Dog News The Digest Volume 30, Issue 21
Of American Dogs $5.00
GCH. SPORTING FIELDS
May 23, 2014
SHAMELESS
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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Dog News Contents • May 23, 2014 10 Editorial 14 Inside The Sport: An Owner-Handler Looks At The NOHS Series By Pat Trotter 18 Babbling: Sparring - An American Invention? By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen 22 Question Of The Week By Matthew H. Stander 26 The Judge Speaks: Clubs Need Facilities To Showcase Purebred Dogs By Polly Smith 30 An Historic Vote On Delegate Eligibility By Gretchen Bernardi, Chair of Delegate Bylaws Committee 34 Bests Of The Week 112 handlers directory 38 Ten Questions Asked of David Murray 114 subscription rates 42 Marxisms: This Judge’s Point Of View By Sid Marx 116 classified advertising 118 advertising rates 44 They Who Served By Nick Waters 46 Heelwork To Music: Judging In Austria By Richard Curtis 50 Off The Leash: The H$U$ Settlement Spin By Shaun Coen 54 Gold Coast Triumvirate, Right Hand v. The Left Conundrum, JRC’s Pool of 18 And More By Matthew H. Stander 56 Adieu, Dr. Bill: The Mastiff Loses Its Biggest Booster, Dr. William Newman By Denise Flaim 68 Take Me Back To Tulsa: 2014 Belgian Sheepdog National Specialty By Sharon G. Roundy 76 An Experience To Last A Lifetime: 2014 Great Pyrenees National Specialty By Carrie Stuart Parks 84 Dognition By Sharon Pflaumer 92 Rare Breeds Of The World: The Spanish Alano By Agnes Buchwald 94 Little Viking Dogs: The Swedish Vallhund By MJ Nelson 98 The Gossip Column By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 104 Click: Long Island Kennel Club and Ladies Kennel Association By Eugene Z. Zaphiris 106 Letters To The Editor POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 110 Click: The Way We Were By Leslie Simis DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 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
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 -
MAY 23, 2014
PUBLISHER
STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SEAN KEVIN GAFFNEY ADVERTISING MANAGERS
Wins The American Whippet Club National Specialty Winner of Prestigious People's Choice Award
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Thank You Breeder-Judge Ms. Pauline Oliver
#4 HOUND* #1 WHIPPET ALL SYSTEMS MULTIPLE Best In Show Winner & SPECIALTY Best In Show Winner
GCH SPORTING FIELDS SHAMELESS Owner-Handled by Her Breeder, Amanda Giles Owned by Barbara Call, Jane Cooney-Waterhouse, and her Breeders Dionne Butt & Amanda Giles... Three Generations of Breeding Wonderful Whippets! *C.C. system
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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.
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B I N G O
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Back-To-Back Specialty Best of Breeds Bichon Frise Club of Greater Houston Thank you Judges Dr. Robert Indeglia and Mr. Kent Delaney
Best In Show & Specialty Best in Show Winner
GCh. SAKS Winning Card Breeders Roberta Bleecker Shirley Hamilton
Owned by Sarah Ayers Cecelia Ruggles, High Ridge Kieth and Sandra Hanson, Saks
Presented By Scott Sommer Dog News 9
GETTING NEW PEOPLE INTO THE SPORT Most everyone seems to be in agreement that one of the major goals for AKC is getting more people who own dogs to both register them and to get more involved in AKC activities. AKC generally under the leadership of Alan Kalter and Dennis Sprung has been developing through its social media programs methods and ways to accomplish these goals, which are painful steps in the sense they require heavy financing and creative thinkers. Certainly the redesign of its Web Site, which is currently in progress, will if it achieves the desired results be a major accomplishment for them. This Web Site has been revamped a number of times before and hopefully the new designers will accomplish what past designers were unable to do. Additionally and probably as a part of this program is the hoped for success of the Social Media Department at AKC in reaching out to every home in America that owns a dog, purebred or not, and to get them involved in one way or another with AKC and its programs. This too is a very ambitious goal to achieve. Meanwhile on a much smaller scale there are those within the conformation world of AKC who are attempting to broaden the participation of people in the showing of the purebred dogs. And their ideas while certainly filled with the best of intentions seem to concentrate strictly in one area of the dog show world, the competitive side of showing the purebred dog. Just look at the recent innovations--the Grand Championship Titles, the Best Bred by, the Best Puppy 4 to 6, the NOHS competition, 2 shows a day--all these innovations APPEAL TO THE SAME SET OF PEOPLE--the current competitors at the shows themselves. That’s why Carl Ashby misses the point as do the rest of the Directors when they ask Staff to research these kinds of projects. Forget about the fact that most of them are thrown helter-skelter into the pot without much if any thought being given to the implement of the project. There is virtually no attempt (with the exception of the MY DOG CAN DO THAT!) to lure the general public to the shows and for them to participate in the shows as well. Just look at the great idea of the Purina people in Italy where puppies are evaluated not for show purposes but for pet ownership purposes. People who never would attend a dog show and have no interest in breed competition bring their dogs to the shows to have temperament and general structure and health factors discussed in a dog show setting. The dogs
are evaluated by three judges or breeders of long-term involvement. 80 to 90 dogs a day are brought to these events by their owners and families as entered exhibits held throughout the country in different cities and ask for and pay for these evaluations. That brings in new faces and people and helps create an interest in the non-competitive side of our sport--that’s what we need are creative thinkers who come up with new ideas to get new people involved.
THE REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE Well the games have begun and as per the norm the folk with the least amount of business and real estate knowledge are chirping in with advice for the experts appointed by Ron Menaker to the Committee selected to look into where AKC should have its future offices. There is one common denominator. Most people would like to see the offices wherever the Committee decides they should be combined into a single entity and not spread out the way they are today. True it is that with today’s advanced technology the ability to communicate from distances is vastly improved there is as far as these pages are concerned nothing which tops face-toface discussions and decisions. Whether or not that factor should be a deal maker or breaker remains to be seen as the financials of the situation will probably be the overriding facts to be studied. From that viewpoint the Menaker Committee certainly is a remarkable collection of people.
THE UPCOMING DELEGATE VOTE Gretchen Bernardi, who is the chairperson of the Delegate Committee on By-Laws, which is the Committee presenting the Amendment to change the Delegate Occupational Eligibility By-Law Amendment has written what these pages consider to be a fascinating historical account about the history of that By-Law Amendment. It is contained in this issue and deserves to be read by anyone concerned with AKC. Whether or not one agrees with her conclusions (which these pages most certainly do) the documentation leading up to her final thoughts makes for a fascinating read. This is a major vote to be taken in June by the Delegates, which is also unfortunately usually the poorest attended of the four Delegate Meetings. It would be a shame if this motion were defeated because of a small bloc of people who may have banded together to attend to prevent a two third vote to be achieved, which of course is the magic number in By-Law votes. This is an appeal to all Member Clubs to have your Delegate attend this meeting and hopefully be instructed to support the changes proposed. Let’s prevent
a reoccurrence of that famous “whelping box “ speech of yesteryear that emotionally stirred the hearts of the Delegates and overwhelmed the vote to change the ByLaw. The more Delegates there the better is the thinking of these pages to ensure passage of the amendment.
FROM CHASE TO ALLIANCE The loss of registrations has hit AKC hard in the pocketbook that’s a known fact. But one of the ancillary losses rarely if ever acknowledged by AKC was in the Credit Card monies being earned under its past agreement with J.P. Morgan Chase. As far as these pages can tell the sum earned was a substantial one when the contract was first signed-in the millions of dollars area which fell off year after year as the registrations dived until it just was not profitable one would presume for Chase to renew the relationship. Now AKC has just announced a new relationship with Alliance Data Systems, a very reputable and leading global provider of data-driven marketing as it extends its reach in the co-brand affinity category. The new credit program will provide a platform for AKC to engage its customers and reward them with points for their loyalty to AKC. Cardmembers will be able to accelerate their earnings of points when they buy goods and services through AKC and when making other pet-related purchases with the cards. Obviously the financial details have not been made public nor should one expect them to be made public. Whether the monies lost through the Chase card deal can ever be made up by this deal are unlikely unless of course by some chance the monies being earned with Alliance are so great that it becomes something about which it is worth crowing.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK There were as of last week 12,000 entries for the FCI World Dog Show in Helsinki. If the registrations, which do not close until July 9th, continue at this pace the event may become the world’s largest dog show event ever. This is a staggered entry process with the next stage ending June 16 with only online entries accepted in the final two stages. Run by the Finnish Kennel Club for the FCI the last time the show was held in Helsinki was in 1998 and was granted to them in celebration of its 125th Jubilee Year. Certainly the reputation of the Finnish Kennel Club ranks extremely high in the organizing of dog shows so this should be an extraordinary affair but one caveat if you are thinking of going hotel space is at a premium.
E d i t or i a l
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TOSKYDOX
GCH. MARGINNS FREDRICKA V RUF KNABE
Our appreciation to Judge Mrs. Jacqueline Stacy
Freddi
is ranked as the Number One Smooth Dachshund All Systems Handled by Lorene Hogan
Owned by: Sharon Lutosky
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Charly
The New Legend...
Canada’s #1 Toy #2 All Breeds 2013 Winner of The Purina National, The Show of Shows & 31 All Breed Best In Shows
Multiple Best In Show Winning Best In Show, Am. Can. Int. Dutch Croation
Ch. Champagne Charly V. Tania Kazari Breeder: Miieke Cooijmans Owner: Viruch Phrukwattanakul Handler: Hiram Stewart 12 Dog News
Our appreciation to the Judges for recognizing our beautiful monkey: Mrs. Erika Moureau, Ms. Jackie Rayner, Ms. Betty Regina Leininger, Mrs. Patricia Taylor, Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman, Mr. Robert Stein and Mrs. Ann Hearn
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Inside The Sport
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AN OWNER-HANDLER LOOKS AT THE NOHS SERIES I have been an owner-handler since 1947. This ribbon won by a skinny little girl with her old-fashioned black Cocker Spaniel bitch is proof of that. Two years later the first of a long line of Norwegian Elkhounds entered the picture, and my passion for the breed endures to this day. Just this past weekend the Elkhounds and I enjoyed a specialty show and two all breeds in Northern California. Thus I think I am somewhat qualified to discuss the owner-handler scenario as it exists in America today.
By Pat Trotter
T
he recent board decision mandating that kennel clubs include the National Owner-Handler Series (NOHS) in any dog show that offers special attractions has caused as much outrage as the board’s decision to mask the names of judges on their applications did last year about this same time. Thankfully, the 2013 ill-advised board move as been rescinded. The time may come when this equally foolish mandating decision will also be rescinded. According to this new ruling, if there is no NOHS competition offered, then there will be no Best Puppy, no Best Veteran or no Best BBE in Show. How ridiculous is that? Isn’t that rather punitive and counter-productive? Does this mean I am against the NOH Series? Indeed not. Fact is I am decidedly for this special attraction yet would like to see some significant decisions and changes made regarding the actual implementation of the NOHS. Such action would alter the process to make it more compatible Continued on page 58
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BAbbling
SPARRING- AN AMERICAN INVENTION? By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen
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couple of weeks ago Ronnie Irving in this paper made some comments regarding sparring- and some of the negatives and risks involved with that “routine”. An American memory that is etched into my brain took place nearly 40 years ago when I entered the “Barracks” where the Terrier show in those days took place the weekend before Westminster! Smooth Fox Terrier Best of Breed selection was going on- and the sight of 3 dogs facing each other in the center of the ring, surrounded by another 40 beautifully presented champions with well dressed handlers who all did their utmost to catch the judge’s eye! A simply spectacular sight. So professional and so different from anything I had ever seen. And for a long time I was wondering why sparring was not standard procedure even in European rings. The sight of the terriers face to face, showing true terrier spirit (?) all of a sudden looking so much better than they did a minute ago, intense expression, the neck longer, the back shorter and the tailset higher- unbelievable what a different picture appeared in front of you… Then giving it some thought: One of the reasons Sparring would not be a workable method in European rings is of course the fact that for this to work and be acceptable, the handlers have to know what to do and how to make
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sure it is safe. And there are too many novices and amateurs involved, which could easily lead to disasters, chaos and serious injuries… Even in this country with experienced handlers sparring we have witnessed “accidents” that have eliminated top dogs from further competition. Hopefully not intentionally, but if you are able by a slight “mistake” to make your main opponent lame- I have wondered at times if this simply was nothing but an opportunity too good to miss… A couple of years ago we had a foreign judge at Devon, judging Airedales, who banned sparring from her ring, which of course caused strong reactions from some handlers, but thinking about it: This lady came from Australia (I think), was a Bull Terrier expert who declared in the ring prior to start judging that she was not really competent to judge this breed. So I can understand her argument: If you come from a breed where sparring is not even heard of- and from a country where most exhibitors are amateurs - I can understand her decision simply from a risk elimination point of view! She simply underestimated the competence of all those handlers in the breed, but how could she have known?? I have had many a discussion about sparring and how it affects or benefits the judging procedureand have been surprised how it has become a standard routine
for so many breeds and judges. Some judges (and even handlers) have even expressed it should be a mandatory part of the judging procedure. I will not completely disagree: When it comes to judging expression, sparring is a useful tool. But that is as far as it goes for me. So whenever I judge over here, I live by the slogan: When in Rome…. But will the picture created during sparring influence the final awards? I don’t really think so. And does it really affect any judge’s decision?? Have you ever been standing inside a shop window watching “passersby’s’” reactions when they see their own reflections in the mirror. Instantly they stand up straighter, pull back shoulders and suck in their belly and move with more determination. It normally lasts for a block or two- and then everything falls back to the way it was… And I think it is the same with sparring. An indifferent looking animal enters the ring, but then when facing an opponent things happen. The “killer instinct” turned on: Low set ears are all of a sudden at the top of the head, the neck looks longer, the back look shorter and the tailset perfect. My question has always been: Is this the image you should keep in mind and be deciding for your placings- even after the dog is back in line with ears down, short neck and longer back, lower tailset, etc.??? I hope not. So what is the real value of this system? For the ringside it is definitely more entertaining. Well, honestly: I don’t really know. At one stage we had quite a big kennel with at one time maybe 20+ Fox Terriers in residence. It was my ambition that they should all get along, which with very few exceptions they did. My son at the age of 3 or 4 had his own Wire friend named Betty. Continued on page 62
*CC Breed & All Breed Stats 4/30/14
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At the June Delegate meeting once again there is a proposal to eliminate “the occupational eligibility” clause within the By-Laws insofar as Delegate eligibility is concerned. Do you think that vote should be taken as an over-all policy basis or that each occupation (there are five or so designated) should be voted upon individually? nina Schaefer A member club should be able to have a delegate selected by its own members. Limitations imposed upon their choice should be confined to actions which might be taken by the selected person which can be demonstrated to harm the American Kennel Club and the sport of dogs. Robert A. Schroll As I begin my fifteenth year as a delegate, this is the first time that I am able to recall this question coming up for a vote. I am given to understand that the last time it was proposed by the board of directors it concerned only the eligibility of judges who charged a fee being seated as delegates. If that is indeed true, then this vote would be the first time that it has been brought to the floor by a delegate or club - and not simply that, but by the delegate standing committee on Bylaws. This in and of itself makes it rather historic. Personally, I would prefer that several individual votes be taken, rather than one as a group. This is my preference simply because I feel that it would provide an insight into the thought process of not only the delegates themselves but their clubs as well. I would like to know whom they perceive to be the “undesirables.”Also, I do not think that most clubs realize that how they instruct their delegate to vote is in fact the way that delegate does indeed vote. It is never recorded unless it is a counted ballot and recorded vote, as was the case about five years ago concerning the awarding of a major for reserve at a national specialty. Otherwise a club can never be totally certain that their delegate has cast their vote as instructed by the club.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE AMENDMENT CHANGE WHICH APPEARED ON THE DELEGATE E-LINE Rita J. Biddle, Delegate, Ingham Co. Kennel Club I’ve been following the discussion on delegate eligibility. The point is that a club should be able to send whomever they want as their delegate. Splitting out the various excluded groups would defeat the purpose of the proposal which is to provide a club with the freedom of choice to select the person they believe will best represent them. As many have noted, in addition to protecting a club’s freedom of choice, this proposal will make the Delegate Body more inclusive and representative of the whole dog fancy. It will only make us stronger as individuals from the excluded groups will have much to offer. My club has instructed me to vote for the proposal as is with the exception of deleting the animal abuse conviction part for the reasons many have already cited.
stipend were to be sponsored by a publication? What if that publication was paying Surrogate Delegates for their services in return for their voting alignment? The Delegate body like the three branches of the federal government is a check on this very issue. How would this group feel if one day the Publisher of Dog News (name used for illustration only) was to be elected as the chairman of the AKC? As a CPA, schooled in internal controls and the separation of duties and responsibilities I personally see the currently excluded parties as being directly conflicted with the duties of an AKC Delegate. I am truly dumbfounded that the delegates writing to this subject are blind to this issue, especially those who’s current and former professional affiliations should make them sensitive to same. Writing solely for myself, and not the Saw Mill River Kennel Club.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK Andrew Kalmanash, Delegate, Saw Mill River Kennel Club Interesting that New York State is wise enough to provide these internal controls for Not For Profits, and our By-Laws committee is seeking to include as delegates those who are directly conflicted by employment and/or affiliation, in the governance of the AKC. We have all seen in recent times how one bad egg can spoil the whole bunch, I personally cannot imagine how those who make their living soliciting dogs to exhibit, who are involved in the production of media which promotes dogs, and those who are in the employ of dog food producers should be allowed to manage the AKC yet the AKC has so many policies and procedures for the maintenance of independence for those who actually judge. At the past Delegate’s meeting, there was quite a bit of discussion regarding a certain publications access to this list. How about taking it one step further. How many current delegates pay their own way? What if their expenses to attend, and further a
By Matthew H. Stander
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Monica Henderson Stoner, Delegate, Saluki Club Of America While we’re on the subject -- I would be most interested in hearing why Delegate judges should not be allowed to charge a fee beyond documented reimbursement of travel expenses. As a judge, I’m thinking of all the work and all the expense and all the time that goes in to becoming a judge.... enduring airline travel, standing all day while concentrating on the dogs... enjoying the dogs, the people, the show, of course - why else would any of us go to dog shows?... But I find myself wondering, searching for the virtue in working this hard “for free” just because I’m a Delegate?
