TopDogWeekly’s Cover Dog... MBIS, MBISS CH. FLACON D’PARIS OF NEIGENUVEAUX
Murdoch is a French Water Dog and he is the dog with all of the hair in the Sporting Group. He was born the 1st of May 2010. His sire (Paris) was an import from Celine Soulier of France. His dam was a lovely Canadian bred female (Searra), purchased from Paula Balak. From birth this puppy stood out from all of the others. With Michelle Therrien as his handler he finished his Canadian Championship in 2 weekends and then went on to win a few puppy groups and Best Puppy in Show. Thank you Michelle for starting him off. At the beginning of this year, I called Edgar Rojas and asked him if he was interested in showing Murdoch. He said yes. What a year it has become and it is not over yet. WOW!!! Murdoch’s wins to date include:A few puppy groups and a Best Puppy In Show, presented by Michelle. World Dog Show, Paris France 2011, Best “Jeune” Male – rated Excellent. He was shown by our club VP – Michel Raymond. 1st Barbet Regional Specialty. 2012 presented by Michelle. 1st United Barbet Club Breed Specialty. 2013 presented by Tom Erwin (my hubby). Presented by Edgar, he has won 3 Best In Shows, 2 Reserve Best In Shows and lots of group placements. He has accumulated all of his necessary points at the breed level for his CKC Grand Championship and only needs the performance title at the end of his name for his CKC Grand Championship Excellent. Edgar (handler extraordinaire) and Murdoch make an exceptional team in the dog show ring. They have exceeded all of my expectations. Thank you Edgar, for answering your phone and for piloting Murdoch to one of the Top Sporting Dogs in Canada. AND… thank you to all of the judges that have pointed their fingers in this teams direction. Watch for this dynamic duo in the rings.
BEST IN SHOWS week ending August 5th, 2013
Muskoka Kennel Club – Ontario Wednesday Show 1 Irish Wolfhound Ch. Kuriann of First Avenue Judge: Robert Rowbotham Wednesday Show 2 English Setter Ch. Reidwood Royalty Next in Line Judge: Phyllis Pancel Thursday Show 3 Shih Tzu Ch. Symarun’s Forbidden Love Judge: Michel Bouchard Thursday Show 4 Doberman Pinscher Ch. Goldgrove High Intensity Judge: Christopher Neilsen Friday Airedale Terrier Ch. Westchester Hill Boy Judge: Jocelyn Gagne Societe Canine De Quebec Friday Show 1 French Bulldog Ch. Fabelhaft Robobull Mademoiselle Judge: Dr. Richard Meen Friday Show 2 Doberman Pinscher Ch. Tiburon Aamira Azaria Judge: Lucie Paradis Saturday German Shepherd Ch. Lacomtesse Charlie’s Angel Judge: Elizardo Valadez Sunday Bouvier Ch. Boyero Magnificent Gladiator – Judge: Margaret Jones Alberta Kennel Club/ Purina National* - Alberta Saturday Doberman Pinscher Ch. Supernova Never Surrender Judge: Margaret Davis Sunday Affenpinscher Ch. Champagne Charly V. Tani Kazari Judge Juan Naveda Carrero* Monday Standard Poodle Ch. VetSet Kte Winsit Judge: Bo Saklin Avalon Kennel Club – Newfoundland Saturday Show 1 Whippet Ch. Wenrick’s Nickleodeon Girl Judge: Joe Lobb Saturday Show 2 Labrador Retriever Ch. LandnSea’s Lighthouse KeepHer Judge: Janet Lobb Sunday Show 3 Labrador Retriever Ch. LandnSea’s Lighthouse KeepHer Judge: Allan Brown Sunday Show 4 Labrador Retriever Ch. LandnSea’s Lighthouse KeepHer Judge: Thora Brown Barrie Kennel Club – Ontario Saturday Irish Wolfhound Ch. Kuriann Of First Avenue Judge: Ekarat Sangkunakup Sunday German Shepherd Kaleef’s Divine V Kenlyn Judge: Dr. Steve Keating Monday Chihuahua SC Ch. Cogies Burning Bordeaux Judge: Dr. John Reeve Newson Campbell River Kennel Club – British Columbia Saturday West Highland White Terrier Ch. Whitebriar JawDropper Judge: John Rowton Sunday West Highland White Terrier Ch. Whitebriar JawDropper Judge: Garry Allan Monday Keeshond Ch. Klitsa’s Little Big Mann Judge: Kathleen Anderson-Wulff
