Dog News, February 5, 2010

DogNews The Digest Volume 26, Issue 5

Of American Dogs $5.00

February 5, 2010

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*Breed points. All Systems

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FEBRUARY 5, 2010

Dog News Cover Story

PUBLISHER

STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SEAN KEVIN GAFFNEY ADVERTISING EDITORS

SHAUN COEN Y. CHRISTOPHER KING EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

COLIN KENNEDY ACCOUNTING

STEPHANIE BONILLA GENERAL TELEPHONE

212 807.7100 x588 FAX NUMBER

212 675.5994 FAX EDITORIAL SUBMITTAL

212 243.6799 EMAIL ADDRESS

dognews@harris-pub.com WEB ADDRESS:

www.dognews.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

IAN MILLER 212 462.9624 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sharon Anderson Lesley Boyes Andrew Brace Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Yossi Guy Mary Jung Barbara Lounsbury John Mandeville Billy Miller Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson Sharon Newcombe Robert Paust Lenora Riddle Sharon Sakson Gerald Schwartz Kim Silva Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore Carla Viggiano Nick Waters Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette DOG NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS Chet Jezierski Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell Leslie Simis Paddy Spear

DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved judges every week on a complimentary basis. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. The opinions expressed by this publication do not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted.

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T hank you Judge Mrs. Michele Billings for this Best in Show honor!

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DOG NEWS

EDITORIAL

Almost Here!!!!

It sure is hard to believe that another Westminster is upon us. Many of you will be reading this Editorial in New York – others will have received it in the mail. Westminster is a very special time for all of us in the Fancy as it brings together dog show goers and lovers the worldwide. Indeed the great tradition which Westminster represents for the American dog world is one which must be protected and cherished by us all.

At one time the words American Kennel Club and Westminster were synonymous to the point that many people confused the two separate organizations and treated them as one. Indeed for years the great majority of the Directors of AKC were also members of Westminster as well. However, during the last two decades or so that has changed such that today only two of the 13 Directors of AKC are also members of the Westminster Kennel Club. And just as these memberships have changed so have the values of many in the dog world changed insofar as one’s philosophies toward the holding of dog shows are concerned. It is fairly safe to say that the Boards of yesteryear were more rigid in approving shows not only for those outside of their original geographic territory but in protecting the dates of existing long standing events. Indeed the Boards of the last 10 years have been more liberal in extending geographic boundaries than ever before. And these same Boards have had little or no regard or consideration in protecting dates of shows with long histories and traditions behind them. Competitive geographic shows have been permitted to run amok particularly in the Northeast. This has had the effect, if not of destroying these older long-standing events, to certainly seriously impair their ability to survive. (Obviously there are other factors which contributed to their decline as well but overall the closeness and number of shows permitted to be held on the same weekend have had the most dire effect on these older type traditional shows.) The reason this topic is being brought up now is that there seems to be a growing encroachment on the Westminster dates. Not that the Monday and Tuesday days are in conflict but now at least three if not four sets of shows are being held on Westminster week-end. This is a questionable trend which bodes badly for the future as we all recognize that what starts out slowly can avalanche into a massive disruption if not nipped in the bud. The Westminster week-end deserves to be protected from these kinds of infringements because of its unique and peculiar history in our sport. As the second oldest sporting event to be held in America it has earned the right of extra-special treatment and care.

The Strong Impact Of The Dog On Our Lives Within the last week or so two major stories have appeared about the dog in New York publications. On the front page of the Wednesday, February 3rd New York Times is a story devoted to the debarking of dogs. A contentious topic in many a dog circle, whoever would have thought it critical enough to reach the front pages of one of the world’s leading newspapers. Was it merely a slow news day or is in fact anything related to the dog so newsworthy as to get that kind of recognition. Only the week before the very influential and widely read weekly New York Magazine had for its front cover a photograph of a Boston Terrier and the headline “ A Dog Is Not A Human Being,Right?” Underlined was the more disturbing verbiage which read “The increasing twisted relationship between man and his best friend.” Forget about the content of either article for the moment. The increasing importance of the role of the dog in American society becomes emphatically clearer with the prominence given to the topic in the national media. It brings back memories of a former Board Chairman of AKC who gave as one of his reasons for wanting to move AKC’s offices out of New York City the lack of ownership and interest in the dog in that city. How wrong he was then and how he and the concept remains so wrong today. As to the actual content of the two stories the debarking one presented fairly evenly both the pros and the cons on the subject. On the other hand John Homans, an obvious freelancer who owns a dog was writing the New York Magazine article more to make a buck than to make a point, our viewpoint anyway. His attacks upon PETA and HSUS were most welcomed but his interpretation of how AKC works and its raison d’étre grossly outdated and misleading. It’s too bad Mr. Homans did not research his article more thoroughly as some of the things he had to say were worthwhile but overall his conclusions and report were more anecdotal than they were factual.

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Those Executive Sessions In answering this weeks QUESTION OF THE WEEK former Board member Garvin, who is running in the March election raises the interesting question as to the amount of discussion if any the Board had in a recent policy decision. Dr. Garvin went so far as to write, “There did not seem to be any mention in the board minutes.” And he’s right on – the likelihood is strong and is in fact the case that the Board made its decision in Executive Session. That’s fine one would presuppose but after the decision is made and implemented shouldn’t the Board have publicly announced what they did. Certainly there are certain business decisions which should not be made public but in the case of the decision alluded to by Dr. Garvin one would have presumed rather than to have Staff make the announcement as though there was no Board input whatsoever when in fact it supported the policy 100% makes little sense whatsoever, to these pages way of thinking anyway.

Now Its A Scent To De-Stress The Dog There is a growing array of animal pheromone products--which contain substances the animal perceives as calming which can improve pet behavior say the companies which sell them. Pheromones are chemical compounds sensed in dogs and cats by the vomeronasal organ in the back of the nose.

They are used by animals for communication.

Now a growing number of companies are seeking to harness pheromones’ power to help humans curb behavior problem in pets.

Some veterinarians say they work others are to quite too sure. Overall, pheromone therapy appears to be less effective than drug therapies, such as antidepressants but some say to use the pheromone first since they are easier to administer with no side effects. For dogs, the most researched product is DAP, or Dog Appeasing Pheromone, a synthetic version of a substance made by mother dogs to calm puppies. Sold in stores as Comfort Zone by Ceva it is backed by 16 published or presented studies. It’s available as a spray, diffuser, or from your vet as a collar for $33 to $37, depending on the size. In dogs, pheromones seem to work best in conjunction with training. It is recommended to help dogs adjust to strangers and to reduce fear from thunderstorms. The effectiveness of the DPA is both open to debate and still seems to be very much in the experimental stages.

Thought For The Week D MAGAZINE is now both on sale and in the mail. This years issue is more dynamic than ever before and promises to be a major conversation piece within the show going crowd of dog lovers. Some of the articles and stories are masterful and groundbreaking and the ads are breathtaking. We thank all of you who supported us so strongly and look forward to seeing you all at the Garden and the Long Island Specialities.

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Ch Dalriada’s Mystic

“Boo”

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Multiple Best In Show & Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winning Number One* Wire Fox Terrier 2009 (and the only Wire to receive a Best In Show in 2009)

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Best In Show Judge Mrs. Jean Fournier

Owners Cara Campbell DVM Cecelia Ruggles Beth Dowd Mike Doleski www.dalriadakennel.com

Breeder Cara Campbell DVM

*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed points

Presented By Scott Sommer Associates: Adam Peterson and Klayton Harris Dog News 11

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2009

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InsideOut Westminster, Ready or Not

by John Mandeville

Retraction: My January 22 column was titled “Show Dog Ads, eh?” In it I objected to AKC taking show dog ads.

AKC was “dismayed and disappointed at” my “irresponsible opinion piece,” stating I made “dangerous, false and destructive allegations,” enumerated in “AKC Responds with Its Facts.” in DOG NEWS’ January 29 issue.

Now our regular column:

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s it me or does it seem Westminster is suddenly, out of the blue as it were, upon us? Most readers will see this with only a few days until the Garden’s long weekend of activities begins and a week or less until the February 15 first day of Westminster 2010.

The 15th on first blush seems late but a quick look at the last decade or so of Westminster catalogs reveals the most you would call it is “latish.”

This is of no particular concern, except this year the 15th is February’s third Monday which also makes it Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Schools are closed with many people having the day off – expect to see a sizable number of them crowded into the Garden’s benching, where at its most jam-packed it will be just about impassable.

Add the throng’s raising the temperature to unpleasant for man and dog and another Westminster looms with the likelihood this year’s first day… hmmm, sounds pretty much like just another opening day at the sport’s most celebrated show, holiday or no – except the holiday might make it more 14 Dog News

AKC stated they expect me to immediately retract the allegations they cited. This is my retraction of all citations in “AKC Responds with Its Facts,” most specifically that its Weekly Wins Gallery “puts at risk the AKC’s 501(c)(4) status.”

My opinion that AKC as the regulatory and supervisory authority for the sport of dogs should not be in the business of taking show dog ads is unchanged.

crowded than usual.

If Monday does turn out to be more crowded and hotter, Working and Terrier exhibitors will be saying, “Thank god they switched us to Tuesday this year.”

This would include me who, despite having an above average comfort level with change and the unexpected, was put out when Westminster announced they were switching their long established Monday and Tuesday breed/Group judging schedule.

The truth is more crowded, hotter, changed judging days or whatever else – including, of course, the possibility of snow, record amounts or otherwise, to say nothing of all the irritants that drive out-of-towners crazy – nobody minds. It’s Westminster. Its prestige and importance are unrivaled… and we’ve long since come to revel in it, no matter how problematic some of the details may be.

With Terriers being on Tuesday this year I won’t be at the Garden at the usual outrageously early hour Monday for one of my favorite moments in dogs. I’ve previously written there’s nothing that compares to the floor of Madison Square Garden at the earliest possible

moment exhibitors can get into the building Monday morning; when it’s so early the lights are on in the arena but have yet to come up.

I am hardly one for false sentimentality, let alone suggestions of emanations of past participants wafting about, but there’s a special quality to the half dark, fully set up, and usually deserted floor of the Garden a few hours before show time. I love it.

It may be that Westminster more than most is a “form show,” but there’s still a sense of expectancy that will be punctuated by surprises.

And let’s face it there is no show at which a win is more coveted.

In the past I’ve admonished friends and readers to make more of their trip to the Garden – which is to say New York City – than only the dog show. I don’t think I’ve had much impact except possibly in one regard.

That’s concerns something we all do – hey, I know this is a family publication; I’m referring to everyone having to eat.

Within a relatively modest cab ride of the Garden you can dine at restaurants that are among the finest in the world – and yes the tab

will reflect that – and you can also eat at an untold number of outstanding restaurants for less, to say nothing of numerous and varied ethnic restaurants for a lot less. You will not go wrong with anyplace Matt recommends in his “Bite of Apple” – restaurants and all else.

If you have a free evening it’s worth checking what’s available at the TKTS Booth at the north end of Times Square. Scoring significantly discounted day-of tickets is possible – so long as you’re willing to go with what’s available. And unless you are museum-phobic there has to be something that will appeal to you at one of the astonishing number and variety of museums in Manhattan.

A few minutes with Google might lead you to an exhibition you won’t want to miss at a museum you’ve never visited. Friday’s “Weekend Arts” section of the New York Times lists Manhattan’s museums and current shows, available online.

Just three blocks from the Garden is one of New York’s world-renowned attractions – the Empire State Building.

Be prepared for two of the most frequent out-of-towner reactions to NYC: lines, maybe annoyingly long, and a heftier price than you might be willing to fork over just for a view – but oh, what a view.

So, what are you going to do independent of the dogs to make this year’s trip to the Garden extra-special?

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by M.J. Nelson

Rabbit Dogs And A Whole Lot More

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he rocky terrain of Malta created major benefits for Pharoah Hounds whose job it was to chase rabbits over this ground. Dogs had to be both quick and agile to be successful. Since Tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) is a national dish on Malta, hounds that were good rabbit catchers were highly prized. Indeed, so highly prized that these dogs had extraordinary influence in the breeding programs of the Maltese hunters and the Kelb tal-Fenek (the Maltese name for the Pharaoh Hound) eventually became the National Dog of Malta.

What this selective breeding accomplished was a sighthound that is successful not only as a hunting dog and lure courser but also one that excels in such canine sports as agility and rally.

“Their fun-loving nature really shines through in performance activities,” said Emily Kerridge who with her mother Sarah owns MBIF DC Nefer-Temu Sambandrea SC RA CGC VCX (“Menza”), DC Nefer-Temu Sambalistic SC RN CGC VC (“Bosch”), HIT DC Nefer-Temu For Your Eyes Only SC RE VC (“Zelda”) and Ch Never-Temu Midori SC RE OA OAJ CGC AD HIC VCX (“Nadia”).

“When trained and motivated correctly, they really look like they’re having a great time in the ring because they are. In agility, their natural athleticism and keen intelligence are huge natural advantages. As coursing dogs, the breed’s extreme enthusiasm, which includes lots and LOTS of barking— Pharaoh Hounds are a vocal breed that was bred for its ability to bark—is unique. Also quite impressive is their ability to instantly work together with the other hounds in their course to ‘hunt’ and catch the lure rather than simply chasing it.”

Hounds have a reputation for being difficult to train for obedience, rally and agility. This is not true with Pharaoh Hounds, according to Sheila Hoffman who owns “Tawny” ( BISS DC Galadrial’s Tawny Tempest FCH CDX RE NA NAJ MC CGC VCX, “Zeke” (DC Galadrial’s Bija Zeke SC FCH CD RE MX MXJ MC HIC CGC VCX), “Trip” (DC Beltara’s Galadrial Time Traveler SC FCH CD RE MX MXJ VCX) and “Tru”(DC Naha Galadrial’s Natural Blonde SC RN OA AXJ VC.) “Pharaoh Hounds are much easier to train than the stereotype for sighCONTINUED ON PAGE 86

“Menza” (MBIF DC Nefer-Temu Sambandrea SC RA CGC VCX ) and “Bosch” (DC Nefer-Temu Sambalistic SC RN CGC VC), two of Emily and Sarah Kittridge’s Pharaoh Hounds in hot pursuit and full cry.