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The Judge Speaks By POLLY SMITH
Clubs Need Facilities To Showcase Dogs
I
was very happy to hear from Harry Miller who is the delegate from the American Foxhound Club that the Dog Show Rule Committee was looking into the process through which facilities within a club’s territory could become more accessible to other clubs. I know there are very strong feelings about clubs going outside of their area or territory to have shows. The main thing that should be considered is the safety and well being of the dogs being shown. There can be numerous reasons why a club needed to look outside of its home-base to hold shows. This became our problem when the facility we had been using went into foreclosure and was later sold. We were then forced to look outside of our radius to find a site. Lucky for us we located one and through the hard work of Brad and June Noyes they were able to convince the club which had rights to the building to let us use the facility. We have found that over the years many places have become unavailable, National Guard Armories as an example were unavailable after 9-11, Fairgrounds have been sold etc., etc. Thank God we do have very enlightened clubs, and members who welcome other clubs into their areas, among them are clubs in Massachusetts and Colorado. On the other hand you have clubs that do not want under any circumstance other clubs using their area. Some do not want the competition or more shows around them. 26 Dog News
“We need good quality facilities to be available to all clubs, with parking for RV’s, box trucks and cars and electric hookups.”
When going out of your area first you must obtain certain requirements. You also have to get permission every year from the club and send that into the AKC’s Events Department before you can start to put on a show, then you see if the building is still available, send in your application and hire judges. Along with this the members of a club must work at their real jobs (the ones that pays them) so they can belong to a kennel club and show dogs. We need good quality facilities to be available to all clubs, with parking for RV’s, box trucks and cars and electric hook-ups. Dog shows that are in good buildings with good parking is the best PR pure-bred dogs and the AKC can have. Our gate was good at our old facility but it was 20 miles from town; now in an area that people are used to coming to it has increased ten-fold. The Dog Show Rules Committee simply wants to open up certain outstanding facilities for use by clubs without jumping through hoops every year. We also must remember that these facilities are up for rent. Does a club have the right to deny a business the right to do business? I hope when this proposal reaches the board they will look at it in the light of the 21st century. Small and medium size shows are affected more by this then large shows. The small and medium size shows need the best facilities possible so they can grow entries and showcase pure-bred dogs in the best possible light.
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An Historic Vote On Delegate Eligibility:
Chairman Of Delegate Bylaws Committee Speaks Out By Gretchen Bernardi, Chair The Delegate Committee on Bylaws
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hen the delegates meet in Newark on June 9, they will be voting on an amendment to the AKC bylaws regarding delegate eligibility. This vote is historic, because, if adopted, member clubs will be able to choose as their delegate, the person who, in their collective opinion, is best qualified to represent them, regardless of occupation, for the first time since 1933. Prior to 1933, when the first occupational restrictions were written into the bylaws, there was a membership committee whose purpose was to screen out “objectionable” candidates. Anyone could write a letter objecting to a candidate and that letter would be kept secret, as were the committee’s deliberations and reasoning. At that time, each delegate was voted on, requiring a 4/5 majority needed for election. It was virtually guaranteed that no person would be seated without the approval of the membership committee. It is generally accepted that the two sections added to the bylaws in 1933 were driven by social prejudices and an attitude of entitlement that wanted to prevent a certain type or class of people from engaging in the actual governance of the AKC. In addition to preventing professional judges, kennel employees and others from participating, Section 5 stated that “Each candidate for the position of Delegate must personally be 30 Dog News
known by at least one member of the Board of Director of The American Kennel Club, or if not so known must be vouched for by some one person in good standing with the American Kennel Club who is known by at least one member of said Board or if the candidate can comply with neither of these conditions, the candidate must personally appear before the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club at such time as it shall request him to appear.” Even in 1933, it was nowhere written that women were excluded, but they were. It hardly seems possible that several attempts to amend the bylaws to include women failed in the early 70’s. At the September meeting in 1973, such an attempt failed to pass by 25 votes in a secret ballot. But only six months later, at the March, 1974 meeting, the amendment passed with a vote of 180 to 7. But even then it took a roll call vote to finally allow women to share in the governance of their sport. Presumably, even those opposed to the admission of women delegates did not want to be on record as opposing. Clearly, in 1933, “exclusion” was the model of the day, not “inclusion,” and that attitude prevailed until 1974. But we still operate with much of that attitude today, by excluding people from consideration as delegates to represent their clubs, even though they have the experience and knowledge and
dedication to serve their club well. It is not the 70’s and certainly not the 30’s and very few organizations of any kind survive today by being exclusive. From the description of the amendment from the delegate worksheet: “The proposed changes remove restrictions on Delegate eligibility for certain classes of persons previously excluded from serving as Delegates. These proposed changes were brought forward by the Delegate Bylaws Committee. It makes judges who charge in excess of expenses, professional handlers or trainers, persons who engage in the manufacture of or retail sale of dog food, or dog supplies, publishers or others who publish or promote show dogs/kennels through solicitation or acceptance of advertisements in commercial dog publications, and dog show superintendents, all eligible to become and remain Delegates. It also adds convictions for animal cruelty as a reason for not approving or removing a Delegate.” This amendment is being brought forward by the Delegate Committee on Bylaws after careful and lengthy consideration, because it believes that the automatic exclusion of a club’s chosen delegate based on occupation is unfair and that the freedom for clubs to choose their delegates serves the best interests of those clubs and, as a result, the American Kennel Club and the sport it governs. The passage of this amendment will grant them that freedom.
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OF Bests THE WEEK Long Island Kennel Club - Sunday German Shepherd Dog
GVCh. Woodside’s Megabucks
Judge Mr. Whitney J. Coombs Owners Kiki Courtelis, Joyce Wilkinson, Jody M. & Jason Duin Handled by Lenny Brown
Coyote Hills Kennel Club Alaskan Malamute
GCh. Peace River Silverice Summer Solstice Judge Mr. William Russell Owners A. Syar, M. Stone Handler Mike Stone Mount Ogden Kennel Club - Sunday Akita
GCh. Mojo’s Continuation Of A Myth
Mattaponi Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday Portuguese Water Dog
Judge Ms. Carol Graham Owner Stacey Borrmann Handler Alvin (Beep) Lee
Judge Mrs. Sari Brewster Tietjen Judge Mr. Charles L. Olvis Owners Milan Lint, Peggy Helming & Donna Gottdenker Handler Michael Scott
York County Kennel Club of Maine - Sunday Afghan Hound
GCh. Claircreek Impression De Matisse
Ladies Kennel Association Skye Terrier
Ch. Cragsmoor Goodtime Charlie Judge Mr. Desmond Murphy Owners Victor Malzoni, Jr. Handler Larry Cornelius
Kokomo Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday Standard Poodle
GCh. Dawin Hearts on Fire Judge Mrs. Dawn Hansen Judge Mr. Jim Hupp Handler Sarah Perchick Owner Linda Campbell
GCh. Tells Matrix Reloaded
Judge Mrs. Lydia Coleman - Hutchinson Owner Missy Galloway Handler Christian Manelopoulos Genesee Kennel Club - Saturday Welsh Terrier
GCh. Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor
Judge Mr. Houston Clark Owners Keith Bailey, Sharon Abmeyer, T. Lee and X. Xie Handler Luiz Abreu Continued on page 66
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: 212 462-9588 Email: dognews@harris-pub.com 34 Dog News
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1
How did you decide on your kennel name?
My kennel name was chosen while watching 2 puppies from my first litter playing literally for hours, right then “Players Tibetan Terriers” was established.
What was your most disappointing dog show loss? Unfortunately they’re all the same, and I don’t do any of them that well.
Who is/was your mentor in dogs?
Susan Vroom, Roberta Lombardi, Bette LaPoca.
I’m not very good at either of those either.
What was your most important dog show win?
Back to Back BIS’s at Lompoc in it’s heyday with Ch. Sim-Pa Lea’s Razzmatazz under Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Billings.
Can you forgive and forget?
Which two people would you have face off on “Survivor”?
Me & anyone I’m in a race for # 1 with, it would be a great season, I promise!
Questions ASKED OF:
The last book you read? Born To Win!!
You get your news from CNN, Fox News, PBS, local or none? Anywhere, except Fox.
David Murray
Would you rather judge or win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club? Win, that’s an easy one!
You would like to be remembered as?
Always Honest, even if occasionally, to a fault.
BORN: st. louis park, mn • RESIDEs: los angeles, ca • MARITAL STATUS: happily single • ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: virgo 38 Dog News
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Dog News 41
arxism M s This Judge’s Point Of View
If most exhibitors were asked what they wanted from judges, I would bet that two things are repeated most often: judge the right end of the lead and judge by the standard. There is absolutely no disagreement as to the first answer, but maybe the second part is not as simple as it sounds. Those who know me have often heard me say that judging entails a lot of trade-offs; i.e. what do I accept as being more important to the breed. So my question is do we to take the Standard word for word as gospel, or is there some leeway? Is this heresy? My wife was recently asked whether it was acceptable for a Flat-Coat to have a white spot. The simple answer is to look at the standard, which describes a Flat-Coat as Solid black or solid liver. Disqualification-- Yellow, cream or any color other than black or liver. Seems pretty cut and dry, doesn’t it? Well, what about a white SPOT? Is the standard talking about color as to the whole dog, or does the spot count as a color? Let’s take it a step further. If you as a judge are presented with a beautiful Flat-Coat breed representative – lovely head with strong underjaw, strong topline, blunted triangle held in free stack and moving – but it has an obvious white spot on the chest, do you put an inferior dog over this one because of the spot? Do you excuse the dog for not 42 Dog News
BY SID MARX conforming to breed color requirements? Does it matter if the spot is a quarter size or dime size? At what point do you stop? What would you do? Is the judge not charged with protecting the standard as put forth by the parent club? There are those who think the answer is always black and white (no pun intended). Taken literally, according to the standard, the dog should be excused. I cannot accept that. I am not talking about judging for a generic dog, but if a dog has strong breed type – and is strong in those areas that the breed needs to improve – I cannot put an inferior breed specimen over it because of a “fault” that is not a disqualification. To me, we are looking for the essence of the breed. Because we care, we called one of the people who was integral to the Flat-Coat breed standard being written for the U.S.A. She stated that a lot of the US standard came directly from the British standard, and that white was not specifically addressed because there had not been a problem in this area. All the British standard says about color is Black or Liver only. (By the way, she would not excuse
the dog, but probably would not award it.). Lee Canalizo wrote an article a while ago about the importance of judges and breeders reaching out to stalwarts of the breed and breed mentors. More judges and breeders should be doing this to use all the resources available to increase our knowledge and understanding of a breed. I agree that a judge has the responsibility to support the Parent Club. However, I also believe that those who originally wrote the breed standards were good “dog-people” who understood basic premises about dogs. One of those basics is that a good “dogperson” recognizes quality and should never subjugate quality to a single fault. The more we judge the more we learn to look at the big picture, and that we are helping breeds by putting up quality rather than fault-judging. I know of a few judges who have memorized breed standards and can quote them word for word – and I won’t show any of my dogs to them. There is a difference in rote memorization and being able to find and reward quality. Don’t you want a judge that can recognize a strong breed specimen as opposed to saying,
“Did you see that he toes in a little?” One is judging. The other is looking for faults, and anyone can do that. How do judges handle Standards or cultures that have changed? Judges periodically receive changes to breed standards from AKC. There may be changes to emphasize a point or to clarify whether a breed is slightly rectangular as opposed to slightly off-square. Looking at the big picture of this breed, is this a major change that will affect which dog I should award BOB? What about cultural changes and the spread of international breeding? The English Cocker Spaniel standard still says the breed has a docked tail. Does that mean a judge should excuse an import without a docked tail? Again, do I throw out a quality dog with the bath water? With the exception of Disqualifications, I believe the Standard is the blueprint or outline for the breed. A judge’s experience, knowledge, and understanding of the breed purpose fills in the blanks. So, we need to train our eyes and our mind to look at the big picture. Find the essence. I will continue to try to find and reward type, and leave the nitpicking to those who revel in it.
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*CC System
This year marks the 100th BY NICK WATERS Anniversary of the start of rom elephants to glow worms, cats to camels, so many species the First World War. While played a part and the numbers we remember the countless are staggering; eight million horses and over 300,000 pigeons alone. millions who lost their lives Dogs played a major role too, they in that and subsequent wars acted as messengers; scouts; guards; mine detectors; they laid cables, over the last 100 years, most pulled sledges, ambulances and machine guns; aided the Red Cross; fuelled by power, greed they were even trained as ‘suicide squads’ to run under enemy tanks and religion, it’s timely to with primed mines strapped to their remember the animals who back – the dogs that served were always loyal and unquestioning. served, suffered and died To mark the centenary I feature alongside the fighting forces. five very different pieces of art which
F
honour the dogs of war.
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The porcelain model of an Airedale Terrier was made during World War I and is modelled in the pose of a search dog wearing a Red Cross collar. The Airedale was one of the breeds chiefly used, and not just by the British but by the Germans as well, for it outperformed all other breeds. In the British trenches on the Western Front some of the famous Airedales that Major Richardson trained were employed in sentry and scouting duties, many in the first-line trenches in Flanders. Richardson started training the breed around the turn of the century, mainly for the Red Cross and established his British War Dog School in 1917.
The bronzed spelter group made in the States circa 1920 shows a soldier, gun on his back, carrying a Bull Terrier. Mounted on a base, it carries a plaque with the inscription ‘Made for Henry A. Swift by the Disabled American Veterans of The World War.’ This organisation was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans of the First World War to represent their unique interests. It eventually became the voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans. The model is a poignant reminder of the bond, affection and trust shared by the men and their dogs in conditions that must have been unimaginable. The picture is a German painting from World War Two. This was one of
the major exhibits in the now disbanded War Dog Museum in New Jersey. It is an oil on canvas by the German painter, illustrator and sculptor, Max Robes and is titled ‘Munitions-Ersatz’ (Ammunitions Replacement). It shows two soldiers in the field receiving ammunition from a dog and was reproduced as a postcard. Robes was born in Samter (Posen) in April 1868 and was well into his 70s when he was working as a German war artist. He died in Vienna in July 1944 not knowing the outcome of all he was portraying. The Nazis placed a high value on art and this included a significant amount of military art. There were always a number of pieces of war art at the annual exhibition of German art in Munich. The
best collection of such art is now held by the US army who in 1947 assumed custody of some 8,000 pieces. The bronze statue and the German Shepherd carved in relief in Portland stone are both from the Animals in War monument standing at Brook Gate on Park Lane and is one of the bestknown of all London memorials. It was designed by leading English sculptor David Backhouse and unveiled by the Princess Royal in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of the First World War. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the horrors of war and the debt we all owe to all the animals who have served alongside the British Commonwealth and Allied forces. The curved Portland stone wall, the symbolic arena of war, is emblazoned with images of various struggling animals, including the German Shepherd, and in the foreground are two heavily laden bronze mules progressing up the stairs through the wall, following a bronze horse and the bronze dog who is looking back for his companions, all weary from the trauma of war. Dog News 45
H eelwork to Music by Richard Curtis
R
ecently I have spent four days teaching and judging in Austria. After the two days I had been teaching I then had to put my judges hat on for the next two. This competition is well known on the freestyle calendar and since I was last judging six years ago the event has grown so much that they had at least 120 routines over the weekend. The location is a small town about an hour from Vienna, which is not only accessible to its homegrown freestylers but also ones from Hungary, Switzerland and Germany. On the Saturday there were the fun
Judging in Austria Above: Above: The The easy easy winner winner of of the the intermediate intermediate level level class class was was aa Border Border collie collie from from Hungary Hungary performing performing to to Stay. Stay. Below: Below: An An excellent excellent venue venue for for the the whole whole event event in in Austria Austria with with aa balcony balcony so so the the audience audience could could see see everything. everything.
