disorders. However we can say that VKH(Vogt-KoyanagiH _ arady) has been identified in Akitas, there have been a few cases of entropion &ectropion and very few cases of hip dysplasia.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

M.N.: We health test all our dogs for dysplasia and we do eye checks.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular” Champion studs?

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tures that we want to improve. Nowadays with all available techniques of Artificial insemination you really have whole world to choose from if needed.

As for the importance of pedigree, it is in first place, no construction of any sort can last without quality foundations, it can look good but you will not be able to build on from it.

Photo 3 • Ch. NEKMAR BRITISH CONNECTION

“ As for the importance of pedigree, it is in first place, no construction of any sort can last without quality foundations, it can look good but you will not be able to build on from it.”

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

M.N.: Our breeding plan starts with a bitch, we will carefully study our female both in pedigree and looks and then we will choose a dog that compliments her and is hopefuly strong in producing fea166

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BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

M.N.: The most important producers from our kennel would surely be BISS/BISCH.Int.Ch NEKMAR EXPRESS YOURSELF & BISS/BIS Ch.Int.Ch NEKMAR EVITA PERON . Theese two are littermates brother and sister and they both produced World Champions. I would say that qualifies them.

The most important one, though that’s a hard one. Since we are always concentrated on the future I will say that the most important dog in our kennel now is BIS JCh.NEKMAR GAME ON. This youngster had an incredible run winning some big shows under fabulous panel of judges and he already added a Best In Show title to his name at 16 months of age. His looks and pedigree might give a lot to the breed over next couple years.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

M.N.: My advice would be to always ask questions..

Juha Kares Blog

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Kodo • American Akitas Interview with Margaret Hippolite Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

M.H.: Kodo Kennels have been established in Akitas since 1988, our first Akita, NZ Ch Sakura No Hana “Shedo”, was the progeny of a dam imported in whelp from the UK. Shedos sire was OBJ The Real McCoy and she was a half-sister to the famous Akita: Am Ch OBJ The Widowmaker.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita’s? How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

M.H.: My kennel name is a combination of my two foundation bitches Koko and Shedo.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

M.H.: I only have 4 at home now but several placed in co-ownership arrangements both in New Zealand and Australia.

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BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

M.H.: I am lucky to have a network of kennels in Europe, USA and Australia to work in with. No man is an island and this is also the case when breeding dogs.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

M.H.: I was fortunate to have friends and mentors in the breed from the early days. My first import Akita was from Dave and Jenny Killilea of Redwitch Akitas, who are lifelong friends and mentors. Our early correspondence was by “letter”, there was no internet in those days. I still have all the letters and hand written pedigrees. I was fortunate to import five Redwitch Akitas over the years which have been some of my most successful show dogs and breeding foundations.

Carol Laubscher –Regalia Akitas is also a wonderful mentor and friend. I have always attended the USA Nationals with her and learnt so

Photo 1 • BIS NZ Ch Regalias Final Cut (Imp USA) - Raja son

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Photo 2 • BIS NZ Ch Redwitch High Hopes (imp UK) - “Kiri”

much about bloodlines, movement and type. I often stayed with at her beautiful kennels.

I have great respect for Dr Sophia Kaluzniacki and her influence and knowledge with the establishment of the American Akita in the world.

She assisted with information and support when we worked for the breed to be split in NZ, we were one of the first countries to split the breed in 2001.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

M.H.: I could say knowledge of breed type, dedication or persistence but really I think an eye for a dog and an instinct to “see” the potential when combining bloodlines. Be honest about health issues but don’t throw the baby out with bathwater – as we say. Breeding should always be about improving 172

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and sometimes it takes time.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

M.H.: One to two litters per year and whilst I do plan my breeding program, you have to be prepared to be flexible as nature is never predictable.

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

M.H.: Never inbreeding, our gene pool is small enough already. Yes to linebreeding and occasionally outcrossing but never too often.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

M.H.: My first Champion was my Mc Coy daughter.Under the KODO prefix I have had over 40

Australian and New Zealand Champions, with 5 Grand Champions and Akitas I have breed or owned have won 32 Best In Show awards at Championship level.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

M.H.: My most memorable win was as a junior handler in 1994 at the NZKC National All Breeds show with a bitch called“Kiri” NZ Ch Redwitch High Hopes (Imp UK). I went in with no expectations; we had won several Puppy In Shows but nothing major.

The judge was, Mr Andrew Brace from the UK and all the top dogs were there, we won the best of breed and then to my great delight where awarded Group 1. I felt so privileged that such an esteemed judge had recognized the qualities I knew Kiri had, this is 1994 and the breed was very new here. “Kiri” went on to win 3 All Breed BIS and many more groups awards she really did have that “X” factor BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

M.H.: I have seen huge improvements over the past 30 years in the breed with type and structure.

However we are losing size and very rarely see the masculine Akita in the males from the past.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

M.H.: I think they do, just take a look at the rings now full of “flashy” Akitas. The standard says “ANY colour including white, brindle and pinto…brilliant, clear, well balance”. At some shows you would think white legs, tails and white chests are part of the standard.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

M.H.: Attention to detail but it can also be a negative if not balanced by looking at the whole dog.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

M.H.: Our standard may be different to FCI but it is a good standard with many measurable aspects.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don’t understand the

Photo 3 • Margaret Hippolite - Kodo Akitas with two Am Ch Regalia Darq Wolf puppies got by frozen insemination.

Standard correctly?

M.H.: Only if breeders are easily influenced which we would hope they are not.

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

M.H.: Education and physically attending specialties and seminars not just in your own geographical area The USA specialty always has a judges education

“I have seen huge improvements over the past 30 years in the breed with type and structure. However we are losing size and very rarely see the masculine Akita in the males from the past.” seminar and selected breed mentors sit with judges during the show discussing aspects of the standard.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

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striving to produce that one “stand-out” Akita, that once in a lifetime dog that fits my perception of the breed standard. It’s an almost unreachable goal but very rewarding trying to achieve it.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

M.H.: A serious health issue.

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognizable kennel type?

M.H.: Judges have recognized Akitas from my kennel without knowing they are mine, so yes.

BIS: A huge part of Akita’s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

“Breeding is like writing a book it happens chapter by chapter, don’t expect to write an award winning novel straight off.”

M.H.: Well I don’t have to describe it in my words as the standard describes it and we should be breeding to that? The Australian standard says “Dignified, courageous, aloof tends to show dominance over other dogs, though the trait is not encouraged”.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

M.H.: Yes although I am not convinced that hip scoring is an accurate a tool as it is believed to be.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular” Champion studs?

M.H.: It depends on the “stud”, if he has a lot of good qualities that he is passing on then it would be an asset however as mentioned previously we have a very small gene pool and it is something 174

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Photo 4 • BIS Aust Ch Kodo Royal Emblem (9 months) Bred by Margaret Hippolite Owned by Malisa and Craig Moffat

that needs to be considered.

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

M.H.: Pedigree is always considered. I very rarely use a dog that is not linebred. I tend to look at what the dog has produced rather than what he looks like himself. If I see a dog I like I always look at the sire and other progeny from that sire.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

M.H.: Listen to everyone but make up your own mind.

Breeding is like writing a book…it happens chapter by chapter, don’t expect to write an award winning novel straight off. Above all love your akita!

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Sondaisa American Akitas Interview with Colleen Sulivan Rosauer Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

C.S.R.: I originally purchased an Akita strictly as a pet in my early 20’s. Many many years ago! I saw the most magnificent dog in the back of a beautiful Mercedes Sedan, and I knew I had to have one, (The car and the dog) I really did not know a lot about the breed at the time, but I learned and fell in love!

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita’s? How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

C.S.R.: I decided to breed 2 years after I finished up and health tested my first show dog, approximately 1990. I became addicted to the breed and the show ring. I had a picture in my mind of the perfect Akita and I wanted to produce it. When I first began in this breed we still went to libraries and not to computers. I spent a day looking at Japa-

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nese names and came up with Sondaisa because it sounded pretty and I loved the meaning…”An Air of Importance”. My foundation bitch was Champion Skylakes Tokyo Rose. (OBJ’s Kareem of Skylake a Widow Maker son x Sorena Meisha, mostly Japanese imports) She was the most incredible Akita.

Even today she could still do a lot of winning! She had bone, substance, coat, incredible ears and beautiful movement both down and back and on the go around. My kennel would be nothing without her contribution.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

C.S.R.: I always do a breeding that I am interested in keeping something from, but sometimes I am unable to so yes, I co-own everything that is not sold on a companion spay/neuter contract.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

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C.S.R.: Yes, I have worked with other kennels and I am thankful for their contribution to my breeding program. Absolutely it is necessary in my opinion, that is if you want to be successful.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

C.S.R.: I had several mentors and continue to have several, whether they know it or not. I watch, I listen, and I keep an open mind. I am not certain I have a specific role model. There are many Breeders I admire and respect.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby� breeder?

C.S.R.: A Breeder should NEVER EVER forget breed type! I cannot emphasize that enough. It is what sets an Akita apart from a German Shepherd or 178

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Malamute or St. Bernard. Breeders should never sacrifice breed type for a clean down and back or anything else. I believe a great Breeder studies pedigrees, studies type, studies structure and movement, pays close attention to the temperament of the dogs they breed, health tests their dogs, screens potential puppy buyers, has a strict contract requiring obedience, socialization and behavioral training, and always puts their dogs wellbeing first!

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

C.S.R.: I typically have 2 litters per year but sometimes have had none and sometimes 3. I plan breedings usually before I do the breeding of the breeding I planned. In other words, I always have a plan in mind for future breedings. It does not mean my plans come to fruition, but there is always a future plan in place before any breeding is completed.

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

C.S.R.: I prefer linebreeding, however, I have done inbreeding (yes, on purpose), and have felt the need to outcross. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. That is why I prefer linebreeding. I usually have a very good idea of what I will get.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

C.S.R.: Yes, of course I remember my first champion.

Ch. Sondaisa Four Wheelin Dream “Trucker”. As of today I have bred 99 AKC champions and many others in different countries. I am looking forward to that #100! It is just around the corner.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

C.S.R.: Probably wining Best of Breed with Holster, BIS BISS GCH Sondaisa Fyre When Ready CD RN CGC and Therapy Dog, at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. He was handled by me and it was so exciting! He is only the

“I feel Akitas have come a long way in the last 25 years. Temperaments are so much better and when a good Akita enters the group ring they almost always get a good look and a lot of times a placement. ” 2nd Akita in the history of the breed to win Owner Breeder handled. Beverly Vics dog, Atom, I believe was the first.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

C.S.R.: I think they could be good if people were more friendly, and took the time to be helpful, educating, inviting and hospitable to the public and to Best in Show Magazine

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other exhibitors. I think it would help people from turning away from Reputable professional breeders and going to back yard breeders or worse because people at the show were so uppity.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

C.S.R.: I feel Akitas have come a long way in the last 25 years. Temperaments are so much better and when a good Akita enters the group ring they almost always get a good look and a lot of times a placement. They are a tough breed to beat in the big rings.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

C.S.R.: Yes, they can. Too much angulation, too long in back, incorrect ears, straight fronts! My answer to

“Watch and Listen to those who have been successful. Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Keep an open mind and an open eye. ” that is just keep showing a correct Akita and kindly educate as much as possible.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

C.S.R.: Probably NOT! BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

C.S.R.: They pick breed type first and then see if the structure and movement is correct.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

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C.S.R.: I think there are some definite changes that should be made. It is so vague in many areas.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

C.S.R.: Possibly if they have a lot of clout with other judges BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

C.S.R.: Better understanding of the standard by visiting with successful breeders and Judges education in their areas.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

C.S.R.: Well, to produce 100 champions. Win at Westminster handling my own dog, (that’s complet-

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think mainly being known for producing great Akitas that make even better companions.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

C.S.R.: Breed Type!

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognizable kennel type?

C.S.R.: Yes, I love it when people say, “looks like a Sondaisa dog to me”.

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

C.S.R.: My perfect Akita temperament is Holster.

He is all Akita, but confident enough he can ignore other dogs, stable enough we can bring him any192

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where and in any situation, friendly with all invited strangers, dignified, and courageous. Not afraid to show his silly side with family. Respectful of his family and friends in his attitude. Intelligent and willing to learn new things. Yes, they are our show dogs and produce our future, but in the end we have to live with them. They must be great companions. I do not want to feel that I need to lock my dog up when guests arrive.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

C.S.R.: I don’t know that there is a perfect owner just as there is not a perfect Akita, but I would say a calm assertive person who expects the best but prepares for the worst.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

C.S.R.: Yes, hips, and eyes always. Sometimes thyroid, elbows, and patella.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular� Champion studs?

C.S.R.: If the dog is of quality, the temperament is good, the health testing is there and the pedigree and physical qualities of the dog should work well with your bitch then I think it is fine.

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

C.S.R.: I try to breed to my own studs. After all, that is why I kept them and produced them so that I could use them in my breeding program. However, I will use outside dogs if I feel they would complement my bitch and my breeding program.

He has produced incredibly and has not been used very much at all at stud. He has already produced 24 champions.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

C.S.R.: Watch and Listen to those who have been successful. Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Keep an open mind and an open eye. Most importantly always do right by your dogs and the Akita breed!

BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

C.S.R.: Holster is #1 in my book for so many reasons.

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Best in Show Magazine

intro

Dear Best in Show readers and followers, we are proud to present you Best in Show Summer edition 2016, our 14th edition.