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BY MATTHEW STANDER

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of t he Week What do you think of the concept of AKC going into the business of soliciting advertisements of dogs win to be published by them?

If you approve of the concept how do you think this business should be administered?

(Asked of former Board Members.)

Louis Auslander Personally I think the Board is spreading itself too thin and shotgunning into too many areas. Additionally, I believe they are going too far-a-field into non-traditional areas in which they do not really belong.

Bob Berndt I can’t get too excited about this one way or the other. It may be a good money-making proposition for them as they seem to be taking on many small ways to improve the bottom line. This one is certainly in the nontraditional scheme of doing things.

Stanley Saltzman In my opinion, the AKC should not be a participant in the promotion of dogs to judges, which is what that kind of advertising is. For those judges that require help in deciding which dogs to put up, there is plenty of other material out there.

Jim Smith I have mixed emotions.

There is a clear need for additional revenue and this is easily implemented. However, it is contrary to the long

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standing Gazette policy which does not permit any advertising which promotes show dogs in this manner. If the determination is made that AKC survival is in any way dependent on this type of thing then I believe the Gazette should be included.

Quite honestly, I have to question if it will catch on and the discussion may become moot very soon.

Steve Gladstone AKC should not be in the business of selling show win advertising.

It is entirely inappropriate for the Regulator (AKC) to facilitate the attempted influence of its Judges.

Patricia W. Laurans I do not find the concept as offensive as some programs and/or policies which have been, or could be, adopted that are contrary to AKC’s Mission Statement and/ or its Charter. After all, in the past the AKC has accepted paid dog/ kennel advertisements for the Gazette, as well as in the catalogs for the Centennial and Invitational Shows.

The administration of the concept should be solely in the hands

of the AKC Board of Directors to set the policy with AKC’s Staff charged with the implementation of that policy, according to the guidelines as established by the Board.

J. Charles Garvin, M.D. While I applaud the concept of looking at many different avenues for potential increased revenue, I have some concerns about how much discussion may or may not have taken place at the board level before implementation.

There did not seem to be mention of any discussion in the board minutes. I hope all the potential consequences were carefully considered.

Such activities should have comprehensive procedures and guidelines developed by staff, approved by the board, and administered and managed by the Gazette staff, independent of any potentially overlapping areas of responsibility, such as the Judging Department and Field Staff.

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ast September the West Highland White Terrier Club of America held a gala celebration for the centennial of the club and the first registrations of the breed in America. As part of the great event, English dog artist and Westie enthusiast, Barbara Hands, donated one of her paintings, “One Moment in Time,” to be auctioned to help raise funds for the Westie Foundation of America Inc.

This is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide financial aid and other support for medical research (including diagnosis and treatment) in order to benefit Westies, and to further develop and communicate information regarding the health, care, breeding, and quality of life of Westies to Westie owners, Westie breeders and vets. The foundation’s Web site is www.westiefoundation.org.

Barbara’s picture brought together conjecture and fact. In September 1909, the liner RMS Arcadia arrived in New York from England and on board was a quantity of dogs. It was mere conjecture on Barbara’s part that some of the dogs were Westies, but Barbara’s picture features four Westies on the quayside having just disembarked from the ship. Also in that same month Orville Wright flew his plane around the Statue of Liberty, a feat that is recorded in the background of the picture. Auctioned at the banquet, it sold for $2,700 to a Westie breeder from Maryland.

The major artistic feature of the great event was an exhibition of original Westie art.

It consisted of 35 original images of Westies – paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings, mixed media, and even yarn and embroidery. The artwork came from collectors all over America, the William Secord Gallery Inc. in New York, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and also from England.

The exhibition was curated by Wayne Kompare, who was helped in the selection process by artist Marion Krupp, who painted two separate pictures of Scotties for George and Laura Bush while in the White House, and specialist dealer and authority on the dog in art William Secord.

It charted the development of the breed,

Painted by Barbara Hands

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WESTIE ART IN PENNSYLVANIA Dunollie Laird painted by Reuben Ward Binks

by Nick Waters

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E R RA S D E E R BOF THE WORLD ld chwa u B s e n

by Ag

Bouvier des Ardennes – Belgium

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hinking about a “new” rare breed to talk about, and going through my photo album, I walked down memory lane and fixed my eye on a picture of a marvelous Belgian Shepherd I gave the breed when judging some years ago.

When thinking about the dogs of Belgium, of course there are the popular Shepherd dogs, the Franco-Belgian Bouvier des Flanders, and the Brussels Griffon that come to our minds. But there is a breed just as Belgian as the other ones but not generally known, which I elected ti discuss in this article – the Bouvier des Ardennes.

In 843 AD the area of present-day Belgium was divided between France and Lorraine.

At the end of the 14th century, the dukes of Burgundy tried to unite the so-called “Low Countries” to get a huge state in the west of Europe. The war between Spain and the northern section of the Low Countries (15681648) led to the independence of the north as the Republic of the Seven United Provinces, to the southwent of Austria after 1700.

In 1790, the States General in Brussels declared the United Belgian States independent. In 1814 Belgium was reunited with the northern part of the Low Countries, and together they became the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By 1830, the provisional government declared Belgium independent.

After other countries recognized Belgium as an independent country, the government looked out for a monarch. Finally in 1831 Leopold Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was chosen. The new king was welcomed in Brussels and on the same day he took the oath as King Leopold I. The Dutch refused to acknowledge the independence of the Belgian Country. At the time Congo became officially a part of Belgium.

In 1909 the new heir to the throne was King Albert. This king was very popular, CONTINUED ON PAGE 98

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OFF TO A FLYING START 14 SHOWS 14 BEST OF BREEDS 1 BEST IN SHOW 11 GROUP FIRSTS 2 GROUP SECONDS 1 GROUP THIRD

Sire: Ch. Genesis Ambelike Silver Charm

Owner Mr. John Shaw Breeders Lou Guerrero Hank Nave L. Schanzle Presented By Larry Cornelius Marcelo Veras 352 401-5677 *All Systems **The Dog News Top Ten List

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Dam: Ch. Genesis Mahali Colby

THE MULTIPLE ALL BREED & SPECIALTY BEST IN SHOW WINNER THE NUMBER ONE* AFGHAN HOUND & NUMBER SEVEN** AMONG ALL HOUND BREEDS 2009

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The Bests oftheWeek

FEBRUARY 5, 5 2010 To report an AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call, Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon Tuesday Fax: 212 675-5994 Phone: 212 462-9588 Email: Dognews@harris-pub.com

Orange Empire Dog Club

Erie Kennel Club - Saturday and Sunday

Tibetan Mastiff

Kennel Club Of Buffalo

Ch. Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa

Standard Poodle

Judge Mr. Desmond J. Murphy

Ch. Hillwood Dassin DeLovely

Owners Zane Smith, Dan Nechemias & Lois Claus

Judge Mrs. Chris Walkowicz

Handler Ed Thomason

Judge Dr. Robert Indeglia Judge Mr. Steven Gladstone

Abilene Kennel Club - Saturday

Owners Ellen M. Charles, Karen LeFrak,

Wire Fox Terrier

Wendell Sammet, Glen Lajeski, Joseph Vergnetti

Ch Dalriada’s Mystic

Handler Joseph Vergnetti

Judge Mr. Stephen Hubbell Owners C. Campbell, M. Doleski,

Greater Gainesville Dog Fanciers Association -

C. Ruggles, B. Dowd

Saturday and Sunday

Handler Scott Sommer

Smooth Fox Terrier Ch. J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice

Abilene Kennel Club – Sunday

Judge Mrs. Beth Speich

Whippet

Judge Mrs. Marilyn Spacht

Ch. Starline’s Chanel

Owners Howard & Sandra Hoffen and

Judge Mr. Lester Mapes

Phil & Amy Booth

Owners Carey & Lori Lawrence

Handler Amy Booth

Handler Lori Wilson Orange Empire Dog Club II Glens Falls Kennel Club - Sunday

Scottish Terrier

Bulldog

Ch. RoundTown Mercedes of Maryscot

Ch. Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

Judge Mrs. Dorothy N. Collier

Judge Mr. Jon Cole

Owner Amelia Musser

Owners J. Fisher, R. Speiser, B. Wolfe

Handler Gabriel Rangel

Handler Phoebe Booth

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 179

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1

What is your favorite dog show moment exclusive of a win?

2

Watching Ann Rairigh and Mattie (Ch. Litilann’s Picture This) in the group ring at the Garden.

3

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Some days are better than others.” – It’s even tattooed on my back!

I would love to be Which a great dancer. talent would you most like to have?

4

Who is My parents. your real life hero or heroine?

5 6 7 What is in your wallet/ purse right now?

Everything but the kitchen sink.

Other people think I am:

Too busy to talk.

How would you describe yourself in a personal ad?

SWF, must love dogs.

8 9 What was your most embarrassing moment at a dog show?

Losing my shoe when I was in the ring and having the judge give it back.

Which judge, no longer alive or judging, do you miss the most?

There are just too many great ones that are gone.

10questions What do you miss the most at dog shows?

It seemed to me when I was younger that there was better sportsmanship, or maybe I just didn’t notice the way people actually behave as much as I do now.

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Asked of Sarah Riedl

Born: Longmont, Colorado Resides: West Palm, Florida Marital Status: Taken

By Lesley Boyes

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Introducing...

Austin

Judge Mrs. Janice Pardue

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Multiple Group Winner and 2009 American Shih Tzu Club National Specialty Winner From the Bred By Exhibitor Class

And Now...

Multiple Best In Show Winner

Ch. Hallmark Jolei

Austin Powers

Judge Ms. Denny Mounce

Over 2300 Entries Owners Joe & Roberta Walton Shen Wah

Breeders and Handlers Luke & Diane Ehricht Hallmark Jolei

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T

The British Scene

by Geoff Corish

he final show in the UK calendar is always The Ladies Kennel Association, referred by us all as the LKA. For many years this show was situated in the heart of London at the old Olympia.

Because of increasing entries and parking difficulties, it was moved to the NEC in Birmingham, home, of course, to Crufts. This will have been the 30th year here.

Then it was a one day show, now its two, with an entry of 11,268 dogs!! Obviously it’s a ladies society and is run entirely by ladies and what a great job they do, year after year. Being so close to Christmas this show always has a great atmosphere and in days gone by there would be parties everywhere until the NEC management put a stop to these. No doubt they wanted to sell their own food first!!

As is normal at this show, the Groups and Best in Show are taken by the same judge, usually from overseas. This year was no exception and all the way from Italy came Paulo Dondina.

Paulo will also judge Best in Show at Crufts in 2011, a great honor for him, and one of a very few overseas judges to be appointed with the honor. Paulo has been associated with top dogs for many years. He owns the successful Del Pesco Beagles and Bassets. He owned several big winning dogs in partnership with Guiseppe Benelli, among these were the 1975 Crufts BIS winning Wire Fox Terrier Ch Brookwire Brandy of Layven handled by Albert Langley.

Judy Averis would be delighted with best of breed with Champion/Am Ch Longview Joker of Saredon, imported from April & Todd Clyde, this win would confirm his award as top Airedale for 2009 and also for the German imported Irish Terrier Horatio von der Emsmuehle owned by Hans Gruttner.

Continuing his winning way is the red and white Basenji Ch/ Am Ch Kazors Make way for Riley. Since arriving in this country he has made quite a name for himself. Owned by the Hardy/Hallam and Webbs partnership, he is always handled

by Trish Hallam. I also noticed a couple of Australian imports winning their breeds. Peter Scarth and Michael Gaunt/s Lowchen Ch/Australian Champion Ticha Stylish Armani and in Borzois it was Aust Ch/ Irish Ch Zoloto Zoviet Katuuska.

Gianpaulo Falletto and breeder Maria-Teresea Garabelli had 42 Dog News

travelled all the way from Italy to show their two Rough Collies and would be delighted to win both CC’s and to also win the group under fellow Italian Paulo. The male winner of the group is International/Italian Ch Xtraordinairo Xia di Cambiano. He is a BIS winner in his home and he is also a world Winner title too.

The bitch did spend some time in the UK earlier in the year and gained her English title and since returning home has added her international title too. She is Ch/Int Ch Hit Parade Blu di Cambiano.

A few weeks ago l reported on the Hound Show and that a lovely whippet had gone BIS. Well this lovely once again won the hound group, which was her fifth. This was Ch Courthill Cast A Shadow’s final show and what a way to go out on. Her impressive record is 22 CC’s, BIS Hound show and reserve best in show at Windsor under Carla Molinara.

It was new face in the gundog, this year of course dominated by ‘Yogi’ the Vizla. The welsh Springer winner is Show Champion Weslave Hot Property, she is top Welsh for 2009.

The Minarets kennel of miniature poodles have produced many top winners over the years, the recent Ch Minarets Secret Assignment is testimony to that. And once again they have a new star in Ch Minarets say No More, who is a son the famous “Rodney.”

This was his first group first win.

In toys it was the “Bichon who came back.”

Ch/Am Ch Manoirs Shot In The Dark, this is the dog that attended the World show in Stockholm and on his return to the UK was disallowed entry because of a missing microchip. This then meant a long stay with friends in the USA, and so with this ‘holiday’ he gained his US title. This was his first UK group win for owner Pauline Johns.

And so to the final two top spots and interesting that both winners were new to this type of winning.

