Dog News - May 10, 2024

YORKIE ALL SYSTEMS BEST IN SHOW WINNER

YTCA NATIONAL SPECIALTY WINNER

MULTIPLE RESERVE BEST IN SHOW WINNER

Our sincere appreciation to all the judges who have recognized Louis’ fine qualities and breed type.

BIS MBISS GCHS SAMOURAI DU DOMAINE DE MONDERLAY

Breeder: Marc Mansuet • Handler: Daron Newcomb

148TH ANNUAL

WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW THE

We are thrilled to welcome exhibitors and spectators back to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York this year. This iconic venue will host more than 3,000 champion and performance dogs in various events over three exciting days of competitions for the coveted Best in Show and Master performance titles, on May 11, 13, & 14.

The events commence with Canine Celebration Day on Saturday, where we will showcase the excitement and teamwork that only Masters Agility and Masters Obedience Championships can bring. We will also feature a variety of showstopping activities including dock diving, herding, scent work, and an interactive breed showcase with more than 40 dog breeds for spectators to learn more about.

Our 148th Annual Dog Show on Monday and Tuesday will feature 2,500 champion dogs from across the country as well as internationally, competing to take home the Best in Show title. This year also marks the 90th anniversary of our Junior Showmanship competition, which prepares young dog sport enthusiasts for future success in the sport.

A special thank you to all preservation breeders, owners, handlers, sponsors, and partners for their ongoing support of this extraordinary celebration of canine companionship. A special thank you to FOX Sports for bringing these incredible dogs to a wide audience of dog lovers; and to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the use of their beautiful, sprawling grounds.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has always been a unique experience enjoyed by so many, and we are proud to continue this legacy into our 148th season. We wish everyone a magical time!

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OYSTER BAY PUBLICATIONS, LLC

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CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

Bo Bengtson • Andrew Brace • Carlotta Cooper

Geoff Corish • Barbara Fawver • Michael Faulkner

Merry Fitzgerald, DVM • Denise Flaim

Vincent Indeglia • Amy Kiell Green

Margaret Poindexter • Yossi Guy • Vince Hogan

Sidney Marx • Desmond J. Murphy • M. J. Nelson

Patricia Trotter • Jacob Waters • Nick Waters

WESTMINSTER. There’s Only One®

Dog News Magazine is sent to all AKC-approved Conformation Judges with more than five breeds and who have adjudicated at a licensed AKC show within the past three years on a complimentary basis every week. 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. Copyright 2024 Oyster Bay Publications LLC

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

LastSunday’s running of the 150th Kentucky Derby, the oldest sporting event in the United States, is now in the history books, with the photo-finishing winner Mystic Dan. We now anxiously await the winner of the secondoldest continuous sporting event in the United States — the Westminster Kennel Club. We allow the problems that Westminster incurred when the remodeling of its historical home, Madison Square Garden, left no room for the benching.

A move was imminent, and to keep that place in history the powers-that-be at the time relocated to a venue they were very familiar with, Lyndhurst, and then to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Other clubs are not so fortunate to have the resources and working talent necessary to address dropping entries and dwindling venue sites. In a recent conversation, the former president and show chairman of a local club says they now find themselves in this situation, citing out-of-theway show venues, falling entries and an aging club membership. Discussions on finally facing the sad but realistic decision to disband the club, stop hosting dog shows and donate what monies are left to dog-related charities are becoming more the norm

than years ago. If the intentions of the current membership are to disband, what prevents another ambitious person from resurrecting that recently dissolved club? Do the current caretakers of the name of the club have the right to keep it from not being resurrected, or is it up for grabs, taking advantage of the club’s storied history and keeping it as their own? Does the American Kennel Club protect these clubs’ names? Once disbanded, should there be a required amount of time until the club can be reactivated? What becomes of the challenge trophies and other club belongings, and how are they disposed of? There are a lot of questions and big decisions to address before the close of that final chapter of a club’s history. But these are thoughts for another day. This week it’s all Westminster … from the obedience and agility competitors over the weekend and the conformation judging on Monday and Tuesday of the coming week. No doubt we will see you there … Safe travels and best of luck at the show.

By Yossi Guy

The 2024 WDPA Photographer Awards Photo Finish

THE WORLD DOG PRESS ASSOCIATION, OR WDPA, is an international organization for professional dog

This year’s judges are related to the dog world with some experience in photography.

Ms. Lidija Oklescen (Slovenia), an FCI judge

2. Tereza Šubertová

By Merry Fitzgerald, DVM

Vaginal Hyperplasia and Prolapse

What is vaginal prolapse?

If you see excess tissue protruding from the vulva of your female dog, it may be the result of vaginal prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia. These conditions occur during estrus, or the heat cycle, as a result of increased fluid in the tissue of the vagina.

Although vaginal prolapse and vaginal hyperplasia have a similar appearance of a pink, fleshy mass in the dog’s vulva, they are not the same.

A prolapse is where the vaginal tissue is everted, or turned inside out of the body. The process is similar to turning a sock inside out.

Hyperplasia means that there is more tissue than normal due to an increase in cells. Vaginal hyperplasia occurs when the cells in the vaginal wall increase in size and number as a result of stimulation by the hormone estrogen.

A 360-degree protrusion of the tissue lining the vagina may occur in vaginal prolapse. In the case of vaginal hyperplasia, the problem originates from a stalk of the vaginal floor lining. When a hyperplastic vagina prolapses, a round, donut-shaped mass protrudes from the vulva. The prolapsed tissue causes the bitch to

strain, which increases the amount of prolapsed tissue.

The prolapsed tissue generally starts out smooth and shiny, but after being exposed, it dries out and can become cracked. The tissue can develop sores and ulcerations, become necrotic, and may require surgery to remove the dead tissue.

Vaginal hyperplasia and vaginal prolapse usually only occur in intact female dogs because spayed bitches do not have enough estrogen in their system to cause the process. However, if a spayed bitch is exposed to estrogen from an outside source, such as licking estrogen cream off her owner’s arm, there is the possibility of hyperplasia and prolapse developing.

Occasionally, when a bitch is pregnant, difficult labor and delivery may

Bitches with vaginal hyperplasia but not prolapse usually refuse to let the male breed them. “ ”

lead to a prolapse. The vagina everts outward as a result of the pressure and forces involved in giving birth. During whelping, if you see any type of abnormal vaginal protrusion, you need to seek immediate veterinary care.

Can a bitch with vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse be bred?

Bitches with vaginal hyperplasia but not prolapse usually refuse to let the male breed them. With no prolapse, the breeding can be done by artificial insemination. Prolapsed tissue makes any type of breeding difficult to complete. Extensive vaginal prolapse is rare but has been associated with dystocia, which is the medical term for difficult whelping, and traumatic separation of the dog and bitch during a breeding tie. Supervision of breeding and whelping is important to avoid these serious complications.

Vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse occur most commonly in large-breed dogs, especially in young bitches two years or younger during their first three seasons. The genetics and heritability of the condition are not completely understood. It is definitely challeng-

Question

MAY 10, 2024

The of the Week

THE AKC IS HOLDING EIGHT INDEPENDENT OWNER-HANDLED EVENTS AS A SEPARATE EVENT FOR WHICH EXHIBITORS WILL PAY AN ENTRY FEE.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Barbara Didjurgis

JUPITER, FLORIDA

As an owner-handler, I feel that asking for an entry fee for a regional competition is wrong. This should be a no-fee situation, as the dogs entered will also compete in the regular classes and pay a normal entry fee. The next step is to charge for NOHS. This is a rabbit hole that will cut the number of competitors. Qualifying for regional competition is fine, but charging is not.

Linda Sansom

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

If the owner-handler event can be entered without entering the dog in a regular class at an event, the dog should pay an entry fee.

If the dog is entered in a regular class event at the show, there should NOT be a charge for the Owner-Handled class.

Elizabeth Denning SOMERSET, MASSACHUSETTS

I showed horses for 35 years, then Borzoi and now Engies. It constantly amazes me how dog folks do NOT want to pay for something!

No one is holding a gun to your head; if you do not want to pay, DON’T GO! This is a choice — Olympians, dancers, swimmers, golfers, racehorses,

show horses, etc., PAY. What makes dog people so entitled that they feel they do not have to pay for things? I have never figured that out.