Our beautiful cover model this time is Shaira the Afghan Hound owned by Erika Heilmann.

In this edition you will be able to enjoy report from the World Dog Show in Moscow ‘16 which was amazing show; Selene Favretto prepared for us report from two International and one National show in Pisa which was held on lovely San Rossore Hippodrome with Specialty show on saturday morning just before National Show. Boris Glukharev in this edition prepared for us two reports: one of the reports is a report from three International shows held in Szilvasvarad, Hungary.

This was my first year showing in Szilvasvarad, and despite bad weather condition and a lot of rain, these shows are one of those that you should put in your sheadule. Beautiful and big rings with huge tents for the exhibitors. Another report by Boris are famous 4 Summer Night Shows in Split. This year in Split, besides two National and 2 International shows, was held Prequalification of Eukanuba World Challenge judged by Andrew Brace.

Besides show reports, in this edition you will be able to read a lot of interesting articles written by Richard Hellman, Anne Tureen, Mihaela Kosic and Anne Szabo. truly hope you will enjoy spending time reading our new edition with a cup of coffee or tea until our next edition which will be our 15th edition - Annual 2017.

Enjoy!

Jovana Danilovic publisher & art director

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Content 16

World Dog SHow

56

Week in Szilvasvarad

78

Winners from Pisa

88

4 nights in Split

126

Travel in a hot weather

134

“The Dog Breeder’s Manual”

150

Meet the Breed: Akitas

by Karl Donvil

by Boris Glukharev

by Selene Favretto

by Boris Glukharev

by Richard Hellman

By Anne Tureen

Friedrich Birkmar • Estava Rain kennel Marin Nekic • Nekmar kennel Margaret Hippolite • Kodo kennels

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2016 World Dog Show 2016 MOSCOW, RUSSIA • 23-26 JUNE

by Karl Donvil

Who had expected that the Russian Kennel Club would have a World Dog Show after all the rumors going around about turbulent razia’s, etc. Some things were true but it was probably out of proportion and things seem to have settled now.

Hardly 45 days were left after the change on the top, but with the help of the FCI and some experienced people like Mr.Stefan Stefic , the RKF build some of the most remarkable World Dog Shows ever seen. In several ways it even surpassed the show of Milano. Anyway, future organizers will find it very difficult to outclass this show.

The venue for this event was the Crocus Expo, about 45 minutes by car, traffic problems taken into account, from Moscow center. As said, the halls were huge, comparable to those of Birmingham and Milano. Four halls were first reserved, but at the end they needed 6 halls to accommodate the 26,500 dogs , the 66 rings, the trade stands and the special rings for the side competitions and world championships. The total area was 84,000 square meters. Around the halls was space for 20,000 cars and outside a big square was created for leaving the dogs out or have a drink. Every hall was decorated all around with big white banners with the nice blue ornaments and the borzoi, symbol of the show. It gave a very bright, clean impression.

It seemed that the Russian Kennel Federation, the organizers of this show, had a good look around visiting other shows like Helsinki and Milano and copied and improved their ideas. The rings were large and very nice, on one side accessible to the visitors, on the side facing inside it was accessi16

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ble to the exhibitors only and without a badge there was no coming in. It was not totally clear what it was for, probably security reasons. Pickpockets maybe?

They can be among the exhibitors as well. I suppose it was only the prevent problems with visitors and dogs as some dogs are not so stranger friendly and many visitors have no idea how to approach them. But it could have practical reasons too. Visitors could now have a clear view on the dogs in the rings, not obstructed by exhibitors trimming dogs or having chats and drinks in large improvised saloons around the rings. On the other hand, the main purpose of dog shows is to bring visitors in contact with breeders and if there is no way to get in contact with them to ask information, it misses its purpose.

In between the rings, as said only accessible with a badge, exhibitors could set up tables and cages in demarcated zones leaving open corridors to walk fast around. Long cabinets equipped with electrical outlets were at their disposal to föhn the dogs, absolutely top and safe. Outside every ring was a large screen indicating the numbers and results, the electronic version of the flip over boards, and if that was not enough, every ring had its own camera for life streaming, unique in history! Will this be the future?

All participants were supposed to have read the “Rules of Conduct”. Interesting and an example for future shows. It clearly stipulates where exhibitors were supposed to sit, how to conduct, how to behave in the ring, etc. 34 Points, all worth to be read. But I liked the general statement at the bottom most: “ Please do not forget that the international

dog shows are not only the prizes and titles for your pets. The dog show is not only the best representatives of the breeds, but also the best breeders, who through their passion for animals and a humane attitude to nature serve as the example for new dog amateurs. And they demonstrate the standards of behavior not only at the shows, but also in everyday life!”. And that is very important indeed, let’s not forget that the 50,000 owners and breeders have their responsibility towards the 100,000 visitors. I have no idea how accurate these numbers are, they were provided by the RKF, but they might be slightly overrated in my opinion. If you take two persons for every dog, you have over 50,000, but aren’t we more used to one handler for one or several dogs instead of two handlers for one dog? On the other hand it’s very well possible that there have been 100,000 visitors. It was not crowded on Thursday and Friday but Saturday and Sunday were pretty busy. And in halls of this size it’s easily underestimated. But compared to Crufts it’s not the same. Here it was always pleasant walking and notwithstanding the high outside temperatures of around 30°C, inside it was very comfortable and cool. Tickets for the main ring were rather expensive and the occupation was very low. For Sunday it was decided to drop the price and for the first time the tribunes were as good as full. Signs and Indications in the halls were mostly in Russian, except when it could concern foreign exhibitors. English translation was rather limited but not a big problem overall. On the other hand a lot of multi linguistic volunteers and professional translators were recruited to help the foreign judges in the rings, the info stands and wherever it was needed like in the few foreign trade stand.

There are no exact numbers of entries from foreign countries. They go from 1500 to 30%, unfortunately the website has no page with fact and figures or any other statistics. I’ll keep it to 1500. Of course Russia is the biggest country in the world and if we take regions from the western border to the far east, it can be compared with more than Europe.

There were 19295 dogs entered for the official FCI World Dog Show and I count 311 different recognized breeds. Most popular were the Labradors with 505 entries, followed by the Siberian Huskies

with 456 entries and strangely enough followed by the Cane Corso that seems very popular here with 358 entries. But nothing is more strange than finding no less than 100 Spanish Mastiffs here. I wonder how many shows, even in Spain can show numbers like that. I wonder if that has to do with the Moscow Guard Dog that has many similarities and could be confused. The Moscow guard dog is somewhere in between a Spanish Mastiff and a Saint Bernard.

Besides the dogs for the show we also have the competitors of Dog Dancing, Obedience, etc, but also the dogs entered for the specialty shows. And this probably brings the total number to 26.500 dogs. There could have been much more dogs entered if there were not the political problems within the Russian Kennel Club. Too many foreign exhibitors didn’t trust it and would not risk money due to eventual cancellation or whatever. And when rumors faded and changed for good news , it was too late for many to get the papers and visas ready. What a pity! What a missed chance.

There was a special catalog for the specialty shows. The most important was the InTerra show for the Terriers. It was the biggest one ever with over 1500 entries! But the other specialty shows were confusing to me. I only brought a catalog with me from June 24, meant for Group V and VI. In here I find almost all the breeds of these groups plus the non-recognized breeds. How can there be a specialty show for breeds that have only one or two entries like the Volpino and the Eurasian?

I should have asked explanation, but nobody even mentioned it at the Press conference and for the rest , most information was in Russian only. I only saw it when it was too late. OK, those breeds can participate for the World Show, but a specialty show is meant for a popular breed and is supposed to have a club or so. I don’t see the point. On the other hand It would have been interesting to see the many unrecognized breeds. Russia has 22 breeds, but only 9 are recognized, the rest are in this group, Group XI ! There was a Harlequin Miniature (Pinsher with Harlequin color like some Great Danes), 13 Biewers (particolor Yorkshire), 3 Phantom Dogs (kind of black and tan miniature Poodle), A phantom Miniature, and Estonian Hound (large Beagle), etc. In fact most of these breeds are existing breeds that don’t Best in Show Magazine

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fit in the standard due to non recognized colors or size or whatever. Others are regional variations like the Taygan, a breed in between an Afghan and a Saluki. All these entries must bring the total number up to 26.500.

There were not as many trade stands as in Milano and almost all of them were Russian trade stands.

Coming to a show from outside Russia had probably so many complications that traders didn’t want to take the risk to lose a lot of money. On the other hand, foreign exhibitors did not have problems. On the contrary, there was a lot of help from the RKF and the briefing to the customs and embassies seems to have had positive results. Everybody seemed to have been positively surprised and felt welcome. It was beyond expectations. There was a lot of security all over the place. Without badge there was no coming in and at the entrance there was a luggage scan too. Nobody seemed to make a problem out of this. In the cynological world we are all used to a high tolerance towards gay people and so many were afraid to have problems in Russia but there was no problem at all, certainly not on the showground. Maybe in certain areas in the city or during the night, but that risk exist in all big cities over the world. After all no incidents were reported and the tolerance towards gay people was as exemplary here as in any other show in the canine world.

118 Judges were invited and I count 42 different nationalities. 30 Of them were Russian Judges. Most of the rest were familiar faces scheduled very often on many European and World Shows. They were invited from all over the world including Australia, USA, Uruguay, Malaysia, South Africa and India and many more. Thursday was reserved for Groups V and VI, good for 3081 and 822 entries respectively. Friday was reserved for Group, I with 1854 entries, Group III with 2389 entries and Group IV with 800 entries. On Saturday 4 groups were on

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term, Group VII with 569 dogs entered, Group VIII with 1284, Group IX with 3110 and Group X with another 605 dogs. That brings the only remaining group to Sunday, Group II with no less than 4779 dogs in competition.

In every hall there was at least one big screen, a really big one, with live stream of the main ring. This ring was in a central hall and again a pass was needed to come in, even during the day. The front stage was reserved for the VIP’s while the press was located below of them. The VIP’s could only sit there, not like on previous shows, where they had tables and were allowed to eat and drink. I prefer this as it does not show respect for the spectators if they eat and drink in front of them. Their buffet was below the stairs, where they could follow on a large screen.

The main ring itself was probably the largest ever seen. The background was an enormous video-wall, beyond imagination. It was clear that prestige was important, representing what the Russian Nation is capable of. And I must admit that it left a deep impression. The company behind it was the very same company that arranged the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014. The size of the ring was very big, allowing enough space to let the dogs line up and run. The only problem was that it was too blue all around. Blue is the opposite color of yellow, the color of the lights and that can cause strange colorcasts on dogs in the photos. In the far corners where the dogs entered and on the opposite site where they left, was not enough even light, but that had only an impact on the photos, not for the visitors or the video. The first day the judges could do what they wanted in the main ring. Some chose for the long side, some for the short side, some for a round run. From the second day, on request from the photographers, it was asked to keep strictly on one way. It proved that the committee was very sensible to any critique. They wanted to be as close to per-

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fection as possible and it was arranged from then on. All judges were instructed to keep to the very same schedule and were corrected friendly if they tried to do as they liked. Bravo!

The Opening ceremony took more than an hour but it was very entertaining. While the Russian breeds were presented on the large screen in their natural environment, different groups performed several acts, from ballet to acrobatic over modern singing, to primitive tribe dances, one by one very entertaining and high class. Nobody complained about waiting for the finals. On Sunday for the closing ceremony there was another series of acts followed by a moving tribute to the people who left us over the past year and the official part with speeches and the Flag ceremony. Highlights here were the presentation of the Russian winners, lead by a Barzoi, with Russian Eurovision Song Contest participant Sergey Lazarev singing in the background preceded by a choir of kids. Everything that represents the largest country in the world was on display in some way in one of the ceremonies. But one of the top acts was the performance of the President of the RKF , Mr.Aleksandr Inshakov, who is not only a national famous stuntman, but proves to be a good singer too. He was accompanied by a group of 5 singing ladies and received a big applause afterwards. It was really falling from one surprise after another.

The time schedule was followed very well. On Sunday, with one group only to judge in the main ring, there was enough time for entertainment and the ceremonial part. After the magnificent show and relatively short official part, it was time for the finals.

Judge was the RKF’s first and founding president, Dr. Eugene Yerusalimsky, Dr in Biology and writer of several books including his famous book on Dog Conformation and Improvement. He judged in 52 different countries and is a well known all round judge. Judging Best In Show on this occasion will

without any doubt be the highlight of his life. 10 Dogs were selected for him, and now it was his term to crown 4. His 4th place was for the Rhodesian Ridgeback “Makao Line Atuin Art” owned by Ovchinnikov Alexander from Russia. A Belgian Weimaraner was placed 3rd. It was “Doc N Camelot’s Heaven Can Wait”, a dog co-owned by Edwin Lenaerts, Tonie Finch and Linda Van Der Sichel. Finland took the second place with a Swiss dog, an American Cocker Spaniel “Very Vigie Huluberlulu”. He is co-owned by Heidi Cangas, Sanna Vartiainen and Terhi Korhonen. The Best In Show on the contrary, went to a Russian dog, a Russian breed and a Russian owner. It was the Russian Black Terrier “Fine Lady’s Zolotogo Grada”, owned by E.E.Zaytseva.

