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Editorial
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Inside The Sport
Contents APRIL 1 , 2011
BY PAT TROTTER
22 Question Of The Week - What Drops Next For The Dog? BY SEAN “BIG GUNS” GAFFNEY
26 The Art of Martial Robin BY NICK WATERS
30 The Owner-Handlers Speak: Behind The Scenes BY ROSE ROBISCHON
34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions BY LESLIE BOYES
42 Judson L. Streicher, The Shelter Business & More BY MATTHEW H. STANDER
46 Heelwork To Music: Thrilling Crufts Final BY RICHARD CURTIS
50 International Junior Handling Competition, Crufts 2011 BY YOSSI GUY
52 Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows in March BY SHARON SAKSON
All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received cameraready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.
54 True North BY ALLISON FOLEY
56 Off The Leash BY SHAUN COEN
68 The Gossip Column BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS
72 Click – The Tarheel Cluster BY JENNIFER STEVENS & MARIPI WOOLDRIDGE
80 Letters To The Editor 82 Click - The Way We Were BY BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY
86 dog show calendar 92 handlers directory 94 subscription rates 96 classified advertising 98 advertising rates
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DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010. Periodical Postage paid at New York. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010
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DOG NEWS COVER STORY - APRIL 1, 2011
PUBLISHER
STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SEAN K. GAFFNEY ADVERTISING MANAGERS
SHAUN COEN Y. CHRISTOPHER KING ACCOUNTING
STEPHANIE BONILLA GENERAL TELEPHONE
212 807.7100 x588 FAX NUMBER
212 675.5994 EMAIL ADDRESS
dognews@harris-pub.com WEB ADDRESS: www.dognews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS
IAN MILLER 212 462.9624
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sharon Anderson Lesley Boyes Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Allison Foley Yossi Guy John Mandeville Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson Robert Paust Sharon Sakson Gerald Schwartz Kim Silva Matthew H. Stander Karl Stearns 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
DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved Conformation 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. 6 Dog News
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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JUDSON L. STREICHER 1924-2011
The dog world has lost one of its most fervent supporters as a result of the passing of Jud Streicher on Saturday, March 26. It was announced that Mr. Streicher died “peacefully in his sleep” after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. A leader in both the Westchester and Westminster Kennel Clubs, he was awarded the American Kennel Club’s Certificate of Honor for service as a Delegate for the entire first decade of the 21st Century in 2010. But the fact is that his overall love of animals and his successes in the world of business within the New York Stock Exchange and his own family operated brokerage business were highlighted by a strength of character and unassuming quiet leadership second to none. He and his wife and longtime partner of 67 years, Gale, were inseparable while his behind the scenes influence at AKC particularly in the mid ‘80’s and early ‘90’s were unparalleled in the history of our sport. A loyal and uncompromising friend was Juddie Streicher, who was dedicated to the betterment and welfare of all animals. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him well.
NOT TERM LIMITS AGAIN
A member Club from Texas is proposing and the Delegates are to vote in September upon increasing the time a former Board member must remain off the Board after serving full two terms from one year to four years. Most people are in agreement that the one year off two terms back on again is self-defeating in nature. But the thing which fascinates and confuses these pages at the same time is how and why a legislative process—term limits—applies at all to a corporate business. For instance just taking the ancient and then modern interpretation of the phrase term limit as defined in Wikipedia alone nowhere is there any reference to this term applying to corporate matters. It is a legislative term, which the Delegates in their infinite wisdom have decided to expand to a business situation. It’s as though HSUS or PETA infiltrated the minds of these people in an effort to make the running of the corporation—AKC—even more difficult to perform its job than its established antiquated and outdated Bylaws and Constitution make it do. Once and for all when will these people admit that the phrase term limits is meant to apply in legislative situations only and not to business people and business situations. True there are some not-for profit corporations which have adopted a modified term limit by requiring one board member to resign after ten years of service but nowhere have these pages found any corporation—not for profit or for profit which requires full classes of directors to be affected by term limits. Is it the non-business mind-set of most Delegates which preempts this incorrect application of the phrase to AKC? For the sake of the running of the corporation it would do the Delegates well to turn down any reference to term limits and instead to annually—if they must—evaluate the job performance of each individual before re-electing them or not to the Board. Term limits just do not apply in the business world; it is a legislative situation not a business one!!
Editorial APRIL 1, 2011
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PERCEPTION IN THE DOG WORLD
There have been all too many cases of late where decisions by judges in the ring are being perceived as being related to interactions outside of the ring! Many of these situations are of course avoidable were the participating parties to have used common sense by not showing in these questionable situations to the judge at all. And invariably it’s the judge who takes the blame when in fact the bad taste is the choice of the exhibitor/handler rather than the judge themselves. People just want to perceive situations negatively rather than positively. Is it not just possible that a breeder/ judge really did like what they had bred better than any of the other exhibits? Isn’t it possible that just because a judge is on a three or four-day panel and a dog they co-own is being exhibited that the judge who puts it up really thought it was a better representative of its breed than any of the other exhibits? Isn’t it just possible that a judge who is working for a charitable organization which another exhibitor supports likes the exhibitors dog better than any of the others? Is the system of judging dogs based on a presumption of honesty by the participants or on a presumption of perception? If there is the slightest doubt in the air should the exhibitor be forced to withdraw or not enter and should a judge be foolish enough in advance of an assignment to contact friends and tell them to not exhibit? Really, where does this all end? Unfortunately there is a school of thought that all decisions are crooked unless of course your exhibit is the winner—than it is the best dog. When will our sport mature to the point where it trusts the judges’ integrity and not pick apart each decision as though it is based upon a supposed or imagined relationship? Certainly there are questionable decisions at times but to label each decision as being perceived as questionable is far and beyond any kind of reasonable thinking.
SHAR-PEI MUTATION AND CHF
An international research team has uncovered the genetics of the Shar-Pei’s characteristic wrinkled skin. The researchers led by scientists at Uppsala University and the Broad Institute have connected the mutation to a periodic fever disorder and have concluded that it is possible that their findings could have important human health implications. It was already known that the wrinkles were a result of excess production of a substance called hyaluronic acid distributed throughout the dogs’ skin. That excess is likely caused by the over activation of a gene called hyaluronan synthase 2. Because of the health implications, Shar-Pei breed clubs have for years now strongly supported research into the cause of this periodic fever. Although the fever is short-lived, it can be intense and frequent, and cause inflammation. To find the genetic cause for wrinkled skin, the researchers first compared the Shar-Pei genome to that of other dog breeds. Simultaneously they compared the genome of healthy and sick Shar-Pei to locate the mutation for the fever. With this information breeders may be able to avoid breeding Shar-Peis that have duplication of the gene mutation. The fever closely resembles certain periodic fevers that humans inherit, and studying the mutation in the dogs could help human geneticists develop treatment. The most common periodic fever among humans is known as familial Mediterranean fever. It tends to affect people of Mediterranean and Middle East descent, and there is no cure. One of the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s earliest grants dealt with Shar-Pei fever in l866. It’s gratifying to learn of what has happened since.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The date of this issue is April 1—that means in reading various columns be prepared for some outrageous statements which are written in the spirit of April Fool’s Day!! Of course one had better be able to distinguish among those seriously written and those written in the spirit of the day. Sometimes it’s difficult to do just that, isn’t it!!!!!
*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed **All Systems
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InLovingMemoryof
JUDSONL.STRIECHER 1924-2011
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INSIDE THE SPORT
MARCH MADNESS, GLADNESS & SADNESS March Madness is in the Final Four of NCAA basketball as I write this. But basketball is not the only thing on the minds of sports fans. The world of dogs enjoys a myriad of big events in March that spread gladness amongst the dog fancy with the biggest one in the Bluegrass State.
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etroit, Kansas City, Nashville, the Tar Heel, Ft. Worth and San Antonio also host major dog shows spotlighting some of the nation’s best in quality although not quite the high numbers found in Louisville. There are always adjunct events going on in tandem with these major weekends, events that are major for fanciers of the given breeds creating a “sub-culture” if you will. Although I wasn’t able to make the actual Kentuckiana Cluster all breed shows this year, it was my privilege to be involved with one of these special events- the 100th Anniversary show of the American Pomeranian Club in Louisville. This parent club truly staged a fabulous tribute to this adorable breed under the guidance of show chairman Pat Barnett. The club’s first show in 1911 was held over Westminster Weekend at the elegant Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. In those days the fancy was endowed with socialites and fashionable people of wealth that enjoyed staging separate specialty shows with Westminster at such elegant venues as the Waldorf. In fact, the French Bulldog Club actually withdrew its support of Westminster in 1898 over a dispute concerning bat ears versus rose ears. American ladies were very interested in anything Parisian and were incensed that Westminster offered classes for both bat ears and rose ears that year as they considered the latter a toy English Bulldog and not a true French Bulldog at all. Subsequently French Bulldog fanciers staged their own show at the Waldorf. Pomeranian fanciers soon staged their specialties at the Waldorf and went on to compete at Westminster. Just how much influence people of royal blood and high society had on dogs and selection in those days was evidenced by the fact that during Queen Victoria’s long reign (1837-1901) her involvement in the breeding of Pomeranians greatly influenced the breed’s popularity. Because the Queen so loved the smaller ones, her breeding program was aimed at size reduction, and the average size of breed specimens was reduced about 50% during her reign. She was an important factor in leading to the modern tiny toy spitz. CONTINUED ON PAGE 58
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ch. cragsmoor
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owners carolyn koch victor malzoni, jr. handlers larry cornelius marcelo veras breeders eugene z. zaphiris matthew h. stander
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goodman
the number one skye terrier number one among all terrier breeds all systems
judge mr. peter green this past weekend on the tar heel circuit four group firsts
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What Drops Next ForThe Dog? BY SEAN “BIG GUNS” GAFFNEY
Smooth-Hair Chihuahua
No More Confusion
Seems like a day doesn’t go by before the AKC officially recognizes another new breed. Many of us are having a hard time keeping up. That all ends thanks to the latest technology to be introduced at next year’s Westminster Dog Show. The “SPECTROBREED™” will display in large purple and gold letters the breed of each dog directly and continually on that dog’s coat while in the ring. This will help clear up a lot of the confusion people have distinguishing between breeds, especially the Judges.