The runner-up to best in show was the red brindle Bullmastiff Roger Jones Ch Jaynos Big Bopper, he is a consistent winner in the working group for 2009 with 18 certificates and three group 1’s.

The top was the West highland White Terrier Ch Lamsmore Fitzwritin, not only his first best in show but also a first ever group first too. This is the first best in show for a Westie for nearly 20 years!!

Riley

“What A Fantastic Month”

January was fantastic 12 Shows Nine Best of Breeds Four Group Firsts Three Group Seconds One Group Third Thank you to all the judges that have made our month

Thank you Judge Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Thank you Judge Mrs. Robert D. Smith

Ch. Falkore Taking Care of Bizness STNHDG Sire: Ch. Gamegards US Marshall

Owners: Henry & Betty Ward Tollison

Dam: Am. & Can. Ch. Stonehedge Rising Phoenix, VCD2, UD,MX, MXJ, TT, RTD, CGC

Breeders: Susan Catlin Dr. Roger & Elissa O’Sullivan

Handlers: Jessy & Roxanne Sutton Dog News 43

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Dog News 45

THE2010

BITE APPLE

by Matthew H. Stander

OFTHE

A

s usual, I’m sort of at a loss as to how to begin this year’s BITE. Communicating about where to go in New York City today is quite different than what it was when I began doing this annually, some 26 years ago. After all, most anyone merely can go online today and Google any thing, place, or event they want to remotely consider and come up with something – I guess. So why read my suggestions, I ask myself, when there are so many others out there? Particularly since what I have to recommend is pretty basically limited to Manhattan.

Well I suppose there may be one or two of you who enjoy reading what I suggest and to those few who yearly ask me to send the column to them before its printed in DOG NEWS, keep in mind that it will be online by the 8th or 9th of February if you have not in fact already received this issue.

Others of you tell me you really don’tcarewhenyoureaditbutuse the BITE as a reference for future

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visits to NYC and then probably check out what I write with others. Those are inducements to carry on as was AKC’s Gazette article written by its President – a two-pager headed, “New York’s Best,” I think it was. It is said being copied is the greatest compliment imaginable. In any event that served as further inducement to write the 2010 BITE, so here I go. CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

The 2009 Number One German Shepherd Dog*

Select Ch. Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick Wh t a year!! Ria What Ri completed l t d her h fi firstt year as a sp special pecial i l with ith Seventeen S t Best In Show awards and Fifty-Five Group Firsts. Thanks to all for the tremendous support she has received, both in and out of the ring.

And nd S Special pecial T Thanks hanks to to Judge Judge M Mrs. rs Michele Michele Billings Billings ffor or s starting tarting o off ff 2 2010 010 w with ith this Group First at the Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers Association Show Owner: Edward Farrell Co-Owners: B. Stamper, L. Jewel & G. Middei (Breeder)

*All Systems

Handler: Scott Yergin Boss: Loren Yergin syergin@aol.com Dog News 47

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Dog News 49

by William Miller & Sharon Newcomb

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

W

e are hoping that some of you will want to “have a conversation about dogs,” share your knowledge and teach all of us to be better dog people.

It has dawned on us that we spend as much time complaining about the judging as we do being students and trying to do a better job.

Complaining is not making anything better. This column is going to be all about “learning” and doing things in a positive way to improve our sport. Do you have a point to make? Just want to get something off your chest about the way your breed is judged? Want to talk about the way an entry was handled?

Will it educate a novice? Will it help your breed be better judged? E-mail us and as long as it is positive and informative we will print it.

We know a newbie judge blazing her way to her second group when asked if she really thought she was ready to judge all these new breeds said, “Well, I won’t be as bad as some of them!” What an aspiration!!!!!

Let’s get busy and make it better.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!! And have fun talking dogs while we are doing it.

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Comments To Judges GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS Front angles! Have we forgotten that the front angles should match the rear? Sooooo many straight-fronted GSP’s with over angled rears.

Jannifer Mills Berihill GSPs GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS It is very important that judges know where the top of the height standard is and where the bottom is. Bigger, heavy-boned dogs do not have the athleticism that a dog in the standard would have. Some of the fastest dogs with the most endurance are not over 25” at the shoulder. A dog who gaits with a tail level, or hanging like a rope will never make it in pointing breed field trails.

Counting teeth in a GSP is a ridiculous waste of time and not called for in the standard. If you are going to judge GSPs you should be aware of all the acceptable color patterns especially white and liver and solid liver. Shyness towards people and aggressiveness toward other dogs should not be tolerated. A heavily muscled dog in field condition should not be faulted. I have mostly attended field trials this year, but judges not recognizing a breed standard size dog is a very common mistake.

Often in a large class of males the proper size males may look very small. Spending too much time emphasizing baiting is also a waste of time.

Think spark, athleticism, boldness and beautiful outline with a good tail set, high head carriage and great strong topline and a long upper arm. Almond shaped eyes, not ROUND. Strong tight feet, not big sloppy ones that slap or pound the ground.

Katie Tazza Up N’Adam Kennels

Am. & Can. Ch. Bravo N

GROUP FIRST Time

Judge Dr. Roger Pritchard Owners Cheryl & Keith Robbins George & Barbara Adkins Dave & Jan Yenne 52 Dog News

Breeder Karen Deschambault

Sunset Stealing Time

and Time Again!

Judge Mr. Pete Dawkins Handler Michael Shepherd

Dog News 53

I

first involved myself and family in the American Kennel Club “dog world” in the early 1960s. Way back then there was talk of the evils of “puppy mills”; now some 50 years later that conversation has changed very little. It appears some things never change (waistlines excluded). The present flap over large commercial breeders miss or at least obscure the most important consideration.

by Gerald Schwartz

Jerry Speaks

Regulations!

That consideration is not, nor should it be, the assignment of labels. Labels such as “puppy mills,” “backyard breeders,” “hobby breeders,” or “whatever” breeders. The name is not the game!

Are there reputable and ethical commercial, hobby, or any of the above mentioned breeders? You betcha! Are there less than reputable and ethical breeders in these same categories? You betcha! Our family was comprised of “breeders” that might best be categorized as a “hobby,” definitely not for profit (six litters over 20 years). With this admitted limited background, I am somewhat suspicious of the conditions in facilities that house 50 or more breedable bitches producing hundreds of puppies. Although skeptical, I suppose it is possible such facilities might offer proper care and produce quality companions. I am equally suspicious and skeptical of “back yarders” who through carelessness or the hope of making a quick buck produce puppies. Happy, healthy and well adjusted dogs should be a major consideration. When profits are the primary concern, our “best friends” pay the price!

Mere labeling and name calling solves nothing and most often only escalates the rhetoric.

There seems to be little doubt that the AKC needs the support of commercial breeders. If, however, the American Kennel Club compromises its founding principles and goals to gain that support the real losers will be the dogs that share homes and lives with their human companions!

It would seem that actual face-to-face meetings of the bodies and minds of all interested factions would be a worth-

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while exercise. Participants to include representatives from AKC, Breed Parent Clubs, commercial breeders, non-commercial breeders, veterinary associations, legislators, etc. This would certainly be one of those “easier said than done” projects!

If, however, such meetings could be arranged, it might be well worth the effort. One would think such meetings would be far more productive than name calling at a distance!

It should be noted that if any hope of a satisfactory relationship with breeders of any label exists, regulations would be the vital ingredient.

There would be a great danger of too many and too restricting regulations. The only greater danger would be regulations too few and too lax. It is a balance that would be most productive and, of course, most difficult to find. It should also be noted that any regulations that are worthwhile will not completely satisfy any of the parties involved.

The key to successful negotiations of any kind is to offend all participants equally!

As in the “real world,” there is an abundance of excellent questions and a dearth of excellent or even good answers. For the good of the American Kennel Club, all breeders and, most important, our “best friends,” finding those excellent or even good answers is worth a maximum effort!

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Westminster Group Winners Of The Past COMPILED BY DAVID FREI

CONTINUED ON PAGE 146

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Dog News 61

ForAll TheRight Reasons

T

by Seymour Weiss

here are so many times dog fanciers must make decisions regarding the level of their participation in the sport. The choice of a stud dog, which puppy to keep, which judge to support, which club issues to back are all decisions almost every dog person will face at some time during the course of their time in the fancy.

One can choose to make determinations based on logic, common sense and what actions will, in the long term, yield the outcome one seeks or emotion and personal prejudice can be allowed to enter the equation. If you exercise your passion dispassionately, the chances are better that the results of your decisions will be blessed with success. Conversely, those who allow emotion to cloud their judgment run the risk of short changing themselves and their dogs on many levels.

At some time almost every member of a specialty club will be sent a list of proposed judges and be asked to vote for their choices for a forthcoming specialty show or sweepstakes competition. This is one aspect of the dog fancy’s exercise of democracy in action and is truly admirable. It’s what we pay our dues for, after all. However, when we think of some of the reasons voting club members give for their choices it can make a thoughtful person’s skin crawl.

We expect to see the names of all breed and multi group judges doing the honors at specialties. Some of their supporters vote for them do so based on those judges’ proven ability. Others will select them because they have won under them in the past and still more will do so because their names are familiar or because they were told to vote for them by someone with an agenda. To some extent, this also applies to breeder-judges who do not officiate as often as the big names, but bring something important in the form of their opinions at Specialty shows. And we do need both kinds of judges at our Specialty shows. The results of their actions provide guideposts to the future of all our breeding efforts. Some of us have a hard time realizing that.

What can be unsettling is the action of the fancier who marks that ballot based on previous personal interactions with a prospective nominee. Too often how a person votes will have little or nothing to do with a judge’s credentials; the results of such voting can be very unfortunate to say the least.

Taken to its horizon, it can be disastrous.

Suppose, for example, a name of a person is on the ballot your club sends out who strikes you as a completely cold fish. You’ve been around for a while and have seen that judge any number of times and she has never made any attempt to speak with you or even to give you a civil greeting. It is just possible that the person is not outgoing and not inclined to speak with people who they have not met. That personality trait does not mean they cannot judge dogs or will only put up dogs shown by professional handlers or familiar faces. You don’t know until you try, and if you try you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Then there is the judge who is known to prefer certain specific traits in your breed. If you have shown a dog lacking these qualities to this judge 62 Dog News

and lose, whose fault is it anyhow? One of the advantages canny professionals enjoy is their ability to identify judges’ preferences and show those judges the dogs they believe have the best chance of making it to the front of the line. It’s what they get paid for so it’s what they do.

However, this aspect of strategy is not limited to our professional colleagues/ rivals. Anyone can study the judges and learn what they like and don’t like and make their entries accordingly. It just takes a little objective observation, so as my dear wife says – quit whining about the judges and do your homework!

Now, let’s consider Sweepstakes and Futurity judges.

Even more than in the regular classes, choosing these judges often degenerate into being more of a popularity contest than in the regular classes. And this shouldn’t be. The honor of being nominated to publicly evaluate others’ breeding should come only after years of demonstrated ability to recognize merit in young animals.

The person who you vote for to judge those non-regular classes should have spent many Days #63 on their knees studying the flesh and blood results of their cerebral match-ups. And there should have been many days after that watching their puppies grow either to fulfill their dreams or dash them to bits. There is one exception to the last sentence and that applies to the approved for other breeds who seeks to judge the breed concerned.

And even here, the aspiring judge should have demonstrated a sincere, serious interest in the breed by studying, speaking to established breeders and getting lots of hands-on exposure to good and not so good examples.

It can only offend common sense to reject a qualified judge because you don’t like how his fashion sense or her physical appearance, or are jealous of their friends or the successes that put them on the ballot to begin with. A name on a ballot should be considered an affirmation of how the nominee is perceived by her peers. Can she/ he judge? That is the only question to ask and the answer you give yourself is the only reason to cast your ballot as you do.

T

here is a practice which, while understandable, is no less insidious. In fact it is probably true that most of us have been a party to an organized effort to elect a judge by lining up as much support as possible. This happens whether the candidate is fully deserving or not. A few fanciers get together and decide, “Wow, wouldn’t it be great if fill in the name were to judge the next available Specialty.” So the word goes out and soon every friend, puppy buyer and go-fer joins the push to get Judge Pretzel this vitally important assignment. Now, if Judge Pretzel has the required credentials and wins the election he should give the fancy the benefit of his wisdom and experience, no question. Conversely, if he doesn’t, everyone who nominated and voted for him should hang their heads in shame for delivering the breed such a body blow and for the worst of reasons.

We all know of people whose names have appeared on ballot after ballot over a period of years – perpetual bridesmaids. Sadly, even the most knowledgeable of these are often rejected in favor of judges with more cachet, more friends or more of whatever it takes to put them at the top of a ballot. The fancy of any breed blessed to have such true expertise available to it without harnessing it does every friend of that breed a regrettable disservice. Again, the only reason to vote for anyone to judge any Specialty assignment, whether Sweepstakes or regular classes, is the depth of that person’s knowledge and the extent of that person’s unquestioned personal integrity. As a veteran dog person, I would want to show my breeding to those truly qualified to evaluate it rather than the winner of a popularity contest, would you?

Best In Show & Multiple Group Winning

Ch. Talydales Friend Of The Force

” y w e h “C

Sire: Ch.Talydales Gluteus Maximus

Dam:Talydales Little Miss Magic

Judge Mrs. Elaine Mathis

Breeder/Owner Sheri Smith

Handlers Michael & Michele Kemp 724 448-4104 mkemp629@yahoo.com Dog News 63

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Fancy Speaks THE

On Spay And Neuter Contracts

by Bessie V. Pickens

T

he only way a breeder can be sure the dog or bitch they sell is either spayed or neutered is to have it done themselves, before the sale. There are exceptions of course. If the breeder is an honest person and knows the buyer is honest also.