It was a fantastic show in every aspect and beyond expectations. Who would have thought that this was possible in 45 days only. A fortune was spend but it was worth every penny. When I asked if the government had sponsored the show, I was told that everything was paid by the RKF itself. Anyway, a magnificent job was done, the result was close to perfection. In general the RKF staff and whole crew people were extremely helpful, efficient and friendly, and all worked very hard. They made you feel at home and succeeded brilliantly! They can be proud on what they realized in such a short time.

Congratulations, tenfold !

Best in Show Magazine

G R O U P 1 • J U D G E D B Y M R L E I F H E R M A N W I L B E R G ( N O R WAY )

1st place

nd 2place

DOUX OF ICE WINE White Swiss Shepherd

Owned by Magyar Katalin

OOPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie

Owned by O. Klimova

3place rd

BOTTOM SHAKER ZEPHYR DREAM Old English Sheepdog

Owned by Jozsef Koroknai

4place th

FINES FAVORIT RUDOLF Berger de Brie

Owned by A. Tsygankov

G R O U P 2 • J U D G E D B Y M R R A FA E L M A LO A LC R U D O ( S PA I N )

1st place

FINE LADY S ZOLOTOGO GRADA Black Russian Terrier

Owned by E. E. Zayteseva

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

CHUCARO BRAVOURE BLANCHE Dogo Argentino

Owned by Martin Bellavitis

GENTLY BORN CHILLI PEPPER Giant Schnauzer Black

Owned by A. Vlastova

TEN LUNY KING KRAUN Miniature Pinscher

Owned by A. V. Nizovtseva

G R O U P 3 • J U D G E D BY M R K A R I J A R V I N E N ( F I N L A N D )

1st place

EDBRIOS PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Kerry Blue Terrier

Owned by Sandra Inovska

nd 2place

3place rd

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier

Owned by F. W. Schoneberg

L’END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE Bedlington Terrier

Owned by E. Pykhtar

4place th

RUS KORNELS SIMVOL POBEDY Airedale Terrier

Owned by S. Nikulin

G R O U P 3 • J U D G E D BY M R H O R S T K L I E B E N S T E I N ( G E R M A N Y )

1st place

nd 2place

JCH. U KNOW I LIKE IT VITORAZ Kaninchen-Dachshund Wire-Haired

Owned by Jan Busta

ALTER DEI GRAND V KANTRI PARK’S Standard Dachshund Short-Haired

Owned by I. E. Troshin

3place rd

4place th

DVINSKIE ZORI TEODOR Kaninchen-Dachshund Long-Haired

Owned by Molodkina Svetlana

ERALASH II S ZELENOGO GORODA Standard Dachshund Wire-Haired

Owned by M. V. Rusakov

G R O U P 5 • J U D G E D BY M R G E R A R D J I P P I I N G ( T H E N E T H E R L A N D S )

1st place

ANTEFA’S XPERIAH ON REEDLY ROAD Pharaon Hound

Owned by Maria Evteeva

nd 2place

SIAM GRAND MUNG-MEE BY D-D-P Thai Ridgeback Dog

Owned by Thamarut Ngampromsakul

3place rd

4place th

THAI SILK UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE Pomeranian

Owned by S. Mironenko & E. Gaynulina

SMILING SNOWBALL MOON WALK Samoyed

Owned by Oksana Dombrovskaya

G R O U P 6 • J U D G E D BY M R C H A N W E N G W O G ( M A L A S I A )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

MAKAO LINE ATUIN ART Rhodesian Ridgeback

Owned by Alexander Ovchinnikov

HUNCWOT KLUSUJACA SFORA Polish Hunting Dog

Owned by Dariusz Bielecki

BALTIK SHOW ZZ TOP Basset Hound

Owned by E. Zhukova & S. Posokhina

LION KING OF RING AIRIN’S STYLE Beagle

Owned by K. S. Evseeva & I. M. Vorozheykina

G R O U P 7 • J U D G E D B Y M R L U I S P I N TO T E I X E I R A ( P O R T U G A L )

1st place

DOC N CAMELOT’S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner

Owned by E. Lenaerts, T. Finch & L. vd Sichel

nd 2place

GOANGO BLACK HAKUNA MATATA Gordon Setter

Owned by Gusevana Baranova

3place rd

4place th

MALOMKOZI GRAF German Short Haired Pointing Dog

Owned by Istvan Nagy

STANNAMORE RAFAELLA DI VITA Spinone Italiano

Owned by M. Khenkina & S. Ukraintseva

G R O U P 8 • J U D G E D B Y M R TA M A S J A K K E L ( H U N G A R Y )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

VERY VIGIE HULUBERLULU American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by H. Kangas, S. Vartiainen & T. Korhonen

RAYARAGUA BILLABONG Spanish Water Dog

Owned by Viktoria Kyselova

WEST SIB STORY AIDAHO Labrador Retriever

Owned by N. Shatrukova

ALEN ASHEN JAMAICA English Cocker Spaniel

Owned by E. V. Kuskova

G R O U P 9 • J U D G E D BY M R S L I S B E T H M AC H ( S W I Z E R L A N D )

1st place

nd 2place

3place rd

CINECITTA’ IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese

Owned by Stefano Paolantoni

AFTERGLOW MAVERICK SABRE Standard Poodle Black

Owned by I. Bondi de Ciabatti

LOS CHATOS DEL NORTE IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING Griffon Belge

Owned by J. L. Santiago & M. Pier

4place th

LIVANDA FABERGE Pekingese

Owned by Suwan Ngamsiriwong

G R O U P 10 • J U D G E D B Y M R S C A R L A M O L I N A R I ( P O R T U G A L )

1st place

AMAL SALANG DREAMS COME TRUE Afghan Hound

Owned by N. Kurilev

nd 2place

3place rd

4place th

AZAMOUR AIDHA Azawak

Owned by F. Zampini

SOLOVYEV TRIUMF Borzoi

Owned by

SIPREX PASCAL Whippet

Owned by Maria Sheina

JUDGED BY RAFFAEL DE SANTIAGO

1st place FINE LADY S ZOLOTOGO GRADA Black Russian Terrier

Owned by E. E. Zayteseva

2place nd VERY VIGIE HULUBERLULU American Cocker Spaniel

Owned by H. Kangas, S. Vartiainen & T. Korhonen

3rd place DOC N CAMELOT’S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner

Owned by E. Lenaerts, T. Finch & L. vd Sichel

th 4place MAKAO LINE ATUIN ART Rhodesian Ridgeback

Owned by Alexander Ovchinnikov

JUDGED BY RAFFAEL DE SANTIAGO

1st place SHUT UP AND KISS ME DELL’ALBERICO Lhasa Apso

Owned by Stefano Paolantonio

J.

2place nd SUNWARD OPTIMA Afghan Hound

Owned by A. O. Volondina

3rd place ANDVOL KLEMENTINA Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Owned by O. B. Savko

th 4place JCH. U KNOW I LIKE IT VITORAZ Kaninchen-Dachshund Wire Haired

Owned by Jan Busta

3 International Dog Shows Szilvasvarad, Hungary 13 - 15th of May 2016 Photo credits: Horvat Balazs

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Best in Show Magazine

3rd of June • CACIB Empoli 4th of June • CAC Lucca 5th of June • CACIB Pisa Photo credits: Selene Favretto

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Best in Show Magazine

Best in Show judge Mr. ANDI HUDONO

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER CABAKA’S BOBBIE OF STORM CAT SAMOYED OWNED BY MORESCHI B.

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BLU EMPEROR OF NEWFOUNDLAND HILLS NEWFOUNDLAND OWNED BY DE VITTO D.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BOLO

BRACCO ITALIANO OWNED BY TURCI M.

Best in Show judge Mrs. SHRIGLEY SUSAN

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BIG BOOM’S BANDITOS DEX

CLUMBER SPANIEL OWNED BY LANA LEVAI

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER THOR DEL WANHELSING DACHSHUND KANINCHEN OWNED BY SILVESTRO D.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER THOR DEL WANHELSING DACHSHUND KANINCHEN OWNED BY SILVESTRO D.

Best in Show judge Mrs. Paloheimo Annukka

#1 BEST IN SHOW W INNER SAMARCANDA ITALIAN LOVER

STANARD POODLE BLACK OWNED BY MERATI L

#2 BEST IN SHOW W INNER BALBOA SALADIN KERRY BLUE TERRIER OWNED BY CASSIN F.

#3 BEST IN SHOW W INNER CABAKA’S BOBBIE OF STORM CAT SAMOYED OWNED BY MORESCHI B.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) JOYLAND`S MAGIC AMBITION Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

CHARON SERDCERVAC ÄŒCeskoslovensky Vlcak, Ow. FOK RODICA

FCI 2, JUDGED BY PERO BOZINOVSKI (MK) EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

ELENBERNER BOMOND Bernese Mountain Dog, Ow. ERMILOVA ELENA

SOUL GUARDIAN ATLAS Bulldog, Ow. MATSAKIS MANOS

FCI 3, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) SUNACHATES DANCING WITH DESIRE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow. BEGENA O.

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

JAZENTA BUSY BEING BEAUTIFUL FOR FINNSKY

Skye Terrier, Ow. KITTY & DAHLBOM & HILAKARI

FCI 4, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS D. Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA OLGA

ROLEX IZ IMPERII INES D. Rabbit Size Wire H., Ow. KOSTYGOVA I.N.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) KIN-CHIN RED WORKING ON A DREAM Pharaon Hound, Ow. BELL LARSEN BRITZYK

SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

DAN-STAR-KOM SHARMING BEST BOY Pomeranian, Ow. KOMYAKOVA L.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

BASSETTERRE ZARA SPHIE Basset Hound, Ow. CERNOHUBOVA EVA

FCI 7, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) EARNEST ENTHUSIAST EVERDENE Irish Setter, Ow. VIKTORIKOVA JARMILA

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

FCI 9, JUDGED BY LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK) VANDERFUL PLEIS MASTERPIECE Miniature Poodle, Ow. VOZCHIKOVA D.

TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. LYDON SEAN & CATHY

BEST BENDZAMIN NIGHT DREAM Papillon, Ow. RANCANE SIGNE

FCI 10, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) TRAVIS PASTRANA GANDAMAK SLOVAKIA Afghan Hound, Ow. PROKOPOVA KRISTINA

ABSOLUTE MANN SEA WORLD Whippet, Ow. Pavesi F.

JUCARO SPI DIEGO Galgo Espanol, Ow. NOEL TANJA

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) MEDVEZHYA STAYA ILYA MUROMETS Black Russian Terrier, Ow. SARVARI KRISZTINA

ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

OSMAR`S ZEUS VENI VIDI VICI Bichon Frise. Ow. CIPICIC JASMINA

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY ANDRAS KOROZS (HU) DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

FCI 1, JUDGED BY MICHAEL FORTE (IE) JUMPING JACK FLASH DES TERRES DE KHAIRYACA

Australian Shepherd, Ow. GAJEWSKI MARLENE

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

FCI 2, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) CREA DIEM MAJA Affenpinscher, Ow. WIKSTROM NINA

DIRE STRAITS DE TRUFAS NEGRAS Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. BRODD CAROLINE

BEATRICE’S DIAMOND GLARE OF ILLUSION Miniature Schnauzer Black, Ow. IVIC BRANKA

FCI 3, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) HAMPTON COURT` CHARLES Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. MOHRKE & KOROSZ

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

LACKY HUNTER OLLY QUEEN DLYA IMPERII INES

Jack Russell Terrier, Ow. KOSTYGOVA I.N.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) BESTIJA VAIVORYKŠTE D. Rabbit Size Wire, H. Ow. VERŠICKAITE MIGLE

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

ŠMEKLA MARSELIO KOMPANIJOS VAIVORYKŠTE D. Miniature Wire H., Ow. VERŠICKAITE MIGLE

FCI 5, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) P`TOSHI GO NAMITORI Akita, Ow. SZECSEI KRISZTINA

LEROY TORNADO OT AVERINOY Alaskan Malamute, Ow. LAVRENTIEVA O. & AVERINA L.

SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

FCI 6, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

BORN TO BE MY DESTINY Beagle, Ow. MOONLIGHTSKY kennel

JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

FCI 7, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) ZENSU MOUSTREAP HEART English Pointer, Ow. BRUNO P. & ZAHONYI -A.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) ADVENTURER`S DORIAN GRAY BY ALEX

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW

Portuguese Watter Dog, Ow. TAMMI & RAILAM

American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

ROZEBOTTEL`S PLAYBOY Lagotto Romagnolo, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

FCI 9, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) BEST BENDZAMIN NIGHT DREAM Papillon, Ow. RANCANE SIGNE

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

ATASTAR MISS MONEYPENNY Standard Poodle, Ow. MATKOVIC & LANGDON

FCI 10, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) SOBRESALTO STANDING OVATION Whippet, Ow. LIGUORI GIOVANNI

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

BADAVIE V FOR VICTORY Saluki, Ow. SKAFAR GUNILLA

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

MONALINE LAGOON LEE Welsh Terrier, Ow. PIJUNOVIC & BARTOS

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. VARTIAINEN & HUOVILA

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (CRO) BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

FCI 1, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) JOIE D VIVRE DE MONTRIBOIS Berger de Picardie, Ow. IMMERS & KEULEN

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. RUSZ BODIL

STUDIOS OUTLAW TAGALONG PT Australian Cattle Dog, Ow. COOPER & SCHIAVON

FCI 2, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

HASHISH VON JESS BOX German Boxer, Ow. BRZEZINSKI & LEMMER

AMORRAS ISPRINSESSA ITSI Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. GUSTAFSSON T.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

FLORA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. RAIC & LJUTIC

FCI 4, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) GRANDGABLES WEE MR DOUBLE UP Dachund Miniature Smooth, Ow. CSERMAK

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA DIAMONDS FROM TIFFANY Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA O.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) LEROY TORNADO OT AVERINOY Alaskan Malamute, Ow. LAVRENTIEVA O. & AVERINA L.

