Best in Show Magazine Summer 2015

Juha Kares Blog

Best in Show Magazine

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 Richard Hellman, Juha Kares, Paul Stanton, Karl Donvil, Ruth Rauherz, Jovana Danilovic, Bo Bengtson, Ante Lucin, S. Edgar Andersen Stanton , Micol Semiglia, Viltė Šokaitytė Contributing Photographers Karl Donvil, Lisa Croft-Elliott, Gabor Szalánczi, Jovana Danilovic, Evelina Danilovic, Cristina Sabau, Mak Dodan, Jeffrey Hanlin Web Designers Jovana Danilovic Sanja Jukic Printed by GrafoMark d.o.o

intro Dear Best in Show readers and followers, summer is almost over and after weeks that I spent at seaside, I can finally say I miss autumn and autumn shows when temperature are a bit lower and dogs can enjoy spending more time out.

During this summer we had several great shows such as World Dog Show in Milan (Italy) that many of us mention as the best World Dog Show held till today, 4 Summer Night Shows in Split that became brand and one of the best organized shows in Europe with “that little extra”, and great indoor shows in Torino .

Besides shows report, in this edition you will be able to read interview with Olga Klimova, owner and handler of Best in Show winner at World Dog Show ‘15, interview with Italian Junior Handler - Giulia Nolli, interview with Pekka Hannula - author of many famous books, interviews with top breeders of Bernese Mountain Dog, and wonderful interview with Mr Dondina done

by Bo Bengtson.

Now is time to get ready for our biggest edition of the year - Annual 2016.

Looking forward meeting you all in Oslo.

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E-mail: ads@bestinshowmagazine.com Web: www.bestinshowmagazine.com While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publisher Conaros Sportmanagement AG can not accept liability for any statement or error contained herein.

Best In Show Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers.

No part of this magazine, inckluding texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any other way without the prior written consent of Conaros Sportmanagement AG.

Best in Show Magazine

Jovana Danilovic publisher & art director

Content 22

World Dog Show 2015

56

Olga Klimova

68

China 2019

80

Giulia Nolli

90

Partnership in breeding

96

INTERRA

106

4 Summer shows in Split

132

Paolo Dondina

150

Meet the breed: Bernese Mountain Dog

182

Literary Dog: Pekka Hannula

188

IDS Alba & Torino

192

A bit of the past and a bit for the future

196

Autobiography 1

22

Milan, Italy

Inteview with Handler

by Paul Stanton

Intervie with Junior Handler

by Juha Kares

96

by Boris Glukharev

by Boris Glukharev

by Bo Bengston

Starry Town, Kronblommas, Nellsbern, Stokerybos, Marais Champagne

132

by Anne Tureen

by Selene Feretto

by Ante Lucin

by Richard Hellman

WDS ‘15

by Paul Stanton 204 About

150

2 015

WORLD DOG SHOW MILAN, ITALY Exclusively by Karl

I get used to it that there are always so many rumors before a big show like a World or European Dog Show. Here it was no different. People were worried by the lack of information and answers to the many questions, to the many mails that were not replied. But in the background the people of ENCI worked hard to make their show come to a huge success.

This is the 3rd World Dog Show that the ENCI (Italian Kennel Club) was granted to organize.

The first time was in 1980 in Verona. 18 Years later the ENCI organized the European Dog Show in Genoa and in 2000 the 2nd World Dog Show. It took another 15 years before this 3rd edition took place, which was held in combination with the World Exposition that took place in the new Milano Expo area.

The ENCI, founded in 1882 is one of the oldest and largest Kennel Clubs in Europe and has its seat in Milano itself since 1939L Last year nearly 150,000 pure bred puppies were registered. They were well aware that this show would be a huge one and the success was close to expectations and even beyond, as if you take the 9516 entries for the Club Shows into account, which were scheduled on Wednesday, you end up by one of the biggest FCI World Shows ever, scoring 29443 entries in total ( show itself 19927). 184 Judges were scheduled, 392 different breeds to see and 68 nationalities present. For the WDS 8143 Italian dogs were entered. France entered 1647 dogs, Russia 1455, Germany 915, Spain 879 and Poland 659. The UK had 299 dogs in competition, Ireland 52 and 11

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Donvil

from Australia. Unfortunately 6 Russian handlers died in a big car crash on their way to the show. Their 16 dogs didn’t make it either. This tragedy casted a shadow over the show, keeping in mind that Russia will host the World Dog Show next year.

The venue was huge and spacious, the recent halls comfortably air conditioned. Getting there was complicated even with an updated GPS as the roads are very complex and with disorienting roundabouts all around. In the halls it was easy walking and one had not the impression that the first two days, which are supposed to be the quietest ones, about 10,000 paying visitors were registered. The halls were really enormous and the exhibitors were spoiled with large rings. Only 3 Halls were rented for the show, giving an indication of the size of the halls. Unfortunately some people were complaining that there were no seats around the rings and those who didn’t bring one from home were forced to stand all the time. Everything was clean in and around the halls. There was sufficient parking space available but very expensive, 14,5 EURO/day! On the other hand I heard nothing but positive critiques about the friendly way the staff helped people around and many tried hard to speak English. The trade stand holders in general were also happy. They were divided over the several halls in more or less strategic positions, not grouped somewhere in a remote hall. The hall with the main ring was also the hall with the Kennel Club stands and held the ENCI temporary museum. This museum was interesting but had not so much on display as the Museum of the

Photo 1 • The ring of Honor at World Dog Show in Milano, Italy 2015 Photo 2 • (left) President of ENCI (Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana) Mr. Dino Muto and Best in Show judge Mr. Francesco Balducci Photo 3 • President of Russian kennel Club Inshakov Aleksandr with FCI flag Photo 4 • Beautiful artistic performance just before Best in Show

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Finnish Kennel Club last year. But anyway, its informative, certainly for the visitors. In front of the Museum the supreme prize for the Best In Show was exposed, a Fiat Cinquecento. It’s a long time since such a big prize was to be won. Main sponsor was Royal Canin. They had a huge stand bordering one side of the main ring and meant for the VIP’s. This main ring was huge, measuring 30 to 40 meters .That proved a little oversized as spotting a Chihuahua on the other end was hardly possible. On the other hand it was not a problem to place the many magnificent groups without the need to double-line them up. Opposite the main stairs was the long podium, simple but efficient, with on top of it an enormous led screen. The carpet was bright gray and evenly lit, giving an overall fresh and clean impression. The ring itself was bordered on 3 sides with a wooden low solid wall. The entrance to the main ring was opposite the VIP’s, via a draped corridor.

Every day the finals started pretty early as the program was well loaded. After the Junior Handling Pre-selections, followed the FCI traditional scheme starting with the minor puppies, puppies and veterans, couples, breeder groups and Junior class and Group finals. Every day the show ended at a very reasonable time thanks to a strictly followed time schedule, a real achievement! All breeds were introduced and lined up in the main ring after which the judged made a pre-selection of 10 dogs that were lined up on 10 spots on the carpet in front of the VIP area. Each of the 10 dogs were brought forward for examination and all handlers were asked to run in the very same way. Because no exceptions were allowed there were no surprises and each judge followed these guidelines very strictly. One minor disadvantage was that the judge was facing the public with his back towards the podium and of course every good handler had his dog on the judges side, which means the wrong side from the spectators point of view. In the meantime some very pleasant music was playing in the background. Unfortunately they made a playlist that was too short so that the songs were repeated numerous times again and again. Within seconds after the judge made his choice for the podium the name of each of the four dogs appeared on the large screen along with the name of the owner, country and judge.

In one word fantastic. In fact I was very impressed by the information and programming in general. The ENCI was and will be supported in the future by the Finish Kennel Club who probably has the best, most versa-

tile and progressive Kennel Club programming in the world. The website that was build for this World Dog Show too is one of the best and informative ever.

Tuesday, the first day of the show, was reserved for the 3 groups of hunting dogs, the Scentdogs or group 6, the Pointers or group 7 and the Retrievers and Waterdogs or group 8. 3792 dogs were on term, 954, 1054 and 1784 entries respectively for each group. The most interesting group is group 6 as this group holds many rare and ancient breeds. It’s one of the largest groups but in many shows you only see the most popular ones. But here it was exceptional to see 50 breeds. The best represented breeds were the 128 Basset Hounds, the 157 Beagles, the 98 Dalmatians and the 179 Rhodesians. For the rare breeds I refer to the website www.wds2015.com as it would take me too far to name them all. Winner of group 6 was the Dalmatian “Dalmino Voodoo Vision”, onwed

by Halper Drazic Zelka & Drazic Mihael from Croatia.

Judge was Miss Carla Molinari from Portugal.

Group 7 has also a few rare breeds like the Braque Ariégois, but nothing compared to the former group. The Hungarian Viszlas, English Setters, Irish Red Setters and German Pointers were well represented but that was nothing compared to the 197 Weimaraners which is without question the most popular breed of this group. Winner was the Gordon Setter “Ludstar Frederick Frankenstein” from Ivaldi Michele from Italy.

Miss. Barbara Müller from Switzerland was the judge.

Group 8 has not that many different breeds, but probably the two most well known and popular breeds in the world, the Golden Retrievers with 389 specimen and the Labrador Retrievers with 388 entries. Besides that there were also 243 Cocker Spaniels, 143 Lagotto Romagnolos, 175 Flat Coated Retrievers and 80 American Cockers. Judge Mr.Paolo Dondina from Italy chose the American Cocker “ Afterglow Dragon Quest” to represent this group in the finals. This American dog is owned by Csaba Attila.

Friday had the largest group, Group 2, the Guarding and Defending dogs, with a total of 4627 entries. This group was combined with the smallest FCI group, the Dachshunds with 728 entries. Again we had some impressive numbers in several of its popular breeds like the 227 Bernese Mountain dogs, the 265 Bulldogs, 195 Bullmastiffs, 241 Dogo Argentinos, 117 mIniature Pinshers, 179 Newfoundlanders, 171 Rottweilers, 125 Shar Pei. The total number of the Great Dane and Dobermann entreis were missing on the website

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Photo 5 • Mr Paul Stanton and Jovana Danilovic just after Best in Show Photo 6 • Amazing performance of “Con te Partiro” (from Andrea Bocelli)

but together they must must be around 600. The Best of this group comes out one of the most popular and best represented breeds, the Cane Corso, represented by 363 specimen. Judge was Mr.Ole Staunskjaer from Denmark.

The Dachshunds were judged by Mr. Perttu Stahlberg from Finland. If we see them all as one breed than this one is the largest breed with 728 specimen.

Winner of this group was the Standard Wire Haired “Piumetta Del Mio Cappello”, owned bu Saletti Annaluce from Italy.

Saturday was reserved for the Terrier group or Group 3 with 2594 entries, for Group 5, Spitz and Primitive breeds with 2147 dogs entered and the Sighthound Group or 10th Group with 951 entries. Unfortunately this day was the scene of a serious fight amongst a few American Staffordshire owners, that ended only after intervention of the Police and. The American Staffordshires had no less than 440 entries!

Second in numbers was the Jack Russell Terrier with 291 entries followed by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with 223 entries. The West Highland and the Yorkshire Terrier had both 130 dogs in competition, the Scottish 118 and the Miniature Bull Terrier 117. Winner in this group was the famous multi winning Fox Terrier Wire, “Kingarthur Van Foliny Home” owned by Malzoni-De Munter-Uytterwijk from Belgium. Judge was Mr.Dan Ericsson from Sweden.

Group 5 for Spitz and Primitive breeds is

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another interesting group and had 2147 entries. Here we find many ancient and rare breeds like the Kai and Kishu from Japan and the Thai Bankaew Dog. But there are also find a few very popular breeds in this group. The best known and most popular is the Siberian Husky with 276 entries and the Japanese Akita with 247 dogs. The Alaskan Malamute and American Akita had 130 and 134 entries respectively, the Samoyed 140 and the Shiba 155. One of the smallest breeds, the Zwergspitz (Pomeranian) belongs also to this group and was well represented with 218 dogs in competition. Miss Liudmilla Nikitina from Russia chose the Mexican Hairless Dog Standard as delegate for the finals. “Zoe” as he is simply named is owned by Mendez Galvan Graciela from Mexico.

The Sighthound group or group 10 has only 13 breeds. The total entry number for this group was 951. 5 Breeds had over 100 entries; the Afgan Hound with 161, the Borzoi with 106, the Saluki with 105, the Italian Greyhound 143 and the Whippet with 170. 143 Entries for the Italian Greyhound can only be possible in Italy itself and under big applause from the public, Italian judge Mr.Murante Gioacchino pointed to one of them, “Lady Godiva Dei Raggi Di Luna” from Caldarone Gaetano from Italy, as his Groupwinner. I was surprized to see no Deerhounds in the main ring at all.

That left only two groups to be judged on Sunday, Group 1 and 9, the Shepherd group and the

Companion Dogs. For the first one 2079 dogs were entered. One of the most popular breeds in this group was the Ceskoslovenky Vlcak with 226 entries, a number that surprises me, certainly compared to the 202 Australian Shepherds, the Border Collie with “only” 147 entries, the Swiss White Shepherd with 143 entries, the Rough Collie with 114 and the 115 German Shepherds. Mr.Hjorth Leif Ragnar from Norway chose the Russian owned Bearded Collie “Ops I Did It Again Del Cuore Impavido” as his Best of Group. The dog belongs to Olga Klimova from Russia.

Mr.Roberto Schill from Romania was asked to judge the Companion Group, the ninth group. There were 3054 dogs entered in this group. Here again I am missing numbers on the website behind the Briards, Chinese Cresteds, French Bulldogs, the Pugs and all varieties of Poodles. Funny! All together they are good for about 1200 entries! What we can find are the numbers of Bichon Frisés, 105, Boston Terriers, 100, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 145, Chihuahuas, 353, Papillons, 102, Shi Tzus, 101, and many others that came close. “Kudos Firework” , a Black Miniature Poodle, came from Sweden along with his master Mikael Nilsson to take the Group Trophy back home.

Before the start of the big finals the ENCI presented its 13 national FCI recognized breeds and one new breed in observation. The Bergamasco and Maremmano belong to Group 1, The Mastino Napoletano and the Cane Corso to Group 2, the Cirneco dell’Etna and Volpino Italiano to Group 5. Famous are the Bracco Italiano and the Spinone, both belonging to group 7 as well as the Lagotto Romagnolo from Group 8. The Bolognese and Maltese are classified in group 9 and the Italian Greyhound in Group 10. Apart from that and less known are the 4 Segugio breeds; the Pelo Raso, the Pelo Forto, the Dell Appennino and the Maremmano variety. They belong to Group 6.

And now, by this occasion, a new breed with origins in Sardinia, was presented, the Cane Fonnese. This breed looks like a Bouvier but with a longer coat that tends to form dreadlocks. It’s an ancient breeds that is used to herd and protect the sheep. The breed that came close to extinction but is stabilized again. It will probably not become a popular breed as it has a very strong character, but it will certainly finds its fans.

After an entertaining acrobatic performance by the athletic dance theatre “KATACKLO”, the transfer of the FCI flag was graced with a breathtaking performance of “Con te Partiro” (from Andrea Bocel-

Photo 7 • Zuzanka Vesela and beautiful Dafne (Dazhou Santa la Vida) with Jovana Danilovic at World Dog Show in Milan

li) by a duo of very talented singers. It was a public secret that there were serious tensions in the Italian Kennel Club prior to the show and it showed off in the main ring when ENCI president Dino Muto and the BIS judge Mr.Francesco Balducci didn’t seem to exchange warm feelings. But this detail did not affect the show. Mr.Balducci took his time to examine each group winner. It was a big responsability as besides the big honor and the trophy, there was also a FIAT Cinquecento to give away. His first choice was the Gordon Setter who was send to the 4th place. 4th of almost 20,000 dogs!. A big chauvinistic applause was give when the name of the Italian Greyhound was announced as the winner of the 3rd place. The tension grew again when Mikael Nilsson was called to take the 2nd place with his Black Miniature Poodle. But still there were 7 possible BIS winners behind the curtain.

Who would come out?...It was...the Bearded Collie from Russia. The dog stormed excited into the ring, followed by his handler who was wiping tears of joy from her face. What a final and what a show! ENCI....whow!

Congratulations! Congratulations Mr. Muto, congratulations WDS team!

The Trophy and car are taken away to Russia along with the FCI flag. We recently had several great shows putting a high standards for upcoming shows. Let us hope that the Russian Federation will do as well or even better. In a few weeks we hope to have another fantastic show in Oslo, Norway. We’ll keep you informed.

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ONE 1 GROUP

SHEEPDOGS AND CATTLEDOGS Judged by Mr. Hjorth Leif Ragnar (Norway)

1st place Ops I Did It Again Del Cuore Impavido Breed: Bearded Collie Owner: Klimova Olga

2nd place Noz Ii Do Casal Da Vinha Breed: Cão da Serra de Aires Owner: Rodrigues Perpetua Jose Emanuel

3rd place Black’n Blue’s Light My Fire Breed: Puli Owner: Rusz Bodil

4th place Raffaello Della Perla Maremmana Breed: Maremma Dog Owner: Donadoni Manuel

TWO 2 GROUP

PINSCHER AND SCHNAUZER - MOLOSSOID AND SWISS MOUNTAIN AND CATTLEDOGS

Judged by Mr. Staunskjaer Ole (Denmark)

1st place Brutus Breed: Cane Corso Owner: Garcia Pagan M.

2nd place Dreamkiss Kickback Breed: Miniature Schnauzer Owner: Kaptsova Tatiana

3rd place My Leogrif Barthes Breed: Leonberger Owner: Tsybulnikova Yu.A.

4th place Zip-A-Didoda V. Tani Kazari Breed: Affenpinscher Owner: Budiman Jongkie

3

GROUP

THREE

TERRIERS Judged by Mr Ericsson Dan (Sweden)

1st place Kingarthur Van Foliny Home Breed: Wire Fox Terrier Owner: Malzoni Jr Victor

2nd place Rus Terrier Cardenal Linda La Reina

Breed: Lakeland Terrier Owner: Aleksashina Olga

3rd place Cameron Rockferry Breed: Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Owner: Hulthen Helene

4th place Smackjack Dangerzone Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Owner: Trudvang (Knøtteliten) Ida

4

GROUP

FOUR

DACHSHUNDS Judged by Mr St책hlberg Perttu (Finland)

1st place Piumetta Del Mio Cappello Breed: Standard Dachshund Wire Owner: Saletti Annaluce

2nd place Baltiyskiy Talisman Istoriya Lubvi Breed: Rabbit size Dachshund Wire Owner: Kuropatkina Yulia

3rd place Zoldachs Filosofic Breed: Standard Dachshund Smooth Owner: Eva Majoros

4th place Caro Marzio Del Wanhelsing Breed: Miniature Dachshund Wire Owner: Pascarella Gabriel

FIVE 5 GROUP

SPITZ AND PRIMITIVE TYPES Judged by Mrs Nikitina Liudmila (Russian Federation)

1st place Zoe (Mendez) Breed: Xoloitzcuintle, standard Owner: Mendez Galvan G.

