Dog News The Digest Volume 30, Issue 15
Of American Dogs $5.00
April 11, 2014
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*The Dog News Top Ten List
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Dog News Contents s !PRIL 10 Editorial 14 The Lighter Side Of Judging: Cannabis and Canines By Michael H. Faulkner 18 Babbling: Picking A Winner By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen 22 Question of the Week By Matthew H. Stander 26 Inside The Sport: Rick Beauchamp By Pat Trotter 30 A Different Spin On Evaluating Provisional Judges By Patricia Gail Burnham 34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions Asked of Luke Seidlitz 42 All In The Family: The Ostrich Syndrome By Charles C. Robey 44 Q & A Between Alan Kalter, AKC Chairman of the Board, and Matthew H. Stander of Dog News 46 Off The Leash: Feeling The Heat In Miami-Dade County By Shaun Coen 50 Richard Beauchamp, The Sale To Mars, WOOFipedia And More By Matthew H. Stander 56 The Nowzad Rescue By Sharon Pflaumer 64 The British Scene
By Geoff Corish
70 Gent 2014: From One Day To Two Days By Karl Donvil 76 A Question Of Nationality: International Junior Handling At Crufts By Yossi Guy 80 The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 84 Click: Greater Orange Park Dog Club By Marcelo Veras 88 Letters To The Editor 90 Click: The Way We Were By Leslie Simis 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. 4 Dog News
92 handlers directory 94 subscription rates 96 classified advertising 98 advertising rates POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received camera-ready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.
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Dog News Cover Story - APRIL 11, 2014
PUBLISHER
STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SEAN KEVIN 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 www.dognews.com facebook.com/thedognews SUBSCRIPTIONS
Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson • George Bell Andrew Brace • Agnes Buchwald Patricia Gail Burnham • Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper • Geoff Corish Michael Faulkner • Denise Flaim Geir Flyckt - Pedersen Allison Foley • Yossi Guy Ronnie Irving • Roz Kramer John Mandeville • Linda More Demond J. Murphy • M. J. Nelson Sharon Pflaumer • John Shoemaker Kim Silva • Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen • Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore • Carla Viggiano Nick Waters • Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette Dog News Photographers Chet Jezierski • Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell • Leslie Simis
DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved Conformation Judges with more than one breed every week and have adjudicated at a licensed AKC show within the past three years 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
One Weekend...
TEAM GUS
...Back-To-Back Best In Shows!
Team Gus Thanks Judge Mr. Roger R. Hartinger and...
...Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger for these exciting wins.
Top Winning Swissy In AKC History Number 1 Swissy, All-Breed (All Systems)
Multiple Best In Show, National Specialty Best In Show
GCh. Derby’s Toast With Gusto Owned By: Rick & Sue Copeland Richmond, Texas
Bred By: Kristin Kleeman Robyn & Kenneth Toth
Presented By Scott Sommer Dog News 7
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*Number Two overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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THE KALTER ANSWERS In this week’s issue DOG NEWS presents Alan Kalter’s perspective on the future for AKC in the form of a Question and Answer discussion. This exclusive presentation was initiated by Mr. Kalter, who asked Matt Stander of DOG NEWS to partake in an interview discussion which was eventually negotiated into a 10 Question Type Interview with the Questions being supplied by Mr. Stander and accepted by Mr. Kalter. The primary conditions were for Mr. Kalter to accept the Questions or to suggest changes as he saw fit. If there were any changes to be made new questions were to be submitted and once accepted printed in their unedited entirety as written by Alan. After an exchange of e-mail correspondences, which incorporated some changes in the original questions, an eventual agreement was reached, which is printed in DOG NEWS this week. Mr. Kalter is an elegant writer and a particularly intelligent man. We find his answers to be useful and thoughtful but wish there could have been an exchange of ideas between the two people involved so as to present multiple answers to many of these questions, which require some sort of rebuttals for sure. Perhaps in the future a public discussion among Mr. Kalter and other members of the dog show constituency would be an enriching learning experience giving us all the opportunity to publicly discuss AKC’s future and where it may or may not be heading. In the meantime Mr. Kalter’s forthright answers are appreciated for the constituency to consume and hopefully debate in a forum where a give and take, face-to-face environment prevails.
THE P&G SALE In mid-November DOG NEWS reported that P&G was rumored to be selling Iams and Eukanuba. Our reports were that Del Monte Foods was an active buyer. Instead on April 9th it was reported that the sale had occurred to the privately owned corporation, which amongst other properties owns the Pedigree Food Company. According to initial press reports P&G is selling 80% of its pet food companies located in the United States and Latin America to the privately held Mars Corporation. The companies sold include Iams, Eukanuba and Natura. The European divisions are up for separate sale. The sale is scheduled to be finalized later
in the year. What the potential consequences are for AKC and many of its clubs, which are so heavily supported by Eukanuba and/or Iams, is unknown but it is widely thought that this sale to Mars does not bode well for the show going community. Pedigree has dropped virtually all of its financial and moral support for both the purebred dog and the breeders of America through the past several years and one can only conjecture that this corporate attitude be it from Mars or Pedigree will apply to the newly acquired companies as well. One may argue that some presence will be continued since Royal Canin, which is also owned by Mars, does support on a minimum basis some shows in the States. However the likelihood is very strong that the AENC for sure will be hard hit by this sale as will be the Portland Shows and the Mission Circuit as well. Perhaps not this year but for the future other supporters should be investigated since Pedigree and Mars of late have in the long run been anything but friendly to the purebred dog or the concerned breeders of America either.
NEW TEST FOR EARLY DETECTION OF PARVO Researchers at Kansas State University Diagnostic Laboratory have developed a method of detecting a newer, emerging strain of parvovirus. Veterinarians can send samples to Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Manhattan, Kansas to detect the strain that might be causing the disease. It behooves us all to make sure our dogs have had current parvo vaccine administered particularly since it has been reported that dogs have been shown of late either with the illness or before it has occurred. Similarly in the UK there is a call for more warnings to be issued about what they call over there “an Alabama rot type illness”. The cause of the disease, which seems to be unknown, has caused 24 dog deaths since 2012 and while not contagious among dogs seems to occur in rural areas near car parks. Canine parvovirus is of course highly contagious and is a hemorrhagic disease, which forbids or should forbid people whose dogs show these symptoms from being present at any showindoor or outdoors. Being outdoors at the shows does not mean that dogs and especially puppies around motor home areas are immune from catching these diseases. Be respectful of your follow competitors and exhibitors and do not bring dogs that have not received parvo shots to the shows at all!!
THE START OF A CAMPAIGN??? AKC released on March 28th a particularly significant document headed “AKC REVEALS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN GETTING A DOG FROM A SHELTER”. It is reprinted in this issue in the Letters To The Editor section and these pages strongly believe the start of a campaign to if not restore the role of the purebred dog to the American conscience is an attempt to warn people about some of the dangers faced when adopting a dog of unknown background and lineage as well. And about time too is the reaction here since for too long a time has AKC sat back and permitted the shelter people to assume a role singularly as the protector of the dog when the reality of the matter is that the long time concerned purebred breeder is every bit as concerned if not more so than the Johnny come lately shelter business for-profit operator now in existence. Asking potential dog owners to do their research in advance to see just what sort of animal they are introducing into their homes and lifestyles are legitimate everyday facts of life that definitely should not be ignored.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The Owner-Handler class conundrum--Is whether the judge is to adjudicate upon the dog in the ring or the person showing the dog in the ring? Traditionally it is the dog that is to be adjudicated upon and not the person at the other end of the leash. Too many people are so pre-occupied in thinking that only professional handlers are awarded the ribbons that they fail to look at that other end of the leash--the dog itself-to analyze why in so many instances the dog handled by the professional is in better condition and presented more perfectly than that of the amateur in the ring. When the true amateur competes against the true amateur it’s the dog that must prevail not the person at the other end of the leash. Similarly why do some judges make it as judges and others do not--it’s the ability to perform as a judge that is usually the distinguishing ability in the ring. Time after time whether the background is that of a professional handler or a breeder/exhibitor certain people have it--others do not and that my friends will never change.
E d i t or i a l
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Cannabis and Canines BY MICHAEL H. FAULKNER
T
he Dog Show Judges Hospitality Chairperson (JHC) is the cornerstone of every successful dog show judge’s judging experience. If a feeling of friendliness does not emanate from the club, all of the work is in vain. Judges, who judge a club show for the first time, may not return the next time that they are asked, if they are ignored and they are not made to feel an essential part of the “Big Show”. Since some of us judges are rather joyful in nature, it is essential that warm welcomes be given to those judges who may not easily identify with the in-group. The goals for the JHC should be to promote a friendly environment for both club members and judges, to assure pleasure and comfort for the judges and to show genuine interest in all judges of all racial, social, and ethnic backgrounds. There must be a “WE” feeling throughout generation. I was only nine years of age, the show! when in August 1969 over half a million Often this “WE” feeling is not fully felt creative young souls traveled to a 600-acre or appreciated until after the consumption dairy farm in Bethel, NY to listen to Jimi of alcohol, either provided in the judge’s Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, the Who, Janis gift bag presented to the judge upon Joplin, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and checking in to the host hotel, during the Jefferson Airplane among many others. It Group and Best-in-Show judging, during is often said that Woodstock was one of the judges’ dinner party, or through the the greatest happenings of all time andlittle bottles that some judges safely store --perhaps---the most pivotal moment in in their personal carry bag. Yes, the slight, music history. I dare say that the “3 Days light-headed buzz and relaxed state of Peace & Music” probably owed much of offered by a well-deserved cocktail can its success not to the massive quantities of erase the memories of a bad dog show liquor, but rather to the peaceful offering of experience, give comfort to the tired and copious amounts of cannabis. Some say, if weary traveler, and assist is celebrating everyone had been arrested that smoked the success of the show and the efforts of weed (99%) at that happening, there would the JHC. not have been space enough in Sullivan Looking at my upcoming judging County and/or the next three counties, to schedule, I cannot help over processing hold them. I mean---seriously---where else the new hospitality challenges and could you have packed that many people possibilities facing the JHC in the states in a field for three days and only have of Washington and Colorado with the two casualties---one caused by a heroin legalization of cannabis. Let’s face it---a overdose and the other caused by a farmer large percentage of the current judging driving an enormous John Deere, who ran population was born between 1945 and over an individual who was sleeping in a 1955, making them part of the Woodstock cornfield. CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 14 Dog News
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PICKING A WINNER BY GEIR FLYCKT-PEDERSEN
B
e it in the ring or from a litter of puppies is always a challenge, but there is no doubt in my mind that some people have special talents just for picking puppies. But they don’t necessarily prove to have the same talent for general judging. I have over the years judged thousands of puppies in breedas well as stakes classes, and I thoroughly enjoy it albeit finding it quite a challenge at times. I find it rather courageous and “dangerous” when people decide, in tough competition, to put up minor puppies (6-9 months) over their fully grown competitors. I have done it a few times when I felt it was the only thing to do, but thereafter I have always followed their future career with some kind of “anxiety mixed” interest: Did I make a fool of myself believing I was psychic…? And there is nothing worse than when your friends have the pleasure of asking: That monster, is that the promising 6 months old you predicted would have such a bright future...? Fortunately I can only recall that happening once, but it was surely a lesson to remember. There are judges who have made themselves famous for putting up youngsters. I could mention names like Annie Clark and Andrew Brace. I always wondered if it had anything to do with a desire to shock or surprise us- or simply that they had the urge “to be the first” and “finding” new stars? I must reluctantly admit that if you look up the records of the puppies they put up, many ended up with quite spectacular careers. And I always find it rather ir-
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ritating, when after having questioned and at times even criticized other judges’ choices, you have to admit that they were right!! There is no doubt in my mind that judging puppies, especially of breeds where you have very little experience, is quite a challenge. At a couple of breed seminars I have asked the question: What about puppies? Anything we should take into consideration when we judge a 6 month-old compared to a 3 year-old? The answer has been the same: You judge them by the same standard!! So in other words, no help at all! In Scandinavia we have lots of puppy matches where puppies may compete from 4 months and onwards, which has given me opportunities to follow and experience different breeds at different stages. Still far from sufficient to determine with any certainty how promising an individual is at 4 months in many breeds. I remember judging a 6 monthold Afghan- arms and legs moving in all direction, so ugly that I considered “helping” the handler by telling her that the show ring was not the right environment for what I was certain was bought as a pet. Fortunately I said nothing as 3 years later I saw this beautiful animal in a group ring, same handler- and would you believe it? Same dog! Another time I had an astonishingly well-balanced 6 month-old Great Dane puppy in the ring. Totally balanced and so handsome and correct, but who never made the size and ended up a very cute miniature… After having bred smaller breeds like terriers and cockers for a long time, we added a 5 months old Great Dane to the family- and realized that we had no idea of how different and more complicated it was to raise a
GD puppy compared to our smaller breeds. Joints, skin, topline, movement etc changing from day to day- and his breeder, our friend Ulla Magnusson of Airways fame, was bombarded with phone calls whenever a new lump or problem turned up. The answer was always the same: Don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal! For us it wasn’t! But Airways Igor grew up to become a healthy, sound dog that on a daily basis brought his girlfriend Phyllis (a Norfolk Terrier) along on illegal hunting trips in the forest! We had of course many experiences with Greyhounds, Giant Schnauzers, Airedales, etc. The Greyhounds could have some weird things happening during their growing up, but that mostly, just as with the GD, corrected itself as long as the diet and amount of exercise was correct! There are so many things to take into consideration when judging puppies. Even in your own breed or breeds, you know that different bloodlines may grow at different pace at different ages. I remember visiting a Fox Terrier breeder who had used one of my stud dogs, being shocked by the size of these 8 weeks old puppies. They were HUGE compared to what I was used to, but surprise, surprise: 5 months later they appeared in the ring exactly the same size as my own. But it is not only about size and bone at different ages that complicates the judging of puppies. Coat is another problem, for some breeds even color. Some breed may move horribly at 6 months, by the age of 2 years they have pulled themselves together. Then what about teeth, heads, stops, etc. It is my opinion essential that whoever the club appoints head of education and sends to lecture at these seminars, is a person with a solid background as a breeder as well as being knowledgeable about what the finished product ideally should look like. But not necessarily a judge. In my humble opinion: Until you can recognize the quality of a breed at different stages in its development, you don’t really know the breed! Well, in most cases- if you have diversified background from other breeds, you guesses might be fairly accurate. But each and every breed has features that belongs to that breed only and create what we call breed type! CONTINUED ON PAGE 58
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
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Alan Kalter wrote in his January 24th CHAIRMAN’S REPORT that “WOOFipedia” launched on November 2013 “is AKC’s solution for the younger generation to both learn about breeds and responsible dog ownership, as well as to share engaging moments and activities between them and their dogs”. HAVE YOU LOOKED AT “WOOFipedia” AND IF SO WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO IT? IF NOT--WHY NOT? Thomas M. Davies I have looked at it. I think it is one of the better attempts at reaching the dog loving general public. I have long been an advocate for AKC reaching past the fancy and letting the public know us and what we are about. “WOOFipedia” (although I think the name sucks), is a great first attempt. Somewhere, I quoted Ross Perot when he said, “Whoever tries the most stuff, wins.” Good shot, AKC. And, yes, it certainly is well tailored to the younger generation. Now let me don my cynics cap for a moment... I tried a whole bunch of internet searches to lead me to “WOOFipedia” (other than “WOOFipedia” itself), and none of them got me there. As appealing as it seems, if nobody sees it it won’t help. RICHARD SHAW Haven’t even looked at WOOFipedia. Guess I’m too old. LOL!! Gretchen Bernardi I HAVE looked at WOOFipedia but it is hard for me to give an honest reaction, because I am not its intended demographic. However, with its sign-in and registration options, it allows AKC to gather e-mail contacts for marketing purposes. And if we listen carefully to conversations across all social media, we can learn where our strengths and weaknesses lie with the public, so we must have the will to address both of those honestly. A good friend of mine working in this field tells me repeatedly that the days are over when it was possible to pull the wool easily over the consumers’ eyes, since so much information is out on the web. So the most important thing to me is that we remain vigilant in maintaining the quality of what we are promoting, AKC and AKC purebred dogs. Most people in the social media and content marketing industry agree that it is very difficult to evaluate the success and reach of brand interaction in terms of results and I, personally, am not sure how a certain number of “hits” or “likes” translates into more registrations or participation in events or how we know if any of it is successful. But, to address WOOFipedia specifically, it does contribute to name recognition for the AKC and that in itself is a good thing.