I would be thrilled to have regional NOHS shows! I shall happily pay.

Jodie Childers

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

No, I think it’s a terrible idea. It will only continue to separate these two groups and stoke the idea that not being a professional makes for a lesser competitor. We have plenty — actually, too many — dog shows. Step up to the plate; don’t settle to play T-ball.

Dorene Beyette Villasenor  CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

I think AKC is wrong in charging an entry fee for the Owner-Handled Series. It is like giving the owner-handler an even platform, then just taking it away. The fees for attending dog shows have taken on a life of their own, making it hard for the average person to attend as it is. Then the clubs also have extra work when there aren’t enough members in the club to share the load anymore.

AKC is just adding more fees. More stress for the clubs, and I think it is just unfair to the ownerhandled exhibitors.

by Sid Marx

MARX

THE JUDGE THE SPOT

A Judge’s Thoughts

Have you ever sat ringside watching the judging of one or more breeds and wondered, “What in the world is that judge thinking to do that?” Or maybe you are convinced that he is not thinking at all — or is not able to.

I know all judges have different ring procedures, breed understanding and reasons for making decisions. I certainly cannot speak for all judges, but I can try to share some of my thoughts with you.

One of the things exhibitors often wonder about is what are judges talking about when we all sit at ringside watching the group judging. Rarely are we talking about our opinion of the quality of the dogs in the ring. To some degree, we are all conceited enough to believe that our own opinions are at least as important — or usually more important — than those of anyone else. I don’t mean to sound

like a jerk, but I really don’t care what another judge thinks about an individual dog. I will make my own decision, and usually I am confident in that decision.

Sitting ringside with some judges I may talk about dogs, judges or handlers of the past. I am amazed at some of our judging icons who can remember dogs from a great many years ago — and even how often they judged that dog. I remember a

Many years ago, I was advised by other judges not to question what I had just judged, because there was nothing I could do about it once the book was marked. “ ”

few of the dogs I have judged over my years, but for the most part, when I walk out of the ring, I am no longer thinking about the classes I just judged. I do, however, remember a few of the greats I have been lucky enough to judge. With other judges, we may talk about family — like how one judge’s wonderful daughter is doing so well raising and riding horses, or the health of friends and other judges (as we all get older, this talk is not always pleasant), and where we are going for dinner.

So, the next natural question would be: Do I ever question myself about what I have just judged? Many years ago, I was advised by other judges not to question what I had just judged, because there was nothing I could do about it once the book was marked.

Well, yes and no. Most of the time I am very satisfied and

10

QUESTIONS

Regulatory compliance analyst

national parent club co-founder

Ashley Hammock

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

I’m not sure if it is a superstition or not, but I don’t like to eat at show sites if I am showing. If I am just cheering on friends or helping with my club then I will eat, but if I am showing, I generally just don’t get hungry.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure? “Blue” and “Law & Order: SVU.”

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

I would immediately recognize all breeds that are fully recognized by the FCI and start a process to recognize all other breeds. That way the FCI breeds can enjoy the ease of global import between the U.S. and whichever country. It also means that rare breeds are more incentivized to bring over their best dogs for a time period to help out a smaller gene pool.

4. Most valued material possession?

My heart dog, Alice, her collar and leash. Also, my signed copy of Richard Beauchamp’s book “Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type.”

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

I am a classically trained and conservatory-educated mallet percussionist.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

I am not sure: All the people with FSS breeds who are out there working extremely hard for very little return are all in a pretty exclusive group. I want to be someone like Margery Goode when I grow up, though — someone who is respected for their breed and excellence in their breed for generations.

7. What are you “famous” for?

Hamiltonstovare. I am the person to go to for Hamiltonstovare information, and I have spent the better part of 20 years researching and getting to learn about the breed. I am constantly learning about this breed.

8. What website do you visit most often?

Probably TikTok at this point. It is my refuge of fun away from everything in the world.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

I have had my fair share of memorable wins and disappointing defeats, and one that stands out to me is kind of something that didn’t go according to plan. I entered my first female Hamiltonstovare about nine weeks after she had whelped a litter as a filler for my first male Hamiltonstovare, who was the sire of the litter. My female was not thrilled to be entered as a filler and showed her heart out. She won Best of Breed, two Best FSS in Group, and one Best in Open show. Female Hamiltonstovare are very opinionated, so this was a lesson learned: Alice is the center of attention always.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“What can I do to help the breed that is meaningful and will help bring new dogs into the country?”

JASON

The Number One Pomeranian Breed & All Breed & Top Ten Toy*

European Winner, Group Winner

2022 World Winner

2021 Polish Winner

International

GCH Polish

CH Lithuanian

CH Spanish

CH Philippine

CH Thailand

Thank you to all the Judges for their recognition of “Jason”

American GCH

MBIS MRBIS GCHG TOKIE TIME AFTER TIME

HANDLER: Curtiss Smith

BREEDER: Chaivat Toby Tangkaravakun

OWNER: Yuka Goto & Bozena Borkowska Grochala

Bestsweek The the of

Olympia Dog Fanciers Association - Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Shih Tzu

GCHP Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World

Judge Mr. Ken Murray

Judge Mrs. Faye Strauss

Judge Mr. Eugene Blake

Owners Bonnie Miller DVM & Luke & Diane Ehricht

Handler Luke Ehricht

Trenton Kennel Club - Monday Pug

GCHS Andi In Cahoots

Judge Mr. Espen Engh

Owners Carolyn Koch, Joy Barbieri & Rebecca Movall

Handler Michael Scott

Trenton Kennel Club - Sunday

Toy Poodle

GCHB Sweet Aico Miss Yoyo At Piedmont

Judge Wood Wornall

Owner Barrie Drewitt-Barlow

Handlers Rachel Corbin & Christian Manelopoulos

Rio Hondo Kennel Club - Sunday

Russell Terrier

GCH Monamour Beyond And Above

Judge Mr. Lloyd Graser Jr.

Owners P Howard, P Malvar, J Ferrera, A Hargrave & V

Swarowski

Handler Gustavo Molinari

Westminster Kennel Club: THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

The following is an excerpt from Pat Trotter’s well-known book, “Born to Win, Breed to Succeed.” First published in 1997, some of the references — including the very first one, to the Ringling Brothers circus, which no longer comes to town, walking its elephants and zebras through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel into Manhattan in the dead of night — remind us just how far we have come in more than a quarter-century in the sport. While Westminster is no longer benched, no longer calls Madison Square Garden home, it is still, well, Westminster, and all that word conjures.

The Ringling Brothers have long billed their circus as “the Greatest Show on Earth,” but to the American dog fancy, that honor goes to the Westminster Kennel Club’s annual event held in New York’s Madison Square Garden a few weeks before the circus comes to town. For well over a century, the American dog-show world has riveted its attention on the “Big Apple” every year when dogdom’s elite meet for the annual crowning of a new Westminster winner as a finale to one of the country’s oldest sporting events.

It is difficult to describe Westminster’s allure. It isn’t the country’s largest show, and certainly not its most convenient. Yet

Westminster has a mystique of its own that is a rare combination of tradition, social sophistication, good theater and camaraderie that draws thousands to its ringside every year. Furthermore, 14 million television viewers enjoy the prestigious events from the comfort of their living rooms. Many of these good dog people stage Westminster parties similar to the Super Bowl celebrations of professional-football fans. And that is so very appropriate, since Westminster is a “super bowl” of sorts to dog-show enthusiasts.

The name Westminster comes from the Westminster Hotel, where Sporting-dog aficionados originally held their fraternal gun-dog meetings. The club also had its own kennel facilities in

A jubilant Eugene Zaphiris and Skye Terrier Ch. Finnsky Oliver react to a Westminster win in the 1996 Terrier Group. The European import was sired by Rannoch Skye Superstar out of Finnsky Glacier and was bred by Thea and Rolf Dahlom. American fanciers were able to appreciate this extraordinary animal due to the cooperative efforts of Zaphiris, Matthew Stander, and K. and M. Sainio.