YOGA DOGA
The Shock-and-Ow!
Many dog owners are familiar with the electric fence, when a dog wanders outside a set perimeter the Electric Fence transmits a small shock through that dog’s collar. TAKE THAT INDUSTRIES® incorporates the same technique with their new SHOCK-AND-OW! collar, but with a huge difference: The OWNER GETS THE SHOCK, NOT THE DOG. “As the owner you should be watching your dog at all times,” says TAKE THAT INDUSTRIES® co-founder Marty Tesla. “Come on, it’s not rocket science.” Available at takethatindustries.com.
Bathroom Bungie
The brand new BATHROOM BUNGIE™ eliminates having to walk your dog. Attach the special torso apparatus to your dog and drop that dog right out that window. Don’t worry! The tri-woven power boost bungie cord stretches to up to 300 feet taking your dog safely to just a few inches off the ground. The BATHROOM BUNGIE allows him a few seconds to urinate (and more), then safely propels him right back into your arms.Works on 1st floors also. (great for hotel stays) Not for use with infants. Weight limit of 40lbs. Call 1-800-BUNGIE’EM
FOR
Rated #1 By Dogs
RAVI BERK OWITZ FITNESS GU RU
The AutoGroom
Cleansing The Canine Mind
Fitness guru Ravi Berkowitz combines his love for dogs and his love for hemp with his new Yoga series, YOGA FOR DOGA. Some positions include: The Hydrant, Downward Facing Man, Chasing Tail and Three Turns Lie Down. Unlike the other dog yoga instructional videos out there Ravi insists on all of his videos “the dog owner must leave the room and let the dog perform his YOGA DOGA in solitude”. Available out there on betamax: $69.99 22 Dog News
Cleansing The Canine Body
PETS ARE AWESOME® has introduced “THE AUTOGROOM”, a completely hands-free automatic home dog bathing apparatus. Much like today’s car wash, THE AUTOGROOM has various settings to choose from: Extra shine, undercoat, curly coat, smooth coat. Brushes and water jets clean your dog until he almost drowns, but boy will he sparkle. “THE AUTOGROOM” can easily be set up in weeks, if not months. Available at all PETS ARE AWESOME® stores throughout Speonk, NY. (Only available April Fool’s Day).
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A ‘PORTRAITIST’
THE ART OF MARTIAL ROBIN One thing there is no shortage of at Crufts and that is concessions. One can buy anything from an expensive bronze to the latest gadget to clean your windows and virtually everything else one can think of in between, even book a holiday in Scotland. With upwards of 450 stands it is like a small town. It is one show in the UK calendar when virtually everyone who goes does so with the intention of spending money!
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ome of the contemporary dog artists working in the UK and sellers of published dog prints use the show as an opportunity to display work and very popular much of it is with the paying punters. Every once in a while though an artist comes along whose style, creativity and powers of observation puts them above their contemporaries. Those who ventured to the extremities of Hall 1 at Crufts were able to enjoy the work of one such artist, Martial Robin, who was exhibiting in the UK for the first time. His work is already in collections in well over twenty countries and hangs in galleries in Australia, Finland and his native France but his first exhibition at a dog show was at the World Show last year. The passion and individuality he brings to his art will earn him many more admirers in the years to come and at forty-nine he hopes soon to give up his dog grooming and become a professional artist. In common with so many artists Martial cannot remember a time when he was CONTINUED ON PAGE 60
BY NICK WATERS 26 Dog News
“Genie”
Since her Westminster Best of Opposite Sex award under Judge Mr. Gary Doerge, Genie is undefeated in the breed with six group placements.
Judge: Mrs. Francine Schwartz
CH. EVERGREEN’S MISS CONGENIALITY OWNER: CHARLOTTE ROBERTS
BREEDERS/HANDLERS: STAN & JANE FLOWERS, DHG WWW.STANANDJANEFLOWERS.COM 612 747-5770 Dog News 27
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The OWNERHANDLERS Speak Behind the Scenes
By Rose Robischon, Past President of the Owner-Handlers Association
Dog shows go on just about every weekend. Most exhibitors and spectators are unaware of the time, energy and money that is involved. The work entailed prior, during, and after the show is usually taken for granted.
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heclubgivingtheshowhastoprovidetheplace, judges, superintendent, accommodations, etc. before and after the show. All the necessary information must be collated with the AKC, superintendents, judges, and personnel for this show to be a success. It is a monumental task. Westminster Kennel Club does just this every year at Madison Square Garden. For many decades it has accomplished this successfully defying the weather, construction and other obstacles. This year was no exception. The weather was not an issue for the first time in years, but Madison Square Garden was under renovation. This handicap was overcome by not having the usual benching area. Exhibitors were allocated an area for their breed group on Monday and Tuesday. Professional handlers were set up where exhibitors usually groomed their dogs on those days. Spectators found this rather disconcerting since the breeds were scattered making it difficult to find the same breeds they might be interested in. If this type of benching is to be utilized in the future, a little more planning is required. The vendors were situated on another floor which made it much easier for the exhibitors and spectators to focus on the dogs. The bleachers were packed with spectators eagerly observing their favorite breeds. Overall Westminster overcame many obstacles and the show was every bit a success. Working behind the scenes The Owner Handler Association of America, Inc. was ready to direct exhibitors and spectators to the respective “benching” area as well as fielding any other queries. Members of OHA manning the OHA booth were efficient and knowledgeable. Our volunteers manning the booth were from New
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York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Great job, guys!!! At Westminster, OHA awards its ten top juniors with savings bonds. This year’s recipients were Cheyenne Schlecht (WA), Bree Ann Ardizzone (NY), Kaylee Klang (CA), Madeline McDougall (CT), Kylie Soafer (GA), Tanner Clark (SD), Lauren Moore (OK), Trace Mauldin (FL), Anna Gracie (MD), Lydia Rogers (NJ). Congratulations to all keep up the good work! We were sorry that OHA president Ronald Savastano was unable to attend due to hospitalization. We hear that he has recovered and is looking forward to 2012. Unfortunately, the first vice president, Susan Fulenwider, lost her battle with cancer. If there was a job to be done, Susan did it without reservation. Susan was a founder of the Orange Blossom Chapter of OHA as well as a member of the National Board, member of the Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club and Central Florida Hunting and Retriever Club and was active with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. The Orange Blossom Chapter was applauded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation for its contribution of $5,335.00. We’re sure it was put to good use. She will be sorely missed. Exhibitors and spectators throughout the United States as well as spectators from other countries enjoyed the camaraderie of this prestigious show. Many stopped at the OHA booth with their positive comments. The show for 2011 is over. All aspects must be evaluated and reviewed. 2013 is not far away Westminster Kennel Club is already preparing for it. We are looking forward to it.
GCh. Le Coeur D’Ange De Briardale Multiple Group Winning
The Number One* Briard
Thank you Judge Mrs. Barbara Dempsey Alderman Breeders Rick & Liz Kenitz
Owner Peggi Weymouth
Handled By Christy Collins Improvtibetanspaniels@Yahoo.Com *Breed points, All Systems
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BESTS of the WEEK Alamance Kennel Club Durham Kennel Club Pekingese Ch. Palacegarden Malachy Judge Ms. Bonnie P. Threlfall Judge Mr. Douglas A. Johnson Owners Iris Love, Sandra Middlebrooks & David Fitzpatrick Handler David Fitzpatrick Santa Cruz Kennel Club Kennel Club of Salinas Standard Poodle GCh. Brighton Lakeridge Encore Judge Mrs. Honey Glendenning Judge Mr. James R. White Owners Toni and Martin Sosnoff Handler Tim Brazier
Bronx County Kennel Club Herding Group Association of New Jersey Bearded Collie Ch. Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins Judge Dr. J. Donald Jones Judge Mrs. Laurie King Telfair Owners Ellen M.Charles, Larry & Angela Stein, Robert Lamm, Sue Ross & Lesley Woodcock Handler Clifford Steele Cary Kennel Club - Wednesday Black Cocker Spaniel GCh. Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction Judge Mr. David J. Kirkland Owners Bruce Van Deman, Carolee Douglas, Mary Walker, Linda Moore Handler Michael Pitts
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Fort Worth Kennel Club - Saturday Cardigan Welsh Corgi GCh. Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery Judge Dr. Klaus Anselm Owners Cynthia & Vincent Savioli Handler Sherri Hurst Kern County Kennel Club I Bloodhound GCh. Quiet Creek’s Kiss and Tell Judge Mr. Jay Richardson Owners Susan LaCroix Hamil & Heather Whitcomb Handler Bruce Schultz
Dubuque Kennel Club - Saturday and Sunday Bichon Frise GCh. Vogelflight’s Honor To Pillow Talk Judge Mr. Robert Salsbury Judge Mrs. Cindy Meyer Owners Ellen M Charles, Matt and Paula Abbott, Kathie Vogel Handler Lisa Bettis
Raleigh Kennel Club Fayetteville Kennel Club Boxer GCh. Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream Judge Mrs. Doris Cozart Judge Mr. James G. Reynolds Owners Debbie McCarroll, Mrs. Jack Billhardt & Sergio Tenenbaum Handler Diego Garcia
Alaska Kennel Club - Sunday Whippet GCh. Starline’s Chanel Judge Mrs. Linda Riedel Owners Carey & Lori Lawrence Handler Lori Wilson
New Brunswick Kennel Club - Friday American Staffordshire Terrier Ch. CastleRock’s Sbigstaf Mad About You Judge Miss Virginia L. Lyne Owners Genoa Brown, Ruth Sampson, Dayna Pesenti Handler Kimberly Rudzik Kern County Kennel Club -- Sunday English Setter GCh. Sevenoaks Footprints Onthemoon Judge Mr. Vincent G. Mulligan Owners Vanessa and Sam Maynard Handler Carlos Carrizo Tanana Valley Kennel Club Standard Poodle GCh. Dacun Kaylen’s He’s A Heartbreaker Judge Mr. Joe Walton Owners Virginia Dorris & Kay Peiser Handler Kay Peiser Peninsula Dog Fanciers Club II Irish Water Spaniel GCh. Poole’s Ide Got Water Judge Dr. Steven Keating Owner Stacy Duncan, Colleen McDaniel, Greg Siner and Cathy Shelby Handler Stacy Duncan Ft. Lauderdale Dog Club II French Bulldog Ch. Bandog Bayou’s The Warrior Judge Mrs. Elaine Lessig Owner Nancy Shaw Handler Marcelo Veras
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
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10 QUESTIONS ASKED BY LESLIE BOYES OF:
Terry & Jacqueline
Stacy
Born: Jackie: Philadelphia, PA, 1947 Age - “You figure it out.” Terry: Columbus, Ohio Age 72 Reside: Chapel Hill, NC
What year did you start showing dogs and what breeds were they?