Sue Goldberg I have looked at “WOOFipedia”. The games look like fun, the quizzes and the information that it contains all should appeal. As those of us who’ve spent many years in this sport recognize, engaging the younger generation as well as any other untapped market is critical to AKC’s sustainability and this has the makings of a successful program. The key will be getting the word out and letting the public know “WOOFipedia” exists. Having a great site isn’t enough. People have to know it’s out there, so once again, publicity and marketing will play an important role. Victoria Newbill I have peeked at WOOFipedia, and it seems to engage youth in a way that is important in today’s virtual world. Any tool that can transmit the message of the value of purebred dogs is essential to the sport and the future of AKC. The internet ensures that the rich history of the dog sport is ever-more accessible, and AKC should be engaging not only with its core constituency of fanciers, but also with the ideas of how dogs became “purebred” through registries of demonstrated success in the field, on the job and in the home. The Dog Show World we all enjoy is merely an exhibition for those who would seek to produce excellence in breeding, whelping, training, grooming, handling and competing. The core of that sport is a deep and loving connection to dogs and their purpose in society. It is beyond time to continue to promote the value of our interactions with the purebred dog as it is today so that the Sport merely supports the purpose.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK Cindy Vogels The WOOFipedia concept is excellent. I find that the content falls short in quality. The drawings of the individual breeds are generally poor and many breeds are not represented. I tried the matching tool and was repeatedly given extremely inappropriate choices - i.e. A Border Collie offered as a dog that isn’t very active. It would appear to me that it was put together in haste without attention to detail. Hopefully, these shortcomings will be addressed in the future.
By Matthew H. Stander
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oby
WINS ANOTHER GROUP FIRST Thank You Judge Mrs. Barbara D. Alderman Flash! Toby Swe e Wichita S ps hows: T
hank You Ju Mr. Elliot dges Weiss Mr. Lewi s Bayne Mrs. Lora ine Boutwell Mr. Euge ne Blake & Mr. Ar ley Hussi n. Including a Group Fi rst & Group Se cond!
THE #1 CHINESE CRESTED ALL SYSTEMS 2013 Multiple Best In Show Winner & Multiple Specialty Winner
GCh. Dejavu I Want’A Talk About Me Owners Roy & Jo-Ann Kusumoto Bred By K. Matlock, A. Freeman & S.Jacobsen Handled Exclusively By Daryl Martin
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B razen is A mazin’!
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EVERY ANGLE ANGLE IS IS GOOSEBUMP GOOSEBUMP RAiSING! RAiSING! EVERY
GCh. Sporting Fields SHAMELESS A TOP TEN HOUND
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Multiple All Breed Best In Show & Specialty Best In Show Winner
NEWS FLASH...
KANSAS KANSAS SUNFLOWERs SUNFLOWERs SHINE ON BRAZEN... BRAZEN... SHINE ON Three DAYS... Three GROUPS Group Group Third Third under under Mr. William Shelton Shelton Mr. William Group Group First First under under Jon Cole Mr. Mr. Jon Cole Group First under under Group First Beverly Capstick Ms. Ms. Beverly Capstick
S hameless
Outstanding In Her Field!
Owner-Handled Owner-Handled By By Amanda Amanda Giles Giles Owned Owned By By Barbara Barbara Call Call •• Jane Jane Cooney-Waterhouse Cooney-Waterhouse & & Her Her Breeders Breeders Dionne Dionne Butt Butt & & Amanda Amanda Giles Giles *The Dog News Top Ten List
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Inside The Sport By Pat Trotter
RICK BEAUCHAMP
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ick Beauchamp was an upbeat, friendly man with a marvelous sense of humor. He was also a brilliant dogman whose death over the weekend leaves one more void in our dwindling supply of great dog people who came of age in the 20th Century. In his last public appearance in February 2014 at the Winkies Awards held at the magnificent Gotham Hall in New York on Saturday night before Westminster, Rick graciously thanked all for the support shown him during his lengthy illness. His poignant opening remarks brought an affectionate response from an appreciative audience. It was fitting that Rick participated in this affair, for he was the creator of the Winkies, statuettes based on Hollywood’s famed Oscars that he introduced to the world of dogs in the 1960s. Sadly his illness took a turn for the worse, and he did not make this year’s much anticipated judging assignment at WKC two days later. His speech to 26 Dog News
the audience in February projected his pride and gratitude that good sponsors (ProPlan, Dogs in Review and others) once more made it possible for the fancy to enjoy the Winkies Awards after years of inactivity. Rick’s move to California from his home state of Michigan more than fifty years ago brought him closer to the world of theatre and the silver screen he so loved, thus he took a job with Variety Magazine to be closer to the action. In time this resulted in him purchasing his own magazine (Kennel Review), and he brought the showmanship of Hollywood to the world of dogs. Westerners (and later others) were dazzled by gala events in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Chicago and elsewhere-affairs that exhibited the flair of the showman as they celebrated the dog. Yet Rick was far more than a showman-he was a true dogman whose roots in his home state of Michigan in those days brought him in close proximity to the master mentor of many-Norman Austin-and the famed Honey Creek parti-colored Cocker Spaniels. Austin was the gifted and influential wise advisor of Everett Dean, Terry Stacy, Dan Kiedrowski, and myself as well as Cocker breeders across the United States in the “good old days.” When I jumped ship from breeding the Cocker Spaniel to the Norwegian Elkhound, Austin graciously helped me grade Continued on page 60
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A Different Spin On
Evaluating Provisional Judges By Patricia Gail Burnham
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just heard of a provisional judge who was evaluated by a show rep and was told that his winners were “Common” and lacked breed type. The problem is that the judge is a participant in field sports for that breed and the dogs that he put up were for the most part dogs that could function in the field. I have long said that in order to produce dogs that can run competitively, all you have to do is breed dogs that look like they can run well. And, when you do, the pure show folks will condemn them as “Common” when what they are is functional and not extreme. Common’s definition is “something that is done a lot and is considered normal.” In terms of dog type it is a type that is frequently seen and considered normal. Years ago someone ran an ad saying “Extreme is not a bad word.” But extreme means different from the norm. Its definition is “Furthest from the center or a given point; outermost:” The only extreme that is good is extreme soundness. Unfortunately there is nothing so uncommon as perfect soundness, and extreme soundness is the hallmark of a good working dog, whether you are talking about Greyhounds or Border Collies. One writer years ago said that he could teach an eight year-old child to recognize soundness on the down and back. I agree with him. So why don’t more judges reward soundness over extreme breed type? Extreme type is by definition the furthest you can get from the norm or the center point of a dog population. The judge who was being evaluated last week had years of experience in the field. So do I. That will give a person a very good idea of how a dog needs to be put together and move to be functional in the field. That can make us bite our tongue when an exprofessional handler show rep evaluates us.
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When I was judging provisionals in Whippets, it was educational. My first assignment was a local specialty. The rep said that I had put up a light eyed Winner’s Dog. What I had put up was a blue brindle dog with dark eyes for a blue dilute. Since the Whippet standard calls for dark eyes but also says that coat color is immaterial, that means that if a blue brindle is an acceptable color then it only needs the darkest eyes that can appear on a blue dilute. Blue dilutes have a range of eye color just as red brindles do. The dilutes can range from headlamp silver eyes to a medium brown. My WD had the latter. But what it meant was that I knew more about Whippet eye and coat color than the rep did. So I bit my tongue and accepted her passing evaluation. Her other complaint was that I made the puppy dog RWD. I told her that if he had been any older I would have given him WD. That wasn’t exactly groveling, but I had passed. The second provisional was a huge Whippet entry the day after the Western Sighthound Specialties. This rep never mentioned my placements. She did give me some very helpful advice on procedure. Most provisional judges are considered slow and indecisive so I was working right along to avoid that. Apparently I succeeded. She suggested that I take more time in the future☺. Also, right at the
final selection for WB something odd had happened. I lined up my winners and when I turned back to point at the winner, she was standing with a very flat topline. I was taken aback. I didn’t know if she was really flat backed and her handler had been stacking her into correct position up until then, or if she was just standing oddly. This reminded me of one of my handling teacher’s favorite sayings, “Don’t stop showing until the ribbon is in your hands.” I sent that bitch back in line and brought up a curvier bitch in her place. The rep said that I should have brought both of them out together and worked them before selecting the winner. She was right. If that happens again I will take her advice. Oh yes, and she didn’t mention that I once again made a puppy dog RWD. He was an absolutely stunning puppy and I have followed his very successful show and sire career since that show. That brings us to the third evaluation. This rep objected to my WB, saying that she lacked type. I said that she had perfectly good English type. (English Whippets tend to be curvier than American ones.) And he said that he thought English Whippets were ugly. I was taken aback and bit my tongue, accepting my third successful evaluation. I have never thought English Whippets were ugly. Just curvier. And her curves didn’t keep her from moving very well. So then we come to the question of what reps are trying to teach provisional judges: Are they trying to teach them the fine points of ring procedure, or are they trying to teach them to judge the way the rep would judge? Any provisional judge who has spent a lot of time at field events will have a very strong idea of how a dog of that breed should be built and move. And it may well not agree with the choices that a rep with no field experience would make. Judges that have spent a lot of time in the field tend to agree with each other as to what a functional dog looks like. And they are quite likely not going to agree with a rep whose entire experience was in the show ring. I didn’t find the advice of the reps who questioned my choices helpful. I did find the procedural advice of the second lady very helpful. If we agree that all judging is subjective then debating actual placements is not productive. Field experienced judges do, and should, judge differently than many strictly show judges. A judge should be able to explain his criteria and why he put up certain dogs based on type, size, condition, and/or movement. That and good ring procedure is pretty much all you can ask.
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Dog News 31
CherKei Boxers is proud to introduce:
Ch. CherKei’s
k
Multiple Specialty and Group Winner Bred By CherKei Boxers Owners Cheryl & Keith Robbins Handled By Michael Shepherd 214 415.3647 Assisted By Dottie James 32 Dog News
y
Thank YOU Group Judge Mr . Vincent Chianese
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OF Bests THE WEEK Wichita Kennel Club - Monday Smooth Coat Chihuahua
GCh. Sonnus Filho (Sanchez)
Judge Ms. Beverly Capstick Owners James Moses, Janet Lange Moses, and Romulo Sanchez Torres Handler Erika Lanasa
Greater Orange Park Dog Club - Sunday Miniature Pinscher
GCh. Marlex Classic Red Glare
Judge Mrs. Carolyn Herbel Owners Leah Monte and Armando Angelbello Handler Armando Angelbello Saginaw Valley Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday 15” Beagle
GCh. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble Judge Col. Jerry Weiss Judge Mrs. Gloria Geringer Owners Lori & Kaitlyn Crandlemire, Brody Cavanaugh, Eddie Dziuk Handler Will Alexander Wichita Kennel Club - Friday Standard Poodle
GCh. Dawin Hearts on Fire Judge Mr. Eugene Blake Owner Linda Campbell Handler Sarah Perchick
San Jacinto Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Cheshire Kennel Club - Friday Trap Falls Kennel Club - Sunday Irish Water Spaniel
Judge Mr. Roger R. Hartinger Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger Owners Sue and Rick Copeland Handler Scott Sommer
Judge Ms. Theresa L. Hundt Judge Mr. Donavon Thompson Owners Gregory Siner and Tom and Bethany Urban Handler Rick Krieger
GCh. Derby’s Toast With Gusto
GCh. Whistlestop’s Riley On Fire
Troy Kennel Club Afghan Hound
Kennel Club of Yorkville - Saturday & Sunday Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Judge Mr. Fred Ferris Owner Missy Galloway Handler Christian Manelopoulos
Judge Ms. Katie Gammill Judge Mr. Douglas Johnson Owners Stephanie Larson, DVM & Diane Baker Handler Diane Baker
GCh. Tells Matrix Reloaded
Greater Orange Park Dog Club – Saturday Skye Terrier
Ch. Cragsmoor Goodtime Charlie Judge Mr. Dane Cline Owners Victor Malzoni, Jr. Handler Larry Cornelius
Tuscaloosa Kennel Club Thursday & Saturday Birmingham Kennel Club - Sunday Welsh Terrier
GCh. Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor Judge Mrs. Ann Hearn Judge Mr. Robert Stein Judge Mr. Pete Dawkins Owners Keith Bailey, Sharon Abmeyer, T. Lee And X. Xie Handled by Luiz Abreu 34 Dog News
GCh. Albriden’s The Show Must Go On
Birmingham Kennel Club - Friday Samoyed
GCh. Tobil’s ‘s Storm Warning At Sunrise Judge Dr. Alvin W. Krause Owners Jerry and Sue Morgan Handler Cathy Shott
Yosemite Kennel Club - Sunday Pug
GCh. Brigadoon’s Shanghai Charlie
Judge Mrs. Murrell Purkhiser Owners Leslie Bridge & Jim Bridge DVM CVA Handler Taffe McFadden To report a 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 4629588 Email: dognews@harris-pub.com
Dog News 35
In his last 10 ring appearances 10 Group Firsts 6 Best In Shows 2 Reserve Best In Shows
ch. cragsmoor good time
handled by larry cornelius marcelo veras owned by victor malzoni, jr. 36 Dog News
Pictured with Judges Mrs. Rosalind Kramer Mrs. Dawn V. Hansen Mr. Jay Richardson Dr. John Reeve Newson Mrs. Charlotte Patterson Mrs. Judith Franklin
judges mr. desmond murphy and mrs. gloria geringer
Dog News 37
How did you decide on your kennel name?
We selected SHOSTYLE as our kennel name because I’ve always used that idea while going in the ring to try hard and do it with flair.
What was your most disappointing dog show loss? Not going BIS at Westminster every year.
Can you forgive and forget?
Who is/was your mentor in dogs? Bill and Taffee McFadden.
I can definitely forgive but I will never forget.
What was your most important dog show win?
My first BIS with my PWD after going out on my own in September 2013.
Which two people would you have face off on “Survivor”? Dennis McCoy and Tomako Saeki.
Questions ASKED OF:
The last book you read? You get your news from CNN, Fox News, PBS, local or none? My I Phone, I Pad and ESPN.
The Encyclopedia Britannica.
Luke Seidlitz
Would you rather judge or win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club? Refer to question #4!