DAN-STAR-KOM SHARMING BEST BOY Pomeranian, Ow. KOMYAKOVA L.

KIN-CHIN RED WORKING ON A DREAM Pharaon Hound, Ow. BELL LARSEN BRITZYK

FCI 6, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) BORN TO BE MY DESTINY Beagle, Ow. MOONLIGHTSKY kennel

JELANY RED IFA TIFFANI Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. KAMLE ELENA

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

FCI 7, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

LATIN LOVER HIGH DREAMER IN GOLD English Setter, Ow. FIANTOVA ERIKA

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK) BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

ROZEBOTTEL`S PLAYBOY Lagotto Romagnolo, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

FCI 9, JUDGED BY GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO) TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. Lydon S. & C.

ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

MONSIEUR AMES RAJ KARPAT Coton de Tulear, Ow. KLEVIÅ AR DARJA

FCI 10, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) GRANDCRU NEWTON Greyhound, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

SHAIRA BINT BENASID VON HAUSSMAN Afghan Hound, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

SOBRESALTO BUSCAR BESOS Whippet, Ow. GUGLIELMINI ANTONIO

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGGESI (IT) ESTAVA RAIN RIVER OF DREAMS American Akita, Ow. LOVATI GABRIELLA

DIAMELLA LOVE IN BLACK BOOTS Lhasa Apso, Ow. FRIBERG ANNA & LINDA

FLORA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. RAIC & LJUTIC

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. Schoneberg

ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

FCI 1, JUDGED BY MANOLA POGESSI (IT) JOIE D VIVRE DE MONTRIBOIS Berger de Picardie, Ow. IMMERS & KEULEN

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

CYRANO PUISSANT AME MAGNANIME Beauceron, Ow. NOVAK TOMAS

FCI 2, JUDGED BY MICHAEL FORTE (IE) HASHISH VON JESS BOX German Boxer, Ow. BRZEZINSKI & LEMMER

EURO POWER FUTURE LORD Great Dane, Ow. SHULGIN OLEG

MURIMAH BONA CAPONA Affenpinscher, Ow. BIZIN ANDREW

FCI 3, JUDGED BY OLIVER Å IMON (HR) AIOLA VON DEN SCHOENEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

LIMITED EDITION HIGHLINE ARMAGEDON American Staffordshire T., Ow. DUJMOV & BASARIC

FCI 4, JUDGED BY PEDRO SANCHES DELERUE (PT) MINI GOLF OBSIT D. Miniature Size Wire H., Ow. CSERMAK

PICOLLO TECKEL INFANTA D. Rabbit size Smooth H., Ow. PIKUL E.S.

EX SENTIA DIAMONDS FROM TIFFANY Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. MUSATOVA O.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY REVAZ KHOMASURIDZE (RU) SAMMANTIC QUICK Samoyed, Ow. BRUNS & STAMP

MAMBA - EWANGA AKIMBA BABOO Basenji, Ow. HEILMANN ERIKA

RUS SHOW FOREVER TEENAGER Xoloitzcuintle, Ow. GOYRINBERG V.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY PERO BOZINOVSKI (MK) LEO LICKI Istarski Kratkodlaki Gonic, Ow. JURICIC ZELJKO

SOLETRADER PUMPINK PIE PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

JELANY RED DJIMBO FAREY Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ow. VERENKOVA & KAMILLE

FCI 7, JUDGED BY CARMEN GUISADO NAVARRO (ES) ZENSU MOUSTREAP HEART English Pointer, Ow. BRUNO P. & ZAHONYI -A.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. LENAERTS & FINCH & SICHEL

RISLEY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Hungarian Viszla, Ow. KELLY CATHERINE

FCI 8, JUDGED BY TIINA TAULOS (FI) ALTAFLATS AIN`T I`M A DOG Flat Coated Retriever, Ow. WIESENER IDA

VERY VIGIE I DON`T KNOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. LEONARD-NOLLE M.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. LANA LEVAI

FCI 9, JUDGED BY TINO PEHAR (HR) ORLANDINO DI SAN GIMIGNANO Chihuahua Short Haired, Ow. LEHTINEN - COCHETTI

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

PITCH BLACK FACE PUGS JACK SPARROW Pug, Ow. BEXANDER MARIA

FCI 10, JUDGED BY LESLEY CHALMERS (NZ) PERSIAN DRAGON AMETHYST Saluki, Ow. KISS MARIANN

GRANDCRU NEWTON Greyhound, Ow. VAN GEMERT KATRIEN

SOBRESALTO STANDING OVATION Whippet, Ow. LIGUORI GIOVANNI

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY ATTILA CZEGLEDI (HU) MEDVEZHYA STAYA ILYA MUROMETS Black Russian Terrier, Ow. SARVARI KRISZTINA

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. VARTIAINEN & HUOVILA

MARCUS AURELIUS THE FIRST AT MEDIOLANUM Dalmatinski pas, Ow. DEVIC NENAD

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY RAINER VUORINEN (FI) HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

BELLEZZA`S KEEP IT HOT Bichon Havanais, Ow. LAURONEN MIIA

JAPARO EYE OF THE STORM Shetland Sheepdog, Ow. OLSEN FINN HELGE

Supreme Best in Shows of Split Summer Shows, 31. 07. 2016.

JUDGED BY Mr. BILL MCFADDEN (US)

FOLLETTI LETIZIA

JUDGED BY Mr. GABRIEL VALDEZ (CO)

MAMORU THE FORCE AWAKENS MILUNA WITH RUTHDALES American Akita Ow. WAEFER RAY & MARIA & VAN MOURIK LUCA (NL)

JUDGED BY Mrs. LINDA VOLARIKOVA (SK)

SUANHO`S PLENTY COUPS Chinese Crested Dog Ow. ANDERSEN ADRIANE (NO)

JUDGED BY Mr. OLIVER Å IMON (HR)

LEO LICKI Istarski Gonic Kratkodlaki Ow. JURICIC ZELJKO

Supreme Best in Shows of Split Summer Shows, 31. 07. 2016.

JUDGED BY Mrs. TIINA TAULOS (FI)

VERY VIGIE LATE NIGHT SHOW American Cocker Spaniel Ow. VARTIAINEN SANNA & HUOVILA PIRJO (FI)

JUDGED BY Mr. STEFAN SINKO (SLO)

AIOLA VD SCHONEN BERGEN Lakeland Terrier Ow. F. W. SCHONEBERG

Traveling in a hot Weather

By Richard Hellman This article will be released as the summer season is drawing to a close but hopefully will leave readers impressed and make them reflect on the subject of traveling with our beloved dogs in the warm months. Useless to say how torrid a vehicle can become in hot weather. We often find ourselves asking how we survived without airconditioning decades ago. A car or van can be a fatal oven for any living creature and it is shocking to reveal how many lives are lost each year due to the negligence and disregard of parents and especially of pet owners. In the USA alone, an average of 35-40 children perish each year, being left unattended in parked vehicles IN THE SHADE with WINDOWS LEFT CRACKED OPEN! It is estimated that thousands of pets die in the same circumstances a terrible death in less than one hour as their owners underestimate the severity at risk while running a quick errand.

Even on a mild day, with the vehicle parked in the shade and the windows left slightly opened, the inside temperature can rise as much as 40 degrees F. What is worse, as most of you know, a dog doesn’t sweat like humans to cool their body temperature. They can only pant and dissipate a small ammount of heat through their paw pads. Increased panting and drooling leads to respiratory failure, panic and seizure, drop in blood pressure and blood vessel dilation which causes pooling and clotting in the brain, liver, kidneys and digestive tract, organ shut down, coma and eventual death.

All of this can occur in a very brief time, as little as an hour in extreme conditions. An hour or more of

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cruel, excruciating pain, suffering and disorientation.

Never underestimate the risks at hand and avoid leaving your dogs unattended for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time if there is any chance of them being exposed to heat. On a cloudy or even a rainy day, the sun can come out suddenly and greatly increase the outdoor temperature by several degrees in a few minutes. If you have left your dogs in a closed vehicle to run an errand, grab a qiuck bite to eat, or maybe you are in an indoor dog show and are unaware of the sudden change in the weather, it can be fatal for your dogs even in a short time.

Vehicles being used to transport dogs, need to be well insulated with aeration mechanisms. Roof fans, open windows and air conditioning are a must not only while traveling but especially when the carrier is parked. It’s not enough to be in the shade, the sun is constantly moving and in little time the automobile may be fully or partially exposed to direct sunlight. Studies have shown that slightly opened windows do little to lower the inside temperature of a parked vehicle even in the shade. While closed crates such as Vari Kennels may be fine for most of the year, better to use wire mesh open crates in the hotter months to increase the possibility of air circulation. Use individual battery operated crate fans and insist on the possibility of larger, rotating fans placed in front of the animals. This will require auxillary batteries, generators and/or external electricity sources with high quality extension cords to keep fans and A/C running but one must never rely

on the fact that the dogs are out of danger as a mechanical failure or an unintentional intrusion may cause an interruption connecting the power source

“I’m sure many of you readers are aware of the 2 tragedies that lead to the horrific death of more than 20 dogs this past summer in Italy and the USA. “ to the vehicle. That is why the dogs must NEVER be left unattended even in the most ideal situations for for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Install a webcam and a device to the dashboard which will let you reveal the actual temperature of the compartment where the dogs are traveling as often commercial vans have a separating wall between the passenger cabin and the rear section. Any time

you need to leave the vehicle, leave someone to supervise the dogs and take turns going to rest rooms or eating. There is a device available which can remotely warn you when the temperature rises sending you a signal even from a distance but better to always leave someone with the dogs as no device is infallible.

I’m sure many of you readers are aware of the 2 tragedies that lead to the horrific death of more than 20 dogs this past summer in Italy and the USA. These of course are neither the first nor the last to occur to show dogs under the care of Professional Handlers. Many cases go unreported, especially if occuring with a smaller ammount of deaths on the way to or on the way home from shows. Let’s not point the finger just at the handlers as many breeders and individual exhibitors are just as guilty!

Many people travel to shows on ferry boats to reach islands or to decrease road travel.

Handlers or owners leaving dogs in overnight ferry garages is extremely risky as you have no possibility to check the dogs during the voyage. Some ferries allow dogs in the cabins while others have kennel facilities. Some ships have open deck parking with Best in Show Magazine

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the possibility of letting drivers check their vehicles.

Don’t be lazy or try to save money by hiding crated dogs in vans or campers as the temperatures in a closed garage can rise to extremely dangerous levels and you may have a terrible and shocking sur-

“Many American handlers should be applauded as they decided this summer to cancel their show appointments due to extremely high temperatures being forecasted.�

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prise when you reach your vehicle the next morning.

How can handlers and owners assure the safety of their pets while traveling to and upon destination at dog shows during the warmer season?

If your vehicle is not up to par as ideally described in the previous paragraphs make the investments necessary to keep your dogs safe and comfortable.

Not only is it necessary to have comfort features but it is also wise to have the vehicle regularly checked and revisioned by a mechanic to lower the risk of breakdown. It can be very unpleasant and potentially dangerous if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of no where with no shade in the middle of a hot day. Are the tires in order? a blowout on a large vehicle with a heavy load can be extremely dangerous. What happens if there is some sort of engine failure enroute? Is the vehicle insured in that case for immediate towing and substitution of another vehicle to safely bring the dogs back home or to destination?

Many American handlers should be applauded as

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they decided this summer to cancel their show appointments due to extremely high temperatures being forecasted. Owners should always ask to see all the safety and comfort features of their vehicle when hiring a prospective handler. If you cant afford to make such investments, whether you are a breeder, or a handler, or just a simple exhibitor, no one is putting a gun to your head and insisting you attend shows in the summer! Ask your handler how many dogs will be traveling in the vehicle and how many persons will be attending to their care?

An overcrowded vehicle means less air circulation.

Will someone sleep with the dogs or will they be brought into airconditioned facilities or hotel rooms?

Are the dogs individually crated in sufficiently large cages with secure gates and comfortable bedding?

Is clean, fresh water constantly available? How often are dogs walked and exercized in safe ex pens or on lead with safe leads, collars and flexies? How long are dogs left on grooming tables and are they left unattended? Often handlers will ask a neighboring exhibitor to keep an eye on a dog left on a table or in an ex pen, but what if they get distracted or need to unexpectedly leave the set up? Is there an assistant who is constantly watching the dogs at the setup or are dogs left alone for long periods?

Even the calmest of dogs used to falling asleep on a table should never be left there unsupervised. Not only does he risk hanging himself but the table could topple over and he could panic and escape.

After the tragic occurence in Italy, many handlers had a meeting on occasion of a dog show to relaunch the idea of having an association recognized not only by the kennel club but by the state ministry to authenticate and validate professional handlers. Not only is this long and slow in coming but will eventually serve to provide better care and safety not only for the dogs and their owners but as well to the handlers.

It seemed to have gotten off to a good start but unfortunately there seems to be a lack of interest and disponibility and hopefully after the summer a new meeting will take place and things will start to progress.