UPCOMING SHOWS this weekend
Grey Bruce Kennel Club – Ontario Glacier View Kennel Club – British Columbia Edmonton Kennel Club – Alberta
Victoria Kennel Club – British Columbia Kilbride Kennel Club – Ontario
TOP TEN ALL BREEDS Courtesy of CanuckDogs.com
Rank
Dog Name
Points
1
Ch Whitebriar Jaw Dropper - West Highland White Terrier
11927
2
GCh Polo's Air Force One - Afghan Hound
4414
3
Ch Champagne Charly V. Tani Kazari - Affenpinscher
4167
4
GChEx Vetset Kate Winsit - Standard Poodle
4165
5
GChEx NicNak's Second To None - Yorkshire Terrier
4127
6
GCh Roaneden's Int'l Harvester - Nova Scotia Duck Toller
3597
7
Ch Ahmahr Nahr's The Lost Angel Gabriel - Basenji
3435
8
GChEx Goldgrove High Intensity - Doberman Pinscher
3059
9
Ch Hearthside Riveredge Sure Is Summum - Australian Shepherd
2948
10
Ch Flacon d'Paris of Neigenuveaux - Barbet
2369
(TopDogWeekly does not verify these stats. They are supplied as a courtesy to our readers)
MEET OUR JUDGE OF THE WEEK SANDRA LEX Toronto, Ontario
1) Home city? Toronto, Ontario 2) Breed or Breed’s you have bred? American Cocker Spaniel, Affenpinscher 3) Years you have been Judging? 20 Years 4) Licensed for or, on Permit for? All Breed 5) Judged in what Countries? Holland, Colombia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, United States 6) All time favourite assignment? The last day of the Sydney Royal show in Australia, The Pomp and Pageantry of their British Past was so exciting. The quality of the dogs was superb and the exhibitors were extraordinary. 7) Favourite dog or dogs Judged from the past? The American Cocker Spaniel G Ch. Sanjo’s Born to Win while Judging at American Spaniel Club and a beautiful Pointer bitch Ch. Chesterhope State of T’ Art in Australia. Both of these dogs gave me goose bumps. 8) Pet Peeve’s in your ring? Exhibitor’s who come into my ring not having watched the ring procedure before entering the ring. 9) How many shows a year do you Judge in Canada? Perhaps an average of 5 10) How many foreign assignments do you accept each year? No more than two outside of North America 11) Favourite way to relax? Spending time in my garden, I enjoy sitting on the deck in the morning with a newspaper and tea watching the dogs. I also am involved with Ikebana Ikenobo and have been taking classes for 2 years. 12) How do you occupy your time in travel? I read. 13) Your thoughts on limit shows? I am totally against limit shows except for the remote areas they were initially meant for. The situation we had in 2011 in Southern Ontario should never have been allowed. It was a travesty!! 14) What do you think is the biggest problem facing our Sport? We do not have today’s youth coming into this Sport. I see the same problem in landscaping, flower clubs it is not just dog related. In the last 15 to 20 years with the advance of technology we seem to have lost our youth. Whether we can turn this around is the burning question. Thank you SANDRA LEX! Welcome to the TopDogWeekly family!