Jackie: Started showing 1956. Terry: Started showing: 1953.
Which dog no longer being shown would you liked to have shown or owned?
Jackie: Ch. Dragonwyck the Great Gatsby (Shih Tzu). Terry: B/T Cocker Spaniel, Ch Pinetop’s Fancy Parade.
Why do you think most people want to judge?
Jackie: For social opportunities and feelings of self importance. Terry: Most is ego. A lesser number have experience and knowledge and feel they can make a contribution.
Who are your non-dog heros or heroines exclusive of immediate relatives?
Jackie: My Aunt Bettie. Terry: Jackie Robinson.
If you could change one thing about your relationship what would it be?
Jackie: To be more energetic. Terry: Be on time.
How would you describe yourselves in personal ads?
Jackie: Petitie gal, independent, determined and honest - almost to a fault. Terry: Easy going, loves to be around people and dogs.
Do you think there are too many dog shows?
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Jackie: No. Terry: No, I believe there should be shows to promote and encourage purebred dogs. There are too many shows as they are now. We need to have a system that provides competitive shows on a level such as open shows in England. Somehow the amateur and newcomer needs to be encouraged. The current shows that are now given can be severely limited but still provide a competition for the upper echelon.
Which are your three favorite dog shows?
Jackie: Westminster, Heart of America, Louisville. Terry: Westminster, Palm Springs, Bucks County.
Do you think there should be a limit on the number of times a dog may be exhibited in a year?
Jackie: The election to enter is a personal choice. Terry: No.
How do you react to people flying in and out of shows on the same weekend?
Jackie: Where and when to show is the choice of the owner/handler/exhibitor. The judge’s job is to judge the merits of the dogs and consider no other factors. Terry: As a judge I just judge them.
Ch. Esquire’s Ultimatum Sire: Ch. Nova’s Zhivago v. Kelview
Dam: Best In Show Winning Am./Can. Holmrun’s Regardez
The 2010 Doberman Pinscher Club of America National Specialty Winners Dog and Best of Winners Now being shown as a Special by Moe Miyagawa
Thank you to Judge Mrs. Jeraldeen Crandall for awarding Best of Breed at Apple Valley Dog Show on March 12, 2011
Our appreciation to the following judges for honoring J-Jay: Mrs. Tomas Gomez Best of Breed 2/27/11 Silver Bay Kennel Club Ms. Jane Roppolo Group Fourth 2/27/11 Silver Bay Kennel Club Mr. Carl Gomes Best of Breed 3/13/11 Apple Valley Kennel Club Mrs. Christina Hubbell Best of Breed 3/19/11 Del Sur Kennel Club Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin Best of Breed 3/20/11 Del Sur Kennel Club Owners: Diana and Francis Sparagna Breeders: Lora and Dan Van Epp, V. Cherie Holmes, Diana and Francis Sparagna Dog News 39
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AND MORE
PHOTO BY PHOEBE BOOTH
JUDSON L. STREICHER, THE SHELTER BUSINESS...
Jud and Gale Streicher at the Dog Museum Dinner in 2004.
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he passing of Jud Streicher at 87 years of age brought back many memories about the major role he played throughout his over 50 years devoted to the pedigreed dog and the AKC. Much more of a behind-the-scene player insofar as AKC was concerned, he was certainly the visual and public symbol, voice and leader of the Westchester Kennel Club in its heyday and seriously involved with all-breed clubs, which included Palm Beach, Tuxedo Park and Westminster as well as his own and his wife of 67 years Gale’s parent organization, the American Boxer Club. Juddie’s accomplishments and interests in life were as diverse as they were successful. In business he was a respected member of the New York Stock Exchange for over 50 years and the senior member of his familyowned brokerage business which eventually expanded to become with other partners one of the largest specialist firms at the NYSE. His devotion to raising and racing horses ran the gamut from miniature horses on their farm in Chester, New York to thoroughbred race horses through Streicher Stables and Centennial Farms to name but a few of his many and varied outside interests. An inveterate traveler immediately following Westchester Gale and he would embark on at least a month’s “leave” for foreign travel. I would have to say that in my opinion throughout the late ‘80’s and into the ‘90’s he was as influential a person in determining AKC policy and philosophy outside of the organization as ever existed. His influence upon the Board in those days was as unparalleled in AKC history as it was unrecorded. I believed then as I continue to
BY MATTHEW H. STANDER 42 Dog News
believe today that his input was extremely positive and needed then and helped veer AKC into establishing many progressive planning programs for the future it would not necessarily have undertaken at that time. I was not personally privy to everything which was happening at AKC in those days, just as no one is ever usually privy to every detail which is ever going on but I was then (as opposed to today) pretty much kept abreast in advance (and I may add confidentially) as to what was planned. Not that Mr. Streicher ever spoke directly to me about what was happening but those who did were usually his confidants who confided in me. When Ken Marden was deposed as President the reverberations were many, not the least of which was the clique of Delegates who voted against the admission of Palm Beach as a member club in 1993 because of those actions. (Many people thought Jud was responsible for the removal of Ken, which as I recall he wanted to see happen but could hardly be labeled responsible as he had no direct vote on the Board). In any event those were very emotionally charged days and years which only highlighted the passion and devotion Jud had for the sport. In 2010 he received a Certificate of Honor from the American Kennel Club for service as a Delegate for the entire first decade of the 21st Century and in 2004 was the recipient of the coveted Langdon Skarda Award. Jud was a loyal friend and if you were his friend you were one for life. I for one have missed him for years and his death serves to remind us all of the vulnerability of life and how we should all appreciate and love and recognize our friends whilst they too are able to appreciate and feel the need of personal interactions.
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he business of shelters is becoming more apparent and public with each passing day. The need to establish interstate rules and regulations in transporting stray animals from state to state or country to country looms larger with each report of these so-called good deeds being done in the names of saving the dogs involved. The fact that many shelters are paying upwards of twenty-five to one hundred dollars per head and then selling these dogs like cattle, using the word adoption in place of sale, for 300 to 400 dollars each turns them into little more than unlicensed pet shops. Any individual can set up a shelter and prey on the hearts of animal lovers and this seems to be happening throughout the Northeast for sure. The daily reports which reach our desk about these practices have reached the point of absurdity. A campaign must be mounted to establish the truth and the facts of many of these operations. In so many instances these are purely monetary schemes based on using the good will of people towards animals as a means to make money rather than to expressly save the animals concerned. It is time to distinguish between the true shelter which is out to protect these dogs and those established merely to make a buck for the operators, that’s for sure.
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What’s What? Who’s Multiple Group Winning
Steve and Alice Lawrence
The Fuzzy Farm Best In Show Cords Since 1972
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The Havanese On The Move.
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heelwork to music
Thrilling Crufts Finals The journey to the Crufts finals starts many months before the event for the handlers in the freestyle and HTM world. All the teams have to firstly gain a Crufts semi final qualifier at one of the nine events that are held around the UK. This year the amount of qualifying places available had decreased so it was quite competitive at the last few events of the year.
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n late January the Crufts semi finals are then held where each team aims to get one of the top ten places, as this will mean they will be able to work in the main ring Crufts final. This year the Crufts organisers had brought in a new rule which meant all the routines that were performed at the semis had to be used at the finals. In the past some handlers used old routines to qualify, and then they would bring out a new routine for the finals which would bring an added excitement to the final. After the semi finals there is normally about five weeks before the final so it allows handlers to rest their dogs before getting the dogs ready for the big day. As usual the various Freestyle and HTM finals were spread over the first three days of Crufts. On the Thursday it was the Freestyle final and first into the ring was myself with my crossbreed Syka Delic Darnser performing to Combine
Richard and Pogo hopping their way to win the freestyle and international at Crufts 2011
Carole with her Border Collie Clifton won the Heelwork to music final using a Scottish theme
BY RICHARD CURTIS 46 Dog News
Harvester remix by the Wurzels. This was Whizzy’s first time in the finals and I was a little worried how she would react to the large ring. I shouldn’t have worried as Whizzy was very attentive and I was delighted that she put in a super performance. The larger ring actually worked to my advantage as Whizzy is quite a large dog and needs space to flow between the moves. We were given a score of 28.20 which really started the competition on a high. Many of the teams that followed produced better performances than the ones they had performed at the semi finals. Sometimes when handlers have got their place in the final they relax a bit more which means the routines can go better than they did in the semis. Heather Smith and her Beardie Maddie were the first to come close to beating the score of Whizzy with a routine set to the Pink Panther theme. Maddie is a dog with such character and at points during the routine she raced around with such speed I think she could have beaten a greyhound! With Whizzy still in the lead it was Sue Betteridge with Glenalpine Katie who really turned in a good performance. Katie is a great little dog and produced some lovely moves which suited the music so well. Sue I know was over the moon with the way Katie worked in her first final and almost piped Whizzy with a score of 28.17. The last dog to work was my other dog a Working sheepdog CONTINUED ON PAGE 62
Multiple Best In Specialty & Group Winning
GCh. Newcomb’s BC Modern Major General is… “The Bulldoggers’ Bulldog”
Thank You Judge Mrs. Sandra E. Ellis Owned By Constance Pankhurst My Heart Bulldogs Dixon, Illinois Myheartbulldogs.com Myheartbulldogs@gmail.com
“I AM THE VERY MODEL OF A
MODERN MAJOR GENERAL”
Co-Owned And Handled By Brenda Newcomb Bred By Brenda Newcomb, Claire Johnson & Beve Long Newcomb Bulldogs www.newcombbulldogs.com bulldogsbrenda@aol.com Dog News 47
48 Dog News
Multiple Specialty Winning
GCh. Rose Farm Red Rum The Number One* Miniature Longhaired Dachshund All Systems
Owner Valerie T. Diker Dikerdachs Dachshunds
Breeder: Dee Hutchinson *Number Two overall, The Dog News Top Ten List All Breed Number Three overall, Breed Points, All Systems
Handlers: Mark & Pam Desrosiers, AKC/PHA Dog News 49
The International Junior Handing Competition, Crufts 2011
Well Handled Just like anything else at Crufts, even the junior handlers need to qualify. And though the dogs that participate are their owners’ concern, the young women and men actually represent their countries. This is why this is the most internationally flavored part of the world’s oldest dog show. The final lineup included girls from Poland, Holland and France.