After an event in Luxembourg last year concerning the precarious transport of show dogs by a young handler and one of his clients, the police 130

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intervened and confiscated the dogs found within.

Although they were not risking their lives to heat stroke, they were found in an unattended vehicle with inadequate ventilation, some in insufficiently large cages, while some cages contained more than one dog. The rear doors were slightly ajar to provide air but the temperature was warming up and had passers by not heard the dogs barking which led them to call the authorities, the incident may have gone unnoticed or on the other hand tragedy could have occurred here as well.

This prompted some friends in the dog world such as Lisa Croft Elliot, Hugo Quevado and Jadranka Miatovic to try and create an FCI recognized Pro-

Why can’t we all pull together for the good of the dogs and the good of the sport and get something done to protect the animals and the people involved? fessional Handler’s association. Bylaws and regulations similar to those used by the PHA in the USA were submitted to FCI but it seems that the project is still at a standstill as is the European association launched by Thomas Wasteaux more recently.

I ask myself why this immediate concern and interest only after tragedy occurs and why do people and handlers lose interest so quickly? Why cant we all pull together for the good of the dogs and the good of the sport and get something done to protect the animals and the people involved?

Why no interest or support from the kennel clubs representing the FCI countries nor from the FCI itself? How many dogs will have to suffer or risk their lives before we all wake up and strive to resolve this problem!

The Literary Dog The Dog Breeder’s Manual by Eric F. Daglish Written by Anne Tureen

Eric Fitch Daglish’s life (1892-1966) spanned the incredibly progressive time frame from the close of the Edwardian age to the modern era ushered in by two world wars. Mr. Daglish’s professional pursuits united two related disciplines, so similar and so opposite: Art and Science. He was an accomplished engraver, and his works are housed at the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other important institutions. He was also a professional naturalist specializing in zoology and published studies on rivers, birds, and flowers. More pertinent to this magazine, he was also a dog show judge whose assignments included Crufts.

The Dog Breeder’s Manual (138 pages) was among his last efforts, and benefits from the maturity of a well developed, well informed mind.

Published in 1951, his era was not very far removed from the nineteenth century, during which most of the breeds recognized in his native Britain were developed within a working context of hunting, herding, dog fighting, illegal bull baiting, etc. Paradoxically, this was for the most part, the ‘dark ages’ of Reproductive Science, before the development 134

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of modern genetic research. Most breeding practice was based upon supposition, superstition and guesswork. These methods proved fruitful in that of the 51 breeds listed as British (developed in Britain, according to Wikipedia), all but 14 of them were developed durng the 1800’s. Interestingly, of these, 10 breeds predated this era including the Bloodhound, Bulldog, King Charles Spaniel, Foxhound, English Water Spaniel (extinct), Sussex Spaniel, North Country Beagle (extinct) Smooth Fox Terrier, Tweed Water Spaniel (extinct) and Whippet. The Lancashire Heeler, Lucas Terrier, and Norfolk Terrier, were turn of the century dogs, while the Northern Inuit Dog was the final addition in the 1980’s, the only Wikipedia listed breed developed in Britain after the publication of The Breeding Manual. Therefore the Golden Age of dogs in Britain was one in which breeders relied on tradition rather than Science.

However Mr. Daglish felt the importance of proven facts in breeding and his text was among the first books on this subject to present detailed and complete information regarding breeding and selection of dogs solidly based on genetics. The first section

of the book is the most interesting from an historic point of view for the author addresses the ‘Rise and Growth of Dog Breeding’, and ‘Some Old Theories and Beliefs’. These two chapters allow us to briefly visit the pre Kennel Club world of dogs and is thus a valuable perspective. The advent of the Kennel Club in 1873 is viewed by Mr. Daglish as a positive advancement; it marks the dawn of a new era in which methods of selection based on success in the field will be replaced with selection based on physical attributes.

He makes the point that structural virtues will lead to functional success, a position which has been the subject of ongoing debate, continuing even today, over 140 years into the experiment. Can the functional ability of a dog be determined in a show ring, or is it necessary to work the dog in the field to ascertain his worth in that particular task for which he was developed? Recent discussion of this question can be viewed in various articles published in our best journals, including Best in Show Magazine when The Literary Dog interviewed Mario Canton (Spring 2015). Also, please see: Dr. John Burchard On Breed Standards, 2010, http://stephenbodio. blogspot.it/2010/07/dr-john-burchard-on-breedstandards.html, or 100 Years of Breed Improvement

by Caen Elegans, 2012, https://dogbehaviorscience. wordpress.com/2012/09/29/100-years-of-breedimprovement/).

The initial chapters of The Breeder’s Manual share with us the thoughts of the founding members of the Kennel Club. Could they have surmised the Colossus that would result from this initiative, imitated in nearly every country around the world?

“By 1870 the more far-sighted of these enthusiasts began to realize that if the showing of dogs was to emerge from sordid obscurity into which it showed unmistakable signs of sinking, it must be placed under the control of a central governing body, powerful enough to enforce its authority in all matters pertaining to show promotion and management.” Similar considerations are expressed later in the chapter when speaking about the progress made in the appreciation of dogs in Britain: “This sensational growth in interest is due in large measure to the autocratic but beneficent control exercised by the Kennel Club, first brought into being, as has been shown, through dissatisfaction with the conditions ruling in the dog world some eighty years ago.” Optimism is the hallmark of beinnings and this sentiment ushering in the KC as the dawn of a new and better order is no exception, and it reminds us of the noble purpose of this great institution.

The second part of the book attempts to demonstrate how Science has brought a new age to dog breeding. Ironically, his observation: “It is curious that dog breeders alone have been so slow to profit by the great accumulation of data which the geneticist has made available to them.” resounds freshly in the 21st century in journals, blogs and facebook sites. How many active breeders have a solid grounding in genetics, and/or update their knowledge with the constant advances in this field? A few of the beliefs presented by Mr. Daglish as ridiculous in 1951, continue to circulate. One such question is whether a bitch is ruined for future breeding by having made a ‘misalliance’ outside of the pedigree world. I received affirmation of this very belief from a number of individuals when my bitch arranged a clandestine meeting with the neighbor’s dog dur-

“It is curious that dog breeders alone have been so slow to profit by the great accumulation of data which the geneticist has made available to them.”

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“The explanation of heredity and genetics provided in The Dog Breeder’s Manual is elegantly and efficiently covered in less than 100 pages with the help of a few diagrams and tables. His style is straightforward but colorful and personal, which distinguishes it from the sanitized textbook approach generally adopted today.” ing her heat cycle. Fortunately no one suggested I destroy her, but I was told without a shadow of a doubt that any future puppies would be tainted, and alien traits such as short legs and fluffy blond fur 136

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would crop up in any future litters from that Irish Terrier bitch. The absolute conviction of these individuals who pitied my inexperienced attempts to refute their belief, helps me to understand the frustration of someone like Mr. Daglish who hoped to convince breeders that certain convictions held as truths by his contemporaries are not founded on facts. For example that it is not by adhering speckled patterns to the side of a whlepig box, that a breeder can obtain a speckled litter of dachsunds.

The explanation of heredity and genetics provided in The Dog Breeder’s Manual is elegantly and efficiently covered in less than 100 pages with the help of a few diagrams and tables. His style is straightforward but colorful and personal, which distinguishes it from the sanitized textbook approach generally adopted today. His explicitness in describing physical details and advice is astonishing in view of the social mores concerning anything sexual which were prevalent in the 1950’s, a stifiling atmosphere well illustrated in the Showtime television series Masters of Sex, describing the social re-

sistance that existed towards any open discussion of sexuality. There are a few cries in the wilderness of dog breeding today echoing the voice of this long dead author in his out of print book, but most of his facts are still only vaguely understood by a large number of breeders who prefer the traditional, if simplistic: ‘Breed the best to the best’.

In some cases the author’s opinions are directly opposed to official trends today. The very Kennel Clubs celebrated by Mr. Daglish might be horrified at his insistence that: “A breeder who wishes to found a strain of animals which will breed true to their own type must not be afraid to inbreed”. If there were space enough, it would be worthwhile to reproduce here the entire text from the chapters entitled ‘Dog Breeding and Genetics’ and ‘Inbreeding and Out-Crossing’. The author rationally and in detail supports his views in favor of a prolonged intelligent application of inbreeding of good stock. He brings forth and demonstrates the fallacy of most of the same objections to inbreeding that we find presented at conferences and elaborated in many articles today. He admits no gray area to the logical and scientifically proven conclusion: “The idea that while inbreeding is dangerous line breeding is safe and wise is wrong from every point of view”.

The author admonishes breeders to resist the fashion of breeding widely from the latest and greatest prizewinning dog, a view which science is still pummelling into show circles with limited success.

“Before arranging a mating the breeder should keep firmly in mind the fact that the characters shown by the puppies will depend on the manner in which the genes contributed by the parents are combined in the fertilized egg cells from which the pups develop. This may appear so self-evident as to be hardly worth reiterating. Yet is is no exaggeration to say that nine-tenths of the disappointments which arise in dog breeding are due to this axiom being overlooked or ignored.

In his selection of a stud dog the breeder must be guided by the genetic make-up of his bitch, so far as this is known or can be discovered from her appearance and pedigree. Because a certain dog has sired a champion from one bitch there is no reason to take it for granted that he will be equally successful with other mates. Nearly all available

sires are impure (DR) for some desired points. The most outstanding champion dog in any breed is likely to be genetically impure for many of the qualities or points which have brought him fame in the show ring or trial ground.” Does this imply that a good dog cannot bring desired qualities to our line?

For the answer to that and for unexpectedly simple advice to better breeding I recommend you get your hands on a copy of The Dog Breeder’s Manual.

Warning: be prepared for a ride with Dr. Who into territory that is as controversial today as it was in 1951. The Literary Dog has spoken with two experts, the first, a Veterinarian specialized in Reproduction, and the second, an expert breeder and

“The most outstanding champion dog in any breed is likely to be genetically impure for many of the qualities or points which have brought him fame in the show ring or trial ground.” judge to examine the basic material of Mr. Daglish’s text in light of today’s knowledge and practice.

Maria Carmela Pisu Breeding Expert: Maria Carmela Pisu has her degree in Vetrinary medicine from the University of Sassari where she specialized in reproductive medicine, and later completed training at the European College of Animal Reproduction based in Belgium. As of 2011 she is President of the SIRVAC (Italian Society for the Reproduction of Companion Animals) and her most recent involvement in an FCI event was an invitation to speak at the 2015 WDS in Milan.

LD: As you have seen, this text is from 1951, light years away from today’s world, not only in genetics, Best in Show Magazine

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but in what we might consider to be good breeding pratice. Is any of the scientific information from this book still relevant?

MCP: Let me just state to begin with that the Mendhelian prinicpals presented in The Breeder’s Manual are the starting point even today for anyone interested in this subject. They are the basis upon which everything else rests. They did not know then about incompelete penetration or alteration of different alele, many other things that modern science has revealed, however this book presents genetic principals which we consider to be the cornerstone of today’s laboratories.

LD: What about his advice on breeding, has much changed over the decades?

MCP: The breeding practices that Mr. Daglish describes are at times quite right, but some of his ad-

“One of the central concerns of proper nutrition of both the pregnant bitch and the puppy in weaning, is to concentrate sufficient energy in a small amount of food that is also perfectly digestible to provide maximum nutrition in the small quantities consumed.” vice is amusingly archaic. For example he suggests that repeat breedings should be very close so as to avoid puppies at different stages of development at whelping time. However puppies are all in one ‘batch’ as we might say since ovulation occurs only at one time, and the eggs mature and detach all together with a time difference margin of 18-20 hours at the very most, usually much closer. So the eggs are all fertilized together with the sperm that is present within 24 hours. Moreover the embrios move toward the uterin tubes and implant only 13 days after their fertilization, so in a way they are waiting for each other, and move on together. One embrio 138

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may have 6 cells, another 8, but we cannot say that they are at different stages of development.

Today we advise that repeat mounts take place after 48 hours because the bitch will accept a male for an extended period, but she will ovulate at a specific time, and we need to introduce the sperm as close as possible to that time. When we are practicing artificial insemination we know exactly when to introduce the sperm because we have been measuring the progesterin levels and we know within a window of 24 hours when ovulation will occur.

LD: Mr. Daglish overthrows some of the current breeding practice of his time, which of his ‘modern’ theories would we overthrow today?

MCP: A serious mistake would be to follow Mr. Daglish’s advice of giving plenty of milk or other calcium based nutrients to the pregnant bitch. Firstly, milk is not well digested by an adult animal which no longer produces latimasi after the weaning period.

More importantly, if we give a calcium charged diet to a pregnant bitch, the Parotid glands which harvest calcium from the bones when it is needed become inactive, and fail to carry the calcium needed for lactation when the time comes, putting the bitch at risk of enclampsia. Therefore a quality, balanced diet is the best option for pregnancy with no specific increase in calcium, especially milk which may cause digestive problems. Those breeders who use commercial products would be certain of a proper diet if they use puppy food in increasing proportions starting at the time of diagnosis, which is usually about twenty five days after the mount, and to continue this during lactation. I am a fan of these new ‘start up’ prepared food products for puppies.

On the whole they are excellent for weaning and a good choice for the Mother as well.

One of the central concerns of proper nutrition of both the pregnant bitch and the puppy in weaning, is to concentrate sufficient energy in a small amount of food that is also perfectly digestible to provide maximum nutrition in the small quantities consumed. Those who prefer to prepare a fresh meal for their dogs, must be sure to balance the calcium and phosphorous, the noble proteins and carbohydrates, and many people add vitamins to

the pregnant bitch’s fresh food to be sure everything is in there. It is quite complex.