You would like to be remembered as? Gorgeous and sarcastic with a touch of humility.
BORN: FT. RUCKER, AL • RESIDE: LOOMIS, CA • MARITAL STATUS: ENGAGED • ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: VIRGO 38 Dog News
Classie March 29th, Ties Record
Top Winning Toy Dog Of All Time
Best In Show #128 Breeder Judge Mrs. Sharon Krogh Group First Breeder Judge Mr. David Krogh
GCh Marlex Classic Red Glare March 30th, New Record!
Best In Show #129 Judge Mrs. Ann Hearn Group First Judge Mrs. Cindy Vogels
Owner: Leah Monte www.montedogs.com Owner/Handler: Armando Angelbello www.marlexminpins.com
Much,ch Mu de! Gratitu
Breeder: Carole Mohr-Rio
Dog News 39
40 Dog News
Dog News 41
A
re we “dog fanciers”, taking on the old Ostrich’s syndrome, by hiding our heads in the sand, when it comes to facing the trend of declining purebred dog registrations? Each time I surf the leading dog registry, or read one of the main-line dog periodicals, I get the same dire news. Fact is, purebred dog registrations have been falling now for some time. Consequently, as a purebred dog lover, the more I read about the situation, the more depressed I become. Those of us, from the lowest to the highest principal of this privileged purebred dog society, must come out of our own little
worlds, by forgetting our super egos and tackling this problem head on. To survive, we must move into the 21st century. The Ford Model-T worked well in its time, but it can no longer compete with the super SUVs. So, how did this problem of declining dog registrations come about? The answer to this question is as diverse as the people who are brave enough to tackle the question. Could it be a downturn in the economy? Could it be an uptick in shelter dog adoption publicity? Could it be the onset of ridiculous dog laws? Could it maybe be the changing communal environment of devalu-
All in the Family
THE OSTRICH SYNDROME
{
by Charles C. Robey
The Ostrich Syndrome comes by the notion that a supposedly dumb ostrich believes that if it can’t see its attacker then the attacker can’t see it. Thus, burying its head in the sand. This fallacy is much like my young thoughts of placing my hands over my face, so if I could not see Mom, she couldn’t see me. Thus, I could escape my punishment. How does this Ostrich Syndrome fit the dog world?
42 Dog News
ing the purebred dog for that of the old fashioned pet variety? Or, could it be any combination of the above? Basically, dog registries have simply evolved into a “victim of circumstances” in the dog world. Have you ever had another breeder, from a lesser registry, undercut your puppy price, which resulted in a lost sale? Have you ever had a local not-for-profit dog adoption group put on a big advertising campaign and set up a display in the local shopping mall, the same day of your big dog show? Have you ever had a local government pass a dog law (breedspecific) directed specifically at the commercial purebred dog breeders but exclude the mixed-bred dog shelters and dog activist groups? Enough said, you get the picture. Registries can ill afford to stand around, with heads in the sand, in this ever-changing fast moving world of the dog demographics. Can there be change, and at the same time, the policies and procedures not be compromised? I think yes. After all, some registries, such as the AKC, date back tens of years, with roots still grounded in deep tradition. Nonetheless, sometimes stagnation becomes a component of bad circumstances. For there can be no life without change, nor no life without the constant adjustments and adaptations, while looking to the future. So, how do the 21st Century dog registries alien with this old “Ostrich Syndrome” move forward? If one were to check the various dog registries, one might be surprised to find some registries being rather similar on paper. However, by not challenging the truths of such registries, are we living in the complacent past, rather than subscribing to the needs of the future? In this age of competition, an innovative stand out registry can go a long way in retaining existing customers, as well as gaining an additional market share of the breeders, Continued on page 62
*
*CC Breed & All Breed
Q & A Discussion Between
Alan Kalter
Chairman of the Board of The AKC and Matthew H. Stander of Dog News What steps do you propose to shift the tide of the thinking of the dog owning public to acquire and buy purebred dogs as opposed to shelter dogs?
For the last 20-plus years there has been a well-orchestrated and successful social effort directing people to acquire a mixed-breed dog from a shelter as a viable option for a family pet. Since we are for all dogs, we support those in the public who choose a mixed breed dog from a shelter. We have programs to help those people be responsible owners and, through AKC Canine Partners, enjoy participating and earning titles in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Coursing Ability, Tracking, and Canine Good Citizen. The same is true for the purebred dogs re-homed by the rescue 44 Dog News
Alan Kalter with one of his Bullmastiffs
networks affiliated with our Parent Clubs – the largest dog rescue network in the United States and, we believe, the world. For years, we have advised the public on questions to ask breeders and now we are advising people on questions to ask the shelter – all in the spirit that an informed owner is key to ensuring a forever home for the dog. There continues to be a very large segment of the American public that prefers a purebred dog for a number of important reasons. People are attracted to type, size, and temperament – and the predictability of those three key characteristics. We have strong reason to believe that predictability of those issues is becoming more important in the quest to find the dog that is right for one’s family. In addition, in order to strengthen predictability, many people simply prefer to start their relationship with a puppy - which predominantly means starting with a purebred dog. AKC launched strategic PR initiatives in 2013 aimed at improving the reputation of both purebred dogs and breeders. It is pivotal that we not only promote the positive values of predictable purebreds, but also the passionate individuals who are dedicated to the careful planning, raising and placement of those puppies. The more we educate potential owners on the lifelong benefits of truly knowing the size, temperament, coat type and genetics of a dog in advance of their decision, the more the public will seek out breeders and purebred rescue groups. Tactics include targeted informational messaging on purebreds and breeders to our key demographics (young families and empty nesters), as well as the inclusion of breeders and veterinarians as supporting,
expert voices in AKC media opportunities. Our web properties and videos are excellent examples of how we are educating the public. We had over 300,000 people visit WOOFipedia in March to learn what is the right breed for their lifestyle, in addition to the 2.5 million people per month who come to AKC.org to learn about purebred dogs and events. Our AKC Entertainment videos have shown the true nature of our breeders and helped inform our WOOFipedia audience about the importance of having a great relationship with your breeder to ensure raising a healthy, happy dog. We have also launched the Breeder Education Network on Facebook - a great education tool with 4000 breeders sharing knowledge. During the 20+ years of the shelter dog story, the AKC was unfortunately silent. We started building our public outreach architecture just one year ago. We are significantly ahead of our plan, but regaining ground will take time, consistency, and a concerted effort joined by everyone in the Fancy to stand loud and proud about the unique attributes and benefits of purebred dogs. Working together, we can educate millions.
What is being done to increase registrations? Why have there been few if any direct proposals announced under your terms as Board Chair?
We are making progress in dog and litter registrations, thanks largely to a portfolio of initiatives. While still declining, the rate of registration decline has dropped significantly. The programs driving this progress include: AKC Good Works Campaign: We are doing a much better job of telling our story of our Good Works, like the AKC Canine Health Foundation and AKC Reunite, and the
connection to registration. We know this communication has a direct and noticeable impact on registration. Outreach and Education for Breeders: We need great pet breeders to supply America’s demand for dog companions. By helping all breeders produce better dogs and manage more successful kennel operations, we improve the chances that a pet owner will end up with a healthy dog. Doing so also helps mitigate the A/R attacks on breeding. The newest addition to this outreach effort will be a new breeder support program that rewards breeders who perform the health testing recommended by their breed’s Parent Club. This program, along with other efforts, allows us to educate and support breeders and allows the AKC to not just defend breeding, but to improve it. Improved Tools for Breeders: AKC has developed a suite of on-line tools for breeders and dog owners including On-Line Record Keeping. Late last year, AKC introduced Breeder EZReg, an online tool that gives breeders an easy way to ensure all of their puppies are registered. Breeders who use it enjoy significant discounts on fees, complete naming control, plus other advantages. More and more breeders are using this new tool to register all of their puppies. Breeder of Merit: Breeder of Merit recognizes breeders who participate in the sport of Continued on page 66
Alan Kalter and wife Chris Lezotte
Dog News 45
years ago an anti-dog breeding ordinance was Six passed in Miami-Dade County
that limited hobby breeders to two litters per year and considered anyone who had more than 4 dogs (regardless of size) on a property of less than one acre a kennel. Needless to say, hobby breeders and dog owners in Miami-Dade County and the American Kennel Club were opposed to the ordinance, but it passed nonetheless. Now dog breeders and owners are facing even further restrictions, as the MiamiDade Board of County Commissioners met this week to consider an expansion of an anti-breeder ordinance that will expand the definition of a breeder and pet dealers, as well as restricting the business of retail pet stores. The AKC issued a legislative alert on April 4, urging concerned dog owners to attend the Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting on Tuesday, April 8th at 9:30 AM, and it’s hoped that dog owners got the message and were able to attend given such short notice, or at the very least that they were able to contact the commissioners to let them know how they felt about the expansion of this unnecessarily restrictive ordinance. Unfortunately, the proposed ordinance was adopted on first reading and is now scheduled for public hearing before the Public Safety and Animal Services Committee on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The original intent of the 2008 law was purportedly to identify and address substandard breeders and to reduce the number of dogs being placed in shelters, both worthwhile goals that on the surface would gain the support of all. However, the overly restrictive regulations greatly affect reputable hobby breeders and responsible owners and subject them to burdensome, unnecessary and meddlesome protocols and the new ordinance seems to
assume that all breeders are irresponsible and that shelter dogs are preferable to purebreds - an argument that has been consistent with those of the animal rights’ extremists. If anyone doubted which forces may be behind such laws that deter people from owning and breeding purebred dogs, the answer may be found within the body of the legislative text. The legalese may be difficult to decipher in a lot of legislation but there’s no mistaking it in this case. Not once, but twice, does the body of the text cite the Humane Society of the United States: “WHEREAS, the Humane Society of the United States estimates that, each year, two to four million puppies are born in the United States in puppy mills;” and “WHEREAS, according to the Humane Society of the United States, although American consumers purchase dogs and cats believing the pets to be healthy and genetically sound, in reality, the animals that come from mills often face an array of health problems, including not only communicable diseases or genetic disorders that present immediately after sale but also diseases or disorders that do not surface until several years later, all of which lead to costly veterinary bills and distress to consumers…” But the responsible hobby breeders in Miami-Dade County are hardly to blame for unhealthy dogs that come from out of state puppy mills that end up in shelters and why any legislative body would cite an organization that gives less than one percent of its $100 million+ annual revenue to the hands-on care of animals in shelters is mind-boggling. Those unfamiliar with the ways, means and intentions of the HSUS may think they have the best interest of animals at heart but its real goal is to put an end to pet ownership and breeding
off
Feeling The Heat In Miami-Dade County
by SHAUN COEN
46 Dog News
and the passing of this measure would help accomplish that endgame. The language contained in the measure indicates a lack of understanding of the HSUS agenda and of animal husbandry in general. As the AKC alert regarding this proposal points out, breeders are prohibited from breeding a female more than once a year but a breeding doesn’t always result in whelping a litter. The measure also states puppies and kittens less than 6 months of age shall not be housed with adult animals other than the dam or surrogate dam, but as the AKC writes, “This only makes sense for unweaned animals, not for a 4-monthold puppy.” Under this new measure, any breeder who does not qualify as a hobby breeder will be considered a kennel and would be subject to warrantless inspections and compliance with specific keeping requirements. Fines for first offenses range from $100 for improperly stored food, to $500 for failure to meet standard for toys and training articles or failure to microchip a breeding female or a dog or cat prior to sale or failure to register a microchip or failure to notify of sale. One wonders why the need for this sort of ordinance at all, unless the previous attempt at corralling irresponsible breeders, kennels and retailers was unsuccessful, difficult to enforce or expensive to implement. As the AKC rightly asks the committee to consider, where is the data from the last five years since the previous “Retail Pet Sale Regulation” went into effect? Has the shelter population been reduced? Are the responsible hobby breeders the ones that need stricter regulations? Has the issue of importing homeless animals into the county’s shelter system been addressed? Has the availability of low-cost spay/neuter services been considered? Concentrating on these efforts and enforcing existing laws would prove more effective in reducing an unwanted stray and shelter dog population than would the overly burdensome regulations being proposed for responsible hobby breeders. Miami-Dade County currently has animal cruelty laws on the
books, with fines of $500 assessed for the beating an animal, not providing clean water or wholesome food, insufficient shelter, short leashes and the inability to properly exercise an animal, and for failure to treat debilitating medical conditions. Placing an emphasis on enforcing these laws would improve the care of animals in the county without punishing reputable breeders. It should also be noted that despite much of the nation trending away from breed-specific legislation because it’s been ineffective in addressing the issue of dangerous dogs, MiamiDade County bans pit bulls and all the bully breeds. Miami-Dade County continues to eschew proven methods of responsible ownership and breeding in favor of HSUS-backed agendas, such as promoting the adoption of shelter dogs instead of purchasing healthy purebred dogs whose size, temperament, background and energy levels are either known or highly predictable. While surfing the www.miamidade.gov/animals/ website one is greeted on each page by a headlining banner ad for a Mega Pet Adoption Event taking place at Tropical Park featuring 12 hours of nonstop pet adoptions, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, an egg hunt and a fun kid’s arena. What are the odds that any healthy puppies with pedigrees and predictable characteristics from the county’s responsible hobby breeders will be available there? Or will there be dogs from unknown origins with untold health problems being foisted upon a general public that sympathizes with an animal that has to endure a 12-hour Adopt-a-thon with all the bells and whistles in the Miami heat? This event is indicative of the battle that hobby breeders, purebred enthusiasts and the AKC are up against as the HSUS and their ilk promote shelter dogs over purebreds. To ensure a bright future and the health of the purebred dog it’s a battle that will take the cooperation of all on many fronts to win, starting with educating the general public and our elected officials.
Dog News 47
48 Dog News
Dog News 49
o
And
M re Richard Beauchamp, The Sale To Mars, Woofipedia...
by Matthew H. Stander
T
he passing of Dick Beauchamp has saddened many in the dog world. Although I was awarded two Winkie Awards in 1988 and 1990 before his magazine Kennel Review stopped publishing I never did get particularly friendly with him. It is true that I did write the Bloodhound Breed column for KR, as well in those days, nonetheless this union was accomplished through mutual friends we had in common and not on any personal relationship whatsoever. He was considered in many a dog circle as one of the great and true dog men of our time. Certainly his book Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type remains required reading even today for most breeders and his success in developing the Bichon Frise in the States under the Kennel name of Beau Monde with both Pauline Waterman and Barbara Stubbs is legendary. One of the greatest KR award parties I ever attended was the one held in Palm Beach Shores at the old MacArthur Hotel 50 Dog News
Grounds, which abutted the beach and was known for its “dated waspy elegance�. What a blast that was!! It was sponsored as those Winkies affairs usually were by a food company-probably in those days Gaines or Iams and KR. He sure knew how to throw a party and for a free dinner and formal dance the dog people came and partied in droves. His participation within the dog world somewhat faded after KR’s demise but his eventual return and acceptance as a popular and sought after judge and his advisory position and columns in other publications helped restore him to a prominence he is said to have richly deserved. The past few years
had unfortunately been physically painful ones for Mr. Beauchamp I am told as he fought an insidious cancer bravely and to the very end tried to conquer the disease which attacked him so virulently. His friends, of which there were many, will miss him as will the sport of the purebred dog.