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nd yes, there was an American girl there too, Katie Mazurowski, who qualified after winning at the Eukanuba Challenge. She has been participating in junior handling for the past six years: “Mom started taking me to handling classes with our chocolate Labrador bitch and I fell in love with it,” recalls Katie. “I like learning about different breeds and developing my own style of handling. Colton and Heather, professional handlers, are my teachers. I have already finished a lot of dogs and been placed twice in the group. My favorite breeds are English Setter and Portuguese Water Dog. At home I have two Labs. When I grow up I would like to be a geologist and continue handling as a hobby.” “There are a lot of talented junior handlers here at Crufts,” noted Katie, “and it’s an honor
to be here with them. This is also my first trip to Europe. We visited London on the way and I loved it.” For eighteen year-old Katie, Crufts was her last show as a junior handler. For some of the younger competitors, their junior handling career has recently begun, for example, 11 year-old Dominyka Kolesova who represented Lithuania. This angelic girl drew a lot of attention with her cool, calm approach to the dogs she handled and her sweet attitude in general. Another crowd pleaser was the Japanese representative, Rui Sasaki. This 12 year-old did not speak English and struggled to communicate with the others. But her smile was infectious and did wonders, landing her in the top eight. When she appeared in the ring of honor before the best in show judging, the audience gave her a rousing accolade, due partly to her performance and also as a way of expressing their sympathy for the plight of her fellow countrymen. CONTINUED ON PAGE 64
Text and photos by Yossi Guy 50 Dog News
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*All Systems
Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows in March It was almost springtime in Kentucky. A new carpet of green grass was just peeking out to see if the cold had gone. The temperature of the air went from slightly chilly at night to warm in the afternoon. Sun shining, hotels around the Kentucky Exposition Center packed with dogs -- all signs that the Kentuckiana Cluster was underway.
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he National Specialty of the American Brussels Griffon Association was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, right at the entrance to the Expo Center. Best in Specialty was the fabulous, cobby, hardcoated, great-moving Ch. Knolland Amber Moon, owned by Luc Boileau and Beverly Wyckoff and shown by Susie Kipp. Amber Moon went on to sweep the breed in all three-weekend shows and garner group placements. That was good for Susie Kipp’s morale, because her Thursday show day started off badly -- in a class of three 9 to 12 month puppies, Susie was showing a rowdy smooth puppy with ease -- until she went to put him on the grooming table and discovered he had no testicles. She checked again -- no penis either! She turned him upside down -- he was a she! Someone had brought her the female smooth puppy, which was a bookend match for the male, just with different plumbing. Embarrassed, she told judge Dawn Hansen she had the wrong dog, and rushed from the ring. Everyone makes a mistake now and then, but Susie makes one so rarely that the Brussels Griffon bunch, meanies that they are, wouldn’t let her forget it. Every time she showed up at the gate, there was another fellow exhibitor, helpfully reminding her, “Susie! Check the sex!” The Kentucky Exposition Center is a wonderful dog show location. The literature from the Kentucky State Fair Board calls it “One of the top 10 largest public facilities of its kind in the United States.” The property covers 400-acres, which means plenty of room for parking -- dog show cars and motor homes fill maybe one-quarter of the available spaces. Indoors, there is one CONTINUED ON PAGE 74
BY SHARON SAKSON 52 Dog News
PHOTOS BY JUDY ROSENTHAL
Dog News 53
TRUE NORTH (Strong and Free) It seems that everyone that doesn’t live in Canada thinks that all we Canucks like to do is snowshoe and build igloos in the winter, and while this may be true come Spring there is one thing we really like to do- you guessed it, start going to dog shows!
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fter the famine of winter we get excited about our trip to Westminster Kennel Club. And once that is over, and we recover from our post Manhattan hangover, it is time to get ready for our own dog show season to start in earnest and the last couple years we have had our own dog show spectacular to look forward to, this being “the Purina National, A Canadian Kennel Club Charity Show.” Sponsored by Purina and hosted by the Canadian Kennel Club (with all proceeds going to the CKC Foundation), this seemingly annual event is held on the second weekend of March at the beautiful and convenient International Center in Mississauga Ontario, which is the city that surrounds the Toronto airport. Literally 4 minutes from the airport, convenient to hotels and restaurants and a mere 20 minutes from gourmet food and even better shopping in Toronto’s Yorkville, this is fast becoming a “must” not only on the Canadian dog scene but dare I say on the International dog scene as well. With an international panel as well as $40,000.00 in prize money it is worthwhile to pencil this event in for next year. As a matter of fact in an era where dog show entries on the whole have dipped in general in North America this show’s entries were up from last year—a trend that I am sure will continue. The venue is a large convention/ home show type of building with lots of parking and is bright and cheery. It is also diCONTINUED ON PAGE 78
BY ALLISON FOLEY 54 Dog News
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*All Systems ** CC System
Dog News 55
T
Off The Leash
here is so much going on this week on the legislative front that fanciers don’t know which way to turn, how to react or what to believe. In a complete about face, the state of California has repealed its latest efforts to impose breed specific legislation and ownership limits, thanks in large part to the work of the American Kennel Club and the concerned dog owners and breeders of the Golden State, who wrote letters and appeared at hearings denouncing any form of BSL and suggesting that even one dog in the hands of an irresponsible owner was one too many. The letter writing campaign to state legislators was so persuasive, however, that the maneuver has actually backfired. For when legislators regrouped and reconsidered, they presented for a vote the companion bills Senate Bill BS 86 and Assembly Bill AB 86, the combined Absolute BS 8686, which deems ALL dogs dangerous and imposes a moratorium on owning dogs in the state. Those who currently own dogs will be allowed to keep just one, provided it’s not too large or its coat so dark that it cannot be clearly identified at nighttime without the aid of a flashlight. The privilege of keeping one dog will set owners back a one-time fee of $2000 and an annual fee of $1000 for every year the dog remains alive. Rather than relinquishing their pets, many dog owners are reportedly considering crossing the border to live in Mexico instead. The AKC is urging all concerned dog owners to fight this battle, but it’s not quite sure how. Stay tuned, this promises to be a messy slog.
