dog news, march 25, 2011

4 Dog News

BY ANDREW BRACE

BY SHARON ANDERSON

BY MATTHEW H. STANDER

BY PAOLO DONDINA

BY BARBARA ANDERSON LOUNSBURY

BY LESLEY BOYES

BY LAURA QUICKFALL

BY JOY BARBIERI

BY ROBERT PAUST

BY SHAUN COEN


BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS

BY CHRISTINA FREITAG


BY PERRY PHILLIPS

10 Editorial

14 Brace Yourself

18 The Upside Of The Seesaw

22 Question Of The Week

26 A Critique Of Best In Show At Crufts Championship Show

30 dfs Crufts 2011: Celebrating Happy, HEALTHY Dogs

34 Bests Of The Week

38 Ten Questions

42 Kennel Club (UK) Judges Training Programme (Breed Shows)

46 The Fancy Speaks

50 A Word From Sweden

54 Off The Leash

56 Two Changes of Mind, Kentuckiana And More

64 The Gossip Column

66 Click – Take The Lead Dinner

76 Click – Louisville Cluster

82 Click - The Way We Were

86 Letters To The Editor

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DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133)is published weekly exceptthe last two weeksin December byHarris Publications,1115 Broadway,NewYork, N.Y. 10010.Periodical Postage paidat NewYork.

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Contents

88 dog show calendar

90 handlers directory

92 subscription rates

94 classified advertising

96 advertising rates

MARCH 25, 2011

Dog News 5

GCh. Isabeau de La Brise

Presented by owner Roger Kriegerco-owned by breeder Patricia Princehouse

La BrisePyrenean ShepherdsChardon, [email protected]

FLASH!Group Fourth

at York Kennel ClubThank youJudge

Mr. Lawrence Terricone!

Izzy has it all!Type, movement, style,femininity and theperfect outline

6 Dog News

DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approvedConformation Judges every week on acomplimentary basis. No part of this publicationcan be reproduced in any form without writtenpermission from the editor. The opinionsexpressed by this publication do not necessarilyexpress the opinions of the publisher. The editorreserves the right to edit all copy submitted.

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STANLEY R. HARRIS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORSSharon Anderson

Lesley BoyesAndrew Brace

Agnes BuchwaldShaun Coen

Carlotta CooperGeoff CorishAllison Foley

Yossi GuyJohn Mandeville

Desmond J. MurphyM. J. Nelson

Robert PaustSharon Sakson

Gerald SchwartzKim Silva

Matthew H. StanderKarl Stearns

Sari Brewster TietjenPatricia Trotter

Connie VanacoreCarla Viggiano

Nick WatersSeymour Weiss

Minta (Mike) Williquette

DOG NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERSChet JezierskiPerry Phillips

Kitten RodwellLeslie Simis

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8 Dog News

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10 Dog News

A CHANGE IN DYNAMICSThe day after last week’s Editorial was written about the HSUS Con-ference in late April these pages were advised that the programmanager Dr. James Serpell had arranged to eliminate the airing ofthe controversial Pedigree Dogs Exposed film which caused such anuproar in the UK. Unfortunately contractual arrangements preclud-ed the possibility of also taking its producer Jemima Harrison off theschedule as well, if indeed there were thoughts to that effect. None-theless and for whatever the reason these pages consider this to beamajor concession on the part of the conference holders. CHF, how-ever, based on the alleged decision of its Executive Committee, haswithdrawn from participating in the program at all. Legitimate argu-ments can be made both pro and con in the matter but from wherethese pages sit and based upon the compromise mentioned abovethis was an ill-advised decision particularly since its participation wasto be an accountability of what health areas and causes CHF hashelped out in funding since its founding. AKC itself was strongly op-posed to this participation, which is an unfortunate position to havetaken. Indeed as this editorial is being written negotiations are go-ing on to replace CHF with a person of impeccable credentials andknowledge in this area with an extremely strong background in mat-ters AKC. It will be interesting to see whether or not this will come topass. This could be a major breakthrough in the sense that properrecognition of the true role AKC plays in furthering the health andwelfare of purebred dogs could be presented to those so critical ofour positions in these matters. Negatively of course is the open let-ter sent out by the RSPCA about Crufts which appears in this week’sissue of Letters To The Editor. These pages are longtime critics of theRSPCA even before they became so totally anti-pedigree dogs andbreeders—similar to HSUS time after time and no matter the facts orfigures both organizations eventually seem to become duplicitousin their workings with either AKC or TKC and end up on the “can’tbe trusted list”. This latest RSPCA fiasco is the latest example of howthat organization really acts, which is a shame since it is a co-sponsorwith HSUS of the late April conference. That’s what all the fuss is trulyabout—whether or not to trust these two organizations!!!

WHAT IN THE WORLD ARECONCURRENT SPECIALTIES??The major question at the Kentuckiana Cluster basically revolvedround the question of what were “concurrent specialties” and whenwere they instituted. The details of the concurrent specialties is foundin the online Board Policy Manual at http://www.akc.org/rules/poli-cymanual.cfm?page=5#independentspecialty!!!!! (Give us thosegood old press releases please.) In any event the Board approveda 2-year trial period permitting specialties to be held concurrentlywith all-breed shows with certain limitations--permission from the all-breed; only 3 shows can be approved; same grounds; limited to 100entries; held after all-breed classes but not to interfere with Groupjudging and of course a proviso that evening specialties will also bepermitted for those clubs not holding concurrent specialties. In Ken-tuckiana they were basically held two hours after all-breed judging.About as necessary and useful as a snowball in hell is our reaction.Just more points by competing against the same dogs which doeslittle but cheapen the American championship but does providejudges with more assignments and perhaps earns the show-givingclub a few hundred more bucks! Whether or not it is healthy for thedogs in competition seems of little or no concern. Better though thannighttime specialties which only upset the dogs staying overnightin the exhibition halls and result basically in some dogs competingfor 12 or 18 hours on end! Kentuckiana may prove to be the largestof the Clusters and the shows but these ‘little extras’ are anythingbut beneficial to the dogs nor the system of earning championshippoints. Indeed these pages consider them a detriment rather than ahelp. On another subject the book called a catalogue for the Clusteris about as impressive a document as you want to read. Of inter-

est of course is some of the advertising which is commented aboutin this week’s AND MORE column. Additionally it is hard to ignore thefact that what these pages always considered an abortive attemptto outline AKC’s so-called Code of Sportsmanship was not includedin the catalogue. Apparently the Code is not required but AKC en-courages the superintendents to include it if a page is available. Thesepages are told the Code is currently published less frequently of late asBreeder of Merit and Grand Champion ad slicks are alternated and/or substituted for the Code of Sportsmanship. Perhaps a better use ofthese available pages would be both ad slicks entitled ABOVE ANDBEYOND--which spells out what distinguishes AKC from other registries(which was printed in last week’s DOG NEWS) or even the DEED NOTBREED slick (also printed last week). Take your pick, that’s for sure.

THAT FINANCIAL REPORTWell the 2010 AKC Financial Report arrived in the mail yesterday. It wasas illuminating financially and contained relevant figures as to num-bers of shows held in conformation versus agility for example as onewould have expected. Virtually nothing specific—sort of like readingthe Board Minutes. Oh to see and hear Denny Kodner’s reaction wereshe still alive. Beautifully presented, full of self-appreciation and ac-complishments with what can only be described as little meat andall potatoes! An homage to accomplishments real or imagined rightdown to a full four-page cartoon picture of “a famous scene from THELADY and the TRAMPas recreated at New York’s AKCMeet the Breeds”on page 36 of the 44-page report. This page is opposite the introduc-tion to the figures for the Financial Report as though the comedy wasto continue nonetheless it is stated on page 37 that “A copy of thecomplete 2010 consolidated audited financial statements, includingKPMG’s (apparently AKC’s accounting firm) unqualified independentauditor’s report, is available upon request”. The suggestion here is thatyou take AKC up on this offer and write in for the report if you reallywant to understand what is going on at AKC. Surely you know Dennywould have done just that!

AN INTERESTING TWISTFor a first on Long Island the Islip Animal Shelter will waive its adoptionfee in a bid to encourage more people to adopt pets and save thetown the cost of housing animals for longer periods. Compare this atti-tude to an animal shelter in Sterling, Massachusetts which has broughtin, it is reported, over 14,000 shelter dogs from Virginia paying a re-ported $25 a head for the dogs and then selling them for adoption forbetween $250 and $395 a head!!! This entire shelter business whetherlocal or private needs to be investigated. Shaun Coen was right onlast week when he wrote in DOG NEWS of the shadowy underworldof interstate and international trafficking of dogs, some of which maybe even being commercially massed produced! His call for a “ShelterDogs Exposed” film akin to the PDE is not all that far fetched and some-thing an organization such as NAIA could sensibly investigate. Further-more, the Hempstead, LI shelter boss these pages wrote about a fewweeks ago earning a salary of upwards of $100,000 with nine otherpaid political seat holders has lost her post due to alleged improperbehavior at a euthanization of a kitten. A can of worms to look intoone would think.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKWell if it were going to happen who would have thought it would havebeen in China but in China it was as a Tibetan Mastiff pup is said tohave been sold for close to $1.5 million!!! His name is Splash and whilethe details of the sale are as confidential as the buyer and seller seemto want them to be it is rumored that the buyer is a coal baron fromthe north of China. These pages have heard of large sums of moniesbeing paid for this breed but the quoted figure is certainly out of theordinary. Just think about it though—poor Splash having been bred inChina would be ineligible to be shown in either the USA or the UK. Nei-ther kennel club recognizes any dogs bred in China notwithstandingthe fact that AKC is currently in a business relationship with an organi-zation called the NGKC through its AKC Global Business organization.One would think the time has come to reexamine our relationship withthe registries in that country and if NGKC is not the one to use than endyour existing relationship and find a registry worth recognizing. In thelong run inaction will result in an FCI take over of the relationship and ashortsighted AKC will be left to watch FCI reap in the profits while AKCis on the outside looking in.

EditorialMARCH 25, 2011

12 Dog News

Dog News 13

14 Dog News

Is it the biggest? Is it the best? For many Crufts is a love or hate showand for others a love and hate show. It is huge and people who claim it isnow a trade show with dogs could be forgiven as sometimes it is difficultto track down the breed judging rings amongst the hundreds of tradestands which sell everything from floor mops to riding boots.

Iamnot surewhat the official figures are but certainlyon none of the four days did I feel the crowds wereas congested as we have seen in the past.Thursday was Gundog day (or Sporting if you pre-

fer) and it was interesting to watch some of the breedjudging. Comparisons are always made with Cruftsand Westminster but really the two events are as un-alike as chalk and cheese. Conformation judgingremains the major focus at The Garden whilst Cruftshas in recent years tried to promote the bigger pic-ture of dogdom where all the various disciplines areembraced. Of course, at Westminster you can com-fortably watch several breeds in one day unless theyhappen to clash whereas at Crufts in the majorityof popular breeds judging takes up pretty much allday.