W
hen I reported a few months ago that P&G had Iams and Eukanuba up for sale and that a deal had reportedly been entered into with Del Monte Foods all sorts of denials were made by both parties. Now it has been announced that indeed P&G has sold the Iams, Eukanuba and Natura pet food brands in the United States and Latin America for $2.9 billion but not to Del
Continued on page 97
Dog News 51
52 Dog News
*
*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 53
The Lighter Side of Judging Cannabis and Canines Continued FROM page 14
So, I ask myself, not as a consumer of cannabis (I prefer red wine), “What is the best way to utilize the legalization of cannabis as a tool for Dog Show Judges Hospitality? What is the best way for judges to consume marijuana, and when is the right time to offer it as a gesture of appreciation?” I surmise that the method of use is a matter of personal preference and a matter of timing, location, and age. From what I have been told and from what I have read there are so many different ways to consume cannabis, that the method should probably be based on the ultimate goal of the JHC. Are you merely trying to get the judge light headed? Totally blasted? Or somewhere in between? The individual judge, on the other hand, may have a better idea of the need, based on the size and quality of the entry, the weather, show site conditions, distanced traveled, or a pending AKC Representative evaluation or interview. The most common straightforward approach would be to provide each judge a rolled joint in his or her hotel hospitality bag or at the very least have a large bong as the centerpiece at the Judges’ welcoming reception. Initially, the joint would probably work the best, as I am sure the majority of the judges can relate to this method of use. A bong, on the other hand, could provide hours of laughter, entertainment, and socializing. The big downfall to both of these hospitality approaches is smoke. The other is the smell. So, smoking the cannabis anywhere and everywhere is not possible at the host hotel and the dog shows. For some judges the pipe is a logical choice, since it is easy to 54 Dog News
carry around, cheap, and it is the second most common form of consumption. The pipe makes it easy to pass down the line while watching the Groups and Best in Show judging, although, once again, the element of smoke prohibits this from an attractive choice for the JHC. Now I mentioned the bong earlier, as with the joint and the pipe the JHC has to, once again deal with smoke, and the strange size and shape of the apparatus. (Wouldn’t want to frighten the Toys.) Also, based on the average age of the once-young Woodstock goers, the bong requires a great deal of lung capacity that is sadly lacking in many of today’s judges. The most ideal method for dog show judges is tinctures. I can’t imagine any other choice for our aging dog show judges. It creates a wonderful high and is easily transported. It can go anywhere since it isn’t smoked, and it is healthier since it does not involve inhaling burnt plant material. A couple of drops from the dropper and your elderly judging panel is relaxed with more mobility than ever to complete their assignments pain free. The JHC might consider personalized containers. The judge’s initial breed could be painted on the side of the bottle...or outlined
in sequins and one would have a wonderful judge’s gift. Without doubt, the premier method of cannabis use for JHC and for dog show judges is the method of consumption---good old-fashioned edibles. This could be a real winner for the small clubs that rely on the culinary skills of members for the judge’s luncheons and banquets. Brownies, cookies, butter, cannabis infused-salad dressings, cannabis and cheese stuffed shells you name it---the judges will love it! When eating cannabis, it takes a bit of time to “kick-in” (45 to 60 minutes), but when it does, look out and enjoy your afternoon breed assignments with relaxed gusto! I would like to suggest to the JHC that to fully benefit from the cannabis hosting experience, to guarantee your judges will return and talk about your show for years to come---try making cupcakes with cannabis butter frosting to serve ringside during the start of Groups along with a glass or two of wine. I can guarantee no one will be complaining about their long flights, their aching feet and knees, the quality of the entry, the irate exhibitor, the negative AKC Representative evaluation, the extra Best Owner/ Handler Group tacked on after your assignment, the three-star accommodations, or the group competition starting after 4 PM.
T
he legalization of cannabis should send a message to the younger dog show enthusiast that members of the older Woodstock generation, who are now judges, are really nice---despite their bizarre ways. What they want is really not all that threatening after all: hasslefree travel, prompt airport pickup service, a respectable hotel, hot breakfast, good food, good dogs to judge, a great ring steward, a respected AKC Representative, their marijuana, their red wine, and music, music and more music. Yes, it is the job of the JHC to turn dog show adversities into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful sport.
Dog News 55
One man’s determination makes a life-saving difference for hundreds of street dogs in Afghanistan.
Rescue
The first two practicing female veterinarians in Afghanistan treat a 4-legged patient at The Nowzad Conrad Lewis Clinic.
By Sharon Pflaumer
PHOTOS BY The Nowzad Dogs Charity
The
course of Sergeant Pen Farthing’s life took an unexpected turn because of his love for a dog. The origin of this “doggie tale” has an unexpected location. It began on the war torn streets of Now Zad, which is in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. That’s where Farthing was stationed along with 41 other Kilo Company Commando Royal Marines in November 2006. Not long after the Royal Marines’ arrival, a dogfight took place outside of their remote compound. After Farthing stopped the dogfight and broke up the ring that organized it, one of the dogs ran into the marines’ compound for safety. The 22-year veteran of the British military couldn’t say no to the stray’s big, sad eyes. Soon, “Nowzad,” as Farthing called him, became his best 4-legged friend.
56 Dog News
Pen Farthing rescues a puppy from the streets of Kabul. “During my downtime, I was looking after Nowzad and he was looking after me. By the time Kilo Company was ordered back to the UK, I couldn’t bear to leave him behind. So, I hatched a plan to take him home with me. With the help of some local Afghan nationals, he was transported to Kabul. Once there, a dog friendly journalist arranged his flight to the UK and his quarantine,” says Farthing, whose boyhood Collie was the first dog he loved.
Another mission
Kilo Company’s mission in Now Zad was to provide stability for the local people during a period of ever decreasing security. During the time Farthing was stationed there, he embraced another mission as well. It became obvious to him that Nowzad wasn’t the only stray dog
The Nowzad Shelter in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Street dog, “Lunch,” was rescued by a US soldier.
in need of his help. Concerned about the burgeoning population of mongrels, Farthing founded The Nowzad Rescue. “In the beginning, our primary mission was to reduce the stray population in Kabul. So, we began with a trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate and release program for dogs and cats. We trapped street dogs; then, vaccinated them for rabies and spayed or neutered them. After that we released them back in the area of Kabul where we found them,” Farthing says. The above program was the first to be instituted by the organization because of the high incidence of rabies and because there was no program established to control the stray population. In fact, street dogs and cats were allowed to breed out-ofcontrol for almost 40 years. By the time Farthing arrived on the scene, their numbers were totally out of control. (The main breed of dog in Afghanistan is called the Kuchin, or Kochi, and lives with the nomadic tribes. Farthing also adopted one of these dogs whom he calls Patchdog. In all, he adopted four dogs through his organization.)
The stray dog population at the airport.
Two shelter residents.
When Pen Farthing returned to the UK after serving in Afghanistan, he hit the lecture circuit to raise money for the organization he founded there, The Nowzad Rescue. “During my charity talks, a lot of people asked me about my dog, Nowzad, and how I got him,” Farthing says. “Eventually, someone suggested I write a book about his story. So I did. It’s called One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Helmand.” All proceeds from the sale of Farthing’s book go directly toward the rescue of stray dogs and cats in Afghanistan. To purchase a copy, visit The Nowzad Rescue website at http://www. nowzad.com/help-us/buy-a-book/
The first animal shelter in Afghanistan
Eventually, The Nowzad Rescue raised enough money to build and operate the first official animal shelter in Afghanistan. The 100-cage facility is located just outside of Kabul and also includes an adjacent cattery that houses 30 cats. In addition to the dogs and cats housed at the shelter and cattery, many animals up for adoption are fostered by expatriots and Afghan locals. The shelter is supported by its own animal hospital, The Nowzad Conrad Lewis Clinic for Small Animals. The clinic was named for Private Conrad Lewis of the Parachute Regiment. He befriended and took care of an Afghan street dog whom he named Peg. After Lewis was killed in action in Continued on page 78
“In the beginning, our primary mission was to reduce the stray population in Kabul.” Dog News 57
Continued FROM page 18
My favorite part of this dog game is neither showing nor judging, but breeding dogs. Spending lots of time planning combinations and then when the puppies arrive follow them from day to day. One day they’re fantastic, the next day disastrous, then back to the acceptable and so on. I laugh at people who tell me they choose their “keepers” when the puppies are newborn and still wet, although I think there are some particularly gifted people who for some reason has some kind of extra sensory perception- or maybe they’re simply psychic – and at a very early stage can see “things”. As a breeder, when your interest has started to focus on one or two of the puppies, they will get special attention- and of course develop more personality than the rest. Then there are the ones born with some kind of charisma that draws your attention towards them despite not being as “perfect” as other littermates. Confused? Yes, frequently and you call for help- a second opinion is sure to help. I remember one summer in England, we had 3 litters of Wire Fox Terriers in the kennel, I think between 8 weeks and 4 moths old. This was Windsor time when we normally had a big party- so I decided to use this occasion to finally decide which of these puppies to keep, the remainder were going to different countries (far too cheaply, I must add). So this was decision time. I just could not make up my mind. Included in the party that year were England’s 3 top handlers Ernie Sharpe, Albert Langley and Frank Kellet, then a couple of breeders from Scandinavia, Harry O’Donoghue from Ireland, a guy named Peter Green and another guy named George Ward from the US, plus the wonderful Marvins. In groups of 2 or 3 I took them into the kennel and went over all the puppies and graded them from 1 to 12 (I think). I wish I had this entire session on video- as the conclusion was that however much experience each and everyone of these people had, the variation in the way they saw and graded these puppies was simply unbelievable. Some commented they were all fantastic, my friend Harry O from Ireland was not very impressed with any of them etc., etc. No help at all. So we simply proceeded by keeping the ones we really connected with- and sent the others to their new homes and owners. Well the proof is in the pudding. All
these puppies became champions somewhere in the world. Most of them group and Best in Show winners- and if you own a Wire Fox Terrier at least one of the names can be found in most of today’s’ pedigrees. (Even the one and only Sky’s!) There are moments in our lives as breeders when all of a sudden things seem so easy- and good things happen without much effort. When you have a very even group of puppies you may wonder: Are they all good, bad or mediocre?? We all have different ambitions. In this household we have always strived for even litter of naturally high quality, rather than a bunch of pets with one or
you see the same in dogs. There is a reason why so many of the real stars among our four legged friends are given special treatment and live as room mates with their handlers during their career! Psychology affects all part of our lives whether we are dogs or humans- and many of our top handlers are unequalled experts when it comes to application thereof. Although he is not alone- none more so then that terrier handler Gabriel Rangel who again and again has proven he knows what this is all about. It may be a God given talent, but whatever he does, it’s working! And one of the main reasons why we see the same handlers at the top year after year is not only that they are hard working- but that they have this special gift of bringing out of their charges sides and assets that most others would not even know existed … That’s what makes the professionals professional and the world of amateurs so hard in this our so wonderful world of show dogs! Having said that: There is a bunch of amateurs in the rings today that are exceptional and well worth watching. If you ain’t one of them, keep trying! Anything is possible. But back to Picking Winners: It has been proven again and again that being an expert at picking the right puppy in your litters- and successfully show them-is in no way a guarantee or indication that you will be a fantastic judge of dogs in general. That’s a totally different ballgame-but more about that another time!
BAbbling
58 Dog News
PICKING A WINNER
two standouts. And have we failed at times? Of course! But how much has the time you spend with your youngsters, feeding and training etc affected the final result? In my opinion a lot. One of my original mentors was a famous Norwegian Airedale Terrier breeder who insisted you could actually in addition to influence the mental side of the dog, you could physically shape the dog. So when I finally acquired my very first WFT, a rather ordinary bitch from a very ordinary background I took this very seriously. And although she had been the “runt” of the litter she ended up as the only one possibly showable. And I have lived by that theory ever since and think it has been working. But most of all I live by another rule which I keep repeating and which in my opinion really works: If you want to make a dog look special, you have to make her /him feel special! Now, is there anything more attractive in dogs (as well as human beings for that matter) than the projection of confidence and the impression that they are really feeling comfortable in their own skin? Have you ever noticed that a person to whom you give a serious compliment immediately stand up straighter? I think
Dog News 59
*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Inside The Sport Continued FROM page 26
my first homebred litter. The year was 1959 and the event was an important Cocker Specialty in Ohio where Rick would come in from Michigan with the #1 particolored bitch in the countrythe B/W beauty Ch. Merrikay’s Merry Lark- and I would come in from my home state of Virginia with the #1 parti dog in the country, the R/W Ch. Dau-Han’s Dan Morgan. Rick had won his first group on this bitch under the famous Alva Rosenburg and Dan Morgan’s first group had come under the equally respected Louis Murr prior to his 1st BIS at Camden, NJ. We had never met before, but we certainly knew who the competition was. Both of us furiously groomed our charges in the set-up area as we prepared for the face-off, meanwhile glancing through the powder across the grooming room often to make sure the other wasn’t getting ahead of us. Imagine our mutual shock when the judge put another exhibit over both of us! From then on, we were no longer foes but now became friends. Since Austin was off at the all breed shows that day campaigning the #1 Dog 60 Dog News
for the stars. With this core All Breeds that year (Ch. Pivalue of proper movement for netop’s Fancy Parade) he each breed’s job description missed the encounter, but he always in mind, Rick’s chapters always delighted in the muconcluded with lesson plan tually humbling experiences type assignments that fasciof two of his protégé on the nated this former teacher. The day. Rick later bred his bitch book became the cornerstone to Dan Morgan and the resultof his numerous educational ing B/W Ch. Beau Monde’s seminars presented around War Paint became a top winthe country in the ensuing ner in California in the 1960s years. His opinion as an in-ring handled by this writer. judge was widely sought, and The Beau Monde kennel soon he was adjudicating in name was not limited to the three groups plus several othAmerican Cocker Spaniel, er breeds. His judging assignhowever; as Rick went on to ments included travels afar as help pilot the founding of the well as prestigious American Bichon Frise in its formative shows such as Westminster, years in AKC’s registry. When Eukanuba, Chicago Internathe breed was accepted into tional and various national AKC’s Non-Sporting Group in specialties. Amazingly, he was 1973, dogs from Rick’s breedable to program his cancer ing programs with Barbara treatments around most of his Stubbs and others soon made 2013 judging schedule and their way into the hands of judged his last show near his such outstanding professionhome in late September at the als as Ted Young Jr. and Bob San Luis Obispo Kennel Club and Jane Forsyth in the East shows. and Joe and Pauline WaterRick’s contributions to the man in the west. Chaminade world of dogs will speak Mr. Beau Monde bethemselves for years came a dominant early “Rick’s for to come. His memory sire in the breed. Born with an “eye for a dog” contribu- will be one for those were dear to him from his first Boxer tions to who to treasure. At his reas a boy until his last one in later years, Rick the world quest, there are no serof dogs vices planned. Florence never lost his passion for breeding programs will speak Males, who has been the true angel in his life and their influence on for them- during these worst of the purebred dog. This passion led selves for times, has requested donations be made to his authoring his years to that to Take The Lead in his signature work-Solving come. His memory. (P.O. Box 6353, the Mysteries of Breed Type- that became a memory Watertown, NY 13601). As for those of us whose textbook for breedbe will hearts he touched, we ers across the United one for take comfort in knowing States. With the artist’s eye for quality and type those who Rick joins other greats so admired such as as well as the scientific were dear he Derek Rayne and Bea know-how to make it all to him to Godsol at the Great functional, Rick’s work inspired others to reach treasure.” Dog Show in the Sky.