Photo © Chet

Westminster Kennel Club: THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Knoop handling Len Carey’s Doberman Pinscher, Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm, twotime winner of Best in Show in the 1950s. The experience was one that Vivian and Brint Edwards, the breeders of Storm, loved me to retell when I later became good friends with them in California.

which to house the members’ bird dogs, the most famous of which was the lemon and white Pointer, Sensation, owned by the entire club. Considered the prototype for Pointer heads when he came to the United States in the 1880s, Sensation is permanently remembered as the symbol of the club, and his likeness is used as a logo on catalogs and advertisements as well as on the sterling-silver Best in Show bowl.

In his first year in America, Sensation is reported to have won more than $1,000 in prizes (no small sum in those days) before his untimely death in 1887. Although the club started as a sporting gentleman’s bird-dog association, it is internationally famous today for its bench show, held annual in February.

A measure of the show’s status can be best understood by recognizing the number of events staged around it as part of the “Westminster Weekend,” perhaps a misnomer since it starts late on Thursday and ends after the Wednesday luncheon the following week. Such events as judging seminars, awards dinner and dances, late-night parties and any number of specialty shows simply make Westminster a must-attend event for the fancy. Junior handlers work all the previous year to qualify for a shot at the Leonard Brumby Senior Memorial Trophy awarded to the Best Junior Handler.

The first show was held in Gilmore’s Gardens in May 1877, and it was a threeday event. Later, the show was moved to the Old Garden before settling in at the New Garden in the 1960s. The Garden

is the home ice rink for the 1994 champion New York Rangers, who often have a game on Sunday night before judging starts early Monday. There have been a few times over the years when the footing in the ring was chilled temporarily by cold air remaining in the flooring. In recent years, there has been talk of returning the event to a three-day format to accommodate all those who are disappointed when the entry quota is filled without them.

My first trip to the Garden was in the 1950s with my mentor, Johnny Davis. The trip started off with a ride on the Little Creek Ferry that took almost two hours to cross the Chesapeake Bay. We only took a few dogs, for Davis was keenly aware that only the best should make the journey to New York in February. A splendid sight that will remain in my memory forever was that of the debonair Peter

‘The show you love to hate, and the show you’d kill to win.’ — Eugene Zaphiris prior to winning the Terrier Group at Westminster 1996, Dog News “ ”

When Westminster was held in the Old Garden, all the benching was downstairs in what was probably the best classroom environment possible for a fledgling dog person. Bill Holt remarked: “Some of the best dogs are downstairs on Tuesday night,” and it was a good time to study them. The benching area was much less congested with the showing and benching at two different levels.

Terriers have dominated the show since the inception of 1907 Best in Show honors, when Winthrop Rutherfurd’s Smooth Fox Terrier bitch, Ch. Warren Remedy, won it three consecutive years. The Best in Show rosette has been carried off 13 times by Wire Fox Terriers, with Scottish Terriers accounting for seven more such honors. All in all, almost half of all Westminster shows have been won by Terriers. Sporting and Working dogs account for the next-highest numbers, although some of those Working breeds are now in the Herding Group. Only three hounds have ever won Westminster.

Westminster represents the highest honor to which the master breeder can aspire. To breed a dog worthy of winning Westminster is to climb a stairway to the top. It is a dream come true for any owner, handler, breeder or judge who is part of the equation. It is the ultimate.

The distinguished gentlemen of this sporting men’s club are dedicated to preserving its image as well as its tradition. Thus, there is no reason to think that this magical show will ever lose its special electricity and synergy. As they say about England, “There will always be Westminster.”

Excerpted from “Born to Win, Breed to Succeed” by Patricia Craige Trotter, with permission of the author.

Melody

America’s Number One Hound

and Top Five Among All Breeds * #

by

by

MBIS, MBISS, GChS Dobhran’s Alexa Play Some Music.

Bred by Sonnya Wilkins DVM

Owned

Sonnya & Jim Wilkins, Andy, Jack and Jason McIlwaine Presented

Jason McIlwaine

The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

By Bo Bengtson

Best of Breed, American Whippet Club National Specialty.

Photo Teddy Lei

Special thanks to Mary Huff for the coursing photos and to Teddy Lei for the conformation photos.

The national specialties held by the Amer ican Whippet Club already have a wellearned reputation for being the biggest and best anywhere.

It has been one of the 10 largest AKC specialties of the year 14 times this century up to 2022 (there was no show one year due to Covid), the latest year from which complete figures are available. Invariably several hundred Whippets and their owners turn up and take over a whole hotel or resort for at least a week. This is particularly impressive since Whippets are never anywhere near the top when AKC releases its annual figures of the most numerous breed by registrations: a modest 1,703 in 2022, for instance.

This year the American Whippet Club may have the record of the most dogs at a specialty show for ANY breed. How is that possible?

The amazing Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac is confidently advertised on their website as “the largest single-breed specialty in the world … [w]ith entries sometimes approaching 2,000 …” Numbers have gone down in recent years, but the show is still huge: According to the official AKC figures, the LRCP had 534 dogs entered at their recent show

Retired National Event Chair Cindy Scott was not present at the AWC National Specialty …but was still everywhere!

Photo Mary Huff

An American In ZAGREB

Brian Clegg offers a U.S. perspective on the World Dog Show

By Brian Clegg

Arriving at the World Dog Show on the first day at 5 a.m., you realized you were somewhere special. There was huge WDS signage everywhere, provided by the show’s sponsor, Farmina Dog Food, and large line-ups of people and vehicles waiting to access either the reserved inside parking or the walk-in gates. The start seemed to be on Euro Time and not Harry Miller Time, as the gates didn’t open until about 5:50.

OWNER/HANDLER

America's

• MULTIPLE BEST IN SHOW WINNER

• SPECIALTY WINNER

• WESTMINISTER GROUP WINNER

OWNER OWNER/BREEDER

ASSOCIATE , JENN MCNEAL and ASSISTED BY FRED ORTIZ

Gochev

Katie BERNARDIN

Sandra NORDSTROM

Cherlann AMBROSE

Monty

Thank You

Best In Show Judges:

Mr. Sam Houston McDonald

Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and Group Judge

Dr. Johan Becerra-Hernandez!

Vaginal Hyperplasia and Prolapse

ing to keep a bitch that is prone to vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse in a breeding program.

How can vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse be treated?

The goals of treatment are to keep any exposed vaginal tissue clean and free from trauma. An Elizabethan collar can be worn to prevent self-mutilation. Unless the vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse are extreme, these conditions will generally resolve on their own as the bitch’s heat cycle ends. In minor cases, the tissue will need to be cleaned and an ointment applied to keep it moist so it doesn’t dry out.

If minimal tissue damage has occurred, your veterinarian may be able to replace the prolapsed tissue back into the vagina. It is first cleaned appropriately and the swelling is reduced by applying a saturated sugar solution. “Purse-string” sutures can be placed in the vulva to hold the tissue in place.

Surgical excision of the prolapsed tissue is not recommended as it is often associated with significant bleeding and does not prevent recurrence during the following seasons.

If the tissue is necrotic, it should be removed surgically. Spaying will prevent another occurrence and can be done at the same time as removing the dead tissue. Bitches with difficulty delivering puppies due to the prolapse will need a C-section.

In some cases, supportive therapy with a diaper and lubricated pad may be helpful. Hormone therapy can be given to make ovulation occur faster and resolve the estrus sooner. Affected bitches can be induced to ovulate with the administration of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). However, the response to hormones is often minimal and it is ineffective if given after ovulation, but for some bitches, it may be worth a try.

After treatment, the intact bitch should be monitored for a relapse. Vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse do not usually recur after a complete ovariohysterectomy. The only prevention is spaying.

What if I see a protrusion and my dog isn’t in heat?

Vaginal tissue outside of the vulva in a spayed or non-estrus intact bitch may indicate the presence of a tumor. A tumor is an abnormal proliferation of cells. Sometimes, tumors will form inside a dog’s vagina and grow into

Polyps are more often diagnosed in older bitches. The growths can be single or multiple. “

a larger mass that eventually pushes itself outside the vulva. Vaginal tumors, whether benign or malignant, are not common in dogs, especially if they are spayed.

The tumors can be pedunculated or sessile. Pedunculated means that the growth is on the end of a stalk. These are nearly always vaginal polyps and occur more commonly in intact rather than spayed bitches, although they can develop in both. Polyps are more often diagnosed in older bitches. The growths can be single or multiple.