If the breeder is selling a young puppy, that puppy must reach the age when it has matured properly before it is spayed or neutered.

Breeders who want show potential puppies must wait several months in order to be sure they are show quality. There are people in the sport who grade lifters of puppies for a fee. I would reject this as no one can tell show quality on breeds they haven’t owned, bred and shown.

Those of us who have bred and produced litters can’t be sure of choosing the right puppy. We can find obvious problems with young babies and cull them out. Those are ones who go to good homes at a younger age. In that respect we must be sure it is the right home.

Those we think are show quality are kept for several months before making final decisions. Those we choose to sell must be spayed, neutered, and checked for any problems peculiar to that breed. Some breeds are prone to different problems, such as deafness, hip dyspiasia, eye disease, poor temperament, fear-biting, shyness, liver or heart disease, kidney problems, and many more.

Toy breeds have smaller litters which mature earlier; then we have the medium size breeds who have larger litters and mature later as puppies. The large breeds – who may have 12 to 18 puppies – may take

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up to two years or more for their puppies to mature.

Here in Yakima, Washington in 2008, I saw a grocery cart full of Saint Bernard puppies being sold or given away. I counted eight – this in front of a feed store. I turned and went home, let some tears flow and fervently hoped they were going to good homes whose owners would do a neuter or spay at the right age.

They appeared to be about six weeks old.

Then I heard of a Saint Bernard that had 23 puppies in one litter!

Reputable breeders make sure their puppies are DNA tested, hips and legs x-rayed, and, to the best of their ability, see that their puppies or young dogs are fit and healthy when sold. They have a duty to find the best homes possible for the puppies.

Spay and Neuter contracts are not a guarantee that the buyer will honor such a contract. Many pecple do not care if the puppies produced are AKC registered and neither does the buyer. Or someone has an unregistered bitch and just wants a litter – the owner of the stud still gets a stud fee and puppies are sold to buyers who may get a purebread, beautiful and healthy puppy for much less money.

What can the seller do about it?

Nothing! Sue the person? Just try it! Even if they have an attorney – costly and hopeless.

My opinion.

IINTRODUCING: NTRO

Ch.

High Mtn Rocky Mountain High As one judge said, “there is nothing like Smooth eye ‘Candy’...”

Thank you Judge Mrs. Keke Kahn for discovering “Candy” and honoring her with a Group First. Also, many, many thanks to Judge Mr. Kenneth McDermott and Judge Ms. Virginia Latham Smith for the same discovery and for two successive Group Seconds the same weekend!

Breeders: Linda & Schuler Nelson Carolyn & Richard Snavely

Owners: Linda & Schuler Nelson

Handler: Amy Rutherford Dog News 67

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**

*

*All Systems, 2009 **C.C. System

Dog News 69

by Yossi Guy Photos by Yossi Guy and Kim Hechler

Play It Again, Sam

E

very morning, at the break of dawn, Sharon Ronen gets up, piles her dogs into her pickup truck and drives out into the nearby fields. Equipped with a large duffle bag holding everything she needs, including dog food, markers, training leashes, jacket and other essentials, armed with a personal pistol and wearing a large browed hat (“I never go out without it”), she makes final preparations for her morning training session.

After choosing a location, she plants a flag as a starting point and then painstakingly makes footprints in the ground, placing pieces of kibble within the indentations. She takes her four and a half month old German Shepherd bitch out of her crate in the back of the truck. The young canine is raring to go, eager to both have some quality time with her beloved owner and to gather some breakfast as they go around the path. With a lot of praise and encouragement, the little bitch manages to locate all the tracks made by Sharon with a minimum number of mistakes. Sharon then takes out her 11 month old Malinois dog, imported from Germany, and he too manages to negotiate a dedicated route and finds a pot of food at the end.

She then piles the dogs back into the truck and drives back to the village. For the next half hour or so she practices obedience exercises, using balls and toys as incentives for good performance. The dogs seem extremely happy, freely wag their tails and the puppy actually refuses to go back to the truck after her session – she seems to want to continue the frolic.

Every part of the entire routine is scrutinized by two German gentlemen from the national German Shepherd Dog club in Germany – Heiko Christian Grube, the vice president and Hartmut Setcky the general secretary of the organization.

Both take pictures from every angle, including photos of the soil on which Sharon is practicing.

They note their observations in a large hard-covered notebook.

The reason for their interest in the Israeli woman is that last October Sharon won the CONTINUED ON PAGE 106

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D

og fanciers tend to cringe at the prospects of the mainstream media attempting to do a story about dogs in general and show dogs specifically.

Just as cat lovers are often stereotyped as oddballs or misfits, fanciers often get depicted as a collection of eccentrics and dimwits, such as in the film Best In Show, or even as win-at-all-costs murderers, as in an episode of CSI: NY. Fanciers, of course, are a microcosm of the general population, whose passions are often misunderstood by the uninitiated. So when I saw the front cover of last week’s New York magazine with the photograph of a Boston terrier and the headline “A Dog Is Not A Human Being, Right?” I was hesitant to pick it up. The deck reads, “The increasingly twisted relationship between man and his best friend.” It smacked of exploitation, or in the very least, something that may offend dog owners. But I’m glad I did read the article (which is actually titled The Rise of Dog Identity Politics), and all fanciers, dog owners and breeders should give it a look, because the piece tackles many subjects, not only the anthropomorphism of dogs in our culture. It also addresses the problems that dog owners face in battling animal rights extremists and how the American Kennel Club is perceived as an elitist registry with antiquated ideas and dwindling revenue.

The author, John Homans, manages to sneak a few vignettes about his own dog, an adorable mutt named Stella into the mix, and one gets the feeling that this piece may be part of a larger collection of essays he’s trying to package into a book, because, let’s face it, dogs sell. Not only do they sell mainstream magazines in an evershrinking market (is it a coincidence that dogs also grace the cover of this week’s New Yorker magazine, or a case of pre-Westminster fever, perhaps?) they also sell books - lots of books, as a glimpse at the best-seller lists can attest. Writers and columnists now have to compete with bloggers and Tweeters, and a guy has to make a living but make no mistake: this is not Stella & Me, a Marley & Me-type exposé - and I mean that as a compliment.

Homans gives a truncated history of how the dog was domesticated and brief explanations of the health benefits of owning a dog. Among them, dogs help their owners get more exercise, reduce their stress levels, make children more empathetic and help their male owners to meet women. (Has the dog park really replaced the singles bar in New York?) Among the many interesting findings, Homans sites a study performed by researchers at Azabu University in Japan, which found that the dog’s gaze at its owner increases the owner’s oxytocin level. (That’s oxytocin, the social-bonding hormone, and not oxycontin, the oft-abused and highly addictive pain reliever). The dog’s ability to produce this response, which humans usually have when doting on a child or bonding with a loved one, has led to its evolution into a valued

family member. How much is that membership worth? Homans poses that question, too, and anyone who’s had to consider expensive surgery to prolong or improve a dog’s life when nature is calling it to that proverbial farm in Connecticut will recognize the predicaments outlined here, too.

Many of the scenarios Homans presents are endemic to urban areas (remember, this is New York, magazine), so those raising cattle dogs on vast pastures may not get the full gist of his arguments about the anthropomorphism of dogs, but one need not be cuddling with a standard poodle in an Hermes collar by the fireplace in a high rise overlooking Central Park to understand his points about the jobs in which dogs were bred for having fallen by the wayside. Sure, breeders still want their litters to fit the standard, but they no longer need their dogs to pull carts down Fifth Avenue. Machines do much of the work dogs (and humans) once did. Granted, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may not have the carbon footprint of a taxi cab or a subway car but it’s ability to haul people and packages anywhere fast around midtown is limited. However, Homans is incorrect when he implies that dogs no longer perform the work for which they were bred. Anyone who frequents American Kennel Club performance events around the country will witness ancient breeds doing the tracking, obedience, agility, earth-dog trial, lure-coursing and herding work they’ve been bred to do for centuries.

As our relationships with dogs have evolved, so too has the nature of the work they perform.

Dogs may no longer bark around the campsite to alert owners of approaching danger, but now they search rubble and debris for survivors of disasters – natural or otherwise. Dog and handler teams from Tampa were recently dispatched to Haiti to help uncover earthquake victims. Bomb and explosive sniffing dogs have become perhaps our best weapon against terrorism, shoring up faulty security systems at major airports.

Soldiers in Afghanistan have called dogs their most valuable and reliable asset in detecting and avoiding danger, such as roadside bombs. Dogs help children to read, can predict seizures in their owners and even detect cancer in humans.

So, while the types of jobs dogs perform may have changed, they are still very much working.

Though for most of us, providing social support and companionship is all that we require of them.

In all of these respects, the dog has certainly earned its moniker of man’s best friend.

Homans touches on everything concerning the modern dog and the culture we live in, from the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, to Carolyn Knapp, whose dog helped her through alcoholism, to vegan dogs, to Leona Helmsley and the five-billion fortune she bestowed upon her dog Trouble, and the trouble that organizations are going through to get their hands on it. He also explains how the “demand for rescue dogs exceeds the supply.” But perhaps Homans’ greatest service is that he

OFF LEASH

by Shaun Coen

THE

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sheds light on the tactics and agendas of the Humane Society of the United States and PETA to readers who may be unfamiliar with them. Homans notes, “PETA kills a surprising number of the animals it takes in. In the decade beginning with 1998, PETA euthanized 17,000 animals – 85 percent of those it rescued.” He skewers PETA’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, quoting her thoughts on bestiality: “If it isn’t exploitation and abuse, it may not be wrong.” Humane Society of the United States president Wayne Pacelle doesn’t get off so easy, either. Of him Homans writes, “Pacelle is the silky pony of the animal-rights world, a Yale graduate who looks tremendous in a suit…but Pacelle drives dog people nuts because they see him as an enemy of traditional dog cultures, possibly an animal-rights allay of PETA masquerading as a friend of the dog: a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Homans further writes of the HSUS, “The Humane Society of the Unites States is blessed with a great name, and partly because of its well-publicized raids on puppy mills, it has a massive fund-raising footprint and $125 million to spend, which can buy a good number of smallstate lobbyists (the HSUS too has been trying to get its share of the Helmsley fortune).” And he quotes Janeen McMurtrie, a dog trainer and blogger: “The biggest problem with HSUS is that they hide their goals so well.” The goal of the HSUS -and PETA- is to eliminate dog ownership entirely through breeding limits and mandatory spay-neuter laws, even though responsible owners with no intention of breeding already opt for these procedures. As James Serpell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, tells Homans, “The thing about mandatory spay-neuter is that those who are most willing to have their dogs spayed or neutered tend to be responsible people. And often, their dogs also happen to be nice animals in temperament. So what you’re doing essentially is taking those dogs out of the breeding population.” This, adds McMurtrie, “… could be catastrophic.” What would become of dog ownership if only ill-tempered puppies from disreputable breeding programs were available?

The precarious position of the AKC is also examined in part. Homans writes, “Once the unshakable empire of the dog world, the AKC has been shrinking over the past couple of decades, partly because of competing registrations and partly because of this Victorian fantasy – these working dogs that haven’t worked in decades – seems increasingly distant from the modern world.”

To reiterate, not all of what Homans reports is on target. Of the AKC’s sponsored “Meet the Breeds” recently held at the Javits Center he writes, “The idea is to connect breeds with their ancestral homelands.” Not really. The objective is to educate the general public on all the different types of dogs available - their sizes, temperaments and needs - so that prospective owners may responsibly choose the right dog to match their lifestyle. Of course, the AKC would like for the general public to choose a purebred dog from a reputable breeder and register it with them, too. But this is a minor complaint. Overall, it’s a sprawling, well-written, well-researched, thought-provoking piece that will hopefully enlighten owners, breeders and clubs about the problems that dog owners face today and will encourage further exploration of these topics.

Perhaps more importantly, the non-dog owning public will gain greater insight into the joys and responsibilities of dog ownership and what organizations like PETA and the HSUS are really about. •

WORLD WINNER

Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winner

Am. Can. Eng. Int. (FCI) NL Lux. Bel.

Ch. Salishan How Do You Like Me Now, ROM

Salishan is the proud home of: • All Breed Best in Show Winners • Westminster Best of Breed Winners • Multiple National Specialty Winners • Seven Generations of Group First Winners At right, Toby on his way to Best of Breed at The 2009 World Show in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Pictured with Judge Ms. Monique Van Brempt, Belgium, And Breeder- Owner -Handler Gary Carr.

Gary and Susan Carr P.O. Box 726 • Tolland, CT 06084-0726 Dog News 75

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f o t i r r the G a e H ’s irls t e L

Charlotte

Ch. Spring Hollow Roady’s Glory “Charlotte”

Betty Jo

In two consecutive weekends, this great team has achieved 5 Best of Breeds and a Working Group Third Thank you Judges Mr. William F. Hossler Best of Breed and Group Third Mrs. Fay Dorval Haupt Mr. Eugene W. Haupt Mrs. Lisa R. De Roulet Mr. Wlater J. Sommerfelt

™ Capturing the eye of the judges and the hearts of those who have come to know her! ™ 76 Dog News

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w o R l l o o a H d y g ’ s n i G r l p o S ry . h C

Soundness & Movement

Personality & Presence

Breeders/Owners Mary Adelle Horner mahyak@aol.com Donna Reece Ridgeviewlabs@aol.com

springhollowmastiffs.com

Professionally Presented By Betty Jo Patterson AKC Registered Handler

Dog News 77

By Anna Stromberg

Frigid Visit to Queensboro, New York

I

swear I will not complain one bit over hot summer days ever again. It was minus six degrees and I was pulling into the parking lot at the Dome showsite for Saratoga New York and Glen Falls Kennel clubs this past weekend. Your nose hairs froze instantly when you stepped out of the car and my not-so-naked dog was clearly complaining holding feet up when going potty outside.