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Manitoba Canine Association each year has a very successful after show dinner, Limestone K.C. does a pig roast and karaoke both of these events sell out. Evelyn Kenny does a Stampede Breakfast, Wine & Cheese and Fruit Trays, the Shannon Scheer barbecue fundraiser for the CPHA Top Dog Dinner. Wine Country and Nipissing K.C in Ontario host sold out Turkey dinners the Thanksgiving weekend. Is it time for clubs to bring back the after show dinners, barbecue’s, karaoke, dunk tanks, Bingo, where everyone, Judges and Exhibitors, are welcomed and encouraged to come? Caroline Thibodeau Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor Absolutely Yes! We need more camaraderie and more friendliness and more contact among exhibitors, judges, show supers, photographers, etc. It used to happen in the old days of benched shows. I remember sitting around at the lunch break and a judge or two would come over and “talk dogs” for a half hour or so. Experienced breeders would share information and stories and the oral history of some of these great kennels was passed down that way. We have too many “show and go” people in the sport today, they show their dog up to the point at which they lose and they leave. The Quebec City shows had a fun event the first night Senior handling, It was to raise funds for the juniors so everyone paid $5 to enter and were judged by a panel of juniors, boy were they tough! “How many teeth does a dog have?” “Do a T formation” Wow - they put us through the ringer and it was great fun. People brought their puppies for ring experience and a couple of Veteran dogs - the people were all veterans LOL… the dogs got to strut their stuff again. It raised $400 for the Junior’s and everyone had a good time. We need more of this. Donna Roadhouse Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor I remember years ago Fraser Valley Kennel Club show over the thanksgiving Weekend had a great turkey dinner plus all the trimmings. Kamloops Kennel Club has a wonderful steak dinner and all the trimmings plus something every night - a wonderful way for all of us to get together and chat. This is a outdoor show and the weather is usually pretty predictable in early September, but they think of everything and have huge tents in case of rain. I would love to see this again but 2 of our indoor shows in the lower mainland do not have the facilities for a catered event in BC. But, with one more venue (new to some but very familiar to long term exhibitor) this club was able to provide food done by club members who had passed B.C’S food safe. The food was a welcome change from burgers and fries. I hope they continue doing this as the food was great and much appreciated. This venue was where Fraser Valley had the catered turkey dinner years ago. I think today clubs do not have the membership and that could be the reason we are not seeing more of these events plus our lower entries are a problem as well. It is sad to see some of the past events gone, as they were always great fun.
Beth Chopey Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor My mother and I helped with the entertainment for the MCA BBQ for years, sponsoring the event and hosting costume contests. It was always so much fun!!! People from all walks of the dog world would come to hang out, eat, chat and have a beer. Even friends who didn’t participate in dog shows would come to socialize and always enjoyed themselves. I was a junior when we first started sponsoring the BBQ-- it was the absolute coolest thing in the world to me, to be sitting so close to people I admired and watched at the dog show that day. All the handlers were so laid back and friendly, it was nice to see everyone relax after a hard day’s work, win, lose or draw. If I felt really confident, I’d even go up and talk to them-which I was too frightened to do during the day. The MCA BBQ was and still is a must for my family. David Markus is certainly a hoot, the food is great, and the company is fun. Since I was a junior, I don’t really remember if the judges were there. (Once they changed out of their show clothes, and didn’t have the pin, I didn’t recognize them). I like the relaxed attitude that BBQ’s bring between the exhibitors and judges; people coming together who have a passion for dogs, showing, but still like to have fun. The BBQ also meant to my family, one night less cooking! I’ve never been to any other type of gathering at another show, although Wine & Cheese night sounds great to me, as well as the Dunk Tank. All these ideas are worth a try! Sue-Ellyn Rempel Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor/Judge This is one of the things I think needs to be considered, for whatever reason the rules and regulations that tried to govern honesty and integrity has only made things so much worse. The opportunities for judges and exhibitors to talk dogs are gone which I think was how we all learned more about breeds. I still remember sitting and listening to judges and breeders discuss a breed not a dog but about the breed. Often they would disagree about the essence and importance of a breed but it taught me one thing...they is always a reason why a dog may win or lose and often both parties who might not of agreed...they understood why. I miss the fun, the laughter and knowing how everyone is from other areas. I hate to have people afraid or nervous when they talk to me. Today I was at a show exhibiting, yes I am showing again which I wish I had never stopped. I was speaking to a stranger who like me was just another exhibitor and we were having a great chat about her breed. Someone passing by said something that made this lady realize that I judged and she was so apologetic for talking to me. She got nervous as she was led to believe that she should never speak to judges at any time. How sad that it has come to this!!! Lets get together lets get to know each other, lets all share our knowledge...I know I have a lot to learn from breeders and I have much to share with the newcomers. Lee Anne Bateman Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor/Judge Absolutely! I remember and it wasn’t that many years ago when Evelyn Kenny KOC also had a dance with the after-show event. Our wonderful SPORT needs to encourage and promote its social side, the casual, social part of a show is when life-long friendships are formed and some of THE BEST dog/breed/show conversations happen. Larisa Hotchin Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor YES! We need to bring fun activities in and engage people beyond the ring. Sometimes I feel like all I do is strip and train my dogs with respect to the showing.
