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AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES COVEY WRITTEN BY RALPH VINCENT | PHOTO BY CONGLETON PHOTOGRAPHY
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onsidered to be the most prestigious event of its kind, the Westminster Dog Show has been held annually since 1877. For Saratoga County the 2021 Westminster Dog Show had a local connection, in that Ballston Lake resident James S. Covey judged the Sporting Group. This was Mr. Covey’s third time judging at the legendary show. He has extensive experience and has served as a judge in dog shows around the United States, and in Sweden as well. In addition to the Sporting Group, he is approved by the American Kennel Club to judge Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers and Best in Show as well.
The world of purebred dogs and dog shows, have long been a part of Mr. Covey’s life. At the age of 12 he began working in a neighbor’s Irish Setter agility and conformation kennel in Selkirk, New York. There he learned about feeding, cleaning and grooming dogs. As time went on he gained knowledge about breeding and showing dogs as well.
Determined to have his own show dog, James saved his allowance for three years, and at the age of 15, purchased an English Cocker Spaniel named “Ancram’s Jessica.” With Jessica he gained experience breeding purebred dogs. She was bred to the Champion English Cocker Spaniel, Dunelm Galaxy and produced a number of champions herself. 48 | SARATOGA FAMILY | FALL 2021
James’ accomplishments continued with regard to breeding and showing purebred dogs. He developed championproducing breeding programs for English Cocker Spaniels, and later Norfolk Terriers. Eventually his enthusiasm and hard work led to his first experience as a dog show judge in 1980 at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, NY. I asked James what a typical day would be like for a judge at the Westminster Dog Show. As he described it, the day starts early, arriving at the show venue by 7:00 a.m. On entrance he checks in with the superintendent. Next is inspecting the show ring he will be working in. Judging begins at 8:00 a.m. and with the exception of a break for lunch, continues well into the afternoon.
Madison Square Garden is usually home to the all-breed competition each February. However due to safety concerns related to the Covid 19 pandemic, the 2021 show was held in June as an open air event at the historic Lyndhurst estate in Tarrytown New York. James shared that the Westminster Kennel Club did a wonderful job making this venue work, while maintaining the safety of all present.
After years of achievement working with purebred dogs and a career as a court recorder, James is enjoying retirement. As far as the future is concerned, he said he enjoys judging and plans to continue doing so occasionally.
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