2nd place Smiling Snowball Moon Sonnet Breed: Samoyed Owner: Uspenski Kristiine

3rd place Dan-Star-Kom Sweet Soul Kiss Breed: Pomeranian Owner: Komiakova Liudmila

4th place Hadranensis Uliva Breed: Cirneco dell’Etna Owner: Moore Jane

SIX 6 GROUP

SCENT HOUNDS AND RELATED BREEDS Judged by Mrs Molinari Carla (Portugal)

1st place Dalmino Voodoo Vision Breed: Dalmatian Owner: Halper Drazic Zeljka & Drazic Mihael

2nd place Loamy’S Lane’S Lewis Breed: Saint Hubert Owner: Ilarionova Yu

3rd place Black Majesty’s Rollercoaster Del Lago Degli Orsi Breed: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Owner: Raic Iva

4th place Fricassee De Lapin Da Terra Quente Breed: Basset Artésien Normand Owner: Cafe Pedro

7

GROUP

SEVEN

POINTING DOGS Judged by Mrs M端ller Barbara (Switzerland)

1st place Ludstar Frederick Frankenstein Breed: Gordon Setter Owner: Ivaldi Michele

2nd place Botero Breed: Bracco Italiano Owner: Salvi Marcello

3rd place Driftwood’s Quik Draw Breed: Weimaraner Owner: Sales Josee

4th place Lex Vom Gheller Breed: German Pointing Dog Owner: Fantuz Cristina

8

GROUP

EIGHT

RETRIEVERS - FLUSHING DOGS - WATER DOGS Judged by Mr Dondina Paolo (Italy)

1st place Afterglow Dragon Quest Breed: American Cocker Spaniel Owner: Csaba Attila

2nd place Starworkers Legend Continues Breed: Flat Coated Retriever Owner: Nielsen Helle

3rd place Loch Mor Romeo Breed: Labrador Retriever Owner: Barberi Franco

4th place Dewmist Silk Screen Breed: Golden Retriever Owner: Kozรกk Sรกndor

NINE 9 GROUP

COMPANION AND TOY DOGS Judged by Mr Schill Roberto (Romania)

1st place Kudos Firework Breed: Miniature Poodle Black Owner: Nilsson Mikael

2nd place Toro Loco-Pl Di Rio Galeria Breed: Chihuahua Long-haired Owner: Stampigi Simonetta

3rd place Missis White Ettore Bassi Breed: Maltese Owner: Vezzani Barbara

4th place Livanda Faberge Breed: Pekingese Owner: Ngamsiriwong Suwan

TEN 10 GROUP

SIGHTHOUNDS Judged by Mr Murante Gioacchino (Italy)

1st place Lady Godiva Dei Raggi Di Luna Breed: Italian Greyhound Owner: Caldarone Gaetano

2nd place Agha Djari’s Blue Steel Breed: Afghan Hound Owner: Hessling Karin

3rd place Azamour Nur Breed: Azawakh Owner: Lindholm Jussi

4th place Mahalia Schuru-Esch-Schams Breed: Sloughi Owner: Kosmas Kristina

BIS

BEST IN SHOW WINNERS Judged by Mr Balducci Francesco (Italy)

1st place Ops I Did It Again Del Cuore Impavido Breed: Bearded Collie Owner: Klimova Olga

2nd place Kudos Firework Breed: Miniature Poodle Black Owner: Nilsson Mikael

3rd place Lady Godiva Dei Raggi Di Luna Breed: Italian Greyhound Owner: Caldarone Gaetano

4th place Ludstar Frederick Frankenstein Breed: Gordon Setter Owner: Ivaldi Michele

Olga Klimova Interview with handler Interviewed by Sigurður Edgar Andersen Stanton

This time I got the chance to interview a young professional woman from Moscow, Russia. Who with dedication and love for dogs has become one of Europe’s top professional handlers! I’m of course talking about Olga Klimova, who like we all know, won Best In Show at the World Dog Show in Milan with her Bearded Collie “ Rony”. Olga grew up in a non “doggy” family but her wish about having a dog came true at age ten, it was a puppy from a local shelter that sadly passed away two years later. When Olga was 14 years old her parents bought her a purebred Labrador puppy who later on took her to her first dog show. Today Olga lives in Moscow but has her second home in Italy as her boyfriend Stefano Serafini is Italian. Stefano breeds the Jack Russell Terrier under the prefix “ Jackandfish” and from what Olga says he does a fantastic job grooming the terriers.

BIS: Who supported you the most in dogs while growing up ?

O.K.: My mother ,when we got our first Labrador we knew nothing about dog shows but my mother

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found an academy for junior handlers, that was located in Moscow and when my mother asked me about if she should enter me I immediately said yes. My father drove my each week to the junior handling classes for a year which was my stepping stone into the dog show handling scene. Today my parents drive me occasionally to dog shows in Moscow and they love to come to the largest shows in Russia to show their support!

BIS: When did you go to your first dog show?

O.K.: I was 14 years old when we took our Labrador to it’s first show, it was a club show and the judge was a breed specialist. Our Labrador got excellent, but despite that, It was a very stressful experience for me which made me take a break from shows for few months.

BIS: Please tell me about your experience in junior handling?

O.K.: I started very late in this sport and after my few months break I decided to give dog shows another try, by then I had already finished the junior

handling academy. At first it did not go very well for me but I’m a very stubborn person and during my last year I won multiple junior handling competitions.

BIS: Who have been your biggest mentors over the years?

O.K.: I have learned from many people and I bet most of those people don’t even know about it.

I’ve always liked to sit by the ringside and watch how the other handlers and breeders handle and groom their dogs, then I analyze what I like and try it myself. I’ve also been very lucky to meet many successful breeders who have shared their knowledge with me. I have showed breeds from all the FCI groups. Before I take in a new breed I always learn how to groom it first. I’ve taken couple of cynological courses as well, I am basically always looking for something new to learn when it comes to dogs.

BIS: How come did you decide to become a professional handler?

O.K.: When I was 18 years old I had a normal office job at a big company. But I simply reached the moment where I needed to choose if I wanted to work at the office or show dogs. I was 19 years old and I already had many clients, so that made my decision even easier as I love working with dogs and I could not imagine a better job than I am doing, I love it.

BIS: What does it include to be a professional handler in Europe?

O.K.: The FCI does not have any special requirements; today everybody can call themselves a professional handler. Just look at the junior handlers most of them call themselves professional handlers. I guess it depends on your handling ability, confidence and or arrogance? Personally I think that when you have learned and understand the responsibility you are taking you are pretty close to being a prof.

BIS: Which are the most common mistakes that handlers can commit while showing or training dogs?

O.K.: I believe in fun, with that I mean that you should enjoy training your dog with a positive attitude. I don’t like it when handlers refer to dogs like robots. You should want to embrace your dog but not push it down. Also you will find handlers that 58

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Photo 1 • Olga with Rony at 4 Summer night shows in Split ‘15 Photo 2 • Miliy Zver Robberess “Robin” winning Junior Best of Group at European Dog Show in Slovenia 2010 under Mr Espen Engh Photo 3 • Gloris Gold Dancer “Danila” winning Best in Show at International show in Czech Republic 2011

are constantly rearranging their dogs legs creating the impression of some type of a fuss, which is not something you want. I also think that some handlers are more worried about showing themselves rather than the dogs they are showing. Last than not least I think it’s worst when the handlers have not read the breed standard of the breed they are supposed to show.

BIS: What do you like about our sport and what do you dislike about it?

O.K.: My greatest pleasure is to feel how happy the dogs are with me in the ring and to see their owners smiles, that gives me the greatest satisfaction.

I also love all the travelling and because of that I

O.K.: You must have a clear image in your head of what you want, personally I don’t like extreme. If you are not sure “not enough” is better rather than “too much”. Good grooming should emphasize the dignity of the dog and hide the faults as much as possible, but the dog must always look natural.

BIS: What dog was your first big winner?

O.K.: My first big winner was our second Labrador “Arwen La Magnifique De L’Etang Balancet”, she’s an Int.Ch. and a champion of 13 countries, multi group winner and been placed in BIS several times.

This year she turned 10 years old.

BIS: Could you please tell me about your first BIS win?

O.K.: I won my first all-breed BIS 7 years ago, it was at a national show in Moscow, since then I’ve won 40 all-breed BIS ( I don’t count puppy, junior etc.) in Photo 4 • Olga with “Rocky” Moonlight Show Magic Moment.

Rocky won two times in row Best of Breed at Crufts ‘11 & ‘12, Multi Breed, Group and Bests in Show wins

have many great friends around the world, basically because of the dogs. I met my boyfriend Stefano through dogs who I am going to marry! What I dislike about our sport is the fact that how much of it is controlled by money and “connections” and dogs are sometimes secondary which in our sport should always be FIRST, but this is something that most of us know.

BIS: What makes a great show dog?

O.K.: A great show dog is combined by a breeder - groomer - handler. It’s not enough to breed just a beautiful puppy, if it’s not presented to its best potential it will never become a great winner!

BIS: What makes a great handler?

O.K.: Someone who is very responsible in every way, knows what to do in the ring and why to do it.

Knows how to communicate with dogs and people as well and is VERY ambitious!

BIS: What is a good grooming in your opinion?

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Photo 5 • Ho In Mente Del Cuore Impavido “Leo” Multi Breed, Group and Bests in Show winner

Best in Show Magazine

12 different countries. It always brings me a lot of joy, if it wouldn’t I would stop showing dogs.

BIS: As most of us know you and “ Rony” won BIS at the WDS in Milan, could you please tell me about that experience and how come did “Rony” end up with you ?

O.K.: I am forever thankful to “Rony’s” breeder Filippo Ripoli ( Del Cuore Impavido Kennel) as “Rony” was a Christmas gift from his breeder to me. Two years ago I successfully handled “Rony’s” father Leo ( Ho In Mente Te Del Cuore Impavido) I said to Filippo that I truly enjoyed Bearded Collies because of their temperament, coat and more, next thing I knew, I got “Rony” as a Christmas gift when he was a puppy. I never planned to enter “Rony” in the WDS in Milan and I didn’t, it was his breeder who entered him at the last minute. So when people ask me if I expected to win BIS I’m like “NO”. I will never forget this day, I can’t express in words the emotions that I felt when it was announced that “Rony” had won BIS and it took a while for me to understand it until I saw Stefano and Filippo jumping and shouting towards me like crazy telling me to run into the ring!

BIS: Other than BIS at the WDS in Milan what are your most memorable achievements?

O.K.: I’ve won many World and European titles but what I remember the most is related to Crufts.

4 years ago I brought my own American Cocker “Ricky” ( Multi BIS Multi Ch. Int. Ch. Moonlight Show Magic Moment) and he won BOB which really surprised me as I had heard that Crufts was a very political show. Few months after Crufts “Ricky” did not feel well and paralysed so badly that he could not walk. After a long treatment and recovery “ Ricky” was feeling good again, so I took him again to Crufts and guess what he won BOB again, two years in a row! Now Ricky is 8 years old and I’m thinking about on entering him to Crufts 2016 in veteran class!

BIS: Could you please tell me about your prefix “Ariko Koya”?

O.K.: We have had a couple of Labrador litters and champions, but we have decided to divide our dogs and now the Labradors live with my parents.

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The American Cocker “Ricky” and the Bearded Collie “Rony” live with me. I’ll always love Labradors but now my heart belongs to another breed the Bearded Collie and soon we will get a Bearded Collie female, so the future is very exciting! I truly hope that one day we will get one “Rony junior” under the “ Ariko Koya” prefix.

BIS: When you look back on where you started and see where you are now what do you think is the key to your great success ?

O.K.: Without the great support from my family and close friends I would not be where I am today, I am so lucky and thankful for them! I also believe it’s important to be honest with yourself and never stop learning. For me, a dog show is a place where you go to spend a pleasant time and share your passion for dogs.

BIS: What do you like to do in your free time ?

O.K.: Honestly I don’t have lots of free time but when I do, I love to travel because I love to see new places, different architecture and cultures. I also really enjoy cycling, swimming, ice skating ( during the winter) but last than not least to spend time with my family.

BIS: What’s your motto in life?

O.K.: Everything that life throws at you leads you to towards better things in life.

I hope you enjoyed your reading and if you are attending to the European dog show in Oslo I wish you good luck! My best Edgar

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IN THE HEAD OF PAUL STANTON

“China 2019”

by Paul Stanton

I was flooded with comments or questions on Facebook, our telephone kept ringing and many emails came in but I needed time before I wrote anything I might regret later (not unusual) and it was only when a very well respected judge in Sweden rang me and said “Paul the world is waiting to hear from you” that I decided that I must share my thoughts but for me it was three different subjects although all related to China.

I first commented on WDS 2019 & Yulin dog meat festival but I am still wondering why people and KC.s got so enraged. From what I understand the voting for 2019 was between Croatia, Germany, Spain and China which China won in the first round to have the WDS in Shanghai 2019 and I say congratulations as I know how hard the CKU (China Kennel Union) work and have high ambitions to promote pedigree dogs which is not easy in such a huge country that covers most of Europe (only Russia in Western Europe) and with a population of 1.3 billion people against Sweden’s 9 million or Iceland’s 330.000 I find it nearly unfathomable to think of such a huge population! The CKU uses a lot of FCI European judges and try to use us to teach their upcoming dog judges and NO they have no All Breed Judges and hardly any judges as they answered me “Paul, how can we have judges as we are a new KC” and I thought what a refreshing answer as so many “new” clubs make so many judges so fast and also All Breed Judges in no time at all! It 68

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is so strange that there were NO complaints about the CKU or China being awarded the WDS at the General Assembly and it was only a little later that ”ALL HELL WAS LET LOOSE”! Norwegian KC was the first to go out publicly and criticize the result of the voting and said they would return the Gold VIP card that was given to countries delegates for 3 nights at a top hotel in Shanghai so they could attend the next General Assembly and everywhere it was being written that this was a BRIBE? It is “funny” that no criticism was heard when ENCI handed out Ipads/tablets to delegates when they won the vote for 2015? Many countries were quoted as voting against China but NO country voted against China they just voted for other countries and with three European countries vying for the European votes, well it does not take much brains to work out who would win with all the Asian countries voting for China and I know some European countries that did as well!

In their video presentation the CKU took up the subject of their culture and that minorities eat dog meat so nothing was being hidden and in fact anyone who is a real activist knows this goes on and about the Yulin Dog Meat Festival which by the way something I find quite disgusting and inhumane not because they eat dog meat but because the way the dogs are tortured to death so their meat will be tender this is just too cruel for me to take in!

Muslims and Jews do not eat pork but the rest of

Photo 1 • Five i chose to be typical. The golden on the left is a young puppy and the others are from Juniors to young adults.

us do and Hindus do not eat cows (beef) as they deem them holy! Different cultures have different habits and I do NOT agree with Halal where cows have their throats cut and bleed to death. IF we are eating animals for food then they should be killed humanely!

Now back to the Norwegian KC who publicly in their first posting stated that exhibitors and judges would not be allowed to attend the WDS in Shanghai? This made me see “RED”, is this how a democracy behaves? They then changed the wording to “did not wish” exhibitors or judges to attend; I wonder if there is a hidden threat there?

The FCI asked the NKK to participate in a meeting with the CKU and Dinky Santos who is President of the FCI Asia Pacific Section but the NKK refused, they actually refused to attend, I find this behavior quite inappropriate when a meeting with all concerned was called and it should have been of the upmost importance for ALL to be there to air views and come to some agreement! Now the NKK have received a letter from the FCI with an ultimatum and it will be so interesting to find out what the NKK decide but of course they will have the backing of the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU- Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland & Norway) and I know Norway, Sweden and Finland have announced that they voted for Germany for 2019 & 2020. The Swedish KC which I happily admit is one of the leading countries when it comes to welfare and health issues

for dogs and has a great history in cynology, many great breeders known worldwide and some illustrious names in the world of judging and I am happy to have been a member since 1978 and I readily admit that the SKK have supported me in so many ways but the SKK just like Sweden has this tendency to believe they are better than others (often correct) and look down on the smaller clubs that do not have the history, money and membership (300.000 members) that the SKK has! It has been mentioned that maybe the NKU might leave the FCI or start a new KC for EU countries but of course then they would have the likes of Bulgarian & Cyprus still with them so maybe they should start a new KC for the Nordic Countries, Germany, Holland, Belgium and a few others? All this is so speculative and does no one any good but then again the FCI is not perfect and some new agreements need to be made and regulations enforced for ALL FCI member countries!

I am sure we dog breeders in the Nordic countries would hate to lose the opportunity to travel to so many countries and show our dogs and what would happen with pedigrees if a new KC was formed?

The FCI could easily refuse to accept them and what about us judges, we would surely be banned from judging in other FCI countries? The worst scenario I can think of is that the FCI sections become completely independent and then who will help and guide the newer countries. I cannot decide if I am angry, confused or sad at all of this but I know I feel Best in Show Magazine

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like an “angry, confused and sad Englishman that is praying that all of these problems are just a bad dream”!

The third part of the “China” problem is something close to by heart as I have been connected with the Tibetan Breeds since 1966 and it was in fact Lhasa Apsos & Tibetan Terriers that made me well known and I have always supported a “Free Tibet” and many of us who are involved in the Tibetan Breeds feel the same way but when the CKU asked for country of origin for the Tibetan breeds to be changed from Tibet to China, well the Third World War started! I have been saying for some years that this would happen as it was only natural as China sees Tibet as part of its Empire and the world’s politicians have done nothing to support Tibet except meet with HH the Dalai Lama and even this great spiritual leader has acknowledged that Tibet is an autonomous region of China. I believe what has made most people angry was the fact that this was kept quiet for three months until after the General Assembly and I am sure the FCI will admit (hopefully) that this was a grave mistake as they did not understand the total commitment of those with Tibetan Breeds have but happily now we have seen that the origin has returned to Tibet (China) which is similar to what I suggested! I was amazed by the hatred and abuse that was dished

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out to China and anyone supporting them, it was like a snowball rolling downhill as it got bigger and bigger and many of these that were so angry have never raised their voice or Fb finger before on Tibetan & Chinese issues!