Noreena Seery Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor I do miss attending those events that used to go on, for example at the old Kingston show site. It was a lot of fun and a time to laugh and enjoy each other. I think it’s a great idea. Hey, it can’t hurt to try! Shannon Scheer Breeder/Owner/Professional Handler Being the Social Conveyor for Western Canada (haha) I feel that indeed this is something that is lacking in a lot of the bigger shows. The smaller clubs seem to always have some kind of welcome BBQ or fun event planned and it is a great hit with the exhibitors..and yes IT IS A DRAW FOR ENTRIES. The Cranbrook Kennel Club is also another club that goes above and beyond for their exhibitors with hosting a “Fun dres up match” with a BBQ or catered German cuisine, all done outdoors and every person on those show grounds attends. All of these events that are put on by the club members, are done voluntarily and for good reason, they either are raising money to continue putting on shows for us, and most clubs will put aside a donation to a worthy cause. In the West, we have tremendous support with anything that we can think of. EKKOC hosted a Bingo night, I know years ago at Ontario shows they had Kareoke which was a great success.. We are just coming off of the Alberta Kennel Club weekend, which is exhausting all on its own, but the amount of events to attend each evening was in abundance and well received. This show raised the bar this year with the help of THE PURINA NATIONAL being a big draw on us Westerners wanting to know what it was all about. Spectators galore! Cash bar, free appetizers, all held in the amazing venue of Spruce Meadows. The CPHA hosted their annual awards banquet which was a great success as a benefit for the Red Cross Southern Alberta Flood Relief Fund. Purina matched our donation of $1,000 by selling cookies and dog food for $2.00 each over the weekend, and we had three amazing raffles donated by Doug Belter, Sunterra Foods, and Wahl. Together with the generosity of the dog community we were able to send a donation to Red Cross for close to $3,000.00 after the weekend was over. Last year AKC hosted the dunk tank and we had well over 100 people there for over 4 hrs raising monies for good causes. Sure it takes a bit more work on the clubs behalf, but reach out and ask others for ideas, suggestions, or better yet to volunteer. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help even if they are not club members. Remember when dogshows were fun? And we had after show parties, and we were allowed to talk to judges that attended them? And everyone just got together and had a good time? I have never been to the Maritimes shows where they have their annual clam bake, but those that have been there, are still talking about it. People forget, that when they have a show, many new exhibitors will be coming for the first time. If it is made to be a fun filled weekend, those people will tell their friends, and they most definitely will come back. In this day and age, dog shows are lacking the morale that we use to have and it is time to bring some of that back with each and every show we attend. Thank you to this week’s responders!
BREEDER PROFILE Sherril Wallack, Mijkelh Afghan Hounds
TDW had a chance to ‘sit down’ with Sherril Wallack of Mijkelh Afghan Hounds, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Here is what she had to share with us.... What attracted you to your breed? The Afghans’ angular and muscular clean beauty coupled with breed history and an amazing personality. How many years have you been breeding and exhibiting? I first entered the world of Sighthound’s in 1967 with a Saluki. I think I acquired and showed my first Afghan in 1971. I believe I co-bred my first Afghan litter in 1975. What are your accomplishments in your breed? Lucy. In 1976 I obtained my CAN. CH. Coastwind Lucitron (Lucy) sired by the incredible AM. CH. Coastwind Abraxas out of AM. CH. Coastwind Antiophe, a major bitch in the breed. Lucitron became my foundation bitch for all of my dogs today. It is from her that my type and pedigree are based. Simon Lucitron produced AM. BDA. CAN. BIS. SBIS. CH. Coastwind Mijkelh Niatron (Simon) who shown by Bob Whitney was Top Hound in Canada in 1987. I cannot remember where he ranked all-breed. Buttons. Simon’s sister, AM. BDA. CAN. BIS, SBIS CH. Coastwind Mijkelh Electron(Buttons), also shown by Bob Whitney, was Top Hound in 1989. She ranked high in the top ten but again I cannot remember exactly where. Max. Elektron’s son, CH. Mijkelh Tribute to Elektron (Max) won the Afghan Hound Club of Canada National Specialty in 1995. Fire. Elektron’s daughter, AM. CH. CAN. SBIS. CH. Mijkelh Electon’s Fire ‘n’ Ice (Fire) produced AM. SBIS. CH. CAN. BIS. SBIS. CH. Mijkelh That’s It That’s Tron, (Baxter). Baxter. Elektron’s daughter, AM. CH. CAN. SBIS. CH. Mijkelh Electon’s Fire ‘n’ Ice(Fire) produced AM. SBIS. CH. CAN. BIS. SBIS. CH. Mijkelh That’s It That’s Tron, (Baxter) who was number nine all-breed. Keefer. Baxter’s son, (Keefer), GR. AM. SBIS. CH. GR. CAN. BIS. SBIS. CGN. CH. Mijkelh Sikanni of Procyon was Top Dog All-Breed in Canada in 2010, He became