I had never been here before but was forewarned that parking is somewhat tricky if you do not read the premium list very carefully and prepay for a spot.

Needless to say I had not read that part at all but convinced the parking guys that a 20 was a good deal for a left over spot. It was 7:15 in the morning, and I think a cup of coffee would have gotten me a better spot but let’s not get sticky.

If you arrived later or did not prepay you got to take a shuttle back to the building from the excess parking lots. Not my favorite situation but what are you going to do? Leave?

It is one of those airlocked buildings and loading and unloading had its frustrating moments but if you were there on time Friday you could drive in to set up supposedly. It really was fine, I had one dog with me – call me a slacker – but in the cold I was glad not to have to worry about anyone else. The site is fantastic when you get inside – HUGE – on Astroturf and with plenty of grooming for up to 1,000 dogs I would say. I absolutely love any show that is not held on single mats and would go through worse hoops than airlocks and tricky parking if I can show my dogs on turf or carpet or even fully matted floors. After defrosting toes and fingers I took a loop around the dome spotting some very good vendors and a huge variety of booths. You could kiss a bull (meaning a rescued pit bull) with proceeds going to their rescue organization amongst others. Any show with Ben and Jerry ice cream sold on site and with CONTINUED ON PAGE 114

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w o s ’ l R G w l o r l o o l a o a n H d H d g y S g ’ n l n s a i i m r r G p p l S ory S . h “Wilson” C Donna

Wilson

Spring Hollow presents our next big hitter!

In two consecutive weekends at 9 months of age, Wilson has achieved 11 points and both majors Thank you Judges Mr. William Hossler Mrs. Lisa R. DeRoulet Mr. Eugene W. Haupt Mr. Walter J. Sommerfelt Presented by Breeders/Owners Mary Adelle Horner and Donna Reece

springhollowmastiffs.com Gates Mills, Ohio

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By Diane Levin, NWGA Show Chair

Northstar Working Group Association Show

T

he Northstar Working Group Association, located in the Twin Cities, began its 10th anniversary year with its fifth group show as part of the Minnesota January Specialties, held in St. Paul in conjunction with the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club all-breed shows.

These shows in St. Paul are among the first in the year and are generally well-attended despite the possibility of severe winter weather. This year was no exception, and exhibitors braved temperatures well below zero to show at St. Paul’s River Centre. A Thursday snowstorm made for a few absentees on Friday, but we were happy to see that most of our entries arrived safely and ready to show.

Judges Ms. Donna Beckman, Mr. Dana Cline, Mrs. Beverly Eichel, Ms. Lin Jensen, Ms. Patricia Princehouse, and Mr. Gregory Szynskie proceeded briskly

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through the morning and early afternoon, and group judge Dana Cline was presented with representatives of 22 working breeds, many among the top ten in their breed, when group judging began.

This was a strong group with many fine dogs in it. Mr. Cline awarded Group 1 to a lovely Newfoundland, Ch Raincoast Partner In Dreams, owned by Noelia Garcia Valle and Luis Fernandez. Group 2 went to Kuvasz Ch Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence, currently number 1 in the breed, owned by Lynn Brady, Constance Townsend, and Claudia Muir. Group 3 was Akita Ch Buckridge’s Positive Energy, owned by David

Osborn and Ellen Vanden Avond, and Group 4 was Neapolitan Mastiff Ch Bruno Della Vecchia Roma, owned

by Janice E. Wolf DVM and also number 1 in his breed.

The Neapolitan Mastiff on Saturday and the Akita on Sunday went on to take group placements in the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club shows.

The Northstar Working Group Association is thrilled to celebrate five years of participation on the Minnesota January Specialties with such a fine entry, and looks forward to welcoming the new year with even more great dogs in the future. •

Six Blues - Three Weekends!

Mondrian

Can. Ch. & AKC Ch. & CKCSC USA Ch. Mondrian V.H. Lamslag of Piccadil RE

Flash Firsts p u o r G k c a Back-to-b ennel Club K e n e l i b A Judges: Geringer a i r o l G . s Mr Hearn Mrs. Ann

Our appreciation to Judges Mr. William Dolan and Mrs. Michele Billings for these Group First Wins!

The Number 1 Cavalier All Systems 2009 Number 7* Toy! With 11 Best in Shows!

Number One* Cavalier 2008 Always shown naturally by

Owner-Handler Janet York *The Dog News Top Ten List, All Breed

Dog News 83

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*2009 Final Statistics

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Rabbit Dogs...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

tounds would have you believe. People I train with are surprised they can do many repetitions and ask for more when you use positive reinforcement. Pharaoh Hounds love food and toys so both of these can be used to make training fun and rewarding for the dog. Their size and moderate build makes them capable of doing most dog sports and activities. They stay very playful throughout their lives and have a good energy level which makes them good candidates for performance activities.

As far as coursing is concerned, most Pharaoh Hounds will be successful in lure coursing with very little training as their chase instinct is very strong.”

“It’s true that hounds have this reputation but that’s understandable,” said Kerridge.

“Not all dogs are created equal. There are breeds that are selectively bred specifically to work with people and other breeds that were developed to think independently. Pharaohs fall in the latter category. The biggest challenge to getting quality performances from them is simply motivating them to want to work with you, something that is a given with many other breeds. You just have to have realistic expectations. They can excel and title in performance activities but the definition of ‘excel’ is different for different breeds.”

However, the key to successful training seems to be positive training techniques and limiting the number of repetitions in each training session. “Pharaoh Hounds are independent and intelligent so you have to be fair and consistent in your training. They do not respond well to aversive or dominance based training techniques,” said Nelle Wyatt who owns Ch. Galadrial’s Thyphoon-Khamun RE CGC (“Echo”), DC Galadrial’s Blazin Sambuca SC FCh RN NA NAJ HIC (“Sam”) and FC Galadrial’s Phaux Phire MC FCh RE OA NAJ NJP NAP HIC (“Phaux.”) “I don’t consider

DC Galadrial’s Blazin Sambuca SC FCh RN NA NAJ HIC (“Sam”), one of Nelle Wyatt’s hounds, appears to have been solidly proofed against movement distractions as the jump has been successfully completed.

Ch Nefer-Temu Midori SC RE OA OAJ CGC AD HIC VCX (“Nadia”), one of Emily Kerridge’s Pharaoh Hounds seems to be enjoying her work in agility.

DC Naha Galadrial’s Natural Blonde SC RN OA AXJ VC (“Tru”), one of Sheila and Lew Hoffman’s Pharaoh Hounds is as capable on the agility course as in the field chasing a lure.

this a weakness but rather clue that a better training method is required to keep them motivated.

They don’t seem to enjoy multiple repetitions of the same exercise during a training session. Once they understand an exercise, they retain it and you really don’t need a lot of repetition. However, they are sighthounds and are always ready for a good chase so you need to be aware of your training environment and do some serious proofing for movement distractions. As far as coursing is concerned, the one thing that makes Pharaoh Hounds stand out is their ‘voice.’ They bark from the time they see their blankets before a course until they are walked away from the finish line.”

Hoffman agreed that “proofing” is important with Pharaoh Hounds. “The breed is independent and has high prey/chase drive. You have to keep this in mind when training. They also excel at distance work and it is more of a challenge to do tight, close work. This means heeling and tight agility turns require more incentive while moving out on the agility course is not as difficult. It’s interesting that retrievers behave the opposite of this with close work coming naturally but they don’t want to work out away from you. Understanding your breed’s core ‘job’ is something you need to take CONTINUED ON PAGE 90

86 Dog News

IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE Really good dog Renowned Breeder-Judge

Best In Show, Multiple Group & Specialty Show Winning

Ch. Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck, TT, CGC

Thank You Breeder-Judge Mrs. Joan Klem for bestowing this honor on us at the Medallion Rottweiler Club’s 50th Anniversary show. It’s a day we will never forget.

In Tux’s first 10 shows of the year he has 10 Best of Breeds, Eight Group placements, including Four Group Firsts and BEST IN SHOW under Judge Mr. Walter Sommerfelt.

Needless to say we’re very excited to see what the rest of the year may bring.

Breeders: Cammcastle Rottweilers Susan Otto and Angela Payne

Owners: Anthony & Vicky O’Brien 484 744-1653

Handler: Holley Eldred 708-280-2890 Dog News 87

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Rabbit Dogs...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86

into account when training for any performance event. A Pharaoh Hound’s attention to their environment and their chase instincts are the greatest hurdles you have to overcome for the more technical activities like obedience or agility. But, of course, these are major advantages on the coursing field.”

It helps, according to these Pharaoh Hound folks, to have a well developed sense of humor when working with these hounds in performance activities. “You have to have a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself and your Pharaoh. If you take performance activities too seriously, you will be miserable and that’s a guarantee,” said Kerridge.

Wyatt added, “If you can’t laugh at yourself and you are only happy with consistently perfect scores, a PH is probably not the best performance choice for you. You have to be pleased as long as the dog works with you and that both you and the dogs are having fun.”

Hoffman noted that if you have to be the center of your dog’s universe, Pharaoh Hounds are not the breed for you. “Pharaohs take their whole environment into account, not just you.

You have to work to keep their focus mostly on you and not everything else in the area. If you always have to be the absolute center of the dog’s life, a Pharaoh Hound or for that matter, any sighthound breed, is probably not the best one for you. Compounding the problem with sighthounds in performance activities is that many breeders, unfortunately, do not consider trainability in making their breeding decisions but this is an important factor. Who wants a coursing hound that won’t come back when called? Independent does not equal misbehaved or untrainable.”

“The greatest obstacle to success in performance with a Pharaoh Hound is also the key to success,” said Kerridge. “They won’t do anything because they are ordered to, or at least

L-R “Trip,” (DC Beltara’s Galadrial Time Traveler SC FCH CD RE MX MXJ VCX), owned by Sheila Hoffman and Laurie Laventhall, “Zeke” (DC Galadrial’s Bija Zeke SC FCH CD RE MX MXJ MC HIC CGC VCX), owned by Sheila Hoffman and “Phaux” (FC Galadrial’s Phaux Phire MC FCh RE OA NAJ NJP NAP HIC ), owned by Nelle Wyatt and Sheila Hoffman do the job Pharaoh Hounds were meant to do.

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Sam also thinks coursing is a lot of fun.

not happily. With compulsion based training, they plant their feet and balk like the proverbial mule that doesn’t want to walk up a path.

You have to get them to believe that working with you is more fun than anything else out there that could potentially distract them. Once you’ve harnessed all that intelligence and exuberance, they do quite well. As for one specific activity that’s troublesome, I’ve found that the retrieve is generally the hardest concept for the breed to grasp. It just does not come naturally to them. Many Pharaohs have failed to earn their CDX just because of this one exercise. You have to keep your goals and expectations realistic and then doing performance activities with a Pharaoh is a lot of fun. If you have unrealistic expectations—you want high-in-trial on a consistent basis—you will likely become frustrated and this will definitely affect your Pharaoh. If they think they’ve been unsuccessful, their morale plummets. Then they won’t have fun and they won’t work for you.”

This is a breed that produces a large number of dual champions. “We are very proud that we have a high percentage of dual champions in our breed and it’s thrilling that so many breeders still focus on the importance of both,” said Hoffman. “However, our greatest challenge is that way too many conformation judges are rewarding the ‘generic’ show dog in the breed ring. These dogs tend to have more flash and angulations than our breed standard calls for. This leads to unbalanced angles in the shoulder and the rear. This imbalance is detrimental to soundness over the life of the dog and creates incorrect breed types. We need to preserve both the look and the intelligence of the breed.”

Kerridge agreed. She said, “Breed drift in conformation is the greatest challenge the Pharaoh Hound faces today. This is a soundbodied, balanced, medium-sized, highly athletic and versatile hunting dog that is not supposed to be big, flashy, overly groomed/clipped/colored/scissored or extreme in any way but that’s the direction the breed is heading in the show ring. I know many breeds are facing or have faced this same frightening issue with frightening results. It is up to judges to stop rewarding ‘flash’ and continue to reward true ‘type.’”•

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WESTIE ART IN PENNSYLVANIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

from the rough coated white terriers of the middle years of the 19th century in Britain, as depicted by James Loder and George Armfield, through to the sculptured show dogs of today, as depicted by Helen Wilson Sherman in America and Barbara Hands in Britain.

Along the way there were works by Samuel Fulton, Fannie Moody, Maud Earl, Reuben Ward Binks (a portrait of Dunollie Laird); Lilian Cheviot, American illustrators Persis Kirmse (although born in Britain) and Morgan Dennis, Dorothy Hardcastle (a portrait of Champions Huntinghouse Starmist and Coolin), Pollyanna Pickering (the most published artist in the UK), Constance Payne, Christine Merrill, and the Vietnamese contemporary artist Vuong Khuan (a portrait of Ch. Kilkerran Imagemaker) and others.

To accompany the exhibition there was a fully illustrated catalogue which, in reality, is a work of reference on Westie art as captured by some of the finest artists in the world, for as well as giving details of each exhibit, there are extensive biographical notes on all the artists. As an added bonus there is an extensive addenda of important pictures painted by British artists working in the late 19th century/ Painted by Morgan Dennis early 20th century but not included in the exhibition.

These include further pictures

by Samuel Fulton, Fannie Moody, Maud Earl and Lilian Cheviot, Impudence from one of Sir Edwin Landseer’s most famous paintings “Dignity and Impudence,” a portrait of Boidheach owned by Col. Malcolm of Poltalloch (one of the fathers of the breed) painted by Margaret Collyer before she left England to live in Kenya, two charming narrative pictures by Robert Morley, and a head study by Arthur Wardle that he completed for one of the many cigarette cards he illustrated.