Frank Kane has a massive entry of Pointers whichliterally took all day, leaving him little time to preparefor his TV duties – yes there was some TV coverageagain on the More4 channel since the BBC dumpedCrufts, but I have to confess to not having got roundto watching any of it. It seems to havemet with mixedreactions.

Ron James’ eventually group winner was the al-most-ten-year-old Flat-coated Retriever who has re-ally come into his own since being of veteran age.I was amused last summer when Beth Sweigart hadspotted this dog in the ring and dragged Peter over tosee what she obviously felt was a new discovery. Sheseemed somewhat dismayed when I told her that hewas of a certain age and was then on 50 plus Chal-lenge Certificates! The Irish Water who stood secondhas always taken my eye and I believe has a siblingbeing shown in the USA; she was a BIS winner last year.Third was a Cocker (English that is) bitch who won thebreed last year and continued the year by toppingher breed. Fourth was a Golden Retriever winning his

first CC. He might not siteasily with the Ameri-can eye but I haveto say that he movedconsiderably betterthan some Goldens Ihave seen coming intothe group ring at Cruftsfrom breed entries inexcess of 400!

Others in the group

BY ANDREW BRACE

that took the eye were the now famous Bracco fromItaly who topped the World Challenge in 2009 and theChesapeake Bay. Although the gundog group possiblysees more type variation than any other between theBritish perception and that overseas, therewas no short-age of foreign presence in the group with an Ameri-can Cocker from Russia, a Gordon Setter from Italy, ayoung Clumber from Croatia and an English Springerfrom Denmark.

Working and Pastoral (Herding) breeds were shownon Friday and here I spent a lot of time at the GermanShepherd ring where the judge went about his task intypical specialist fashion, appearing to having a line-drawing on his clipboard for every single exhibit onwhich he presumably marked each individual’s plusesand minuses. Known to be something of a “middle ofthe road” advocate, he found nothing to lower thecolours of the German import who was the top winningdog in the group last year andwho is the first GSD to winseveral BISs at all breeds Championship shows in manyyear. Interestingly the ringside included various KennelClub dignitaries as well as celebrities from the VDH andtheWUSV ... oh to have been a fly on that wall! The BOBwinner certainly conducted himself beautifully both inthe breed and group ring.

Peter Green was brought in as a last min-ute substitute judge for the CardiganWelsh Corgis and here the breed went tothe veteran male from Denmark who hasimpressed most of the leading special-ists and all rounders alike both in his na-tive land and here in the UK. Ellis Hulme,

arguably our most respected all rounder, judged thisgroup and ended up with a very international quartet.The Shepherd came out on top, a very popular deci-sion it seemed, followed by a truly beautiful Samoyedbitch from Estonia, a country that seems to be makingmore and more of an impact on the international showscene. Third was the US-bred but Danish owned Austra-lian Shepherd who was actually Group 2 at this showfour years ago so clearly he has weathered well. Fourthwas a Norwegian Buhund from Belgium but who wasbred in Norway, continuing the international theme,and a good win for a breed that sometimes gets over-looked at this level.

I also liked the look of the Bearded Collie and the

BRACE YOURSELF

Staying PowerTriumphs at Crufts

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

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18 Dog News

The courses were very difficult and not onesthat would be approved in the AKC agilityprogram due to nearly impossible entries toweave poles and tight spacing. None of this

bothered the outstanding team of Daisy Peel andher steady, fast Border Collie, Solar. It took a welltrained dog to be able to complete perfectly twoobstacles with the handler running with the dogwalk between herself and her dog. This is calledlayering, a very difficult maneuver in agility. Thefirst roundwas Jumpers and the USA team took 3rdand the second round was Standard with Daisyand Solar winning first place. This put them in thefirst place seed or meaning running last in the finalscompetition, a pressure spot for sure. With over160,000 spectators cheering for their country, mostfrom England, it was great to have Dennis Sprungand Ron Menaker front and center to cheer onthe winning AKC team. It is the second time AKChas been the first seed in the finals but the first timeto have the USA team post two clean rounds. Thetime of Solar was just slightly slower than the teamfrom the Netherlands who took first place, with theAKC/USA taking second place.

All of Solar’s runs can be viewed on You Tube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0oO_Wbd-vJO. The Kennel Club made every effort to bet-ter prepare the dogs and handlers from othercountries this year by providing a practice placeoff site prior to the competition. Something theUSA dog has not had the ability to do in the past.Loosening up the handler and dog is so importantafter such a long flight. The AKC once again usedPets on Jets to make sure the dog was given firstclass treatment in the process of bringing a doginto England, which is the most difficult country toclear the paperwork and fees for a dog.

There were obedience dogs from the USA thisyear as well at Crufts. This is a team competition ofthree dogs performing in exercises quite differentthan the AKC style of obedience. There is a 4 to 7minute heeling pattern and many other very en-tertaining, interesting maneuvers in this competi-

tion. Celeste Meade has beena driving force in promotingthis USA representation.

Another first for theAKC agility program,

UPSIDEOFTHESEESAWDaisy Peel and her Border Collie, Solar, take second in

the International Competition in England. The AKC agilityteam showing at the Crufts Dog Show on March 12, 2011was the best to date for the USA. There were 22 Countriesrepresented in the International Agility Competition.

BY SHARON ANDERSON


Dog News 19

Owned by: Lorelei Craig & Jason NicolaiHandled by Lorelei Craig, Penn Valley, California

Bred By: Jason Nicolai

See More of Daphne here: www.cierastaffords.comLearn more about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier here: www.thestaffordknot.com

Ch. Homebrewed Page Three GirlSire: Ch. Bowtman’s Homebrewed Cellar Keep Dam: Ch. Carnig Dot Com

Back-to-BackBest of Breeds

and aGroup ThirdAt the 7th Annual

Stafford ShowdownSun Maid Kennel Club,

Fresno, CaliforniaFebruary 5th & 6th, 2011

“Daphne”“Daphne”

Thank you toJudges:UK BreedSpecialistsMr. Mansel Frayne,Anselmo StaffordsMr. Paul Martin,Loyalstafffor theirrecognition andMr. F.M. (Butch)Mac Donaldfor highlightingDaphne in theGroup.

20 Dog News

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22 Dog News


Gloria KerrI haven’t seen independent specialties heldconcurrently with an all breed show as yet. Itwould seem to be a good financial consider-ation for all concerned. If the space is avail-able, there will be judges, dogs, owners andhandlers to participate. It might be a goodtraining exercise for young dogs. I think it is agood idea to try and see how it goes.

Edith HansonI have not witnessed this but am inclined to beagainst it. I believe the current option of a des-ignated specialty at an all-breed is preferablewhen the breed club is small either in workingmembers or breed entries. But I do understandthe reasoning to allow a breed club the “lux-ury” of an independent specialty without a lotof the normal work and expenses.

Seymour N. WeissHaving just judged the regular classes at a con-current specialty (Westie Club of Indiana aspart of the Kentucky cluster in Louisville), I havemixed feelings. For a seasoned campaigner, itwould be like showing in breed and then pro-gressing to the group so no hardship. However,some less experienced dogs may show withless of an edge on the second event. It’s nota bad idea, but a great deal depends on theindividual dog being shown. This format prob-ably offers some advantages to show-givingspecialty clubs, but it needs trying out enoughtimes to see if it will work well with shows in theUSA.

Patricia A. HessYes, I have seen it in action, and I do not thinkit is a bad idea -- however, limiting the entryprobably caused some problems, but on theother hand judges really don’t want to judgeuntil midnight, etc. I think it alsowill help someof the smaller specialty clubs to perhapsincrease their entries during the daytimeshow.

Helma WeeksThat makes a pretty stressful day for the dogsand owners. There is nothing preventing abreed club from having a specialty at an all-breed show. Maybe this rule will allow clubsto have two specialty shows in one day--theyare then not really special! There are toomany specialties anyhow. A specialtywin used to mean something, now it doesn’t.I am not for this.

Mary Ann AlstonI judged a concurrent specialty in Louisvilleon Friday - the Weimaraners. Yes, it doesgive an opportunity for another set of points(hopefully majors) instead of adding a wholeday on to the schedule; however, I feel thereare too many shows - I worry about the dogs.Somewhere along the way we have to startto realize that all these shows have to behard on the dogs!!!

The Board approved a 2-year trial period permittingindependent specialties to be held CONCURRENTLYwith an all-breed show--basically this means anindependent specialty may be held with certainlimitations two hours after all-breed judging. Have youseen this in action and whether you have seen it or notwhat do you think of this idea?

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26 Dog News

By Paolo Dondina

First of all I want to warmly thank the chairman of the KCCommittee, the Chairman of dfs Crufts, the efficient staff andthemany friends from all over the world that mademy “dreamyday” become a reality.

The superb final line upwas the result of a smart and keen selectionmade by dedicated and expert judges.

My immense gratitude is for the breeders, owners and handlersfor the opportunity they gave me to admire, handle, and judge theseven stars of dfs Crufts 2011.

Last but not least I like to express all my admiration and respect tothe sportive participation of the thousands of spectators that filled the

immense arena.I had to split the hair due

to the quality of the sevengroup winners on parade.

My final decision, afterdeep consideration for eachdog standing and moving,went to the nine year-oldmaleFlatCoatedSH.CHVBOSTHE KENTUCKIAN, a popularwinner, smashing specimenin great show conditions.

He conquered mebecause of his great type,soundness, balance inbody and ideal friendlytemperament.

His superbmovement around the big ringalso conquered not only the judge but alsothousands of dog lovers.

His owner/handler made easier mydecision, being the two a real joy to watchmoving around.

Reserve BIS was the only female. Abeautiful feminine, very young PBGVSOLETRADER PEEK A BOO with a great futurein my opinion.

A fantastic extrovert temperament,sweet expression with an ideal houndyhead and correct balance in body, correcttopline, front and back; harsh coat, very wellpresented. Her smooth and agile movementcould not be missed.

I am sure “Jilly” can be crowned as “MissCrufts”.

I also very much liked the immaculateCH Pamplona Bring Me Sunshine, put downto perfection, great type - beautiful coat -outstanding presentation.

Hot competitionespecially onmovementby the super German Shepherd CH. ELMOVOM HUNHNEGRAB, great ambassador ofGermany, correct in type and conformation.A very typical mover.

As a terrier fancier I thought the youngW.F. T. CH TRAVELLA STARLORD is great forsize and expression. Impeccable movementand presentation.