Dog News 61
Continued FROM page 42
by simply listening to the changing pet world, without compromising its integrity. Apart from the more prestigious registries, such as AKC, the common everyday breeder could care less about all the “to-do” over breed standards or the dog “show rings”. They just want to produce a good, healthy line of pet dogs that resemble the various breeds to please the general dog buying public. And of course, make as much money as they can. It’s unfortunate, however, that the general dog populace takes the same mind-set as these suspect breeders. Entities, such as the show ring, have always been a very attractive tool for registries that show and place dogs that have been bred to do so. The only problem, however, is that the majority of pet owners don’t place a high priority in the show ring. To survive, registries must support the “best of both worlds”. The USA Today, business section, once printed an interesting article addressing dog adoptions: • This article warned that adopting a dog can be an expensive proposition and that certain breeders cannot be trusted either. The article almost turned into a debate between the CEO of a famous dog activist group and a spokesperson of the AKC registry. A thorough reading, however, indicated AKC outdid the other guy, but that his old talking points put the breeder on the defensive much more than should be the case. First of all the article starts out with the caveat that “adopting” really is a purchase and that it can be an expensive route to take. It also emphasized the need for more research and reflection, than in making other major purchases, but it was unclear whether this was a reference 62 Dog News
All in the Family to adopting a dog or buying from a breeder. The question was asked, but left unanswered, as to whether to buy from a breeder or from a shelter-at least the writer had the good sense to distinguish among breeders-the reputable ones as opposed to the less reputable ones. The writer never does adopt the activist attitude of lumping all breeders together as one lot. In discussing whether to purchase a purebred or a mixed breed animal the writer and a professor from NC State’s Veterinary College of Medicine talk sketchily and in generalities about health issues but failed to mention temperament issues. As to whether to purchase online or from pet stores, which is the highlighted part of the story, this paragraph ignores the question totally and engages in a spirited debate over the role of different types of breeders and specifically what questions they think one should ask of a breeder. It is here that some of the major misstatements about purebred dogs and AKC’s role are made, but basically answered most effectively by the writer. This article also alludes to the fact that some registries, such as the AKC, are very prestigious by concentrating on the welfare of the purebred dogs and by offering very good benefits to the customers, while other registries simply issue a piece of paper. So, if a mind to, customers can “Pick and Choose”, when it comes to dog registries or shelter dogs. Obviously, however, registries, in and of themselves, are not necessarily the single reason dogs are not being registered. It’s just the time we are living in. People just don’t re-
late to dog registries, nor do they care, as the majority of puppy customers never intend to show or breed their new family pet. Based on my extended field experience, coupled with the declining registry numbers, I see a real need for registries to consider a distinction between performance dogs, other purebred pet dogs, and non purebred dogs, by creating two separate standards. In doing so, registries such as the more prestigious AKC, could then strongly compete with the other outside factions, which seem to be dead center on doing away with the purebred dog. So, how might the more prestigious registries move into the 21st century? Some points to ponder: • The registries should consider allowing two main dog classifications, “Performance Dogs” and “Non-Performance Dogs”. The “Non-Performance” litter registrations and dog registrations should carry lesser registration fees, than the “Performance Dog”. These classifications should then be noted on the dog registration certificates. • Some registries have a classification system, whereby all dogs are placed in certain groups, according to the dogs’ function. Of which, some of the classification groups are outdated, due to a change in some dog functions and are also overcrowded, due to new breeds being added to the groups. These various groups should be reduced, based on the breeds’ ancestry, or by the dogs’ purpose. • The registries should consider all dogs either being labeled “Purebred”, “Designer Bred” or “Mixed Bred”. Purebred dogs, recognized by the various registries, should be labeled “purebred”. Purebred dogs, of two different recognized breeds, should be labeled “Designer Bred”. And, mutt dogs should simply be labeled Mixed Breed dogs. Continued on page 95
Dog News 63
The British Scene By Geoff Corish
Last time it was the top stud dogs in the UK, this time it’s the turn of the hard working girls, or perhaps the unsung heroes!
2
In second place is a bitch bred from one of the greatest kennels ever in the UK Gunalt. Weimaraners in this kennel in 2013 were both runner-up in stud dog and brood bitch tables and bred by Stephen and Patsy Hollings. The bitch is Ch/Ir Ch Gunalt Delicious, by Gunalt Rumors about Sybaris ex Sh Ch Gunalt Intuition and owned by Jane Elders and Genna Samria. Amongst her progeny were the top Weimaraner for 2013 Sh Ch Gunalt De Ice at Stridview. If you are interested in this breed then next time you see Edd Bivin ask him his thoughts on the kennel as when he was last over here we took him to see the dogs, l think he was impressed!
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opping the competition in 2013 is the US sired Australian Shepherd Ch Allmark Careless Whisper. Bred by Neil and Angie Allan, she is by the US-import Bayshores Tear’s Of A Clown ex Ozzypool Mollie Malone at Allmark. During her show career she was coowned with Robert Harlow and Norma Gregory, and won five challenge certificates and a group first. For her first litter she spent a few weeks in the US where she was mated to Am/Braz Ch Dazzles Bill A Bing Bill A Bong. This proved a highly successful venture, resulting in a BIS winner, twice top herding and third top dog all breeds in 2013 Ch Allmark Fifth Avenue. Her second litter conceived was when she was driven to Italy and mated to a dog unusually named God’s Great Banana Skin, which produced the group winning Allmark Broadway Baby.
In third is the top hound winner, the Borzoi Wyvern Apache Belle at Albaneiler, owned by Lorraine Harvey and bred in the US by Margaret Lucia by the Finnishbred Tsarsjoje’s Tolkai ex Am Ch Del Sol Wyvern Destiny O’Kyrov; the latter was a UK certificate winner. The top non sporting and in fourth place is the Finnish imported Keeshond Ch Lady Godivas Guiltypleasures with Neradmik, imported by Jean Sharp Bale from Annamaija Tuisku in Finland. She is sired by Jean’s big winning Ch Neradmik D’Artagnan ex Fin Ch Lady Godivas Daydream. The whole litter that were successful, including a resident of Malta, are all sired by the top utility Gameboy imported from the USA.
Continued on PAGE 65
64 Dog News
5 8 9 6 10 7 T The Bouvier des Flandres Ch/Dutch Ch Alsadie Freya at Kanix is a BIS winner who has led the working group in the top dogs table. This year she does so in the brood bitch listings. Bred by Janet Hughes, she is owned by Fiona Lambert-they are both co-owners of this year’s top working dog too. She is by the Canadian import Ch/ Dutch Ch Quiches Douglas at Kanix ex the Dutch-bred Ch Lena-Winnie vd Vanenblikhoeve for Alsadie.
There is another non sporting in sixth place, the Akita Echo Star’s Portrait at Redwitch, owned by Jenny and Dave Killilea and Arlene Clure and bred from two Redwitch exports to Sweden by Mirko Lunden, sired by Ch/ Fin/Sw/Norw Ch Redwitch The Heat Is On ex Sw Ch Redwitch Pardon Me Boys. She is the dam of the UK BIS winning Ch Redwitch Born This Way.
The Basenji who led this table overall in 2011 and 2012 and topped the hounds in 2010, Ch/Am Ch Klassics Million Dollar Baby at Tokaji, is seventh in 2013. As a show dog she broke the breed certificate record, was top hound and won a best in show. She was bred in the US by Sue Kite and Jeff Gillespie and is co-owned with them and Dee Hardy and Trish Hallam in the UK. Her 2013 winners included the group winner and top Basenji Ch Tokaji California Dreaming.
Another non sporting is in eighth place, the Japanese Shiba Inu Vormund I’m Star. Bred and owned by Liz Dunhill, she is out of the American import Am Ch Copperdots Momo Vixen at Vormund, imported in whelp to Japanese-bred Am Ch Hirose No Shougun Go Enshuu Hiorosesou. Her progeny includes the new breed record holder Ch Vormund Jean Paul Gaultier and the group winning Ch Vormund Norma Jean. Ninth place is taken by the top gundog, the Italian Spinone Sh Ch Wynsett Dress To Kill for Babbonbrig, owned by the Spencer family and bred by the late Linda Collins by Italian import Epithelium Orocolo with Wynsett ex Sh ch Wynsett Xhibitionist. Another non sporting in tenth place is the white Standard poodle Ch Pitfour Glenugie Over Ice, owned and bred by Debbie Elrick up in Scotland and sired by the Spanish-bred Gib Ch Del Zarzoso Hazlo-Otra-Vez ex Sp/ Gib Ch Namkia Dressed In Ice.
he terrier group is led by the Smooth Fox Terrier Glendraterra Danzatrice, owned and bred by Jenny Thornton and Roger Bebbington and sired by Ch Glendraterra Sundance Kid (sired by Am Ch Sunrise Rascal Fair) ex Ch Glenpower Box Of Tricks. The long Coat Chihuahua heads the toy group in group winner Ch Hollyel’s Topaz Angel, bred and owned by Lesley Adams by Ch Crosshouse Marico for Ballybrooke ex Kimalia Wot A Babe. Dog News 65
Q & A Discussion:
Alan Kalter and Matthew H. Stander CoNtiNueD FRoM page 45
purebred dogs and breed healthy dogs. Participating breeders pledge to make certain that all of their puppies are registered. Since its launch in 2011, Breeder Of Merit breeders have increased their rates of registration sufficient enough to increase AKC registrations by more than 60,000 dogs. on-line Breeder ClAssifieds: We are currently working on helping breeders find good homes for their puppies and prospective owners find good breeders as a source for their puppies. This is an important part of growing registration and sport participation. To help accomplish those goals, the AKC Breeder Classifieds is getting a major overhaul that will deliver a much more consumer-friendly experience and therefore, a better showcase for AKC breeders and a better platform to increase the likelihood that someone searching for a companion animal finds an AKC puppy. Look for the introduction of this great new tool very soon. reGistrAtion mArKetinG And reGistrAtion Bundles: In 2012, AKC launched an effort to directly market registration to the new owners of AKC Registrable puppies. Using state of the art marketing techniques, AKC has been able to convince more and more pet owners to go online or mail in their “blue slips” in order to complete their registration. Marketing campaigns targeting breeders were also implemented to reinforce the importance of puppy buyer registration to the AKC’s ability to grow and support the sport of dogs. Additionally, the AKC has begun to successfully improve the registration value proposition by bundling other services such as AKC Reunite and AKC GoodDog!
66 Dog News
Helpline to the completion of a registration. soCiAl mediA: AKC’s outstanding results in the social media sphere, including Dog Lovers Blog and the AKC Breeders Facebook group, has created multiple platforms for addressing animal rights driven attacks on breeders while also creating a space to show off what is special about those who dedicate their lives to our sport. We have no doubt that defining our sport on our own terms to such a wide audience is having a positive impact on registration rates.
It would appear that your philosophies towards conformation shows is to encourage quantity over quality in virtually every area whether it be territoriality, number of shows to be held, judging standards and the like. What is your opinion of holding competitive conformation shows and what standards other than financial considerations are the foundations of your beliefs? The essence of conformation events is for breeders and owners to evaluate their dog(s) in a competitive atmosphere against the standard for their breed. As a breeder, I believe conformation shows are an important tool in helping to determine a breeding program - much like studying pedigrees and genetics, and utilizing all the applicable health screens. A critical component is a knowledgeable judging community – a priority for Parent Clubs, the AKC Board, AKC Staff, and me. Certainly, there is the sport
component, which makes it exciting, and the social component, which makes it fun. Ensuring the future of Conformation events is a critical commitment of mine. My greatest concern in this area is the sustainability of our All Breed clubs. Many of those clubs are undergoing severe strains today, particularly financial strains. This issue is most evident in our smaller events – those Conformation shows with an entry of less than 500 dogs. I believe it is necessary to help those clubs continue to provide a dog show for the public – a great way to continue our education of the public about purebred dogs. We know that the elimination of a dog show results in lost participation in Conformation. A small portion of the entry is absorbed by other shows, but the majority of the exhibitors simply do not enter a substitute show. We also know that people begin their Conformation journey at a local show. Lose that show and we lose a part of our future forever. Some clubs told us they would be in a much more tenable position if we allowed them to have two shows in one day – amortizing big costs over two revenue opportunities for the club. We are testing that concept now and I believe a number of clubs will benefit significantly. For the exhibitors who choose to participate in both events, it will be a great benefit for them, also. For those who see this as simply a way for AKC to increase our own revenue, let me make this clear: the AKC loses money on events. While events are not a source of excess revenue (profit), they are an important part of our mission. On the other hand, our clubs must be able to make some money on their events in order to be sustainable. Our objective for the two shows in one day program is to help them get to that level. Although you did not ask about other AKC events, it is worth noting the continued success of Agility. It is our second largest and fastest CoNtiNueD oN page 68
Introducing “Ozzy”
Champion from puppy class at 10 months, Grand Champion at 13 months.
Grand Champion Far Isle the Wizard of Bullrinkle We Are Excited By This Young Dog Who Has Type, Movement And Temperament. We Would Like To Thank All The Judges For His Wonderful Wins.
Presented by: Mrs Jane Hobson Owner: Mary O. Hellmers Maryellyn133@aol.com
Breeder Co-owner: Joe Matano farislebm@aol.com Co-owner: Alice Oakerson aot1@aol.com Dog News 67
Q & A Discussion:
Alan Kalter
and Matthew H. Stander
Continued FROM page 66
growing sport, with over 1.1 million entries in 2013. The National Agility Championship had an entry of over 1640 dogs representing 112 breeds from 48 states and Canada. The Championship was held as part of the AKC Companion Events Extravaganza March 27-30 in Harrisburg, PA. Over the four days, a record number of dogs (over 2000) competed in the AKC National Agility Championship, AKC National Obedience Championship and the inaugural AKC Rally National Championship – crowning the first AKC Rally National Champion. In addition, we continue to make strong progress with AKC Canine Good Citizen and our new AKC Community Canine programs. The CGC title was launched last year and already we have applications for 17,000 dogs. The new advanced level of CGC is gaining traction, with over 1000 dogs titled.
What is AKC doing to develop younger people to participate in the sport? The emphasis within the corporation seems to be to ignore the junior participant situation or else to rely only upon competitive situations. Why is there no organization such as exists in the UK which is devoted totally to the development of the younger person with regard to the care, welfare and health of the pedigree dog or any dog for that matter.
We know that families with children 8-12 years old represent a large portion of new dog owners. Connecting with those children, and their parent(s), is a critical outreach program for AKC. Our new website – WOOFipedia, Powered by AKC – was created specifically to reach the younger demographic with content written 68 Dog News
specifically for them. This is the first ever AKC communication program to reach this young demo – and we believe it will have great impact over time in enhancing the desirability of purebred dogs and creating a positive impression of the AKC. We have significantly increased our broad-based reach to teens and young adults in the manner in which they relate to one another and the world – social media, particularly mobile. Our growth in this audience has increased 70%. Winning the hearts and minds of younger people is a path to the future – a path we are finally on and making great progress. Of course, we continue to offer our traditional Junior Showmanship competition, which was introduced in 1932 and became a formal event, governed by regulations in 1971. We enhanced the Junior Showmanship program by recognizing dogs handled by Juniors to a title in any of our 17 other sports with a special certificate of achievement. In addition, we created the National Juniors Organization in 1995 and reach out to state and local 4H Clubs encouraging enrollment. Once enrolled, the Junior receives The AKC Junior E Newsletter, with news and advice relevant to them. We are always investigating new programs that resonate with young people and motivate them. With the help of The Kennel Club, we are evaluating their Young Kennel Club program to determine its applicability to the United States.