I am sure I am not the only one who failed to realize just how many important and highly regarded artists from both sides of the Atlantic have recorded the development of the Westie over the last 150 years. They have shown the breed as a worker, companion, show dog, and fun dog and captured the character of one of the most popular of the terrier breeds.

For breed researchers and art historians alike, the Westie Original Art Exhibition catalogue is a wonderful work of reference. Published as a signed limited edition, copies of the catalogue are still available at $25 including shipping to domestic US addresses and are obtainable from Wayne Kompare at wkompare@verizon.net. •

Col. Malcolm of Poltalloch’s Boidheach painted

by Margaret Collyer

Painted by Maud Earl

Champions Huntinghouse Starmist and Coolin painted by Dorothy Hardcastle

Painted by Robert Morley 94 Dog News

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RARE BRTHEEEWDORSLD OF

Bouvier des Ardennes

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

and in World War I he became even more so because of his resistance against the German troops. The King stayed in De Panne, the only independent part of Belgium on the west coast of the country, and lead his army from there. In 1934, when King Albert died, the whole country mourned the much-loved monarch.

In 1940, King Leopold III took control of Belgium when the country was conquered by German troops. Leopold III decided to stay in Belgium, although the government had fled the country.

In 1944 the royal family was taken to Germany and afterwards to Austria.

Leopold III returned to Belgium in 1945, but the Belgian people didn’t accept him back as a king because of his behavior and sympathy toward Germany during the war. In 1950 Leopold III finally returned to Belgium but was forced to give the throne to his oldest son, Baudouin I, who took the oath in 1951. Baudouin I declared Congo an independent republic in 1960. When King Baudouin I suddenly died in 1993, it was his younger brother Albert who became King Albert II. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a very busy city. It is cosmopolitan and vibrant with tourists from all around the world; it is also the capital city of the European Union. Its population is about 1.1 million and it is where the “Euro” as well as the comic book “Tintin” was born. It is possible to see some buildings’ facade picturing this famous character.

Apart from being the center of European politics, Brussels’ fascinating and old history dates back to the 11th century when it began as a small dukedom the size of the current downtown area.

Known as the Brussels Treaty (17 March 1948) or the Treaty of Brussels, this document was the historical initiation of a European cooperation that set the basis for the current European Union. It was an international contract to build Western European economically, socially and culturally in cooperation with each other, as well as a collective self-defense plan.

It is an interesting fact that the Belgians do not share one common language. There are three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish), and German. Language is such an impor-

tant part of the political and cultural infrastructure that the country created an official language border between the north and south and also a third region which is Brussels. In Brussels people mostly speak French but it is officially bilingual so all public signage and documents are in French and Flemish.

Brussels is one of the most international cities in the world. Twenty-seven percent of the population is made up of foreigners, not including those who have taken Belgian citizenship. In following with its status as the capital of Europe (the seat of the European Union), Brussels is the location for 40,000 EU employees, 4,000 NATO employees and hosts about 300 permanent representations – lobby groups, embassies and press corporations.

Throughout the centuries, Brussels has been the hub of activity for trade and enterprise from porcelain to tapestries, and to this day one can still see the outline of the original city walls built into the modern cityscape.

Chocolate, Waffles, and Beer are the first goods that come to mind when talking about Brussels. There are many other enterprises in the city which make up this economy as it handles its role as the capital of Belgium.

When you’re doing a search for the word “Brussels” you may find some of the following results: Brussels waffles – a type of waffles that is an everybody´s favorite, and are sold in the streets. ; The Brussels Griffon – originating from Brussels and exported to England and the States, this now popular breed was rare after world wars I and II; One of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, the Brussels sprouts is a favorite for the vitamins it contains; Since the 14th century the Brussels has always been renowned for its tapestries, and the quality of the unique Brussels lace.

The Ardennes is a region of extensive forests, hills, and mountains formed on the Givetian Ardennes, primarily in Belgium and Luxembourg and CONTINUED ON PAGE 102

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RARE BRTHEEEWDORSLD OF

Belgian Shepherd

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 98

stretching into France. This is the region of Belgium from where the Bouvier of the same name is originated.

In the past all the dogs that worked with cattle were called Bouvier (Bovine herder). Each region throughout the area had its own type. From ancient rough-coated stock these dogs were prized guardians and drovers. The Bouviers were almost eliminated after the bloody fighting of World War I and many of the rarer types were entirely lost. Sadly, the breeds that are a memory include: the Bouvier de Roulers, the Bouvier de Moerman, and the Bouvier de Paret. Still remaining are the Bouvier des Ardennes and Bouvier des Flandres. Both France and Belgium have claimed the dog of Flandres and the FCI has actually dubbed it a “Franco-Belgian” breed.

The Bouvier des Ardennes originated as a cattle drover in the Belgian Ardennes.

A small population of hardworking dogs used to drive the herds of cattle, sheep, and even horses. During the 20th century the disappearance of farms in the Ardennes greatly diminished the number of working dogs, including the Bouvier des Ardennes.

By around 1985, a few survivors of this breed were discovered, and some breeders set out to produce dogs that adhered to the original standard of the breed, which had been first locally published in 1923.

The Bouvier des Ardennes is described and commented on in a 1948 article in the Belgian canine magazine L’Aboi (The Bark) by Louis Huyghebaert, who was a major Belgian canine authority of the era. His work is invaluable for the evolution of the Belgian sheep herding breeds.

He states: “The Bouvier des Ardennes could also be called the petit (small) Bouvier. He constitutes, so to speak, the intermediate type between the sheep dog, which is relatively long, and the heavy and sharp bouvier.

“The Bouvier des Ardennes is distinguished from other Bouviers by his ears which stand naturally, and so are not cropped. This latter characteristic would make him close to the harsh coated sheepdog. …

“To find favor in the eye of the public a breed needs a sensational characteristic such as the wolf-like appearance of the German Shepherd, the flat muzzle of the Pekingese, the blue tongue of

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the Chow Chows. Many modern breeds owe their popularity to their new appearance.”

This did not apply to the Bouvier des Ardennes. He also made his appearance at a badly chosen moment. The farm dogs, that is, the working dogs used by cattle raisers and horse merchants, peasants, and farmers, those dogs among which were found the first Bouviers and shepherds had already seen toward 1910 their place taken in the special clubs by the young elements in the big cities who took into consideration the new born fashion of police dogs. The heavier and more frightening that a dog appeared, the better it was!

The FCI recognized the Standard of the Bouvier des Ardennes in 25 October 2000, and under the title UTILIZATION says: “Originally a true cattle dog, used to the open air and to the tough work of roundingup, guarding and driving cattle. Even today with a minimum of training for maximum efficacy, it is a good all-purpose working dog and a specialized guard of stock and property. It has always been called the cow dog in the Belgian Ardennes and been selected for its abilities. It gets its name from the practice of guarding and driving cattle in the region where it is active rather than from its physical appearance. The harsh climate, the hard specific work, the difficult terrain and the poverty of the region have all served to fashion its type.”

Being still uncommon even in Belgium, this Bouvier has a strong minded group of fanciers behind him working for his well being, and preservation. Besides the capabilities in the field this is a very affectionate and sweet breed. A good and true companion and a trustable guard dog as well.

Our readers can find the complete standard on the Web sites of the FCI, ARBA, and the UKC. •

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Play It Again, Sam CONTINUED FROM PAGE70

World Union of German Shepherd Dog Associations (WUSV) World Schutzhund Championship, becoming the first woman and first Israeli to win this honor and with an Israeli-bred dog, to top things off.

“I was following the first day’s competition when an unfamiliar person caught my eye,” recalled Grube. “I looked her number up in the catalog and was surprised to note that it was an Israeli woman.

She received a top score of 99 and deserved it. When she also got excellent results on the second day, I told my mates that we may have a surprise on our hands at the finals.

She literally danced with her dog, Sam – such was the connection between them.”

“When I got 99 in tracking on the first day, I was absolutely amazed,” said Sharon. “Before we left for the competition, I told people here I would be satisfied with the 80th place. In my fondest dreams I thought I could perhaps reach the top 40. But it never occurred to me that I could actually

win. I had my photo taken over and over again pointing at the scoreboard with my 99 score.”

“Sharon is very clever,” noted Grube. “She is able to read a dog.

She finds ways to overcome mistakes. Her dog is well-bred and has the desired temperament. Sharon works well and elicits willing cooperation from her dog.”

S

haron has been working with animals almost all her life and began showing an avid interest in dog training at the age of 16. She joined the Israeli Defense and Rescue Dog Club where, under the guidance of top local trainers including Eitan Etinger, former club president and current Israeli Kennel Club president, she made swift progress.

Among other things, people remember the fact Sharon trained a Miniature Pinscher for obedience and she actually still has two Min Pins now, along with a Whippet and her working dogs.

At the age of 18, she joined the

Israeli military where she served in a K9 unit and later worked with the Israeli police. She has a degree in Biology from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a graduate degree in animal behavior from Tel Aviv University, where she is currently employed as an animal trainer – not dogs, but wild animals including ferrets and owls. Sharon is married and has a 4 year old daughter.

Currently, Sharon is a member of the Israeli Working Dogs Sport Club affiliated to the Israeli German Shepherd Dog Club. The club provides Sharon with social and professional support through its bi-weekly training sessions, professional consultation and feedback.

“This sport involves a great deal of psychological pressure on the handler and we help each other calm down,” explained Amos Shiboli, club president.

“Our club, according to its objectives, is quite competitive and among other things intends to represent Israel in the best possible way. Most members are quite comCONTINUED ON PAGE 110

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INTRODUCING

Edward

Thank you Judge Miss Virginia Lyne for this great start to 2010

Ch. Mac-Ken-Char’s Super Hero Owners: Jaimi Glodek, Jean Mullan, Lindy Barrow & John Jaacks II Handler: Vanessa Fleming

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*Number Six overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

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Play It Again, Sam CONTINUED FROM PAGE 106

petitive by nature,” adds Shiboli. Club members won the first three places in last year’s Israeli championship trial. “Following Sharon’s achievement, we have had an influx of new members,” notes Shiboli. “However, it takes at least two years of hard work to bring a dog up to world championship level.”

“The club members work as a team and are thus able to correct each other’s mistakes and give feedback to the trainer,” said the German visitor while observing the club in training. “These dogs are showing very good quality for the moment. We are here because following Sharon’s success in the competition we want to report about dog sports in Israel. It is an honor for us to be here and tell the world about it. I believe in past years the level in Israel has been on the rise.”

The dog, by the way, is a story in its own right. Sam Beit Haboxer Mehagiva was bred by Shlomo Abou and sold to an Israeli family. When he was almost

110 Dog News

a year old, the family decided they could not cope with his avid temperament and sold him to another person, who lasted a few months before finally selling him to Sharon, who took an instant liking to the dog. As mentioned, the bond between them is among the major causes of her victory.

Sam presently resides in Germany with Sharon’s mentor, Stefan Juntke, where he is busily propagating and Sharon flies to him every once in a while.

“On the second day, the defense competition, I knew we would receive a high score because he is excellent at defense,” recalls Sharon. “And I got 97, and that boosted my confidence.”

“On the last day, I was feeling quite confident,” says Sharon. “I was among the last to go and received a score of 95. My German adversary who was breathing down my neck needed a perfect 100 to win the competition, so when he got a 98 I knew I had done the impossible.”

“Most spectators were very happy with the results,” commented Grube.

“It is extremely necessary for Germany and Israel to have good relations in view of

past events. We were happy that Sharon won the individual competition but the German team placed first in the group competition.”

S

haron is extremely patriotic. Deviating from the norm in the Schutzhund scene where trainers usually give their dogs commands in either German or English, Sharon insists on speaking Hebrew to her dogs. “The moment I get a new dog I give it a crash course in Hebrew,” she notes. “it is a matter of national pride – I represent Israel. The first time I took part in a competition overseas, I spoke to the decoy in Hebrew, telling him to break cover, and he was taken aback. However, they got used to it but I still run into arguments on this point.”

In the aftermath of her success, Sharon has become the focus of enthusiasts the world over and, among other things, is due to give a Schutzhund seminar for the South Metro Atlanta Schutzhund Club in February 2010.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Israeli trainers at our next championships,” concluded Grube, “and one thing is certain, no-one will look down on them again.” •

DJ & REBECCA

Thank You Judge Mr. Henry L. Gregory

CH. DEJA BLU DEAL ME IN Owner: Beverly Barbaz

Handled By: Rebecca L. Carner AKC Reg. Handler

Breeders: Gail E. Bodisch Caryl K. Gheen Dog News 111

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Frigid Visit to Queensboro, NY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 78

homemade fudge wins my vote. Jokes aside, it was definitely a respectable amount of vendors pleasing the spectators and exhibitors. There was also a meet the breed with somewhere around 30-40 breeds represented with more or less fancy booths. It was very well visited and with the temperature outside like it was I am sure the people of Glen Falls had a great day at the dog show. Spectator lots were filled to the rim and tons of people were lining the rings for breed and group judging or milling around the building. There were space for more grooming or more or bigger rings but instead we had a huge field of open space that could have been used for demonstrations of some kind. I was only present on Saturday due to family commitments but I heard it was as cold on Sunday.

The tiny village actually had a hotel right there and the Super 8 was totally fine per a friend reporting and with fast food and decent restaurants in the vicinity you have all you need to survive a dog show weekend away from home. It’s only about 45 minutes north of Albany Airport and one could stay there if you needed to feel a bit more urban.