The term sessile refers to a growth with a wide base of attachment. If the mass is sessile it is more likely a leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma. An incisional biopsy of the tissue is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Occasionally, other tumors can occur in the vagina. Growths called transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) will cause vaginal protrusions. TVTs are malignant tumors. Unlike other cancers, TVTs can be spread between dogs. They are sexually transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the tumor that results in cancer cells being spread from dog to dog. This usually occurs during natural breeding but may also be spread by licking, biting and sniffing the tumor.

What is the treatment for vaginal tumors?

The treatment for any kind of mass in the vagina depends on several factors, including the type of tumor (benign or malignant), the exact location, the extent of the mass, and whether it has metastasized to any other location in the body.

If you notice any kind of pink tissue protruding from your dog’s vulva, it is recommended that you make arrangements to see your veterinarian right away.

Meissen Dogs

The first factory was housed in a laboratory, which was suitably equipped for experiments with both metal and porcelain. A short time later, it was found inadequate, and the factory moved to Wettiner Castle, near Meissen.

When Augustus the Strong died in 1733, his successor, Augustus III, had no interest in porcelain. He appointed his

Joachim Kändler, joined the company in 1731. It was Kändler and von Brühl who were responsible for the great tradition of Meissen dogs, and in particular Meissen Pugs.

By the time the 18th Century came to a close, Meissen had produced more than 100 models of dogs of many different breeds. There have been in excess of 50 different models of Pugs alone. Because of the enduring qualities of

When Augustus founded the factory, he or his wife, the Queen, could well have owned one or more Bolognese. “ ”

years in what is now Germany. A few Meissen pieces will never be produced again, for the Russian soldiers used molds for target practice during World War II.

Freemasonry, the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, has its roots in the ancient world of the Old Testament.

What had begun as a secret society for a single class of craftsmen and stonemasons in what we now know as Germany had, by 1738, became a society acceptable to all classes — and in particular the royal house of Central Europe.

Fearful of the power that members of this secret society could have, Pope Clement XII, a member of the all-powerful Medici family, decreed that Freemasonry was not compatible with the Catholic Church and forbade such societies called Freemasons or known under some other denomination. The excommunicated Freemasons, themselves Catholics, under the insignia of the then fashionable Pug — or Mops, as the breed was then known and still is in some countries — formed the Mopsorden.

Although there have been a large number of breeds, Meissen will forever be associated with the Pug. The earlier ones were pale in color with dark masks, as can be seen with the group of three playful puppies. Meissen used the same color palette for later models. Those produced around the Victorian era were brown with dark masks. All had cropped ears, and many wore collars with bells attached.

During the second half of the 19th Century, a multitude of porcelain manufacturers sprung up all over Central Europe, and many imitated Meissen in the models they produced but lacked the quality, as can be seen clearly in the two models of bitches with puppies: Meissen on the right and an unknown Continental factory on the left.

Another breed associated with Meissen in the earlier years was the Bolognese. Some years before the factory was founded, the then Queen of Poland was known to have owned the breed, and it is reasonable to assume that the

MARX THE JUDGE THE SPOT

A Judge’s Thoughts

confident in what I have just done, but there have been a few — very few — times when I questioned myself. I see some value in that for a few reasons: It shows how much I am still passionate about wanting to do the “right thing.” If I question a decision I made, I will go back and read that breed standard again and think about the breed again. How can that be a bad thing to re-educate myself? And it makes me try even harder the next time I judge.

At every show, my greatest hope is to find that dog that makes me smile. Whenever I have done this, I have placed that dog as high as I possibly could — at times, all the way to Best in Show. I believe I am also known as a judge who will put up a dog from any class — whether puppy, adult or veteran. However, at a recent show an absolutely beautiful puppy was shown to me, and it has cost me a lot of sleep since then. Normally, with a puppy this good there would be no hesitation to

give it Best of Breed, but this time I did not — for a number of reasons.

The “specials” that were there were also good breed representatives, and deserved to be champions and to represent the breed. So if put this dog over deserving specials, would I just be trying to show that I would put up a puppy? Also, it was apparent that the puppy was very nervous and unsure of himself, as you would expect

Truth be told, as I judge in different areas of the country — and at different size shows — there are times that groups are not so strong, and do not have consistent quality throughout the breeds.

from many puppies. This caused the puppy to occasionally crouch a little when moving. I have shown a GREAT many of this breed, and I know how sometimes their temperaments can be fragile, and if not well socialized, can be skittish throughout their show career. I could see the nervousness in his eyes, and decided I didn’t want to put the additional pressure on this dog by having the handler take the puppy into the group ring.

Yes, I know — I should only be concerned with the breed judging at this point, but I must admit that this thought entered my mind. I also wanted the pup’s weekend to end on a high note and not be further pressured. And, don’t forget, there were deserving specials in the ring.

So, I did not give this puppy Best of Breed, and I have been running it around in my mind since then. I can see both sides of whether I should have put this puppy up as Best of Breed, but I have thought about it a lot. I did take the time to step out of the ring and tell the owner of the puppy that they had a very special one, and encouraged them to continue to socialize him, and then to have a lot of fun with his show career. I sincerely hope they do so.

So, later that day, I walked into the group ring to judge. Truth be told, as I judge in different areas of the country — and

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The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

(held just a couple of weeks before the Whippet national), 468 of which were present, and that’s still a far cry from the earlier figures: In 2008 the club had a truly unbelievable 896 dogs present in competition at its show!

Anyway, the figures that have been bandied about, by Whippet people as well as others, are slightly confusing. You have to distinguish

between total entries and number of dogs entered (because one dog can sometimes compete in two or more classes); you also have to know how many of the entered dogs are actually present at the show, and you have to consider which classes are considered official and which are not. Not that any of the above is necessarily more important than the others, but obviously you can’t

compare the size of different shows without knowing what the figures stand for.

According to the catalog, the American Whippet Club National Specialty in Kingsport, Tennessee, on April 20-27 had 676 dogs entered in the conformation classes, making 732 entries. They consisted of 152 class dogs, 241 class bitches, 59 veterans, 40 in the special classes for lure coursing/racing dogs, 184 specials (89 dogs, 95 bitches) — total 676. I don’t know yet how many of these were present, but about a 10 percent absentee rate is considered normal, so there would have been a little more than 600 Whippets competing in the official classes.

Laura Stanton, who showed her dogs from a scooter due to a broken leg, posted this photo and the following: “What a great AWC National! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put this monumental event on successfully! I love this photo that Teddy Lei captured of seven of the top 15 Owner-Handlers of 2023 after our presentation … [S]pecial thank-you to all the exhibitors, judges and officials for being so kind to me, struggling with a broken knee to stack and move my dogs with doing my best to not mess anyone else up. No win is worth anything if at the expense of another exhibit. All dogs need to look their best for an even playing field. And, wow, I’m blown away by all the good quality Whippets that showed up and showed wel.l Congratulations to all!”

Photo Teddy Lei

The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

BIGGEST SPECIALTY?

Is this enough to make it the biggest single-breed show in the world for the year? The Whippet National may now be bigger than the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac, but the other specialty that’s often one of the largest, the Golden Retriever Club of America National show, will not be held until early October, so

cialties for other breeds — how large were they? The Sheltie and Collie nationals? Rhodesian Ridgebacks? Doberman Pinschers? Poodle Club of America? They all had fewer dogs present at their shows than the AWC National in 2022 but not necessarily this year.

(And what about foreign shows? The biggest German Shepherd Dog

the most important requirement for a wonderful specialty show. The caliber of the arrangements and the quality of the dogs are more crucial, and in both these areas the American Whippet Club comes out on top. A huge committee of dedicated AWC volunteers did a fantastic job. Phoebe Booth posted in the beginning of the week that the Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport was probably the nicest host hotel we had ever had and hoped that the Whippet people would behave so well that we would be welcome back. (We did!)

My traveling companion, Paul Lepiane, who has experienced innumerable nationals over 50 years not just for Whippets but for many breeds — Afghan Hounds, Poodles, German Shepherds, even Rhodesian Ridgebacks — also rated this specialty as excellent. The fact that judging

Best of Opposite Sex, American Whippet Club National Specialty.

Photo Teddy Lei

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The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

of so many events was well timed and did not run several hours over the scheduled time was particularly impressive.