classes, which is perhaps not quite a good description of them as it’s more like a training show that we have in the UK. The handlers can go into the ring and use treats and toys during their routine. After the routine is completed they stay in the ring while the judges give verbal and written feedback on what they had seen so this was my task for part of the day. The organisers like this to be a lighter event than a competition so the emphasis is on encouragement with a little advice on things that could be improved. The first class I was giving feedback on was an open class so there were dogs from all three levels that they have in their proper competitions. There were some nice dogs in the class but at times I felt that because the handlers could take food into the ring and feed the dog it sometimes meant the dog was being given food for doing very little. I agree with giving the dog a Iot of rewards when it’s learning but there then needs to come a time when you get the dog working for longer between treats. There was one dog in the first class I gave feedback on that was in a league of its own with regards to its performance. Now a PBGV is not a breed that you would Continued on page 70
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48 Dog News
You
have to give credit where it’s due. The Humane Society of the United States can spin a message like nobody’s business and run its business like no other charity. Last week the HSUS and its codefendants agreed to pay $15.75 million to settle a lawsuit filed against them under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by Feld Entertainment, owner of the Ringling Bros. circus. The history of the lawsuit dates back some 14 years, when the ASPCA, the Animal Welfare Institute, The Fund for Animals (an HSUS affiliate since 2005) and later the Animal Protection Institute filed a lawsuit in 2000 claiming that the circus was unlawfully harming elephants in its care. (The HSUS was not a party in the suit). A decade later a payment scheme was uncovered involving a key witness in the case, Tom Rider, a former Feld handler. The court threw the case out, claiming this “paid plaintiff” had received at least $190,000 in payments and was “not credible”. Feld Entertainment then filed a countersuit against the plaintiffs, their counsel and other non-parties including the HSUS under the RICO Act, typically used to go after the mafia, alleging bribery, illegal witness payments and other torts. The ASPCA settled in late December 2012, agreeing to pay $9.3 million, and now the HSUS, the Fund for Animals and a dozen other parties have agreed to pay a whopping $15.75 million. A hefty price tag for sure, but an HSUS press release stated, “Although The HSUS was never a plaintiff in the case against Ringling, we believe it was prudent for the parties to settle, because this court would never address the core claims of elephant abuse, and there would be significant cost in continuing to litigate. We expect that a substantial portion, if not all, of the settlement costs to The HSUS and The Fund for Animals will be covered by insurance, and in the end, that no donor dollars from The HSUS will go to Feld.” HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle was quoted in the press release to further reassure and reiterate to the charity’s donors: “In the end, no donor dollars from The HSUS will go to Feld. But with the funds Feld is receiving, we urge the company to combat the killings of tens of thousands of elephants for their ivory. An additional $15 million can save countless elephants, by putting more armed guards on the ground or by working to reduce demand in ivory-consuming countries.” That’s some pretty positive spin,
50 Dog News
to cop an attitude of ‘while we will not admit any wrongdoing we will spend millions of dollars to settle a case brought forth under an act used to prosecute organized crime families such as the Gambinos and the Colombos and we’re going to strongly suggest how the plaintiffs spend that money.’ Of course, Feld can spend that money any way it wants and that amount may not even cover lawyers’ fees. But where that money is coming from adds another layer of mystery to the case. The watchdog/lobbyist group humanewatch.org reports that the HSUS doesn’t have liability insurance for this litigation. In fact, the HSUS filed a lawsuit against its liability insurance company, National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, for denying HSUS insurance coverage in the Feld lawsuit. A portion of the HSUS lawsuit against its insurance company was posted to the humanewatch.org website: “28. Plaintiffs [HSUS and two HSUS lawyers] are now required to defend themselves in the Feld Litigation without the benefit of the insurance that HSUS (and its affiliates) purchased from Defendant National Union to protect them.” [...] “33. HSUS, Lovvorn, and Ockene are currently deprived of insurance coverage for which HSUS paid […]”. So, if the HSUS doesn’t have liability insurance will indeed a portion of the $15.75 million settlement come from its donor dollars? I asked HSUS spokesperson Heather Sullivan, “Does the HSUS have liability insurance for this litigation?” She replied, “We have already settled with some of our insurance carriers, and are actively suing the others.”
Seeking further clarification I asked, “So, The HSUS does have insurance for this litigation? How many insurance carriers does The HSUS have?” I have yet to receive a response. While the lawsuit and settlement still leaves many questions unanswered, what is abundantly clear is that the litigious HSUS has no aversion to the courtroom nor a shortage of lawyers. It also apparently has lots of money, much of it raised in the form of donations from people who are unaware of where that money is being applied. In addition to lawyers’ fees and pension plans, a considerable portion of it is reportedly being invested in offshore hedge funds, according to humanewatch.org, which took out a full page ad in USA Today alleging that while the HSUS “only gives 1% of its budget to local pet shelters” it has funneled nearly $26 million into several funds in Caribbean accounts in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. Behind humanewatch.org is Richard Berman, a wealthy corporate lobbyist and owner of the PR firm Berman and Company, and the force behind several non-profit organizations such as the Center for Consumer Freedom. He has described his strategy as “shoot the messenger,” refused to disclose who funds his media campaigns and was dubbed “Dr. Evil” by 60 Minutes because he has, among other things, opposed raising the minimum wage and safety checks endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and has defended the interests of tobacco, alcoholic and soft drink beverage companies and fast food chains. Some question whether Berman’s self interests trump the public interest and the practice of profiting from non-profit organizations. The HSUS has inves-
off
The H$U$ Settlement Spin
by SHAUN COEN
tigated Berman and filed complaints about the Center for Consumer Freedom with the IRS, and the CCF in turn has filed a complaint with the IRS against HSUS. (Hopefully Martin Scorsese has been paying attention and is open to casting notes, as the story has more plot twists and suspense than most Hollywood epics. Robert DeNiro may be too old to play Pacelle and Leonardo DiCaprio too young, but Mark Ruffalo is a dead ringer; twenty years ago Robert Duvall would’ve been ideally suited to depict Rick Berman but perhaps Ed Harris could pull it off today.) While several parties stand to gain in these lawsuits, dogfights and smear campaigns, the big losers are the pets and the people who think they are donating money to save them. One must question if the HSUS is really in the business of saving the lives of pets and if the non-profit charity could possibly be more concerned with investing in offshore accounts for a profit or a loss. The portion of the $15.75 million the HSUS agreed to pay in the Feld settlement along with the nearly $26 million reportedly invested into the Central American and Caribbean region could’ve been used to save countless pets’ lives. Those making donations to the HSUS deserve to know exactly where their hard earned money is going. There are indications that more people are beginning to understand the true machinations of the HSUS, as donations were reportedly down 13 per cent in 2013, some $20 million, and a bill being pushed by the organization that would’ve allowed for profit companies to take animals immediately on intake from shelters and sell them for any reason was recently pulled from the California legislature. Donors would be better off giving to their local shelters so they can see first hand exactly where their money is being spent. Local shelters can’t afford televised infomercials with A-list entertainers crooning sad songs accompanying images of diseased and damaged dogs that tug at the heartstrings in order to loosen the purse strings but they can and do save pets’ lives, without siphoning off funds intended for the hands-on care of animals to pay solicitors, lawyers, lobbyists and accountants to raise funds, wage and settle lawsuits, promote legislation or invest in pension plans and offshore accounts.
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*All Systems
Dog News 51
*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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Dog News 53
THE GOLD COAST TRIUMVIRATE, THE RIGHT HAND v. THE LEFT CONUNDRUM, THE JRC’S POOL OF 18...
o
And
M re by Matthew H. Stander
photos of Long Island Kennel Club and ladies kennel association by Eugene Z. Zaphiris
I am partial to a fault I know when it comes to the shows held on the old Coe Estate in the Planting Fields of Oyster Bay on Long Island as the venue is less than ten minutes away from our home. Nonetheless I do believe the environs are spectacularly magnificent and the grounds ideal for a dog show event. Now that Long Island Kennel Club has joined with the Ladies Kennel Clubs of Long Island to form a three-day same site event the entries coincidentally or not were up as I understand it 250 dogs per day reaching on Saturday close to 800 dogs. That’s a good swing and that’s without Mr. Ashby’s NOHS series of dog shows he is so busily endorsing. I further understand there is a major uptick 54 Dog News
in shows in this coming weekend but I beg the point--the weather was basically nice all three days--yes all three days notwithstanding the wind storm which came in on Friday evening around 6pm to knock and bowl the tents over causing a miserable looking sight on Dog News’s Facebook site but which in reality overly exaggerated
the situation, anyways as I saw it. Ladies is in a strange kind of situation since where does anyone find a 7 or 800 dog show with an AKC booth and an AKC Reunite team in attendance? Rarely if ever but there are some pretty highly visible and powerful people involved in that Club both within and without AKC, which may account for those presences. However when one combines that factor with a questionable weather situation which arose around 2 or 3 in the afternoon one must ask what was going on here with which to begin. Was special and/or unusual treatment used in settling questionable decisions? First of all Friday began damp and foggy but it was totally acceptable dog show conditions. Sometime in the early afternoon conditions worsened but not miserably so--uncomfortable perhaps but not near dreadful enough to even consider closing down the event. In this day and age there are all these socalled predictable forecasts available and since the Coe Estate is now a New York State Park sometime around 1pm the Park Rangers began to warn some of the show folk that bad weather was heading in and asked them if there was some way the proceedings could be moved up as they had to close down the Park if the winds exceeded 35 mph. Well somehow the Groups were moved up from I think it was a 3:30 pm scheduled time to a 2:15 scheduled time due to the anticipatory weather problems thought to be happening sooner than expected. Unfortunately a number of exhibitors were not reached and missed their pushed up groups due to the advanced time. Not too sure how they even got permission to move the groups up but I guess the feeling was that common sense and safety overruled long established rules and regulations of running a show which is good to learn can happen. Whatever the case five groups were gotten in but the Park Rangers closed the grounds after the 5th group and before the last two groups and Best could be awarded. The winds had apparently gusted to 35mph--gusted but not consistently until two or three hours later. That’s when the tents went down. Better safe than sorry one would think but for the scheduling which was awry before the weather reports and one found oneself with a judge with 175 breeds beginning at 12 noon with 15-minute breaks in between. This person was then asked to stop breed judging to do a group and then return to the breed ring--this Continued on page 100
Dog News 55
The Mastiff Loses Its Biggest Booster, Inside The Ring And Out
Adieu, Dr. Bill By DENISE FLAIM
Left: Bill Newman and fawn friends (plus one brindle), 1970s. Above: Horsing around with Billy and Dee Dee in 2011. Photo by Denise Flaim.
Dr. William Randolph Newman of Bedford, left on his resume when he died earlier Newman was a board-certified radiologist who built a successful practice at a network of Maryland hospitals. At one point, he ran a hospital, too. He sat on the AKC Board of Directors, and served as a director and millennium founder of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. He judged 17 breeds, and adjudicated his breed’s national for the second time in 2012. He co-bred a triple 56 Dog News
national-specialty winner and owned top-winning dogs across multiple breeds. The former mayor of his quaint Victorian town, Newman was active in state politics, hosting governors and senators. And he appreciated the finer things in life, from his immaculately restored 1961 Rolls-Royce to his exacting dinner-party place settings, right down to the sterling fish forks.
But in the end, Newman’s greatest accomplishment may simply have been that he loved Mastiffs. Such was his passion for the breed that when he was elected to the AKC board, George Earl’s 1870 study of a British Mastiff, Barry of Lyme Hall, was moved to the conference room on Madison Avenue in his honor. To understand “Dr. Bill,” as his
Photo by Graham
Left: Newman showing his first Mastiff, Ch. Renrock’s Brian O’Dare, who was Peach Farm breeding.
Above: This Mastiff always knew the way the wind was blowing at Renrock. Left: A wood painting of two of Newman’s Mastiffs, Ch. Renrock’s Brian O’Dare and Willowledge’s Mary Kathryn. Photos by Denise Flaim.
Pennsylvania, didn’t have much white space this month just a few weeks short of age 83. friends and fellow fanciers called him, you need only have watched him in action at a Mastiff Club of America national specialty, where every few feet someone would catch his sleeve or pull him aside in conversation. But no matter what the humans demanded, once Newman met a Mastiff, there was simply nothing else in the universe. Lowering his head for a chat, Newman
would soon be draped in 200 pounds of fawn or apricot or brindle adulation. Massive paws draped his shoulders. A tongue the size of a pastrami coated the side of his face. But Newman just laughed, pulled out a handkerchief and began to mop. He was, after all, a Mastiff man. What is a little drool between friends? “If you love something, you love it
with all its faults,” Newman said in a 2011 interview. “The correct head structure, the jowls of the Mastiff, produce drool. If you want perfection, die and go to heaven.” Though he lost any trace of a boroughbred accent decades ago, Newman grew up in Rosedale, Queens, a suburban community Continued on page 74
Dog News 57
Inside The Sport Continued FROM page 14
for clubs, judges, exhibitors and the level of competition. What I am against is board decisions that are made before all consequences are considered. What ever happened to in-depth study prior to implementing dramatic changes in procedures? Why mandate a plan of action before you even consider the fall-out? Do I think the board took this action to anger the dog fancy? No way. The board is very sensitive to the fact that when the NOHS is offered by a club entries increase up to 25% from previous years. To be concerned about the economics of the matter is prudent and appropriate. Also, the board is very sensitive to the fact that those west of the Mississippi River felt left out of “the chase” because not many clubs, especially those in the far west, offered the NOHS at first. Fanciers in those areas felt left out of the process and unable to compete unless they flew east. So it was beginning to look as though most of those ranked high in the statistics would all be from the eastern part of the United States. My question is simple. Instead of a sweeping mandate 58 Dog News
on the subject, why didn’t the day judging 175 dogs, multiple board send out a sweeping groups and then special attracletter to kennel clubs advising tions? Do they want all dog them of the fact that this proshows to start in the early AM gram far exceeds some of the and end at six or seven or later others in increasing entries? at night? Such a letter would ask clubs I personally don’t mind the to participate and contain the extra physicality of long hours information that the NOHS as when I take my dogs to shows would be invitational and proit’s up at five and in bed by 10 pose alternative ways to ofPM or later. Yet when I hear fer the attraction for hardship my fellow judges including my shows. Such a letter would husband voice their opinions, I feel out the fancy at the same am quite sensitive to their contime it would appeal to clubs cerns. Certainly there are betand their hard-working volunter ways to make this program teers. Rather than mandating work than the current methnew special attraction rules, ods. Consider the chief adminwhy not suggest to remote istrator of a newly built school clubs that were having difficulwhen asked where he wanted ty finding adjudicators to help the student walkways to be with the judging that (under laid out. His advice was to wait special circumstances) AKC until the students had been on could use its computer expercampus a few weeks and then tise to help them find nearby pave the walkways where they provisional judges? Doesn’t walked! Such use of common AKC realize that many clubs sense is becoming a lost art. are run by seniors who do the Why is that in our world today, same laborious work year afthe higher people climb in the ter year and didn’t even know political process, the more rehow the NOHS might help moved they become from the them? I’m sorry to say that the people who feed it? heavy-handed action of this Because as an owner-hanboard since April 2013 has asdler all my life who has comtounded those in the trenches peted in thousands of shows, across this country. I am aware how difficult it is Why didn’t the board for average exhibitors to rise consider that although small to the top. It was twenty years clubs in remote after this ribbon before places desperone of my Elkhounds won “Why is that a BIS. Few people are willately need the extra entries, in our world ing to stick it out that long perhaps more In our current today, the anymore. thought should social climate of instant be given to higher people gratification while sufferhow they go climb in the ing declining entries, I perabout getting sonally support any projudges for it? political pro- gram that gives our ailing Why didn’t the cess, the more sport appropriate mediboard consider removed they cation. However, why give that in some ininjection with a blunt become from the stances judges needle? This subject will have been on the people be further discussed next their feet all who feed it?” week. TO BE CONTINUED.
Dog News 59
This Skye is the Limit Number One Among All Terrier Breeds and Number Four Among All Breeds *
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ch. cragsmoor good time
handled by larry cornelius marcelo veras owned by victor malzoni, jr. *The Dog News Top Ten List
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Best In Specialty Show Potomac Skye Terrier Club Specialty Show Judge Mr. Elliott Weiss
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Continued FROM page 18
She followed him everywhere- and hance their performance. And why do we differentihe was teaching her to climb fences In the terrier group there has ate between breeds that were and ladders- an art that she pracalways been comments- or even all basically bred for the same ticed to the end of her life. She lived complaints- from non-sparring purpose: kill vermin, hunt foxin the house, but loved all her fellow breed owners, that the sparring es and badgers, etc. and for Wires- and every morning she visitbreeds had a huge advantage most of them be able to go to ed them in their runs- by climbing in during group competition. As we ground to do so. and out over the 6’ fences to greet know, group judging can be a rathSome of the friendliest each one personally. They all loved er lengthy process and after a long and most sociable terriers I her and there was never a show of day at a show even dogs maybe have met have also been the aggression displayed by any dog tired, but if you are lucky enough to best hunters. To me a proof during these visits. have a “killer” of sparring breeds, that aggression towards other When I was present I could you have no problem… dogs has absolutely nothing (with one or two exceptions) have The issue of Sparring has as far to do with their ability to do all dogs loose together without as I know never been dealt with by the job they were created for. problems- and if there ever were a any European breed clubs, but I Like in everything else in life, sign of trouble brewing it was dealt suppose it is the individual breed there will be exceptions and I with there and then. But have also seen some all dogs were given play“nasties” that were time and attention, they formidable rat killers entered the ring full of joy and fox hunters. and excitement without As breeders of help from any other dog, terriers it is always but if another dog showed important to rememany kind of aggression ber that most of our they would back off-as they puppies end up as knew the consequences if loving family petsSPARRING- AN AMERICAN INVENTION? they responded… and any aggression So my dogs would be towards other dogs lousy sparrers! is a BIG negative. But get one thing straight beclubs in this country that have givI think dogs and humans fore you penalize a dog for refusing en directions regarding this - and have many similarities- and, to spar: These terriers were not creas long as the club says “spar” of insecurity at any level is the ated to kill other terriers. They were course we should follow their ingreatest trigger of aggression supposed to show their true characstructions, but it will always be up for both. ter when facing a rat, a fox or a badto the judge to decide which “imWe all know that, as menger. Not another dog. age” he should use when eventutioned, terriers in general can I have my own theory about ally placing his dogs. easily be taught aggressive this: Namely that having a dog that To me it is much more appealbehavior more than most other shows aggression toward fellow ing to watch a dog enter the ring breeds, but my prayer to you competitors makes it so much easwith attitude and self-confidence, all is simply: Don’t cultivate or ier to show. And I will not deny that putting his feet on the ground with reward this kind of personality at one stage in my life, I thought it enthusiasm and determination, at any stage in their life- as it was a desired characteristic. with that “look at me” expression will eventually backfire. Although it is fairly easy, it is and an obvious rapport between much more time consuming to predog and handler- rather than an anI know there are lots of pare a dog to make an impressive imal looking for something to kill. people out there who think entry into a ring on his own, without Sparring is an easy way out sparring is a must- and I invite any hatred involved. in my opinion: It is rather easy to anybody to come up with valid I find it rather ironic that for the “build on” the terriers natural inreasons why- and welcome any breeds that were really used for stincts and make them aggressive attempt to make me change dogfights, the recommendation is: towards other dogs. If you keep my opinion! Do Not Spar. dogs for the sole purpose of winBut I will finally repeat: TerI have had the pleasure and privning with them it might seem ok, riers were created to kill verilege of meeting and knowing top but if your ambition is to breed and min, foxes, badgers, etc. and dogs of a variety of breeds- and even “create” dogs that can mix with to call aggression towards the terriers in this category- who did other dogs and become uncompliother dogs’ typical behavior. It not need help from anybody to encated family pets it is definitely not just doesn’t make sense to me. the way to go.