On to the actual judging and the Best in Show winner on Saturday was the David Fitzpatrick owner handled Pekingese Palacegarden Malachy. Beverly Capstick’s line up was made up of the ASCOB Cocker Ch. Carbert Arikara magic Touch bred and owned by Patti Nazarko and Carole Shute. From hound we saw Ch. Walkill Signed Dooney the basenji bitch owned by co Breeder Tonda Curry handled by Mike Work. In Terriers we saw an Airedale Ch. Buan Maras Little Me Owned and bred by Linda Buonauro, June and Rodney Mara with Shari Boyd Carusi handling. Herding saw the Corgi Ch. Roragyn’s Tuff Enough, owned by Cynnie Smith and Isabelle Hunt and handled by Karen Mammano. Representing Working was the Great Pyrenees Ch. Diuedinne William of Orange, Owned by Nicole Sharpe, Kyle A Simmons and Paula Midgorden and handled by Norm Grenier and last but not least, the winner of Non sporting was Uli the bulldog, Ch. Kepley’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 118

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Frigid Visit to Queensboro, NY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 114

Showbiz Razzle Dazzle owned by Joan Fisher, Robert Speiser and Barbara Wolfe with Phoebe Booth handling.

It was too still blinding bright outside when I packed up, loaded up and started my trek home.

Since I was not present on Sunday I will say that the seven winners were repeats from Toy, Non Sporting, Sporting and Hounds. In Herding the winner was old English sheepdog Ch. Windfall Slam Dunk handled by Brian Still for owner Arlene Pietrocola, and in Terriers the Irish won, Ch. Fleet Street Fenway Fan. RC Carusi breeder and handler for owners Tony Barker and Victor Malzoni JR. In the working group the Akita, Ch. Nakodo’s Reign of Glory handled by Paul Levesque for owner Keith Venezia. The winner on Sunday was decided by Mr. Jon Cole and the Bulldog bitch was the victor.

I will most definitely make the trip back since I am a sucker for great flooring! I am also very excited to see the new site for Monticello KC, I hear it is another dome with Astro turf!

Exciting.

I am thinking that mandatory handwarmers at all winter dog shows will be the next thing!

Stay warm! •

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CH. ERIN’S SAY NO MORE

Judge Mrs. Keke Kahn Owners Ollie Firuski Bailey Lyons

Handler Sara Gregware, PHA, AKC Registered 860 482-0734 Dog News 119

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T

New Restaurants To Consider

he most frequent question I am asked is what new hot restaurants have opened since last year. That’s a toughie, but in no particular order I would have to say that if new and hot with top notch food is concerned, on the “A plus” list would have to be THE BRESLIN BAR & DINING ROOM, MAREA, MAIALINO, MINETTA TAVERN, A VOCE COLUMBUS, BAR PLEIADES, and CASA LEVER. There are a bunch of new others I would put on an “A” list also but first let me tell you a bit about the “A plus” group and why some are included.

First of all the BRESLIN BAR & DINING ROOM is in the new ACE HOTEL very near the Garden at 20 W.29th Street at Broadway (only four blocks from the DOG NEWS offices) and is owned and operated by the people of SPOTTED PIG fame in the West Village about which I have written for years. Breakfast, that’s right breakfast, begins at 7a.m.–lunch at noon, dinner at 5p.m. to midnight, and the bar is opened till 4 a.m.! The Breslin does not accept reservations so be prepared to wait. It’s very rich food, which I love—the breakfast is tops, lunch time the best, the bar packed and hot—just a good place at which to enjoy yourself in a very crowded and sophisticated area and atmosphere. MAREA is possibly the most upscale and accomplished fish house in a city which has long prided itself as having some of the best fish houses in the world. It is in fact a classic example of a revival of the grand old gourmet seafood restaurants in Manhattan. Located at 240 Central Park South (212582-5100), I defy you to find better wild Dover sole or for that matter spaghetti folded with sea-urchin roe anywhere. It’s not an inexpensive place to eat so for some of you I would suggest luncheon there which absolutely does not break the bank at all. For the place to be for total hotel chic in 2010 you must go to MAIALINO’s, Danny Meyer’s (who else?) new reconstructed facsimile of an old-fashioned Roman trattoria. Recently opened off the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel at 2 Lexington Avenue (212-777-2410) the bar area has become

as popular as the restaurant itself. The bar menu is a jewel while the pasta dishes are a sheer delight to say nothing of the secondis of which there is an incredibly charred lamb chop, which is unbeatable. Comparatively near the Garden you may want to consider staying at this refurbished hotel, which I warn you will cost you yet another arm and a leg. And, yes, breakfast too is served a la Italia as opposed to the Breslin’s breakfast which is English themed. Probably the hottest restaurant if not the most difficult to get into at a reasonable hour is MINETTA TAVERN. I wrote about it in August and told you then and will tell you again they probably have the best steaks in town although that’s really not their specialty. Forget what others say the real steak is at Minetta Tavern speakeasy type food and eatery at 113 Macdougal Street in the Village 212-4753850 and if you get in before 10:30 PM tell me who you know and ask them to get me a “rez” too!! A VOCCO COLUMBUS overlooks the Park at 57th Street in the new Time Warner Center and is the height of sophistication in dining if not a drop too noisy—on the third floor call 212-823-2523. BAR PLEIADES at Cafe Boulard 20 East 76th Street (212772-2600) is dark and glamorous and shares a room with Cafe Boulard, one of the better restaurants on the Upper East Side. Very, very Upper East Side, it’s luxurious and somewhat hidden, particularly if you are looking to hide and not from the Upper East Side, if you get my picture. Great rendezvous place. As for CASA LEVER, yet another Italian place to eat, which very possibly is the most New York restaurant of them all, located in the space of the old Lever House restaurant. (When I took my Regents exam in high school one of the questions then was to describe the uniqueness of the architect of the Lever House—that’s how far back that building goes!!) The new space is much warmer than the original restaurant, there is a trove of Warhol paintings on the wall, the service is appealing, and the food quite good. It’s the kind of restaurant to which you can go on a date, or with mother, or to be seen.

There’s a bone-in New York strip which may even surpass PETER LUGERS while the ravioli with sausage and burrata is wonderful. The food is basic, not ground breaking but must everything be ground breaking? I think not.

I really believe most of you will truly appreciate this spot. 390 Park Avenue (53rd St.) 212-888-2700—11:30-11p.m.

Monday to Saturday.

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Museums And, Believe It Or Not, Some Fining Dining At Them

I

would strongly suggest a visit to the ONASIS CULTURAL CENTER at 645 5th Avenue near 52nd St. where a fascinating icon display entitled “THE ORIGINS OF EL GRECO” is on display. With an extraordinary ensemble of almost 50 religious images, most of them painted on Crete, seven

by El Greco, it examines the religious beliefs of East meeting West. I must say I’m anything but an expert on the identities of Saints but it seems they were at a cultural crossroad then as in Venetian Crete the artists painted the divine. Immediately after I would to the MOMA on 53rd Street for lunch or dinner at THE MODERN:CAFE 2 (212-333-1220) yet another Danny Meyer creative success, both food ways and financially. The cafe is a less expensive eatery than the main restaurant which is considered one of the best in the city and certainly as sophisticated a place to eat at as any in Manhattan.

At the MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN at 2 Columbus Circle (212299-7730) is the newly opened and extremely well received ROBERT restaurant. The lounge at the entrance of Robert, which is open until 2 a.m. on the ninth floor offers a spectacular view north to Central

Park, Broadway and the West Side and affords a feel of sophistication that far outdoes to my mind the Mandarin Hotel’s Bar adjacent to the Warner Center, which I find unfriendly and discouraging to attend. If its the GUGGENHEIM on 89th and 5th which has caught your eye you may want to try THE WRIGHT which has recently opened there; or if its Mary Cassett you are looking to see at the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART I would suggest the cafe which recently opened in May off the American wing there. There’s a new POETS HOUSE building in Lower Manhattan near the Hudson River at the The New Poets House corner of Murray Street.

In its new location it has a rent-free lease through 2069 from the Battery Park City Authority. Poets House raised the money for construction of the interior $11 million, from public and private sources, including $3.5 million from the city. Are you telling me the MUSEUM OF THE DOG could not do something similar in a better location? I mean why even the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum located in Bransom, Missouri closed in December after ticket sales no longer covered its $33,000 monthly rent. Only 40 people The Wright a day attended which may be 10 times the number which go to the our Museum in St. Louis. On a more pleasant note if you are downtown visiting Poets try LOCANDA VERDE at 379 Greenwich St.—one of those new A class restaurants recently opened—fun, great people, and garlic-crusted chicken for two which is unbelievably juicy. Lunch or dinner—dinner is packed and wild—lunch more manageable but not as exCONTINUED ON PAGE 126

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by the way my Dad brought to America in the late ‘40s or early ‘50s) was an absolute delight. I know the run was extended but I’m not too sure it is still playing. I would check St. Ann’s schedule as there’s usually something interesting going on. That’s where we first saw the great hit BLACK WATCH which I told you about two years ago I think it was. And, oh yes, one of the top places to eat in the area and some say in all the city, although I would not go quite that far, is VINEGAR HILL HOUSE at 72 Hudson Avenue (718-522-1018). It’s real barnyard fare in a cozy loud room. Hard to find in a remote section of Brooklyn Heights, near the Navy Yard the Red Wattle pork chop is a treat. How did we find it ourselves? We did not. Went with Jason Sosnoff and his fiance, Lauren Silbert, after Brief Encounter. Definitely worth going to—little bit of real old NY—cobbled streets, old wooden houses, etc.

La Grenouille

citing (212-925-3797). On the subject of museums, THE FRICK of course on 5th and 77th is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the interior conversions by the architect John Russell Pope should not be missed. I always loved the place but now more than ever—believe me it’s incredible what has happened there. While you are there you may want to hop over to the CARYLE HOTEL and stop off for a drink at BEMELMANS BAR or catch the show at CAFE CARYLE— I believe Betty Buckley will be there for the Garden—we just saw Elaine Stritch who was great and on an impromptu evening or two you may find Woody Allen et al.

T

Theater Today

here are two new musicals on Broadway to see (by new I mean not revivals). They are NEXT TO NORMAL at the Booth Theater and FELA! at the Eugene O’Neill. However, I must warn you that neither are of the tune catching variety. Both though are pretty amazing evenings in the musical theater as the first, Next to Normal leaves one in awe as to how sensitively and humorously the show handles problems revolving round mental illness while the second, Fela!, is merely two and a half of what can seem like long hours of electrifying music and astonishing dance. Not much of a plot but most seem not to care. Revival ways in musicals of course there is HAIR, WEST SIDE STORY, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and SOUTH PACIFIC. A Little Night Music being the least acceptable of those shows despite Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury—I am sorry to say. Drama ways the revival of A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE isn’t even a consideration. It is a must see.

While Sarah Ruhl’s new and latest play IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY is simply wonderful to watch. Off-Broadway I would suggest VENUS IN FUR a new play which is much more than it appears as it borders if not goes over the top S&M ways. In Brooklyn at the BAM if it is still running is a great Australian production of William’s STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE which will hopefully end up on Broadway in the not too distant future. There is generally something interesting if not great at ST. ANN’S WAREHOUSE under the Bridge in Brooklyn. We just saw the musical interpretation of BRIEF ENCOUNTER there. Set to music based on the old Trevor Howard-Celia Johnson film (which 126 Dog News

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Old And Long Time Favorites

guess first on my list, and I cannot think of a more appropriate setting for a Valentine’s night dinner, is LA GRENOUILLE. One of the last if not the last of the great French restaurants which made New York famous. The golden lights, the flowers which monopolize the room—I recently celebrated a major birthday there—it was simply ideal—a quenelles de brochet which is classic Lyonnaise, the most immaculate Dover sole, a foie gras, a wild mushroom risotto—should I go on and on?

The crowd is old New York while the souffles parade across the dining room floor as though they “own the joint”which of course they do. It certainly is the best New York has to offer. Not every night though; who could live that way or eat that way, and who could afford it every night? Well maybe a few—not me for sure. At 3 East 52nd Street (212)752-1495. Perhaps second on my list would be for a totally different experience NOBU the Japense restaurant but not the one on 57th Street the one downtown. Don’t get me wrong, the 57th Street Nobu is fun and loud

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and very Bill Clintonish but the one downtown is elegant and surprising, insofar as the menu, and understated—much more Hillary than Bill to me anyway. It can be tough to get a reservation here but once inside hopefully you’ll have a waiter who is helpful. That makes the difference here for sure. Located at 105 Hudson Street 212219-0500 it remains one of my favorites. PETER LUGERS for steaks, which are still overall the best in the city is in Brooklyn—no reservations no credit cards but the experience of going there and the attitude of the gruff waiters plus the incredible cuts of meat will enthrall you. For an experience you will not forget go there—by limo or car service only please! It’s hard for me to believe that I’m going to put this place on my list as it seems only a short time ago that I began to write about it but Danny Meyer—him again—11 MADISON PARK located right across the Park from DOG NEWS must now be labeled a mustgo-to oldie. Highly pretentious is the food and service but in a class by itself—small portions— romantic beautiful room it is as though one is escaping into another world—not Avatar mind you but a dream place. This too would make a nice Valentine escape meal as would DANIEL on East 64th—or if you are looking to totally escape the scene try ONE IF BY LAND at 17 Barrow Street.

Romantic beyond words and with a history of catering to lovers of every persuasion. The food is good too!!!!