Dog News editor Denise Flaim, who was not at the show but watched the livestream videos, wrote a Facebook post on her personal page wondering why the Whippet people get along so well and suggesting that this breed may be of the highest quality there is, bar none. (There were many comments, 136 at last count, some of them very funny and many of them probably true, such as

owners hopeful …). And most of the cognoscenti seemed to agree that the breed has never been in better shape: There was class after class of really gorgeous Whippets at the specialty, the likes of which could only have been imagined just a decade or two ago. Where do they come from, you may ask yourself, knowing how few and often mediocre they are at the average all-breed show, but here they were nevertheless.

It didn’t hurt that Christine Heath made a wonderful local event chairman — calm, cool, friendly and

best possible ring steward. This was the first in many, many years that National Event Chair Cindy Scott was not present, but thanks to some clever managing she was everywhere anyway — at least on Facebook. Someone (I’m still not sure who) had taken a cut-out of Cindy’s face and posted this in every possible and impossible situation you could think of … often with a real-life person hiding behind the cut-out and providing the hands. There was Cindy solving problems on a hotel cart, welcoming us to the hotel, waving from a window, peeking out from the hotel shower and — my favorite, knowing that Cindy is a woman of moderation — resting after work on a hotel bed with a bottle of Jack Daniels …

There was also a lot of interest in the breed book that I just had updated to a total of more than 500 pages

BOB, Saturday, April 20 (ASFA lure coursing), Keen’s Formula One, SC (“Indy”). Standing, judges Don White and Darci Kunard.

Photo Mary Huff

The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

graphs. The publisher, Revodana Publishing, had sent a proof copy to the hotel, and although this was not the final version it was much admired and handed around to many. (One reader even started crying because it was all so beautiful!)

GLAMOROUS TOP 20

The Top 20 competition was as glamorous as ever, with Joseph Buchanan as master of ceremonies and Karen Roberson as chief ring steward. The judges were Hound Group judge Age Gjetnes from Norway, breeder Susan

year’s AWC National BOB. The club had decided to no longer select a People’s Choice, so this was awarded to Joseph instead for his service as this competition’s superb (and very funny!) master of ceremonies for many years. A much-appreciated part of the program was the presentation of past Top 20 winners, followed by a moment of silence to remember Dr. Aaron Todd Miller (Jomyr), who judged the Top 20 and managed to officiate at two Whippet specialties last year before he succumbed to pancreatic cancer in October.

nacle Garden Party — the first award in what was for her a fantastic week. I mentioned above that according to information in the catalog, 676 dogs made 732 entries in the regular, competitive classes. The following classes and entries are in addition to the above and help explain how the show could have a reported total entry of 1,218 (still according to what’s stated in the catalog). In most cases, the additional entries are made up of dogs that were also shown in the regular classes, so there would not have been many additional dogs, just more entries.

Most of the 13 Whippet Stud Dog and 17 Brood Bitch entries were competing as specials as well, so have already been counted as “dogs entered.” The progeny classes had their own judge, Thomas Kirstein (Ripshin Whippets … and Afghan Hounds previously), these days

Photo Mary Huff

BOB, Sunday, April 21 (AKC lure coursing), Field Ch. Williwaw Sailor’s Delight (“Siren”). Judges Don White and Anne Midgarden.

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Owners: Amy & David Tamburrino

Breeders: Caroline Coile & Rachel Rehberg Presented By:Jeri El-Dissi

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The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

fawn offspring as the winner of the Stud Dog class, Ch. Wunder Forgetmenot Dream Big, with the brindle (with white markings) GCh. Summit Stripe A Pose, SC, heading the Brood Bitch class. Mr. Kirstein also had 16 Brace units entered, one Team unit, four Extended Generation Stud Dog and three Extended Generation Brood Bitch units. Carol

well. Kevin Carlson (Aeolus) judged Breeder Sweepstakes and found his winner in the brindle-and-white bitch GCh. Albelarm Call Me A Tekdal Fanatic at Reve, JC. The Futurity and Maturity classes were judged by Dr. Susanne Hughes (Snow Hill) and won by, respectively, Ch. Rantina Cypress Bon’s Lyra and Merrithoughts Cherry On Top. (There were no

competition should be added to the total, although this is not an official class. Ryan Zienert (Wildbriar), who got his first Whippet at age nine, judged. Chris Durance Watkins (Cherché) had 26 entries in Versatility Conformation and 50 in Triathlon Conformation. There were also 94 entries in Obedience and 107 in Rally, judged respectively by Cheryl Tisdale and Marina Caro (who owns several Whippets), but it would take a lot of studying the catalog to figure out how many of these were also entered in any regular conformation class.

There was a lot more going on. The AWC sees health testing as a major responsibility, and there were

The 103 entries in Breeder Sweepstakes, 53 in Futurity, 41 in Maturity and 54 in Veteran Sweepstakes were all entered in the regular classes as well.

Photo Mary Huff

The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

parade of honors, judges’ education, ringside mentoring, a junior handling seminar, Canine Good Citizen and trick-dog testing. Somehow the club’s annual meeting was also squeezed in, but it started so early in the morning (Eastern time!) that I had to miss it …

Davenport of Kamada Whippets in Illinois. Debbie is not a regular AKC judge (as her late mother, Kathleen Davenport, was), but she has judged two previous Whippet specialties under AKC’s Parent Club Approval System, as well as the AWC Futurity and the Top 20 competition. Kamada

BOB was finally the Top 20 winner, current #1 Whippet and #4 Hound (as of Dog News statistics published April 19), GCh. Pinnacle Garden Party (Ch. Bo-Bett’s Pajama Party x Ch. Longlesson Girl Who Drank The Moon), called “Ivy” and normally handled by her owner and breeder Justin Smithey but shown this time by Kelly Riney. Ivy’s sire, from whom she seems to have inherited her dramatic neck markings, won a veteran class of 20, has not been to a dog show for seven years, but is a popular stud dog and the sire of at least two current BIS winners. Ivy’s dam is mostly black, sired by GCh. Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey

the oldest, most low key and highly respected Whippet kennels in the U.S., the mostly brindle new Ch. Plumcreek Stand Up Guy at PHF (Ch. Plumcreek Stand and Deliver x Plumcreek I’m Swept Away), bred by Linda Larson and her daughter Sarah Shakespeare in Illinois, and co-owned by Linda with Jennifer Kempey and Nicole Howland of Georgia. Guy was entered in the Amateur Owner Handler class but was competing as a special. Linda Larson was showing dogs at the national but didn’t stay for specials

Futurity winner, the fawn brindleand-white GCh. Cherché Arborlea Hold Your Horses, MC, while Select Bitch was the famous GCh. Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, winner of more than 100 BIS — in spite of being eight and a half years old and having had three litters she looked just wonderful, not at all ready to retire!

The 10 Awards of Merit went to the aforementioned Heavenly Inspiration; GCh. Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey (Bourbon’s brother); GCh. Merrithoughts On Higher Grounds; GCh. Sobresalto Malafemmina

NAJ DM DS AM TKI; Ch. Avantina Forgetmenot Fortunella (born in Finland), and GCh. Cariad Isn’t It Time (possibly born in Canada).

OVERSEAS VISITORS

The three (or four?) imports who got AOMs remind me that there were some foreigners present at ringside, including a group from Norway that consisted of Age; his husband Espen Engh (most recently Hound Group judge at Crufts and past AWC national-specialty judge); Sighthound specialist Bjørg Foss, and breeder,

“

” It was an absolute pleasure serving as your event manager this year. I really hope we have the honor again in the near future.

Photo Mary Huff

The 2024 Whippet National Biggest and Best?

winner a group exactly a week after the national!

Best of Winners and Best Bred-by Exhibitor was the Winners Dog, the fawn brindle-and-white Forgetmenot Wunder Alec Trique (just over a year old, sired by Ch. Avantina Forget-

see above for all the additional titles after the name). Winners Bitch was the red brindle Surrey Hill Mariner Top-of-the-Trees, RI FDC SC DCAT ACT1 ACTU SWN CGC TKA ATT FITB (GCh. Surrey Hill Mariner Smooth Hoperator, RATN TKAN x Ch. Surrey

Cheslie Smithey, co-owned by Katie Rudolph with the breeders, and sired by Whiskey out of Ch. Festiva’s Stars and Stripes).