ELITIST NO MORE We’ve all heard the criticism for years: the AKC is an elitist registry. But now that registrations are down 50% from a decade ago, AKC executives have listened to the criticisms and are working to change the registry’s stodgy image. In an effort to grow the sport, skew the demographic downward to get more youngsters involved, come up to speed with modern technology and increase revenue, it announced several new initiatives to widen the tent and fill its coffers. In a series of Tweets and Facebook postings, it announced drastic changes to its judges’ approval process and removed most qualifications for obtaining a judging license. It no longer will require years of showing, handling, breeding and discussing breeds to be approved to judge them, a mere interest or casual encounter at a dog show shall suffice, provided the applicant can pass a multiple choice quiz and write a one paragraph essay on the streamlined JAT (Judges Aptitude Test). Newest all-breed judge Kenneth Desourmoux, 17, of Catahoula, Louisiana, explained his qualifications in the essay portion of the exam, which he then posted to his blog, Dog Show Judge For Hire. Com: “I’ve always liked dogs. Ever since I saw 101 Dalmatians and Beverly Hills Chihuahua I’ve wanted a dog but my father wouldn’t buy one. He’d drop me off at the shelter to play with the dogs there instead. It was a great education. I met all kinds of dogs. Purebreds, mutts, you name it. I would always sneak into the dog shows whenever they were in town and I saw Westminster on TV once. And when I was in jail, I read a lot of dog magazines. Well, looked at the pictures anyway. I really like that new breed, the Xolo-something or other. I can’t pronounce it but I know what it looks like. When I saw the movie Best In Show I knew I wanted to be a judge so I put some ads in the Pennysaver and now I’ve got this blog. I’d love to judge a Rottweiler specialty. Some have tails now. If I was going to fight them I would dock their tails but otherwise they look kinda cool with tails. I’d get one when I move out of my sister’s trailer but they’re not legal in my town anymore.” In other judging news, Michael Vick has been approved to judge the Terrier and Working groups and Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States, aced his Judges Aptitude Test and has been granted an all-breed judging license. Pacelle is rumored
By Shaun Coen 56 Dog News
to be interested in running for the position of Chairman of the AKC’s Board of Directors. Armed with a $3 million war chest to fund his campaign, his first action upon election will be to repeal those pesky term limits that can totally stifle an agenda, antiquated bylaws be damned. AKC CONTINUES TO EVOLVE In a nod to increased television ratings for dog shows and the growing popularity of Agility trials that are propping up its operations though it doesn’t want the Agility people to know, the AKC is rolling out all the stops to cash in on these new trends and to fulfill its stated goal of “A dog show a day in every city, county and state with back-to-backs each weekend.” (Baseball legend Ernie Banks reportedly wouldn’t allow the AKC to use his trademarked expression, “Let’s Play Two.”) In a press release the AKC stated, “Contrary to popular belief, we are a continuously evolving, inclusive registry. Just last year we let those mixed breeds compete with purebreds in Agility trials (though the mutts must continue to use separate water bowls), and this year we’re opening up Agility trials to other animals as well.” Expected to be the first animals outside of the canis lupus familiaris family to compete in AKC sanctioned events will be none other than the Hare and the Tortoise. This year’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will feature a four-hour televised marathon grudge match between these two longtime rivals. Will slow and steady continue to win the race? Tune in to the AENC Hare and the Tortoise Inaugural Marathon, to be followed by the Pedigree Adopt-A-Thon hosted by Jerry Lewis and sponsored by the Westminster Kennel Club. WESTMINSTER CHANGES And speaking of Westminster, big changes are slated for the future Big W. The powers that be behind dogdom’s crown jewel have finally listened to fair-weathered spectators and fanciers’ suggestions, and decided to move the event out of February, out of doors, and consequently out of Madison Square Garden. It will remain in New York, however, but will now be aptly hosted in Queens, New York at The House That Madoff Built, formerly known as Citi Field, home of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets. The House That Madoff Built will host a new and improved Westminster Kennel Club World Series of Dog Shows, an eight-day event in mid-October, when the field is annually vacant. It’s a win-win situation for both parties, as October is rarely if ever snowy and cold and the dogs will compete on natural grass, and The House That Madoff Built seats more than twice the number of spectators as MSG. Since the Mets have no chance of playing ball late into October, this gives them a product to compete with their cross-town rivals, the Yankees. An email blast to both Mets’ season tickets holders stated, “With the acquisition of the Westminster Kennel Club World Series of Dog Shows, we have made good on our promise to play some meaningful games in October. Winners will once again grace the field in Flushing and The House That Madoff Built will be finally be home to Champions.” The WKC World Series of Dog Shows will feature seven group shows, producing one group winner each evening (with 11 runnerup group placements), followed by a winner-takes-all eighth day Best In Show competition, with six reserve best in show winners being awarded at home plate. Each day will also feature junior showmanship showcases, rally, obedience and agility trials and flyball competitions. Not to be outdone by the recent sale of a Tibetan Mastiff for over $1 million in China, Mets’ executives on a recent scouting trip of AKC-sanctioned dog events were so impressed with a graceful flyball champion Australian Shepherd that they’ve signed the dog to a seven-year contract worth $196 million to patrol the vast centerfield of The House That Madoff Built. The signing left Major League Baseball’s executives scrambling to determine the legality of such a contract, fans wondering if the dog’s female handler will secure a spot on the 25-man roster, and team mascot Mr. Met fearing for his job. “Fans are going to love this young Aussie,” said Mr. Met, who was spotted studying an AKC Judges Aptitude Test prep course workbook in the dugout. “He’s got it all. Looks, speed, athleticism and that champion pedigree. Plus, he’ll be a great addition to the clubhouse and he’s wonderful with kids…I may have to look for another job…” Happy April Fool’s Day.
Dog News 57
INSIDE THE SPORT
CALLING ALL PUPPIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
The 100th Anniversary would have made the Queen and anybody else who loves the breed proud to appreciate how diminutive the breed is today thanks to the earlier efforts of such breeders in reducing the size from more than 30 pounds in the 19th Century to the current four to six pound range of these delightful toys. Such a big dog in a small package-Ch. Powerpom High Performance handled by Bill McFadden-was the choice of Sally Baugniet as the eventual winner following a number of cuts from a marvelous array of specials. With so much quality at the breed level it did not come as a surprise that some other breed winners emerged from the all breed shows that followed the Anniversary National. The Veterans Classes highlighted the longevity of this small breed with numerous exhibits in the double-digit age category. Some precious puppies were appreciated by both the breed judge and the sweeps judge Celeste Solano. Fabulous concessions, raffle items and other attractions highlighted the arena and show chair Pat Barnett was forced to turn away some concessionaires when the 14-booth limit was reached. A fabulous array of (Kentucky) Derby Day hats was hard to walk by in the main lobby of the hotel. Seems a preliminary event for the great race was also taking place at the hotel and such concessions are available annually for fashionable ladies readying themselves for the big race-sort of like dog people shopping for Westminster earlier in the year! My personal heartfelt thanks to Fred Bassett, Judges Education Coordinator for the Parent Club, for providing both the expertise and projector when the hotel’s equipment refused to work! This genial gentleman is very user-friendly to all who would learn about his breed and did a well-received presentation on the breed on Monday and ringside mentoring daily before going on to judge at the Kentucky all breeds. This is a parent club that remains compatible with its members even as it faces some controversial color issues and health problems. Erika Werne’s presentation on behalf of the Canine Health Foundation buoyed spirits with the news of on-going studies on the alopecia problem. A symptom of non-specific health disorders sometimes referred to as
58 Dog News
“black skin” disease and/or “coat funk,” alopecia is a concern for several of the spitz breeds, and breeders are comforted that the CHF’s research is moving in the right direction. One gets the feeling that the members of the American Pomeranian Club are on the same team, and the international community in attendance was testimony to the good will of the Pomeranian community. Unfortunately, one Japanese enthusiast who had attended the event for 35 years was unable to make it due to the horrifying earthquake and its aftermath the previous Friday.
M THIS AND THAT:
arch gladness just didn’t happen in the marquee cities and big name kennel clubs. Consider the marvelous Hilton Head Island shows with the indefatigable Dr. Don Brown and his wife Anne at the helm. Entries were up, BIS lineups were exceptional and some worthy quality animals were present. The Great Dane entry was not large in numbers, but it sure was big in quality. Every Dane entered belonged at a dog show as well as eventually in the gene pool if health clearances go as expected. Then there were the three shows in Garden City, Kansas under the auspices of Ron and Ramona Haney. Some really worthy dogs were amongst the contenders. And amazingly, at the third show there were seven different group winners in the BIS lineup, a testimony to the concept that there are many quality dogs at any given show. How about a recent California show where only four group winners competed in the BIS ring? Because one handler’s string won three groups and the judge was “family,” those winners were excused from the final-a decision all involved parties thought appropriate. Along with madness and gladness in March, there is much sadness at the loss of Jud Streicher, who passed away this past weekend. His obituary in the New York Times got it right with the observation that Jud “typified all that is good in the sport of dogs.” The contributions to our sport by Mr. Streicher were endless, and the life he lived should serve as an inspiration to all of us, for he truly personified dignity, class and goodness. His family has requested memorials be sent to Take The Lead.
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 59
THE ART OF MARTIAL ROBIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
not drawing but it was only some ten years ago that he took lessons, studying under Françoise Petard who took a few pupils. He says he is not a colourist, even though he has painted some very evocative still lifes, land and seascapes. Martial experiments a lot with his art, he works on paper or wooden panels, his mediums are chalks, pencils, pastels and acrylics, and his palette a collection of the subtle colours of nature. He works quickly with up to five paintings on the go at once. He describes himself as a ‘portraitist’ and for the last ten years has concentrated his art mainly on horses, which have always played a major part in his life and occupied much of his earlier art, and his beloved dogs. More recently there have been monkeys, which fascinate him and he equates many of their ways to the ways of humans. Not surprisingly, sighthounds play a major role, for he has been a successful breeder of Afghans for the last twenty-five plus years. During that time he has bred seventy champions with a total of more than 400 champion titles. His Bel/ Fr/Lux/Int. Ch. Capucine du Menuel Galopin also has her UK title and won the Hound Group at WELKS last year. Martial describes his work as expressive. He likes painting animals that show a lot of character and which are in their own individual way different. He concentrates first on getting what is for him the defining feature of the animal he is painting, be it a look in the eye, the way it moves, or from more deeply searching within its soul. Then with a few strong brush strokes, wet paint loosely applied, or a few flicks of the pencil the subject is brought to life. “Too much detail destroys the essentials” says Martial. Many of the principles Martial adopts when breeding a litter apply equally to his art. Observe, reflect, use the eye, the brain and the heart. There is little difference between the concept of the next litter and its arrival, or the realisation of the finished picture, evaluating its potential and the pleasure it will give to others. The art of Martial Robin can be seen at www.martialrobin.fr. 60 Dog News
Dog News 61
heelwork to music
Thrilling Crufts Finals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46
called Pogo aka Dance Floor Diva. This was Pogos second attempt at the freestyle final and as she won in 2010 she was defending her title. As I entered the ring it became apparent that Whizzy was still leading the final but as always I hoped that Pogo’s routine would go well. I had chosen to perform a comedy painting and decorating routine where Pogo often gets the better of me as the story progressed. As the scores came in it was clear that Pogo had beaten Whizzy with a score of 29.27. This meant that Pogo had won the freestyle final two years running and would represent England in the international freestyle competition on the Saturday. After the excitement of the freestyle competition, the Heelwork to music competition was destined to be just as good. It was a tight competition with only 0.17 of a point separating the second to fifth competitors in the end results. The winner though pulled out all the stops to scoop the second Crufts heelwork to music final win. Carole Dodson and Kinaway Doctor Watson are heelwork specialists and had chosen the music from Braveheart to perform to. Carole had got into the theme by painting her face in the Scottish flag blue and white colours which was very striking in the big main ring. Clifton is not just a heelwork to music dog but also an accomplished obedience dog so it was no surprise to see tight accurate heelwork from this pairing. The judges obviously liked it as well as the end score for this team was 28.23. Throughout the show there were several demonstrations of heelwork to music and freestyle around the show which gave members of the public a chance to take home some hints and tips about how to get started. I organise the displays for one of the rings and was very happy with how the demonstrations went. The last competition of the show on the Saturday was the international freestyle final. This competition is always exciting as you never know what to expect from the routines. The first team to impress the judges was Linda De Smet with Eby of Sunlach Valley a Border collie. Performing to a track from the Cirque de Soleil Linda started in a big snake charmers basket while the dog performed various moves around it. One of the memorable features of the routine was the moving snake which was one of the props. The routine was entertaining and appreciated by the audience scoring 27.77 which set the standard. Heather Smith with her working Beardie Moonlight magic dancer had a busy three days as they had been chosen to represent Scotland with their Pink
62 Dog News
The top three England, Belgium and Scotland in the Crufts international competition.