The CKU I know are very grateful for the work that the UK, Europe and USA have done to keep these breeds alive and prospering as only the Tibetan Mastiff has successfully lived through the Cultural Revolution in China and before you all start screaming that those overcoated unsound dogs are NOT Tibetan Mastiffs and here I will happily agree with you as they are in fact a Chinese Mastiff which has been bred for quite some years with mixtures of other breeds to improve colour, coat, bone and more skin and have fetched huge amounts of money as the rich Chinese wanted a status symbol BUT the CKU does not promote this type of dog and I have met breeders who only breed for the true Tibetan type as we in Europe know. In China they call the two types as Tiger (Western type) and Lion (Chinese mix type). At the first World Congress for Tibetan Mastiffs which was held in Germany in 2011 participated both the Vice President & General Secretary of the CKU and they showed great interest in the discussions, workshops and also the club show judged by my partner Torbjörn Skaar. I have twice given seminars for “would be” judges on

Tibetan Mastiffs and last year I was asked to grade but not place over 30 Tibetan Mastiffs of varying quality and type and of those that I graded as “excellent” I was asked to pull out those that I thought were of excelling in breed type so the CKU could use them to show and help breeders for the development of the breed and I was most happy that 4 of the 5 dogs came from one breeder! I am proud that the CKU are asking long time judges that have a big interest in the breed to work with them and some of the most renowned breeders from Europe were invited last year to China to discuss the breed with the CKU. These points prove to me at least that the CKU are serious with the Tibetan breeds, their welfare and future and although the Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Spaniel are still rare at shows the Shih Tzu is now making an appearance as this is a very popular breed in Asia. I last year judged a Chow Chow specialty outside of Beijing and was very happy with the high quality and all in perfect condition as are all dogs that I have judged in my five visits to China.

I really hope and think that those that are against the WDS in Shanghai 2019, eating dog meat and the Tibetan breeds would help and support the CKU in its quest to promote general care in dogs and especially in pedigree dogs as this will do

more good than shouting/ writing anti-China messages on Facebook!

Do you remember that a short time ago people were writing hysterically about boycotting the WDS in Moscow 2016, no of course most of you do not remember as dog people have short memories unless it is about their own wins! I supported the WDS in Moscow as I wrote that despite Putin’s government anti-Gay laws there are so many GLBT dog breeders, handlers and judges and they should not be punished BUT when it came to Russia invading Ukraine I then decided “Putin had gone too far and I would support Ukraine by not judging in Russia again much to my own dismay as I have only wonderful memories of the shows, exhibitors, friends, great breeders and dogs in Russia! You might think this is a contradiction to Tibet and China and in some ways it is but after visiting China I now feel I can do more good by supporting the CKU and its/my Tibetan breeds that I love so dearly!

Let us hope and pray that these issues with the FCI can be used to do good and move forward in a direction that is satisfactory for all its members (us) and country KC.s.

Looking forward to seeing many of my friends at the EDS in Norway.

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Giulia Nolli Story of one Junior Handler Interviewed by Jovana Danilovic

BIS: Dear Giulia, thank you very much for taking the time to give us an interview. For all of those who don’t know you, could you please tell something about you and how you got involved with dogs?

Giulia: Dear BIS, thank you so much for this incredible opportunity. My background isn’t anything special. I started dog shows just four years ago because the breeders of my first Bullmastiff Ugo thought he could have a great career. During the first shows I was only a spectator because I wasn’t the handler of my dog, especially a Junior handler. At that time I didn’t know anything about handling in general and while I was looking Junior Handling Competitions I thought it was a great thing and I wanted to try.

BIS: When did you decide to try Junior Handling and if you remember your first steps in the ring, could you say to us how it was?

Giulia: My first competition was three years ago, with Ugo. We were at The International Dog Show Montichiari, Italy. The judge was very kind and helpful because she gave us much advice. I was in the second category, but I didn’t understand why!

The tension was very high and I could only say that something had gone wrong and I wanted to get out the pre-ring. Some friends told me that I had to participate even if the others were more elegant and prepared. In the end I went into the ring: the judge was standing on the side of the ring so all of us had to enter with the dog on our right... A thing that I didn’t do! I was between the judge and the 80

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dog and all the others Juniors looked at me like I was crazy, I was very embarrassed! Finally I came in last place as I imagined because the others were incredible! I decided that I’d never give up and I thought that one day I would compete with them.

BIS: Of all wins, which one do you consider your greatest? (you can mention few of them if you would like) Giulia: My greatest win is absolutely my third place at the World Dog Show in Milan. The weekend before I’d got sixth place at the Junior Handling Competition!

BIS: Most of the time we see you in the ring with your lovely Bullmastif “Ugo”. Can you please tell us something more about him?

Giulia: Your are right! I usually go in the ring with my sweetheart Ugo. He is my first Bullmastiff and all my family LOVES this breed for their temperament and intelligence. The first picture the breeders sent to us was when Ugo was three months old and we decide that he was the dog for us. When Ugo was a little puppy, he was very active and he always played with dolls or pillows! Now he is a big, red boy of four years, he gives me much satisfaction and I’m sure he will continue to give me more. Ugo has finished many championships and also he got the Reserve in the Limit Class at Crufts 2014. Sometimes I participate at Junior Handling Competition with him because I’m totally sure that he has fun and

he loves running in the ring. For me, even without World titles, Ugo will always be the best dog of the world for me and without him I would’t be here!

BIS: Besides Bullmastifs, which breed is you favourite and you would like to own one day?

Giulia: I really like all the breeds in this world, but I’ve got my favorites! I really love Bullmastiffs, you know, also the Doberman fascinates me, especially the American lines for their class and elegance.

Even if I’ve never had the possibility to show them, I really like Terriers! They have got a very strong temperament, in my opinion the strongest of all. I had the chance to stay with an American Cocker during the WDS all three days, and I really love their character. In conclusion, I like all the breeds!

BIS: We all enjoyed watching your fantastic performance in the main ring during WDS in Milan. What was it like to be in the top 10 Junior Handlers in the world and later on, to finish 3rd placed?

Giulia: There are no words to describe those moments... I cried a lot before, when I was selected in the best three on Sunday; I’ve never felt more emotional than that!

After the speakers told us to go immediately in the pre ring for the final. I was very excited, nervous also for Ugo who had been in the ring since 9.00 am. Fortunately there were friends who helped me with some water for him. The judge of the final recommended us to show our dog and not us, to have fun and enjoy the moment. When I came in the main ring I wasn’t thinking anything, really! The judge took a look and finally he started to chose someone.

When he came next to me he indicated me and I immediately went to my place. I also took a look to see if all was real and I realized that I was in the top 10 with the most well-known junior Handlers in the world! I was happy that there were also three Italians in the runners up! After all the exercizes, fourth place had been called, and the judge came to me and he said: “YOU”. In that moment I touched the sky and I could only cry! After the photos on the podium we went out and when I saw some of my friends cry, I was thrilled! That part was the best one: see your friends crying for a win which isn’t theirs! I’ll never say thank you enough to Veronica 82

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Photo 1 • Giulia and Ugo at World Dog Show in Milan 2015, winning 3rd place in Junior Handling finals Photo 2 • Giulia and Ugo winning Best in Show

Ciulla because she was ALWAYS with me! I’m also grateful to the judges Juraj Sokolic (best three of the day) and to Hugo Quevedo (final)! They understand the real objectives of the competition!

BIS: During you Junior Handling career, is there someone you can call your mentor?

Giulia: Absolutely yes! During my Junior Handling “career” I went to many handling classes of professional Handlers such as Alice Varchi, Richard Hellman and Mia Ejerstad. But the most important mentor for me is Gabriele Stafuzza who helped me and he taught me a lot of things, not only for dog shows, but also for real life. He always believed in me, even if I felt bad; he said that I mustn’t give up...

Thanks Gabri, from the bottom of my heart!

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BIS: Is there someone you admire?

Giulia: Yes, there se some people who I admire and I usually get inspired by them! One of them is Dorottya Záhonyi-Ábel. I saw her for the first time in the main ring of the World Dog Show 2015 and she really impressed me for her naturalness she had and for the tranquility with which she showed the dog!

Mia Ejerstad is another important person. I had the chance to go to one of here classes this year in Rome. I learned so much, and I really had so much fun there! She is a very positive person, with clear ideas outside and inside the ring!

BIS: Traveling to the shows takes much time and it can be very exhausting. How do you manage your time besides shows? How about school and other activities?

Giulia: Certainly Dog Shows are very exhausting especially if the day afterwards you have school.

I’ve never had problems because I do my best also at school and my parents said if I don’t get good marks, I can’t go to Dog Shows. This is a good thing, especially because it pushes you to do well in school so I have more satisfaction. Honestly I absolutely prefers dog shows, but school is always school. I study languages and I’m in an advantageous position because I can speak severally languages and I can interact with more people. Fortunately my parents support me in everything and one thank you is not enough. It’s obvious that sometimes I’m very tired at school but I’ll never give up!

BIS: After the WDS in Milan we were all able to read some posts on Facebook from different professional handlers and Junior Handlers as well, regarding rules that have not been “respected” during showing and judging in the finals. What is your opinion about this? Do you think Junior Handling needs those rules of changing hands, doing figures “8” and “T”. Or do you think there are some other things that Junior Handling should be looking for?

Giulia: I deeply disagree with those views. Patterns are useless in my opinion; the movement of the dog is interupted with all that handsswitching and it’s a way of stressing the dog. If I were asked to judge a jh competition, I wouldn’t ask for a T or an 8, because we won’t use them in the breed ring 84

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once we won’t be jh anymore. I would ask only an up and down (and you would be surprised how many juniors are able to do a perfect 8 switching hands quickly, but get the up and down wrong) or a triangle, because those are the patterns we’ll be asked to perform in the breed ring. I see many juniors, especially girls, with perfect and stunning suits, the leash with diamonds and glitters, perfect hairstyles, running perfectly, smiling, being so elegant but missing the point: TO SHOW THE DOG. They’re just showing themselves. During the final at WDS we were asked not to concentrate on hand-switching and patterns but just to SHOW THE DOG and HAVE FUN. That’s why nobody was careful about hand-switching or avoiding even for a second being between the dog and the judge. I’ve never seen “T”, “L” or “8” in the USA where their competitions are always of the highest standard.

BIS: Do you recall any funny story or episode that you would like to share with us?

Giulia: Of course! I was at International Dog Show Turin 2014 and I was putting the water into the dogs’ bowls. When I closed the water tank I made sure that the dogs were in their kennels, and so I went to get the numbers from the ring. When I came back I didn’t find Ugo in his kennel and I started to shout at my friend who was there! I screamed at her like crazy and then I tripped in a bowl of water. Later I saw my father arriving with Ugo and I calmed down, he said that he missed him... I looked like a fool LOL BIS: Is there some advice you would like to impart to young people before their start?

Giulia: If you want it do it! Your dreams will come true if you start to walk with your own legs and your enthusiasm. You will meet many people, don’t forget to learn from all of them! Work hard, stay humble, keep being honest, never stop learning and be thankful always. I made my mistakes and I continued to work on myself and I’ll never stop learning. Never give up and the results will come, be patient! Enjoy every moment even your defeats, enjoy your wins and enjoy your dog! Remember be who you are and never stop dreaming!

WHAT DOES STRATEGIC PARTERSHIP MEAN IN BREEDING

by Juha Kares

Strategic Partnership is a term that is not used much in pedigree dogs. Unfortunately dog breeding is often far behind the overall development of society in general. I must say that I feel there is often a lack of imagination in dog breeding. In the dog world we should learn new methods from similar activities to survive and develop. Finnish breeders have been much more creative than many other countries. One of the secrets in successful Finnish & Swedish dog breeding is strategic Partnership.

I have been one of the pioneers in this field with some other breeders beginning in the 1960´s in Scandinavia. We have used this method with excellent results. What is strategic Partnership in breeding?

Strategic Partnership in the business world means creating a customer relationship that goes much deeper than the traditional act of buying 90

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and selling. Often in the world of pedigree dogs the beginning of a relationship is also selling and buying a puppy. That is not really very clever. The breeder should keep his eyes open. The breeder should evaluate the new families with greatest of care. I feel a breeder should be like a human scanner, who should evaluate where there is potential.

Most of my strategic Partners have been just ordinary puppy buyers at the beginning.

It is breeder´s role to activate these people. It is the breeder´s role to find the potential. I feel that every breeder meets new potentially active people every now and then. It is too few breeders who can “set the potential on fire”. It is often the children of the families that are the easiest to motivate. As a breeder I do follow new families and individuals that have puppies from me with the greatest of care. The first thing is to let these people

to have nice puppy. Then you activate them slowly and surely. You must tell them how nice the puppy is.

Then you motivate them to come to a dog show or some other activities. That is the beginning of strategic Partnership. It is the breeder who must realize he is a coach. It is a breeder who should realize this hobby is not individual, but team work.

Some of these people really fall in love their dogs and chosen breed. Most of them are not interested of breeding. These are the people that breeders should get in to their team. These are people that you start to train and take in. You share your secrets and strategies. These people become often very loyal. In my breeding these people are the foundation of my breeding. We own dogs together, we plan together, we laugh together, we campaign dogs together and we learn together.

This is the key in strategic partnership. You as a breeder need them and these people need you.

The average breeder owner relationship changes over the years into strategic Partnership. It is a win win situation.

With this method you can have so much more dogs in your breeding. With this method ordinary people can obtain high quality pedigree dogs that would not be possible without trust and shared strategies. With this method both breeder and families gain so much more information and most of all, resources. With strategic Partnership your life is also much more fun. A breeder must be open and transparant. This attract similar people to work with you. My keywords are positive attitude, perfectionism, enjoying life and respecting/loving the dogs.

People with similar values can become my strategic partners and together we can do so much more.

I feel the main role in strategic partnerships in dog breeding is finding the right people to work with you in breeding. However it also more than that, it is very serious and intensive International co-operation between the best breeders around the world.

I have realized it is almost impossible to turn relationships between breeders inside the same country with the same breed to strategic partnership.

It does not simply work very easily. However you can find strategic partners from other breeds inside the same country. You must be able to find strategic Partners from your own breed Internationally. I feel

this is a must in modern breeding. This means top breeders share their knowledge and best dogs Internationally.

The most important term in strategic Partnership is loyalty. You must share what you have and that makes you interesting. A lazy or stupid breeder is not very interesting for a long time. This means the breeder must develop and learn new things all the time. So he has something to offer all the time.

This knowledge and top quality dogs are the reason people are interested in you. People need you and you need these people. You trust and they trust.

This turns to strategic partnership, which is also a social thing. Remember always use as little money as possible. With most people I co-operate with the strategic partnership method we do not use money at all. It is money that usually causes trouble. You also need to spend quality time together. This is strategic partnership and I do feel this is the future of modern dog breeding. Together you can achieve so much more like so many breeders especially in Finland and Sweden who have experimented with this method.

T his is strategic partnership in the real world at its best. My neighbor Sanna is a young talented Finnish woman who turned out to be my right hand with Lhasas. Then there is a young talented man Tapio from Helsinki who wanted a show Lhasa. Michael from Denmark who is a world class American Cocker Spaniel breeder became part of the group because he and his wife Lotte have the same values. Morten was a new Lhasa person in Norway many years ago. I shared my best ones with he and his wife, and he turned to be one of the best Lhasa breeders now in Scandinavia, and we still co-operate. We are all strategic partners. Loving our dogs, learning together and sharing the knowledge and dogs together. Here my friends & strategic partners are winning BEST in SHOW breeder´s Group in major Danish International dog show. This is what strategic partnership is all about.

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KARBALLIDO STAFFS MILWOKY American Staffordshire Terrier, Ow. Cymbron M.F.

L`END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE Bedlington Terrier, Ow. Pykhtar E.

BRASHILL ESPLENDIDO Terrier Brasileiro, Ow. Rosman K. & Jauhonen T.

ELECTRIC BULL’S ACE VENTURA Bull Terrier, Ow. Androsevic A.

ARGOEL PORICIAS STOLI BOLI English Toy Terrier, Ow. Croft-Elliott L.

BEVERLY HILLS OF THE AIRE VICTORY Airdale Terrier, Ow. Spronck B.

ABSOLUTELY OH MY, Smooth Fox Terrier, Ow. Smith, Gabel & Schoneberg

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni V.

MAC RUA`S MILWAUKEE MAN Irish Terrier, Ow. Sobeus I.

MONAMOUR JP WALK OF FAME Jack Russell Terrier, Ow. Miichi K. & Danilovic J.

HUNDERWOOD IDOL Yorkshire Terrier, Ow. Bernard E.

DANDY BLACK&BLUE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Kerry Blue Terrier, Ow. Ban A.

KADELLY’S ROXANNE Cairn Terrier, Ow. Solbakken H.

GOLDFINGER AT PAPERMAN Lakeland Terrier, Ow. Schoneberg F.W.

BACCARA-BIJOU VON BARKELSBY Manchester Terrier, Ow. Heine I.G.

HOUSE OF SOFTY ORLANDO, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ow. Subertova T. & P.

BACIO DI SUTRI Norwich Terrier, Ow. Di Sutri kennel

REDNOCK MYOWN POINT OF VIEW Parson Russell Terrier, Ow. Lindenberg C.

PANDA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. Bagi Z.

RONCHIL MAKING WAVES AT DARSA Australian Silky Terrier, Ow. Krstic-Arbanas M.

FINNSKY NEFERTITI Skye Terrier, Ow. Utter M. & Kalevi M.

Z-SUIT STRONG BOY FRANSIMO BOHEMIA Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Ow. Lahodovi S. & P.

VERASCOTT JUICY COUTURE Scottish Terrier, Ow. Hovagimyan C. S.

HOPECHARM SPACE COWBOY West Highland White Terrier, Ow. Bauer F.

BIS BABY, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVIC (RS)

BIS PUPPY, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT)

AMAZING ARMONY Bedlington Terrier, Ow. Varchi A.

GRANLASCO O MIA BELA MADONINA Jack Russell Terrier, Ow. Catozzi C. & Varchi A.

BIS COUPLES, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVIC (RS)

BIS BREEDING GROUP, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT)

English Toy Terrier Ow. Croft-Elliott L.

Terrier Brasileiro Ow. Rosman K. & Jauhonen T.

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY LUIS GORJAO-HENRIQUES (PT) BEVERLY HILLS OF THE AIRE VICTORY Airedale Terrier, Ow. Spronck B.

KADELLY’S ROXANNE Cairn Terrier, Ow. Solbakken H.

EROS LOVE KOM West Highland White Terrier, Ow. Shutko A.

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY BOJAN MATAKOVIC (HR) ARGOEL PORICIAS STOLI BOLI English Toy Terrier, Ow. Croft-Elliott L.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

PANDA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. Bagi Z.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY AUGUSTO BENEDICTO SANTOS III (PHI) DOUX OF ICE WINE Berger Blanc Suisse, Ow. Magyar K.

OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

BANANA BENDER ANNA LA REGINA Australian Cattle Dog, Ow. Banana Bender k.

FCI 2, JUDGED BY LUIS GORJAO-HENRIQUES (PT) BR MAIORCA & STAINLESS BULLS M. JORDAM Bulldog, Barraco Il. & Di Naro N.

ARMAGEDON SUNY DAY`S Rottweiler, Ow. Lazic S.