Best Performance Dog, a competition between the four class winners that had qualified for the performance classes (15 Lure Coursing Dogs, nine Racing Dogs, 10 Lure Coursing Bitches and six Racing Bitches), was the black bitch (with a bit of white) GCh. Deerpath Cherché Midnight Ice, SC (owned and bred by Nancy Jorczak and Chris Durance-Watkins, sired by GCh. Cherché Walk On The Wild Side x GCh. Deerpath Signature Cartier, TD

Whippet people behaved quite well: no problem with dogs trashing rooms at the hotel, barking endlessly or defecating on the premises. ” “

Photo Mary Huff

our stay and always got thumbs up. Still, we never feel exactly welcome at most hotels, so it was nice to see the following text from the Mountainview resort’s event manager before leaving on Sunday morning:

On behalf of our staff at the Meadowview Marriott and the city of Kingsport, thank you all.

It was an absolute pleasure serving as your event manager this year. I really hope we have the honor again in the near future. I got to know and work with so many wonderful people this week, and for that I am grateful. From your outstanding staff, dedicated volunteers and delightful attendees, the AWC is nothing short of exceptional from top to bottom.

To Christine, Cindy, Gwen, Maddie, Kim, Donna, Sara, Trisha, Meredith and so many others that began the planning process with us many moons ago, it was a true privilege to see all of your hard work pay off.

Please travel safely, and look us up if you’re passing through the area. We’ll take good care of you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all.

All the best, CLAY

RACING AND COURSING

On Sunday, the day after BOB judging, we got the chance to go racing: The Whippet Racing Association held a meet at Kominek Farm in Limestone, about a half-hour from the hotel. The farmland is owned by Afghan Hound fanciers and performance enthusiasts Eddie and Selma Kominek; the straight racing is done on flat grass and lure coursing where the ground is more hilly. I had been warned that we’d see “a lot of really ugly dogs,” because the people who participate in WRA focus only on speed, not on

adherence to the AKC breed standard and speed, but that didn’t seem to be the case, perhaps because of the proximity of the AWC National.

Anyway, the lure coursing that is officially part of the national had taken place the previous weekend, with the ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association) trial on Saturday, April 20, and the AKC trial on Sunday, April 21. There were more than 200 Whippets entered, 50 of them conformation champions (47 AKC, three UKC). The judges were well-known Sighthound people: Darci Kunard from Colorado has the Lotus Pharaoh

Onward

Hounds and officiated at the ASFA meet, and Anne Midgarden of Ohio breeds the Teine Borzoi and was the judge for the AKC event. Don White acted as co-judge on both days.

BOB at the ASFA event was the fawn bitch Keen’s Formula One, SC (“Indy,” by GCh. & Dual Ch. Liberty’s Cool Runnings out of Field Ch. Bushbaby Fiery Button of Bul’Och), bred by Shannon Hoehn and owned by Cindy Bulligan. BOB at AKC lure coursing was the brindle bitch Field Ch. Williwaw Sailor’s Delight (“Siren,” by Wheatland Agave Azul x Ch. Sporting Field’s A Lot Like Love, SC), bred by Kristen Koons and owned by Katie Marshall.

ONE JUDGE!

One of the topics at the AWC Annual Meeting was apparently the question of whether there should be one judge for the official breed classes at the national, as has been the case almost from the start, or several — say, one judge for class dogs, a second for class bitches and a third for specials. The entry is certainly large enough, several other breeds employ this system at their nationals, and of course it raises the chances that at least one judge will be “good” for you (usually meaning, will appreciate your dogs!). However, at least among the judges present there was overwhelming support for the one-judge format. It has served the club well in the past and will probably do so in the future also.

Onward toward the 2025 American Whippet Club National Specialty. It will take place April 19-25 in Wilmington, Ohio, and the — one! — judge for the regular classes will be Jan Swayze-Curry of the long-established Longlesson kennels in Kentucky.

GCH. Majesty All Eyez On Me

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MULTIPLE OWNER HANDLER BEST IN SHOWS

Thank you to all the Judges who have appreciarted Jewel!

Breeder Owner-Handled By Jean A. Smith

Owners: Jean Smith & Daniel Smith • Majesty Pointers

Lyric

BREEDERS: Cheryl McDermott DVM & Emily Kerridge

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Junior-Owner-Handled by 10 year-old Cameron Kerridge (and occasionally

Breeder-Owner-Handled by ‘mom,’ Emily Kerridge)

A MULTIPLE GROUP WINNER, RBIS WINNER, AND A BEST IN FIELD WINNING LURE COURSER! Sincerest THANK YOU to judges Mr. Ken Murray, Mr. Frederick R Vogel, Mr. Allen L. Odom, Mr. Daniel J. Smythe Esq., and Ms. Julie Felton for recognizing and rewarding Lyric’s soundness and exquisite breed type with recent group wins and placements!

Question

The of the Week

The AKC is holding eight independent owner-handled events as a separate event for which exhibitors will pay an entry fee. Your thoughts?

Susan Kwiatkowski LEBANON, NEW JERSEY

If it’s a separate dog show, makes sense, but there are too many shows now for the number of entries, so why add more shows? Bad idea.

Tina McGuigan

Hampton, Virginia I’ll enter!

Pamela Preston

SHINGLE SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

While I am a HUGE advocate and participant in NOHS competition, I was very disappointed to see this new event. To me, it creates an elite group of owner-handlers who can travel to earn TWICE the points they would normally earn at a typical dog show. I feel it creates an unfair advantage for those who can travel, not to mention I’m sure it’s yet another way for AKC to bring in additional revenue. In the grand scheme of NOHS, most folks will not be able to travel to the eight regional shows, and those who can afford to do it will quickly outrank those who cannot, whether they have the better dog or not. Sadly, I think it may also cause a division among NOHS competitors. I hope not, but we’ll see ...

Gladys W. Knox ARMAGH, PENNSYLVANIA

If the NOHS stand-alone shows have points and majors awarded, then it would be fine to have a fee. Otherwise, no.

Karen Mull LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA

I think this is a great idea, unless the points you get from these shows blow others out from rankings because people can’t get to these shows. I think there are still a lot of questions concerning this new event that the AKC hasn’t acknowledged to the owner-handlers.

Mark Francis Jaeger  MASON, MICHIGAN

There’s a good likelihood that I would enter if one was reasonably close to home. I just wonder where AKC will find the host clubs. My all-breed club has discussed the possibility of hosting the competition, and decided that we won’t be able to make this commitment.

Nanci Hanover

SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Won’t pay for Owner-Handled!

Carolyn Lichty

DULUTH, MINNESOTA

Already paid to enter BOB. Will there be an additional charge for the groups?

Owners:

Joan Hanover and Jean Boyd

Handler: Jeri El Dissi

Assisted by Rania El Dissi

family carried on the tradition. When Augustus founded the factory, he or his wife, the Queen, could well have owned one or more Bolognese. A royal connection could have been the reason the breed was introduced into the factory’s output.

The manufactory produced a number of items for Catherine II of Russia, and her patronage undoubtedly enhanced Meis sen’s reputation with her “large Russian order.” The “Russischer Windhund” first modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler is recorded in his work report, June 1766, where he notes: “Modelled a large dog to a drawing sent from Moscow, scrupulously following the description enclosed.”

The piece was most probably commissioned by Count Griggory Orlov, consort to Catherine, and is often misattributed to “Zemira,” her Italian Greyhound. With its feathered tail, it is in fact one of her pet Borzoi, and is the subject of a painting by Johann Friedrich Grooth. The piece is beautifully painted and detailed, the dog wearing a gold

collar, represented in recumbent pose, upon a flower-painted and gilt-trimmed cushion with gilded tassels. For me it is the most beautiful of all Meissen dogs.