CHVICMARSRAVEONJW,blackStandardPoodle male, was impressive and in full coatwell assisted on movement by the cleverhandler.

CH/ IRWINUWUKLUSTATFIRST SIGHT,boxermale, excellent easy mover with masculinehead and good conformation.

ACritiqueof Best In ShowatCruftsChampionship Show

Paolo Dondina awarding Best In Show at Crufts.

Paolo with grandson and Peter Green.

THE BEST IN SHOW JUDGE SPEAKS

About my choice and comments on the seven group winnersI send you my critiques to Dog World and Our Dogs in the UK,which we printed above.Now, after a few days from my exciting judging experience I

sendyouby mail toprint it in yourweeklyworld famousmagazine,some more reasons why I chose my BIS and reserve.I had the older (Flat Coated black male) and the younger

(PBGV, female - the only one) out of the seven group winners.The past and the future! Both from sportive Breeds (Gundogsand Hounds). Both very natural and very true (according to theirstandards: type, conformation, movement, temperament). Bothlooked full of stamina, very healthy with excellent quality ofcoat texture. Both very much athletic, also considering their verydifferent sizes. Both their owner-handlers are from Scotland.The two great Show winners. Jet, breed record holder with

58 CCs and the young smart Jilly (only five times attending dogshows) after beating thousands of exhibitors, because of greatappeal and soft temperament could be easily the ideal choicefor a family “pet”!This because, in my opinion, dog shows must also have an

educational finality and is the reason why they are still so popularafter over one hundred years (this year I had the great honour tojudge BIS at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held at theMadison Square Garden since the first one opened in 1880).

photos by Barbara Anderson Lounsbury

Dog News 27

One Weekend!Four Supported Entries

One Specialty Best of Breed WinTwo Group Firsts

One Group SecondOne Group Third

Best In Show

Our sincere appreciation to Judges Mr. Mark Kennedy, pictured,Ms. Patricia Laurans, Ms. Theresa Hundt, Miss Sandra Lex,

Mrs. Paula Nykiel and Ms. Nena Dee for these wins!

Owned and bred by Dorothy Cherry and Rosemary FugitHandled by Meagan Ulfers

CeriseEnglishSpringerSpaniels.com

“DUSTIN”GCh. Cerise Signature of Telltale RN CD

Buddygoodman

handlerslarry corneliusmarcelo veras

breederseugene z. zaphirismatthew h. stander

28 Dog News

ownerscarolyn kochvictor malzoni, jr.

ch.cragsmoor

Dog News 29

the number oneskye terriernumber oneamong all terrier breedsall systems

judge mrs. glenda dawkinsjudge mr. jay richardsonjudge mr. norman patton

last weekend:back to back group firsts and abest in show

30 Dog News

This year marked the 120th anniver-sary of what many consider to bethegreatest dog show in theworld.Even those who relish a “Crufts vs.

The Garden” debate have to acknowl-edge that it’s certainly the largest. Thisyear, 21,422 dogs competed over fourdays at the National Exhibition Cen-ter in Birmingham, an entry nearly tentimes that of Westminster. With a gateof 138,000 spectators, it has an excite-ment and an electricity that is unique inthe dog show world. This year was alsounique in that Italian judge Paolo Don-dina was chosen to adjudicate Best InShow less than a month after standingin center ring at the Garden. Ultimately,his choices for top dog couldn’t havebeen more different: at the Garden, hechose the lovely Deerhound CH Foxc-liffe Hickory Wind. At dfs Crufts, the titleof Supreme Champion went to the FlatCoated Retriever SH CH Vbos The Ken-tuckian, owned and shown by Jim Ir-

vine. While this might seem an astonishing win for a breed that’spretty rare in the U.S., in England, Flatcoats are very popular withan entry of 355 in the breed. No stranger to the winner’s circle,Jet had amassed an amazing 61 Challenge Certificates in therun up to Crufts, and was BOB at Crufts in 2008. What’s mostastonishing is not the fact that he has more than half a dozenBest and Reserve Bests in Show. It’s that the dog is still compet-ing and winning at top levels at 9 ½ years of age! Although mostdfs Crufts BIS dogs retire after winning the big one, his owners saythat they’ll show him as long as he seems to enjoy it. By the way,if you’re wondering about the three letters that precede thename of the show, you’ll have to read to the end of the article.

The four-day marathon called Crufts began on Thursday,with an huge entry of Gundogs. The group is very similar to ourSporting Group, with a few additions, like the Kooikerhondje(which my Dutch-speaking friend has tried for years to teach meto pronounce correctly) and the German Longhaired Pointer.Of course, English Cockers are called just plain Cockers, andour Cockers are colloquially called “Americans.” And, because

CelebratingHappy,HEALTHYDOGS


STORY AND PHOTOS BY BARBARA ANDERSON LOUNSBURY

You may remember the lyrics to the hit song that go“I might as well face it, I’m addicted to love…”

In my head, however, the lyrics say“I might as well face it, I’m addicted to Crufts!”

dfs CRUFTS 2011

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*All Systems

Ch. Hetherbull Topline O-O

Judge Dr. Jack Brown

32 Dog News

Double O-O...Double O-O...

OwnersMrs. Ellen MacNeille Charles

and BreedersJean Hetherington & Paula Turner

Handled by Jean

Judge Mrs. Caroline Miller

Dog News 33

Means Double Wins.Means Double Wins.

FLASHAnother SpecialtyBulldog Club of America,Div VII

JudgeMr. Robert L. Newcomb

34 Dog News

Evansville Kennel ClubPekingeseCh. Palacegarden MalachyJudge Mr. Stephen F. HurtOwners Iris Love, Sandra Middlebrooks & David FitzpatrickHandler David Fitzpatrick

Del Sur Kennel Club I & IIStandard PoodleCh. Brighton Lakeridge EncoreJudge Dr. Lee A. ReasinJudge Mrs. Betty Anne StenmarkOwners Toni and Martin SosnoffHandler Tim Brazier

Houston Kennel Club - SaturdayWhippetGCh. Starline’s ChanelJudge Mr. Robert SlayOwners Carey & Lori LawrenceHandler Lori Wilson

Ft. Lauderdale Dog Club ISkye TerrierCh. Cragsmoor Buddy GoodmanJudge Mr. Eric RingleOwners Carolyn Koch & Victor Malzoni, Jr.Handler Larry Cornelius

Ft. Lauderdale Dog Club IIFrench BulldogCH. BANDOG BAYOU’S THE WARRIORJudge Mrs. Elaine LessigOwner Nancy ShawHandler Marcelo Chagas

Lancaster Kennel Club - FridayEnglish Springer SpanielGCh. Cerise Signature Of TelltaleJudge Mr. Mark KennedyOwners Dorothy Cherry & Rosemary FugitHandler Megan Ulfers

Delaware County Kennel Club - SaturdayPugGCh. San Remo’s Tug Of WarJudge Mrs. Gloria KerrOwners Barbara & Myron GlazerHandler Kimberly Pastella Calvacca

BESTSoftheWEEK

Louisville Kennel Club IIStandard PoodleGCh. Jaset’s SatisfactionJudge Mr. Richard William PowellOwners C. Bailey, S. Tompkins, B. Harris & M.J. WintersHandler Ann Rairigh

Delaware County Kennel Club - MondayWeimaranerGCh. Northwoods Send Money HoneyJudge Mr. Lawrence C. TerriconeOwners Heidi Warren, TJ Palmer and Phillip WarrenHandler Michelle Scott

Heart Of America Kennel Club IIStandard PoodleGCh. Dacun Kaylen’s He’s A HeartbreakerJudge Mrs. Dorothy N.CollierOwners Virginia Dorris and Kay PeiserHandler Kay Peiser

Louisville Kennel Club - FridayBoxerCh. Winfall Brookwood Styled DreamJudge Mr. Edd E. BivinOwners D. McCarroll, Mrs. J. Billhardt, S. TenenbaumHandler Diego Garcia

Seattle Kennel Club - SundayCavalier King Charles SpanielGCh. Full of Malarkey Miles of AislesJudge Ms. Joanne PaulkOwners Patrick Kelly, Tamara KellyHandler Patrick Kelly

Kuvasz Club of AmericaGCh. Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six PenceMrs. Anitra CuneoOwners Mercedes Vila, Lynn Brady, Connie Townsend, andClaudia MuirHandler Diana Wilson

MARCH 25, 2011To report an AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call,

Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon TuesdayFax: 212 675-5994 • Phone: 212 462-9588 • Email: [email protected]

Owned ByJoe & Bobbi Walton

Dog News 35

Bred and Handled ByLuke & Diane Ehricht

95 Group Firsts

17 Bests in Show

Two TimeNational Specialty

Best of Breed Winner

Thank you to the

following judges for recent

Group Firsts:

Mr. W. Everett Dean, Jr.

Ms. Betsy Dale

Mrs. Barbara D.Alderman

Mrs. Joan Goldstein

Mr. CarlYochum

Mrs. Pamela Peat

Ms. Marjorie Underwood

GCh. Hallmark Jolei Austin Powers

BEST OF BREED2011 Westminster Kennel ClubJudge Mr. Leonard Reppond

BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOWMetro NewYork Shih Tzu FanciersJudge Mrs. Patricia Scagliotti

Multiple Best In Show Winning

AAUSTIN

38 Dog News

What year did you startshowing dogs and whatbreeds were they?

Which dog no longer beingshown would you liked tohave shown or owned?

Why do you think mostpeople want to judge?

Who are your non-dogheros or heroines exclusiveof immediate relatives?

If you could change onething about your relation-ship what would it be?

How would you describeyourselves in personal ads?

Do you think there are toomany dog shows?

Which are your three favor-ite dog shows?

Do you think there shouldbe a limit on the number oftimes a dog may be exhib-ited in a year?

How do you react topeople flying in and outof shows on the sameweekend?

Wendy: I showed my first Alaskan Malamute in l970. Prior to that, I hadshown a Great Dane at matches.Paul: 1966, Siberian Husky.

Wendy: Coco, the Norfolk.Paul: It would be difficult to narrow it down to any one dog.

Wendy: I think that it is a natural progression for most people. As they age, theywant to remain active in the fancy and share their knowledge (hopefully).Paul: I would hope that most judges would want to influence the quality ofthe dogs being shown and bred.

Wendy: Hillary Clinton. I admire her perseverance in the face of extremeadversity.Paul: People who care for children in critical care settings.

Wendy: I would like Paul to actually listen to me when I speak to him.Paul: Nothing.

Wendy: Loves animals, children, a good book, and stimulatingconversation.Paul:Quiet, laid-back.

Wendy: Yes.Paul: Yes.

Wendy: Any national specialty, anywhere I can be with friends,wherever I am judging.Paul:Morris and Essex,Westminster, Eukanuba.