BOBBY MCGHEE V TANI KAZARI Affenpinscher, Ow. Havasi C.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY GORAN BODEGARD (SE) MONAMOUR JP BUTTERFLY KISS Jack Russell Terrier, Ow. Miichi K.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

ARGOEL PORICIAS STOLI BOLI English Toy Terrier, Ow. Croft-Elliott L.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY YOLANDA NAGLER MAGAL (IL) LUCILLA DEL WANHELSING D. Miniature Wire H., Ow. Gambara A.

CYBERDACHS MINI BENTLEY D. Miniature Smooth H., Ow. Kis T.

ELSA DI CASA GAGLIARDO D. Rabbit Size Smooth, Ow. Gagliardo kennel

FCI 5, JUDGED BY JO SCHEPERS (NL) I WILL SURVIVE OUT OF AFRICA Basenji, Ow. Daponte P.

MY ALASKAN NORTH FACE Alaskan Malamute, Ow. Covasa A.

FON’S FLYING PRINCE TO THAI SILK Pomeranian, Ow. Mironenko S.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY HASSI ASSENMACHER - FEYEL (DE) DALMINO OZONE LAYER Dalmatian, Ow. Halper Drazic Z. & M.

BLACK MAJESTY`S ROLLERCOASTER DEL LAGO DEGLI ORSI

PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

FONTEPOSCA’S BLU TORNADO Beagle, Ow. Casula S.

FCI 7, JUDGED BY JEAN-JACQUES DUPAS (FR) DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. Lenaerts/Finch/Sichel

WEIMPOINT NO SEASYDE NO AUTOGRAPHS English Pointer, Ow. Vartiainen S.

BICE Bracco Italiano, Ow. Francesconi M.

FCI 8, JUDGED BY MARIT SUNDE (NO) RINALDO GORSKA FANTAZJA Lagotto Romagnolo, Ow. Iwanowska & Radomska

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

CHLOE FROM SERVICE PARADISE Labrador Retriever, Ow. Kujit-Kerkhof L.

FCI 9, JUDGED BY FRANCOIS VANAKEN (BE) TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. Lydon S. & C.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

HOLMES DES CONTEMPLATIONS Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ow. Tytgar G.

FCI 10, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT) ARANYAGI UTONALLO GALAGONYA Magyar Agar, Ow. Lygosi A.

ABSOLUTE MANN SEA WORLD Whippet, Ow. Pavesi F.

VENDI MAR DADDY`S SON Afghan Hound, Ow. Blumbergi D. & D.

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVID (RS) CAMPOLMI ARCIMBOLDO -N Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. Campolmi A.

A`VIGDORS ADOLFA French Bulldog, Ow. Komissarova E.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DONKEY Clumber Spaniel. Ow. Levai L.

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY ANDRAS KOROZS (HU) CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY SINISA CUJAN (CRO) SEVENTY SEVEN RADISLAV KIMBOVICH Australian Shepherd, Ow. Fedorova E.

OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

HUNGARY WHITE PULI DOKI Puli, Ow. Rusz B.

FCI 2, JUDGED BY BOJAN MATAKOVIC (HR) VEIO PARK`S CLASS FIRST Berner Sennenhund, Ow. Fontana R.

STEADLYN RECOGNITION Miniature Schnauzer, Ow. Ejerstad Conti M.

BR MAIORCA & STAINLESS BULLS M. JORDAM Bulldog, Barraco Il. & Di Naro N.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVIC (SRB) CAMERON ROCKFERRY Irish Soft Coated Wheaten T., Ow. Hulten H.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

CSIPERKE OF ARYAN-ARMY Miniature Bull Terrier, Ow. Bagi Z.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY HASSI ASSENMACHER - FEYEL (DE) DARGONNE DOLLAR BABY DEL WANHELSING D. Miniature Wire, H. Ow. Wanhelsing kennel

CYBERDACHS MINI BENTLEY D. Miniature Smooth H., Ow. Kis T.

MATISSE D. Standard Long H., Ow. Rostagno A.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY MARIT SUNDE (NO) SHEYTAN’S BEAUTY GOT A BABY DOLL AT BLOODSNOW

Siberian Husky, Ow. Flenghi L.

THAI SILK GOT MY MIND MADE UP Pomeranian, Ow. Farinea L. & Mironenko S.

R.S’S GOLD @ SIAM Thai Ridgeback, Ow. Golubeva M.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY ANDRAS KOROZS (HU) BLACK MAJESTY STOP ME IF U CAN GBGV, Ow. Raic I. & Bradbury S.

DALMINO OZONE LAYER Dalmatian, Ow. Halper Drazic Z. & M.

SOLETRADER HEART TO HEART PBGV, Ow. Cirkos V. & Csongor

FCI 7, JUDGED BY YOLANDA NAGLER MAGAL (IL) WEIMPOINT NO SEASYDE NO AUTOGRAPHS PLS

English Pointer, Ow. Vartiainen S.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. Lenaerts/Finch/Sichel

BICE Bracco Italiano, Ow. Francesconi M.

FCI 8, JUDGED BY AUGUSTO BENEDICTO SANTOS III (PHI) CHLOE FROM SERVICE PARADISE Labrador Retriever, Ow. Kerkhof L.

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

BASILIO DE SINKOVIC Pero De Agua Espanol, Ow. Fredrikson M.

FCI 9, JUDGED BY JO SCHEPERS (NL) TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. Lydon S. & C.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

FIDEL GARLIC GIRL Standard Poodle, Ow. Sakina V. & Smelova V.

FCI 10, JUDGED BY PHILIP JOHN (IN) ESBELTO`S NOT YOUR BFF Afghan Hound, Ow. Karlsen L.

FANNY HILL DU MANOIR DE LA GRENOUILLERE Whippet, Ow. Thompson/Moncada/Gomez

ADELCHI ELISIR CIEL Italian Greyhound, Ow. Walther F.

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY JEAN-JACQUES DUPAS (FR) A`VIGDORS ADOLFA French Bulldog, Ow. Komissarova E.

THAI SILK GOT MY MIND MADE UP Pomeranian, Ow. Farinea L. & Mironenko S.

WEIMPOINT NO SEASYDE NO AUTOGRAPHS PLS

English Pointer, Ow. Vartiainen S.

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT) OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY GORAN BODEGARD (SE) CORDMAKER HURDY GURDY Puli, Ow. Rusz B.

OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

X`SELLSCASSELCREEK PRINCEOFSKYRON Australian Shepherd Dog, Ow. Erdesz D.

FCI 2, JUDGED BY SINIŠA CUJAN (HR) VEIO PARK`S CLASS FIRST Berner Sennenhund, Ow. Fontana R.

STEADLYN RECOGNITION Miniature Schnauzer, Ow.. Ejerstad Conti M.

BR MAIORCA & STAINLESS BULLS M. JORDAM Bulldog, Barraco Il. & Di Naro N.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT) HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

KINGARTHUR VAN FOLINY HOME Wire Fox Terrier, Ow. Malzoni Jr. V.

ARGOEL PORICIAS STOLI BOLI English Toy Terrier, Ow. Croft-Elliot L.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVIC (RS) DARGONNE DOLLAR BABY DEL WANHELSING Dachund Rabbit Size Wire H., Ow. Wanhelsing k.

ELECTRIC BLUE DAVID Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. Villani A.

ROSAN HILL SHADED STRANDS MS Dachshund Miniature Smooth H., Ow. Vukusic J.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY YOLANDA NAGLER MAGAL (IL) FON’S FLYING PRINCE TO THAI SILK Pomeranian, Ow. Mironenko S.

RUTHDALES PRIME CUT American Akita, Ow. Hulls/Bostock/Armstrong

I WILL SURVIVE OUT OF AFRICA Basenji, Ow. Daponte P.

FCI 6, JUDGED BY JEAN-JACQUES DUPAS (FR) SOLETRADER HEART TO HEART PBGV, Ow. Cirkos V. & Csongor

DALMINO OZONE LAYER Dalmatian, Ow. Halper Drazic Z. & M.

BLACK MAJESTY STOP ME IF U CAN PBGV, Ow. Raic I. & Bradbury S.

FCI 7, JUDGED BY PHILIP JOHN (IN) BICE Bracco Italiano, Ow. Francesconi Manuel

HUNTING COLLECTION BEAUTY Weimaraner, Ow. Pozdeneev K.A.

WEIMPOINT NO SEASYDE NO AUTOGRAPHS English Pointer, Ow. Vartiainen Sanna

FCI 8, JUDGED BY ANDRAS KOROZS (HU) URAN BLACK WIND OF VARAZDIN Flat-Coated Retriever, Ow. Ferlan-Horvat S. & D.

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

BIG BOOM`S JOCKER DAFY Clumber Spaniel, Ow. Levai L.

FCI 9, JUDGED BY HASSI ASSENMACHER - FEYEL (DE) TRIPITAKA BITE THE BULLET Tibetan Terrier, Ow. Lydon S. & C.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

KIRA OT NEVSKOGO HOBBITA Griffon Belge, Ow. Shulgin O.

FCI 10, JUDGED BY JEAN - FRANCOIS VANAKEN (BE) ARANYAGI UTONALLO GALAGONYA Magyar Agar, Ow. Lugosi A.

ABSOLUTE MANN SEA WORLD Whippet, Ow. Pavesi F.

ESBELTO`S I`M WORTH THE WAIT AFghan Hound, Ow. Karlsen L.

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY LUIS GORJAO-HENRIQUES (PT) KADELLY’S ROXANNE Cairn Terrier, Ow. Solbakken Helen S.

THAI SILK GOT MY MIND MADE UP Pomeranian, Ow. Farinea L. & Mironenko S.

HERMA`S HEADLAND JE VEUX LE MONDE Petit Chien Leon, Ow. Valtonen Iris

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY AUGUSTO BENEDICTO SANTOS III (PHI) CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

FCI 1, JUDGED BY JO SCHEPERS (NL) X`SELLSCASSELCREEK PRINCEOFSKYRON Australian Shepherd Dog, Ow. Erdesz D.

OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

CORDMAKER HURDY GURDY Puli, Ow. Rusz B.

FCI 2, JUDGED BY AUGUSTO BENEDICTO SANTOS III (PHI) STEADLYN RECOGNITION Miniature Schnauzer, Ow.. Ejerstad Conti M.

AMBERLAND FEDERICO FELLINI Cane Corso, Ow. Astapenko I.

MY NEW DREAM DU MONDE D`ELIAS Bullmastiff, Ow. Formignani C.

FCI 3, JUDGED BY JEAN - FRANCOIS VANAKEN (BE) PANDA OF BULLY LAKE Miniature Bull Terrier

HUNDERWOOD HERITAGE Yorkshire Terrier, Ow.. Bernard E.

ARGOEL PORICIAS STOLI BOLI English Toy Terrier, Ow. Croft-Elliot L.

FCI 4, JUDGED BY LUIS GORJAO-HENRIQUES (PT) ENERGY ELEGANCE MASERATI Dachshund Rabbit Size Wire H., Ow. Meier P.

I LOVE IT DEL WANHELSING Dachshund Miniature Wire H., Ow. Wanhelsing k.

ELECTRIC BLUE DAVID Dachshund Standard Wire H., Ow. Villani A.

FCI 5, JUDGED BY NEMANJA JOVANOVID (RS) THAI SILK GOT MY MIND MADE UP Pomeranian, Ow. Farinea L. & Mironenko S.

I WILL SURVIVE OUT OF AFRICA Basenji, Ow. Daponte P.

RUTHDALES PRIME CUT American Akita, Ow. Huls/Bostock/Armstrong

FCI 6, JUDGED BY FRANCESCO COCHETTI (IT) DEBUCHER QUELQUEFOIS GBGV, Ow. Raic I.

DALMINO OZONE LAYER Dalmatian, Ow. Halper Drazic Z. & M.

BLACK MAJESTY GIVES U GOOSE BUMPS PBGV, Ow. Raic I.

FCI 7, JUDGED BY GORAN BODEGARD (SE) WEIMPOINT NO SEASYDE NO AUTOGRAPHS PLS

English Pointer, Ow. Vartiainen Sanna

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. Lenaerts/Finch/Van der Sichel

BICE Bracco Italiano, Ow. Francesconi Manuel

FCI 8, JUDGED BY YOLANDA NAGLER MAGAL (IL) CHLOE FROM SERVICE PARADISE Labrador Retriever, Ow. Kujit Kerkhof L.

VERY VIGIE FREEZING IN FINLAND American Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Vartiainen S.

DISTANT STAR BLACK WIND OF VARAZDIN Flat-Coated Retriever, Ow. Ferlan-Horvat S. & D.

FCI 9, JUDGED BY MARIT SUNDE (NO) LUDI HILL`S BRILLIANT BLACK DIAMOND Chihuahua Short coated, Ow. Sidoti S.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

A`VIGDORS ADOLFA French Bulldog, Ow. Komissarova E.

FCI 10, JUDGED BY JEAN-JACQUES DUPAS (FR) AGHA DJARI`S ELIXIR Afghan Hound, Ow. Vepierre- Joly Roland

ARANYAGI UTONALLO GALAGONYA Magyar Agar, Ow. Lugosi A.

FANNY HILL DU MANOIR DE LA GRENOUILLERE Whippet, Ow. Thompson/Moncada/Gomez

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY PHILIP JOHN (IN) X`SELLSCASSELCREEK PRINCEOFSKYRON Australian Shepherd Dog, Ow. Erdesz D.

DE VILLAODON LET ME PLAY Samoyed, Ow. Jurkovic N.

GOLD GELB BOX VENDY Boston Terrier, Ow. Valentyik J.

BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY HASSI ASSENMACHER - FEYEL (DE) OPS I DID IT AGAIN DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Klimova O.

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

DOC N`CAMELOT`S HEAVEN CAN WAIT Weimaraner, Ow. Lenaerts/Finch/Van der Sichel

Supreme Best in Shows of Split Summer Shows, 26.07.2015.

SUPREME BABY & PUPPY BIS, JUDGED BY PHILIP JOHN (IND)

SUPREME JUNIOR BIS, JUDGED BY Y. NAGLER MAGAL (ISR)

SAFFRON SHEHRY NOBLE Shih Tzu, Ow. Cherkasova I.

A`VIGDORS ADOLFA French Bulldog, Ow. Komissarova E.

SUPREME BEST IN SHOW, JUDGED BY PAOLO DONDINA (I) CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi F. & Paolantoni S.

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Interview with

MR PAOLO DONDINA Special thanks to Mr Bo Bengtson and Dogs in Review for giving us permission to use this article

Paolo Dondina was born in Milan in 1937 and grew up in a family of dog lovers. He got his first dog, a black-and-tan Smooth Dachshund bitch, from a very good kennel when he was just five years old, and by age 12 he was already going to dog shows, handling his own fawn Boxer. As a child Paolo also had other animals: sheep, rabbits, pigeons and poultry.

In the 1960s Paolo got serious about his dog interest, importing two Beagles from the famous Rossut kennels of Mrs. Catherine Sutton in Great Britain. (Mrs. Sutton was also an international judge of great stature and officiated in the U.S. on several occasions.) These two were followed by others, including such famous names as Ch. Rossut Nutmeg (then the CC record holding Beagle bitch in Great Britain), Ch. Rossut Gaiety (the first Beagle bitch to win all-breed BIS at championship level in the U.K.), and more recently the famous Ch. Dialynne Gambit, who was Top Hound in the U.K. in 2001 and Top Dog of all breeds in Italy in 2004. With such foundation stock, it’s no wonder that Paolo’s “del Pesco” kennel has produced many European and International champion, BIS winning Beagles. He also bred the top winning Lagotto Romagnolo in Europe, Ch. Lucignolo del Pesco.

Although Paolo obviously loves all dogs, there is not much question that the Beagle really is “his” breed. He still remembers awarding the CC and BOB to the famous Am. and UK Ch. Graadtre’s Hot Pursuit of Rossut, imported from USA (through the kind assistance of Peter Green) by Mrs. Sutton, with the bitch CC and BOS going to his famous daughter, Andrew Brace’s record-breaking Ch. Too Darn Hot for for Tragband. The dog went on to won BIS at the all-breed championship show that day.

Another great stud dog exported from USA that impressed Paolo was Ch. Appeline Validay Happy Feller, owned by Douglas and Carol Appleton in the UK. This beautiful stallion hound was mated to Ch. Dialynne Nettle to produce Ch. Dialyne Gamble, the breed’s top sire for the last thirty years in Great Britain. UK. As Paolo says, “So we can see that the two top Beagles, male and female, in the UK both have American blood from their father’s side. In my own Beagles I have bloodlines from both the famous American above-mentioned stallion 134

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Photo 1 • Paolo winning Best in Show in San Remo in the early 1970s with his Beagle import Ch. Rossut Nutmeg. Presenting the big trophy is Princess Antoinette of Monaco. In the backgroud is Count Serra, the chairman of the show.

Photo 2 • Paolo winning in the 1970s with his English imported Whippet Ch. Twigairy of Glenbervie. Cine-Foto.

hounds.”

Paolo’s most high profile international win came in 1975, when the Wire Fox Terrier Ch. Brookwire Brandy of Layven, which he had purchased in England in partnership with the late Beppe Benelli, won

Photo 4 • Handling his own multiple BIS winning Saluki Ch. Branwen Zomahli, bred by U.S. expatriate Cynthia Madigan in Spain. Photo Reportajes Barrachina.

Best in Show at Crufts, handled by Albert Langley.

It was the first time that a foreign-owned dog won BIS at this famous show. A less well-known fact is that Paolo, for a while after the win, also owned the 1998 Crufts BIS winning Welsh Terrier Ch. Saredon Forever Young.

During his more than 60 years of dog show activity, Paolo has been the proud owner or breeder-handler of, in addition to Beagles, many other breeds: Basset Hound, Saluki, Whippet, Kerry Blue Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, and the Italian breed Lagotto Romagnolo (currently in the AKC Foundation Stock Service register). He has also had other breeds such as English Springer Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, Pekingese and German Shepherd Dog. His international judging career started early with an assignment at a large Open Show in Alexandra Palace in London in 1969. Paolo was first passed to judge a few breeds by the Italian kennel club (the ENCI, or Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) in 1973, and was licensed under Italian and FCI rules to judge all breeds, Groups and Best in Show in November, 1985.

During more than 40 years of international judging, Paolo says he has officiated at “probably all the top shows in the world” — including (but not limited to) Crufts, the Ladies Kennel Association and the two great Birmingham shows (City and National) in the UK; Santa Barbara, Montgomery County (Paolo judged BIS there in 1995), Bucks County and 136

Best in Show Magazine

AKC/Eukanuba in the U.S.; the Sydney Royal and Adelaide Royal shows in Australia; and also international shows in Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Vienna, Dortmund, Paris, Madrid, Budapest and Moscow. He has judged in both Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, in New Zealand and even in Kenya.