Auction house Woolley and Wallis recently sold for a top estimate £8,000 a large pair of Greyhounds, each in pursuit with forepaws lifted off the ground, supported on low tree stumps on oval bases applied with flowers and leaves. They were modelled circa 1745-1750 by Johann Joachim Kändler to feature as part of the table decoration at the hunting lodge

From 1875 up to 1925, Meissen produced more than 40 new models of dogs, realistically sculpted and colored. The St. Bernard was sculpted by Erich Oskar Hösel, who was in charge of the design department at Meissen from 1903. The many other breeds included the Japanese Chin, French Bulldog, Doberman and a rather gruesome model of a Bulldog fighting with a Collie. Circa 1930, Meissen published a catalog of all the dog models available, including those going back to the very beginning of the factory and all models that had

An American In ZAGREB

Next was a treat: If you had reserved parking, you found a spot close to the building that had your ring. People proceeded to unload and find a suitable grooming spot that was neither reserved nor marked out. Magically, everyone seemed to know where they needed to be, and set their crates and equipment up with no marked-out aisles or grooming areas. There did not seem to be any fighting over space and/or electric, and it became obvious that a lot of the grooming had been done prior to the show, and dogs were mostly just spiffed up for their rings. There did not seem to be a bathing area, which was not missed by these exhibitors.

This World Dog Show had more than 15,000 entries and was spread over multiple buildings with goodsized rings and ample grooming space for all. In many areas, grooming space bordered right up to ringside, so some dogs were groomed almost in the ring. Rings are very different, as there are a few seating benches placed in a square that define the outside perimeter of the rings, and you can sit on them with your feet literally in the ring. It certainly gives you a close-up and clear view of the judging.

Getting your dog in the ring for competition is also quite different. You receive your number online, and

It was a great pleasure to watch all the breeds not recognized by the AKC, some with big entries and very high quality. “ ”

it is your responsibility to print it and bring with you. The ring steward then walks around the ring with a placard with the dogs’ numbers printed on it for the dogs needed in each class. There is no way to count dogs that are going to be absent prior to each class/breed, which can make calculating when you actually need to be there in a large entry extremely difficult, so best just to show up on time and wait. They must have a system figured out, but I can’t imagine how difficult it is for handlers of multiple breeds to know exactly when and where to best manage

Judging is judging, but the procedure is very different. As in our system, males and females are divided, and there are different age groups for baby puppies; young puppies similar to our 6-9 month class; Juniors class, which covers up to 18 months; Open class, which is the same as ours, and lastly the champion class. The judge then brings in his or her winners from the Intermediate, Open, Working and Champion classes — no puppies or

3. Grzegorz Gebik

2. Simone Luca

1. Klaudia Karlowicz

An American In ZAGREB

Juniors are eligible — and picks a best male and female. Each earns the coveted CACIB, which goes toward achieving the FCI International championship. Then for Best of Breed judging, the best male and female are brought in along with the best Junior and Veteran of both sexes.

The breed winner can come from any of these six dogs and bitches, and it happens with some regularity. I found it to be a much more level playing field: Instead of a giant ring

As for the dogs themselves, most of the entries were very substantial in almost every breed and in some cases huge. “ ”

class dogs that can get lost amid the numbers, non-champions stood a much better chance of getting recognized, and I found it refreshing.

As for the dogs themselves, most of the entries were very substantial in almost every breed and in some cases huge. Some examples: Goldens, 280; Bulldogs, 160; Chinese Cresteds, 250; Cavaliers more than 200, and on and on. It was a great pleasure to watch all the breeds not recognized by the AKC, some with big entries and very high quality. The overall quality of most entries was very high and amazingly consistent.

As an example, I watched 280 Goldens being judged by four different judges. When the line-up of dogs came in for the breed, they all looked basically the same. Type

large entry — again, very refreshing. I was truly impressed with the quality of what we call “Northern Breeds,” consistent and very strong. I am not saying that individual dogs are any better than the dogs we have here in assorted breeds, but, yes, they are more consistent in terms of their breed type and overall quality in huge numbers.

Once again, the process is different. When adjudicating a class, large or small, if a judge feels that a particular dog is not up to their standard, they can shake the exhib-

there is not much reason to carry on. This enabled judges to greatly reduce the dogs in some of the very large classes, which really sped up the process for them.

When I asked some of the Ameri can judges I saw at the show if they wish they could do the same in the States, most said absolutely yes. It speeds up the process and the judges are better able to focus on the ones they really want. Makes sense to me.

That brings up sportsmanship. I spent four days watching a lot of dogs, and not once did I see a case of

When I asked some of the American judges I saw at the show if they wish they could do the same in the States, most said absolutely yes. “ ”

The 2024 WDPA Photographer Awards Photo Finish

Hero Dogs

1. Simone Luca

2. Tereza Šubertová

3. Balázs Hor váth

An American In ZAGREB

was from breed to breed, ring to ring, and in the Group ring and Best in Show. A little personal experience: When our dog won the breed in a smaller entry of 17, every exhibitor, breeder and connected spectator congratulated us and shook the handler’s hand.

The groups are an interesting experience. There are 10 groups in FCI; three are judged the first two days, and then two on the last two. There are also many unofficial classes judged in each group: Minor Puppies, Puppies, Junior Dog Groups, Veterans, Couples and Breeder’s groups. These are all judged in the main group ring with all the same fanfare and recognition as the main groups. This does take up a fair amount of time, so it does start to get a bit late when regular groups start.

There is actually a pre-judging group ring in addition to the regular group ring. In the pre-judging ring, the judge moves each dog up and back (usually) and visually examines them. The dogs are then moved into the main group ring, where they are lined up and the judge moves around and picks out six breeds as a cut. The judge then moves those dogs individually and picks three to place in the group. There is not a lot of hands-on investigation like teeth,

testicles, etc., done at this level. When I inquired about this, it was explained to me that there is a lot of respect and expectation that the previous judges would have dealt with it. One has to remember there is an immense number of dogs to be judged each evening, and efficiency is critical. It took some getting used to, but made sense after a while.

The group/Best in Show ring was large and spectacular. A beautiful blue color matched the main sponsor’s colors, and the ring was very well lit, with spotlight spots for the six contenders in each group and the 10 group winners for Best, very similar to our own Westminster and AKC National Championship.

I am not sure exactly how many Americans there were at the WDS; my estimate would be around 25. There were some judges, exhibitors with dogs and folks simply coming to enjoy the show. I would wish more Americans would bring their dogs to compete. As a whole, I believe almost every American did something with their dogs at least one of the three days, with three dogs doing really well in groups and Best in Show: The Kuvasz of Caroline Clegg won a Group 3rd in the Pastoral Group, the Scottish Terrier of Rebecca Cross won Terriers, and a fabulous 3rd in Best in Show, and of course the Queen — the Afghan Hound shown by Willy Santiago — won Best in Show at the World Dog Show and Best in Show at the International Spring Show the first day. Doesn’t get any better than that.

So, final thoughts: a great experience not to be missed if at all possible and a great dog show, but at the end of the day very similar to our own incredible Westminster and AKC National Championship.

Now on to Helsinki in 2025 …

The 2024 WDPA Photographer Awards Photo Finish

Fine Art Category: A bit unclear, but well expressed by the photos that were entered. It contains photos that undergo various processes, including Photoshop, etc., many of them used in advertisements.

1. Julie Smith Caffrey, Ireland

2. Chris Chou, Taiwan

3. Dina Untersee, Switzerland

1. Julie Smith Caffrey

3. Dina Untersee

The 2024 WDPA Photographer Awards Photo Finish

Special awards by Mrs. and Mr. Costanza and Louis Ferraris-de Liedekerke:

For the past three years, Mr. and Mrs. Ferraris-de-Liede kerke from Belgium have been among the sponsors of the competition. They are both involved in photography. This is why the organizers decided to allocate a special prize that they could award, in addition to the judges.

• Svetlana Polyakova, Russia

• Katerina Kollárová, Czech Republic

Another sponsor that has been supporting the competi tion since its first year is Birdbrook Rosettes, owned and managed by Charles Allen.

“I’ve been a Polish dog photographer since 2008 working at the biggest dog events — the World Dog Show, European Dog Show, Crufts,” says winner Malwina Przysowa. “On a daily basis, I work in a more natural environment, exploring mountains, forests and beaches with dogs and their owners to create pictures. I have a very clearly defined goal — the best possible presentation of dogs in terms of exterior, but with this specific fairy-tale aura, in beautiful natural circumstances.”

This year, the award ceremony took place on the podium in the main ring before the Best in Show was judged. The WDPA board was accompanied by judge Igor Selimovic, FCI President Tamas Jakkel and the Croatian Kennel Club president.

Igor Selimovic provided some information about himself and this year’s judging.