A Tour Of Chinatown—Sort Of

The Chinese New Year coincides directly with the Garden for the first time in a while so I thought a mini-tour of an area in Chinatown would be an interesting diversion for some. Take the 1 train to Canal Street which an awful lot of you go to anyway for the famous name-brand knock offs. Enjoy the shopping and then go to THE MUSEUM OF CHINESE in AMERICA 215 Centre Street between Grand and Howard—a short visit and next door at 217 Centre is a store called PEONY RED where Yanna Luo designs and sells contemporary clothing, jewelry, and other accessories as well as magnificent reasonably

priced wedding dresses. There are also magnificent formal Chinese silk gowns handmade from silk which can be steep price ways but she will make them in rayon too which are quite inexpensive. Go down the street to 202 Centre Street for dim sim or Uncle Tai’s Orange Steak, which can’t be beat at the RED EGG. If Kay Radcliffe is with you walk around the corner to the ORIGINAL CHINATOWN ICE CREAM FACTORY for guess what. Located at 65 Bayard between Elizabeth and Mott the wasabi ice cream can’t be beat—for some. If you are a foodie the way I am and love to explore foreign food markets and stalls the DELUXE FOOD MARKET at 79 Elizabeth between Grand and Hester Street (the street by the way on which my Mother was born-it wasn’t Chinatown then) is for you. The entrance is small but the store extends through the block and is packed with Chinese specialties. If you have left early enough and are ready for lunch I would suggest the CHINA VILLAGE RESTAURANT 94 Baxter (between Canal and White) where the lunch special is $6.68—an unheard of price for quite delicious and filling Chinese meal. Who says everything is AMEX Black in NYC!!! But if its Chinese Dumplings you really crave I would suggest a walk up Lafayette Street to the EXCELLENT DUMPLING HOUSE 111 Lafayette twix Lafayette and Walker to scarf the most succulent steamed vegetable dumplings you have ever in your life eaten—cost $4.95!!! If you still can move a stroll thereafter through COLUMBUS PARK (Mulberry between Baxter and Bayard) to see, if its warm enough, people play Chinese checkers or perhaps a little massage at the highly regarded and recommended JUN YI SERVICES COMPANY 303 Canal Street between Broadway and Mercer on the second floor for $42 for the hour. The sign promises to relieve stress and tension and let me tell you they do just that!

And Onto The Diamond District

Many people flock to the Diamond District for engagement rings and other expensive baubles but don’t presume that is the only attraction of that crowded area on 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. (I have never gotten used to calling 6th Avenue the Avenue of the Americas, have you?)

Anyway I would suggest a visit to the glatt kosher restaurant TAAM-TOV 41 West 47th Street (212768-8000). Look carefully though as this is a third -floor establishment which is decorated with Chinese characteristics which are a holdover from the days it was a Kosher-Chinese restaurant. But try the food whether you are orthodox or not or even Jewish or not. It is one of the few places in Manhattan that serves bakhsh: an herby, green dish CONTINUED ON PAGE 130

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of diced baby chicken, rice and cilantro ($10); and house-made lepeshka: a bread similar to a buttery foaccia ($2.50). Look at the money I’m saving you to place ads in for DOG NEWS no doubt by recommending these inexpensive but excellent meals to you. The Bukharian tea (the name of the family which operates the place) is served in a royal blue pot and sipped through a sugar cube held in your teeth and only costs 95 cents. If you are the slightest bit curious to see how a rough chunk of a jewel, say a jade, becomes a glossy jewel descend into a gritty basement and go past the jewelers’ booths where a brother and sister from Korea carve gems for the trade on the same grinders their fathers used—its called LAPIDIST GEMS at 78 W. 47th Street. For a different peek inside the industry try ZAK JEWELRY TOOLS at 55 W. 47th where a family offers over 40,000 gizmos and where you can snag a swan-shaped velvet ring box for as little as ($2) or spend a fortune too. Tucked into Booth 45 in a showroom at 36 West 47th is A. FRIEDMAN TRADING which specializes in pearls—arrayed in tiny glass cases there are pearls of every price and dimension—to the trade it says but the owners will send you elsewhere for sure. Or you may want to visit one of the few hand-engravers left in the area. A fourth-generation Ukrainian Mr. Shulimovich hand scrools wedding rings, rifle barrels signet rings and other objects d’art—prices vary as you can well imagine as he is unique to the trade as machines and digital engraving has pushed his expertise into near extinction. He may be found in cramped BOOTH 24 at 4 West 47th Street and his number is 212—575-5607. A prior call may be a good idea in order to assure his presence and/ or availability.

Fan College Bars In Manhattan

On fall Saturdays and during March madness as jam-packed enthusiasts take over the bars of Manhattan here’s where the fans hang out to root their College or alma mater on! Listed to the right.

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Some Overlooked But Deserving Places To Consider

There are a series of smaller restaurants which gained initial recognition and then seemed to have become overlooked or forgotten by too many food lovers. Perhaps PERBACCO in the Lower East Side on 234 E. 4th Street (212)253-2038) is a perfect example. The menu can be ordinary but the trick here is to ask the server to select a blend of the avant-garde mixed with the traditionally cooked Italian dishes and I promise you the trip will become very, very worth it! And then there’s DEGUSTATION adjacent to and owned by the same people who own the spectacular JEWEL BAKO--239 E. 5th St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues (212)979-1012--Jewel Bako is of course a gem in its own right but the accomplished and adventurous cooking of Degustation puts it in one of the most unique categories in NY--problem is that it is a particular experience in that the menu is extremely limited--some call in advance to find out what is being served and it is counter dining which of course is not everyone’s cup of tea. Further uptown near Union Square is 15 EAST which serves first-rate sushi without toppier prices and other Japanese food as well. At 15 East 15th-212-647-0015 and if you go I’d play the numbers 1515 to boot! Hey you never know! If you are an “uni” lover and I adore it particularly freshly harvested in the Greek isles but that’s another story try SOTO in the Village located at 357 6th Ave between W. 4th and Washington Place--just remember sushi isn’t its strength and is a waste of visit for that. On the other hand right nearby is a great men’s store called JOHN BARTLETT on 7th Avenue between 10th and Jane Street--Mr. Bartlett is the designer for Liz Claiborne ladies but has this mens shop he plays around with. Go there for really great all round clothes--ready to wear or made to order, too. There’s been a general revival of mens and womens shops in the West Village I am happy to say and in that area there are lots of places to visit for sure. Just walk around and enjoy. There are two other spots which have sort of slipped off people’s radar. The chef for both is Kevin Garcie--the restaurants on the upper West are ‘CESSCA at 164 W 75th--top notch I think and on the Upper East--not so upper 3rd and 64th at 1081 is ACCADEMIA di VINO whose CONTINUED ON PAGE 136

Where To Root For Your Favorite College Team

Best In Show Winning

CH.VAJE’S MISS JAYNE HATHAWAY

2009 #1* Chinese Shar-Pei-All Breed Points 2009 National Specialty Winner 2009 Top 25 Invitational Winner

Flash In Janua r Seven Bre yed Wins Four Grou p Firsts Three Gro up Secon ds with her new Han dler Clint Livi ngston

Judge Mr.Kenneth Buxton Breeders & Owners: Jeff & Vicki Mauk New Albany, Ohio 614 855-3095 vickimauk@aol.com *The Dog News Top Ten List

Handlers Clint & Karen Livingston Brighton, Colorado 210 865-8415 tclpdb@aol.com Dog News 131

the

Gossip column DOUBLE NEGATIVE…It must have been a slow news day for the Wednesday edition of the NEW YORK TIMES. An article titled “Heel.

Sit. Whisper. Good Dog.” written by SAM DOLNICK graced its front page (albeit below the fold). It was an article written about debarking of dogs. Certainly not an unknown practice amongst us, but is that really what we should be reading on the front page of the Times?

With the second oldest sporting event in America, the WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB dog show, just days away, shouldn’t we be reading something positive about pure bred dogs and dogs in general?

Of all the people quoted in the piece not one was from the American Kennel Club. Where

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By Eugene Z. Zaphiris

is the might of the PR department of the American Kennel Club? I just think it’s sad that we always have to play catch up. The annual, sold-out OPERA PARTY that has become a staple of the WESTMINSTER WEEKEND, created and organized by the late SAM DRAPER, will take its final curtain call this year.

This special outing was all SAM and without him center stage the event has lost its luster.

One of his greatest joys was the writeup of this event he did each year for DOG NEWS. What a wonderful man so sorely missed.

This year’s opera is LA FILLE DU REGIMENT starring JUAN DIEGO FLORES. The Saturday, February 13th matinee (1 P.M.) still has several tickets available. If interested please contact

DESI MURPHY at 914.523.6091 or email desichowman@gmail.com.

This week’s issue of DOG NEWS includes MATT STANDER’S annual BITE OF THE APPLE, the most useful visitors guide to restaurants, shops, etc. in New York City.

DONNA & KEN BUXTON were judging this past weekend in Italy with ANDREW BRACE. The all breed judge beneath that Greek fishing cap, HARRY SMITH, will be released from the hospital next week as he recovers from a broken ankle. But as we all know, even a broken ankle can’t keep HARRY down. That dynamic duo MICHELE BILLINGS and FRANK SABELLA just returned from judging in MoscowCelebrating Wedding Anniver-

saries: NANCY & BRYAN MARTIN, CONNIE & KEN WILLIAMS, TONI & MARTIN SOSNOFF and DOG NEWS’ own ROSE & SHAUN COEN. Happy Birthday to…MARCELO VERAS & LARRY CORNELIUS, who celebrate their birthdays co-hosting a party that benefits TAKE THE LEAD, JANE ALSTON MYERS (okay I won’t mention it), JOY QUALLENBERG, LORI KAUTH, R.C. CARUSI, BRYAN BOYES, JOAN FISHER, JEAN FANCY, JOHN KRUKAR, SUSAN CARR, AMBER LAMBIE, SIOUX FORSYTH, KENNY WHITE, KRISTEN KORBOSKI, JOANNE SCHULLER, JAN RAY, ROGER PRITCHARD, BRUCE SHAYNE, NEIL RITTER and HELEN VANCE also are all celebrating birthdays.

Finally, for all you Super Bowl jocks, according to THE COUNT in the WALL STREET JOURNAL, out of a database of 475,000 pets in the United States, 106 are named after COLTS quarterback PEYTON MANNING and 32 are named after SAINTS quarterback DREW BREES.

Cherry Blossom Cluster 2010 APRIL 23, 24, 25, 26, 2010

Four Events:

One day of specialties, three days of all-breed shows and three days of Obedience and Rally.

•Combined Specialties, •Old Dominion Kennel Club, •Baltimore County Kennel Club and •Catoctin Kennel Club

One Location:

Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland 158,000 sq. ft. building, all rings and grooming – INDOORS Easy access, acres of FREE paved parking Baltimore County Combined Specialties – Friday, April 23, 2010

Gunpowder River Golden Retriever Club of Maryland, Inc.(Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • Potomac Irish Setter Club(Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • Metropolitan Baltimore Dachshund Club, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • Metropolitan Baltimore Doberman Pinscher Club, Inc.(Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • American Tibetan Mastiff Association (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • Chihuahua Club of Maryland, Inc. • Washington Poodle Club, Inc. • National Capital Bearded Collie Club, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) • Greater Washington Bouvier des Flandres Club

Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia

Baltimore County Kennel Club

Specialty Shows National Capital English Setter Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Potomac Boxer Club (Puppy Sweeps) Potomac Valley Doberman Pinscher Club of Northern Virginia, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Potomac Valley Samoyed Club, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Pug Dog Club of Maryland (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) National Capital Area Lhasa Apso Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps)

Specialty Shows Maryland Boxer Club, Inc. (Puppy Sweepstakes) Metropolitan Baltimore Doberman Pinscher Club Antietam Creek Samoyed Club Pomeranian Club of Greater Baltimore, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Central Maryland Lhasa Apso Fanciers (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Supported Entries Gunpowder River Golden Retriever Club of Maryland National Capital English Setter Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Potomac Irish Setter Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps)

Supported Entries The Susquehanna Valley English Springer Spaniel Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Weimaraner Club of the Washington, D.C. Area, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Potomac Valley Borzoi Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Potomac Valley Standard Schnauzer Club Potomac Cairn Terrier Irish Terrier Club of America Chesapeake Bay West Highland White Terrier Club (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Washington Poodle Club Mount Vernon Tibetan Terrier Club, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Greater Washington Bouvier des Flandres Club

Lower Susquehanna English Springer Spaniel Club Weimaraner Club of the Washington, D.C. Area, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) American Tibetan Mastiff Association Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America Chihuahua Club of Maryland, Inc. Boston Terrier Club of Maryland, Inc. Washington Poodle Club Tibetan Spaniel Club of America (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) National Capital Bearded Collie Club, Inc. (Puppy/Vet Sweeps) Greater Washington Bouvier des Flandres Club Metropolitan Baltimore- Dachshund Club, Inc.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

www.olddominionkennelclub.com

Purina is pleased to be the official sponsor of the Cherry Blossom Cluster.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

*Baltimore County KC website: WWW.BALTIMORECOUNTYKC.COM webmaster Donna West

Catoctin Kennel Club Monday, April 26, 2010

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America

One Superintendent: MB-F, Inc. • Closing Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 CBC CONCESSIONS: Chairman BILL LADY - 434 295-3334 • email: sabila49@gmail.com Easy Access • Acres of FREE paved parking

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CATOM’S Dobermans Home of

Ch. Sevenly Above the Law “Max” Ranked in the Top 20* Doberman Pinschers

Handled by Shane Hooper

Pointed Puppy Available Puppies Available this Summer

By Max out of Ch. Dams Tom & Carole Neuner, Phoenix, AZ 602-368-5422 bnuener@cox.net *DPCA

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Ch. Bit O’Golds Magical Moment

Sire: Ch. Si Ch Rowells Ro ll Flashback Fl hb k

Dam: Ch. Bit O’Golds Zoom Da Z Zoom Zo Zoom Z

“Mandy”

Where Style and Standard Meet Pug Dog Club of America National Specialty Award of Merit Thank you, Judge Mr. Edd E. Bivin Bit O’Gold Pugs Breeders/Owners/Handlers: Jim and Cindy Tomsic bitogold@tableworksusa.com Dog News 155

Westminster Group Winners Of The Past CONTINUED FROM PAGE 158

CONTINUED ON PAGE 162

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