LD: Nutrition is such a vast and highly debated issue, one that breeders and owners become deeply passionate about. There are so many options that one wonders how dogs managed to survive in the past, before science brought us the detailed studies that we now have concerning a dog’s diet.

MCP: A wild wolf finds nutrients in a carcass, with bones, intestines, even grass in the stomach and digestive tract, and that is balanced.This isn’t possible to replicate; not only do most of us have difficulty obtaining a fresh carcass, but also consider that the modern dog is not exactly a carnivore, it is an omnivore, so we need to have a little bit of everything.

Some of the prepared foods today are deeply researched, and can be a good choice. In the past

people didn’t have this kind of quality available, but then again dogs were not expected to live to 12 -14- 16 years of age with the sort of quality of life we frequently see today. This explains another point made in the Daglish book. He suggests that a numerous brood be divided with lactating bitches who have fewer pups, keeping no more than 6 with one Mother. This is something that modern nutrition and care renders uneccessary. Today there is no problem if the litter is a large one.

LD: Is there any point in reading an out of date book on breeding?

MCP: It is nice to have a window into a moment in our history. There are some charming notions mentioned in the book that would be nice if they were true. That a spring litter would have more females, for example! Naturally many animals reproduce in Best in Show Magazine

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“Do not underestimate the most important tool that a breeder has, which is selection. If you start with quality dogs, and carefully breed type to type you will begin to get somewhere fairly quickly.”

the spring when conditions favor this delicate process. Biotechnology can deterimne the sex of a new animal when we use it on cows or horses, but I know of no other way to influence the outcome. Interestingly y chromosome sperm swim more quickly in gel dishes than the double x, but not in the fluids of the uterus. So there is mixture of basic truths and fantasy in this book, but in this respect little has changed.

We still believe in absurd things today, in fact we continue inventing them. I have heard that one trend taking hold in the USA now is to breed a young bitch 3 times in a row, each time she goes into heat. This is proposed as best for the bitch, but quite the oposite is true. Her nutrients, her muscle tone, the uterus itelf must have time to return to their original condition.

At least one heat cycle is a necessary rest period.

So I suppose one very important thing we can learn from this book is humility, let’s not take everything we hear and embrace it as absolute truth. Social media and hearsay are not necessarily a reliable font of information. A scientific approach is best, gather information from authoritve sources, consult the general concesnsus, reason out whether something sounds plausible based on the axioms we have acquired. Let’s all continue to educate ourselves.

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Espen Engh has been breeding Greyhounds in Norway since 1975, and Jet’s are considered the top winning Greyhounds of all times. He is an all breeds FCI judge with appointments in over 90 FCI countries, he has been invited to judge the World Dog show 13 times, including 2016 in Moscow.

LD: You make a point in the excellent interview in Keys to Top Breeding with Pekka Hannula and Marjo Nygard, 2011, that it is getting more and more difficult to find a good male to introduce new qualities to your lines because other breeders are not working in close line breeding, they move horizontally, mixing all the dogs from various countries together.

What you seem to be saying here is that in reality to get genetic diveristy, what we need are more instances of close line breeding which would result in markedly different ‘pockets’ of genetic groups from place to place in the various countries?

EE: Exactly. From a larger prospective these two concepts: close breeding and genetic diversity are not necessarily in conflict, the one may in fact generate the other. Genetic diversity cannot be left up to the individual breeder who will naturally strive for uniformity within his/her own strain. But if I create a group of tightly bred Greyhounds, and someone in another area has their closely knit group, the genetics will be further and further apart. On the other hand if the handful of Greyhound breeders of the world all interchange dogs on a regular basis, we will have an increasingly uniform gene base.

Close line breeding represents an advantage to the breed in general, and an immediate advantage to

individual breeders. If I need to improve one quality, say a better ear, a line bred dog with that asset will improve my line, whereas a dog who posesses the good ear, but who is loosely bred may not pass that quality on to his descendants in a consistent way.

LD: The Greyhound has been around since the 1700’s, the lineage of the dogs can be traced back for centuries. This is not the case with many breeds however, some are two hundred years old, most less, it is difficult to identify clear strains or lines in many breeds, so none of the dogs can be relied on to reproduce in a ‘true’ fashion.

EE: Well, do not underestimate the most important tool that a breeder has, which is selection. If you start with quality dogs, and carefully breed type to type you will begin to get somewhere fairly quickly.

I do about one litter per year, and I have already seen changes in my family group. I see increasing consistency in my litters, and some of my goals are consolidated. By way of example I’d say I have eliminated frailty in my own line. I see almost all of my dogs maturing into strong solid dogs. My point is that I have set some goals, identified faults I wanted to eliminate, and I see major improvement in those traits over these 40 + years. I have obtained quite a consistent kennel type. If you pair Aunt to Nephew, half siblings or I have even taken the Son to the Mother, in early times, you will learn a lot about those dogs, and your surprises will begin to disappear. I have never done full siblings because I do not see any point in that. I am interested in increasing the influence of one of the parents, never both, but close line breeding is extremely useful in creating a line. I know of one instance in which two breeders started out with littermates, and after just a few generations the two groups of dogs being bred looked completely different, that’s what can be accomplished with selection.

LD: You have a very interesting breeding method, you keep on two bitches the Alpha and the Beta, and from this selection you are able to breed your own bitch line and your own males as well.

EE: I actually keep on all the best bitch pups from a single dam. When she has had her three or four

litters, I then go ahead and basically keep the two best of that entire generation. They mature to a year or more before I make the final decision as to which ones to keep. 6 week or 8 week old puppies is far from the ideal age to make the selection of future breeding stock; I need the dogs to be from 12 to 18 months. I allow the young dogs to go into good families when I am sure, and not before.

LD: Our own columnist Juha Kares has a very interesting proposal of enlarging his breedership to his families. He cultivates the knowledge of people interested in his breeds, he entrusts them with good dogs and they make a sort of breeding team.

EE: I am familiar with this enlightened idea, and I love seeing how well it works in some cases. But I have a different approach. If I raise my own dogs, I eliminate variations in their environmental conditions.

Greyhounds are dogs with a large frame, and such oversights as slippery floors, irregular or suboptimal diet or inappropriate exercise will affect the outcome seen in the adult animal. When I am comparing a generation of dogs to see which one will carry on the line, all I want to see is pure genetics. I need to limit the effect environmental factors by standardizing their conditions.

LD: With all of those beautiful young animals in the house you must have a number of junior championship titles!

EE: Ironically I do not. While I appreciate the recognition I have received from knowledgeable judges, this is not at all my priority. I am fascinated with breeding and my goal is not to have something to show, but to have something with which to continue breeding. To see what is coming up next, to close in on my goals is what is most fulfilling for me, it’s totally absorbing. The puppies that I do not select for further breeding are sold as youngsters. In this way I do not have to keep that many dogs, usually we have 12 to 15 dogs in the house, which is mangeable even without kennel help.

Moreover I spend time working my dogs.

The Grey is a hunting breed, and I need to know that this ability is alive in each generation. I don’t think the breed standard makes any sense unless it is interpreted from an historical and functional Best in Show Magazine

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viewpoint. I would love to be able to hunt because that is the only real trial, but for a number of reasons, primarily the legal basis on which the prey is killed, this is no longer possible. I do the next best thing- lure coursing, and many of my dogs are lure coursing champions. The first two of my dogs who were dog of the year (Int.Ch. Jet’s Once Upon A Dream, 2001 and Int.Ch. Jet’s Something in the Way U Smile, 2003) were both coursing champions.

Something in the Way U Smile was also runner up BIS at the World Show in Dortmund 2003. In pursuing beauty, you can never forget the purpose of the breed, in the case of Greyhounds a day’s hunting. If the first rabbit gets around the corner, another one goes to ground, and you come home with perhaps one lousy rabbit, you and your family will starve. A Greyhound will need to fire again and again during a day’s work in tihe field to bring home a full dinner. The original working Grey had endurance

I am fascinated with breeding and my goal is not to have something to show, but to have something with which to continue breeding. To see what is coming up next, to close in on my goals is what is most fulfilling for me, it’s totally absorbing. and stamina. Dogs bred just for show may be called Show Greyhounds. I call my dogs Standard Greyhounds as they are bred to the standard which calls for functional abilities which are much more than just a pretty face.

LD: Mr. Daglish was a keen supporter of the Kennel club. How can our breed clubs and the kennel clubs best support breeders?

EE: I think they can be instrumental in creating an atmosphere of knowledge, openess and honesty.

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creasing our knowledge by offering educational material, lectures and courses for all of us, breeders, judges, owners, even the general public. Theirs should be a positive role, continually enlarging our opportunities. It isn’t a good trend when there is a move toward establishing limits, say to regulate breeder’s activities or choices in any way. The breeding must be left to the breeders, I don’t believe in collective breeding. If the breeder is taking responsibility for the litter, health, temperament, conformation, abilities, not to mention the future of the dogs and their well being in good families, as well as paying all the bills, then how I choose to produce the dogs should also be my responsibility. I believe this is the only way forward.

I use genetic tests that are available, especially for Greyhound Neuropathy, a fatal disease which exists in my breed. I support that the KC refuses to register puppies of two carrier parents, though I would hope that all breeders are responsible enough to avail themselves of this tool of their own initiative. Bans and restrictions are generally going to have negative effects, a club cannot put themselves in the role of the police force, they need to use their resources to create an ethical environment of shared knowledge. The weighty burden of a good breeding is on the shoulders of the breeder!

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Estava Rain American Akitas

by Friedrich Birkmar Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

F.B.: It started 1999 with a beautiful male called “Timo”. He was bred in Norway by great friends and was a true gentleman of a dog. He gave us so much joy and happiness and lived to be 13 years old.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita`s?

How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

F.B.: I came from a family where we always had dogs so it was natural for me to start breeding them.

My professional career has brought me to move to different countries all over the world and I went to school in Switzerland. When I finally settled down in Norway it was much easier to establish a good kennel for the dogs.

The Kennel Name is taken from the music in the Brazilian combat game called Capoeria that I have been training for many years.

After having very bad luck with my first 2 import bitches not producing well, I got the fabulous Red150

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witch Magic And Sparkle. I made her up to Int.CH and she has been a dream brood bitch.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

F.B.: We have about 12 dogs in total. The bitches always stay here in the kennel. Sometimes after their 2nd litter I find a nearby family that can provide them a loving home and singular attention and later decide if I choose to breed them another time. I always try to find a permanent family for the bitches once they are no longer used for showing or breeding. Our bitches usually don’t have more then 3 litters in total. The show dogs are spread between different members of the Estava Rain team. Richard Hellman has 2 dogs in Italy, Anci Ahlberg has 2 in Sweden and Katja Rauhut has showed 2 of our dogs in Germany and East Europe. We have one homebred dog owned by us being campaigned in the USA and another one in China soon coming back home.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary

Photo 1 • “Chester” CH Estava Rain Reckless Road. INTCH, JWW-15 and Best In Show winner. Showing a perfect outline and moderation. Sired by CH Estava Rain Hold The News. Out of CH Estava Rain Walk The Talk.

Photo 1 • Book-signing of the “Best in Show” book at Borders bookstore in New York in February, 2009 - concurrently with Westminster dog show in Madison Square Garden.

for the betterment of the breed?

F.B.: Yes. it´s important to exchange knowledge and experience. Margaret Hippolite of Kodo Akitas in New Zealand is a dear friend with lots of knowledge – just to mention one.

To be a great breeder you need to make big sacrifices both financially and time. You need to be able to focus and work hard to produce top quality. One needs to travel, and see lots of dogs all over the world to have a reference point. Education is key!!

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

F.B.: My late mother was my biggest mentor and inspiration. She was always following my work with the dogs in every detail.

In Akitas - the work of Mrs. BJ Andrews needs to be mentioned. She was a pioneer in the breed in the US, bred the dogs that would have the biggest influence for the breed and wrote important books to leave a legacy after her for generations to come.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

F.B.: Most our breedings are planned 1 or 2 years ahead. We have a very clear vision about what dogs could work together in the future. Of course it´s just wishful thinking as there is never a guarantee when breeding dogs…. But at least it´s important to have a plan. We breed for ourselfs, not just for the sake of breeding to sell puppies. We normally have from 1 or 2 litters per year and often keep 2 or 3 from each litter to continue our selection. Every generation brings us closer to our ideal of the Akita.

“ To be a great breeder you need to make big sacrifices both financially and time.

You need to be able to focus and work hard to produce top quality.”

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

F.B.: Linebreeding with bringing in outcrosses where needed. Of course outcrossing to typelike dogs that are proven on different bitches of different lines. We have had great results with outcrosses as we are even more happy when we breed back in the second generation.

I love talking to the early breeders in the US. They have a lot of knowledge and are very honest in their opinions. Would like to mention Dr. Sophia Kaluzniaki, Beverly Vics and Carol Foti. In Europe the Redwitch Kennel had an important impact on the breed. They produced some of the most important dogs in many pedigrees and we’re very helpful in establishing my own lines.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

F.B.: Consistency!! Keep focused on your breeding program. Stay true to your type and always keep in mind the breed standard!