BAbbling
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OF Bests THE WEEK Continued FROM page 34
York County Kennel Club of Maine - Friday Vacationland Kennel Club - Saturday English Springer Spaniel
GCh. Cerise Celtic Thunder
Judge Mrs. Sharon Lyons Judge Ms. Bonnie L. Clarke Owners Yuka Nobechi, Dorothy Cherry Handler Megan Ulfers Chester Valley Kennel Club Great Pyrenees
GCh. Rivergroves Enough Said Judge Mrs. Ruth Zimmerman Owners Jean Boyd, Marsha Stewart, McKee Cox Handler Jean Boyd
Genesee County Kennel Club - Sunday Otterhound
GCh. Aberdeen’s Under the Influence Judge Mr. James E. Taylor Owners Andrea, Jack and Jason McIlwaine Handler Jason McIlwaine Columbus Kennel Club Doberman Pinscher
GCh. Cambria’s Vraiment Parfait Judge Mrs. Keke Kahn Owners Glen Lajeski, Ann Wulbrecht, Karen Thompson Handler Ann White
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Lancaster Kennel Club - Sunday Scottish Terrier
Ch. McVan’s To Russia With Love Judge Mr. Richard Powell Owner Marina Khenkina Handler Rebecca Cross American Chinese Crested Club National Specialty
GCh. Kulana’s Sh-Boom
Judge Ms. Deirdre Petrie Owners Shirley & Michael Frumkin Handler Tammy Miyagawa Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty
GCh. Planett’s Star Reporter Judge Mrs. Susan McMillan Owners Barbara Kaplan-Barrett & Dr. Ed Barrett Handler Kristin Lyons
Tommy Judge: Dr. Jose Luis Payro
BEST IN SHOW Judge: Mr. Lewis Bayne
America’s Number Pekingese All Systems
1
Judge: Mrs. Janet Jackson
Thank You
To All The Judges For These Wonderful Wins! Judge: Mr. Lewis Bayne
GCh. Dunkirk Imagine That Owned By Marcia Merrill, Imperial Palace Pekingese and Timothy Reese and Randy Winters, Dunkirk Pekingese
Shown as always by his breeder Timothy Reese Dog News 67
The 2014 Belgian Sheepdog
Take Me Back to
Tulsa
b y
S h a r o n
Belgian Sheepdog Club The of America (BSCA) held its annual Specialty at the beautiful
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma April 21st through 26th. The Specialty drew participants from across the country with some coming from as far as Alaska. The schedule of events was chock full of fun and challenging activities to engage the participants and their dog’s minds and bodies. This year’s show was dedicated to the memory of Lawrence “Skip” Stanbridge,
68 Dog News
G .
R o u n d y
a BSCA member since 1965. Skip was an internationally recognized expert for the Belgian breeds who passed away in October of 2013. Skip’s passing leaves a huge void as he was a breeder, judge, mentor and friend to many in the Belgian community. To kick off the schedule of events on Monday there were two separate herding trials which were held at the Linda Hollaway Training Center, Ability Stock Dogs. While it was a two-hour drive from the host hotel it was a must see for Belgian folks as
•
p h o t o s
b y
watching what should come naturally to the breed is a sight not to be missed. Katherine Howse judged the first trial that morning. High in Trial (HIT) was awarded to Liswyn’s Woodrow Call CD, bred by Lisa Leffingwell, owned by Linda Rolf, Don Rolf and Lisa Leffingwell. Reserve HIT went to DC Liswyn’s Uninvited Guest UD HXAsd, bred by Lisa Leffingwell and owned by Linda and Don Rolf. In the second trial, judged by Terry Workman, HIT again was awarded to Liswyn’s Woodrow Call CD. Reserve HIT went to Liswyn’s X-Road to OZ
Club of America’s Specialty
J o e
S z e w c u l a k
HIAsd, bred by Lisa Leffingwell, owned by Linda and Don Rolf. The BSCA also offered a Herding Instinct Test (HIC) on goats with twelve dogs participating. Bright and early on Tuesday morning at the John Zink Ranch in Skiatook the Tracking Dog Test and Tracking Dog Excellent Test took place. Judges were Jeanne and Vincent Ramirez. At the conclusion of the test Judge Vincent Ramirez held a Mini Tracking seminar at the host hotel. On Tuesday afternoon the Agility
a n d
M a l i n d a
Trial at K-9 Manners was well attended. It was a joy to watch these beautiful and versatile dogs soar as they ran the course and with approximately 60 runs scheduled those in attendance were in for a treat. Judged by Sally Sheridan the competition moved quickly and by the end of the event High in Trial went to Ch MACH3 Insengard’s Viva La Cool HSAds (Cole), bred by Lorra Miller, owned by Beth and John Elliot and handled by John Elliot. Back at the hotel the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test was being
J u l i e n
offered. A number of dogs successfully passed the evaluation. Also offered for the first time was the AKC’s Community Canine (CGCA) test, which is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Along with the CGC and CGCA testing a Therapy Dog International evaluation was offered. Six dogs were approved after evaluation. Peggy Marchesi was the approved evaluator for all three of the tests. Obedience is another wonderful Continued on page 88
Dog News 69
H eelwork to Music Continued FROM page 46
think would be easy to train but this young lady has obviously found the key to training these dogs. This dog managed to do many of the moves while the handler moved her arms to the music and the dog had such character that it charmed the audience. There was just one problem and that was this dog liked to use its voice so it barked during the routine. Apparently this is a major problem for this team, which is a real shame as this was a fabulous pairing. Having a barking hound had obviously not put this handler off as she also had a lovely ten month-old PBGV in the same class. The rest of the handlers in the class had various issues from lack of focus from the dog to not using the music to its fullness. There was also a trend that I saw over the previous two days of teaching handlers in that the handlers didn’t seem to vocally praise the dog.
On the Sunday
it was the official competition where not just a win but a score above a certain amount can move a team up to the next level. The first class is open to new handlers as well as handlers that have competed before who have a new dog. A Golden retriever was the first to impress me in this class as this dog had tremendous energy and drive through its routine. It had some nice moves but the handlers really didn’t sell the routine, it would just have been nice if the handler smiled. The eventual winner was a lovely little Papillion with a young handler who moves very well with the music. The 70 Dog News
instrumental music really suited this team and although this little dog lost focus at times it performed well. The first class had been split into three groups so I was also judging the third part as well. The second dog in was a red tri Australian shepherd that performed a routine to The Pink Panther Theme. I would have liked to see the dog move out more and also the handler engage in the routine more but the dog performed everything steadily. The easy winner was a little Mudi, a breed we don’t see in the UK, that performed many moves with minimal vocal or physical signal. The handler could have done more to express the music but it was a very polished performance. Apparently the handler has been coming to the show for many years but has a never won a class so when she won there were many tears from the handler. Nowadays in the UK we don’t have pairs routines performed in competition as there is just not enough time. In Austria they have trios, which is one handler plus two dogs, and quartet, which is two handlers each with a dog. I found these two classes difficult to judge and the expression of a French bulldog standing on a skateboard being pushed by another will be forever etched in my mind. After a lunch break it was back to the judges table for the second class, which is more like our intermediate. First in was a team from Hungary performing an expressive routine to the track Stay. The Border collie executed a range of moves and the music was matched with the
moves well. This team was going to be tough to beat and although a little Chihuahua impressed with its clown routine the performance was a bit cluttered with moves so the Border collie won the class. The last class of the day was the equivalent of our top class and had six entries. The second dog in was a Doberman from the Czech republic performing to Something Stupid. It’s not easy to get a dog of this size moving in such a small ring so the handler had to link moves together that didn’t need the dog to run around too much. The music was used well and the routine had structure unlike many I had seen. Next in the class was a Bearded collie from Hungary performing to Jailhouse Rock. The handler was dressed in the stripy prison outfit and got into her character well. This Beardie did at times look quite laid back so the handler did well to keep her going. A nice touch in the music choreography was where the music changed from Jailhouse Rock to Freedom by George Michael. When it came to the prize giving there were only two points between these two but the Doberman just managed to squeeze ahead. I had a great time in Austria, which was made even more fun by the organiser Monika Fritz. Monika heads up a team of around twenty volunteers who really made this show run without a hitch. The food served throughout the day was fantastic and as a judge you were taken care of very well. I believe this club is hosting the Open European championships in 2016 so I have no doubt it will be one of the best organised events the OEC has seen.
“...A French bulldog standing on a skateboard being pushed by another will be forever etched in my mind.”
y m m ER Back-to-Back Group Placements at the Cardinal Cluster
R Our Appreciation To Breed & Group Judges: Mr. Harry H. (Butch) Schulman and Mrs. Judi Bendt
R
Also, Thank You Judge Dr. Eric Liebes for our Owner- Handler Group Placement that weekend.
R
Flash: roup Second at G d e rd a aw is y m Em , May 11, 2014 b lu C l e n n e K a n n Rave hristopher under Judge Mr. C ank You!!! h Tilghman Neale, T
Multiple Group and Owner-Handler Group Placing
GCh. Sarron Simply Three Times A Lady, PT Bred By Sherri Swabb
Owned By Eamon & Barbara Dillon & Sherri Swabb
Always Owner-Handled Dog News 71
72 Dog News
*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
Dog News 73
Adieu, Dr. Bill Continued FROM page 57
at the southeastern edges of New York City. His Irish Catholic roots were indelible, from his fond remembrances of his mother (her gleaming mahogany dining-room set graced his well-appointed home) to the names he chose for his dogs (a breeding bitch of his, Ch. Renrock’s Mary Magdalene, lived with a priest named Father Francis) to his quick sense of humor. (His judge’s prayer? “Hail Mary, full of grace, send me a dog I can place.”) But Newman never saw a Mastiff amid the dormered brick houses and marshlands of Rosedale. He met his first in the spring of 1960, while visiting a fellow doctor and medical corpsman in Texas. Newman was sitting in the living room of the tiny three-bedroom ranch when a huge dog emerged from the narrow hallway to appraise him. “He looked at me as if to say, ‘You’re nobody.’ And then he walked back to the bedroom without a word – no bark, no growl,” Newman remembered. “That’s such a Mastiff.” Newman was smitten with the breed’s dignity and nobility. But after his military service, he began training in radiology at Downstate Medical College in Brooklyn. He got a place in tony Brooklyn Heights, across the street from Truman Capote, whose occasional visits from Jackie Kennedy stopped traffic on the block. A hectic schedule and tight quarters made it no place for a Mastiff. After his residency, Newman joined a radiology practice in rural Cumberland, Maryland. This was his chance. “I read every book,” he said, adding that he wanted the bestquality dog he could buy. “I wanted a Mastiff that looked like a Mastiff.” Newman contacted the parent club, and got the phone number of Marie Moore of the famed Moorleigh Kennels in The Plains, Va., but she wouldn’t return his call. In 1968, Newman drove his new
74 Dog News
Renrock’s Sean O’Dare, a litter brother to Ch. Reveille’s Big Thunder. apple-green Cadillac convertible up the hillside of Patty Brill’s Peach Farm in New Rock, Delaware. (Brill was Moore’s nemesis, and a prolific Mastiff breeder.) He left with the pick of the litter, a male he named Renrock’s Brian O’Dare, perched on the white-leather seat beside him. Newman finished “Brian” (Peach Farm Raynor x Peach Farm Peaches) in eight shows, and had a specially carpeted seat built for him so he could ride comfortably in the back of the Cadillac with the top down. The bug had officially bitten. Soon, Brill called to ask Newman to join the Mastiff Club of America, and to sit on its board. In the 40-odd years that followed, he held every office but treasurer, and was the club’s AKC delegate for two decades. “We have so many new people in Mastiffs now, but then it was a very tiny club, no more than 30 or 40 people,” he remembered. For his part, Brian turned out to be quite a successful producer. Bred to Ch. Reveille’s Tribute, a bitch handled and owned by Damara Bolte, he produced Ch. Reveille’s Big Thunder. A three-time national-specialty winner, “Thunder” was bred by Bolte and Newman.
And that was the beginning of a decades-long friendship with Bolte, who, though world known for her Reveille Basenjis, also bred high-quality Mastiffs under that banner. Newman continued breeding through for the next two decades, housing four to six dogs at a time and co-owning the rest. “I rarely sold dogs,” he said, preferring instead to give them to friends and family, where he could have access to them if needed. But by the time the 1990s arrived, Newman was ready for the next chapter of his life with Mastiffs: judging them. Newman judged 16 breeds in the Working Group, as well as English Foxhounds. That sole Hound was nod to Ch. Whipperinn’s Virgil J, who won 100 Groups in his career. Along with “Virgil,” Newman also coowned “Tyler,” Ch. Nanuke’s Take No Prisoners, the Alaskan Malamute that won the Working Group at Westminster in 1998. Both were the biggestwinning dogs ever in their respective breeds, but Newman never liked the word “backer.” He thought “sponsor” was nicer. “You’re helping the fancy recognize a gorgeous dog that wouldn’t otherwise be seen,” he explained. Though Newman dabbled in those other breeds, it was the Mastiffs that settled in his heart and refused to budge. When he built his home more than a decade ago, he designed it expressly with Mastiffs in mind. His dogs had their own suite of rooms on the high-ceilinged lower level, complete with their own kitchen, big-screen TV and guest room for the pet sitter. And if there was one Mastiff Continued on page 86
*
**
*CC System **The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
Dog News 75
An Experience To Photo by steven ross
The 2014 Great Pyrenees Club of America National Specialty By Carrie Stuart Parks • photos by Debra Fisher Goldstein/www.GreatPyrPhotos.com except where noted
They came.
I
n sedans, vans, trucks, RVs, SUVs, and trailers. From as far away as England and Hawaii, Australia, and Japan, all came to see the parade of perfectly groomed Great Pyrenees show at this year’s national and regional specialty. An obedience/rally judge and eight conformation judges over five days of showing whittled the numbers down to a single winning dog or bitch in each competition. The awards were spread out among a variety of breeders, owners, and handlers. It was an experience to last a lifetime. The Red Lion at the Quay perches on the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington, and was the site for this year’s show. Many visitors had never visited this part of the country and took tours of the tumbling waterfalls, budding vineyards, magnificent Mount St. Helens, and the verdant Columbia River gorge. But I digress. Let’s talk about those beautiful Pyrs. Many participants started arriving Tuesday, April 76 Dog News
29th. Registration opened in the lobby, venders set up, and the grooming area filled. Non-Pyrenean guests at the hotel soon became used to big, hairy, friendly dogs cornering them in the hallways for a quick pet. The welcome party that evening was just that: a place to catch up with friends and to make new ones. Wednesday morning began with both the regional and national obedience trial and rally with judge Carolyn Wray of St. Helens, Oregon, presiding. Rivergroves Clean Sweep, owned by Jeanne-Anne Polichetti, was the highest scoring with 180 ½. The regional high in trial was GCh Rivergroves Bon Appetit, BN PCD RE CA, owned by Russell Morton and Jean Boyd. All the rally dogs qualified. Futurity followed, with the lovely Betty Warmack judging. Betty is a recipient of the GPCA Sportsmanship award and has graced the Pyrenees world for over forty-five years. With a strong field of young dogs, Betty chose Terrie Strom’s R Pyr Lone Star Gambler as best with Kathy Liles and Lee Goertz’s Shady Hill Gay Paree going best opposite.
Last A Lifetime.......