„Part of my occupation was as a graphic designer and owner of the pre-press studio IGGY ART,“ he explained, adding that being an all-round FCI judge also helped him in photographing dogs. „I took professional photographs for the Croatian Kennel Club magazine as the magazine I owned, Naši Psi Bez Granica. I held the position of graphic editor in both. I graphically edited many books, and am the author of several books about dogs.“

The WDPA would like to thank all the judges, sponsors and participants of this year’s annual competition.

2. Chris Chou

Svetlana Polyakova

Bestsweek The the of

Janesville-Beloit Kennel Club - Sunday

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

GCHG Sheeba Ladies Man

Judge Mrs. Paula Nykiel

Owners Karin Ostmann, Idelle Cahn & Danna Robinson-Saathof

Handler Tabatha Bettis

Bucks County Kennel Club - Saturday

Giant Schnauzer

GCHG Hearthmores Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB

Judge Mrs. Linda M. Riedel

Owners Sandra Nordstrom, Katie Bernardin & Cheryl Ambrose

Handler Katie Bernardin

Jefferson County Kennel Club of Missouri

Rolla Missouri Kennel Club

English Springer Spaniel

GCHG Telltale Bohemian Rhapsody

Judge Ms. Grace M. Fritz

Judge John Walsh

Owners Beth Fink, Judy Vanderlip, Susan Hatch, Gina Paulucci and Elizabeth Pike

Handler Robin Novack

Janesville-Beloit Kennel Club - Saturday

Samoyed

GCHG Nordic’s Hobby Horse Puttin on Airs BCAT

Judge Mrs. Barbara L. Burns

Owners Brigid Brandt, Gail Matthews, Jeffery Skinner, Shauna

Brummet

Handler Chris Jones

MARX THE JUDGE THE SPOT

A Judge’s Thoughts

at different size shows — there are times that groups are not so strong, and do not have consistent quality throughout the breeds. That was not the case at this show. I thought I was faced with a very good group, and placement decisions would come down to little nuances and things that were important to the various breeds. I also believe that if a breed is known to be weak in an area — such as weak rears or toplines — and if there is a breed representative in front of you that is strong in this area, it should be rewarded — because aren’t we supposed to be telling breeders which breeding program is working?

I have no reason to believe that I am the only one who has these thoughts when judging, so I wonder why so many people on social media question so many judges. Just recently I have seen a DNS (Do Not Show) attributed to a well-known judge, and the very next comment was that this judge “would get an entry from me every time.” Is it the judge,

or is it the perception of the judge on that day by different people? Or does it simply depend on whether that person won or not?

What do judges (namely, me) do before judging a show? I check the posted breed entries, so I know which breeds I am scheduled to judge have actual entries. Then I again read the breed standards for those breeds. I have never made an attempt to memorize the standards. I think it is more important to understand the standards. For me it is not always easy to remember exactly — for every

breed with a height or weight disqualifications — whether it is 27½ or 28 inches, so I appreciate the superintendents who have height disqualifications listed in the back of their judges’ books. I do remember that the breed has a height DQ, and being able to just do a quick check in the judges’ book simply saves time. Finally, when and how does a judge make his decision? Again, speaking just for myself, I get a quick first impression as I walk down the line and greet each dog and handler, and then send them around one at a time. My hands and eyes then confirm or change my original impression as I examine the dog. Most of the time I then have the dog stand “lead-free,” so the handler cannot affect how the dog stands. Lastly, when the dog moves, final decisions are made as the dog in motion shows the truth for me. In my mind, as I am examining or watching the dog, I am comparing what I see and feel to the standard for that breed.

I do remember that the breed has a height DQ, and being able to just do a quick check in the judges’ book simply saves time.

I don’t know if all judges do the same exact thing, but in general, this is the thought process that judges go through. Regardless of what some of the “negative Nellies” and naysayers would have you believe, most of us are truly trying to find the best dog — in our opinion, based on our knowledge and experience. What do you think?

GOSSIP THE COLUMN

by Eugene Z. Zaphiris

Iin New York. The show will once again be held at the USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER, where the memories of SAMPRAS, AGASSI, MCENROE, CONNORS, EVERT, NAVRATILOVA and GRAF will morph into GREEN, HARRIS, TRAINOR, SOMMER, MCFADDEN, RANGEL, FITZPATRICK, CLARK, FITZGERALD and OSTERMILLER, all of whom handled multiple Westminster Best in Show winners, as well as BOB & JANE FORSYTH, the only husband and wife team ever to have handled Westminster Best in Show winners. The AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB has announced that its board of directors has adopted the AKC EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS POLICY AND RECOMMENDATIONS, establishing another step in creating a safer and more respectful environment. All conformation and Junior Showmanship judges will be required to complete the STEWARDS OF CHILDREN registered training from the DARKNESS TO LIGHT non-profit organization once every three years. All judges have been notified, and Junior Showmanship judges are required to complete this new training by August 1, 2024. The PURINA PARENT CLUB PARTNERSHIP DONATION is a program designed for Purina Pro Club members to earn points with their purchases of Purina

products. These points are recalculated into dol lars, and the donation by PURINA to the AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION in 2023 was $111,910. Since the inception of the program in 2002, the PURINA PARENT CLUB PARTNERSHIP has donated more than $9 million. For further information, visit www.akcchf.org/ppcp. There is courthouse in Ventura County, California, that has a dog named Comet who wears a vest and bowtie and sits in the witness box to help calm the nerves of those testifying. He’s so successful that now there are more than 320 specially trained dogs with their handlers working in courthouses across the country, according to ELLEN O’NEILL-STEPHENS, founder of the non-profit COURTHOUSE DOGS FOUNDATION. Especially popular out West, there are nine states that legally allow courtroom dogs by law. TOMMY TOMLINSON, author of THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, a book about his being overweight, has turned his attention to dogs. His newly published book coincides with its topic and title in the coming days: DOGLAND: PASSION, GLORY AND LOTS OF SLOBBER AT THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW. Ending on a generational high note, we just received this email from REMY SMITH-LEWIS: "KARISSA and I are thrilled to announce we are expecting a bundle of joy this Summer, we look forward to this next chapter", Congratulations

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Bucks County KC

Photos by Kathy Ferris

Handler's Directory DOG NEWS

Handler’s Directory

Handler’s Directory

THE WAY WE WERE 1991

The Professional Handlers’ Association

The Professional Handlers’ Association

“Quite Simply the Best... ”

“Quite Simply the Best... ”

Founded in 1926, the PHA represents the interests of those exhibiting the purebred dog. It’s the oldest and most prestigious organization of its kind.

Founded in 1926, the PHA represents the interests of those exhibiting the purebred dog. It’s the oldest and most prestigious organization of its kind.

Not all handlers are members of the PHA. Hiring one of our associates offers you the peace-of-mind in knowing that your dog is in the capable hands of someone who can be trusted and is the best at what they do.

Not all handlers are members of the PHA. Hiring one of our associates offers you the peace-of-mind in knowing that your dog is in the capable hands of someone who can be trusted and is the best at what they do.

Help your dog reach their full potential. Look for the distinctive emblem, and hire a member of the PHA.

Help your dog reach their full potential. Look for the distinctive emblem, and hire a member of the PHA.

Professional Handlers’ Association, Inc. (301) 924-0089

www.PHADogHandlers.com

Professional Handlers’ Association, Inc. (301) 924-0089

www.PHADogHandlers.com

131 Washington St., Suite 306 Watertown, NY 13601

FOR SALE Perfect Home for Dogs or Livestock for Breeder or Handler

H Beautiful solid home with partially finished basement on 5 acres completely fenced with privacy & horse fencing.

H 3 BR, 2 FBA, 2 car garage, nice sized kitchen and spacious great room has 2,050 s/ft. total living space. Separate room w/ entrance used for grooming w/raised tub.

H 20x30 outbuilding w/lean to for mowing equipment/kennel workshop or livestock. Zoned agricultural.

H 12-50’ x 4’ outdoor dog kennel runs w/ partial roof shade & concrete w/limestone & 5-10’x10’ outdoor runs w/limestone. Beautiful back yard wildlife & privacy. Country living within the city & no HOAs.

H Great location 5-10 minutes to major stores, gas stations, hospitals. Less than 2 minutes from interstate.

Indianapolis, Indiana • $425,000 317-800-0830

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