As a criminal court lawyer by profession, Paolo was eminently suitable for the past position he held as chairman of the legal commission of the FCI. He has also acted as chairman, vice chairman and committee member of several breed clubs and canine societies in Italy. On the local kennel club level, Paolo was been a member of the General Committee and the Discipline, Judges and Show Sub-committee. He was show secretary for the glamorous international show in Bellagio for many years, and acted as show secretary for Italy’s version of the Eukanuba Invitational, the so-called “Collare d’Oro” (Golden Collar) show which was held in Milan for several years, sponsored by Nestlé/Purina and shown on Italian TV. He is a member of the Kennel Club (UK).

To quote Paolo himself, “I always considered my passion for pure-bred dogs as a ‘professional hobby,’ and of course I have immense gratitude to my many mentors who introduced me into this unique world.” Among those are the late, great British all-rounder judges Joe Braddon, Catherine Sutton, Thelma Gray and Robert M. James. Two present-day judges Paolo expresses great admiration for are Edd Bivin of the U.S. and Hans Lehtinen

“I always considered my passion for pure-bred dogs as a ‘professional hobby,’ and of course I have immense gratitude to my many mentors who introduced me into this unique world.”

Photo 5 • Paolo’s World Show and BIS winning Kerry Blue Terrier Ch. Casa de Oro Cabriolet (Ch. Music’s O Seven x Ch. Casa de Oro Flamenco), bred by Jul Hamlot in Norway.

Photo 6 • Paolo’s present to Hermione Bruton, Ch. Joe Mirzabad, a big winner both on the European continent and in England, came from the last litter sired by the great Ch. El Khyrias Hazztafer.

Photo 7 • Paolo interviewed by Stanley Dangerfield (left), after his Wire Fox Terrier Ch. Brookewire Brandy of Layven won BIS at Crufts in 1975. Co-owner Beppe Benelli center. Brandy was handled by Albert Langley.

Photo 10 • An Italian judging Italians: Dondina awarded BOB in Italian Greyhounds at Channel City KC in 1991 to Ch. Littleluv’s El Primo, owner handled by Kathryn Holmes. Photo Joan Ludwig.

Photo 11 • Dondina judging the Whippet Ch. Rivarco Arwen, handled by Mauro Perna, in Italy. Photo Guillermo.

Photo 8 • On his first judging assignment in the U.S., Paolo was part of the 1989 “Show Dog of the Year” panel at Kennel Review’s Tournament of Champions, held in Detroit in March that year. Pictured with the Afghan Hound Ch. Stormhill’s Who’s Zoomin’ Who and owner-breeder handler Sandy Frei is a group of judges that includes, in addition to Paolo (behind Sandy) a large group of top judges — including Keke Kahn, Thelma Brown, Wendell Sammet, Dorothy Hutchinson, Nancy Lindsay, and Dorothy Nickles. Photo Booth.

Photo 9 • Paolo awarded Group 1st at Channel City KC in 1991 to the Wire Fox Terrier Ch. Registry’s Lonesome Dove, handled by Mike Kemp. Lonesome Dove was #1 of all breeds in the U.S. in both 1991 and 1992.

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from Finland.

Dogs he considers it an honor to have judged in different countries include the Kerry Blue Terrier Ch. Torum’s Scarf Michael, the Norfolk Terrier Ch. Cracknor Cause Celebre, the Standard Poodle Ch. Topscore Contradiction, and the Sealyham Terrier Ch. Efbe’s Hidalgo at Goodspice.

Two other dogs from earlier years that he considers “absolutely unforgettable” were the Lhasa Apso Ch. Saxonsprings Fresno (British-bred from U.S. bloodlines) and the Wire Fox Terrier Ch. Galsul Excellence (bred in Ireland, Top Dog in the U.S. 1986 and 1987).

Paolo and his wife, Maria Luisa, now live in Tuscany, in a very old house on top of a hill, with three companions: a Jack Russell Terrier, a Rhodesian Ridgeback of African bloodlines, and a champion Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is a World Show and BIS winner. His hobbies include classical music, fine arts and now also archaeology — “since we discovered we live on the remains of an ancient Roman villa.” Paolo considers travelling and visiting different countries a necessity to satisfy his general curiosity and in order to keep learning.

About the unique invitations to judge Best in Show at both Westminster Kennel Club in New York on February 15, 2010, and at Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England on March 13, 2010, Paolo says: “An impossible dream has become reality! I cannot expect anything more from my wonderful life with dogs and with dog people!”

Dirce

JR. W.W. STROZZAVOLPE TIGER LILY

JUNIOR WORLD WINNER MILANO 2015 AND JUNIOR BEST OF BREED OWNED BY MONICA BONFIGLIO & PIER LUIGI DELI - BRED BY STROZZAVOLPE KENNEL We wish to Dirce a happy life and successful career with the new owner Irmeli Honkanen strozzavolpe3@gmail.com

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Starry Town

by Tiziana & Maurizio Mauro Interviewed by Micol Semiglia

ABOUT THE BREEDER BIS: When and how have you got involved in Bernese and why?

S.T.: The BMD has become part of our lives since 1997 with Hasso von Wattenwill then in 1998 we bought the Multi Ch. Olympia du Mas de Chabrenille who became the dog we consider the foundation of our own breeding programme. We chose the Bernese Mountain Dog because it embraces all the best qualities of a dog: trustworthy behavior, the size and obviously the beauty.

BIS: How would you describe a Bernese in one word?

S.T.: Unparalleled.

BIS: How many dogs do you have at home (living with you) and how many you co-own? How many litters approximately do you have each year?

S.T.: At home we live with 25 Bernese, 10 of them are males.Dog co-ownership does not exist in Italy, but we have several Starry Town dogs who live with trusted friends and thanks to them we can do our job with the utmost respect for the breed, uniting love and work. It’s a beautiful thing when work and passion come together because passion is the difference between having a job or having a career.

Photo 1 • Tiziana with Starry Town Glamour Girl, Starry Town Greatest Love of All & Starry Town Lady Michelle Obama Photo 2 • Starry Town Glamour Girl

BIS: Did you plan to breed professionally from the very beginning?

S.T.: We became professional breeders almost 30 years ago with Newfoundlands (with whom we have had and we continue to have huge satisfaction both in expo and in water work), while we breed the BMD since 2003 we consider ourselves emerging breeders, though we are truly satisfied with the goals achieved in recent years.

BIS: How do you recognize a prospective puppy?

S.T.: Recognizing a good puppy is not easy at all, maybe it’s a little easier for the lucky ones who have the chance to have many puppies at home. All puppies are special if you choose with your heart, but for show or for breeding the right puppy definitely will be the one with the best character and the most correct from a morphology point of view.

BIS: Which traits are important for a successful show dog?

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a show dog is the character that can be compared to the talent in a person.

COOWORKING BIS: With how many kennels do you co-breed and who are they ? How important has cooperation between breeders been through the years?

S.T.: We cooperate with several breeders in Europe whom we like to consider as friends and with whom we spend pleasant evenings talking about our beloved dogs. Among them we can not forget Evelyne & Roger Mansuy of des Roches du Mettey kennel (F), Bjorn & Svante of Kronblommas kennel (S), Lotta Schander of Tjofelinas kennel (S), Nada & Jadran Grubsic of Conte Veneto kennel (SLO) , Hilde & Thomas Leknes of Nellyvills kennel(N), Andrea & Cristophe Maret of Marais Champagne (CH) and Kirsi Vuori of Vuorenpeikon and Tuuli Rikama of Funatic Kennel (F), all lovely families and people with great dogs. A special thought goes to our beloved friend, unfortunately no longer with us, Danielle

S.T.: The main feature of the breed is for sure the character that makes the Bernese Mountain Dog unique and extremely versatile, impossible not to fall in love with him.

BIS: What are your goals in the breeding program?

S.T.: Our goals in the breeding program are first and foremost to follow the breed standard, without ever forgetting we create and sell loved ones therefore character and health must be our priorities; in fact the family is our final user and turning to her we must ensure healthy and well-rounded puppies; if they are not well marked, it doesn’t matter because it is not the right color that makes a family happy.

BIS: How many lines have you used ? How many generations of your own Kennel name do you have in your pedigrees? How many dogs did you breed by now?

S.T.: We started with the Ruisseau Ensoleille bloodline and we keep on with some Swedish ones. In the pedigree of our last litter there are 8 generations of starry town dogs. We breed approximately 50 puppies a year.

Photo 3 • JWW Starry Town Indimenticabile George Best Photo 4 • Multi Ch. Starry Town For a Smile

Porcher of Ruisseau Ensoleille Kennel (F), an excellent breeder but first of all an amazing woman, forever in our hearts.

BIS: Have the Bernese changed over time since you first got involved with the breed?

S.T.: In the last few years the BMD has considerably changed, it has greatly improved both the back movement and the character. However there were not only improvements, but from certain points of view the breed has lost also quality e.g. it’s always good to keep in mind that the Bernese is a working dog, born to pull carts, therefore it has to have a strong skeletal structure.

ACHIVEMENTS AND POTENTIAL ISSUES

BIS: Did you have a mentor when you got started?

S.T.: A mentor no, but we always like to listen to the advice of good and experienced breeders and judges that can help us to improve our work with their knowledge.

BREEDING BERNESE BIS: Tell us please the main characteristic you admire in the breed?

BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievement in breeding and in showing dogs?

S.T.: Our greatest success in breeding is to reach the objectives we set, for example we have improved our Bernese character in a radical way. Our greatest satisfaction in shows is that we can really enjoy ourselves in the ring now. We have bred a lot of champions all over the world, 4 junior world winners and 4 top Bernese in a row (2011-2012-2013-

2014), breed winner at the EDS in Bucharest with a female bred and owned by us, some of our dogs won more than 25 championships but the greatest success is the PASSION that accompanies us day by day. Breeding is more than a sport and more than a job; breeding is pure passion and desire, which fill a lifetime. Our dogs thrill us and keep us young and positive in mind.

BIS: What success has not come yet for you, but you would be happy to reach it?

S.T.: We are not looking for success intended as notoriety, we don’t sell our dogs to everyone or all over the world, like we said before Italian families are our best and favorite customers. Our real dream is to breed a Bernese who remains in history as an unforgettable stud dog; but also winning at the national specialty in U.S. with a Starry Town Bernese would be a wonderful result. The long distance has always prevented us from taking part, the many hours of flight scare us, but the U.S.A. is the country where you can participate in the most competitive and professional dog show in the world, a great challenge for all breeders and handlers, a triumph for the winner.

BIS: Please mention 2 or 3 Bernese which are not owned, bred or shown by yourself, that you particularly admired, and tell us what you most admired of them.

S.T.: In the past we admired several dogs, we saw Jenny V. Waldacker, the world winner 1994 and 4# BIS in Bern, then at the WDS in Milan 2000 Sennetta’s Sixten but also Dany Vd Katzenstiegfluh, Bernerdalens Nasdaq and Ferris Von Der Holderstockhöhe. Sometimes we think nowadays we still need some important stud dogs like those.

BIS: What has been the biggest disappointment in breeding and showing for you so far?

S.T.: The greatest disappointment in breeding is the death of our dogs, regardless of the age. It’s the only thing you can not ever get used to and that always leaves you an immense void. It would be fantastic if they could live a little bit more. Instead in showing our greatest disappointment is when we see that the animal welfare is not considered the 154

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most important thing not by the organizers, nor by the judges.

JUDGING THE BREED AND THE DOG SHOWS BIS: What qualities do you admire most in a judge of your breed?

S.T.: The quality we admire most in a judge is his deep knowledge of the breed. That’s really important because a judge may influence breeding choices. Moreover, in our opinion, a good judge should never forget their love for the dogs, respect for the exhibitors who drive many kilometers and make sacrifices to receive a judgment that can improve the breed.

BIS: What are the most important characteristics to keep in mind for anyone wanting to become a good Bernese judge?

S.T.: In judging a Bernese a good judge must always keep in mind the functionality of the type for which the breed was selected so in addiction to a good temperament he has to prefer good bone and great movement, the key features of a working breed.

CONCLUSION BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all serious young breeders?

S.T.: The advice we could give to a young breeder is: patience, passion and determination. PATIENCE because you can not have all at once; PASSION because without it, it’s better you do something else in your life because a breeder works with living beings who need our love and our dedication; DETERMINATION because without a guideline there is not a destination, only a start.

BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all new Bernese judges?

S.T.: An important tip for the new judges is to learn from good judges. Good judges never need advice, do not forget that they are invited and paid to give us good advice. That’s why they must always be competent and loyal.

Photo 4 • Best in Show winners Kronblommas Isolde, Rosalinda, Rosina and Musette

Photo 5 • Maurizio with the Multi Ch. & European Bob winner Starry Town Exotique Passion

Kronblommas

by Björn Magnusson Interviewed by Tatjana Bilbija-Lalicevic

ABOUT THE BREEDER BIS: When and how did you get involved in dogs?

Why did you choose to breed Bernese dogs?

B.M.: In 1982 I saw my first Bernese Mountain Dog, and was completely charmed by its beauty when it came to color and form; the contrasts between black and white and the wonderful tan colouring.

I could not resist the friendly loving expression. In 1984 I bought my first Bernese Mountain Dog, and I was hooked, I had found my breed. Earlier, I had had German Shepherd, Dalmatian and Golden Retriever. It was purely coincidental that I became a breeder. At a dog show, I watched a woman who started running her dog before going into the ring.

I admired her beautiful dog and enjoyed watching it move. That woman was Gunilla Odenfelt from Odenhills kennel. I got the courage to ask her if it was possible to buy a female puppy from her next litter. She told me she was expecting puppies in the next few weeks and that I would be able to get a female. Unfortunately, there was only one bitch in that litter, so instead I got a bitch – Odenhills Amina – on breeding terms. Amina had nine puppies and there I got my foundation bitch, Odenhills Eya. BIS: Is there a dog you consider the foundation of your own breeding program?

B.M.: Kronblommas Cherubino (Kronblommas Aithra x Macis Zam Mont Morzy) & Kronblommas Isolde (Kronblommas Cherubino x Zanzebern Defender) 156

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Photo 1 • Bjorn with Kronblommas Pamina, Ulrica and Rosalinda Photo 2 • Bjorn with Kronblommas Pamina, Rosalinda and Xerxes

BIS: How many dogs do you have at home (living with you) and how many you co-own?

B.M.: Presently I have thirteen dogs. When your breeding is successful, the family grows quickly. To say how many dogs one should have is difficult; if you are lucky in breeding, you could manage with only a few. In our breed, which unfortunately suffers from many diseases, it is difficult to have only a few breeding females. The gene pool benefits if one has multiple females, from different bloodlines, it secures the future.

BIS: Do you prefer line breeding or outcross? How do you chose your combination?

B.M.: I have only experienced outcross, but am not opposed to using line breeding within reason. I have the privilege to be able to travel with my partner, Svante Frisk, an International FCI judge, to visit dog shows. I choose the type first, and then I look at the individual’s pedigree and the possible diseases that may be there. I must have the right feeling for the 158

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dog I use. Type is the first attribute I look at, then the chest shape, length and depth is secondary. The chest is so important because it is the body that supports and gives the strength for proper movement.

Lack of substance is inconceivable to me.

COOWORKING BIS: With which kennels do you collaborate on breeding? How important was cooperation between breeders through time?

B.M.: In Sweden we have succeeded in working towards a common goal in terms of the various diseases of the breed. I would also like to develop more cooperation in terms of type and anatomy. I have had the privilege to work with prominent kennels abroad - Van’t Rijkenspark in the Netherlands, Stokerybos in Belgium and Starry Town in Italy which have been very inspiring and educational for me.

BIS: Did you have a mentor when you got started?

B.M.: As I worked with Gunilla, she shared her knowledge and experience with me. She assisted me on breeding trips and taught me much of what I know today. She’s been an invaluable mentor and source of inspiration. Still today, before breeding, I ask myself, “What would Gunilla do?” She has taught me the importance of being honest with colleagues and myself.

BREEDING BERNESE BIS: Tell us please the main characteristics you admire in the breed?

B.M.: The colours, the markings, and their friendly loving expression. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy and adaptable working dog with strong limbs, but still a good clean head with moderate stop and dry lips. It is a harmonious and wellbalanced dog with a long, shiny coat and brown, almond-shaped eyes that say: “I’m a good dog that loves to be cuddled”.

BIS: Do the Bernese change over the time since you first got involved with the breed?

B.M.: I think they have changed for the better, specifically in terms of structure and movement. I see that in some countries the legs have become too short and the dog too long.

A Bernese Mountain Dog should be 9:10. In some countries, the heads become like a Molosser, while a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog should have a clean, dry head. Chests have become too narrow.

Over-angled dogs are more common today.

ACHIVEMENTS BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievement in breeding and in showing dogs?

B.M.: As a breeder, I am happy for the individual victories and naturally the champion titels.

But to win a breeder’s group, is something I’m particularly proud of and enjoy. Therefore, I’d have to choose the special exhibition in Finland, the day before the World Expo 2014; there were 11 in the class

Photo 3 • C.I.B, EE CH, LT CH, LV CH, NO V-13, NORD UCH Kronblommas Macduff, photo credits: Emelie Karlsson

and my group was number one and best in show breeders group. In 2014, I was named # 1 BMD breeder in Sweden.

BIS: Please mention 2 or 3 Newfoundlanders/Bernese which are not owned, bred or shown by yourself, that you particularly admired, and tell us what you most admired about each.

B.M.: I have several favorites, all of which fit within the standard and all have amazing qualities: Macis Zam Mont Morzy, Gangsterluvans Keno Kanon, Bernerdalens Gina, all from Sweden; Emerson van ‘t Stokerybos and Jerome van’ t Stokerybos from Belgium; Yoyo van’t Rijkenspark from the Netherlands; Zanzebern Defender from Australia; Noble Nocturne av Milkcreek from Norway; Sennetta’s Sixten from Denmark.

Photo 4 • Best in Show winners Kronblommas Isolde, Rosalinda, Rosina and Musette

POTENTIAL ISSUES BIS: Every breed has some common problems.

Which is the most common problem in your breed seen from a breeder’s point of view?

B.M.: The main problems have to do with health.

We have a problem with rapid aging in terms of all diseases, but also breed specific diseases such as Histiocytic Sarcoma and Malignant Histiocytosis. A group of researchers in France have found markers in sick dogs, and thus arrived at a “risk test”. Here lies a great danger! Are the breeders so knowledgeable that they will use all breeding stock or will they exclude a certain part? The future will tell, but for my part, I am positive about this and have tested all of my dogs.

BIS: What has been the biggest disappointment in breeding and showing for you so far?

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B.M.: I have made some mistakes. But these mistakes have made me a better, more competent breeder and so I do not want to have them undone.

JUDGING THE BREED AND THE DOG SHOWS BIS: What is the most important point of which you would like a judge of your breed to be aware?

B.M.: We have a number of fantastic judges that know the breed exceptionally well.

I keep an eye on them to see whom they select and in such a way consider the males for potential breeding. There are also those judges who choose male dogs with female heads and long swan necks, with heavily angled hindquarters and chests that would fit better on a setter.