That afternoon we saw a selection of the top winning puppies and dogs in the nation with the Puppy Invitational and Top Twenty competition. The dogs were invited to this showing based on scoring for breed and all-breed wins for the calendar year 2013. The theme was “Puttin’ on the Pink,” with attendees and exhibitors encouraged to wear pink in honor of breast cancer. Three judges, whose identity was kept secret until half an hour before the showing, independently examined the five entries in the Puppy Invitational and seven entries in the Top Twenty, scoring the dogs in writing. The judges were to be a Great Pyrenees handler, a Working Group judge, and a Great Pyrenees breeder. Nancy Martin and John C. Connolly were selected to this honor, along with yours truly, Carrie Stuart Parks. An independent tabulator added up the scores, with Ch. Shadee Hills Desperado, owned by Nancy Carr and Kathy Liles, taking the Puppy Invitational and GCh Rivergroves Sky’s The Limit, owned by John R. Hanover, Jean A. Boyd, and Joan E. Hanover, winning Top 20.We were
treated to a special showing of GCh Calurian Ailo Mountain Sage RA, who qualified but couldn’t compete as a previous winner. I’d been commissioned to create a painting to raffle off to raise funds for breast cancer research, with 50% of the money to go to canine research and 50% to a cancer research or charity of my choice. I painted the first two winners: Ailo and Ch. Tip N Chip’s Derby Inspiration. Over $2000 was raised! Thursday started with the Puppy Sweepstakes with judge and longtime breeder, Janet Weymouth. I was THRILLED when my Gertie, Joker’s O’Keefe of Skeel, bred and owned by Kerry Woods and myself, was selected at best in sweeps. Opposite sex went to Rivergroves Secret of Red’s Fiery Reflection, owned by Rick and Erina Fitzgerald and Jean Boyd. Veteran Sweeps, with all the gracefully aging beauties, always makes me cry. This year we had a special treat when sixteen-year old Silvercreek T for Two trotted around the ring. Tia turned into the celebrity of Continued on page 78
Dog News 77
An Experience To Last A Lifetime....... The 2014 Great Pyrenees Club of America National Specialty Continued FROM page 77
the week, with a birthday party, hats, and a cake. But once again I digress. Lovely Amy Zacher selected GCh Chevalier Du Wyndhamhill as best, owned by Nancy Carr, with Shadee Hill Diamond Jubilee, owned by Kathy Liles and Lee Goertz, taking best opposite sex. The National Specialty confirmation began with the dog class under breeder-judge Vince Chianese. Vince did not have an easy job with the gorgeously groomed, expertly shown entries. His choice of winners dog came from the bred-byexhibitor class, beautifully presented Montique’s Legend of the Brickyard, owned by Deanna Knighten, E. Nalon, D. Nalon, and M. DeYoung. Tip N Chip’s Sudden Impact, owned by Brenda Weiss, Laurie Gottschalk, and Judith Cooper took reserve winners. After a full day of showing, Thursday evening ended with a presentation to the membership of the judges education slide show, presented by Judy Cooper and Jean Pero. Friday was girl’s day with the confirmation bitches. Once again the bred-by-exhibitor’s class yielded the winner, with Tip N’Chip’s Paige of Romanesca walking, or should I say, racing away with winner’s bitch. She’s owned by Judith Cooper, Mike Costa, Laurie Gottschalk, Marcy Bankus, and Judith Roman-Royer. Reserve came from the strong 9-12 puppy class, and was won by Karolaska Tor Mariposa Reina, owned by John Parke, Marilyn Parke, and Kimberly Kentopp. The evening wound down, or should I say, woundup with 60’s dancing at the 2015 kickoff party. All I can say about next year at this point is to be there or be square. Saturday opened with the rescue parade. It’s so great to see these marvelous dogs thriving in their new homes. A big hats off to rescue and to the folks who work so hard in this area. Junior Showmanship was a small, but hotly contested competition. Mitcheal Butler won this year, showing Starmounts Ray of Sunshine. There’s probably nothing more breathtaking than a ring full of champions and grand champions, and this year’s best of breed was no exception. Judge Chianese 78 Dog News
expertly examined, sorted out, and selected his choices from among the competition. Emerging as top dog was the aptly named GCh Tip N Chip Heza Knockout, owned by Merry Fleming and Judith Cooper. Best of winners as well as best bred-by went to Montique’s Legend of the Brickyard. Best of opposite sex was GCh Rivergrove’s Star Sapphire, owned by John and Joan Hanover and Jean Boyd. Kimberly Kentopp’s Ch Karolaska Resurrection Bay, and Elizabeth Nalon and Deanna Knighten’s Ch Tip N Chip Mamma Mia O’Montique took select dog and bitch respectively. Awards of merit were awarded to GCh Honor’s Promise of the Future, owned by Bernadette Ducker and Karen Bruneau, as well as GCh Calurian Ailo Mountain Sage RA, owned by Nancy Wood Taber. Congratulations and well done, all of you! Stud dog class featured a pair of Karolaska dogs, with GCh Karolaska Tor Hermes of Shadowrun, owned by John and Marilyn Parke. Brood bitch brought another win to the superb Ch Tip N Chip Mamma MIA O’Montique. Brace went to litter brothers GCh Karolaska Tor Hermes of Shadowrun and GCh Karolaska Tor Ruby of Shadowrun. The northwest regional show was Sunday, and was c’est magnifique! International judge Alain Pécolut selected Ch. Silvercreek’s Eau-De-Vie as best of breed, owned by Andrew Schwab and Lee Goertz. Winners bitch, best of winners, and best opposite sex went to Shadee Hills Gay Paree. Winners dog was Ligeti’s Cedrick Cavalli, owned by Mette Pevik. Select dog came from the veteran class and was Nancy Carr’s GCh Chevalier du Wyndhamhill, while Linda and Pat McInturff’s GCh Palin Chip off the Block walked away with select bitch. A very weary group of Pyr fanciers packed up and headed home, already talking about next year’s show in Topeka. Thanks to the terrific efforts of the show chairs: John Lea and Kathy Lee, as well as all the hardworking members of the Columbia Cascade and Puget Sound clubs; this was an amazing, brilliant, fantastic, and marvelous show!
Multiple Group Placement Winner
GCh. Tip’NChip Heza Knockout
Best of Breed
Great Pyrenees National 2014 Vancouver, Wa. Judge Mr. Vincent Chianese All of these wins under Breeder Judges: Winners Dog, Best Bred By National 2013 Pottsboro, Tx Judge Ms. Karen Justin Finishing under Two years of age. Best of Breed Great Pyrenees Club of Greater Chicago Judge Ms. June DuRance, England Best of Breed Mile High Great Pyrenees Club Judge Ms. Jean Pero Owner: Merry Fleming Longmont, Colorado
Tip’NChip Kennels tipnchip1948@aol.com
Co-Owner, Breeder, Handler Judith Cooper Barrington, IL. Dog News 79
Our Dream came true at the National!
GCH. Rivergroves Star Sapphire Judge: Mr. Vincent Chianese Thank you! Owners: John R. Hanover, DVM Joan Hanover Jean A. Boyd
• • • • •
Best in Show Winner Multiple Group Placer Before the Age of 14 Months Multiple Best of Breeds and Group Placements from the Classes on to his Championship Consecutive Best of Breeds for his Grand Championship
GCH. Rivergroves Enough Said
Sire: GCH. Rivergroves Trump This
Dam: CH. Rivergroves Goode-Deal
Brooks pictured winning Best In Show under Judge Mrs. Ruth Zimmerman and Group First under Judge Mrs. Helene Nietsch at the Chester Valley Kennel Club show on May 10, 2014 Presented By Breeder/Owner Jean Boyd Rivergroves Great Pyrenees email: jeanboyd@rivergroves.com Dog News 81
S
ky
Winner Top 20 GPCA National Specialty 2014 Best of Opposite Sex Westminster 2014 Number One Great Pyrenees Bitch Breed Points* 2013
Owners: John R. Hanover, DVM Joan Hanover Jean A. Boyd Presented by: Laura King
GCH. Rivergroves *Number Four overall, The Dog News Top Ten List
82 Dog News
Sky’s The Limit Dog News 83
n o i t i n og Ever wonder what your dog is thinking? Soon, you may find out. Several universities have established research centers for the study of canine cognition in order to learn how and what dogs think. By Sharon Pflaumer
“Charlie” searching the puzzle box for hidden food.
Photos: Canine Cognition Center at Yale University.
T
he scientists at the Canine Cognition Center at Yale University, for example, are studying how dogs perceive their environment and the humans in it as well as how dogs solve problems and make decisions. Dr. Laurie Santos is the Director and founder of the center, which is in the Department of Psychology where she is an Associate Professor. Like other researchers in this field, she is primarily interested in the evolution of cognition in terms of what it reveals about why humans are special and why we think the way we do. She believes the study of canine cognition would better enable us to answer these questions. “One of the ways in which we study human cognition is by studying and then comparing how other animals think,” she says. In the past, her research focused on primates because they’re the closest living relatives to humans. In recent years, scientists have realized that it might be more helpful to investigate canine cognition instead.
84 Dog News
“We’ve become interested in studying canine cognition because we’ve finally realized the important role that experience played in the development of human cognition. We used to believe that humans gained most of their cognitive abilities through evolution and natural selection. That meant primates were the best model for studying human cognition because they are most closely related to humans. “However, we have since realized that a lot of human cognitive development resulted from what we learned by interacting with other social agents. In other words, a lot of human learning was facilitated by the fact that we learn from others. That’s because we are a really cooperative species. Humans differ in this way from other primates who are less cooperative. Other primates also don’t tend to pay attention to the cues and teaching of others. Instead, they tend to rely on themselves rather than follow what others are doing. “Dogs on the other hand are more similar to humans in this regard. They’re really cued in on what people do and that’s what makes them valuable for research,” Santos says.
Smarter than scientists once believed In the past, the scientific community didn’t really view dogs as a worthwhile subject for study. That changed after Dr. Brian Hare published his groundbreaking research findings in his book, The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think. He is an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and a member of its Center for Cognitive Neuroscience. “At one point in his book, Hare tells about being a student in an animal cognition class where the professor said studies had proven chimpanzees can’t follow the cues of others. For example, if you hide a piece of food in one of two locations and then a person points to the location where the food is hidden, the chimpanzee still can’t figure out where the food is,” says Santos. Hare told the professor his dog could find the food in those circumstances. He later went on to do research that proved dogs were good
➤ A Doggie Diploma
Dog owners in the New Haven, CT area are invited to participate in the Canine Cognition Center’s research projects. After their dogs are enrolled, researchers would contact them about upcoming studies that typically last between 30 and 45 minutes. Generally, they involve simple problem-solving games like those described in the main article. Owners may watch their dogs participate, and all doggie volunteers receive a “diploma.” For more information, those interested may visit http://doglab.yale.edu/
Research participant “Paisley” pictured with her owners, the Kent family.
at picking up on and following human cues. “In fact, he proved that dogs are better at solving this task than primates, our closest living relatives,” says Santos. “That’s when scientists began to realize the ability to pay attention to cues might be an important factor in how human cognition evolved over time.” Hare also made another important observation. Because of their close association with us, dogs likely evolved to be able to pick up on our cues. That adaptation has proven to be highly beneficial to them over their evolutionary history in terms of how it affected their survival as a species. “Paying attention to human cues and learning how to read them may mean dogs got a jump on the evolutionary game. They probably enhanced the fitness of their species over evolutionary time by learning how to interact with us,” says Santos. Topics of inquiry One of the most interesting issues Santos is investigating is how do dogs make sense of their social world? “To answer that question, we’re using a couple of different methods to determine how dogs use cues and how they process what they think about our minds,” she says. “For example, we’re trying to figure out how dogs use the cues
of a human demonstrator to solve a problem. In one case, we hide a piece of food and then observe how dogs use cues provided by a human to find it.” Similar studies done with human children also focused on what cues they used to solve a problem. The point of Santos’s study is to see whether dogs can pick up on human cues and use them in the same way as children do. “The dogs are presented with a fourcompartment puzzle box that’s similar to the ones commercially available at pet stores. The dogs must figure out in which compartment the piece of food is hidden. “When children were given a similar puzzle box, they tried to figure out how to open it by using trial and error and ended up exploring all four compartments. After they saw a person only open one compartment however, they just followed what the person did and ignored the other three compartments,” says Santos. Thus the children stopped exploring their world and figuring it out on their own. While they learned better in the case of the latter, they also learned less. This is the same issue Santos is exploring with dogs. “Because we know dogs pick up on our cues, we want to see how they react after they see us solve the problem. Because the study is still underway, we don’t know if dogs would be more interested in the puzzle box if they see a person solve it. Or if their learning would be accelerated yet abbreviated in the same way as the children’s was,” Santos says. Dogs vs. wolves Although her research team hasn’t done any studies to determine whether dogs use objects as tools, she and other researchers in the field are interested in learning how much dogs use humans as social tools. “The Hungarian researcher, Ádám Miklósi, spent a lot of time comparing the cognitive abilities of dogs with that of wolves. He found that wolves solve some tool problems using trial and error and their own knowledge, whereas Continued on page 90
Dog News 85
“Above all, Newman wished owners and breeders would remember and honor the breed’s tremendous dedication and loyalty. “When a Mastiff is yours, he is yours until you die,” he said. And, since he planned on having Danny’s ashes buried with him, he’s yours for far longer than that.”
Adieu, Dr. Bill Continued FROM page 74
that came near to breaking Newman’s heart, it was “Danny,” Ch. Renrock Danny Boy O’Nanjay (Nanjay’s Black Star In My Crown x Running Bear’s Rouge Of Nanjay), bred by Nancy and Levi Ogden. Whelped in 1997, he was Newman’s soulmate. Three years after his death, his empty crate still stood in Newman’s dog room, his ashes and bereavement cards tucked inside. Before Danny embarked on a stud-dog career, Newman discovered that he was positive for cysturnia, a heritable disorder in which the kidneys cannot correctly process cystine, a basic amino acid. Rather than hide the fact, Newman neutered his dog and made him a literal poster boy for the genetic disease: Flyers bearing Danny’s image urged breeders to test for cysturnia, and to support research to find a genetic marker. Cysturnia was just one of the causes Newman championed in the Mastiff world. He was a staunch proponent of parentage by DNA, and through his efforts any Mastiff entered in an MCOA national specialty had to be DNA profiled. He advocated for – and saw passed – a code of ethics that parent-club members must sign and follow to maintain their membership. And he mounted a public-information campaign against “designer Mastiffs” such as the so-called American Mastiff, which is an Anatolian Shepherd cross. Above all, Newman wished owners and breeders would remember and honor the breed’s 86 Dog News
tremendous dedication and loyalty. “When a Mastiff is yours, he is yours until you die,” he said. And, since he planned on having Danny’s ashes buried with him, he’s yours for far longer than that. Rearing giant dogs like Mastiffs might have be a challenge, but it was a piece of cake compared to the issues Newman wrestled with on the AKC Board of Directors. He worried that the sport was facing a paradigm shift in the way society perceives purebred dogs – and an aging fancy that is reluctant to change or compromise. “In the 1950s and ’60s, we went to Levittown and got Oldsmobile 98s and an AKC purebred dog,” he said. “In 2011, we’re rescuing dogs from shelters and soccer moms are too busy to spend the whole day at a dog show. “The dog sport has been so driven by registrations, but today we’re not producing enough dogs or registering enough of them,” Newman continued. Either the fancy becomes more inclusive, with an eye toward drawing in the public, or it circles the wagons, works within its ever-shrinking boundaries, and essentially becomes a closed society that caters to only an elitist sliver of dogfolk. “It’s a sport – we have to make it fun. But most of our people in the dog game are ego driven,” Newman said. “Me, I love the dogs. I think they’re terrific.” At the end of his life, Newman still shared it with Mastiffs – a male rescue named Billy with clouded eyes, the result of progressive retinal atrophy. Though he was light years away from the top winners that characterized Newman’s start in the breed, he was just as doted on. Mastiffs are the most beautiful breed of dog in the world, Newman thought, and no one would persuade him otherwise. “What upsets me, when they lie on me and enfold
me, is how people can use and abuse them for their financial gain, not knowing how loving, caring and sensitive they are,” he said. “When you are blessed with having the very best, how can you not feel the love and responsibility of protecting them and their offspring? In some respects, I feel as if I am honor bound to teach others the beauty of such a magnificent animal – and the responsibility we have to protect and nurture it.” But as he watched his fellow fanciers, he worried that he failed in his purpose. He was not sure they were focusing on ethics, or health testing, or taking responsibility for all the puppies they brought into the world. Or if they really understood how special the breed is, how magical it is that the majestic manor dog of old has survived the centuries to grace our subdivisions and split levels. Shortly before her death, Newman said Patty Brill of Peach Farm told him, “Bill, when I am gone, please help save my dogs.” She wasn’t just talking about her breeding stock atop that Delaware hill, but, in a larger sense, the breed they both cherished, a protector who in this modern age needs protecting himself. Newman found himself thinking the same thought. “I worry what will happen when I am gone,” he said. Maybe, he hoped, his story would “motivate some other zealot to act as I have for 50 years to protect, preserve and love my dogs.” And by “my dogs” … he meant them all.