What is AKC’s position toward foreign kennel clubs generally and the FCI specifically? A somewhat unannounced meeting was held between AKC and FCI in January which results have never been made public. AKC now will not invite foreign judges to adjudicate at the AENC effective 2015-where are we headed with regard to recognizing and working with foreign kennel clubs and/or organizations?
As for some alleged policy that “AKC now will not invite foreign judges to adjudicate at the AENC effective 2015” - your statement is absolutely and completely false. AKC maintains excellent relationships with other kennel clubs and recognizes approximately 195 registries in 80 countries. We leverage the worldwide attendance at our show in Orlando to meet with leaders of many kennel clubs; we also meet annually with The Kennel Club. We are pursuing opportunities with a number of registries, including the Canadian Kennel Club. We have completed training of judges in Korea and provided many services in China as part of AKC’s Global Services initiative. We also communicate with FCI and met in our office on January 3, 2014, discussing a large array of topics, including judging, changes in societal attitudes, health of dogs, and legislation. One of the results of that meeting was to write to our conformation clubs providing information, under advisement of the FCI Treasurer, addressing the FCI policy on Judges charging clubs. Several points of common interest were discussed. The agenda included topics such as the cooperation between AKC and FCI with regard to the AKC Global Services Program, the communication between AKC and FCI, the list of American native AKC breeds not currently recognized by the FCI, and the list of FCI members from which AKC recognizes pedigrees. Continued on page 72
*All Systems
Check out Kahlua on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaylensKahlua
Dog News 69
Gent From One Day to Two Days Story & Photos By Karl Donvil
2014 As long
as I can remember the show of Gent has always been a one-day show, unique in its concept, interesting for the visitor who can see all the breeds on one day, but not that interesting for everyone. Like the stand holders, they only have one day to make enough return to pay for the stand money. And now judges can be invited to work on two days, thus reducing the number of them, the costs to invite
70 Dog News
and host them and less risk if they seem not that popular for a few breeds. Less space is needed, less halls to be heated, less parking required, etc. There are without a doubt more advantages than disadvantages to spread a show over two days. Gent was also a biennial show. I wonder if that will change in the nearby future. Would be nice as Gent is popular and has enough potential to do it. This was Gent’s 45th edition and probably the start of a new era. Unfortunately, the honorary president, Mr. Pierre Verborgh, could not enjoy the results of the changes he agreed upon, as he died less than 3 weeks before the show. Very few clubs have such nice halls, so
much space and accommodation. Flanders Expo is so large that very big rings can be made and still there is plenty of space around to move, place cages and commercial stands. There was an explicit prohibition to place tables and benches around the rings and that helped a lot. This should be the case on all shows. It is a show and the public that pays a rather huge entry fee has a right to optimal viewing conditions. Some rings were too big for breeds like the Chihuahuas and other toy breeds and the main ring was huge too, good to move around but if you were on the wrong side of the ring and the dogs were lined up on the opposite side, it became difficult to have a good look at them. But this is not really a complaint of course, just something to adjust next time. Who doesn’t love to show his dog floating in the ring and showing his qualities to the judge, and what judge would not be pleased seeing them moving around in optimal conditions, preventing them from making mistakes in their judgments. 2008 was still the best ever year with regard to entries, when they passed the 2000 mark with 70 more. Last edition, two years ago, the number had dropped down to 1758 but this year there was a significant increase again to 1951 dogs. The dogs represented no less Continued on page 93
Dog News 71
Q & A Discussion:
Alan Kalter
and Matthew H. Stander
Continued FROM page 68
Have the intense social media campaigns, which have been alleged to increase AKC’s recognition and acceptance within the general dog owning population, shown any increases directly in financial gains in any area for the Corporation?
The AKC has always seen social media primarily as a communications platform and an engine that allowed us to talk to the millions of dog owners. The social media campaigns were originally laid out as a three year plan based around three key success pillars for each of the three years - year one focusing on reach and audience growth, year two focusing on engagement and sentiment improvement and year three potentially driving revenue. However, the plans altered when we saw unprecedented engagement within the first six months. This allowed us to reset goals and to aggressively accelerate the plan. Within one year, we have obviously improved our audience and reach; have already shown an increase in AKC’s recognition and acceptance within the general dog owning population; and we have seen revenue gains in both direct and indirect revenue. Direct revenue from social media advertising has exceeded expectations in the first six months since opening this channel, has allowed for advertising revenue to increase at a rate of 2X, and the “net new” audience gained is responsible for a significant percentage of the income coming in on current AKC product lines. In addition, our social media program has been cited as 72 Dog News
part of the decisions driving significant revenue from licensing, advertising, and sponsorship arrangements. Indirectly, our social media program, which allows the AKC to directly reach 10 million dog lovers each month, has helped the AKC have a very strong fiscal year in 2013 and a positive outlook in 2014 and beyond. What is important to realize is that social media is just a component of AKC’s multi-channel marketing and communications strategy. Through this program, we reach new audiences and engage all of our customers (the fancy, breeders, dog owners, and dog lovers) in two-way communications, to give them the best experience possible. We welcome people to communicate with us via social media, email, mobile, our web properties, our events, and our PR efforts - or by just picking up the telephone.
What governance changes within AKC do you think should be adopted in order to modernize the workings of AKC and how would you go about implementing any of these changes presuming of course you believe governance changes are in order at all. The AKC Bylaws, which defines AKC’s governance structure and procedures, is basically a 1909 document that has been tweaked and patched for the last century, with specific amendments to the various sections adopted to address a specific issue that had arisen at that time. Major changes to New York State Not-for-Profit Law have recently been adopted
and will become effective over the next several months. We will be carefully reviewing the new law and determine if it will permit us to adopt new Bylaws that will increase our efficiency, or whether the new law would actually mandate changes that would have to be made or should be made. Every successful corporation today requires a governance structure that allows the ability to recruit the best minds with certain expertise and for agile decision-making. Boards of both public corporations and other notfor-profit organizations are able to assemble directors based on specific capabilities. While we have expertise valuable to the AKC within the Delegate body, we artificially limit our choices to about 600 individuals. As good as this resource may be, the option of including a few outside directors would be of significant business benefit. At the moment, the only option we have is an advisory group with specific business expertise – much like the previously established AKC Health & Welfare Advisory Panel – something I am working to establish. The oft-quoted operative phrase in business today is “speed is life.” Our governance process for bringing change to the marketplace is detrimental to growth. The Delegates Field Trial and Hunting Test Committee voted unanimously at their March meeting to consider asking the Delegate body to change from a Rules-based sport to a Regulations-based sport for just that reason. I believe due consideration should be given to both of these issues.
Why did you personally support the elimination of funding for the Canine Health Foundation?
Quite the contrary; I supported providing the AKCCHF with the opportunity to double their donations from $500,000 to $1,000,000 by providing matching funds for each new donor – defined as someone who has not Continued on page 74
Dog News 73
Q & A Discussion:
Alan Kalter
and Matthew H. Stander
Continued FROM page 72
contributed since Jan. 1, 2012. In the recent past, AKC provided over $700,000 annually to AKCCHF - $500,000 as a cash donation, which must be used for health research. Plus AKC gives more than $200,000 of in-kind donations annually, which is made up of various contributions, including free rent. Since the AKCCHF began in 1995, AKC has donated more than all other contributors combined. We moved to the matchinggift approach again this year, as we have done in the past, to encourage and enable AKCCHF to broaden their base of donors. Every year, the AKCCHF approves good health studies to improve canine health, but every year they fall short of the necessary funding to support all of those studies. This shortfall demands an urgent incentive for new donors to give now and for years to come. Additionally, if a donor has an employee matching-gift program as well, every $1 donation becomes $3. Our matching funds commitment will allow AKCCHF to bring in $500,000 of new donor funds this year. Those donors are likely to be repeat donors for many years to come. The expansion of the donor base becomes exponential growth in the ability to fund studies as new donors continue their donations in years to come and more donors are added each year. We notified the AKCCHF Board one year in advance of the decision to provide matching funds to give them adequate time to develop their program for 2014. In addition, I committed to Duane [Dr. Duane 74 Dog News
Butherus, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AKCCHF] to utilize the necessary AKC resources to effectively market the program. I believe Duane and the AKCCHF Board, along with the soon to be hired new CEO, will effectively capitalize on this program to the benefit of all dogs. Success will mean leaving no good study to improve canine health unfunded. What could possibly be better than that?
How much does the Corporation suffer due to the split offices if it suffers at all? How much time if any do you spend in New York and/or North Carolina and how frequently does top management in either location spend in face-toface confrontations?
Management wisely employs daily video conferencing, which enhances communication while significantly minimizing costs. In the past every member of “top management” traveled to New York staying from Sunday to Tuesday evening or Wednesday, sometimes waiting two days in the “bullpen” only to appear in front of the Board for a short time. In reality that resulted in about a dozen or more people traveling up and back at an expense in the neighborhood of $20,000 monthly. Currently only 1 or 2 staff personnel travel for each Board meeting, a dramatic improvement in productivity and an expense reduction of about a quarter of a million dollars annually. I had years of experience running a company with over 1000 team members in 11 offices in three countries, so I fully understand how to learn and contribute without the necessity and wastefulness of inperson meetings.
With the expiration of the leases for both our New York and Raleigh offices in 2019, we have the opportunity to evaluate all of our options based on what is best for the future of the AKC. With Board approval, I established a real estate committee, chaired by Ron Menaker, and asked them to submit a recommendation to the Board this year. I do believe that the freeflow of ideas is critical. Enabling that interchange on a regular, and sometimes informal, basis is extremely desirable.
If you could change anything philosophically about the direction AKC has taken under your leadership as Board Chairman what would that be?
My major philosophical direction includes: • Our recognition that we can no longer stay solely focused on the 400,000 people we have traditionally addressed. As such, we have very successfully enlarged our focus to include the millions of people who have a dog in their lives; allowing us to make new friends and believers every day. • Our earnest commitment to better serve all of our customers. While we are a registry and a regulatory body, we must treat all of our customers efficiently, effectively, and respectfully. Improving on this dimension is a key performance indicator for the AKC. • Our unwavering commitment to a program of relentless positive action, particularly in support of our clubs, our sports, and our registry. Our future demands innovation, which requires a steady stream of ideas; the intelligence to thoughtfully research and analyze them; the will to try them in the marketplace; and the strength to know not all of them will be successful. • Our passionate commitment to publicly and strongly stand up for purebred dogs, their breeders, and their owners – no matter how tough the fight gets. I would not change any of that.
Dog News 75
Crufts 2014
A Question of International Junior Handling STORY & photos by Yossi Guy For junior handlers the world over, taking part in the international junior handling competition at Crufts is the peak of their career. Some will go to any lengths in order to realize this dream, even representing countries other than theirs. This year, the issue was debated by some of the participants and spectators. However, the competition itself was organized smoothly by Liz Cartledge and her colleagues, creating a memorable occasion for all. Continued on page 86
76 Dog News
Nationality
Dog News 77
Underdog Wins “Scrufts”
A litter of street pups.
Rescue Continued FROM page 57
Helmand Province, the Nowzad Rescue made sure Peg, the dog Lewis loved, made the journey back to the UK where she now lives with his family. All four of the clinic’s veterinarians are Afghan nationals, who earned certificates in veterinary medicine. They also received additional training from Susan Chadima, DVM, who spends holidays and vacations there away from her small animal practice in Maine. She volunteers her time by teaching, overseeing and supporting the shelter’s veterinarians so they can learn valuable, new skills. Two of the clinic’s vets are the first women practicing veterinary medicine in Afghanistan. That’s something that would have been unheard of only a few years ago.
If you’re not going to beat them
When brought to the shelter for adoption rather than the trap, spay/ neuter, vaccinate and release program described above, animals are treated by its clinic veterinarians for any illness or injury from which they may be suffering. They’re also inoculated for rabies and distemper, dewormed, and spayed or neutered. Then, a good home is found for them. Of the 650 dogs and cats the rescue has placed since it was founded in 2007, only a small number were abandoned by owners. The majority were feral dogs and cats. “Despite being feral, these dogs readily adapt to life as a pet once they realize you’re not going to beat them,” Farthing says. In addition to adopting out dogs and cats to Afghan locals, The Nowzad Rescue also helps soldiers who have been looking after a dog or puppy and want to get it to a home in the UK or the US. It’s the only organization exporting dogs out of Afghanistan at present. “Before adopting animals out to residents of the UK or US, potential owners there must pass a ‘home check’ to determine if they can provide a suitable environment for a pet. We 78 Dog News
have many supporters in both countries, who help us out by doing these home inspections,” Farthing says. Once an approved home has been found, a dog must be tested for rabies before it can be exported to the UK or the US. Funds also must be raised to pay for its travel expenses.
“Dirty animals”
Dogs weren’t always viewed as likely candidates for pet-keeping in Afghanistan. During the war between Soviet-led Afghan forces and multi-national insurgent groups called the Mujahedeen that began in December 1979 and ended in February 1989, the bodies of dead soldiers littered the roads. Often, the rotting corpses were eaten by packs of stray dogs. Because of that and because dogs were a common source of rabies transmission, the Taliban concluded they were “dirty animals.” Thus contact with them was forbidden after the Taliban came to power. (The above attitude toward dogs is not unique to 20th-century Afghanistan. Dogs also were considered unclean in Biblical times because they scavenged the dead.) “Now that the street dog population is beginning to be controlled and the risk of rabies decreased, Afghan nationals have begun to think about keeping dogs as pets in the same way that we do. They come to us to get their dogs vaccinated and bring in injured dogs they find on the streets. For example, an Afghan brought in a puppy that was hit by a car on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, the little dog, whom we named Noel, had to have his leg amputated because it was badly mangled,” Farthing says.
For more information
The Nowzad Rescue is a nonprofit organization in both the UK (England and Wales) and the US (Illinois). For more information about it or to learn how to make a donation in support of the work it does, those interested may visit its website at http://www.nowzad.com/.
Left for dead by a mob, an Afghan stray beats the odds by making it from the streets of war torn Kandahar to the spotlight at the Crufts Dog Show.
W
ylie was a street dog left for dead by a mob in Kandahar. Locals hacked off his ears and tail, sliced his muzzle open, stabbed him, beat him with wooden sticks, and used him as bait in dogfights. Not satisfied, they threw him under a moving vehicle and left him for dead. “Despite such appalling treatment, he still was one of the friendliest dogs you’d ever meet when he was found by a group of British soldiers. After treating the mongrel’s wounds, they contacted us with the hope we might help get the dog they had named Wylie out of Afghanistan so he could be adopted by an Australian woman,” says Pen Farthing, the founder of The Nowzad Rescue in Kabul. The regulations for importing a dog in Australia are more strict than those of the US or UK. As a result, it was decided that Wylie would be better off if he was sent to the UK first. Once he passed quarantine there, then, he would be sent to Australia. But that was not to be. While he was in quarantine in the UK, Australia further Wylie, the intensified its already savagely strict quarantine laws by beaten stray, later went on requiring more tests. “We knew Wylie didn’t to win Best Crossbreed have enough antibodies Rescue at to pass all of the blood “Scrufts.” tests that Australia now required,” Farthing says. “We were sure he would fail quarantine in Australia even after he passed it in the UK. So, Wylie was placed in a home in the UK instead.” After six months of quarantine in 2011, Wylie was adopted by Sarah Singleton of Yeovil, Somerset. Three years later, he went on to win Best Crossbreed Rescue of the Year in the Scrufts Competition that is part of the prestigious Crufts Dog Show. Singleton believes he beat the other 1,200 entrants because he is so loving and trusting despite the unspeakable cruelty he experienced.