Wendy: No, but I would hope that owners and handlers would act in aresponsible and caring manner.Paul: No. It would depend upon the dog’s temperament.

Wendy: I don’t like it.Paul: I agree.

10 QUESTIONS ASKED BY LESLIE BOYES OF:

Wendy & PaulWillhauck

Born: Wendy: Newton, MAPaul: Boston, MA

Reside: Mansfield, MA & Palm City, FloridaMarital status: Married 30 yearsAge: Paul: 72 - Wendy: I stopped counting at 45

Dog News 39

40 Dog News

MultipleMultiple Best In ShowBest In Show & Multiple& Multiple Best In Specialty ShowBest In Specialty Show Winning GCh. Lobato’sWinning GCh. Lobato’s

Dog News 41

The Number One* Great Dane, All BreedThe Number Nine* Working Dog*All Systems

42 Dog News

BY LAURA QUICKFALL

Kennel Club Judges TrainingProgramme (Breed Shows)

For aspiring CC Judges, the judges training programme is based on therequirements laid out in the Advisory Criteria for the

Compilation of Breed Club Judges Lists Framework Document found atwww.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1466/advisorycriteria.pdf

To address these requirements the Kennel Club Training Boardwas formed under the Chairmanship of the late Terry Thornably assisted by experts in the various disciplines and theappointment of Accredited Trainers to organise and delivertraining seminars and assessments.

Aspiring CC Judges (Breed Specialists) have to comply with thefollowing requirements to be listed on Breed Club’s A3 list.

(1). Minimum of 7 years judging experience in the breed and have thesupport of the XXX Council/Club/Society.(KC Policy).

(2). To have judged at XXX breed club Show/s and/or XXX breed clubSupported Entry Shows.(Optional by Club).

(3). To have judged the breed at XXX Open Shows or ChampionshipShows without CCs with an adequate geographical spread.(Optional by Club).

(4). To have judged a minimum of XXX classes.(Optional by Club).

(5). To have judged a minimum of XXX dogs.(KC Policy – number optional by Club).

(6). To have attended a seminar given by a Kennel Club AccreditedTrainer, and passed the relevant examination on Kennel ClubRegulations and Judging Procedures.(KC Policy as of 1.7.2001.).

(7). To have attended a seminar given by a Kennel Club AccreditedTrainer on Conformation and Movement.(KC Policy as of 1.7.2001). 2(a). To have attended a Conformation & Movement “Hands-onAssessment” conducted by a Kennel Club Accredited Trainer andpassed the assessment.(KC Policy as of 1.7.2005)

(8). To have attended at least one breed specific seminar run inaccordance with the relevant Kennel Club Code of Best Practice andpassed an examination and/or assessment where applicable.(KC Policy as of 1.7.2001).

(9). To have bred and/or owned a minimum of 3 dogs when theyobtained their 1st entry in The Kennel Club Stud Book (Save inexceptional circumstances).(KC Policy).

(10). To have stewarded at 12 Shows.(KC Policy).

With reference to (8) above theCode of Practice referred to canbe found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1467/codebpbreedseminar.pdf

This has recently been updated tobe consistent with the Group JudgesDevelopment Programme Code ofPractice.

In short:

• Requirements of a Dog Show Judgeseminar and examination on KennelClub Rules and Regulations (80%pass required) based on the KennelClub publication ‘Guide for Judgesand Ring Stewards’, available fordownload at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/488/guidejudges.pdf

• Conformation and MovementSeminar (Attendance Certificaterequired)

• Conformation and Movement‘Hands On’ Assessment (one to oneassessment with KC AccreditedTrainer)www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/3834/SR12.pdf

• Breed Specific Seminar andAssessment of Judging Competence

The Training Board now under theChairmanship of Gerald King reviewseminar statistics and candidatefeedback at its meetings 5 times ayear and hold an Accredited TrainersAnnual Review to ensure trainers areup to date with Breed Watch andhow this has to be incorporated intotheir seminars.

All of the seminars and assessmentsare under regular review anddeveloped further as required.

Dog News 43

GCh. Xenos Jimlet

*All Systems**The Dog News Top Ten List

Owner:Dr. Wendy Slowe

Presented By:Norman Fargo716 550-1818

Number Five Afghan Hound in Breed for 2010*Number Two Afghan Hound All Breed and

Number Three in Breed for 2011**

We would like to thank all the Judges who haveacknowledged the exceptional qualities in this Bitch.

Multiple Group PlacingMultiple Group Placing

FourGroups

44 Dog News

Judge Mrs. Houston Clark Judge Mrs. Barbara D. Alderman

Judge Mr. Raymond Filburn, Jr. Judge Mr. James Hupp

AndABest InShow

OwnerMary Henricks

Handler/Co-OwnerGary Wittmeier

Breeder/Co-OwnerWendy Boyette

Multiple Group, Specialty Best In Show and Best In Show Winner

Ch. Brackley He’s My Warrior

Dog News 45

Judge Mr. William Usherwood

46 Dog News

TheFANCYSpeaksBy Joy Barbieri

Anarchy in the AOH Class

Isentanemail to theAKCexplaining the situation,and I copied the catalogs to show at least twodifferent dogs on which her name was listed asagent. As I did not hear back from them, and

as I did not again see the exhibitor entered in theAOH class, I naively assumed the matter had beenresolved.

Fast forward to December of 2010. Thisparticular person was once again entered in (andexhibited in) the AOH class. I spoke with the AKCField Representative at that show about eligibilityin the AOH class.

She affirmed what I had thought: Anyone whohas been listed as agent on a dog at anytime inthe past is not eligible for the AOH class.

Now, to avoid boring you immediately with thedetails of my exhaustive emailing with employeesat the AKC, I will launch right into the debate.

First we must look at the definition of the class. Ihave outlined in bold the pertinent phrase:

Chapter1, Section7ofRulesApplying toDogShows:

SECTION 7. The Amateur-Owner-Handler class shallbe for dogs that are at least six months of age thatare not champions. Dogs must be handled in theclass by the registered owner of the dog. This classis restricted to exhibitors who have not, at any pointin time, been a professional dog handler, AKCapproved conformation judge, or employed as anassistant to a professional handler. Additionally,members of the immediate family or householdof a current professional handler are ineligible forthis class (as defined in Chapter 11, Section 13).Professional handlers are defined as any personwho belongs or has belonged to a professionalhandlers’ organization, distributed rate cards, orotherwise advertised or represented themselves ashandling dogs for pay.

My initial argument, which I erroneouslyassumed would put an end to the discussion,was that as this exhibitor has been listed asagent on multiple occasions on multiple dogsin thepast, she has indeed represented herselfas handling for pay.

The first minion from the AKC replied,“[A]ccording to our definition of the word,“agent,” does not necessarily indicate that aperson has been paid for their services. Someevidence in the formof a contract, rate cards,or website will need to be provided in order toinvestigate this matter thoroughly.”

Ok, fair enough. Here I offer my counter:If we are going to police this class based onsemantics, then let us look a little more closelyat that definition.

The highlighted area in the definition ofthe class, which is preceded by the word“OR,” implying it is its own separate clause,does not specify that the person would needeven to have ever been paid. The mere actof “representing [oneself] as handling for pay”-- not actually being paid -- would be enoughto exclude one from this class.

As far as I have understood dog shows,the one sure way to identify people whoare “representing themselves as handling forpay” would be to see their names printed in acatalog with the word “agent” next to it.

In addition to countering her request forproofofmonetary transfer, Ievenhypothesizedthat the ONLY way to thoroughly police thisclass would be through catalog evidence,which would show a person listed as agent orhandler on a dog.

The restrictions of the class, according tothe definition, extend back indefinitely. Howwould we research back past the age of theinternet except by looking at catalogs? And,CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

In the summer of 2010, I noticed an entrant in the AmateurOwner-Handler class whom I have known to have showndogs for other people. I looked back at online catalogs,and sure enough, I found that at no less than fifteen showsshe was listed as agent on dogs she did not own.

Dog News 47

Introducing...The Best In Specialty ShowWinning

48 Dog News

*

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

Dog News 49

50 Dog News

Word fromSWEDEN

This effort will give the exhibitors competing in thosecountries the assurance that they had not made amistake in entering, or being unfamiliar with the spe-cial rules for competing there.The changes starts with the ages for the classes. Junior

class is the one where the change was made. The age forthis class is now from 9 months up to 18 months, which ear-lier was up to 15 months. The young dog class is still 15-24Months and the remaining classes, working and open, arefrom 15 months. Many were not happy with the 18 monthsfor junior class because it will give the chance for an olderdog that could one weekend be in open and the next injunior class, giving he is under 18 months.

The old grading system was a first, second and third,and that grade decided if you would compete in overallplacement class. Those with a first would continue, and ifawarded a Champion quality, can then compete for bestmale/female.

With the new rules a dog will receive an excellent, verygood, good or sufficient, with the excellents competing inthe best male/female class.

Certificates for Championship are still given out in thebest male/female class, to the first non-Swedish champion.The new rules also award a reserve certificate. Champi-ons can now win a certificate from the champion class aslong as it is not a Swedish champion. This is a major changefor exhibitors and the show committee. Many times haveI had people from other Nordic countries come and askto change classes from champion to open, because theydidn’t know the rule at that time in Sweden was the cham-pion could not win the certificate.

It was never a pleasant task for me to explain, that yes,they could be best in show but not a Swedish championthat day. And all those expenses they paid and could notgo home as a Swedish champion!

All placements, from the class to the group and best arenow 1-4, saving the clubs the expense of one extra rosette.While the USA is considering the addition of several more

BY ROBERT PAUST

The dream for the past 20 years of having auniform set of rules within the Nordic countries hasfinally come to pass on the 10 of January 2011.

The Countries of Iceland, Norway, Demark, Finlandand Sweden, which make up the Nordic Kennel Union, havebeen working hard the last few years to make it a reality.

groups, the Nordic union has approved for the Dachshund(group 4) and the Scent and tracking dogs (group 6) from thefirst of January 2013. The thought of having the two sportingdog groups put together was not approved.

If a judge is listed on the judges list as reserve and there isa judge change the exhibitor is not entitled to have his moneyreturned. The new rules also do not allow for sick dogs to havetheir entry fee returned.

All these rules are being tried this year with the chance foradjustments at the end of the year.

Americans in SwedenThe judges lists for the year are now appearing on the

clubs home pages. And those Americans coming over to tryout the new system will be Lydia Hutchinson, Scott Wolfe, Dr.James Sillers, Dennis McCoy, and Randy Garren. The all-breedclub I work with has many breed and specialty clubs that wework with and share judges. This does give us the chance toinvite many more breed specialist from around the world. I amalso often commented on, for bring over so many Americans,but we do have just as good if not better judges in America.