*
*Number One Great Pyrenees, The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points
Dog News 87
Continued FROM page 69
event that showcases the versatility of the Belgian Sheepdog and on Wednesday the Obedience Trial was held at the host hotel with Sharon Ann Redmer judging. This year a combined total of 40 dogs were entered in Novice, Open, and Utility. This number includes the optional titling classes of Beginner Novice, Pre-Novice and Graduate Novice. 2014’s Obedience High in Trial went to Liswyn’s Road to Oz, bred by Lisa Leffingwell, owned by Linda and Don Rolf and handled by Linda Rolf. Reserve HIT went to Spitfire’s Just Jetta at Duq-wood UD BN GN GO VERS RE (Jetta), bred by Anita Meeks and owned and handled by Gail F. Brown. High Scoring Champion went to GCH Isengard’s Z-Lucy Wagalicious (Lucy) CGC RA RN OA OAJ NF, bred by Lorra Miller and owned and handled by Marion Stark. Next up on Wednesday afternoon Judge Lynda Portiss challenged participants and their dogs with Novice, Advanced and Excellent Rally courses. A combined total of 48 dogs were entered. Also offered on Wednesday were the BSCA Messenger Dog test and a Nose Work seminar. The Welcome Party and a Breeder’s Forum (new this year) concluded the evening. Thursday morning found many folks primping their puppies and veterans for Sweepstakes. The judge for this event was Jill Miller, a Belgian Sheepdog breeder and 40 plus years lifetime member of the BSCA. Judge Miller seemed to really enjoy judging the future of the breed as she took her time with the youngsters. She awarded Best in Sweeps to 13 month-old “Nevada” Nestor De La Terre Sauvage, bred by Agnes Gombar, owned and shown by Janice J. Powers. Best Opposite went to 6 month-old Bonntymes Quick Stop (Jazz), bred by Bonnie Leonard and Mary Ann Ralston and shown by Bonnie Leonard. Next up were the Veterans and they are always a crowd pleaser. These magnificent Belgians just seem to get better with age. Judge Miller awarded Best in Veteran Sweeps to GCH Mika Pye-chedelic CDX RE PT NA NA NF CDC (Dharma) a beautiful 9 year-old bitch, bred by Kathy Sutton and Lisa Goddard, shown by owner Shelly Brosnan. Best of Opposite went to handsome 8 year-old Ch Silhouette N Kindred Anything Goes (Bing), bred by Roxanne Chumbley and Teresa Getting, owned by Michelle Dunsworth and Teresa Getting. Judge Miller concluded the morning’s judging by awarding Best Working Dog in Sweeps to Ch MACH Isengard’s Slide N’ Into Bayview CDX MJS MXS MJP OF MXP (Slick), bred by Lorra Miller and Cathy Sheeter, owned by Linda Brady and Karen Hodges, shown by Linda Brady. Best of Opposite went to Ch OTCH Avatar’s All A Fire PT UDX2 OM4 OA OAJ (Bic), bred and owned by Susan Spinhirne and Barbara Swisher, shown by 88 Dog News
Take Me BACK TO TULSA
The 2014 Belgian Sheepdog Club of America’s Specialty
Susan Spinhirne. That afternoon Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club also held its Independent Specialty at the host hotel. Friday morning was a whirlwind of activity as the class dogs and veterans were scheduled to be judged by the esteemed Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia. Before the start of the class dogs Dr. Battaglia judged the Junior Showmanship competition. Junior Handler Sydney Johnson with GCH Bonntyme’s Intelligent Design BN RN RA took home the prize for Best Junior Handler. Once the classes started Dr. Battaglia (after the initial evaluation) had everyone and their dogs moving briskly around the ring before making his decision. His selection for Winners Dog was Liswyn’s Woodrow Call (Woody) CD, shown by Lisa Leffingwell and Winners Bitch was Rivers Mississippi Queen (River), bred by Jennifer Houser, owned by Roxanne Chumbley and shown by Michelle Hanson. Two more seminars were offered as well on Friday, a Judges Education Seminar and a Junior Handling Seminar. Also available by appointment was a Pet Communicator to help with having a better understanding of your dog. Later that evening the BSCA Annual Meeting was well attended and the business of the club quickly determined and moved on so that all could get a good night’s sleep before the Best of Breed the next day. Saturday dawned bright and early and the excitement in the air was palpable. The large crowd that gathered ringside to witness the judging of Best of Breed had the pleasure of seeing over fifty magnificent Champion and
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The large crowd that gathered ringside to witness the judging of best of breed had the pleasure of seeing over fifty magnificent champion and grand champion belgian sheepdogs vying for the honor of being 2014’s best of breed.
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Grand Champion Belgian Sheepdogs vying for the honor of being 2014’s Best of Breed. At check in, the ring was so crowded that dogs and handlers were stacked like planes waiting to take off at a busy airport until Dr. Battaglia excused the bitches for later that afternoon. He then reduced the dogs down to smaller groups and with that the show really began. Continuing with Friday’s formula, handlers and their dogs were put through their paces, getting in a full day’s exercise as the judge had them moving around the ring several times comparing one Belgian against another, before he made his selections. This year’s Best of Breed was awarded to GCH Hobbiton’s Son of Solomon of Laralee Pt HSaM (Solomon), a beautiful 7 year-old male, bred by Laura Gilbert and Laura Patton, owned by Laura Gilbert and shown by Shelby Roberts. Best of Winners went to Rivers Mississippi Queen (River), bred by Jennifer Houser, owned by Roxanne Chumbley and shown by Michelle Hanson. Best of Opposite went to CH Adagio’s Caitee Bar the Door (Caitee), bred by Anna McArtor and Melinda Andric, owned by Anna McArtor and shown by Tara Holbrook. Dr. Battaglia awarded two selects that day to 11 yearold veteran GHC Isengards Oncore CGC CD HSAs STDs DHA1s RLFTs TDI (Brodhi), bred by Lorra Miller, owned and shown by Penny King and another to 12 yearold veteran BISS CH Liket’s Westminster Abbey HOF (Abbey) bred by Mr & Mrs. Paul Lachnitt owned by Tara Holbrook, shown by Melinda Andric. Dr. Battaglia also awarded a number of Awards of Merit to some well deserving Belgians. The final judging of the day were Stud Dog, won by Shetara’s Celebrate The Dance, bred and owned by Barbara Roy; Brood Bitch won by CH Sans Brancos Saltarella (Ella), bred by Terri Ann Votava and Rhonda Barb, owned by Anna McArtor and Melinda B. Andric; and Brace was won by Trouvaille’s Glober Trekker (Chuck) TD NAJ and Trouvaille’s Traveller (Visa) TD OA AXJ NF owned by Peggy L. Miller. Later that night the Awards banquet was held with the theme being an Oklahoma Cowboy BBQ. After dining on a delicious buffet it was time to sit back and enjoy the Sweeps and Breed judges’ comments and then the awards portion of the evening. Wrapping up the evening the American Kennel Club’s Outstanding Good Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by the BSCA membership, went to long time member Sherry Hanley. The 2014 Specialty concluded with many a “see you next year” being overheard at tables around the room. Preparations are well on their way for next year’s BSCA Specialty, which will be held in Bozeman, Montana, May 11th to May 16th, 2015.
Castle
GCh. Rivergroves Chateau De Castelnau Sire: GCh Rivergroves Trump This
Dam: Ch Rivergroves Can You Hear Me Now
#1 Great Pyrenees, All-Breed* 2014 Westminster Best Of Breed Owner, Michael R. Falatach Breeders, Russ Wahna, Debbie Wahna & Jean Boyd Handlers David & Darla Daugherty FACEBOOK: GCH Rivergroves Chateau De Castelnau *The Dog News Top Ten List
Dog News 89
Dognition Continued FROM page 85
dogs tend to use humans as a social tool,” she says. Using the same kind of puzzle box, Miklósi did a study where it was impossible for wolves or dogs to solve the problem on their own. “While the wolves kept trying to figure it out on their own, the first thing the dogs did was to turn to a person to help them solve the problem. This raises an interesting question. Are dogs smarter than wolves? While wolves were much more creative when seeking a solution and really tried hard to solve the problem on their own, dogs immediately realized it was a good idea to turn to a person to help solve it,” says Santos. This simple but profound difference may account for the fact that there are millions of dogs in the world today as compared to a relatively small number of wolves. 0“In terms of canine species, dogs have taken over the world in the same way we have as a primate species,” says Santos. Looking games The center also is conducting studies that use looking games aimed at learning how dogs think about the world and how they think about us. “Here, we show them different social events in which people act on objects in their environment to see which if any surprise the dogs. If they show surprise, then, we can conclude dogs have some expectation of what would occur normally. “If you watch a magician saw a woman in half for example, you’re surprised when he puts her back together. That’s because you have expectations about how human bodies work. In the same way, we can ask dogs if they have knowledge of how things work by studying what surprises them. We measure their surprise by monitoring how long dogs look at something. That’s because we know dogs tend to look at something for a long time if it surprises them. “In one study, we let dogs see us place a certain number of objects in a box and then close it. But there are a different number of objects in the box when we open it. Here, we want to see if dogs have expectations about how many objects should be in the box by measuring what if any surprise they show when the box is opened. “If dogs show surprise when the wrong number of objects is in the box that tells us they have some
90 Dog News
expectations. And that, in turn, tells us they have some rudimentary numerical ability,” Santos says. Santos also wants to know if dogs have expectations about how people should act. Thus she and her students show dogs events in which people look for objects in the wrong place. “We want to know if dogs expect people to look for an object based on where they saw it hidden,” she says. “If this study demonstrates that dogs have expectations, it would indicate they have an understanding that people have perceptions and knowledge or what other researchers refer to as ‘a theory of mind.’” Research ramifications As already stated, Santos and other researchers ultimately are studying canine cognition to better understand human cognition. The knowledge they gain from their research might lead to a better understanding of what kinds of abilities make the human mind unique as well as provide insight into learning disabilities in humans and Autism. While these studies may reveal some important things about human cognition, learning whether or not dogs have human like learning abilities and how they learn would be of benefit to dogs as well. “This research is important not just for pet owners but for those who train working dogs for the military and law enforcement or service dog schools. If we know what cues dogs pick up on and how they learn best, then, trainers would be better able to devise methods to train them more effectively,” Santos says. Not intelligence tests It’s important to note that the above research isn’t designed to measure the intelligence of dogs in general or of any breed in particular. Nor does it directly compare the cognitive ability of purebreds vs. mixed breeds. “We’re keeping track of all of the different breeds we test and will analyze whether breed seems to matter. For the findings to be truly meaningful in that context however, we would need to test large numbers of the same breed of dogs. “But that’s not our objective. We don’t really want to know how Border Collies or Standard Poodles think in particular. Instead, we want to know how dogs think in general, which means we need to test lots of different kinds of dogs,” says Santos.
Multiple Group Winning and Multiple Specialty Winning
Bronze GCh. Guardenia’s Splish Splash, HOF
Splash ”
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Best in Specialty Show - CT River Working Dog over an entry of 48 Great Pyrenees Thank you Judge Mrs. Judy Harrington #1 Great Pyrenees Bitch 2014* - #1 Great Pyrenees Bitch 2013* Puppy Invitational Winner - 2012 GPCA National Specialty Best in Futurity Winner - 2011 GPCA National Specialty GPCA Hall of Fame Showdogs Breeder/Owner/Handler: Karen Justin
Breeders: Guardenia Great Pyrenees - Donna, Victoria & Carolyn Coffman Impyrial Great Pyrenees - Karen Justin *Number Three overall, breed points 2014 , Number Four Overall, All Breed Points 2013
Dog News 91
It’s the grinding of his teeth that awakes the blacksmith’s dog, not the noise of the hammer. (Spanish Proverb)
S
ince researching many South and Central American dog breeds, I got myself more and more involved with the Spanish and Portuguese origins of most of the breeds of the New World. The research fascinates me and every step is worth it in my findings toward our dog origins, and history! Certainly Europe is a power
RA E BOfRTheEEDS by Agnes Buchwald
World
house of breeding and selecting the right dog for its proper function, but dog wise the old Europe is a new land compared to Ancient Mesopotamia* from where hundreds of dog breeds originated. The greatest part of the Iberian peninsula was populated since prehistoric times. The Iberians were a group of people that the Greek and Roman civilizations identified with since the 6th century BC. The evidence of human habitation in northern Spain is about 800,000 years old, and around 4000 BC, a great part of the country was settled by those Iberians arriving from the east. The denomination “Iberian” was referring to a pre-Roman Iron Age culture dwelling at the east/southeast of the peninsula that has had a few common features, but there are still doubts regarding the closeness of several human groups classified as Iberians. The Alano Español is an ancient breed so old that its origins go back for centuries. Regarding its origins, formerly known as the Attack Dog of Spain, it has many mouth-to-mouth, and carefully recorded histories. It is said that the forefathers of the Alano arrived to the peninsula during the first invasion in the 5th century when the Roman Empire began to fade and a group of Barbarians invaded Spain. Among the Barbarian tribes were the Alans, or Alani, a nomadic shepherd people who kept gigantic guardian dogs that were called by the residents to Alaunt. The modern Alano Español is said to be a direct descendant of those Alaunt. The breed has its documented existence in Spain as early as 1350. The dog was described in detail in the “Book of Hunting” published by King Alfonso XI of Spain (1312-50). He was the greatest hunter among all European sovereigns. The Alanos are also mentioned in the “Treatise of Hunting” published in the 15th century (author unknown), where one can find a detailed physical description of the dog. Both books describe a short nosed, long bodied and heavily boned breed famous for being a fast attacker. It is no surprise that great sculptors and painters of the era portrayed the Alanos with nobles or in hunting scenarios. Those Alanos are considered to be the ancestors not only in Europe (as the Ca de Bou and Presa Canario, Cordoba Fighting Dog, etc…) but in the Americas as well, (the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, the Gran Mastiff de Borinquen of Puerto Rico, the Dogo Guatamalteco (to name a few), which count the Alano as their common ancestors. The Spaniards discovered and colonized new lands and in their exploration took the big Alanos with them, and worked as war dogs principally subjugating the Native Indians, and the slaves, in bullfighting, in hunting large game, and as butcher’s dogs. When the bullfighting with dogs was outlawed and the big game became rare, the popularity of the breed started to vanish. Dogs to guard the cattle were no longer needed, and by 1963 the Alano Español was thought to be an extinct breed. The breed has not appeared at any conformation
El Alano Español, The Spanish Alano 92 Dog News
show, because it was selected only considering its unpaired working qualities. On the other hand it was exactly those qualities (the main finality) that saved the breed from going completely extinct. In the early 1980’s a search for surviving Alanos was done by enthusiasts of this legendary dog led by Carlos Contera, and the whole of Spain was “combed” for surviving specimens. At the time everyone thought that the Alano had completely disappeared from Spain. Senor Contera and a few patriotic enthusiasts went to all of rural Spain searching for this antique breed. The search ended in a huge success. The group found a few Alanos in Extremadura and Castille, and about 300 Alanos more in the Encartaciones Valley in northern Spain. These survivors were the direct descendants of the same Alanos used for centuries to handle the local cows. The restoration of the breed started from the best of those Alanos. To guarantee the seriousness of their research the dogs’ DNA was analyzed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Cordoba. The DNA conclusion was that the dogs did not have any genetic influence from any other dog breed known in the world, identifying them as a totally separate breed. Selected specimens of the discovered population served as the foundation stock for the re-introduction of the Alano in its own country. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación) recognizes the Alano Español as an indigenous Spanish breed. The Alano is notable by its legendary grip and peculiar bite, famous for its destructive jaws and inverted scissor bite.
The dog uses its whole jaws and grips to steadily maintain the bite for as long as it takes to defeat its adversary or until the order to release is given by the master. These dogs are known as the “grip” (presa) dog of Spain. This breed fears nothing and no one, and is recognized for its bravery. This breed is acclaimed for its unequaled bravery. When fighting, the dog seems to have no concern for its life, and has known indifference to pain. This is a natural hunting, companion, and watch dog. It was also used for working with bulls for controlling the wild animals in the Spanish estates for centuries. Until 1860 they took part in one of the phases of the bullfight, known as “The Dogs’ Turn” immortalized by the famous painter Goya in his “Tauromaquía”. The Alano is a well-proportioned breed. The head is similar to that of a bulldog and has a serious expression. The strong muscular body has an arched rib cage and a deep chest that meets the level of the elbows. The breed has the typical black mask of molossers. The Alano can run for miles without tiring. This dog does not bark much but its mere appearance would be enough to intimidate. They are powerful, fearless and protective but if not under command they are not aggressive; in fact they are easily controllable by a strong willing owner. Above all the Alano Español is noted for its obedient nature. The breed in Spain is still small in number
“The Alano Español is an ancient breed so old that its origins go back for centuries. Regarding its origins, formerly known as the Attack Dog of Spain, it has many mouthto-mouth, and carefully recorded histories.”
and has not yet been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Several Alano Español have arrived to the United States and the enthusiasts are promoting the dogs for their obedient temperament and hunting ability. Our dear readers can collect more information and the complete standard at: G.A.P.A.E. (Grupo de Amigos del Perro Alano Espanol), and ANCAE (National Association of Spanish Alano Breeders) Real Sociedad Canina de Espana at whttp://www.rsce.es/web/index. php?option=com_content&task=view &id=1559&Itemid=289 *(Mesopotamia (later Babylonia) was an area of the Tigris, and Euphrates river system corresponding to modern day Iraq, of Asia Minor northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and part of Iran including Sumeria known as the site of the world’s earliest civilization). Seldom I dedicate an article to anyone, but could not fail to give my homage to a very special person, a true gentleman - Richard Beauchamp - my dear friend who recently left us. The dog world is poorer, we lost a great judge, a marvelous author, and a very knowledgeable man. RIP my dear friend.
Dog News 93
Little Viking Dogs
THE SWEDISH VA L L H U N D
Tiwaz (Ch Fantasi Starlight Tiwaz VSVX PAX MXPB MJPB MXP3 MJP3 RS-O GS-O JS-O JHD PT BN CD RA ThD TDIA), one of Michelle Gooden’s Vallhunds, has been most successful in obedience. (Stewart Event Images photo)
Finn was the first Vallhund to earn a tracking title and also the first in the breed to achieve the AKC’s Versatile Companion Dog title.