panther routine. Maddie as usual showed how much she loves doing freestyle and I’m sure did some moves even faster than she had done in the freestyle final on the Thursday. They got close to the Belgium teams score with 27.67. There were some lovely routines in the competition with Grietje Wagenaar with Fjurdyhoeve Floyd a popular one with the crowd. Karolina Pettersson with Arbetsmyrans Amazing Ali from Sweden introduced England to the talents of the Pumi, a breed of dog I have encountered before on my workshops abroad. They are a charismatic breed looking a bit like a poodle cross and are generally in grey or black but I have seen a stunning white Pumi. The sixth team into the ring was myself and Dance floor diva representing England. Using the same routine that had won the freestyle final on the Thursday Pogo worked well entertaining the crowd. The routine seemed to almost go a little better than it did on the first day which meant the score was a bit higher. With the remaining competitors not able to better Pogo’s score of 29.20 it was a second win in three days for her. So Crufts 2011 was one of the best ever for myself and my dogs. I was very happy with how all my dogs worked over the four days of the show both in the finals and the training displays. With another Crufts over I would normally start to plan my next routines but I have been asked to judge all the finals again at Crufts 2012. This means I can have a little longer rest than normal but with lots of displays and workshops to teach this year I don’t think the rest will last very long. If you have any questions about freestyle / HTM please contact me via my website www. caninefreestyle.co.uk
Back-to-Back Group Firsts
Buddy
Thank You Judges Mrs. Jacqueline Rayner and Mr. Kenneth Falconi.
Gch. Barclay Belstar Tinkilees Buddy Multiple Group Winner handled By: Kirk Herrmann
Owned By: Marion Usher Kirk Herrmann & Liz Morgan
Dog News 63
The International Junior Handing Competition, Crufts 2011
Well Handled CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50
The international junior handling competition at Crufts was the brain child of Liz Cartledge, a senior British judge whose late husband came up with the idea of junior handling in England around 30 years ago. Due to the quarantine that was imposed in former years, the children who compete receive a local dog from a breed of their choice. This is actually not a bad idea because it gives them all an equal opportunity to show their merit. On the Crufts Friday evening, the participants and their escorts take part in a dinner. This takes down many of the inhibitions, allowing the youths to meet each other under social circumstances. At the end of the dinner, each contestant is invited to introduce himself or herself in a few sentences. This usually includes something about their age, hobbies and future aspirations. Some are relatively amusing, like the words of the Polish girl who said her dad takes her hunting “with a camera”. The contestants then pose for a group picture and finally bring out bags of goodies, souvenirs they brought for all the other girls and boys. This includes dolls, photos, ethnic or local memorabilia and other items. Saturday after the events at the main ring are over, the party comes into the main ring to practice their moves. This is quite hilarious because they do not have any dogs with them at this stage and go through the motions in mime. On Sunday morning, the junior handlers finally meet their dogs and have one hour to get acquainted with them. Obtaining the dogs is one of Liz Cartledge’s tasks which she does surprisingly well. Most of the dog owners travel especially on that day just because Liz requested them to provide a dog for a junior handler. Some, such as Gill Buller who breeds Hungarian Vizslas, have been accompanying the competition for several years. The judges of this competition have always been among the best England and the rest of the world can offer. This year it was Christopher Habig, one of the top judges in Germany and a member of the FCI board. “I am honored to be judging this competition for the second time since 2002,” said Habig. “I thought the quality this year was very high. The kids were all dedicated and serious. They exhibited a good mix of emotion and concentration. They were very gentle with their dogs, some had a wonderful combination of form, expertise and focus.” After taking the thirty nine youngsters through their paces, having them go around, stack the dogs and make a triangle, Habig decided on the top eight who made the cut. “Those who made the cut were focused and aware of how the breed should be handled. Junior handling shows dedication of men to dogs and you should both care 64 Dog News
and control your dog.” “I started off showing not very frequently with a Dogue de Bordeaux in 1974,” recalls Habig, and gives some advice to judges, “you have to be focused when you judge, memorize the contestants. I can recall each of the contestants if you ask me to do so.” One of the contestants was 17 year-old Christopher Aikins from Ireland. “I began at the age of eight,” said Chris with a pronounced Irish accent. “My family breeds Scottish Terriers and I show them. In Ireland, they award points for CONTINUED ON PAGE 66
GroupWinning & Best In Specialty ShowWinning
GCh.Ravenswoods * N’Vondura’s Relentless
Zippy captures another placement in a strongWorking Group! Thank you Judge Mr.TerryTemple for rewarding a sound Doberman bitch that embodies the breed standard! Owners:Mary Dependahl & Karin Fox • Handler:Karin Fox *Current DPCATop 20 Contender Dog News 65
The International Junior Handing Competition, Crufts 2011
Well Handled CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64
junior handling at all large shows. In my case, sometimes I have to handle a dog in the breed ring while the junior handling competition is going on elsewhere, so I only managed to take part in six or seven competitions, but won them all.” Like most of the participants, Chris didn’t come with great expectations. “I would like to make the cut, but will not be disappointed if I don’t. I would like to continue handling dogs at shows but as a profession, believe I will study history in university.” Eileen, Chris’ mother, sat with an adoring look on her face while Chris was talking. When asked to what extent he was fulfilling her own desires, she said “I like it when he comes to shows with me and meets friends his own age there.” The ultimate winner of the competition was Paulina Lisiak from Poland. Besides her father, who was constantly at her side, Paulina was accompanied by her mother and younger brother. The fifth member of the Polish party was Viva Maria Solecky Spunar, her personal coach and mother’s cousin. Viva Maria is a colorful character who turned out to be a third generation judge. “We first met at a national show where she showed talent without knowledge,” recalls Spunar. “Paulina studied under me and other judges. She won the special junior handling competition in Poland against very strong rivals. Our regulations say we must have a junior handling competition at every show. We started to organize junior handling back in the eighties and my mother was among the founders.” Paulina comes from a family of hunters and photographers. Her father hunts mainly fox and also other game and takes his daughter out on hunting trips. However, instead of a gun they use a camera on these excursions. However, although Paulina will have something to treasure for the rest of her life, the others also left with memories and friends. In the words of Daniela Lerman from Israel: “when we left the ring, I felt content even though I sadly didn’t win a significant place. I know I had given it my best and hadn’t made mistakes, but every competition eventually has only one winner. However, me and the other contestants are going back home with our national championship title and as Crufts finalists. When I returned the bitch I had been handling to her owner, some friends and parents of other junior handlers came and told me I had done a wonderful job and I also got quite a few compliments from other people who had watched the competition on the web cast. These things made me happier and proved my ability as a junior handler.” 66 Dog News
Dog News 67
The
GOSSIP Column A
s one of his final acts as chairman of the board, RON MENAKER has made the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB the newest member of the FCI. With 365 breeds now eligible for registration, the American Kennel Club will be making money hand over fist. The explosion of 200 more breeds to judge has electrified the judging community. Of course, now there are no more all breed judges. Think of all the foreign travel and the extra judging fees. The bubble burst when our judges found out about the FCI policy of judges receiving a maximum fee of $50. per day and providing a written critique of every dog judged. Upon hearing that policy there has been a rash of judges’ resignations sent to the AKC offices. But on the upside, this will not be the last you’ll see of RON, as he is slated to become the next president of the FCI, once they convince HANS MULLER the time has come for him to step down. Which is like asking CASTRO to leave Cuba. This will make those who want the American Kennel Club to move out of New York happy, because as RON moves to FCI headquarters in Switzerland, DENNIS SPRUNG will move to Raleigh. He is readying himself for the move by stuffing his knishes with Bar B Qued pork and getting a custom made gun rack for his Jaguar. In other American Kennel Club news DAVID MERRIAM has once again come to the rescue and will head all the agility and obedience events because, as he has stated time and time again, “I have never meet a mutt I didn’t love”. In protest RONNIE IRVING has resigned as Chairman of the ENGLISH KENNEL CLUB and has opened a very posh farm dog themed grooming shop in Knightsbridge. All the employees wear tweeds and wellies and SUE SAMPSON is the receptionist. It caters to the ungroomed farm dogs that are only washed occasionally and to make them feel at home the shop has looped videos of goats, sheep and cows grazing in the pasture. It has become such a huge success that RONNIE is now the major sponsor of the CRUFTS DOG SHOW. Of course, the enormous void left by RONNIE’S departure from the Kennel Club has left the organization reeling to find a replacement…the most oft mentioned and on the fast track is that of ANDREW BRACE, who will bring that ole Welsh homey feeling back to the organization. Back home, Massachusetts has recognized that TOM DAVIES has brought more business and money to the state than the State Fair, lottery and casino gambling combined that they are renaming the Springfield BIG E to the BIG D (the Basketball Hall of Fame be damned). And now that the newly named AKC/HOME DEPOT NATIONAL HOME IMPROVEMENT & DOG SHOW (yes, I’m sorry to say EUKANUBA has pulled out) has exhausted every state and venue, they have finally moved to the Javits Center in Manhattan cluster-
BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS 68 Dog News
ing with WESTMINSTER. Their show on Saturday and Sunday will have class dogs, so you can leave them there when you move crosstown to the Garden on Monday and Tuesday for WESTMINSTER. Don’t you like it when everyone plays well together? Speaking of Westminster, PAT TROTTER was caught hacking their computers to see who is judging best in show for the next several years. Shocked and pleased to see her own name, could she possibly point to herself? You can’t blame the girl for trying. PETER GREEN has decided to leave his straight-laced life and loved ones in the hills of Pennsylvania and start a new life in the hills of the Castro district of San Francisco. It will be an easy move, with former resident and a new real estate agent CHUCK WINSLOW helping him. Moving to the Mid West, LOU AUSLANDER, who is always tweaking the International Kennel Club of Chicago, has announced his latest idea. The Saturday show will have an entirely gay panel and on Sunday of the back-to-back shows the panel will be made up of all lesbians…what a gay idea. With the operating expenses up, attendance down to the local directors and their families and a total bust of benefactors, the directors of the DOG MUSEUM have decided to sell the collection and build a condo for themselves in Florida called the The Relics. DOROTHY WELSH will provide the landscaping with the overstock of last year’s Christmas trees, which will be planted around a replica of the arch in St. Louis. Following many years of keeping their secret from the public MARIPI WOOLDRIDGE and GENE ZAPHIRIS have come forward (after admitting to a torrid teenage love affair and many DNA tests later) that they are the biological parents of MARCELO VERAS. It seems so obvious now, with her accent and his style and their temperament, that the facts spoke for themselves. A big family reunion is planned. KAREN LEFRAK & TONI SOSNOFF have joined up the be the next “Girl Team” on the reality show the GREAT RACE. These battling blondes know a thing or two about gorilla warfare, as they both live facing the Central Park Zoo (just one question: Does the show provide a manicurist?). They say old ballet dancers never die, and so it came as no surprise that FRANK SABELLA has started a senior dance troupe called SILVER DADDY LONGLEGS. The reception has been amazing, with the amount of closet dancers that are out there who can still get up on their toes. CLAY COADY has opened a chain of barber shops called RIO that specializes in removing all your hair, a la Brazilian style. KAY RADCLIFFE can’t stop singing the praises of PRESIDENT OBAMA. Because of his bailouts she was able to buy a second home in Nevada, and to supplement her income she is working at Hooter’s on the Strip, where her “I Love Obama” tattoo is in plain sight. And yes, JUDI DANIELS and I tweet. Happy April Fool’s Day.