This year Edd Bivin, Tom Bradley, Dorothy Collier, and BoBengtson. Mr Bivin will be doing best in show for us.

Swedish Winner ShowThis years title show, Swedish winner 2011, will be held in

Norrköping. The show attracts many more dogs than usualand from neighboring countries. The dates for the show, 20 &21 of August. More information can be found on their homepage for the show, http://swewin11.se

Headingover to judge therewill be Eugene Blake, JoeWal-ton, Gloria Kerr, Bill deVilleneuve and Richard Beauchamp.

This is the year that we have our bi-annual kennel clubmeeting. To be held again in September, against an earlierdecision to have it in May, so that the members of the clubthat will can go hunting. The election of president and severalplays on the board will take place as well as changes or newrules added to the charter.

The kennel clubs awards for being outstanding breederswill be given out as well as awards to those people that haveworked hard for the Swedish kennel club organisation.

Dog News 51

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52 Dog News

ATTENTION ALL ROTTWEILEROWNERS, LOVERS, AND JUDGES OF THE BREED

There are very nice Rot-tweilers in the Unit-ed States, as well asabroad. However, his-torically the dogs wesee today came with-out exception from theheritage passed on by

dogs imported from our “parent coun-try”, Germany. The United States, NewZealand and possibly another countryor two are the only countries remain-ing which allow docking of Rottweilertails. This has been the situation for over10 years now. The breed’s heritage andsource of origin for all the specimenswe see and love in this country todaycan no longer be ignored.When thoseancestors were imported 15, 20 or moreyears ago, if they had tails would theyhave been shown, finished, specialedand therefore bred...passing along thegenetic qualities many love today ?

One of the stated goals and purposesof the American Kennel Club as it relatesto conformation competition, is to bet-ter respective breeds through selectivebreeding based upon evaluation in thering. Genetic diversity, and a new sup-ply of “blood” from other countries, hasalways sustained us and must sustainus in the future to remain viable geneti-cally for both health and structure. The“Forward” to AKC’s Rules Applying toDog Shows states in part “Competitionin conformation . . . can best demon-strate the progress that has been madein breeding for type, quality, and/or forpractical use, stamina and obedience.”

For over 10 years, a great chasm hasbeen dug between those who demandonly docked dogs and others who de-mand a choice. That chasm must befilled and our breed become inclusiveif we are to survive and make a posi-tive impact on future generations of Rot-tweilers in this country and around theworld.

The Rottweiler as we recognize it, isonly a few hundred years old. It’s ances-tors are, however, ancient. Those ances-tors were not docked. In fact, the earlydogs we would recognize as Rottweilersin many cases had natural tails. Thereare many “stories” of why the Rottweiler

Blackwood RottweilersMember American Rottweiler Club

Loving the breed and supporting AKC participation for decades!

became docked at some point in history.Some say it was for “cleanliness” whileothers say to avoid “injury” while pullingcarts. There is no documented scienceor even verifiable historical accounts toconfirm these reasons as more than an-ecdotal. The most likely cause for dock-ing was to avoid “livestock” taxes onanimals with tails. This is a well-knownproposition and position in looking atthe history of the breed.

The AKC Breed Standard is designedto describe the ideal structure and cos-metics of the breed to best ensure nega-tive hereditary/genetic traits are penal-ized and not passed along to futuregenerations, while promoting “desired”hereditary characteristics. There are nu-merous faults and even serious faultslisted in the Breed Standard for manyhereditary traits both structural and cos-metic. There are none for a natural tail.Even if the tail were to be characterizedas a flaw, fault or something to be penal-ized it would not change the fact that itis not “hereditary” in the sense of some-thing negative which would be passedalong to future generations, barring a de-cision by owners in the next generationto continue docking their dogs as theyare currently allowed to do. Blackwoodhas always docked and has no plans tostop docking at this point, as allowed bythe American Rottweiler Club Mandato-ry Breeding Practices. Adult amputationis not allowed and no docking permit-ted after 7 days of age. Simply ask your-self as an owner, exhibitor, or judge,what harmful or negative trait wouldbe passed on by awarding or rewardingdogs with true hereditary “faults” versusrefusing to consider a dog without thosefaults but with a natural tail? A very fewof the most ardent “anti-tail” ownershave realized the need for continueddiversity and bred to dogs of “merit” ,yet those same people do not believethe dogs they use have the “merit” to beshown in AKC conformation. Does thismake sense?

The best way to preserve our right tomake a choice on docking in this coun-try is to do just that, allow a choice. TheAKC has forbidden use of disqualifica-tions in Breed Standards for alterations

such as docking. Why is this the case?Requiring any type of procedure toalter structure or appearance beforesomeone can compete would be justthe ammunition some might want totake aim at removing our right to makechoices for our beloved breed. Pre-serving choice means giving a choice.Recent history with other Breed Stan-dards which have been added to theAKC confirm that where breeds have acountry of origin other than the UnitedStates, and are no longer allowed todock, we must take that into consider-ation when evaluating and/or creatinga standard for that breed in this coun-try. The Rottweiler is no less a dog froma “country of origin other than UnitedStates” than a German Pinscher, BlackRussian Terrier, or Cane Corso.

The ultimate purpose of AKC showsas identified in AKC’s mission state-ment is to select the best representa-tives of the breed for furthering geneticbetterment for the health and longev-ity of various breeds of dogs we haveall grown to love. Selecting the dogwhich best exemplifies the geneticsand structure that can be passed on tofuture generations by AKC judges is theway this occurs. Of course, a second-ary stated goal of the AKC is to wel-come and encourage newcomers in thesport, not ostracize them and discour-age participation by telling someone to“go show your dog in Canada”. Thesetypes of divisive statements and divi-sion among people who love the breedon both sides must end. Telling judgeshow to interpret the Breed Standard,that they must or should excuse dogsthat in no way can pass on “genetic ab-normalities” must stop.What matters isthe health and genetic diversity of ourdogs and the right to have a choice ofowning them and loving them as webest see fit as responsible and caringowners. That is what is best for ourdogs. A close inspection of the currentstandard and use of simple reasoningmake it clear we already have roomwithin the framework of our standardfor rewarding “merit” both phenotypi-cally and genotypically. That is all any-one could ever request.

Dog News 53

“Look mom, that Rottweiler has a tail ....!”“ That’s OK .... he was born that way ....”

Presented byKaren Newman, PHA

Blackwood RottweilersMember American Rottweiler ClubLoving the breed and supporting AKC participation for decades!Magnolia, Texas

Hugo van het Falconsnest(Belgium) AKC #WS354578/01

2009 Belgian Junior Winner20 X “V” rated and multiple CAC winner in

Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and AustriaCHIC Registered #70225(Hips, elbows, heart and eyes )

** If anyone tells you how to judge a tailed dog, or to “Excuse “, please report them to an AKC Field Representative.It is your choice as the judge .......Docking adult dogs is NOT allowed by the American Rottweiler Club

54 Dog News

What happens to the dogs? What if you can’t afford to paytheir boarding costs during the length of the hearing?And what if after being found innocent and cleared of allcharges, you weren’t reimbursed for the costs and not all

the dogs were returned to you?Sounds like a bizarre scenario, but it’s possible. Similar situations

have indeed happened and amovement seems to be afoot to furtherthe agendas of animal rights extremists that want to eradicate dogowning and breeding in this country. They will attempt any meansnecessary to achieve their goals and what better way to expeditetheir agendas than through animal wardens and local animal controlauthorities?

In the United States, we believe in a judicial system that says weare innocent until proven guilty and have the right to a fair trial. How-ever, owners and breeders accused of cruelty charges that were laterdropped have actually lost some dogs even though they were foundinnocent. Luckily for fanciers, owners and breeders, the AmericanKennel Club has the similar belief that we are innocent until provenguilty. Even more importantly, the AKC and its Government RelationsDepartment is well aware of the methods of the AR extremists. TheAKC’s GRD was on guard and ready to counterattack when a legis-lative measure came to the fore recently in Colorado that would’veallowed for the seizure of animals during a cruelty trial and the re-quirement that the person(s) charged with cruelty pay the boardingcosts of the seized animals during a hearing regardless of the lengthof the trial.

Colorado Senate Bill 11-009, which made significant changes tothe impoundment laws and the ability of owners to get their animalsback if they are seized during a cruelty investigation, was postponedindefinitely in the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural ResourcesCommittee this week and will not advance this year, thanks to theefforts put forth by the AKC’s GRD, the Colorado Federation of DogClubs and the 111 AKC dog clubs and their thousands of owners inColorado, as well as many other breeders and owners who contactedtheir legislators to voice opposition to the bill. Current Colorado lawalready requires a bond be posted to cover costs of caring for seizedanimals during a cruelty trial. The new, superfluous proposal made noprovisions for low-income individuals who may not be able to affordlegal fees and boarding costs. In addition, there would be no reim-bursement of any kind if the charges were later dismissed. Further-more, if the owner(s) proved unable to pay at any point, they wouldforfeit their ownership rights as well as the right to challenge thecosts! Everyone knowshowexpensive the legal process canbe, andSB

11-009 would’ve allowed up to 30days before an initial hearing wasconducted, during which the own-ers would have to pay the board-ing costs before having the oppor-tunity to challenge the charges!Hold on, there’s more. Included inthe proposed bill was also a pro-vision that a warrant shall be suf-ficient cause for impoundment.No specific evidence or testimonyrequired, just a warrant. How’s that

By Shaun Coen

Off The LeashOff The Leash

for a scare tactic? Any hobby breeders or kennel owners want toplay by those rules? SB 11-009 smacks of a fear campaign to scarebreeders and kennels out of business. Kudos to the AKC and all ofColorado’s owners and breeders who took a stand for their rights.

Dog owners and breeders must remain vigilant and united infighting for the rights to own and breed dogs responsibly whilealso supporting the humane treatment of dogs, and must con-stantly be on the lookout for new challenges to the rights to doso. (Californians should keep an eye on AB 1117, which as writtensounds an awful lot like Colorado’s SB 11-009, and would seem toallow for animals seized for neglect or under a search warrant to belegally taken away from owners even if they’re acquitted). It’s hardto believe we’re not yet three full months into 2011 and ownersand breeders have already successfully fought off a mountain ofpotentially damaging legislation. Here are just a few of the success-ful campaigns that the AKC and fanciers have waged:

•Also in Colorado, an attempt to place an ordinance on the FortCollins city ballot to define a hobby breeder as anyone who sellsless than two litters per year and to prohibit the sale of ALL pets inpet stores failed to garner enough signatures to qualify.

• In California - The City of Cypress will not proceed with anordinance to require the mandatory spay/neuter of specific dogbreeds. The idea was rejected before a formal draft was finalized sothe included breeds were not determined.