Blaze (ARBA Master Ch Ch Osafin Blaze to Glory RE PT MXP AJP OFP CTC NW2 W-FX/MF HRD1 HCT STDs RATI RATN V-Vers O-NAC OAC OJC NGC TN-O TG-O WV-N RS-E JS-E CS-O), one of Ivy and Dan Underdahl’s Vallhunds, pushes a sheep along in a herding event.
by M.J. Nelson
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Mike Singleton and his Vallhund Apollo (PACH3 Nycalo Apollo Thor Singleton CDX GO MXP10 MXPC MJP10MJPC PAX3MFP TQXP T2BP) working on Apollo’s junior herding dog title in AHBA competition.
Chipotle (Caliente Dash of Chipotle OA NAJ MXP AJP O-TN-E TG-E WV-E NAC NGC NJC NDAC novice agility RS-O GS-O JS-N PG1 FM RN ThD TDIA), Gooden’s other Vallhund also has titles in different sports. (Stewart Event Images photo)
94 Dog News
he Scout Law for the Boy Scouts of America says, “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” That being the case, the Swedish Vallhund must be the scout of dogdom. Because Swedish Vallhund are described by those who own them as self-confident, lively, inquisitive, courageous, loyal, independent, fast, agile, energetic, enthusiastic, eager-to-please, friendly, healthy and hardy. There seems little doubt that this rare–they are 147th on the American Kennel Club’s breed popularity list–little herding dog is versatile. Many have titled in conformation, agility, rally, obedience, herding, nose work, barn hunts, musical freestyle and trick dog and a lot of these dogs have titles in four or more different dog sports. “There really is a lot of satisfaction in trying a dog sport and excelling in it after you learn the skills needed for it. The fact that Swedish Vallunds are very versatile makes it fun to train them and work toward the goal of a title. Each event offers its own fun, social activities and satisfaction,” said Michelle Gooden, who has a pair of Vallhunds, Tiwaz (Ch Fantasi Starlight Tiwaz VSVX PAX
MXPB MJPB MXP3 MJP3 RS-O GS-O JS-O JHD PT BN CD RA ThD TDIA) and Chipotle (Caliente Dash of Chipotle OA NAJ MXP AJP O-TN-E TG-E WV-E NAC NGC NJC NDAC novice agility RS-O GS-O JS-N PG1 FM RN ThD TDIA) that have titles in several sports. “Swedish Vallhunds have a very strong desire to please their owners and when you combine this with high drive, intelligence and an excellent work ethic, these qualities make for a breed that can excel at anything in the world of dog sports. In addition, they are very sturdily built and athletic by nature capable of working for extended periods of time. This all adds up to a very versatile breed,” said Mike Singleton whose dog Apollo (PACH3 Nycalo Apollo Thor Singleton CDX GO MXP10 MXPC MJP10MJPC PAX3MFP TQXP T2BP) has AKC and UKC obedience titles, AKC , UKC and Teacup Dog Agility Association agility titles and AKC and American Herding Breeds Association herding titles. “It has always been an informal philosophy among people who own this breed that they can do it all,” said Marion Erp whose dog Finn (Ch Fennican Yahoo Finnboy VCD1 CD GN RAE2 TD AX ASJ OAP AJP XF XFP PT NATCH V-NATCH EVers S-EAC S-EJC O-ECC S-TN-E S-TG-E O-WV-E O-HP-E TIAD TG3) has titles in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, tracking and herding. “Many have developed into consistently excellent agility dogs and with some training, have done very well in sheep and duck herding. The Continued on page 113
You Can Help A Friend...
How a Club may support Take The Lead:
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lubs have been the keystones in enabling Take The Lead to provide education to members of the fancy, provide opportunities to support annual membership as well as opportunities for fund raising events in conjunction with their shows. There are a myriad of ways in which a club may support Take The Lead. A Club may offer space to set up a membership and educational booth at their event. This may be expanded to be an opportunity to do different forms of fundraising activities. A popular fundraiser is “Chuck A Duck”. We have invested in flocks of ducks that we can provide to a club with the appropriate directions for rental. The size of the flock is 100 and the ducks are rented for $5 to attendees at the show. At an appointed time, usually before Groups start or BIS a children’s wading pool is placed in the center of the ring and all duck renters are assembled to Chuck their rented ducks. The duck landing closest to the center of the pond is the lucky winner of half of the rental pot. The ducks are numbered and each renter receives a card with their duck’s number allowing us to verify the winning duck tosser. Winners of the duck toss have been very generous, donating some or all of the winnings back to Take The Lead. Raffles throughout the day at the Take The Lead Booth have become another means in which clubs and individuals can support the fundraising efforts. Clubs and members may coordinate theme baskets or items to donate to the raffle as well as solicit raffle items from the vendors attending their shows. The creativity of the items donated to the raffles is amazing, ranging from the ever popular “ It is five o’clock somewhere” Cocktail themed baskets, to Margarita makers, “Coffee Makers”, Holiday themed baskets, regional baskets, and the ever popular wine assortments top the popularity list. A recent addition to the donations from area Reproductive Specialists has been an assortment of services including progesterone testing, semen collection and storage for a year, ever popular and incents client to purchase lots of tickets. We have been fortunate to have continuous support from so many individuals and companies. Our appreciation to all who support our events and raffles with their wonderful, creative donations In the Northeast we are forever grateful for the artistic talent of Joan Scott who assists in putting together theme baskets and decorating the tables at multiple booths and events throughout the year. What if your club wishes to hold an event to support Take The Lead? The inaugural event was a cocktail party held the Thursday night prior the Tuxedo Park Kennel Club show in September of 1993. This was followed by what has become the annual Holiday Party held in conjunction with Eastern Dog Club in early December.
96 Dog News
If a Club or Cluster wishes to be involved with coordinating an event in conjunction with their shows things to consider: space and location of the party, theme, and most importantly how the party will be underwritten to allow it to be a successful fundraiser. One of the first fundraising parties which continue to be an annual Holiday party is held in conjunction with Eastern Dog Club. The donation of baskets and raffle items grows each year. The theme and decorating for the party is coordinated by Joan Scott with her band of merry elves, Whitney Perry and Sue King, who transform the host locations to Holiday Celebrations! Everyone in New England looks forward to our annual holiday gathering. The Take the Lead Board is fortunate to have as a member Michael Faulkner. His professional career includes fundraising and he has coordinated unique and fun parties, the most recent was at the Middle Peninsula Kennel Club of Virginia show this past January. The show is held at the Richmond Raceway Complex, in Richmond,VA. Attendees participated in changing tires in a simulated pit stop to racing miniature cars on a track. Probably his greatest talent has been his skill as an auctioneer, including tripling the earnings for the evening when auctioning off a gourmet dinner prepared in your own home; complete with wine. Bidding was consistent between three attendees at the dinner, at the point when a generous donation was being offered; it was asked if all bidders would be willing to be winners at that point? As a result, Michael provided three gourmet dinners and raised a substantial donation for Take The Lead in one evening. The Tar Heel Cluster in March has become an annual celebration for Take The Lead, with an extensive raffle table and on alternating years a party right on the Fair Grounds allowing easy access for everyone attending the shows. Live music and dancing the night away has become the theme! The Harvest Moon cluster consisting of Del Valle Dog Club of Livermore and Skyline Kennel Club have hosted parties over the years including an auction of artwork created by members of the fancy and most recently a comedy night. These are only a few examples of what has been done, the ideas for fun are endless, and it just takes some creativity and desire to create an evening of fun to benefit those in our sport who may need assistance. Take The Lead appreciates the support that All Breed and Specialty Clubs have provided over the years which have provided camaraderie, good times and support to this worthwhile cause. If your club has the interest to host a booth or coordinate an event please contact the office : Take The Lead PO Box 6353 Watertown, NY 13601 800-814-1123 FAX: 315-786-1874
Here’s How You Can Help A Friend...
Dog News 97
o s ip s G column the
BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS
T
IM THOMAS, who for some time was the unofficial head of the judges department, has finally been named Director of Judges Operations. It’s only fair if you have to take the heat, you should have the title. In other kennel club news, RON MENAKER was selected to head a real estate committee to explore the options available to the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB as its leases on both the New York and Raleigh offices are close to expiring. The committee will explore and advise the kennel club as to whether they should consolidate the two offices into either existing location or find a new location for both offices or keep the status quo. With these heady decisions in mind, RON has selected five people who are involved in the sport in varying degrees to help him make the decisions at hand. It is their business acumen that led to the choices of MARTHA FELTENSTEIN, a retired partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flon LLP where she was involved in the firm’s real estate practice. She represented the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the leasing of the World Trade Center to realtor LARRY SILVERSTEIN; DAVID HELMING, who had
98 Dog News
a nearly 40-year career with Public Enterprise Group in New Jersey, holding a number of senior management positions; HOWARD LORBER, the chairman of Douglas Elliman, Ltd., one of the largest real estate brokerage companies in the country; TOMMY MILLNER, the chief executive officer and president of Cabela’s, a leading retailer in hunting, fishing and camping gear; HARVEY WOODING, who has over 40 years of experience in sales/marketing and senior management in the corporate and entrepreneurial arenas. The committee will consult with RICHARD SPECIALE, who was involved in the decision making of the two present locations and ALAN KALTER & DENNIS SPRUNG will act as ex-officio members of the committee. Congratulations to the newlyweds MADDY & ADAM PETERSON, who were married last Thursday in South Carolina. All of us DOG NEWS send our very best wishes and we are so sorry we had to miss what we were told was a great day. ERNESTO LARA flew home to Mexico to visit with family and then continues onto Guatemala where he will judge. BETH SWEIGART, PETER GREEN and NENNA & GEIR FLYCKT-PEDERSEN
are off to judge in Sweden. EDD BIVIN is off to judge in Croatia and Norway. LUC BOILEAU has moved to a new home and now can be contacted at 415 Wells Street, Unit 803, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147. Telephone 262.203.5729. Handlers SUSIE & JORGE OLIVERA have moved from Arizona to Southern California and their new address is 645 Quarry Road, San Marcos, California 92069. Sadly, we lost some familiar names and faces this week. LOUIS PRADO, who bred Weimaraners under the kennel prefix of Weimercastle with his wife, handler ADELENE, has passed away. Long associated with the Galveston and Houston Kennel Clubs, they were a large part of the Texas fabric of pure bred dog fanciers. Bulldogger HUGH WITT, the widower of the late JEAN WITT, was found dead in his North Carolina home. In addition to their Bulldog activities JEAN was the very popular and in demand MBF DOG SHOW superintendent for many years. Belgian breed fancier BOB KROHN has passed away. News from Australia is word that KEITH LOVELL has passed away. Our sympathies to all the family members and friends of the deceased.
*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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THE GOLD COAST TRIUMVIRATE, THE RIGHT HAND v. THE LEFT CONUNDRUM, THE JRC’S POOL OF 18...
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Continued FROM page 54
I have never heard of but then again so much was going on at this show which was so unique it could very well have been a Wayne Cavanaugh run show instead of an AKC event! No one got hurt, all was salvaged but I can’t help but wonder but for the high visibility of those from AKC in attendance whether or not any of these proceedings could have occurred. Common sense is the element that must prevail but can you imagine this happening say in Florida with only its Field Rep there. As Ed Jenner was fond of saying—“YIKES”!!!! IS THE ANSWER FOR SURE. Personally and this is just me I think much of what happened was more anticipatory than factual notwithstanding by 6pm the elements truly turned horrendous at this location but I think given the opportunity to run its normal course the elements would have had no affect whatsoever upon the grounds during show hours.
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nce the debacle occurred and by the next morning the camaraderie of people chipping in to clear the results of the blown down tents was amazing and heart warming to see. Saturday’s show was delayed two hours for some reason or other and began with the rings which were set up at 8am without any tents in a revived scheduled for first a 9 and then 10am start– this delay I could not understand at all but the rest of the day and the following Sunday ran as smoothly as could be. Weather the next two days was Long Island pure and perfect--tents slowly put up with the Skye of Larry Cornelius’s winning the Best and the Bulldog of Cody Sickle being Reserve. Two Long Island bred dogs both from Oyster Bay Cove--what a coincidence and the adjudicator a native of Oyster Bay schooled at St. Dominic’s and raised nearby--a great day dog ways for the Island and its dogs! Certainly the great job done by the members of the two clubs in pasting the North Shore stores with announcements about the upcoming shows played a healthy part in the larger than usual spectator crowds that attended. Fact is the LIKC usually had large spectator crowds but in changing its venues for the past several years lost some of that pizazz--Ladies really never went out of its way to get a crowd. There was some talk that the media folk at AKC helped stir up interest to the public but I must say I saw nothing done that was not done before except Continued on page 117
100 Dog News
GCh. SandCastle’s Did It Again
Chance
GROUP FIRST
Thank you to Judge Mr. Warren D. Hudson
He Did Indeed Do It Again: Next day Santa Cruz Kennel Club,
Group Second,
Thanks to Judge Mrs. Margaret A. Reed Multiple Recent Group Placements Presented by Shannon Stone • Assisted by Collen Stone, Sydney Stone Bred by Sandra Wayne, SandCastle Havanese • Carmel Valley, CA Owned by Sandra Wayne, SandCastle Havanese, Mary Lopez, Amor Havanese • Janet Wahl, Janjems Havanese
Dog News 101
“Dawbie”
“Expression is the True Essence” 102 Dog News
“ True Form for Function”
The Best In Specialty Show Winning
Ch. Karolaska Resurrection Bay Best In Specialty at Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California Judge Mr. Howard Dees Select Dog Great Pyrenees Club of America 2014 Judge Mr. Vincent Chianese Breeder Owner Handler: Kimberly Kentopp KAROLASKA Dog News 103
CLICK
Long Island Kennel Club & Ladies Kennel Association P h o t o s B y E u g e n e Z . Z ap h i r i s
Letters To
The Editor
Dog News will consider all letters for publication but reserves the right to edit these as required. Letters will not be considered for publication unless full name and contact details are supplied, including telephone number. Letters may be mailed to Dog News 1115 Broadway NY, NY 10010 or emailed to dognews@harris-pub.com. REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS NAMED BY AKC DIRECTOR RONALD H. MENAKER At the March 2014 meeting of the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Board of Directors, Alan Kalter, Chairman, appointed Ronald H. Menaker to lead a Real Estate Committee. The Committee will evaluate all options for AKC’s office or offices well before the New York and North Carolina office leases expire in 2019 and 2020, respectively. “As Chair of the Real Estate Committee, I’ve appointed a number of members that will work together to bring forth a recommendation for the organization’s future location to the Board of Directors,” said Mr. Menaker. “The Committee is proactively exploring every possibility so that we’ll have exercised all due diligence and can present the best idea.” The following Committee members have been appointed by Mr. Menaker. Martha Feltenstein - Feltenstein is a Retired Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she was active in all aspects of the firm’s real estate practice, including real estate development, acquisitions, leasing, joint ventures, financing, public and private offerings of real estate securities, and commercial mortgage securitization. She represented The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the privatization/
OMISSION IN CAVALIER NATIONAL COVERAGE In Stephanie Abraham’s report of the Cavalier National which appeared in the May 9 issue of DOG NEWS the photograph of the BISS National Specialty winner Ch. Mileslip Licorice was inadvertently omitted. 106 Dog News
ground leasing of The World Trade Center to Larry Silverstein. Feltenstein serves as the President and Delegate of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association and owns and exhibits multiple Tibetan Mastiffs, Tibetan Spaniels and Finnish Lapphunds. David Helming - Helming had a 38-year career with the Public Service Enterprise Group in New Jersey, holding a number of senior management positions in various operational facets of the business until his retirement in 2007. He is presently the Delegate for the Newfoundland Club of America. Helming has served as a Show Chair and Cluster Chair and has extensive experience in planning, organizing and executing the logistical aspects of dog shows held by the Somerset Hills, Westchester and Morris & Essex Kennel Clubs and the Newfoundland Club of America. He breeds Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs and Norwich Terriers with his wife, Peggy, under the Pouch Cove prefix. Howard Lorber: Lorber is Chairman of Douglas Elliman Ltd., one of the largest real estate brokerage companies in the country; Chief Executive of Vector Group Ltd., which has numerous investments in real estate throughout the country; and Chairman of Nathan’s Famous. He co-owns a number of English Springer Spaniels in partnership with Capulet English Springer Spaniels. Thomas L. “Tommy” Millner: Millner is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Cabela’s (NYSE:CAB), a leading specialty retailer of hunting, fishing and camping gear. He serves as a director of BestBuy (NYSE:BBY), LATE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK, Do you think judges should make unsolicited comments about the dogs they have put up on Facebook and/ or discuss on Facebook their upcoming assignments and the like? Dennis Gallant Judges should absolutely never comment on Facebook about any dog (put up or not) or comment about upcoming assignments.