Dog News 69
Multi V-1, Multi Siegerin,
GCh. Cammcastle Kreme De Kokoa V Groth, CGC, TT Sire: Ch. Gamegard’s Chisum
Dam: Ch. Cammcastle X Equals One V QR
CHIC - Elbows = G1 Hips = RO-69820G24F-VPI Cardio = RO-CA3894/27F/C-VPI-ECHO CERF = RO-6572
“Kokoa” 2008 Winners Bitch and New Champion at Nationals 2009 & 2010 Top 10 Rottweiler Bitch
Owned by Karen Page Co-owned by Anthony Groth and Suzan Otto Guynn Bred by Suzan Otto Expertly Handled by Anthony Groth 70 Dog News
Ch Groth Caiden Tat2 UR Name X My Heart Sire: Ch. Marlo’s La Dolce Vito Dam: GCh. Cammcastle Kreme De Kokoa V Groth, CGC, TT
2010 Best Puppy at ARC Nationals Sieger Show 2010 Working Group Fourth Purina Breeder’s Showcase Santa Barbara, California 2011 Working Group Second Bred By Exhibitor Golden Gate Kennel Club
” n e d i a “C
Owned by Karen Page & Anthony Groth
Co-owned by Debra Gentry & Helen Weaver
Bred by Helen Weaver, Karen Page, Anthony Groth & Debra Gentry Expertly Handled by Anthony Groth
2011 Finished with a 5 point major Scottsdale, Arizona at 15 months of age out of the Bred By Exhibitor classes Dog News 71
Click The Tarheel Cluster PHOTOS BY JENNIFER STEVENS & MARIPI WOOLDRIDGE
72 Dog News
Dog News 73
Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows in March CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52
million square feet of space. Plenty of room for grooming tables, expens, picnic tables, and whatever else you want to drag in. The dog show is held in the West Wing; there is twice as much space on the other side of the venue for other events. More than 25 specialties and supports are held each day, which breed fanciers obviously enjoy because they get their own big ring and plenty of room. There are bleachers by the side of the rings used for the groups. The only annoying blip is the habit of the superintendent to put the huge Brussels Griffon entry (around 100) in a small inside ring, so the dozens of Griffon spectators have to stack their chairs into rows five deep in order to try and see the breed and not the Poodles or Welsh Terriers being shown on either side. With so much room at this venue, it doesn’t seem necessary to crowd a breed with such a big entry and so many spectators. The Kuvasz National Specialty provided a chance to see 44 specimens of this unique breed. Breeder Lynn Brady (who is correctly addressed as ‘Mother Kuvasz’) taught that the reasons Kuvasz look so much like sheep is 1) they don’t scare the sheep they are guarding and 2) they sneak up on any coyote, wolf or other predator stupid enough to look hungrily at a Kuvasz’ charges. The Kuvasz has an interesting coat pattern; the coat starts growing thickly right on the skull, between the ears, not waiting till the neck, as you see on most breeds. Just like a sheep. The skull is a well-filled out cone in which the ears can be pulled forward to just barely cover the ears. When you touch a Kuvasz ear, a freezing, snow-filled mountain field springs instantly to mind because of how thickly coated it is. No chance of that ear getting frostbite. The woman whose dog won Winners Dog and a five point major on Saturday had a huge grin and tears of joy as she accepted her ribbon. “I’ve been out of the ring for 18 years,” she said. Her Kuvasz rubbed against her to comfort her. Welcome back. Part of the fun of Kentuckiana is the vendors; there are dozens of ven74 Dog News
dors from all over and they have such great stuff. Last year, I scored a green leather wallet with a handpainted head of a Dachshund that was a bargain at $50. This year, elegant Whippet and Greyhound magnetic outlines for the dog van. Billy Wheeler complained, “My wife bought shoes at the dog show. Shoes. At a dog show.” Maybe they were from the booth that proclaimed, “The most comfortable shoes in the world!” Down the center aisle, in one of the big rings, was a herd of Ibizan Hounds. Big white and red strangely angular hounds with big grins on their faces. Ibizan Hounds are interesting because they are definitely members of the sighthound family, but change so many aspects of the typical sighthound structure that they have to be carefully studied by a potential judge. Breeder Kate Campbell was tutoring a group of judge applicants and judges ringside while 40 beezers took the stage. At first, I thought this must be the National Specialty. I kept running my finger down the list of specialties and supports in the front page of the catalog and couldn’t find “Ibizan Hound Club of the United States.” Must be a misprint. Why would 40 beezers, half of them champions, show up for an event that was not a specialty? But in fact, it is not a specialty, but a wonderful event called, “Beezerfest.” “An annual gathering of Ibizan Hound fanciers to socialize, support, and show off our wonderful breed. “Our Goals: Promote show and performance events, Promote camaraderie among Ibizan fanciers, Raise funds for health research and rescue, Present educational seminars, Offer quality prizes and ribbons to exhibitors.” The event is not affiliated with any specific breed club or organization. These are simply fanciers holding a fun event for the love of the breed. What an absolutely great idea! There were great prizes, great camaraderie, and fantastic seminars on the breed. Beezer fanciers from all over the world were there. Beezerfest was created by Kristie Stocker, Wendy Anderson, and Amada Vari with the very first Beezerfest being held in March 2006. It is now one of the few events in the USA where a significant number of Ibizan Hounds can be observed together. CONTINUED ON PAGE 76
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Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows in March CONTINUED FROM PAGE 74
Since 2006, Beezerfest has raised several thousand dollars for rescue and health efforts. Breeder Eric Liebes did the club-approved seminar on the breed. Probably the greatest service YouTube has done for Ibizan exhibitors is let the world see how truly unique their dogs are. The way they hunt doesn’t look like any of the other sighthounds. The videos show the Ibizans leaping through the air from a standstill to six feet with power of a giant spring. And the unusual way they stand on their hind feet to look over bushes, and how they tuck their front paws up tight to their chest when they leap, different from greyhounds, which stretch their legs forward. (Search “Ibizan Hounds hunting” on YouTube to see this.) Where other sighthounds dash for the neck of their prey, Ibizans favor coming down on the prey from a great height, as if they are bombs dropped from an F-18 fighter jet. They keep their front legs tightly coiled, so if the prey tries to evade, they can leap again. On Friday, in the grooming area, a man with a big, happy smile was holding a gorgeous English Toy Spaniel puppy. “Our new puppy is here!” he said, showing the little tricolor Charlie to friends. This was a great example of the power of the puppy; the man was Matthew Stander, co-founder of this magazine, and big, happy smiles are not his stock in trade. He generally favors the more dour expression of the typical terrier man. (Ed. note: Oh really!) On Sunday morning, a herding dog incident. An assistant was watching the dogs, but an accident unfolded in a few quick seconds. An Alaskan Malamute decided he wanted to get down and leapt off his grooming table. It toppled over onto another grooming table, causing a Kuvasz to leap off. The noose was tight around his neck so he tried to pull away, causing his grooming table to topple. The noose snapped and the Kuvasz took off, confused. He stopped in the aisles of crates and grooming tables long enough for an exhibitor to grab him, but that didn’t last long. The Kuvasz looked up and realized he didn’t know this person and therefore didn’t want to be held by him. He galloped down the main aisle and leapt into Ring 21, which thankfully was empty. Per76 Dog News
haps looking for company, the dog decided to leap into the next ring -- where Open Juniors were competing! A fine test for Open Juniors -- how to take care of your own dog with a loose, scared dog in the ring. By this time, the owner of the Kuvasz had returned from the ladies room and found a dozen Malamute and Kuvasz handlers scrambling in pursuit of her dog. Running as fast as she could, she managed to get close to him and call his name. He heard her. The white head went up, dark eyes scanning the herd for the person he knew. When she got within a few feet, he joyously came forward to greet her. I could read the message in his eyes, he said, “Where have you been? You wouldn’t believe what happened to me while you were gone! Please don’t go to the bathroom anymore.” With so many specialties, many of the country’s top dogs were present. No one dog dominated; there was a different Best in Show winner every day, which keeps things interesting. The Affenpinscher Ch. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, the Boxer, Ch. Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Pekingese, Ch. PalaceGarden Malachy, and the Standard Poodle, Ch. Jaset’s Satisfaction all took home Best in Shows worth around 4,000 points. If you were in Kentuckiana, you probably moved up in the rankings. The weather dipped towards cold. Time to head back to the wet and windy East Coast.