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BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

F.B.: We have champions on all continents of the world. So happy to have sold dogs to genuine breed enthusiasts that has taken such good care of the Estava Rain dogs. Because we have exported so many dogs we have lost count on champion titles. In one litter we had all individuals became champions in a total of 3 different continents.

Our top winning bitch would be CH Estava Rain Front Row. Winning Int. shows in 3 different countries and ended up nr.2 All Breeds in Norway and all time top winning bitch in northern Europe. To mention a male it would be “Curtis” Estava Rain Only Style Remains winning BOB at Crufts 2016, BOB & World Winner 2015 and he is also American Grand Champion!

Photo 2 • CH Estava Rain Touch The Flame winning BOW twice with 5 pt major at the Akita Club of America National specialties.

She is American Champion, INTCH and many times Best In Show Winner. BOS at Westminster NY and BOB and European Winner -15 in Oslo.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

F.B.: That’s a hard question.. Winning the group at the World Dog Show in addition to 10 World Winner titles & inumerous European titles. Any of our amazing wins at the Akita Club of America National Specialties, Westminster, BOB at Crufts, and Eukanuba in Orlando. Having the all time top winning male and female in the Nordics.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

F.B.: It´s always a good thing to get the dogs out there to be shown. As a breeder it´s important to get your work evaluated. A top winning dog does not necessarily significate an excellent representative of the breed and of course a top winner doesn’t guarantee a good producer.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

F.B.: Only to the better as far as I am concerned.

Type, structure and soundness has generally improved. Size, substance, coats, temperaments and health issues certainly have made a noticeable improvement.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

F.B.: If you are true to the breed and the standard you don’t breed dogs for any trends. I would never compromise on that. Colors may be considered a trend and a personal preference in our breed as almost all colors and patterns are accepted. A solid colored dog is more rare than 20 years ago as are the scarcely marked pintos which were quite popular until then. Most dogs now have lots of flashy white markings which are attractive. Only an experienced technical judge will appreciate the solid colored dogs if they are of good quality. I think we have some problems with the base colors which fall into less importance as long as the dogs have flashy white markings. We must remember that the stanBest in Show Magazine

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dard calls for any color as long as it is rich and vivid.

Another trend is to breed overangulated Akitas.

Judges and exhibitors tend to seek the overangulated stifle bend as opposed to the moderate angulation required by the standard. Of course I prefer a little too much than not enough but many Akitas should be considered exaggerately angulation which is not to standard.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

F.B.: No. Many judges are too busy collecting breeds and many active and successful breeders don’t take the time to become judges as they prefer to be showing. In many countries not only is it difficult to become a judge but you need to take off 2 or 3 years from exhibiting to complete your education at dog shows.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

F.B.: That they really see the breed and educate themselves before they even think about judging them. Being able to find quality and strengths and not always looking for faults first!!

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

F.B.: Yes. The standard can not be misunderstood. It is clear in overall proportions and outline down to details in head, feet and tailset.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

F.B.: No. The standard is clear and can´t be misunderstood. I think we overestimate the power of All rounders… they vary way too much in quality and there will always be a better judge coming after putting things back to standard.

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

F.B.: Education. As a FCI judge myself I can´t understand how a judge can walk into the ring not being educated about the breed he/she is judging.

Judges should be invited for their knowledge and passion for their work.

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Photo 3 • Our dogs have a standard that should be recognizable for an Estava Rain dog. In fact we have been very successful in the breeder’s group competition in top European events!

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

F.B.: I´m a caretaker of the breed. My goal is to produce the best dogs to my ability.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

F.B.: Type, health or temperament!!

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognisable kennel type?

F.B.: I hear that from many people and it´s always a nice thing to hear. Our dogs are very sound and they do fit a frame. Then there will always be dogs that are different mainly because of size, coat or color. But In general our dogs have a standard that should be recognizable for an Estava Rain dog. In fact we have been very successful in the breeder’s group competition in top European events!

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

F.B.: “Heart of a lion”. Brave and proud. Calm and intelligent.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

F.B.: Someone with experience with dogs in general.

The Akita owner needs to be consistent and willing to work with their dog. It´s a big dog in need of excersise and periodic grooming to keep him in shape and to be competitive in the show ring. They

Photo 4 • “Jackie” Estava Rain Looking For Action pictured winning BIS Bred By with a major at the Akita Club of America National Specialty only 1 year old. Group winner at INT shows and winner of res.CC at Crufts 2016. She won BOW in Orlando 2015 and is a result of an outcross breeding to an American Sire to our own CH Estava Rain Front Row.

have a strong willed temperament and need to be guided in adolescence, if not they will learn to take advantage of their owners.

BIS: Does the breed have certain problems or any genetic diseases? Can you tell us little bit about breed problems in your opinion?

F.B.: We have been lucky by doing the correct selection and screening in our breeding program and been able to produce healthy and good tempered dogs. Although bloats, elbow and skin problems is not rare in the breed.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

F.B.: Always!!

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding

to “popular” Champion studs?

F.B.: Very bad for the genetic variety. Some of these dogs have major faults but are used because they

“ Not everything is written in books – the most valuable knowledge you get from talking to people and making your own opinion.” might be the only one around in a specific area.

These faults are very easy to recognize in generations to come.

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Photo 5 • “Curtis” CH Estava Rain Only Style Remains pictured winning BOB & CC at Crufts 2016. He is one of the all time top winning American Akitas with JWW-14 and BOB and WW-15, American Grand Champion, AOM at Westminster NY, BOB in Orlando and many Best In Show wins all over Europe!!

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

F.B.: Pedigrees are extremely important. It shows a consistency both in type and health. When we choose a stud dog we need to see the dog and his siblings. Is he just a standout or does he come from a litter of equal quality? Some dogs that we have outcrossed with lately we have seen in the US already 10 years ago. We have followed that dogs offspring bred from many different bitches.

BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

F.B.: CH Estava Rain Front Row “Sydney”. – Not just top winning bitch all time – but also produced amazing offspring to different sires. CH Estava Rain Hold The News “Bronx”. - First non US/UK bred Akita to become GBCH, top winning here in Scandinavia and a very consistent producer. He was nr. 1 Stud dog in the breed in the UK 2014 and has sired the current nr.1 Akita in the UK as well as our own Curtis and Chester (both World Winners).

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Photo 6 • “Simba” Estava Rain Lionhearted - pictured at 10 months showing perfect bone, reach and balance!!

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

F.B.: Travel and educate yourself! Talk to experienced breeders and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Not everything is written in books – the most valuable knowledge you get from talking to people and making your own opinion. Study the standard and make sure you understand the key points of outline, proportion, movements, head details, tailset etc..

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Nekmar American Akitas Interview with Akita Breeder

by Best In Show Magazine

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

M.N.: I would first like to say hi to all readers of Best in Show Magazine and thank you for making us a part of this issue. Behind the NEKMAR affix stand two people, my whife Ivana & myself.Both of us have been doglovers and animal lovers from early childhood.

Ivana grew up on a farm in Karlovac and her father was a hunter who also bred dogs like Labradors , Bavarian Bloodhounds & German Wirehaired Terriers.To this day I have not met a person that has more love towards all animals in itself than Ivana. As for myself, I tried to breed every single pet I got from the day I was born no matter was it a dog, cat, paraqueet, rabbit, goose, guinneapig or a hamster.I was literally driving my parents mad as many times they would just see one day that adult pet got offspring and me with angelface explaining how I have nothing to do with it.

As you can imagine when the two of us started dating it was just a matter of time before we 160

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started towards this direction. While visiting a dogshow with Ivana we saw a dog that made every single hair on my body go up. It was a mature akita male, and it was a good one too. I will never forget that feeling as long as I live. We got back home, did some research on the breed and the decision was made that we would buy an Akita (back than their registered name was Great Japanese Dog).

We wanted a show dog of course. Since there were no Akitas in Croatia at the time we got our first Akita from Austria(bred in Poland). She wasn’t really a showdog but she had a lovely pedigree, great temperament and she was a healthy dog.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita`s?

How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

M.N.: As explained in previous answer I was a breeder by birth so very soon after Ivana & I got our first Akita we started thinking about having a litter although the first litter didn’t come until couple years later. At the time of registering our kennel I owned a company called Nekmar which is basically first three letters of my surname and name so we tought it would be great to register the kennel

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“ A great breeder will find a way to produce quality generation after generation while a hobby breeder will produce quality in the first generation and get stuck there.” under same name. Our real foundation bitch is Ch.Redwitch Dramma Queen and today she stands in pedigrees among the world’s most succesfull Akitas. We owe her a lot of Nekmar Akita’s fame.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

M.N.: We currently have in Rijeka 7 adults and 2 youngsters(one five months old and one 9 months old) but we have couple more dogs in coownership with our dear friends.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

M.N.: It is impossible to go forward in breeding without collaboration with other breeders, those that are in it for the betterment of the breed and know what they are doing.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

M.N.: I don’t have a role model as I strongly believe everyone is unique and has its own way but I surely have and still do admire a number of kennels in Europe and USA as well as in other continents. There is however one kennel that I admire the most for what they have achieved and that have mentored me from the very beginning until today, I will occasionally need that phone call to pick their brains. They are Redwitch Akitas kennel.The amount of time and patience Jenny Killilea had for me and my numerous 162

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questions over the years is just incredible.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

M.N.: A “great breeder” in my opinion is a quality stockman. To become one, takes a person with that special talent called “EYE FOR THE DOG”.Without that one can have all the passion , determination and devotion in the world but still wont be able to become a great breeder.

The most important thing a breeder should never forget is breeding healthy animals, without health you can’t go very far.The biggest diference between a great breeder and a hobby breeder would probably be consistency. A great breeder will find a way to produce quality generation after generation while a hobby breeder will produce quality in the first generation and get stuck there.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

M.N.: We average only two litters a year because of our work commitments and the fact that we will never compromise on quality rearing of the litter.

We plan our litter sometimes months and sometimes even years ahead BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

M.N.: We prefer linebreeding and most our pedigrees if not all are linebred. Sometimes we use outcross studs but they will than be linebred in their own line and strong in features we are going for both with their pedigree and looks.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions you have so far? Who is your biggest winner ?

M.N.: Our first Champion was a bitch, Ch.Susquehanna Akima , I don’t count champions and will mostly not even aply for issuing a title certificate if a dog already has one for entering Ch classes but we have bred many.

The biggest winner we have bred would have to be BISS/BISCh.Int.ChNEKMAR NO FEAR

Photo 1 • Ch. NEKMAR NO FEAR GO FAITER - World Winner 2016, European Winner 2015

GO FAITER . This dog is probably the biggest winner of todays Akita world being a current WORLD & EUROPEAN champion especially if we mentioned he became a World Champion on WDS 2016 in Moscow that had biggest entry in breed history.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

M.N.: My most memorable win is winning Best In Show & Best In Show Junior in my home town Rijeka. We had to beat a World Champion bitch handled by a top winning handler to go through the breed. To go both junior and adult Best In Show and

OWNER/HANDLED was a great feeling.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

M.N.: Dog shows are a good thing. We must have a place to show, compare and evaluate breeding stock and dogshows should be just that, no more or less.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

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Photo 2 • Ch. NEKMAR SECOND TO NONE

a lot and that means more competition and more options which is always a good thing. Looking back to Akitas 10-15 years ago I would say that we have more quality dogs in terms of construction, dogs are more “neat” and generally more sound. I don’t believe there has been much progress in type and I believe that breed type is not always understood well today.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

M.N.: No, I don’t think show trends changed the breed as there are some smart breeders in this breed that are quite immune to fashion of a big winning dog with an even bigger winning handler with

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owner who can pay for it all. These things can be dangerous for newcomers in the breed and to less experienced judges who can be mislead by trends.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

M.N.: There are many breed specialists in Europe and abroad but unfortunately they almost never get invited to judge at allbreed shows.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

M.N.: Breed specialist judges will get in the ring and he or she will choose breeding stock regard-

“ Perfect akita temperament will be a gentle giant with no need to show or prove his strength but if challenged will act without hesitation.” less whether the dog was running three meters in front of a handler or not. That is what I like and I believe that dogs should be awarded in the ring according to their potential to contribute to the next generation.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

M.N.: Yes .I think that the Standard is good. It could have a more detailed part about general appearance but more or less its OK. BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

M.N.: All-round judges together with profesionall handlers make and change trends.That is surely todays reality on allbreed dosghows.I don’t know weather it has anything to do with understanding the standard or not. However I think this breed has some smart breeders and I am sure they will be able to preserve the breed and even win at dosghows!

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

M.N.: To improve judging organizers would first need to have a bigger budget to be able to invite more specialist judges. This could only be achieved by having a larger number of dogs entered and this will only happen if there is less shows and by concentrating on making quality events rather than series of small events.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

M.N.: To be able to consistently, generation after

generation produce quality dogs that can not only win a dogshow but can also produce quality.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

M.N.: I will never compromise on health. I believe only healthy vigorous animals should reproduce.

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognisable kennel type?

M.N.: Yes ,I believe that we have a recognizable kennel type and style of dogs.

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

M.N.: Perfect akita temperament will be a gentle giant with no need to show or prove his strength but if challenged will act without hesitation.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

M.N.: Ideally an Akita owner will be a calm person with some experience in owning a dog. While the Akita is a very gentle and silent dog it does have dominance factor towards other dogs and because of their size and strength this should be taken into consideration.

BIS: Does the breed have certain problems or any genetic diseases? Can you tell us a little bit about breed problems in your opinion?