• In Maryland – House Bill 169 would have added problematicprovisions to the state’s dangerous dog law, including declaring adog “potentially dangerous” if it bites one time in its lifetime, re-gardless of the severity. If the dog bit a second time, it would bedeclared dangerous and the owner would be subject to numerousregulations. The bill died in the House Judiciary Committee.

• InMontana, two bills that sought to regulate breeders and im-pose problematic care and enclosure requirements were defeated.

• In Virginia - The Virginia House Courts of Justice Committeehas decided to not take action on House Bill 2195, which wouldhave banned debarking unless the procedure was necessary totreat or relieve an injury or illness. Veterinarians would have beenrequired to keep records of any debarking procedure they per-formed for four years and been subject to an audit.

• InWyoming – TheWyoming Legislature passed a bill that cre-ates the crime of “household pet animal cruelty”. Senate File 100sought to define “hoarding” and “puppy mills” by the number ofdogs owned, and other vague and arbitrary terms, but after theAKC’s GRD organized a letter writing campaign and legislativealert, a more reasonable and fair amendment was approved bythe House of Representatives that deleted the original languageand instead defined “household pet animal cruelty”as anyone whokeeps household pets “in a manner that results in chronic or re-peated physical harm” or “confined in conditions which constitutea public health hazard.”

There have been many other victories, both small andlarge, and perhaps garnering the most national atten-tion was the reversal of the ballot initiative Prop B inMis-souri, which passed in November due to strong back-ing by the HSUS. But the fight is not only national orstatewide, like all politics, it’s local, too. The decision to

own and breed dogs responsibly is a serious commitment and it’sbecoming more evident that in battling for the rights to do so wemust remain equally committed and united.

Imagine, as a dog owner or breeder, the following scenario: you are charged with animalcruelty despite any evidence outside of a warrant, your dogs are seized by animal control oryou are coerced to surrender them to the local dog warden, a lengthy, expensive trial ensuesduring which you must pay for the boarding costs of the seized animals as well as legal fees,

and you are eventually found innocent of all the charges. Imagine the emotional wear and tearto both you and the dogs not to mention your smeared reputation.

Dog News 55

THANK YOU JUDGE MR. CARL GOMES FOR FINISHINGTHANK YOU JUDGE MR. CARL GOMES FOR FINISHING

JOE’S CHAMPIONSHIP AND THIS GROUP PLACEMENT.JOE’S CHAMPIONSHIP AND THIS GROUP PLACEMENT.

THE XOLO!THE XOLO!

JOEJOE

BREEDER/OWNERBREEDER/OWNER

JENNIFER YOUNG-JOHNSONJENNIFER YOUNG-JOHNSON

SHIDA CHINESE CRESTEDS & XOLOSSHIDA CHINESE CRESTEDS & XOLOS

OWNER/HANDLEROWNER/HANDLER

CANDRA LOUTZENHISERCANDRA LOUTZENHISER

KOUNTRYTYMEKOUNTRYTYME

CH. SHIDA MIGHTY JOE YOUNGCH. SHIDA MIGHTY JOE YOUNG

56 Dog News

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MATTHEW H. STANDER

ANDMORETWO CHANGES OF MIND, KENTUCKIANA...

There have been at least two new developmentswith regard to the so-called health conferencebeing sponsored jointly by HSUS and RSPCA—first of all CHF has decided not to participate in

the conference at all. I am told this was an ExecutiveCommittee decision on the part of CHF prompted in myopinion by pressure from leading financial contributors toCHF. Understandable to a point but a decision with whichI disagree particularly based on the following information.Immediately after going to print last week we wereinformed that the person in charge of the program hadagreed to eliminate the airing of PDE but that due to priorcommitments Jemima Harrison would still appear as aspeaker.Well to my mind that was a major concession whichcannot be ignored. Based on that fact and the reaction ofmost everyone who took up on my offer for their opinionabout whether or not I should attend the conference, beingvirtually unanimous in agreeing I should, I have changedmy mind and will attend. Additionally I know that thereare negotiations going on to replace CHF with a speakermost favorable to our position who has impeccablecredentials—this person will be attending the conferenceno matter whether they end up on the program or not.This to me is a positive rather than a negative spirit, whichseems to be the AKC stand—a negative one. To furtherCONTINUED ON PAGE 87

Pedigree back cover 2011Pedigree ad circa 1995

Dog News 57

Finnish-bred Smooth Collie both of whom made it inthe final cut. It was also interesting to see a Frenchexhibitor taking BOB in Briards at Crufts on her first visitto the show.

The Working Group was mixed and I wonderedhow some of the BOB winners would have faredhad they been included in the fifteen “high profile”breeds that had to be vetted before continuing tothe group. Speaking to judge Kari Wilberg afterwardsshe certainly shared my concern at the movementseen in some of the representatives that appeared.The ultimate winner was the Boxer male who waslast year’s top working dog and he has always beena favourite of mine, as indeed he has been of thegroup judge at this show, but I have seen him in re-cent months when he has appeared a little flat andnot given of his best. Almost as if he knew that thisshow really mattered, he was up on his toes, headheld proudly and tail up as he ate up the groundand went on to his consecutive Crufts group. Up-holding the overseas honour was the Irish-based butSwiss-bred Newfoundland who took G2, followed bythe UK bred Dobermann and Rottweiler. Both the Gi-ant Schnauzer and Russian Black Terrier were Russianbred and owned whilst the Bullmastiff had comefrom Belgium. The Tibetan Mastiff BOB winner wasfrom Poland.

Saturday saw Terriers and Hounds on show, andthis year there didn’t seem to be as many heavy-weight Americans as we have seen in the past.Philip Greenway judged the group and he endedup pointing to the British-bred for generations Wirewho has been Brazilian owned for some months andwill soon be heading out there. Last year’s top ter-rier, the Kerry Blue bitch, won the breed but failedto progress further in the group. Behind the Wirestood the American Airedale recently imported intothe UK and handled here by his American breederTodd Clyde. Third was a crowd-pleaser for the redStaffordshire Bull Terrier whilst a Norwich winning hisfirst CC completed the quartet.

Liz Tobin won the Bitch CC in Smooths but lost thebreed to an Italian male. Both were winning their UKtitles but I wonder how many American dogs canclaim to have won their UK Championship exclu-sively with Crufts CCs? Such is Snow Angel’s record.Scottie-watching was compulsive with the mightyRussian male back again and challenging the love-ly Croatian bitch for BOB, the fairer sex getting thenod. The Australian Terrier had come from Sweden,the Irish from the USA via Germany, the Border Terrierfrom the USA (I wonder what Chairman Irving madeof that!!!), the Dandie from Czechia and the Welshfrom Germany.

Her many friends were pleased to see Houndgroup judge Eleanor Bothwell looking so well aftera period of ill health but not surprised that this de-termined lady honoured an appointment she hadclearly been looking forward to for some time.

Again the foreigners had their fair share of thekey placings. The Swedish bred, but American siredBorzoi took second, an Afghan from Ireland third anda Whippet from Italy fourth, however the group waswon by a PBGV of just 17 months. Many were thrilledat the win as her owner/breeder/handler has hadmany near misses at Crufts in the past. He also wonthe breed in Fauves.

The Smooth Haired Dachshund had travelled fromRussia, the Grand from Holland, her owner winningboth CCs and both Reserves! She also bred the sire ofthe group winning Petit so must have had a memo-rable Crufts. The Irish Wolfhound was from Holland andI am a great fan of the elegant brindle Greyhoundbitch from Norway.

On Sunday Toys had RichardHaynes sitting in judgement andonce again international wasthe order of the day, though thegroup winning Bichon was UKbred but contains a good help-ing of Paray breeding in his ped-igree. Second was the Finnish

dog of the year winning Löwchen whowas also claim-ing his UK crown on the day. In third position was a Pugbitch from Norway and fourth the Danish Pomeranianbitch who had also won the breed under me in 2009when she again won fourth in the group. Her ownersmust love Crufts as they had won the group there withher sire previously.

There was obviously huge interest in the ChineseCrested ring to see if Nora – the history making Dogof the Year – would take the breed but she was notshown as she was in season and wisely resting up. In-terestingly BOB in Cresteds went to the same Swedishkennel for the fourth year running! I am lost in admira-tion for those exhibitors who come to show at Crufts inbreeds where there are no CCs on offer, and two suchenthusiasts won the breed in both Cotons de Tulearand Havanese.

The Utility group, judged by gentle giant TerryNethercott, had a British based quartet though thethird placed Akita has American co-owners. Winningthe group was the young black Standard Poodle whoshares a sire with two whites who previously won BISand Reserve at Crufts. Second was the elegant Lha-sa Apso bitch and fourth a Shih Tzu male of just tenmonths who had topped the breed under Yakee Pe-kingese wizard Bert Easdon.

The Chow Chow BOB looked familiar and I soonrealised that this was the Danish bitch who had wonBOB under me in Sweden last year, having taken theBitch CC at Crufts last year and since completed herUK title. The Miniature Poodle had come from Swedenand the Shar Pei was the US bred but Dutch ownedmale who had won BOB under me at the Europeanshow in Slovenia last year.

With the group winners decided, we had the usualbig ring performances of Mary Ray who went Bolly-wood this year with her dancing dogs and the Friendsfor Life presentations that I felt were missing the formeremotion with the absence of the marvellous singerswho gave so much to this aspect of the last night.

Having had the ultimate dress rehearsal at Madi-son Square Garden the previous month the Italian BISjudge Paolo Dondina threw himself into the task inhand and chose the evergreen Flatcoat as Best andthe young Petit as Reserve.

And so another Crufts was wound up, doubt-less with many happy that the outside world had seenthat British pure-bred show dogs can get to ten yearsof age and still get round the huge Birmingham arena,happy, healthy and fit for purpose.

BRACE YOURSELF

Staying Power Triumphs at Crufts

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Dog News 59

UPSIDEOFTHESEESAWCONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

and it didn’t take long, an All American finished his MasterAgility Championship. Prince Doggie, a five year old littlebundle of energy, in 10 months time completed the require-ments for his MACH. His fast progress in agility was attributedto his owner, Andrade Marshall, setting up small agility ob-stacles in her house for constant practice. To have earnedhis 750 speed points and 20 double Q’s in the Jumpers andStandard Excellent courses he truly must be a consistent dogwithout a doubt. Prince Doggie also is a Therapy dog in theDetroit area, which makes him a very good representativefor the AKC Canine Partners program. This All Americanteamwill be able to now compete in the AKC National AgilityChampionship, the second mix to be able to do so.