a director of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and has served as a Trustee of Take the Lead. He and his wife Merry Jeanne have bred and exhibited Briards under the kennel prefix Sendero for over twenty years. Harvey Wooding: Wooding has over 40 years of sales/ marketing and senior management experience in the corporate and entrepreneurial arenas. He currently serves on the AKC Board of Directors as Delegate from the Westminster Kennel Club and is a breeder and exhibitor of English Setters. In addition to the members above, Richard Speciale (Aequitas LLC), who assisted AKC with the relocations to Arco Corporate Drive in North Carolina and 260 Madison Avenue in New York, will consult with the committee. Alan Kalter, AKC Chairman of the Board, and Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO, will serve as exofficio members. AKC Communications Dept. New York, NY LAUNCH OF NEW KC JOURNAL – CANINE GENETICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY The Kennel Club has announced the launch of a new scientific journal, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology developed in conjunction with open access publisher BioMed Central. The independent journal, which is available free to all, addresses genetic and epidemiological research focused on dogs and other canids. All articles featured in the journal have extended lay summaries and key take home messages aimed at dog breeders, owners and other interested parties as well as scientists and veterinarians. The first issue of Canine Genetics and Epidemiology is now available at www.cgejournal.org and features articles on the genetics behind eye disorders in various breeds and also those specifically found in Golden Retrievers. There is also an article on approaches to canine health monitoring. A further two articles will be published each quarter. The journal will be led by two Editors-in-Chief: Bill Ollier is Professor of Immunogenetics and Co-Director of the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical
Research at Manchester University; Gustavo Aguirre is Professor of Medical Genetics and Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. They will be supported by an international Editorial Board. Aimée Llewellyn, Health Information Manager at the Kennel Club, says: “This journal is a perfect way to support evidence-based medical advances for the veterinary profession, which they are under increasing pressure to consider. “As the first journal focusing purely on canine-specific research, the journal will impact the work of researchers around the globe as well as provide the general public and world of dogs with an amazing opportunity to keep up to date with research in canine genetics and epidemiology. “We feel very privileged to be involved with a project focused on bringing clear, accurate, and informative research in an inclusive way to all of those who care about dog health, making science accessible to all.” Professor Bill Ollier, Editor in Chief of Canine Genetics and Epidemiology says: “Dogs spontaneously develop many of the conditions seen in man and research at this interface provides important insight into how genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to both health and disease. This represents a ‘win’ for both species. “The new journal provides a much needed open access mechanism for reporting all aspects of this research. Free and open access of research findings to both scientists and the dog owning public also provides a major opportunity for engagement in research and science.” Deborah Kahn, Executive Vice President at BioMed Central says: “We are delighted to welcome Canine Genetics & Epidemiology to our growing portfolio of veterinary and animal science journals and look forward to working closely with the Kennel Club on this exciting new launch.” Laura Quickfall London, England
ALLIANCE DATA TO MAKE PET OWNERSHIP EVEN MORE REWARDING WITH LAUNCH OF CREDIT CARD PROGRAM FOR THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced its Retail Services business, which manages more than 130 private label and co-brand credit programs, has signed a long-term agreement to provide co-brand affinity credit card services for The American Kennel Club (AKC, www.akc.org), the only non-profit registry of purebred dogs in the United States. Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club and its affiliated organizations advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. “Owners and enthusiasts who engage with the American Kennel Club are passionate about their dogs, and we want to give them even more reasons to choose AKC as a resource for all things pet-related. The new credit program will do just that by providing a platform for us to engage with our customers and reward them for their loyalty to the AKC,” said Daphna Straus, VP, business development at the American Kennel Club. “In partnership with Alliance Data Retail Services, we’ve designed a credit card program that will offer dog owners increased purchasing flexibility and added benefits to drive an even higher level of customer loyalty and satisfaction.” Alliance Data will deliver a marketing-driven co-brand affinity credit program customized for the American Kennel Club designed to enrich the club’s relationship with its constituents. The American Kennel Club program will enable cardmembers to earn points for dollars spent using the credit card. Those points can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards. Cardmembers will be able to accelerate their earnings of points when they buy goods and services through AKC and when making other pet-related purchases with the card. The American Kennel Club will partner with Alliance Data Retail Services to better serve its customers through the use of advanced data analytics tools. The program will leverage Alliance Data’s real-time
pre-screen capabilities, card personalization LATE ANSWER TO THIS technology to enable WEEK’S QUESTION OF dog owners to display THE WEEK, At the June their pet’s photo on Delegate meeting once their credit card, and again there is a proon-site card acquisition posal to eliminate “the technology at major ca- occupational eligibility” clause within the Bynine competitions. “For animal lov- Laws insofar as Delegate ers, pets are cherished eligibility is concerned. members of the family, Do you think that vote should be taken as an and the American Ken- over-all policy basis or nel Club is the crown that each occupation jewel of affinity pro- (there are five or so desgrams for those pet- ignated) should be voted centric households. upon individually? Given the AKC’s dedicated customer base L. Sue Rooney-Flynn and our commitment First and foremost I do not to extending the reach think the clause should of Alliance Data’s ex- be eliminated. My reply pertise into the affin- is “if there is a vote the should be cast as a ity category, we see vote whole”. Veterinarians, Edthis partnership as one itors & Publishers of Dog with tremendous op- Publications, AKC emportunity,” said Melisa ployees & Handlers are diMiller, president of Al- rectly hired “paid for serliance Data Retail Ser- vices”. I do not see these vices. “With the credit people giving up their fees to serve as delegated program as a platform, as Judges are required we’re going to help the to do. Conflict of interest American Kennel Club comes into play. tap into the intense loyalty of its customers and fans with rewards and benefits that will help enhance its relationships and further its growth goals.” Shelley Whiddon, Alliance Data Media Dallas, TX
Dog News 107
The Crackerbarrel Cluster Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds, Wrentham Developmental Center 31 Emerald Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
June 26 and 29, 2014
Plenty of Convenient Parking
June 27 and 28, 2014
Puppy and Bred By Groups Eye Clinic CGC
Wampanoag Kennel Club
Semen Collection and Freezing by ICSB Free Handling Seminar Friday
Hockamock Kennel Club
• Pharaoh Hounds: Specialty Saturday; Supported Entries Thursday, Friday, and Sunday • Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Supported Entries Saturday and Sunday • Boxers: Specialty Saturday; Supported Entry Friday • Siberian Huskies: Supported Entries Friday and Saturday
Entries close June 11, 2014 • MB-F Supt.
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Supported Entries: Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Basenjis with Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes CGC Testing & New Exhibitor Briefing • Microchip Clinic Basenji Judges Education Seminar, parent club presenter Roger Gifford 937.689.2679 • luvfarside@aol.com
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THE SWEDISH VA L L H U N D
LITTLE Viking Dogs
Blaze has a multitude of talents including skateboarding. Finn (Ch Fennican Yahoo Finnboy VCD1 CD GN RAE2 TD AX ASJ OAP AJP XF XFP PT NATCH V-NATCH E-Vers S-EAC S-EJC O-ECC S-TN-E STG-E O-WV-E O-HP-E TIAD TG3), Marion Erp’s Vallhund, has titles in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, tracking and herding. Continued from page 94
new barn hunt sport is becoming increasingly popular as it mimics what the breed was originally developed to do in addition to cattle herding which was keeping the small Swedish farms free of rats and mice. They are very capable of doing tracking although not many people have tried this sport with their Vallhunds probably because tracking tests are so few and far between. Tracking comes naturally to Vallhunds and it is a shame more people don’t give it a try. I was fortunate that my dog was the first Vallhund to earn a tracking title and that also made him the first Vallhund to be awarded the VCD1, Versatile Companion Dog 1 title. The Swedish Vallhund is willing to please, eager, energetic, active and cooperative. With these traits, they are naturals to work at many different activities.”
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or Char Reeves and her Vallhund Gilly (Ch Countten Sam Allysen CD RA), barn hunting has proven to be something which was attractive for both Reeves and her dog. “This sport involves rats, hay bales and it is a lot of fun for both Gilly and I. It is the sort of sport that can be done in any weather and I’m currently installing our own obstacle course. The good thing about Vallhunds is that they are willing to work at just about any performance activity and in fact, thrive on that work. The only real problem I have had with Gilly is that everyone loves her so she now expects to be the center of attention all the time. But, every event brings new challenges. Fortunately this
Gilly (Ch Countten Sam Allysen CD RA), Char Reeves’ Vallhund, practices her herding skills. Gilly also does rally.
is a breed with a very good temperament and when you combine that with their willingness to please, their size, how they are built, how smart they are and the fact that they are as agile as any I’ve seen in any sport, it makes them capable of succeeding in any dog sport for which they are eligible.” One of the difficulties associated with rare breeds are that many conformation judges do not get an opportunity to see many Vallhunds and as a consequence may not have much knowledge of the breed. This presented some issues for Ivy Underdahl who, with her husband Dan, owns Blaze (ARBA Master Ch Ch Osafin Blaze to Glory RE PT MXP AJP OFP CTC NW2 W-FX/MF HRD1 HCT STDs RATI RATN V-Vers O-NAC OAC OJC NGC TN-O TG-O WV-N RS-E JS-E CS-O) and several other Vallhunds. “We’ve had to explain over and over to people at dog shows that our dogs are purebred Swedish Vallhunds and not a mix of wolf/Corgi/Elkhound or fill in the blank,” said Underdahl. “In conformation, there were definitely some obstacles. Apparently some of the early judging seminars led the judges to believe that there was a preferred color and tail type. That is not true. Gray sable and red sable are both acceptable and ANY tail is acceptable because judging ends at the croup. We have had a lot of comments from judges about the variety of tail types and some have made jokes about ‘leaving the tail on’ which was disappointing since all tails are acceptable. So as often as possible we mentioned that
the breed standard stated all types of tails are acceptable and that one color was not supposed to be preferred over another. The pictorial judges’ seminar has been revamped and it was very well done. That has helped clarify this issue a lot.” As is the case with most breeds, even herding dogs, some sports are more difficult than others. “Herding has been the most difficult for several reasons,” said Michelle Fromm whose dog Zar BISS GCh ARCH-X Caliente Once in a Blue Moon HSAsd STDsd RAE OA OAJ OF TT ETD APK SPJ SPG SPR RL3 RATI) has titles in conformation, herding, rally, agility, barn
“The good thing about Vallhunds is that they are willing to work at just about any performance activity and in fact, thrive on that work.” hunt and is an expert trick dog. “Finding the facilities with good livestock for practice and trainers who understand my breed’s working style has not always been easy. Many stock dog trainers are geared to training Border Collies so the working style of a looseeyed breed like the Vallhund is different and not everyone understands how to work with that difference. There is also another issue with herding. You, as a handler, have to learn about livestock. The better you understand and read the stock, the more Continued on page 115
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THE SWEDISH VA L L H U N D Continued FROM page 113
While Flicka has been successful in agility and rally, her owner is hoping that age and experience will eliminate stress issues for her as well as make her more consistent.
successful you tend to be. This is one activity that I do with my dogs that requires instinct and cannot be totally based on training. Vallhunds have not been bred for herding for a long time so their abilities vary quite a bit. If the dog doesn’t really have the drive to work stock, it isn’t something that can be taught. But, this is a breed that is a very biddable, social herding dog that wants to be busy. They need their minds and bodies to be engaged in some way and they are total people-pleasers that crave time with their people. Plus they are social with other dogs and they love to go to new places. I believe my young dog thinks that everyone comes to the shows to see him and he walks into every arena set to meet anyone and everyone inside.” Underdahl also had some difficulties with herding. “We don’t own stock and we could not get to the trainer often enough to see a great deal of progress. We did get titles in AKC, American Herding Breeds Association and Australian Shepherd Club of American competition but it took several years. The problem was not the dog’s. He dropped back and moved the stock on his own. The challenge was for the trainer and I to figure out the rest. It was physically challenging for me also. Walking backwards in a 100-yard arena with sheep bearing down on you is scary. Then falling and having them jump over you is a thrill also. I found myself riding a sheep
LITTLE Viking Dogs Zar has titles in conformation, herding, rally, agility, barn hunt and is an expert trick dog.
one time and I wasn’t sure how to get off.” Obedience has been the biggest challenge for Gooden and her dogs. “Obedience has never been easy for us. It is just a more strict sport that isn’t really very fast moving. I also found it made me nervous which didn’t help the dogs. There’s another problem for my dogs and I in obedience and that is that unlike rally, you can’t talk to your dogs in obedience. It is the one activity that we’ve tried that I’ve had to take a break from because I’m not sure what I want to do in the future with it. Rally, on the other hand, is totally different. The dogs love it. I also have some problems in herding. The dog has natural talent but I’ve had to learn how to handle the courses and the stock. It will take more time to learn how to troubleshoot during competition so we can ultimately get around the more difficult courses.”
A
gility is the only sport that has created any difficulties for Sally Reynolds, who owns Flicka (GCh Mill Creek’s Burning Desire RN NAJ AX STDcsd). “Herding has come naturally for Flicka, at least so far as she has her started dog title from the Australian Shepherd Club of America and one qualifying score on her Pre-Trial Tested title from the AKC. Agility is not really natural for the dogs but she has done fairly well. However, she does get a bit stressed sometimes in competition and I hope she will overcome this issue with more ‘mileage.’ She’s only four so that’s a good possibility. However, I have added a second training location to my weekly class sched-
Flicka (GCh Mill Creek’s Burning Desire RN NAJ AX STDcsd), Sally Reynolds’ Vallhund, has proven to be a “natural herder.” Flicka does have a little advantage in herding however as her owner keeps a handful of sheep and hosts about nine herding clinics every year at her property in Tennessee.
ule. This is a completely different environment with many more distractions. The guidance of an additional trainer has helped me with my handling skills also. This is important because the dogs have become my ‘retirement career.’” For Singleton, the major obstacle to success has been distractions or significant differences encountered in real trial conditions that have not been adequately proofed in training. “Inadequately proofed problems for us included things I expected like more people standing close to the ring at trials compared to training sessions and unexpected things like very loud off-road motorcycles racing back and forth just beyond the property fence line behind the building during agility runs, pigeons repeatedly landing in front of the dogs on the agility course and the dogs that were running and extremely ‘light’ sheep in herding tests/trials that took flight the instant almost any dog entered the arena as opposed to dog-experienced sheep used in training classes. I also made the mistake in my early days of agility training of making my dog repeat missed obstacles two or three times, if I thought it was necessary. This caused the dog to shut down . I subsequently learned and put into practice happy, positive, reward-based braining methods and the results were miraculous.” While the breed does not face any popularity issues, these Vallhund folks did express some concerns about the breed’s future. “I think the most important thing is for the breed to continue to have dogs that succeed in conformation and performance. Ideally breeders will at least assess
their breeding stock for herding ability. That is the best way to maintain the breed’s ability to do performance and companion events. It is also important to maintain the health of the breed by performing the recommended health tests and only breeding dogs that are both physically and mentally sound. Mental soundness is so important. I can train and change a lot of things but a dog that doesn’t get the proper foundation with their breeder is missing things that frequently can never be changed. Temperament has a genetic basis so breeding dogs with issues will produce pups that may also have these issues,” said Fromm. Gooden agreed that maintaining the breed’s versatility is important. “Multi-titled dogs are very important because they keep the breed as a working breed. Vallhunds were developed to have a job and they should always want to work. I worry that it could turn into a breed that you only see in the show ring which would be a waste of their natural talent. These are wonderful pet dogs but they need to use their brains and bodies, not be couch potatoes. They are also very smart and they need to be able to show how clever they really are. It’s critical to maintain the breed as it was originally meant to be, in temperament, working ability and conformation.” Dog News 115
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Continued FROM page 100
for the massive plastering of signs job which was Club oriented and not accomplished by AKC’s social media department that was for sure. Credit should be given where it was due and that’s to the clubs for sure.
I
have been taken somewhat to task for allegedly confusing the functions of the job of the JRC as compared to that of the JTC (that is the Judges Review Committee and the Judges Task Force Committee) but after speaking with a few people and checking my own records I have decided I was not the confused person. It was the case of two different Committees established by the Board, one of which claimed authority over the other which caused the problem. As I understand the situation today the JRC is totally independent from the JTC and that was my understanding too when the two Committees were originally formed. Yet the JTC in the press release sent out by AKC on August 19, 2013 entitled AKC JUDGING TASK FORCE SHARES ACTION PLAN GOING FORWARD (which was printed then in this AND MORE column and questioned then several times thereafter both Editorially and in the Column) stated as its first objective that it “would FINALIZE THE COMPOSITION OF THE JRC.” I wrote over and over again this was not within its power to so act and it was not until nine months later I was questioned about what I was writing. Candidly I don’t think the two Committees were working together and one did not realize the attempted usurpation--intended or not-- of power by one over the other. I am told that the JRC works totally independently from the JTC--curious how that point will be handled by the JTC in its expected June report. As to the formation of the JRC I never realized that the 12 permanent judges on the Committee were in fact originally selected from a pool of 18 people and that these 6 other people are held as alternates-sort of like a jury trial. The 12 people on the committee (who rotate their positions every 3 months as do the selected field reps except for Patti Proctor, who is the one permanent member of this Committee) are publicly named but the 6 other people are NOT. That’s how Connie Clark was selected to replace Dana Klein who resigned from the JRC--she was selected at random I am told-but of course who her replacement in the alternate pool may be will not be made public. Not too sure I understand why the entire system was not made public until now but that’s how I am told it operates. Congrats to Tim Thomas on his promotion to Director of Judges Operations--well deserved for a man who truly worked hard to earn the position. Personally I think he will be even handed and do a really nice job. Dog News 117
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118 Dog News
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Thank you Group Judge Mrs. Gloria Geringer and Best of Breed Judge Dr. Anthony DiNardo
Am., Can., Australian Champion
Ch. Shekinah’s Jakar Pamir The Seeker
Owned By Georjean Jensen
Pamir, Reg. Bruce Schultz Bred By Amy Donnell Leslie Stoffers Tara Schultz Presented by Bruce & Tara Schultz AKC Reg. Handlers & PHA www.schultzdoghandling.com