Stokerybos

by Ivan & Susan Delrue - Vandewalle Interviewed by Micol Semiglia

ABOUT THE BREEDER BIS: When and how did you get involved in dogs?

Why did you chose the BMD ?

Susan & Ivan: We both had dogs when we were children, after we were married we started with the BMD. The soft character and the beauty of the Bernese Mountain Dog is something that struck us from the first time we saw the dogs. Since 1980 we have our kennel name «‘t Stokerybos» our first Bernese Mountain Dog. In 1984 we started the professional breeding of these magnificent dogs.

BIS: Is there is a dog you consider the foundation of your own breeding program?

Susan & Ivan: There is more than one dog that was the foundation on our Stokerybos BMD kennel, Loef, Laika & Marilou van ‘t Stokerybos were a great start for our kennel. All great dogs!

BIS: How many litters approximately you have a year ?

Susan & Ivan: Breeding BMD is a challenge, providing good housing, to take care of the dogs and showing all cost a lot, because of that we need have a litter from time to time.

COOWORKING BIS: With which kennel do you breed? How important was co-operation between breeders through time?

Susan & Ivan: We did not have dogs in co-owner162

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ship, but lt’s interesting to have good relations with other top- breeders around the world, because sometimes we help each other, that can only be good for the breed.

BIS: Did you have a mentor when you got started ?

And do you do mentoring at the moment?

Susan & Ivan: We never had a mentor, we have our own vision on the breed.

BREEDING BERNESE BIS: Tell us please a main characteristic in the breed? What are your goals in the breeding program?

Susan & Ivan: Our main goal is, try to have generation after generation the beauty of the BMD with a friendly temperament and in good health.

BIS: Did you change type of the dogs you’ve bred through the years and if yes why? How many lines have you used by now? How many generations has your kennel name been in the pedigree?

Susan & Ivan: We don’t try to change the type of the BMD .... We think that isn’t a good idea.

We used some different lines in the past from great dogs that we thought could bring something good in our bloodlines, we are thankful to the foreign dog owners who trust us and giving their dogs as stud.

We are currently starting the eleventh generation of Stokerybos dogs.

BIS: Have the BMD changed over the time since your first got involved with the breed?

Susan & Ivan: In our opinion our BMO becomes more elegance over the years, and movement is more fluent.

BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievements in breeding and in showing dogs?

Susan & Ivan: The great success in the breeding is our very strong selection before our dog comes into the breeding program, the dogs that have excellent qualities to put into our breeding plans gives us more probability for a next generation that will be successesful show dogs. Our kennel has achieved ...

Five CRUFTS winners, five World winners and EDS

winners, several lSO champion titles, many Best in Show at National Specialties in many countries, and at the International dog shows. One of the most famous is EMERSON van ‘t STOKERYBOS, in 2008 Emerson was Belgian Top-dog all breeds, Emersom twice earned the title of World Champion and was European champion, Crufts winner and several Best in Shows. Emerson was best male on the 100 year celebration show Switzerland.

We enjoy great results with our dogs. However a breeder’s life is hard work, with ups and downs, all this success give us energy to continue. We can say it is a pleasure to live together with these fantastic Bernese Mountain dogs !

Nellsbern

by Helen Davenport-Willis Interviewed by Micol Semiglia

ABOUT THE BREEDER BIS: When and how did you get involved in dogs?

H.D.W.: I have been aware of dogs since I was a very young child and have loved them from being in my pram when the neighbor’s dog walked at the side of me. My love affair with dogs started then.

BIS: Why did you chose to breed the Bernese Mountain dog?

H.D.W.: I saw the breed in November 1982 whilst traveling on a coach to a show in Scotland. I was sitting opposite to Julie Vaughan who had her homebred Carlacot Bracken with her at the time.

I immediately fell in love with Bracken and after talking with Julie , I booked a puppy from Bracken’s next litter. She was to be mated to a newly imported Swiss male, Jumbo vom Waldacker of Coliburn owned and imported by Brian and Jude Simonds, I did not secure a puppy from that Carlacot “E” litter but I eventually purchased from Julie a puppy whose dam was Carlacot Ebony who had been mated to Clashaidy Nordic Fire. He was Carlacot Genesis at Nellsbern. He won his third and qualifying CC making him at champion at Crufts in 1992 where he was also Best of Breed. He took me to the very top!

BIS: How would you describe a Bernese in one word?

H.D.W.: Unparalleled.

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BIS: What does the breed mean to you?

H.D.W.: I could not imagine living my life without a Bernese. They are essential to my well being and so I need to share my existence with my Bernese every day of my life.

BIS: Is there a dog you consider the foundation of your own breeding programme?

H.D.W.: Yes, Redinka Rose at Nellsbern who was born in 1995 and sired by Ch Duntiblae Dark Protector ex Forgeman Folksinger. I admired the lines behind her and so she became my chosen foundation female in turn I mated her to to Ch Carlacot Genesis at Nellsbern (Ch Clashiady Nordic Fire ex Carlacot Ebony) and she produced Nellsbern Casablanca who was a great sire.

BIS: How many dogs do you have at home living with you?

H.D.W.: Three Bernese females.

BIS: Please mention some Bernese which are not owned, bred or shown by yourself, that you particularly admire and tell us what you most admired about them.

H.D.W.: In the UK, I admired the early stock from the Forgeman kennels, especially Ch Forgeman

Photo 1 • Juras Premier Vintage Quintessa Helen with her Best of Breed winner at the American Specialty in 2013

Folksong of Tarncred and her litter brother Ch Duntiblae Forgeman Fusilier, and Folksong’s daughter Ch Folkdance at Forgeman. Also the male breed record holder - Ch Carlacot Fido and the Swiss import Ch Jumbo von Nesselacker of Coliburn.

From those abroad I have admired many especially Emerson van’t Stokerybos who was Best of Breed under me at Crufts in 2008. Jura’s Premier Vintage Quintessa and Great Lakes Danish Treasure, who were BOB and BOS respectively at the American Specialty in Denver, Colorado in 2013. The Danish male, Sennetta’s Sixten was also a top exhibit and I awarded him his 2nd CC and Best of Breed to in the UK in 2001. These are just a few from so many top quality Bernese that I have had the pleasure of judging over the years both in the UK and in coun-

tries overseas from my homeland. Super dogs, with breed type, balance and movement.

BREEDING BERNESES BIS: Tell us please the main characteristic you admire in the breed.

H.D.W.: The strength of the breed through strong, sturdy limbs, coupled with correct Bernese temperament which is steady, calm and reliable.

BIS: What are/were your goals in the breeding program?

H.D.W.: Always to improve the quality in each generation. When looking at the female I am breeding with, I know her family history so I look at her

virtues and her faults and then look for a male who not only has the attributes I am looking for in my puppies, but who, hopefully, has produced these desired traits in his progeny with other bitches.

BIS: Has the Bernese breed changed over the time since you first got involved with the breed?

H.D.W.: Yes, it has when looking at the breed in the UK today. Certainly things have changed since I first became involved in the early 1980s. There are still some quality Bernese to be seen but perhaps not so many as we used to see which is disappointing. I think all countries go through stages when their breed can be strong in quality, especially if there are prolific stud dogs around and quality females, but there are also times when breeds hit a low and the stock on the ground is not so good. Looking back it is easy tothink that times were better years ago!

ACHIVEMENTS AND POTENTIAL ISSUES BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievement in breeding/showing/judging dogs?

H.D.W.: To have won Best of Breed at Crufts in 1992 with the first male Bernese I have owned - Ch Carlacot Genesis at Nellsbern and to have won Best in Show at the main breed club in the UK The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of GB in 1998 with his grand daughter - Ch Nellsbern Elsa. The highlight of my judging career is judging Bernese at Crufts in 2008 and judging males and BIS at the BMDC of America Specialty in 2013.

BIS: What success has not come yet for you, but you would be happy to reach like breeder or judge?

H.D.W.: I consider I have been most fortunate to have had a great deal of success both in breeding and showing. In judging I have judged at the highest level in many countries all over the world. I love judging and it is a great honor to be asked to judge one’s breed in whatever country one is invited.

BIS: Every breed has some common problems.

Which is the most common problem in the Bernese seen from a breeder’s point of view? And from a judge’s viewpoint?

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Photo 2 • Ch Carlacot Fido - male breed record holder in the United Kingdom Photo 2 • Helen with Champion Nellsbern Elsa

H.D.W.: From a breeder’s point of view whelping is the most difficult time, the mother could be having trouble and the vet has to be called in. The loss of puppies when they are at their most vulnerable stage in their life, ie the birthing process, is not only heartbreaking for the puppy and the mother, so too for the breeder. To see a beautifully formed puppy who has fought to live, die in your arms is soul destroying. From a judges point of view, too many people show Bernese who are not really “ show quality” so they should not be taking part in shows. By that I mean that their conformation and/or movement is poor and they have no breed type; yet they might be perfectly marked and hae a steady temperament. It is best to keep them at home so they can be happy without the pressures of the show ring. When judging it is far harder to judge and assess dogs of inferior quality, than it is

those with honesty and integrity who have a thorough understanding of the breed, its construction, movement and origin of purpose and who make their decisions based upon their findings after getting their hands on the dogs during the individual examination and then seeing the dog both standing and moving. The breed is always uppermost in their mind and the good of the breed and not the owner/handler always first and foremost. I consider a judge who is able to judge puppies and place them in an order when they are at various stages of development, is indeed talented since this is a difficult task.

those of good quality.

BIS: What has been the biggest disappointment in breeding/showing/judging for you so far?

H.D.W.: That Nellsbern Casablanca did not become a champion and that his grand daughter Nellsbern Quaxie, lost a litter of puppies the day before she was due to whelp. Thankfully Quaxie survived this sad experience.

JUDGING THE BREED AND THE DOG SHOWS BIS: How long have you been judging this breed?

H.D.W.: In the UK I judged my first show in 1987 and awarded CCs in BMD in the UK in 1992 at Darlington Ch show. I first judged abroad in Denmark in the 1990s.

BIS: When and why did you decide to become judge of BMD? H.D.W.: After breeding and exhibiting I was invited to judge in 1987 at a local open show - Cheshire show. I loved it and have not stopped since!

BIS: When you were just a breeder which qualities did you admire most in a judge of Bernese ? And now that you are a judge, which qualities you like most and less in a colleague?

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BIS: What are the most important characteristics to keep in mind for anyone wanting to become a good Bernese judge ?

H.D.W.: Be honest with yourself and know your limitations. Do not pretend to be something you are not.

Do not accept appointments just because you want to judge abroad. Remember you are representing your country when you judge in a foreign land and that your actions reflect not only yourself but your country too. Make sure you know everything there is to know about construction and movement and ensure that when it comes to making decisions you are able to do so quickly and efficiently. Know yourself well and understand your own strengths and weaknesses.

BIS: Which traits are important for a successful show dog? Which are qualities you like most in a Bernese? Which are the faults you hate most in this breed?

H.D.W.: I like balance and harmony in a Bernese, a strong head in a male and a strong yet feminine head in a female, a good length of neck, excellent forehand angles and hindquarter angles and balanced brisket and middlepiece, coupled with correct tail carriage. Together the package should move correctly with the ideal profile, foot fall and balanced pace, co ordinated yet powerful. A wonderful vision when it all comes together correctly.

BIS: Where have you seen the most beautiful Berneses? In which country or in which show where you have judged or where you have been as a visitor?

H.D.W.: I have seen many excellent Bernese in so many countries I have judged in and as I said above, times change and countries have times when the breed is strong in type and movement and then there are times when this changes and the breed is not so strong.

BIS: A Bernese can’t win under you if it has …. (ex. yellow eyes, curly hair, short tail, bad movement, … ) H.D.W.: I do not like to see a “gay” tail carried high over the back. I think it is untypical and it spoils the outline of the Bernese. I understand that some males carry their tails high when around other entire males, but there is a difference between a tail that is correctly set on and carried a little high to show a strong temperament and a tail that is positioned badly because the croup is incorrect. The angle of the croup dictates the set on of the tail. Poor movement is something I do not like. I can forgive a little untidyness in the front movement, but not so in the hind movement because the power of the dog (the engine of the dog) commences in the rear of the dog. The hind movement needs to be strong, sound, and powerful through the rear pastern.

BIS: Please tell me the best Bernese you have ever judged and explain me why you loved him/her so much.

H.D.W.: I think this is impossible to say because I have judged so many quality Bernese from all over the world and from different time eras and so it would be unjust of me to compare them.

BIS: Not everyone likes grooming in the Bernese.

What do you think about it? Do you like groomed dogs?

H.D.W.: I think Bernese should be clean and well presented for the ring. I like them to have an outline which is natural and not with too much hair taken off so they are “sculptured”. I do not like them to be dirty and untidy so a little tidying to neaten them is something I like.

BIS: What is the best thing about being a judge?

And the worst thing?

H.D.W.: The best thing about being a judge is that one gets an opportunity to judge Bernese in all

parts of the world. This in turn brings one into contact with other judges, breeder/exhibitors and it is a great way of making friends. We all have a common interest - a love of this wonderful breed. The worse aspect is when one has to make decisions which are difficult for example choosing between two dogs or bitches of similar quality and one has to be first and the other goes into second place. Also sometimes one sees poor specimens of Bernese which should not be in the ring and that is difficult to judge them because they have so many faults.

CONCLUSION BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all serious young breeders?

H.D.W.: Before you purchase your foundation female, speak with lots of successful breeders and get to know the strengths and failings in bloodlines.

Study canine anatomical points, understand how the breed is put together. Do not be in a hurry to breed a litter just because you have a Bernese female and make sure that when it comes to the time for her to have her puppies you know exactly what to do at all times, especially in the event of an emergency. Never compromise on quality when looking to breed your female. Understand the differences between line breeding, in breeding and out crossing. A basic knowledge of canine genetics does help!

BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all new Bernese judges?

H.D.W.: Study and understand the workings of the breed standard. Talk to judges in the breed who are knowledgeable and experienced. Listen to their advice. Take time to read everything you can about judging the breed and do not be in a hurry to get into the middle of the ring before you are ready. If you are not competent you should not be judging.

Remember that exhibitors pay for your opinion when they enter under you, so you should make sure you honestly assess and place their dogs, whilst maintaining a professional and courteous approach.

Your actions both in and out of the ring reveal so much about yourself and your knowledge of Bernese!

Marais Champagne

by Andrea & Christophe Maret Interviewed by Micol Semiglia

ABOUT THE BREEDER BIS: When and how did you get involved in dogs?

Why did you choose to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Andrea & Christophe: When I was a child I used to spend my school holidays with my aunt. She had always had Swiss Mountain Dogs. I used to buy cans of food, dog biscuits and beautiful leads and collars for her dogs with my pocket money. The beauty and the character of this tricolor dog has always fascinated me.

BIS: How would you describe a Berner in one word?

What does the breed mean to you?

Andrea & Christophe: Loyal friend.

BIS: Is there one specific dog you consider the foundation of your own breeding program?

Andrea & Christophe: I was so lucky to have been able to start my breeding with Daria von Hautzenbichl. She was a multi-champion female.

BIS: How many dogs do you have at home (living with you) and how many you co-own? Approximately how many litters do you have a year?

Andrea & Christophe: At the moment I have 4 dogs living with me and I am co-owning 4 more who are not living with me. I have about 2 or 3 litters a year.

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BIS: Did you plan to breed professionally from the very beginning?

Andrea & Christophe: Right from the beginning I had the ambition to breed beautiful and of course healthy dogs. I was never interested in just increasing the number of Berners in the world. Whether a breeder is professional or not, does not depend on the number of litters they have, but on the quality of the dogs they use in breeding and the quality of the puppies they are producing. A professional breeder is trying to improve the breed in health and in structure. Some breeders have a lot of litters and others have a litter only occasionally but if all of them are only “pet quality” these people are not breeding professionally.

BIS:How do you recognize a puppy which is a show prospect?

Andrea & Christophe: You can already see type in a pup. It hardly ever happens that a puppy that is not very promising ends up being really great dog.

BIS: Which traits are important for a successful show dog?

Andrea & Christophe: Good structure, strong bones, gaits.

Photo 1 • Multi Champion Chaya de Marais Champagne Photo 2 • Marais Champagne’s puppy

WORKING WITH OTHER BREEDERS BIS: With how many kennels have you been working with and which ones are they? How important was cooperation with other breeders throughout the years?

Andrea & Christophe: I am lucky to have been able to use studs from some world famous kennels (Stokerybos, Rijkenspark, Starry Town). I am very grateful for this. But I also discuss dogs for hours on the phone with my friend Georg Woschitz who has the Jauntal kennel in Austria. Tiziana Mauro from Starry Town is always ready to give me good advice 172

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and we have lots of discussions about breed- ing.

The cooperation between breeders is very important and we can all learn from each other. I have formed wonderful friendships with some breeders.

BIS:Did you have a mentor when you got started? In case you had,who was it?

Andrea & Christophe: Our first Berner was from the Savora kennel of Verena Treuthardt. She was always ready to help me with good advice and to give me the benefit of the valuable experience she

has gained in over 40 years of breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs. Now I can pay her back for this because in a few weeks she will be getting a puppy from my kennel. But also Martha und Hansruedi Leisi from the Hausmatt kennel gave me tips.

BREEDING BERNESE BIS: Tell us please the main characteristic you admire in the breed?

Andrea & Christophe: The beauty and the charm of the Bernese Mountain Dog is naturally irresistible.

On top of that there is his fantastic character. He is so adaptable and he is happy anywhere as long as he is with his owner.

BIS: What are your goals in the breeding program?

Andrea & Christophe: Our goals are to breed healthy dogs with a lot of type which is not always easy.

BIS:How many lines have you used to date? How many generations of your own Kennel name do you have in pedigrees? How many dogs have you bred?

Andrea & Christophe: In all the years I have used 15 brood bitches. Some had only one litter and others more. At the moment the fifth generation is running round with me at home. I have brought up a total of 183 pups.

BIS:Have the Bernese changed in any way since you first got involved with the breed?

Andrea & Christophe: The Berner has come from being a farm dog to being a much loved house pet. In the past, the Bernese were never groomed as much at shows as they are today. Although internet makes it much easier to find information about dogs, I think that breeding has become much more demanding. It is still not easy to find the perfect stud.

ACHIVEMENTS AND POTENTIAL ISSUES BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievement in breeding and in showing dogs?

Andrea & Christophe: I am happy to say that with one single exception, I maintain contact with my

Photo 3 • Andrea Maret with puppies Photo 4 • Christophe Maret with puppies

puppy buyers and know exactly if dogs that I have bred are still alive and I am so happy when people want a second or even a third dog from me. Ever since I have been breeding, dogs from my kennel have received conformation championship titles and have always been regularly placed at conformation shows.

BIS: What success has not come yet for you, but you would be happy to reach it?

Andrea & Christophe: The big famous wins like World Winner, Crufts, Westminster.