Unfortunately, there still is a number of Kennel Club’s notaccepting the All American entry in agility and obedienceat their trials. Agility clubs throughout the country open theirtrials to the mixed breeds but many of the long time kennelclubs still have the attitude of “not on my watch”. Hopeful-ly time will soften this old fashioned attitude since the entrymoney is the same and the kennel clubs are enjoying theprofit from the agility trials. Also on the other side is the mixedbreed owners, the attitude is changing and they are cominginto the AKC fold. Many of themixed breed owners that wereinvolved in agility through the organizations that already didaccept the mixes were opposing the AKC program. If youcount up the number of agility opportunities out there, thedollar is being stretched mighty thin for some. AKC, USDAA,UKC, ASCA, CPE, Tea Cup Agility, NADAC, and now the newEuropean agility that has moved over to the USA makes italmost impossible to find a weekend that doesn’t double upon an agility trial.

The road trip to Lexington, Virginia for the AKC NationalAgility Championships, April 1-3, 2011, is one I look forwardto. Getting out of the Minnesota snow and cold will be awelcome change as well as the beautiful country that willbe traveled through, especially Kentucky. The Agility Staffwill be spending the week before the Nationals perfectingits new scoring and check in program and setting up theentire event which is a massive undertaking. Be sure to fol-low the competition on Twitter which will have all the ringsfeatured, www.twitter.com/AKCRing1, for example, throughRing 5. Also when the jump height has concluded its roundof competition, a complete list of results will be posted bothon Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/AKCNACResults, andon Facebook, http:// www.facebook.com/AmericanKen-nelClub. I for one look forward to seeing so many of the em-ployees that I used to work with at AKC and the top dogsand handlers from all over the country. A number of juniorhandlers have also entered and will compete equally withall.

The AKC Nationals are also a qualifier for the dogs andhandlers that wish to compete for the honor of representingthe AKC/USA at the World Agility Championships in Francethis year. The first day of competition is called the Interna-tional Sweepstakes in which those wins give credit to thedog’s ability to compete against the best in the country onthe same course with the same course times. The Nation-als also prove the handler can compete in the pressure/stress of running with the best for three days. The scores andplacements of the Championship competition days of Sat-urday and Sunday also are used on the resume of the dogwhen the team selection is made. All three days are veryimportant to those who wish to compete at the AKC WorldTeam Tryouts in May, every run counts.

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THE COLOR OF CHANGETHE COLOR OF CHANGE

Number One* Tibetan MastiffNumber One* Tibetan Mastiff

Loved by:Debbie Parsons

Brad SlaytonCo-Owned by

Sabrina Novarra

Best In Specialty Show WinningBest In Specialty Show Winning

GCh. DreamCatcher’s Major Victory for LokiGCh. DreamCatcher’s Major Victory for Loki

“major”“major”

Handledby

Tony Carter

DreamCatcher KennelsHome of top showing and

producing Tibetan MastiffsGraham, Washington

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

of the prohibition against docking thatwent into effect several years ago, manyof them now have full tails, which is not,to me, terribly disconcerting in Cockers,but is extremely disturbing in breeds likeRotties and Dobes. Of course, ear cropping hasbeen prohibited for 100 years or so, significantlychanging the head and expression of some ofour traditionally cropped breeds like Boxers andDanes. I wouldn’t have recognized the all natu-ral Min Pins except for their hackney gait.

TheGundogGroupwas judgedbyDr. RonaldJames,avetwhohas shownanumberofbreeds,but whose greatest success came in Pointers.As you already know, he chose the Flatcoat ashis top dog, with “Reserve Best In Group” going

to the top winning Irish Water SpanielSH CH Stanegate Sparks Will Fly (AI).Two interesting things about this dog’sname. The first, which he shares with allof the Gundog Group ribbon winners,is the “SH” in front of the CH. This in-dicates “Show Champion” which dis-tinguishes these dogs from “full cham-pions” which must also qualify in thefield. As you can imagine from the dif-ference in this country between showdog type and field trial type, attaininga full championship is an unusual feat.The second interesting thing is that the

method of this dog’s conception is there for all tosee. Approval must be sought from the Kennel Clubto register a litter conceived via artificial insemina-tion, and the designation becomes a permanentpart of the dog’s name. Dora is only the fourth IrishWater Spaniel to go BIS in the UK, and the first to doit in over a century. She is breeder/owner handledby Judith Carruthers. Dr. James gave third place tothe Cocker (that’s English Cocker to us) SH CH LujesaTouch The Sky JW. The letters after her name stand forJunior Warrant, a title that’s won by winning at Openshows where Challenge Certificates are not on of-fer. Before you think that I’m talking about somethingsimilar to our matches, you should know that manyOpen shows have entries that far exceed our pointshows in the U.S. She is owned by the Misses A & SKettle and has amassed 31 CCs, in addition to goingBOB at Crufts last year. Group 4 went to the Golden,Linirgor Mactavish, owned by Mrs. I Frater and Miss L.Dunbar, who is not yet a champion and who came,rather amazingly, from Limit Dog in an entry of 491.

The first day of the show is like Old Home Weekfor press people, who begin to populate thepress room early in the morning, and use itas home base for the next four days. I can’timagine surviving the showwithout it; with over

20,000 dogs and 138,000 people in the place, a rela-tively quiet spot to have a fewminutes of R&R is not aluxury, it’s a necessity. The Kennel Club press people

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GCH. FORESTCREEK DREAM ON

TOP 10 CONTENDER IN THE BREED“TYLER”

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO JUDGE MR. MIKE JACKMAN FOR THIS GROUP FIRST PLACEMENT

OWNERS/BREEDERS

DRS. KEVIN & DEBRA CLINE

SHREVEPORT, LAWWW.FORESTCREEKCAVALIERS.COM

EXCLUSIVE HANDLERS:WALLY & CAROL RICE, P.H.A.

MILTON, FL

CO-OWNERS

JUHAN & PAT MIXON

TALLAHASSEE, FL

64 Dog News

In the aftermath of the earthquake andtsunami that hit northern Japan, offers of

assistance from the AMERICAN KENNELCLUB have been rejected by the JAPANKENNEL CLUB. I’m not sure of the reasonfor the refusal, but it is said that all rescueand financial help must go through thegovernment. A very glossy four-color 2010annual report has been released by theAmerican Kennel Club. Two of the 42 pag-es, get to the real issue, money. The rest is anice self-promotion wrapped around fortypages of pictures of the famous and not sofamous. The 3rd annual stand alone AKCMEETTHEBREEDShas announced its newdates of November 19th & 20th at the JavitsCenter in Manhattan. The expo is spon-sored by PETPARTNERS, the official petinsurance company of the American Ken-nel Club. The two-day show has expandedto over 160,000 square feet with more than200 breeds of dogs and cats. The anticipat-ed gate is over 40,000 people. There is nogreater venue to educate the public aboutpure bred dogs and sport of breeding andexhibiting. So make sure that your parentclub will be represented and that you haveample literature to give to the public. Whatbigger strain than campaigning a top win-ning dog to test the mettle of a relation-ship? Just ask handlers SARAH RIEDL andMATTHEW PERCHICK who have done soand have announced their engagement

BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS

to be married …congratulations. GEORGEMARQUIS and GEORGE MURRAY just re-turned from a judging assignment in Zheng-zhou, China. While following a ten-year ab-sence, JOAN&STANZIELINSKI are packingfor a return trip to South Africa for a judgingassignment and a safari holiday. Friends andfamily will be attending a memorial servicefor the late CAROL STRONG on April 1st atthe Lincklaen House in Cazenovia, New York(twenty minutes away from the dog showsat the Syracuse fairgrounds). The servicestarts at 6:30 P.M. and food and drinks will beserved. Guests will be able to share a specialmemory, if they so wish. A fitting farewell toa wonderful lady. The family has requestedthat those wishing send a contribution toTake The Lead or Lowchen Club of AmericaRescue Fund. All of us at DOG NEWS weresaddened to hear of the unexpected passingof ALEXANDER BENJAMIN BARBASH, theson of ANN & STEVEN BARBASH of Victor,New York whose TAILS OF YESTERYEARwas featured in this year’sDMAGAZINE. Ourdeepest sympathies to the BARBASH family.If a prospective puppy buyer questions youon the price of your puppies, youmight wantto tell them of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy thatwas recently sold in China for over one mil-lion dollars. Birthdaying…DORIS COZART,MARJORIE MARTORELLA, CINDY SMITH,SHANNON STONE andMARY ROGERS.

GOSSIPThe

Column

Dog News 65

RYKER

GCh. DRD’s The RevelationFlorida Panhandle Circuit:

4 Best of BreedsGroup SecondGroup Fourth

Owners: Barbara Hainline and Cari JensenBreeder: Cari JensenHandler: Doug Toomey

photo

byTraceyMele

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ClickTAKE THE LEAD

PARTYPHOTOS BY

CHRISTINA FREITAG

Dog News 67

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are unfailingly pleasant and helpful, even in theface of the occasional snarky journalist. JamesSkinner has been the point man for years, andI think I speak for most of the press when I saythat we not only admire him for his efficiency, butlove him for his kindness and patience. Thanks toJames, Kelly and all of the press office folk formaking our lives so much easier. James was thedeserving recipient last year of the World DogPress Association “person of the year” award. Ican’t imagine a Crufts without him. Each yearDog News sponsors the Overseas Visitors Loungewhere people can chat over a cup of tea andescape the noise and crowds for a minute ortwo.

Of course, in addition to breed judging eachday, there are dozens of other activities going on.The obedience and agility championships takeplace throughout the four days, as well as YoungKennel Club events, the Kennel Club’s Good Citi-zen Dog Scheme, Gundog demonstrations, andInternational Junior handling finals, to name justa few. There are more than 200 trade stands sell-ing everything from dog beds to designer hand-bags, and a thorough tour takes the better partof a day in itself. Over the years, I’ve learned thatwhat seems like a good idea on Sunday has tobe stuffed into an already full suitcase on Mon-day, and so I now abstain. I saw several spec-tators leaving the show at 10AM, their wheeledcarts full to overflowing with “stuff.” Obviously,more than a few people come to shop, neverdiscovering the dog show taking place aroundthem! Speaking of discovering things, one of themost popular features of the show is DiscoverDogs, after which our Meet the Breeds is mod-eled. While you can only see dogs from one ortwo groups on exhibit each day, you can see arepresentative of every breed recognized by theKennel Club at the Discover Dogs display eachday. No matter when I made my way there, itwas always crowded.

Speaking of obedience, the U.S. Obedienceteam finished in a tie for 5th place in theObedienceWorld Cup, a most impressive feat given that obedi-ence is considerably different in the U.K. It involvessomewhat different exercises and a different style,so it’s quite an accomplishment that the Americandogs and handlers finished so well.