M.N.: The Akita is a very healthy breed and doesn’t really have many breed specific disorders. However we can say that VKH(Vogt-KoyanagiH _ arady) has been identified in Akitas, there have been a few cases of entropion &ectropion and very few cases of hip dysplasia.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

M.N.: We health test all our dogs for dysplasia and we do eye checks.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular” Champion studs?

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tures that we want to improve. Nowadays with all available techniques of Artificial insemination you really have whole world to choose from if needed.

As for the importance of pedigree, it is in first place, no construction of any sort can last without quality foundations, it can look good but you will not be able to build on from it.

Photo 3 • Ch. NEKMAR BRITISH CONNECTION

“ As for the importance of pedigree, it is in first place, no construction of any sort can last without quality foundations, it can look good but you will not be able to build on from it.”

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

M.N.: Our breeding plan starts with a bitch, we will carefully study our female both in pedigree and looks and then we will choose a dog that compliments her and is hopefuly strong in producing fea166

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BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

M.N.: The most important producers from our kennel would surely be BISS/BISCH.Int.Ch NEKMAR EXPRESS YOURSELF & BISS/BIS Ch.Int.Ch NEKMAR EVITA PERON . Theese two are littermates brother and sister and they both produced World Champions. I would say that qualifies them.

The most important one, though that’s a hard one. Since we are always concentrated on the future I will say that the most important dog in our kennel now is BIS JCh.NEKMAR GAME ON. This youngster had an incredible run winning some big shows under fabulous panel of judges and he already added a Best In Show title to his name at 16 months of age. His looks and pedigree might give a lot to the breed over next couple years.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

M.N.: My advice would be to always ask questions..

Kodo • American Akitas Interview with Margaret Hippolite Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

M.H.: Kodo Kennels have been established in Akitas since 1988, our first Akita, NZ Ch Sakura No Hana “Shedo”, was the progeny of a dam imported in whelp from the UK. Shedos sire was OBJ The Real McCoy and she was a half-sister to the famous Akita: Am Ch OBJ The Widowmaker.

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita’s? How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

M.H.: My kennel name is a combination of my two foundation bitches Koko and Shedo.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

M.H.: I only have 4 at home now but several placed in co-ownership arrangements both in New Zealand and Australia.

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BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

M.H.: I am lucky to have a network of kennels in Europe, USA and Australia to work in with. No man is an island and this is also the case when breeding dogs.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

M.H.: I was fortunate to have friends and mentors in the breed from the early days. My first import Akita was from Dave and Jenny Killilea of Redwitch Akitas, who are lifelong friends and mentors. Our early correspondence was by “letter”, there was no internet in those days. I still have all the letters and hand written pedigrees. I was fortunate to import five Redwitch Akitas over the years which have been some of my most successful show dogs and breeding foundations.

Carol Laubscher –Regalia Akitas is also a wonderful mentor and friend. I have always attended the USA Nationals with her and learnt so

Photo 1 • BIS NZ Ch Regalias Final Cut (Imp USA) - Raja son

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Photo 2 • BIS NZ Ch Redwitch High Hopes (imp UK) - “Kiri”

much about bloodlines, movement and type. I often stayed with at her beautiful kennels.

I have great respect for Dr Sophia Kaluzniacki and her influence and knowledge with the establishment of the American Akita in the world.

She assisted with information and support when we worked for the breed to be split in NZ, we were one of the first countries to split the breed in 2001.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?

M.H.: I could say knowledge of breed type, dedication or persistence but really I think an eye for a dog and an instinct to “see” the potential when combining bloodlines. Be honest about health issues but don’t throw the baby out with bathwater – as we say. Breeding should always be about improving 172

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and sometimes it takes time.

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

M.H.: One to two litters per year and whilst I do plan my breeding program, you have to be prepared to be flexible as nature is never predictable.

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

M.H.: Never inbreeding, our gene pool is small enough already. Yes to linebreeding and occasionally outcrossing but never too often.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

M.H.: My first Champion was my Mc Coy daughter.Under the KODO prefix I have had over 40

Australian and New Zealand Champions, with 5 Grand Champions and Akitas I have breed or owned have won 32 Best In Show awards at Championship level.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

M.H.: My most memorable win was as a junior handler in 1994 at the NZKC National All Breeds show with a bitch called“Kiri” NZ Ch Redwitch High Hopes (Imp UK). I went in with no expectations; we had won several Puppy In Shows but nothing major.

The judge was, Mr Andrew Brace from the UK and all the top dogs were there, we won the best of breed and then to my great delight where awarded Group 1. I felt so privileged that such an esteemed judge had recognized the qualities I knew Kiri had, this is 1994 and the breed was very new here. “Kiri” went on to win 3 All Breed BIS and many more groups awards she really did have that “X” factor BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

M.H.: I have seen huge improvements over the past 30 years in the breed with type and structure.

However we are losing size and very rarely see the masculine Akita in the males from the past.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

M.H.: I think they do, just take a look at the rings now full of “flashy” Akitas. The standard says “ANY colour including white, brindle and pinto…brilliant, clear, well balance”. At some shows you would think white legs, tails and white chests are part of the standard.

BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

M.H.: Attention to detail but it can also be a negative if not balanced by looking at the whole dog.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

M.H.: Our standard may be different to FCI but it is a good standard with many measurable aspects.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don’t understand the

Photo 3 • Margaret Hippolite - Kodo Akitas with two Am Ch Regalia Darq Wolf puppies got by frozen insemination.

Standard correctly?

M.H.: Only if breeders are easily influenced which we would hope they are not.

BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

M.H.: Education and physically attending specialties and seminars not just in your own geographical area The USA specialty always has a judges education

“I have seen huge improvements over the past 30 years in the breed with type and structure. However we are losing size and very rarely see the masculine Akita in the males from the past.” seminar and selected breed mentors sit with judges during the show discussing aspects of the standard.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

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striving to produce that one “stand-out” Akita, that once in a lifetime dog that fits my perception of the breed standard. It’s an almost unreachable goal but very rewarding trying to achieve it.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

M.H.: A serious health issue.

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognizable kennel type?

M.H.: Judges have recognized Akitas from my kennel without knowing they are mine, so yes.

BIS: A huge part of Akita’s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

“Breeding is like writing a book it happens chapter by chapter, don’t expect to write an award winning novel straight off.”

M.H.: Well I don’t have to describe it in my words as the standard describes it and we should be breeding to that? The Australian standard says “Dignified, courageous, aloof tends to show dominance over other dogs, though the trait is not encouraged”.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

M.H.: Yes although I am not convinced that hip scoring is an accurate a tool as it is believed to be.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular” Champion studs?

M.H.: It depends on the “stud”, if he has a lot of good qualities that he is passing on then it would be an asset however as mentioned previously we have a very small gene pool and it is something 174

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Photo 4 • BIS Aust Ch Kodo Royal Emblem (9 months) Bred by Margaret Hippolite Owned by Malisa and Craig Moffat

that needs to be considered.

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

M.H.: Pedigree is always considered. I very rarely use a dog that is not linebred. I tend to look at what the dog has produced rather than what he looks like himself. If I see a dog I like I always look at the sire and other progeny from that sire.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

M.H.: Listen to everyone but make up your own mind.

Breeding is like writing a book…it happens chapter by chapter, don’t expect to write an award winning novel straight off. Above all love your akita!

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Sondaisa American Akitas Interview with Colleen Sulivan Rosauer Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic

BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?

C.S.R.: I originally purchased an Akita strictly as a pet in my early 20’s. Many many years ago! I saw the most magnificent dog in the back of a beautiful Mercedes Sedan, and I knew I had to have one, (The car and the dog) I really did not know a lot about the breed at the time, but I learned and fell in love!

BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita’s? How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.

C.S.R.: I decided to breed 2 years after I finished up and health tested my first show dog, approximately 1990. I became addicted to the breed and the show ring. I had a picture in my mind of the perfect Akita and I wanted to produce it. When I first began in this breed we still went to libraries and not to computers. I spent a day looking at Japa-

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nese names and came up with Sondaisa because it sounded pretty and I loved the meaning…”An Air of Importance”. My foundation bitch was Champion Skylakes Tokyo Rose. (OBJ’s Kareem of Skylake a Widow Maker son x Sorena Meisha, mostly Japanese imports) She was the most incredible Akita.

Even today she could still do a lot of winning! She had bone, substance, coat, incredible ears and beautiful movement both down and back and on the go around. My kennel would be nothing without her contribution.

BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?

C.S.R.: I always do a breeding that I am interested in keeping something from, but sometimes I am unable to so yes, I co-own everything that is not sold on a companion spay/neuter contract.

BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?

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C.S.R.: Yes, I have worked with other kennels and I am thankful for their contribution to my breeding program. Absolutely it is necessary in my opinion, that is if you want to be successful.

BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?

C.S.R.: I had several mentors and continue to have several, whether they know it or not. I watch, I listen, and I keep an open mind. I am not certain I have a specific role model. There are many Breeders I admire and respect.

BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby� breeder?

C.S.R.: A Breeder should NEVER EVER forget breed type! I cannot emphasize that enough. It is what sets an Akita apart from a German Shepherd or 178

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Malamute or St. Bernard. Breeders should never sacrifice breed type for a clean down and back or anything else. I believe a great Breeder studies pedigrees, studies type, studies structure and movement, pays close attention to the temperament of the dogs they breed, health tests their dogs, screens potential puppy buyers, has a strict contract requiring obedience, socialization and behavioral training, and always puts their dogs wellbeing first!

BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?

C.S.R.: I typically have 2 litters per year but sometimes have had none and sometimes 3. I plan breedings usually before I do the breeding of the breeding I planned. In other words, I always have a plan in mind for future breedings. It does not mean my plans come to fruition, but there is always a future plan in place before any breeding is completed.

BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?

C.S.R.: I prefer linebreeding, however, I have done inbreeding (yes, on purpose), and have felt the need to outcross. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. That is why I prefer linebreeding. I usually have a very good idea of what I will get.

BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far?

Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?

C.S.R.: Yes, of course I remember my first champion.

Ch. Sondaisa Four Wheelin Dream “Trucker”. As of today I have bred 99 AKC champions and many others in different countries. I am looking forward to that #100! It is just around the corner.

BIS: What is your most memorable win?

C.S.R.: Probably wining Best of Breed with Holster, BIS BISS GCH Sondaisa Fyre When Ready CD RN CGC and Therapy Dog, at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. He was handled by me and it was so exciting! He is only the

“I feel Akitas have come a long way in the last 25 years. Temperaments are so much better and when a good Akita enters the group ring they almost always get a good look and a lot of times a placement. ” 2nd Akita in the history of the breed to win Owner Breeder handled. Beverly Vics dog, Atom, I believe was the first.

BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?

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other exhibitors. I think it would help people from turning away from Reputable professional breeders and going to back yard breeders or worse because people at the show were so uppity.

BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?

C.S.R.: I feel Akitas have come a long way in the last 25 years. Temperaments are so much better and when a good Akita enters the group ring they almost always get a good look and a lot of times a placement. They are a tough breed to beat in the big rings.

BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?

C.S.R.: Yes, they can. Too much angulation, too long in back, incorrect ears, straight fronts! My answer to

“Watch and Listen to those who have been successful. Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Keep an open mind and an open eye. ” that is just keep showing a correct Akita and kindly educate as much as possible.

BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?

C.S.R.: Probably NOT! BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?

C.S.R.: They pick breed type first and then see if the structure and movement is correct.

BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?

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C.S.R.: I think there are some definite changes that should be made. It is so vague in many areas.

BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?

C.S.R.: Possibly if they have a lot of clout with other judges BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?

C.S.R.: Better understanding of the standard by visiting with successful breeders and Judges education in their areas.

BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?

C.S.R.: Well, to produce 100 champions. Win at Westminster handling my own dog, (that’s complet-

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think mainly being known for producing great Akitas that make even better companions.

BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?

C.S.R.: Breed Type!

BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognizable kennel type?

C.S.R.: Yes, I love it when people say, “looks like a Sondaisa dog to me”.

BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?

C.S.R.: My perfect Akita temperament is Holster.

He is all Akita, but confident enough he can ignore other dogs, stable enough we can bring him any192

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where and in any situation, friendly with all invited strangers, dignified, and courageous. Not afraid to show his silly side with family. Respectful of his family and friends in his attitude. Intelligent and willing to learn new things. Yes, they are our show dogs and produce our future, but in the end we have to live with them. They must be great companions. I do not want to feel that I need to lock my dog up when guests arrive.

BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?

C.S.R.: I don’t know that there is a perfect owner just as there is not a perfect Akita, but I would say a calm assertive person who expects the best but prepares for the worst.

BIS: Do you health test your dogs?

C.S.R.: Yes, hips, and eyes always. Sometimes thyroid, elbows, and patella.

BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular� Champion studs?

C.S.R.: If the dog is of quality, the temperament is good, the health testing is there and the pedigree and physical qualities of the dog should work well with your bitch then I think it is fine.

BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?

C.S.R.: I try to breed to my own studs. After all, that is why I kept them and produced them so that I could use them in my breeding program. However, I will use outside dogs if I feel they would complement my bitch and my breeding program.

He has produced incredibly and has not been used very much at all at stud. He has already produced 24 champions.

BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?

C.S.R.: Watch and Listen to those who have been successful. Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Keep an open mind and an open eye. Most importantly always do right by your dogs and the Akita breed!

BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?

C.S.R.: Holster is #1 in my book for so many reasons.

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