Dog News 79
o s ip s G column the
BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS
G
reat news‌the DETROIT KENNEL CLUB is coming back with a new date, location and companion show. Teaming up with the MACOMB KENNEL CLUB (its shows will be held on Thursday & Friday June 18th & 19th, 2015 unbenched) and the Detroit Kennel Club will be held on Saturday & Sunday, June 20th & 21st, 2015 and will be benched. The new venue is the Suburban Show Place in Novi, Michigan. This fourday weekend will afford the citizens of Detroit the opportunity to attend quality dog shows and help promote pure bred dogs in a large city with a large attendance record. Welcome back, we missed you. The results in trickle down economy of big business are looking rather dim for the sponsorship of dog shows. It was announced on Wednesday that the American division of pet food companies IAMS & EUKANUBA were sold by PROCTOR & GAMBLE (P&G) to the MARS COMPANY, the candy makers that are the owners of PEDIGREE DOG FOOD. If MARS continues down its path of not sponsoring dog shows, it will soon be the end of EUKANUBA sponsorship as we know it. This will be a big blow to shows that rely heavily on their sponsorship. The biggest of these and most prestigious is the AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP show. The 2.9 billion dollar sale does not include the European
80 Dog News
part of the business, which is also for sale. As no announcements have been made to the public, the question of dog show sponsorship is still unanswered, but to say it looks bleak is being kind. Two talented successful young handlers, MADDY ARONEY & ADAM PETERSON, have announced their wedding date, May 15th, to take place in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. MADDY will be attended by another talented handler, ANGIE LLOYD. All of us at DOG NEWS send our very best wishes. MICHELLE DOUGHERTY, wife of judge MICHAEL DOUGHERTY, will debut her decade long passion of creating bonsai (artistic living miniature trees, an art that was practiced by the late handler/judge JERRY RIGDEN) with her WINDSONG MUSEUM OF TREES, along with other bonsai artists. The initial presentation will be open to the public and will be held April 18th thru 20th from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. at the Centre Escondido (home of the Lexus Escondido and Vintana restaurant) 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido, California 92029. RICHARD BEAUCHAMP, American cocker spaniel breeder and the former editor of the defunct KENNEL REVIEW magazine has passed away. In addition to his work in the magazine, he in partnership with the late PAULINE WATERMAN and JOE WATERMAN brought the Bichon Frise to the American fancy, a formula he followed with Shar Pei. Following other failed publishing efforts, he retired from publishing and became a popular judge of the sporting, toy and non sporting groups and several other breeds.
Dog News 81
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*Number Two overall, All Systems
Dog News 83
CLICK Grea ter Orange Park Dog Club By Marcelo Veras
84 Dog News
Dog News 85
Crufts 2014
A Question of Nationality International Junior Handling Continued FROM page 76
The junior handling competition judge, Dr. Tamas Jakkel, is the most distinguished judge in Hungary, an allround judge who bred Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds. “I started off in dogs in 1972 when I was 14,” recalled Dr. Jakkel. “They didn’t have junior handling in those days, so I immediately entered the ring with all the more experienced handlers. As long as I didn’t win, they were nice enough, but when I was lucky enough to win they stopped being supportive. That is why I strongly believe in junior handling because the atmosphere is different and enables the younger generation to ease into the dog world. “Now, after all these years, I believe that if we want to continue with dog sports we need to attract the youth and things such as junior handling competitions are the way to do it. This type of get-together gives them an opportunity to make personal contacts. It costs a lot of money to come here, but in the long run it’s worth it. “All the junior handlers here were well trained. Not all were lucky with the dogs they were paired with since some dogs did not behave very well in the ring. If you handle a dog that behaves well it perhaps looks good, but the way you tackle problems in the ring is important and gives you a chance to show what you are really like. “A good handler is the type of person I don’t notice. I looked for handlers who make their dog happy. My greatest problem is with unnatural behavior, stiff smiles, artificial gestures. “My winner, the Canadian boy, was excellent both in the morning and in the final and used the ring in the right way. 86 Dog News
He had the natural style I was looking for. The runner-up girl from Lithuania was a little on the showy side, but was also an excellent handler. The Thai boy who placed third exhibited passion for handling. I could see he had experience showing dogs of many breeds.”
G
emma Rushton from New Zealand is 15 years old and represented her country in the competition. “I was raised with St. Bernards and we now have two of them as well as four Pekingese. I got my first Pekingese when I was 8 and made him a champion. I was the youngest in the ring and they didn’t notice me that much. “I began to compete in junior handling at the age of 8. We have a very high standard of competition. In order to win and qualify for Crufts we have to do heats, then we go to the nationals and after that the finals. We have interviews where we learn to speak in a positive way. We don’t have professional handlers in New Zealand so everyone is willing to help out. “I was very excited to come to Crufts. It’s amazing – I was surprised and honored to be here. I chose to handle an Australian Shepherd because I handle my friend’s dog in New Zealand and feel confident with the breed. I didn’t raise my expectations up too high because I knew the result depended more on the judge. “The best thing I’m taking back with me is the meeting with the guys. Everyone here was very nice,” concluded Gemma. Colton O’Shea, 18, from Canada,
was placed first in this year’s competition. “In order to represent Canada, I had to win the junior handling national. We have 13 zones and by qualifying in a class you can go to the zone competition and then the national.” It is Colton’s second time at Crufts and it definitely made a difference for him. “I was here last year. This time I knew how to handle my nerves better. I expected too much last year and was disappointed when I didn’t make the cut. I knew that if I made the cut I could stand a chance. I’m really proud to bring it back to Canada because I got a lot of support.” When asked about his past and future, Colton said: “My mom’s husband had German Short Haired Pointers and he introduced me to the world of dog shows. I didn’t succeed to begin with, but still enjoyed it and I love dogs. For the past 5 years I have been working for a professional handler, Allison Foley. I would like to breed Standard Poodles in the future.” One of the more eye-catching figures in the past two years has been the Thai representative, Supasin “Mind” Khajompraphasun, who besides being an exceptional handler is among the most polite and well behaved people in the dog show world, always smiling and happy. Supasin is definitely a determined young man who actually flew all the way from his homeland to England on his own, without the customary adult accompaniment.
I asked Supasin “Mind” Khajompraphasun these questions: Do your parents have dogs? What breed? My parents have many dogs and many breeds. We have English Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Min Pinschers, Basenjis and small dogs. We have Poms and Chihuahuas and of course my wonderful Thai breed the Thai Ridgeback Dog. At what age did you start handling? I started to practice when I was just 4 years. My dad bought a Whippet for me and it was my birthday gift, too. At which big shows did you handle in the regular ring and in JH? Did you win? I usually go to the World Show, the European show and Crufts. I went to World Shows in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013. I got all the World Champion and BOB titles and I also was group 3rd in Paris and group 2nd in Salzburg with my Thai Ridgeback dog and in the junior handling competition I always was a finalist. I was very happy with the placing. I went to just two European Shows, 2012 and 2013. In
2012 I got European Winner and Junior European Winner and was selected in the group and Junior was the Best in Group Junior and runner up Best Junior in show. Last year Geneva I got my first BEST IN SHOW with my own dog in Europe under the President of FCI Mr. Rafael Santiago and I was in the final 10 at Crufts for the first time and this year I was 3rd place there. It’s so amazing! What is so special about Crufts? Crufts is very nice show for me, especially the Junior Handling competition here. I can meet many good friends who are also in love with showing dogs from other countries in the world and won the competition in their countries. Is handling in Thailand different from Europe and how? Not really, here we have 2 types for our breed, American and European. But we have many good handlers and strong show dogs. That’s why even though we do not have many dogs we still have a strong line up for Best in Show.
“Importing and exporting bloodlines is good for our dog world and I am not suggesting this is a bad thing for the World Challenge.”
O
ne of the issues that engaged many of the participants and spectators this year was the fact that a large number of countries were represented by junior handlers who are not local citizens. This included Turkey, Cyprus, Azerbaijan and others. On a Facebook page for judges, the subject was raised. Some claimed they would never agree to non-citizens representing their country while others noted the competition was actually among the human participants and it just enabled more of the world’s top junior handlers to take part in this most prestito sponsor their exhibit for gious event. a year in another country.... One judge took the say Kenya, Monaco or Guadiscussion quite far by temala or The Philippines all writing: “This question mentioned above.” brings to my mind the “It was a particularsituation in Florida with ly good Crufts this year, I the World Challenge. thought,” said Liz Cartledge, Each country can be the organizer. “Happy atrepresented by its top mosphere all round and an dog. However, it seems excellent BIS line up. The this too is creating a junior’s dinner was nice too.” situation where the top Ms. Cartledge broached dog of one country may the issue of representation be ‘owned’ in another by non-citizens: “The topic country. Importing and has been raised a few times exporting bloodlines is regarding competing juniors good for our dog world who represent countries othand I am not suggester than their own in the IJH fiing this is a bad thing nal. Way back it started with for the World ChalMonaco, a country which lenge. Just that it is like does not have its own junior the handling situation handlers. Now others have that is talked about followed suit with Guatemahere. What I worry la, Puerto Rico, Philippines, about is what happens Montenegro, etc.” when things are taken “I don’t have a problem to extremes. For examwith this at all - We are talkple, at Crufts many of ing about keen, very enthuthe Best of Breed Terrisiastic young handlers - with ers seem to come from sometimes ambitious and the USA. The USA have keen parents who can afford great Terriers - great to encourage their children dogs. Only one USA to pursue their hobby. Our dog can represent the Kennel Club likes to have as USA at the World Chalmany different countries replenge. What is there to resented as possible, makstop some of the very ing it a very cosmopolitan wealthy USA owners event.” Dog News 87
American Kennel Club Reveals The Most Important Questions To Ask When Getting A Dog From A Shelter Spring has arrived, and the warmer months often prove an ideal time for families to add a pet to their homes. The season can also generate an influx of dogs to shelters as a result of owners who brought home holiday puppies before fully considering the responsibility. Potential owners should always do their research in advance to see what breed best fits their lifestyle, and when acquiring a dog from a shelter, there are very important questions to ask. “Adding a dog to your home is a major life decision,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “It’s important to be armed with a checklist of questions so you can be educated on whether a particular dog will be right for you, for the life of the dog.” The American Kennel Club (AKC®) reveals the responsible and necessary questions to ask a shelter before bringing a new dog into your home. Why is this dog in a shelter? Was he surrendered by the previous owner, is it a stray, or a rescue? Why did the owner surrender him? If he was a stray, where was he found and in what condition? Is the dog from the local area? Is the dog here because of an animal cruelty charge against its previous owner? What was the health condition of the dog when he was brought to the shelter? Has this dog been adopted out before? How long has the dog been in the shelter? What veterinary care has the dog received since arriving at the shelter and can you provide copies of the records? Is the dog housebroken? Does the dog get along well with kids or other pets and how does he act around strangers? Does the dog have suitable good manners that I could take away his food
bowl while eating or remove his toy while playing? What training and socialization has the dog received since entering the shelter? Can he walk calmly on a leash in public or does he need more training? Does this dog require any special medical care, ongoing treatment, dietary restrictions, or additional socialization? Will the shelter take this dog back if it doesn’t work out with my family? No matter where you decide to get your new pup, potential owners should always ask questions and do their research. To learn how to find a responsible breeder and what you should look for log on to http://www. akc.org/press_center/facts_stats. cfm?page=responsible_breeder. If you’re looking to add an adult purebred dog to your home, visit the AKC Rescue Network to find a breed rescue group in your area. Jessica Rice New York, NY Kennel Club Expresses Serious Concerns On Canine Cloning Tonight’s programme, ‘The £60,000 Puppy: Cloning Man’s Best Friend’ on Channel 4, highlights the issue of canine cloning, an issue which is of particular concern to the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club is strongly against the principle of cloning as it jeopardises dog welfare and runs contrary to the Kennel Club’s objective to promote in every way the general improvement of dogs. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “People may turn to cloning when faced with the loss of a beloved pet and the need to replicate
the emotional bond they have with their dog but unfortunately this comes at a price and the price is the welfare implications involved in cloning.” At the present time cloning involves invasive procedures, which include surgically implanting the embryo into the bitch used to carry the clone. Because of the poor success rates this procedure may be repeated multiple times, in many different bitches, in order to produce a successful outcome. Furthermore, the dog carrying the embryos will have to suffer the effects of unsuccessful pregnancies such as losing embryos and newborns. Caroline continues: “It is important to remember that cloning can only replicate genetic material and cloned animals will most likely develop different personalities and be a very different dog to the dog that is cloned. In addition to this, there is a high probability of abnormality in the puppy if things go wrong. “We are genuinely shocked at the concept of the competition and the trivialisation of this issue, as we believe most caring dog owners will be. The idea that the emotional bond with a dog that has passed away is being put above the welfare of the dog or dogs involved in producing the cloned pet is appalling. The ethics involved in this are undoubtedly questionable and we would urge people to take a stand against the practice.” The Kennel Club is committed to supporting responsible dog breeding using traditional breeding practices and new initiatives such as Mate Select so that improvements can be made to ensure better health for future generations of dogs. Laura Quickfall London, England Late Answer To This Week’s Question Of The Week: Alan Kalter wrote in his January 24th CHAIRMAN’S REPORT that “WOOFipedia” launched on November 2013 “is AKC’s solution for the younger generation to both learn about breeds and responsible dog ownership, as well as to share engaging moments and activities between them and their dogs”. HAVE YOU LOOKED AT “WOOFipedia” AND IF SO WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO IT? IF NOT--WHY NOT? Armando Angelbello: Frankly, I had not heard about it, and couldn’t access the site from my current location.
“And remember, when you don’t fit in, be sure to stand out!”
88 Dog News
CORRECTION: The photos featured in the Click - March Madness that were published in the April 4, 2014 issue were taken by JC Photography, not Booth Photography.