BIS: Please mention 2 or 3 Bernese which are not owned, bred or shown by yourself, that you particularly admired, and tell us what you most admired of them.

Andrea & Christophe: Bobby und Emerson van’t Stokerybos, Bernerdalens Uno Amigo Buono, Barancourt van de Weyenberg are all wonderful dogs with a lot of type and fantastic gaits.

BIS: Every breed has some common problems.

Which is the most common problem in your breed

Photo 4 • Best in Show winners Kronblommas Isolde, Rosalinda, Rosina and Musette

as seen from a breeder’s point of view?

Andrea & Christophe: As far as the health is concerned, the longevity still leaves much to be desired. With the exterior there is no guarantee that two beautiful dogs will have beautiful puppies. This would be too easy and every breeder knows to expect surprises.

BIS: What has been the biggest disappointment in breeding and showing for you so far?

Andrea & Christophe: My greatest disappointment was to lose all the puppies in a litter except one.

Only to get very average pups from really promising matings. And I will never forget once I was standing in the ring with a female which was a multichampion and the judge told me she was not a typical Bernese Mountain Dog. JUDGING THE BREED AND THE DOG SHOWS BIS: What qualities do you admire most in a judge of your breed?

Andrea & Christophe: If he can see the qualities of a dog with one glance.

BIS: What are the most important characteristics to keep in mind for anyone wanting to become a good Bernese judge?

Andrea & Christophe: When you can read the 174

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judge’s evaluation after a show and this is a good description of your dog. A good judge will assess a dog fairly without just picking it to pieces.

CONCLUSION BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all serious young breeders?

Andrea & Christophe: Breeding means trying to improve the breed which is not always possible in one generation because you have to work on one characteristic at a time, try to improve one characteristic in each generation without losing any of the good qualities you already have. It is a great challenge to breed a beautiful dog and it is definitely easier to buy a good dog, although even then you still need a lot of luck to buy a good one. So a young breeder has to be patient and realize that it takes a lot of patience and that there are a lot of ups and downs along the way. However if you do breed a good dog you have every right to be very proud of yourself and that is what makes breeding so exciting.

BIS: What would be the most important advice you would give to all new Bernese judges?

Andrea & Christophe: To look at the dog as a whole and not just look for faults.

Literary Dog

INTERVIEW WITH PEKKA HANNULA

by Anne Tureen

BIS: Pekka, you have written a book on each major aspect of showing dogs, breeding (2 vol) handling and judging. The titles you’ve chosen are especially appropriate: ‘Key to Top Breeding’, for example, since you collaborated with so many top names in breeding. The format is exciting, because it’s the perfect book to pick up when you have 20 minutes to spare, and in that time a great breeder shares their experiences and insight with you, the reader, How did the idea for this volume develop?

P.H.: “Keys to Top Breeding” got started when I was writing a book about a prominent Finish judge. He told me how sorry he was because younger breeders seemed afraid to ask his advice. I realized that this is a common problem in the dog world, there is a sort of gap between the great kennels and the beginners.

The idea for the book became clear, when not one of the top breeders I invited said “no” to participating in the project. They saw how important it is to share their experiences with the next breeder generation. I have not interviewed all the breeders myself, but my friends all over the world helped 182

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me with a tape recorder and questions. This lead to funny situations later, for example I noticed that Patsy Hollings was judging in Finland and so I went to the gate where judges came to the show place. I found her and asked if she could sign this wonderful book for me. “With great pleasure!” she said, ‘To whom shall I make the dedication?’. So I asked if she could sign it for Pekka. Something clicked in her mind and other judges around her started to laugh.

Then Patsy hugged me.

All the breeders who participated brought valuable input, however a highlight for me was interviewing Espen Engh, We sat down during the Helsinki Winner Show in the second floor pub and had some wine. Espen just dictated his clear views and asked with a serious face “next question, please”.

I have been a pretty successful breeder myself, but I also thought that I still had a lot to learn. During this project I was surprised to discover that I had been so breed blind. I should have known about other breeds all the way from the start. I hope that other breeders are wiser!

BIS: In your second book, ‘Keys to Top Breeding Vol 2’, the approach is completely different, I was expecting more interviews, but the third party contributions were more brief and included in a text in which you very elegantly address a long list of issues that breeders face.

P.H.: After “Breeding” (vol1) I was told that I couldn’t do better. That might have made it difficult to keep writing, but fortunately “Keys to Top Breeding Vol2” was already at the printers. It didn’t make any sense to repeat the first one. Instead I thought that breeders should get support to their everyday problems like how to make combinations, where to reliable

information, what to know about genetics, how to help a whelping bitch…

So I gathered a group, who knew: Mia Ejerstad, Barbara Gallicchio and some young breeders, who had a fresh view to the topic. And here I must mention Marjo Nygård who is the best translator ever!

I had a very good team.

BIS: ‘Keys to Top Handling’ has a similar format to the second volume of Breeding, and the contributing authors give a wealth of concrete advice such as: ‘Before entering the ring, run a damp cloth down the topline of your Newfie to smooth the coat’. What sort of reader did you have in mind while you were writing this?

P.H.: The purpose of “Handling” was to help breeders to bring their dogs up on the best possible way either by themselves or by the help of young skilful handlers.

BIS: I’ve noticed that many people you’ve interviewed are Swedish or Finnish, and in fact many of the quality work in dogs today seems to be coming from the North of Europe. Do you agree, and why do you think this is so?

P.H.: Yes, perhaps that is true. I think that our KC does not help overly much, but everything is so well organized here. We also have good language skills (school!) so that helps to communicate abroad. And when the competition is hard, it brings up even better dogs.

BIS: Then of course, there is your new book, hot off the press, ‘Keys to Top Judging’.

P.H.: Many breeders and especially handlers are afraid of judges. I hope this book relieves their anxiety a bit. I must confess that Francesco Cochetti pushed me over the threshold with this text.

We made it an Ebook, because it fitted so well to the context and also because it became cheap that way. Especially young handlers can’t easily afford a hard cover copy instead of getting now into judges’ heads with 10-12 euros.

Many people imagine that the social media can give us the same information as books – maybe even more information, because books are written by just one person, at most by a group of people,

whereas for example Facebook groups may involve thousands of members. And yet it’s not a question of information – the world is full of information and there’s no way we can control it – but how to process it. Do we really think about what we find in the social media, or are we just picking little tidbits from here and there? There are articles written by experts, but is all the information we find in social media trustworthy? Do we spend our time in the social media sensibly, or are we getting sidetracked by outlandish notions and downright gossip? If books disappear, we lose incredibly much! At the same time controversy is also useful, because it means that books must become ever better if we want people to pick them up. There is a lot of bad social media, but there are also many bad books.

BIS: In the conversation I had with Mario Canton (see BIS issue n°9) we observed that so many people dedicate all their time to dogs, they may even become successful, but very few go on to write from their experience.

P.H.: I once pondered aloud to a friend that I might have earned a PHD if I had spent my time reading instead of on dogs. But I prefer it this way. I understand perfectly if people don’t manage to write, it takes so much more work than is apparent.

All writing must arise from an understanding, it must have spirit. This can be hard to explain to someone who may be talented in many things but still be a clumsy writer. Technique is also important; you cannot start from the very first sentence and write the text straight through. You go over all the pieces again and again. Interestingly the time to write an introduction comes when the book has got a proper shape so that you know what you are introducing.

I’ve lived my whole life with dogs, as owner, breeder (GSD), judge, and now author. I have been writing ever since I was 12 years old when my father bought me a typewriter. He wrote a lot and communicated to me the huge importance of writing, I practised even when I was sleepy in the morning and dropped the typewriter on the floor. As the years have passed my output has changed and become more concise. Another thing I have learned is to leave room for the reader: it’s not always necessary to spell out everything if the reader can easily

fill in the rest. The most important thing is the rhythm of the text. Very few people have the patience to listen to a monotonous melody, most of us prefer music that has both upbeat sections and calmer, quieter moments. That’s how text should flow, too. Piling hard facts upon hard facts gets tiresome very soon, there must also be space in between for anecdotes, impressions, ideas, even jokes. A writer must always think about the reader!

BIS: That unknown person who is participating in your project.

P.H.: Writing can be extremely therapeutic if you’re only writing for yourself or for those nearest to you – and that’s fine! But it’s even better if the book also has meaning to a broader circle. It can be a very worthwhile endeavour, because the format allows you to work through a specific issue rather than generalizing. Like judging, a good approach is to focus on constructing instead of tearing down.

We all can do our best, and that’s not too much to ask. As Albert Einstein has said, it is our sacred duty.

With my books I have tried to influence the teaching of biology in schools, the service culture in my own country, dog breeding ”worldwide” (Keys to Top Breeding 1 & Vol. 2) and on show handling (Keys to Top Handling). The interest towards judging (Keys to Top Judging) is a fascinating notion. People want to know how judges think, judges mean more to the dog exhibitors than just a few moments in the ring.

So I dedicate as much time as it requires to writing – I will continue to activate my readers and encourage them to think for themselves. I believe it contributes to a better world, even if my faith shakes every now and then.

BIS: That is a lot of time, judging from the depth and variety of subjects upon which you have written!

Pike fishing based and it’s living habits.

Biology series 1-5 for college.

International Judge: Kari Järvinen.

Living with Shelties.

Law book for dog owners.

Hanse Lehtinen - life and dogs.

Good service for customers, please.

A child in divorce (apps) A guide to a right profession (coming soon).

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P.H.: Writing may sound like lonely work, just the writer’s head, fingers and computer working, but that’s far from the truth. Thoughts and ideas are born out of interaction with other people and other books. Think about Winston Churchill: “Little men, he argued, let events take their course. I like things to happen, and if they don’t happen, I like to make them happen”. Or Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ”There are thousands of alternatives, and often the one that is different and a little absurd is often the best one. I hate it when personalities are suppressed! If I hadn’t been different, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

At least as important are the people with whom I work. There are many kinds of communities also in the dog world, and we join them according to our preferences and priorities. The communities that feel right are created with enough time. Nowadays I just could not cope without Marjo Nygård (the translator), Tero Laakso (the nerd), Katariina Rautiala (the one to always find a new angle), Johanna Lahtinen (my younger female counterpart) and Hille Koistinen (the layout artist).

Also many wonderful experts, breeders and judges have helped me: Barbara Gallicchio, Espen Engh, Rian Alexander, Francesco Cochetti, Danuta Sarnecki, Sylwia and Jakek Kurkowska, Mia Ejerstad, Fabrizio Bochino, Patricia Trotter, Olesya Deryabina, Annica Brax, Yiannis Vlachos, Kirsi Sainio, Leena Harjapää and many, many others.

BIS: So should we be expecting something more from the pen of Pekka Hannula?

P.H.: Ah yes, there are still 2-3 projects going on: Keys to Top Breeding Vol3, which connects the beginners and experienced breeders. And we already have a board for the board game of dogs.

Even though there are many books, it’s easy to name my favourite. It’s the next one on line. It gives me the kicks to go on.

BIS: My final question: which is one of your favourite books on dogs?

P.H.: The next one I’m going to read!

BIS: What a great idea! Good luck.

P.H.: Good luck to you, and to BIS magazine!

Juha Kares Blog

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International Dog Show in ALBA, Italy 4th of July 2015 Photo credits: Selene Favretto

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW WINNER THAT’S AMORE IN MAHE Chihuahua Long haired, Ow. Tomei M.

STANDING OVATION DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Castellani D.

IMMACOLATA DEI RAGGI DI LUNA Italian Greyhound, Ow. Caldarone G.

BEST IN SHOW WINNER IL GRANAIO DEL MALATESTA DEMETRIO Lagotto Romagnolo

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CABAKA’S BOBBIE OF STORM CAT Samoyed, Ow. Barbara Moreschi

CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi & Paolantoni

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International Dog Show in TORINO, Italy 5th of July 2015 Photo credits: Selene Favretto

JUNIOR BEST IN SHOW WINNER LOCH MOR RUFUS Labrador Retriever, Ow. Barbier F.

SCOZZESE ONE EXTRAORDINARY BLU DI CAMBIANO, Rough Collie

STANDING OVATION DEL CUORE IMPAVIDO Bearded Collie, Ow. Castellani D.

BEST IN SHOW WINNER ELEANOR RIGBY DEL GRAN PAMIR Afghan Hound

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CINECITTA IAN SOMERHALDER Maltese, Ow. Prosperi & Paolantoni

FRANCINI’S DAY BY DAY English Cocker Spaniel, Ow. Francini kennel

A bit of the past and a bit for the future

by Ante Lucin

For almost two and a half months I have been doing different things and not showing the dogs. It gave me more than enough time to think on many different subjects and I had some ideas I would like to write about, but I will concentrate on three things in this article not to be too long or too boring.

Being now for almost a month in my house next to the sea and having far too much time for Facebook and Internet in general, I must say a few words about the whole China thing. I have a very clear opinion on this subject but as I am Mr Nobody in the places where these problems can be solved I think my opinion is completely irrelevant.

I think democracy gave us all a freedom of speech and a freedom of expressing our views. That is really good. And in general I am a person who like to comment and share the ideas. But sometimes also everyone having an opinion on everything can bring too much chaos. And I think chaos is not exactly what we need now. I understand feelings and partly the pros and contras of both sides. I am trying not to be on anybody’s side when trying to make a conclusion on this as anyhow I have nothing to gain from it either way. Here is what I think. All of us, and I mean all, who have any kind of power or possibility to help should help the DOG WORLD now. Not to China, not to Norway, not to the FCI, not to any organization. But to our dogs and to our sport which we all love so much. It is absolutely normal to have different opinions. I think it is good and important.

We need people who think differently; we need people who want to try, to change, and to discuss.

I, more than anything, believe we are all on the one side. I see the differences, I clearly see them. But all these differences are having the same point. They all 192

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want to bring us to the same goal. We are all fighting for the same. Just we would like to take different ways. I am sure people of the FCI and the people of the NKK and the people of the CKU have the same goal – to bring something good for the dogs, to improve the sport but also to improve the welfare of the dogs. I wish we would all understand that we all believe in one thing – and that is that the world of dogs gave us so many things, so many friendships and so many laughs and tears that we cannot imagine our lives without dog shows, but much more than that, without the dogs – our best and the most loyal friends!

Finding the ways for a better life for dogs (and I am not talking only about the pure bred dogs) is something we are all trying to do. Just we have different ideas how to achieve this. Is it a secret that the world of show dogs and dog shows is under the attack lately of many different organizations who can’t or don’t want to understand what are we doing or fighting for? Didn’t we all lose already too many battles where we were publicly embarrassed and presented as Hitlers of the modern age and I don’t know what. Yes we did. We have the same goal – this is what it matters. We need to be united more than ever. We need to think that our public “fights” will not bring any good for our dogs and millions of dogs that are suffering in China and many other countries in different ways. There are places and times where smart heads need to sit and talk, behind closed walls. Going out united, speaking as one, and showing that we care. Finding compromises. Now is the time for that. More than ever. Let’s protect the dogs, let’s protect the sport, let’s find the solutions and let’s make compromises. For the dogs and for the sport. As when or if we lose it there will

not be any road back. At this point, it is not about anyone winning this game. It is not about who has a reason or who is stronger. It is more than ever about being united and being focused on what really is important – and that is not who will host the WDS – but what we can do as a community and as individuals to save the sport and improve the life of dogs in every corner of the globe. If we don’t understand this now, probably we will all lose.

Before I packed my things and moved to my favourite location and started to work on my favourite project (and you all know these are the Split shows) we went to Italy for the World show which was held in Milan in the beginning of June; another show which was criticised by many people and another show (like the brilliant European show Romania organized some years ago) that has shut the mouths of many who like to predict catastrophes.

The World dog show in Milan and without any doubt (from the exhibitor’s point of view) was one of the best in the FCI’s modern history. Huge rings, lovely halls, lots of place for exhibitors and dogs, good parking, friendly people, super main ring and lots of good dogs from all around the world. I had my fears (and I wrote them before the show) that Italians will take it all easy and that they will not be ready for the event like this – but how wrong I was.

Every little detail was planned and at least from my point of view (and I never judge the quality of the show by our results) it was just a great show for which we all need to thank and congratulate to the Italian Kennel Club. If we would go into details every one of us could find some small thing that could have been done a bit better, but as when judging dogs, we need to concentrate on the good, on the whole package and the whole package was really good!

I am happy it all went so well as every well-organized World or European show is a step forward for reaching the perfection. Well done ENCI, you did well and you can be proud as obvious the hard work paid back (as it always does).

July was hectic as usual, with all the preparations for the Split shows which this year hosted also the Interra show and which attracted a record entry from 36 different countries. I am so proud of this story but every time I want to write something about it I understand I can’t be objective as I am 194

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too much involved. But the comments of the judges, visitors and exhibitors were really good and I hope most of you enjoyed the shows. At the end, the most important thing is to feel good and be a part of the positive atmosphere. There are two things we organizers cannot control (even if many think we can) and these are the weather and the judging. I was so happy that Split this year had the opportunity to see the best dogs from all over the world. I have never been to one show (except of the World and European shows) where you could find so much quality in each and every group and the BIS line ups every night were just WOW. I would like to thank to everyone who decided to be this year a part of the unique event and I would like to thank you for your kind words and comments you published after the show. Also I would like to thank to all of you who criticised us for some things in a positive way, we will try to do even better next year and improve where the things were not perfect this year. Like in many other things, great things come when you connect great people. People still find it hard to believe that these shows are year after year organized by a group of volunteers, mostly young people, who are not (at least the large majority) involved in the world of show dogs or dog shows at all! And to come back to the beginning of this article – oh yes we fight, oh yes we say bad words, oh yes we hate each other sometimes – but we all want the same! To be proud of what we did. This is the key of success!

Next stop for most of us will be Oslo. I have been in Norway only few times and it was some years ago, but I have only good memories of my visits there. I wish you all safe travels and good results. We lost too many dear friends in the last few years and we all need to think that our doggy family will be good – just as much as each one of us family members is good. United we can do miracles. Trust me on that!

“A funny thing happened to me on the way to the dog show”

by Richard Hellman

When I was a little boy, in the 1960’s, I lived in an appartment building in Forest Hills in Queens County, New York just a few kilometers from Manhattan. Forest Hills, with its tree lined cobblestone roads and tudor style homes seemed like an English village and was a famous landmark for the US Open tennis stadium which was later transferred to nearby Flushing Meadows when a more spacious venue was required. My parents never wanted or allowed me to have a dog so I spent my free time collecting small animals from the local pet shop, my home away from home.

I had hamsters, gerbils and Peruvian guinea pigs with long flowing coats that I regularly bathed and blow dried. Aquariums with gold fish, and turtles which never lasted very long, probably due to feeding them excessively. I begged my parents to allow me to have a dog but they firmly refused saying that an apartment was not a suitable environment.