THE NEW CANE CORSO TEAM TO WATCH IN 2011!
TITUS & KATHY
Ch. Scandifio’s Titus L’Asino
Since Titus made his debut as a special with our team he has quickly taken to the top rankings for Cane Corsos, currently #2!* We would like to thank Judge Ms. Victoria Jordan for this Group Second. As a new breed for AKC, Titus proves he is an exceptional example of a true Cane Corso and holds a competitive spot in the Working Group. OWNERS: Krissy Underwood Morris Tommy Morris
EXCLUSIVELY HANDLED BY: Kathy Eiler Safari Handling and Training, LLC *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 77
TRUE NORTH (Strong and Free)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54
vided into a series of “halls” so as the event grows the size of the space can grow with it. The show itself is 3 separate conformation shows, 3 Rally Obedience trials and 6 Obedience trials. There is $250 for high in trial. There is also a Junior handling Competition on Saturday with Best Overall Junior Handler winning a $1000 Scholarship. 43 breeds had supported entries (here we call those “boosters”) and there was $50 for any entry of 10 or more at the breed level. Prize money in the groups each day was divided as group first $500, group second $400, group third $300, group fourth $200 and best puppy in each group $100. Saturday evening Best in Show is $10,000 to be divided between owner, handler and breeder, with best puppy in show receiving $1000 to be divided the same way. The International panel of judges were; Dr. Göran Bodegård Varvsg of Stockholm Sweden; Mrs. Gloria Geringer of Denham Springs LA USA; Mrs. Cheryl Myers Egerton Minto NB Canada; Mr. Richard Lopaschuk Cranbrook BC Canada; Mrs. Yolanda Nagler Magal Raanana Israel; Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark Woodside, CA USA; Mrs. Eva Whitmore Richmond Hill ON Canada; Mr. Alex Yu-Feng Zee Taipei City, Taiwan ROC. Best in show judging on Saturday night was a doggy star studded affair, with all the who’s who in Canadian Dogdom out to see the show. Best in Show judge was local favourite Mrs. Eve Whitmore of Toronto. Eve had stopped judging on a regular basis a couple of years ago and was most noted for her Boxers shown under the “Haviland” prefix. Indeed Mrs. Whitmore was Top dog all breeds, breeder, owner, handled with her Ch Haviland’s Count Royal in 1979. On a sad note her husband Stan passed away just this week in his 91st year; our thoughts go out to Mrs. Whitmore. As Mrs. Whitmore entered the Best in show ring she was given a standing ovation. The seven dogs 78 Dog News
that greeted her that night were the American Cocker Spaniel Ch Mario N Beechwood’s Midnight Express, The Afghan Hound ( and top dog all breeds from last year) Ch Mijkelh Sikanni of Procyon, the Bernese Mountain Dog ( and Top dog from 2009) GCh Avatar’s Try Try Again, The Skye Terrier Ch Kishniga’s HMS Gunsmoke, The Pomeranian Ch Babydoll Meanr Thn’a JnkYrd Dog, The Standard Poodle Ch Alaman the Bee’s Knees and the Old English Sheepdog Ch Bugaboos Big Shot. Mrs. Whitmore made quick work of the Best in show lineup and chose the Standard poodle for Best in show. This was only the second group first win for this dog and what a first best in show to win! Best puppy in show was the Shetland Sheepdog Ch GrandGable Jolie Victor Ludorum. This little dog won all 3 best puppy in show awards over the weekend. This event was very well run, there were few glitches with over zealous security and a few clean up lapses that were quickly corrected, and kudos must go out to the show committee, the co-chairpersons, Margaret Jones and Richard Paquette, the show Chair Bob Rowbotham, and the chief ring steward, Raymond Lariviere. There were also many long time CKC members who were there with lanyards designating them as “Ambassadors” and they were there for the public and dog show fancy alike to help with any questions. All in all a very well run, enjoyable and exciting event that I am sure with continue to grow and prosper. With that being said here are the current top dog rankings in Canada according to Canuck dogs as of March 22 2011. #1 Westie Ch Leman Thalie #2 Std Poodle Ch Alaman The Bees Knees #3 Siberian Husky Ch Trishamar’s What A Star Aurora #4 Skye Terrier Ch Kishniga’s HMS Gunsmoke #5 Boxer Ch Samson’s Full Throttle #6 Border Collie Borderfame Signature #7 Am. CockerCh Mario N Beechwood’s Midnight Express #8 French Bulldog Ch Petite Cherie Savoir Faire At Foxmoor #9 Deerhound Ch Dhu Mohr Pennant’s Quillera #10 Afghan Hound Ch Mijkelh Sikanni of Procyon
MERCI AND JUDY
MULTIPLE BEST OF BREED WINNING
GCH. PINKK JUST ONE LOOK ƒ
OWNED BY KELLE ARVAY AND KAREN THOMPSON BRED BY KAREN THOMPSON HANDLED BY JUDY ELLIS Dog News 79
Letters To The Editor DISAPPOINTED am disappointed in your stance on the HSUS “conference”. This conference is designed to denigrate purebred dogs. Anyone up on what HSUS has been doing can see that. By making it look quasi scientific, HSUS gets to bash purebreds. They have nothing to lose. Should we go and legitimize their bashing our sport and our dogs? Absolutely not. We have lots to lose. They do not support any purposeful breeding. Do remember their leader Wayne Pacelle said one generation and out as far as breeding goes. So if they “compromise” and remove the ugly anti purebred film and keep all their other anti purebred speakers and they have nothing to lose and we compromise and go and have lots to lose, they win. We should never legitimize their efforts to attack us. Any AKC attendance legitimizes them. Get it? Charlotte McGowan Newton, Massachusetts
I
YES, PETA STILL KILLS ANIMALS eople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) typically has a knack for making ugly things sexy (and vice-versa). Ironically, the radical animal rights group still hasn’t figured out a way to spin the fact that its own animal shelter has euthanized more than 25,000 homeless pets since 1998—so PETA prefers to keep it quiet. Good thing we have access to public records. According to its 2010 “Animal Record,” filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PETA killed 94 percent of the cats and dogs in its shelter last year. PETA rationalizes that “openadmission shelters” like the one it operates provided these 2,200 animals with “a painless release from a world that does not want them.” These new statistics bump PETA’s bodycount up to 25,840 since 1998. Conversely, the Virginia Beach SPCA, just down the road from PETA’s Norfolk headquarters, manages to adopt out the vast majority of the animals in its care (85% adoption rate in 2009). Talk about the difference that “going the extra mile” could make for helping an unwanted pet find a new home. Years of public outrage still have not been enough to convince PETA to elimi-
P
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nate its pet eradication program. Sadly, we are not expecting 2011 to be any more promising for homeless cats and dogs condemned to live out their last days on PETA’s version of “death row.” Instead of investing in the lives of the adoptable pets in its care, PETA prefers to spend a sizeable chunk of its $33 million annual budget on glitzy media campaigns telling Americans—especially impressionable young children— that eating meat, drinking milk, fishing, hunting, wearing leather shoes, and benefiting from medical research performed on lab rats are all “unethical.” For the 12th year in a row, PETA’s leaders prove again that they care more about preserving their advertising budget than finding homes for the six pets per day, on average, that they needlessly kill. Let’s see them try to make that statistic sexy with a head of lettuce and a supermodel. The Center For Consumer Freedom Washington, DC ON THE HSUS CONFERENCE ince you asked for input from readers on attending the HSUS conference here are my thoughts. I think, if you have been asked to attend, which I assume you have, then given an opportunity to speak, your statement must be a clear one on the importance of serious breeders to the protection of their breed. Having spent the 45 years in my breed, and about 44 in the education of same, it is always a difficult message to convey to those who have no concept of lifelong devotion to the protection of their breed and OTHERS. Sometimes the less said the better and by that I mean, choose your words carefully. As we know the ignorant in our dog world ‘zone out’ when faced with the hard choices of monitoring their own breeding program and practises: or in this case, with much more detailed information than they can assimilate. That being said, I still feel one has to make an effort and be ready to explain the importance of the responsible breeder in protecting dogs and improving their breed. Perhaps, this is the real message here. As far as CHF, I would hope that the speaker clearly understands what a ‘can of worms’ that is when speaking to the ‘uneducated’: and that includes the educated who are uneducated. In my experience as soon as you talk about health issues, the uninformed immediately assume that your entire breeding program, or in this case, all purebred dogs, are fraught with those issues. And they make an argument that they have spoken to many other people in “your” breed, and they do not do testing. It seems to me
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™ Thank you to the many judges who have recognized and rewarded her beautiful type and soundness. Watch for this impish redhead to continue to heat up the ring! Best In Show, Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winning
Grand Ch. Indigo’s Synama Woodimp “Pixie” is the Number One* Siberian SYNAMA Patty Powell
INDIGO Dr. David & Sheila Qualls *Breed points, All Systems
WINTERSWEET Betty Mitchell
LIYAZA Johanna Coutu
Love, Handled & Conditioned by Ms. Jessica Plourde
Dog News 81