CLUSTER GOLD COAST PRESENTS Three Akc All Breed Shows On One Site
Planting Fields Arboretum The Famed Oyster Bay, New York Ladies Kennel Association of America Friday May 16, 2014
All-Breed Conformation Show, Obedience and Rally Trials JUDING PANEL:
Saturday May 17, 2014
All-Breed Conformation Show, Obedience and Rally Trials Best Puppy in Show
C K LI
The Long Island Kennel Club Sunday May 18, 2014
All-Breed Conformation Show Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show Junior Clinic And Luncheon
BEST IN SHOW Ms. A. A. Czech JUDING PANEL: SPORTING Group: Mrs. C. P. Patterson BEST IN SHOW Ms. S. C. Way JUDGING PANEL: Mrs. S. D. Limoges: Pntr-GS SPORTING Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges BEST IN SHOW Mr. W. J. Coombs Ms. S. A. Parr: Ret-Lab Mrs. C. P. Patterson: Pntr-GS SPORTING Group: Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz Mrs. C. P. Patterson: Balance of Sporting Breeds Mrs. S. D. Limoges: Balance of Sporting Breeds Ms. S. C. Way: Ret-Curl, Ret-Flat, Ret-Gold, Set-Irsh HOUND Group: Mr. W. J. Coombs HOUND Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges Rd&Wh, Span-Boykin, Span-Ckr, Span-Eng Ckr, Mr. W. J. Coombs: All Hound Breeds Mrs. S. D. Limoges: All Hound Breeds Span-Suss, Span-Wel Spr WORKING Group: Ms. S. C. Way WORKING Group: Mr. W. J. Coombs Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz: Balance of Sporting Breeds Mrs. N. H. Coombs: Grt Pyr, Newf, Sam, Sib Hky Mr. W. J. Coombs: All Working Breeds HOUND Group: Ms. S. C. Way Ms. S. C. Way: Balance of Working Breeds TERRIER Group: Mrs. C. P. Patterson P. Guilfoyle: Afghan TERRIER Group: Ms. S. C. Way Mrs. C. P. Patterson: All Terrier Breeds Ms. S. C. Way: Balance of Hound Breeds Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz: Cairn, Fox Ter (Smooth), Fox Ter TOY Group: Ms. A. A. Czech WORKING Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges (Wire), Norwich Norfolk, Wst Highlnd Ms. A. A. Czech: All Toy Breeds Mrs. S. D. Limoges: All Working Breeds Ms. S. C. Way: Balance of Terrier Breeds NON-SPORTING Group: M. B. Calltharp TERRIER Group: Mr. D. J. Murphy TOY Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges Mrs. J. Goldstein: Kees Mr. D. J. Murphy: All Terrier Breeds Mrs. S. D. Limoges: All Toy Breeds M. B. Calltharp: Balance of Non-Sporting Breeds TOY Group: Mr. C. Winslow NON-SPORTING Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges HERDING Group: Mrs. S. D. Limoges P. Guilfoyle: Pood Toy Mrs. S. D. Limoges: All Non-Sporting Breeds Mrs. N. H. Coombs: Pyre Shep Mr. C. Winslow: Balance of Toy Breeds HERDING Group: Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz Mrs. S. D. Limoges: Balance of Herding Breeds NON-SPORTING Group: Ms. A. A. Czech Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz: All Herding Breeds MISCELLANEOUS Group: Ms. S. C. Way P. Guilfoyle: Pood MISCELLANEOUS Group: Ms. A. A. Czech Ms. S. C. Way: All Miscellaneous Breeds Ms. A. A. Czech: Balance of Non-Sporting Breeds Ms. A. A. Czech: All Miscellaneous Breeds OBEDIENCE TRIAL CLASSES HERDING Group: Ms. A. A. Czech OBEDIENCE TRIAL CLASSES Mr. J. J. Ham: Nov A, Nov B, Open A, Open B, Util Ms. A. A. Czech: All Herding Breeds Mrs. B. H. Humer: Nov A, Nov B, Open A, Open B, A, Util B MISCELLANEOUS Group: Mr. W. J. Coombs Util A, Util B JR SHOWMANSHIP: Mrs. V. M. Westfield-Slowik Mr. W. J. Coombs: All Miscellaneous Breeds JR SHOWMANSHIP: Mrs. N. H. Coombs SWEEPS VETERANS: Span-Eng Spr JR SHOWMANSHIP: D. Kipp SWEEPS PUPPY: Span-Eng Spr Gail Schuljan SWEEPS PUPPY: Afghan SWEEPS VETERANS: Span-Eng Spr SWEEPS PUPPY: Span-Eng Spr Dr. Alan Santos SWEEPS PUPPY: Pntr-GS Gail Schuljan Morgan Mattioli Spacious Parking Available Reduced entry fee Juniors all three days SWEEPS VETERANS: Pntr-GS Motor Homes Welcome Reduced Puppy and Bred By Exhibitor fees Morgan Mattioli SWEEPS PUPPY: Kerry ENTRIES FOR ALL SHOWS CLOSE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 • MB-F Super Barbara Saylor SWEEPS PUPPY: Ret-Lab For Information on the LIKC Junior Handler Luncheon, please see page 61 in this week’s Dog News. Janet Bunce SWEEPS VETERANS: Ret-Lab Directions to Planting Fields Arboretum: Long Island Expressway to Exit 41 North Janet Bunce or Northern State Parkway to Exit 35 North. Proceed north on Route 106 towards Oyster Bay. SWEEPS PUPPY: Afghan Turn left onto 25A Northern Boulevard. Make first right onto Mill River Road. Anna Stromberg-Franzoso
Follow green & white signs to the Arboretum on Planting Fields Road.
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than 16 nationalities, including 75 dogs (!) from the United Kingdom, and a few from Denmark, Poland, Russia, Spain and Czech Republik, Sweden, Hungary and even three from Israel and also three from the United States. The 20 judges included 9 from Belgium. The rest represented 9 nationalities. They were all pleased with the high quality of our ring stewards. They are very efficient since there are courses organized to train them. Besides that Belgium has a tradition of teaching 4 languages in school, which is a big help for the judges from abroad. In general all judges were able to work in a relaxed tempo as none of them was overloaded. One exception was Mr. Ranea Munill Francisco from Spain. He had Retrievers to judge on Saturday and that resulted in 93 entries for him. On Sunday he finished the day after having judged 92 dogs, including 23 Swiss White Shepherds. Both days together turned him into the best scoring judge of the show. Mrs. Monica Kuriate-Okarmus came from Poland to find 43 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in her ring on Sunday. She had a total of 71 dogs on Saturday and 63 on Sunday. Mr. Mariano Di Chicco from Italy had popular breeds, 54 Cane Corsos on Saturday, and 29 American Staffordshires plus 35 Staffordshire Bull
“I wonder how many forthcoming editions it will take before this show will be organized every year.”
Terriers on Sunday. His weekend score was 118 dogs. Mr. Philippe Fortemps from Belgium judged on Saturday only. He had 101 Spaniels in his ring. From the United Kingdom Gent welcomed Mr. Robin Saerle to judge 36 Bulldogs on Saturday and 75 dogs, including 50 Border Collies, on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Beare crossed the channel from Ireland. Mrs. Berry Beare finished the third best scoring judge. Saturday was her busiest day when she had 39 Chinese Cresteds and 37 Chihuahuas to go over. Her weekend finished after 130 dogs passed her ring. Her husband Andrew Beare had the honor to judge Best In Show. After a relatively relaxing Saturday he had 101 entries to examine on Sunday. This big number was thanks to 28 Dalmatians and 39 Rhodesian Ridgebacks. And after 165 dogs he was not finished yet as the 10 Group winners were lined up for him around 6 o’clock for the BIS judging. His 3rd BIS was a Dalmatian that he judged earlier that day. It was a Swedish import,
“In general all judges were able to work in a relaxed tempo as none of them was overloaded.”
“Solbo’s Lalicia”, a 5 year-old bitch that was entered in Open Class. Lalicia was bred by Radojicic and is owned by Van Mol- Van Den Bosch Paul from Belgium. Her group judge was Mrs. Liliane De Ridder- Onghena, who was a Dalmatian breeder herself. Out of 28 Newfoundlanders Mr. Patrich Galvin from the UK chose Mr. Didier Haeck’s Champion “New Angels Kisstheboy” to be BOB. Mr. Gustaaf Van Den Bosch from Belgium made him BOG. That was on Saturday. His return was worth it as he finished ResBIS. Kisstheboy is a 3 year-old male, entered in Champion Class and bred and owned by Mr. Didier Haeck. Mr. Beare chose a BOB that was judged on Saturday by his own wife. She judged the 18 Whippets and picked out an Intermediate Class dog “Nelson of Gentle Mind”, a dog bred by Demmerling-Bartusch from Germany, two years ago. The dog is owned by Mr. Dominique Delabelle, who won several BIS and is a successful breeder himself. Mrs. Kitty Sjong from Denmark recognized his qualities too and made him BOG. I wonder how many forthcoming editions it will take before this show will be organized every year. It would be nice as this is certainly one of our better shows in Belgium and a show that has the best potential to grow into one of the biggest, too. Dog News 93
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• All dog registries should consider forming a volunteer “Professional Association” (PA) to standardize the various dog specs, standards and policies. • Registries should accept the “Designed Dogs” as purebred, only when two recognized purebred dogs are mated, in the “Designer Breed” category. (This is not an all-inclusive listing, but only to get registries thinking) You see, from the beginning of time, Americans have always wanted to get what they paid for. As Steven Dietz put it, “Getting your money’s worth is not enough. Get your heart and mind’s worth.” So, are the puppy customers getting what they pay for, when registering their dogs, a healthy quality dog at a reasonable price? Additionally, one need only to surf the Internet, or talk to John Q. Public, to continue getting a glimpse of this newly found attitude, when it comes to registering puppies. Still, apparently, registration affiliation, breeding or showing the dog is no longer of any concern. Some registries, especially the most prestigious constituents, have always found delight in being an elitist group. However, one must find a “happy medium” when it comes to offering quality healthy puppies, at a reasonable fee. The main hypothesis should always be based on increasing quality. While the lesser concept, if not careful, may end up being based on revenues from a greater volume of inferior goods. Can the dog registries regain the public’s trust, and continue realizing their fair market share? I think so. Basically, in today’s environment, the prospective puppy buyer is only looking at two important factors, cost and quality. When these goals appear to be accomplished, regardless if the animal is a lovable mixed breed, or the offspring of a champion, guess who gets the bid. Cost is of great concern. WalMart, the nation’s largest retailer, found this out and decided to do
All in the Family something about the economy strain, by “Rolling Back Prices”. Reputable breeders often times are hard to deal with and seem to charge too much for average dogs, thus prospective puppy buyers are turned away. And guess what, the puppies are not registered with the prestigious breeder’s registry. Quality is a major issue, as well. Questions of health and safety surface, due to a number of reasons. What about the quality of import dogs? What about breeders that foster genetic disease and bad temperaments, by overpopulating the dog industry? And when breeders and registries only confirm that the dog and puppy offspring are purebred dogs, but fail to certify the quality and health of the puppies, why should the puppy customers pay more for a registered dog? Then there’s the “feel good” convoluted theory of adopting that poor mistreated shelter animal. The dog owning public had much rather adopt a dog from a shelter, as this gives one a purposeful meaning for rescuing a dog in need of love and attention, at a reasonable cost. This entire psychology rests within the false public relations advertisements brought on by the numerous not-for-profit dog activist sycophantic groups. In my city, one of the biggest attractions is the annual “Dog Dazes”. People come from miles around to show off their dogs and visit the many dog rescue booths. And guess what, no valid rightful dog registry display booths were to be
found. You see, the fallacies presented by the so-called not-for-profit dog activist groups must always be exposed in a very tactful manner, as to not alienate the general dog buying public. Today, dog registries are being forced to make tough choices, not the least of which is how to meet the customer’s needs with reduced resources. Registries have adjusted staffing and programs, while continuing to respond to increasing demands for services by customers. A corporative effect, on the part of all registries, would go a long way in responding to these concerns. However, due to some registries being notfor-profit while others are listed as profit organizations, this suggestion may be rather difficult to accomplish. Author’s Post Script Rather radical thoughts, wouldn’t you say ? However, well established registries, like the AKC, could possibly lead the way in moving to the forefront. After all, AKC started this crazy dog business over a hundred years ago. Classic cars are great. However, I don’t think A Model “T” Ford would hold up against a modern day Honda SUV. Do you? Registries are very good and serve a useful purpose. However, they are not the dog panacea. Let’s say that the new car you bought gave you nothing but trouble. Who would you call? Who would you blame? Who would you expect to be responsible for making sure that someone else didn’t have the same problem? The dealer, the salesman, or the license bureau? The dog registries are comparable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. So, while it is easy to turn your anger toward the registries, you must look at the alternatives. After all, dog registries are simply record keeping entities. So, who do you trust? As long as you do your homework and take the time to search for a reputable breeder, you stand a very good chance of obtaining a healthy dog that was raised in a healthy environment. Yes, I love my former livelihood, AKC, and would do anything to help the advancement of the “purebred” dog initiatives. However, we all must simply take our heads out of the sand. What do you think? Dog News 95
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M re Richard Beauchamp, The Sale To Mars, Woofipedia...
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Monte but to our friends at the Confectionery company Mars, owners of Pedigree and Royal Canin. The European market is excluded from the sale and P&G is said to be working on alternate plans to sell its Pet Care business in EU countries. The regions included in the sale account for 80% of P&G Pet Care’s global sales. Whiska and Banfield are other brands in the pet industry owned by Mars. How this will affect the show dog industry insofar as supporting dog shows is unknown but it is anticipated that based upon Pedigree’s virtual total withdrawal from this side of the business dog clubs and AKC can expect to be hit hard by the loss of monetary support. Mars’ known antipathy towards the purebred dog and its total realignment in supporting institutions only affiliated with the adoption of dogs rather than in the breeding of dogs casts a cloud for those clubs needing financial support for survival from food companies. Hopefully either some saner heads will prevail at Pedigree and we will see a shift in corporate attitude which supports both ends of the dog world or that whoever is retained under the new corporate realignment at IamsEukanuba will be able to convince new management of the need for a dual approach to the situation. Time will tell but good news for our end of the sport this news seems not to be.
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have been disappointed with AKC’s WOOFipedia pages, which fact should make those who founded the pages and the concept of those pages rather happy. I am obviously not within the demographics of those to whom WOOFipedia was intended to appeal to. Which depending to whom you listen are the young marrieds with a child looking for their first dog or single females in the 24-32 year old category. I do not see how WOOFipedia is going to help AKC financially. This totally escapes me notwithstanding some early sales success of a dog’s goody bag at I think the price was $40!! Whether or not these WOOFipedia pages will result in a surging interest in AKC dogs and products such that financially AKC will benefit in giant increases of income seems doubtful to me at best. That it may generate more of an interest in AKC dogs is certainly a possibility and that it may help to restore AKC’s image as less of an elitist organization are both possibilities. But I certainly hope that this is not where the giant spending of a large sum of monies is going to go in hopes of creating outside revenues for AKC. It just does not seem overly secure an area to risk the sums of monies I have been hearing is contemplating being spent to develop these areas of social media.
“Mars’ known antipathy towards the purebred dog and its total realignment in supporting institutions only affiliated with the adoption of dogs rather than in the breeding of dogs casts a cloud for those clubs needing financial support for survival from food companies..”
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n this issue there is a so-called Interview I conducted with the Board Chairman. It was not an interview in the true sense of what I consider an interview but a request on Alan’s part to have his say and to take strong stands on certain issues and theories he has about AKC. How this discourse came about is interesting in that at Westminster Alan approached me with the idea of an interview. Eventually he decided that the best format would be for me to submit 10 Questions to him, which he in turn would answer without any editorial changes. It took a bit of negotiating on the Questions to be asked in the sense that his desire was to have the questions as issue specific as possible while I was more interested in getting in more thoughts about the personality and personal sides of the man. Eventually this was compromised out and in this issue Alan’s elegant writing style succeeds in answering those questions with unfortunately no room for me to refute or even question what he had to say. Nonetheless I consider this discourse to be a good one which certainly opens the door for the Fancy to raise its own thoughts about the questions I raised and to Alan’s responses to them. I will in the future ask more questions regarding his answers. Hopefully he will reply in kind. Dog News 97
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