the top winning Afghan of all time in Canada and only the second hound to ever obtain top dog all-breed honor. Keefer was shown selectively in 2011 for the purpose of accumulating 50 all-breed Best in Shows, he managed to obtain Number 2 AllBreedand retired with 60 all-breed Best in Shows. Keefer also won the Afghan Hound Club of Canada National Specialty in 2010. There have been other dogs, but these are the most notable. At the moment there are two up and coming Keefer sons, Drake and Qi, who are already best in show dogs. They are in keeping with the breed type that I have nurtured over the years. Did you have a mentor in your Breed? My greatest mentors have been Kay Finch of Crown Crest Afghans and Midge Martin of Kaihorn Afghans/Full Circle Dachshunds, Judy Bloom of Jubilan Afghans and Michael Dunham of Coastwind Afghans. Do you believe Judges have a good understanding of your breed? Afghans are probably one of the most difficult breeds to judge, starting with the difference of type within the breed. Judges really need to understand the breed standard and what the breed was originally bred to do. They really need to understand correct afghan movement. Judges need to spend time observing this breed. The judges who do so are quite apparent, as are those who do not. In as few words as possible describe the essence of your Breed? The afghan is an aristocratic, hard, athletic hound with a great sense of humor. What are the medical problems in your breed? Afghans as a breed seem to be quite healthy. Hips, eyes, thyroid and heart should be routinely checked. Fault wise, currently what needs the most improvement in your breed? Presently there are a couple of issues giving me concern; size and movement. There are too many big dogs, and I mean big, not only in terms of height but in mass as well. Males should be 27� give or take and inch and weight about 60 lbs. You want your males to look like a male, not insignificant or non-descript, but he needs to be standard size. Females should be feminine, houndy and athletic, but not the same size as the males. Movement: The afghan should be a square, balanced and moderately angulated dog. People forget this. We are seeing too many long, shortlegged Afghans with exaggerated side movement, exaggerated rears that defy balance. In terms of front movement, there are too many dogs out there that do not properly use their shoulder assembly when they move. They almost seem to be goose-stepping. What do you believe to be the best dog you have bred? I have been fortunate to have bred,many outstanding dogs, but I guess Keefer GR.AM.SBIS.CH.GR.CAN.BIS.SBIS.CGN.CH. Mijkelh Sikanni of Procyon. He became the top winning afghan of all time in Canada, and only the second hound to
ever obtain Top Dog All Breed Honor. What dog of your breed would you have loved to own? AM.SBIS.CH. Coastwind Abraxas. How many dogs do you normally have in your kennel? My dogs are not kennel dogs and numbers are constantly changing for various reasons. How many litters do you have in a year and what is the average size of your litters? I do not breed often this is not an easy breed to successfully place. Basically, I breed for myself. At the moment I am doing a repeat breeding from a successful breeding two years ago. Average litter size is 3 to 6 puppies. Are you having trouble selling or placing your puppies? Luckily not, but it still worries me. How many Canadian Shows do you attend in a year? As I now spend a number of months in Florida, my Canadian attendance at shows has diminished, although I probably attend about 40 shows a year. How many American Shows do you attend in a year? I attend about 20 American shows a year. Do you attend your Canadian or American National Specialty Shows? I always attend both the Canadian and American National Specialty Shows, and have done so since the early seventies. Thank you Sherril Wallack for sharing your love of the Afghan Hounds with the TopDogWeekly Family! We wish you continued success!