On the ground floor of our apartment building lived a very old lady who was cared for by a nurse and she had 4 little dogs that seemed just as old as her and they had a striking resemblance to her as well! These 4 snorting creatures with wrinkly, pushed-in faces, graying masks, and pudgy bodies were not very attractive to say the least, but every time I saw them in the morning being walked by the nurse, I would stop to say hello, asking their names and I got to know them and love them. I learned that they were Pugs and their elderly owner was unable to walk them, and the nurse, seeing my interest asked me one day if I would like to help her with the daily task of dog walking! I was so thrilled at the 196

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chance of having a job at the age of 9 to prove to my parents that I could be responsible hoping that one day I could save my money and acquire a dog of my own. I think I earned 5 dollars per week which was alot of money for a little boy at that time! My favorite candy bar, Nestle’s Crunch, I remember at the time, cost 7 cents, so one week’s salary could buy me 71 chocolate candy bars just to give you an idea of my new found wealth! But more importantly, it gave me the chance to feel responsible and spend time with those overweight, aging, comical little Pugs! I would get up extra early in the mornings before going to school to walk them for about 15 minutes and in the afternoons when I came home they would get a longer walk.

My aunt who lived in Huntington, Long Island had a huge home with lots of land and my uncle who worked near us would pick me and my brother up every friday afternoon and take us to spend the weekends in the country at their place.

They were animal lovers and had a Shih Tzu as well as a cat and a pair of trained parakeets which flew around the house and spoke a language only my aunt could clearly understand. Not far from them was a huge pet shop called Selmer’s Petland, which still exists to this day, and I remember spending hours there as young boy mesmerized by the hundreds of animals that populated the store.

It was my aunt who took me to my first dog show.

The year was 1970 and it was a specialty show for Shih Tzu’s just recently recognized officially by the AKC. We met the pioneer breeder, Reverend Allan Easton, who had been responsible in obtaining AKC recognition for the breed and later visited his

Photo 1 • Richard with his friends from the QUEENS OBEDIENCE TRAINING CLUB, in Flushing Meadow Park, NY in 1973 Photo 2 & 3 • Am Can It BIS Ch. Tobe’s Black Bronco

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kennel which resulted in bringing home a beautiful 6 month old gold and white male puppy named Niko.

Unfortunately his permanence didn’t last very long as he constantly badgered the other animals in the household and my aunt sadly had to bring him back to his breeder after a very brief period. So my dog show future was put on hold but I remember being fascinated by this experience.

When I was 10 years old we moved into a private home with a back yard about a half mile away and although I had to leave my Puggy friends I was happy to have my own bedroom, a cedar wood attic to play in and a large backyard with a fish and turtle pond with circulating waterfall in the form of a huge 3 leaf clover. Although the yard wasn’t fenced in, I knew in time I could convince my folks to let me finally have a dog of my own but they still weren’t keen on the idea.

Just about a year later our home was robbed and I wasted no time in explaining to my parents that had we had a dog in the house to bark and scare off any potential burglars this would never have happened! After weeks of coaxing and stubborn convincing, my brother and I succeeded in getting what we wanted! Now the only problem was to come to an agreement on which breed to choose. My mother wanted an English Springer Spaniel, my father a German Shorthaired Pointer, my brother really didn’t care so together we decided on a black and white Siberian Husky with blue eyes and I started doing research on the breed.

I went to the pet store to buy a small paperback book which told very little about the breed. I must have read it from cover to cover hundreds of times!

I was so excited to see the photos of those beautiful dogs with their mischievous expression and couldn’t wait to have one of my very own. I furthered my research in the public library but not much was to be found and this was surely beneficial, for had my parents discovered what the temperament of the Siberian Husky was really like, I’m sure they would never have let one into our lives! Not only are they completely unsuitable for being a watch dog to protect the home, loving indifferently anyone who comes along their path, they suffer from boredom, often manifesting in destructive behavior and have an untamed, natural desire to run, making them

quite unfit as house dogs. I was able to keep these traits a secret from my parents as I was determined to have a Siberian puppy as soon as possible.

Always reading the pet section of the Sunday NY Times, I soon discovered that there was a dog show in Bohemia, Long Island that very day just for northern breeds. I pleaded with my parents to take me there in hopes of seeing some real live Siberian Huskies and when we looked on the map to discover that this town was at least a 90 minute drive away I could see by their faces that they really had no desire to make such a long trip on their only day of rest but I guess my own face of disappointment was even more convincing and in record time we were in the family car on our way to the show!

When we finally got there in the early afternoon I felt like I had arrived in paradise! The show was in a park and there were so many dogs everywhere! All those Samoyeds seemed like big white, smiling clouds, yapping away expressing their joy and happiness! Then I came across the Alaskan Malamutes, larger than life, maybe too large for an 11 year old boy. For as much as they resembled them, I had my heart set on a Husky ,and I precipitated directly to the last ring where they were just waiting for me!

Dozens of Siberian Huskies, some red and white, some gray and white, but I went straight to the black and whites which I had only seen before in books and magazines. It was love at first sight!

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I had the fortune to meet Elsa and Alfred Marchesano of Lamark kennels. Elsa, a German immigrant was the president of the Siberian Husky Club of Greater New York. She was a bit reserved but friendly with a strong German accent while her husband was very outgoing and of Italian descent.

We spoke at length and left a deposit for an upcoming litter. When asked my preference, I immediately replied “a black and white male with blue eyes”.

When asked if I wanted a show quality puppy or a pet I told her “ it doesn’t matter, whatever is available, the sooner the better. If it is show quality we would be willing to show him”.

I couldn’t believe it when she phoned 3 weeks later to inform us that a litter of 2 black and white puppies were born, a male and a female. I ignorantly asked her if they had blue eyes to which she responded we will have to wait and see at least 12 days for them to open their eyes and like many babies they are usually born with blue eyes but they can change after a few weeks. She mailed us polaroid photos of the parents who were both AKC Champions and some snapshots of the 2 pups.

I would stare at those photos for hours dreaming of my new dog! After 2 months had passed we got the good news that we could come pick up Lamark’s Easy Ryder from their kennel in Levittown on Long Island and that Ryder indeed did have 2 blue eyes!

She first proudly showed us her kennel in the backyard of the suburban town where there were housed about 8 adult Siberians. I still remember their names all hand carved in stained wood signs above each kennel run. I remember how proud they were of Eska, as she had won BOS that year at Westminster. Eska was the dam of Devil, the sire of my puppy and he was the only red and white dog in the kennel, the others mostly black and white and a couple of grays. I still recall them howling for our attention as we greeted each and every one of them. Then we went into the kitchen of their home and Elsa took a small puppy and placed him in my arms. I was in awe as tears filled my eyes and I hugged him and stared into his deep blue eyes surrounded by a jet black mask which made him look like the Lone Ranger! I was the happiest 11 year old boy on the planet!

Life would never be dull with Ryder in the following months to come. He did everything and more that puppies tend to do causing alot of damage and grief in our household that we were compelled to seek out an obedience trainer who would come to our home 3 times each week to train us to train our little monster! Ryder learned his exercises quickly on leash but when he was off leash he knew he had the advantage and often made me late for school in the mornings, refusing to come back in the house! He would steal food from counter tops and the garbage bin and bury them under the couch cushions and pillows as well as chew on the furniture and howl endlessly when we left him alone. He would often run away from home to go play in the nearby school yard.

When my aunt moved to Florida she asked me to take care of her beloved talking parakeets.

Unfortunately they were accustomed to letting themselves out of their cage to fly around my bedroom and I will never forget that satisfied and mischievous look on Ryder’s face when I came home from school one day to find bird seed and green and yellow feathers everywhere! The birds were never again to be found and whenever my aunt phoned and asked about them, I cringed and told her they were fine for many years to come until confessing to her 20 years later what had actually occurred.

When Ryder was 6 months old we took him to a Siberian Husky specialty match and I was so excited to participate with him in 3 events. Conformation in the 6-9 month class, obedience in the sub-novice class and junior handling.

As the day progressed my enthusiasm diminished. 4th place out of 6 in conformation wasn’t too bad to start off the day and at least we won a ribbon! Then in the obedience routine he failed to qualify not having sufficiently executed the exercises. The junior handling class was the most demoralizing of all. 5th place out of 5! The only kid to leave the ring without a ribbon! I felt so humiliated and embarrassed. I still remember clearly in my mind the 15 year old blonde girl with her black and white adult male Champion. They were perfect! I was in awe watching them together that day and swore to myself that I would never compete again in junior handling and I never did ever again! But that didn’t 202

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Photo 4 • Am Can It BIS Ch. Tobe’s Black Bronco 1978

stop me from practicing and learning!

It would be 4 more years before I ever stepped into the conformation ring again. And in the meantime I dedicated all my time to obedience training which was quite a challenge for a young boy and a stubborn Siberian Husky. At that show I was introduced to a man also from Queens named Nat Friedman. He had a gray and white Sibe named Lynx who was working on his Utility Dog title.

He was an active member of the QOTC.....Queens Obedience Training School. They held obedience classes just a few miles from where I lived.

We enrolled Ryder in the next course in the Novice class! The trainer, Artie Weiss, was a tall, thin, middle aged man with gray hair who had a very dry sense of humor, always making funny comments about the errors his students made. He was used to the difficulties in training a Siberian Husky as he had a couple of his own. I was immediately removed from the Novice class since most exercises were done off lead and Ryder was more interested in playing with the other dogs than doing what he was supposed to.

That evening I met some people that would shape and form my growing passion into a way of life and a succesful career!

IN THE HEAD OF PAUL STANTON

“Experience from WDS ‘15, Milan”

by Paul Stanton

If I say that there is too much going on in my head then that is a HUGE understatement!!!!

Two ideas I have for this column will again have to wait as I have important matters to write about and I “need to let off steam”!

It feels like the WDS in Milan was so long ago but in fact it was only seven weeks ago and I must say I was completely shocked by the brilliant show and I must also add like so many others that it was probably the best WDS ever as the showground was huge and the dog show took up just a small part, the halls were light and the temperature well regulated despite it being very hot outside, the rings were really large and there was lots of space for exhibitors to set up their crates and tables and I know the Professional handlers were extremely happy with their special parking and entrance. The Finals ring was huge with very attractive grey car204

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peting, nothing was overdone with music too high or flashing spotlights and there were so much tiered seating for the spectators of which there were many! One of my best memories was of the fantastic speakers Linda Volarikova & Stefano Marelli who complemented one and other perfectly and with great humour like a radar pair from tv! There seemed to be lots of parking and there were no long queues with the veterinary and vaccination controls. We stayed the super NH hotel which was just a five minute walk to the entrance and as our breed was last in the ring both days we did not have to get up especially early although I looked out of the window at 06.00 one day and saw a huge crowd waiting to get in to the show, but both days when we entered the showgrounds around 10.00 there was no one but us and four vets.

I heard from so many people that they

were surprised that judging in both breed and the finals ring started on time as this is not usually something that Italians are known for! There were an excellent number of restaurants and smaller café type places so there was always plenty to choose from to eat and drink. The staff from ENCI and the Halls were all most kind and helpful except on the last evening when two professional handlers and their team of workers and friends were rudely screamed at by a security guard who wanted to lock up but as they were busy in the finals they could not leave earlier and I was so surprised that they “handled this very rude man so calmly” but I lost it totally after two days of pent up annoyance and anger (I will get to that part soon) and screamed at him in English and he back at me in Italian but it was lucky that neither knew what the other was saying as I know I was not at all polite!!!!!

While in most ways it was a brilliant WDS but we were an exhibitor of a breed only provisionally recognized (no CACIBs just CACs.) by the FCI; we showed our Thai Bangkaew Dogs and I presume others also showing provisionally recognized breeds had a prblem similar to ous . Friday we showed at the National show and were happy to win cac & BOS with rosettes for both and no problems but on Saturday, well it was just amazing and spoiled our day completely! We won what we were hoping for and that was World Winner Veteran and World Winner female and we should have been able to collect our diplomas, papers and rosettes a short time after judging was completed- but luckily I know what has to be filled in on the diplomas with grades etc. so when I looked at our female’s paper there was no cac crossed in, I asked about this. I was told that as our breed has no cacib that they could not win the cac? Some arguing followed and the judge said we could get the cac which meant our female also became Italian Ch. I then pointed out that the WW title was not crossed in and was told “no cacib = no WW title”. I pointed out that the BOB was WW in Helsinki and the VetWW was WW in Salzburg all to no avail! Different people came up to sort us out but me being very stubborn when I know I am in the right just demanded to see people higher up the ladder, eventually our judge came back and showed us the paper they had received from the

morning briefing that stated “no CACIB = no WW title” and the names of the breeds! I now knew that it was not the ring stewards or judge that was at fault so I marched up to the beautiful ENCI stand with delegates from the Thai KC wanting to know what was going on? We were told that this was the policy from the FCI! I cannot put in print what I thought then and thankfully did not say it either but I found two judges who sit on the FCI General committee who both agreed that “of course your breed has WW titles (we also won EU W15 titles) so back to ENCI where Mr. Schaub was called for as he was the FCI delegate and he needed to contact the FCI General Secretary who had flown back to Brussels earlier that day so nothing could be done and we were told to come back on Sunday but by this time THREE hours had passed and I missed the Veteran BIS competition which annoyed and disappointed me greatly as I wanted to show my dog / breed for all the overseas visitors!

Edgar and I decided to go and claim our Italian Ch. Diploma which went very easily and quickly except for one small thing, we needed to do a DNA swab from our vets to be sent to ENCI (all this was printed in English) to get the title confirmed, of course I asked why and was told that the FCI are going to start this in all countries? There are no Bangkaews in Italy so they have nothing to check her DNA against so I thought maybe the FCI is planning to start this? I was so stressed by this time and did not think to ask WHY they did not have vets at the show that could take the swabs and check the dogs ID number and we pay a fee? Now to get this Italian title confirmed I need to go to our vets, get them to do a swab and send it to ENCI which is just more costs and extra inconvenience! I have not even bothered yet to read what is on ENCIS´s webpage about this and if we need to do it for Vet WW Titled dogs as well? Were we happy with the prizes we won, well the answer is NO! An acceptable rosette for WW title but nothing for cac winners or Vet WW titles so we went to a trade stand and bought two medals with ribbons in the Italian flag colours and a trophy where they put WW & BOS and a sticker with WDS Milan on it! Later that night we were told by a member of the Thai KC that we had been awarded cacibs and also WW titles Best in Show Magazine

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Photo 1 • Santos & Mango at home with their lovely medals I bought for 5 Euros each

so we could celebrate at last!!!!!!!! I really wonder why there should be these problems with titles at a WDS?

I heard and also saw some very frightening issues that happened at the show and for me the most annoying and disrespectful action is when a judge does NOT to handle the dogs as no judge has x-ray eyes and it is only with “hands on” can a judge feel the body & construction of dogs that are coated and I do not just mean Lhasa Apsos but all Spitz breeds, Belgian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs etc. No dogs testicles were checked in more than one ring which is probably why one coated breed in Group 1 at the CAC show had a “giant cock-up” when the judge kept two females in the ring and awarded both the CAC and this only came to light later after the show and as the eventual winner did not speak Italian or English and in some countries females start first (this always confuses me!) Only when a breeder saw the catalogue printed on Internet did she see the mistake so the 206

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winner of the cac (my good friend) gave it back next day and was very disappointed and says “never again Italy”! I met some very unhappy Italian exhibitors who were so angry at their judge (not Italian but German) who had a huge class of a Group 7 breed and did NOT move the dogs at all but walked around the ring and patted the dogs on the head and pulled out his winners from just seeing them stand but maybe this judge can see how the dogs move by looking at their construction standing? This is NOT acceptable!

We had planned to be three nights in Milan and fly home on Sunday afternoon and Edgar and myself had no problem with tickets but the plane was too small for our crates and I tried all different combinations through Copenhagen or Oslo to get home but to no avail and we had to wait until Tuesday for a flight. The BIG problem is that with SAS you have to book your tickets first then apply to take dogs in cargo and this usually takes up to twenty four hours and if they say no then you have to start your book-

ing again and this we did many times so I ended up taking the wrong booking confirmation with me, the one that was for Sunday 15.00 BUT Tuesday flight departed at 13.00 and I only realized this when I received a sms from SAS saying our plane was on time! My language is not printable here and still arriving 15 minutes before the departure we were told we were too late! PANIC!!!!!! Now we had to book new tickets by ringing SAS in Stockholm and because we had the dogs in cargo we had to wait until Friday at 13.00!!!!!! This meant that our original plan to be in Milan for three nights turned out to be a very expensive eight nights although Edgar and I have no regrets as the Milanese people living in Milan and those living near Linate airport were absolutely wonderful, so friendly, helpful and amazingly real dog lovers as wherever we walked with the two dogs people would come up and want to stroke and pet them and luckily for all that both Santos and his daughter Mango are friendly dogs with strangers! At the local pizzeria we sat outside with the dogs eating pizzas but Santos liked the smell of the three ladies pizzas better than ours (we could not read the menu) and they were feeding him until he nearly jumped on their table!

Was I the only person who thought it STRANGE that the ceremony of handing over of the FCI flag was done very quietly in one rather dark corner while two brilliant opera singers sang for us and I am sure most eyes were on them and certainly all ears? Why were the Presidents of FCI, ENCI & RKF (Russia) not standing proudly in the middle of the main ring? I have a theory and that is these officials were afraid of booing from the audience when RKF were given the FCI flag and maybe there would have been some booing because of Russia’s anti-GLBT propaganda laws and the invasion of Crimea and fighting in Eastern Ukraine but I think there would have been so much cheering and applause as most of us are happy for the Russian breeders, exhibitors and judges to have this opportunity to show the world just how great a “dog country” Russia is and I am sure the show will be a great success BUT still I wonder about that flag ceremony!

For those of you that are fans of the Eurovision Song Contest you may have heard a lot of booing in the semifinal when the Russian singer was on stage, so

Photo 2 • A lovely view of part of the amazing park in the centre of Milan.

Photo 3 • I was very happy to see the Chinese bred and owned Miniature Poodle winning BOB as I awarded this lovely dog one of his first BIS wins in Xian in April 2014 and he finished the year by being Top Dog All Breeds.

the Austrian TV corporation or maybe it was the TV company that organizes the ESC decided to cut out or drown the booing by some special method for the Final. Have we come to the stage that we are afraid to upset Mr. Putin also what will HAPPEN in Ecuador when the CKU China is presented with the FCI flag?, well I suppose it is good that the 2018 WDS is being held in South America and not Europe?

Our memories from WDS in Milan were that the show in general was FANTASTIC, rules, regulations were not up to date and some judges must do a better job! We met many old friends and made lots of new ones. Ice creams and desserts were just too good to eat just one at a time! Our friend Ivan from Thailand showed us the beautiful park very close to the cathedral which was glorious and tranquil, we ate some great Italian dishes and if we forget the “not so good things” then we had a most memorable and enjoyable trip!

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Juha Kares Blog

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