Working and Pastoral (Herd-ing) breeds were judged onFriday, with Kari Wilberg andEllis Hulme taking center ringin the evening. Kari, a nativeof Norway, is famous for herKanix Bouviers, although she

has owned many different breeds and can boastof having won 425 CCs and more than 38 Groups,including the Group at Crufts. She gave first placeto the top-winning Boxer CH/IR CH Winuwuk Lust AtFirst Sight, owned by his handler Julie Brown and TimHutchings. He has been the topWorking Dog in Eng-land for the past two years, is #5 all-breed, has twoall breed Bests to his credit, and 19 Group One’s.Number two in the Group was the Newfie CH/IR CHFairweathers Knock Out With Brooklynbear, ownedby the Dobbins family. He stands 9th in place in theTop Dog standings and is no stranger to the winner’scircle at Crufts. Group Three went to the Dober-mann (yes, two “n’s”) CH Supeta’s Ozzy OsbourneJW, owned by the Smith, Bennett andMycroft team,with fourth place to the Rottweiler (pronouncedwith a “V”) CH Olearia Blaze of Gold, owned by M.Monk and C. Drabble. Speaking of Boxers, some ex-hibitors in the breed ring still engage in the strangebehavior of throwing a small bath mat down underthe hind legs of the dog when it’s stacked, presum-ably to keep its rear legs from sliding out from underit. I saw less of it this year than before, but it surelymakes you wonder about a dog whose angulationis such that it needs additional traction to stand up!

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Mercifully, the Boxer’s handlerdid not indulge.

Ellis , who passed on thePastoral group, has been in-volved in dogs for most of his70+ years, with great successin Papillons. His top-winningbitch made history when shetopped the Toy Group atCrufts in 1982. Ellis gave firstplace this time to the top-win-ning German Shepherd DogCH Elmo Vom Hunhnegrab,owned by Mr. J. Cullen. Elmois top Pastoral Group dog,with three Bests in Show tohis credit. While I can’t decipher all ofthe letters following his name, he doeshold a Schutzhund 3 title, which atteststo his intelligence and his soundness.Since some of the GSD folks are on theouts with The Kennel Club over issuesof exaggeration and soundness, it’sgreat to see such a nice dog makinggood PR for the breed.

The Reserve Best In Group win-ner (a holdover from the days whenthere were only two Group place-ments) came from Estonia in the formof Samoyed CH Pilgrimage Snow Ball.Apologies for not including the sixchampionship titles that precede hisname. Suffice it to say that he is multi-titled. He is owned by Ms. Chen andMrs. Uspenski. Group 3 went to the multi-titledCH Thornapple Aftershock, who competed un-der an American “Authority to Compete” num-ber (required for all foreign dogs) but is resident,according to the catalog, in Denmark. Ameri-can Aussies are so popular in the UK and Europethat twelve of the Aussies entered in Open Dogand Open Bitch had American ATC numbers.Fourth place went to the Norwegian NorwegianBuhund (no, that’s not a typo!) He is the multi-titled Kimura’s Jensemann, and is owned by C.Sonberg. (Actually, I was too lazy to type NUCHLUXCH NORDV-10 BEW-10, which are the lettersthat precede his name. Apart from LuxembourgChampion, I’m afraid I can’t translate).

When you’ve attended Crufts for 15 years,as I have, you get a bit blasé about the size ofit all. The NEC measures about 25 acres of floorspace, and the show takes up five halls, eachmuch larger than the floor at the Garden. In ad-dition, there is the huge arena - more often oc-cupied by rock stars than by show dogs - wherethe Groups and Best In Show are held. I oncewore a pedometer and clocked ten miles inone day! The festivities begin at about 5:00 eachevening, and include such things as agility, fly-ball, gundog and obedience demos, as well as

the International Junior Handling fi-nals and the annual Friends For Lifecompetition. Each year, five dogs

who have changed or saved lives are nominated,and the public selects the winner via text messaging.This year the award went to Kaiser, a Golden/Poodlecross who helps his owner to cope with a debilitatingmuscle disease. Also in contention were a medicalassistance dog who looks after a young girl with se-vere diabetes, an emotional support dog who helpshis young owner cope with autism, a bomb-sniffingdog who helped during the 7/7 London bombingsand a Search and Rescue dog who saved lives inHaiti following the earthquake. As the television cam-era panned the audience, you could see hundredsof sniffling spectators, and the press section was notimmune.

On the first morning, KC Chairperson Ronnie Irvingwelcomed us all to the show, filled us in on comingevents, and pointed out that there would be coattesting, as all foreign substances are illegal in the UK.(Someone should have told that to the lady I sawvigorously spraying up the topknot of her poodle inthe grooming area!) In fact, they did do some testingin poodles but I’ve heard nothing about results. Mr.Irving said something to the effect that, while suchthings as chalk and hairspray are illegal in some othercountries, they seem to turn a blind eye to it, but NOTso in the UK. Wonder what country he was referringto?

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Consistently recognized by Breeder-JudgesSpecial thanks to JudgeMrs. Romayne Strilka-Switch

andMrs. Starr White who recognized Tuckermost recently with Best ofOpposite Sex and

Award ofMerit awards at the Empire Saluki ClubSupported and Specialty shows.

Breeders: Ian Rasmussen and P J Bennett (Australia)Owners:

Keith and Roberta Scerbo, Cathy Farrell and Eric SteelHandled by Roberta

Terriers and Hounds occupied theNEC on Day Three. Phillip Greenway didthe Terrier Group. Known for his RayfosBoxers and Lakies, the kennel has wonover 400 CCs in breeds as diverse asminiature poodles and German Short-haired Pointers. It was no surprise whenhe pointed to CH Travella Starlord, theWire Fox Terrier who is tied for sixth placeall-breed with the Pastoral winning GSD.Handled by the talented Richard Allen,he is owned by Victor Malzoni who wasonhand to seehimwin. Rumor has it thathe’s on his way to the U.S. Reserve Bestin Group went to the American-bredAiredale CH/AM CH Longvue Jackpotof Saredon, who is owned by Judy Av-eris, one of the UK’s most successfulterrier breeders with a long line of top-winning dogs in several breeds. He wasbred by Todd and AprilClyde, andwas handledby Todd. He prevailedover an entry of 94. Tosay that April and Toddwere overjoyed wouldbe an understatement!Mr. Greenwaygave thirdplace to the Stafford-shire Bull Terrier CH Hub-bulls The Promise ownedby Mr & Mrs B. Trow. Staf-fies are hugely popularin the UK, with an entryof 328 in the breed thisyear. In fourth place wasthe Norwich Ragus Jazz King, owned and shown byLeslie Crawley whose name is synonymous with win-ning Norwich.

Hounds were judged by EleanorBothwell who has made a markin Beagles, having owned 28 title-holders with over 100 CCs. Her #1pick was the young PBGV Soletrad-er Peek A Boo, who has only beenshown lightly prior to her Crufts ap-pearance. She is owned by Sarah

Robertson and handled by husband Gavin. Their So-letrader dogs are known worldwide, although this winwas something of a surprise since Peek A Boo is only 16months old. They’ve won the breed six times at Cruftsand bred the top PBGV in the UK, Canada and theU.S. in 2010. Sarah and Gavin were both successfuljunior handlers. It’s interesting to see so many youngpeople in the Group Ring and competing at top level.While we lament the scarcity of young people mak-ing their mark in our dog show world, the UK seems tobe in pretty good shape. The difference is, no doubt,due to the fact that owner-handlers predominate,and young people with a serious interest in dogs (and

often a family history in thebreed) can make up cham-pions and win at Group andBIS level.

Second in the HoundGroup came from Swedenin the form of Borzoi CHBorzowski’s Phenomenon,owned by L. Hamel, withthird to the Afghan Irish CHAshahni Amir owned byMrs. C. O’Callaghan. Mrs.Bothwell gave fourth placeto another foreign dog, the

Whippet Italian CH Sobers Ingrid, owned by the Pri-mavera family.

I had a special interest in Toys, as my good friendMichael Coad was #1 in the UK Toy Group stand-ings and in third place all-breed with his homebredBichon CH Pamplona Bring Me Sunshine. I was de-lighted to get a text message that Michael and“Eric” had won the breed, and so it was with greatanticipation andmore than a little nervousness that Iwatched their performance in the Group ring. Rich-ard Haynes was the judge. After a start in Gundogs,he found his way to the Toy group in the ‘60’s andhas bred and shown Yorkies ever since. Mr. Haynesapparently shared my opinion of Eric by giving himthe nod for #1 in the Toy Group. Michael has shared

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Dog News 75

WHISKEYWHISKEY

Specialty Best In Show Winning

GCH. SOMERRI JAMIESON’S SEA WHISKEYNumber One* Norwegian Elkhound Bitch

Starting the year off right with another Group Second.Thank You Judge Dr. James Sillers.

Like all top quality Whiskey -this one only gets better with age!

Owned & Bred byJamieson LewisLaura Hall LewisMerrimack, NH

Handled byLaura Hall Lewis

Holly Lewis

SOMERRI KENNELS50 YEARS with 14 Generations of Norwegian Elkhounds

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*Number five overall, The Dog News Top Ten List, C.C. & S.S. All Breed Systems through February 2011

QualityNortheast

Multiple GroupPlacing

76 Dog News

ClickKENTUCKIANA

CLUSTERPHOTOS BY

MATTHEW H. STANDER

Dog News 77

handling chores with partner Geoff Corish, whowas judging on Saturday and Sunday, but whowas there to see Michael and Eric’s big win onSunday night. This makes the tenth Group win forthe Corish/Coad partnership and, between thetwo of them, they’ve captured three Crufts Bestsin Show, most recently with the immortal KerryCH/AM CH Torum’s Scarf Michael, aka “Mick” in2000. In second place was the Lowchen NordicCH Chic Choix Markey Lifar from Finland, ownedby Mr. I Ojala. Third place went to another for-eign dog, the Pug CH Tangetoppen’s Unbreak-able News, who hails from Norway and has titlesin nine countries. Fourth in Group was also aforeign dog, the Pomeranian CH Soffies QueenBee, who also sports four championship titles, in-cluding her home country of Denmark.

There were a total of 1231 exhibitors fromoutside the UK this year, representing 36 coun-tries. Nineteen came from the U.S., down from27 last year, a decrease that’s no doubt ex-plained by the difficult economy. There were 39American dogs entered in 2008. Largest foreignentry came, not surprisingly, from Ireland, withthe Netherlands not far behind. An astonishing104 dogs came from Russia, with 110 each fromFrance and Italy.

Of course, we heard about the disaster in Ja-pan during the show, and I spoke to several Jap-anese spectators who were trying desperatelyto contact family at home. One journalist whosat next to me on Sunday night had been ableto contact her family in Tokyo and found thatthey were safe. One of my friends in the pressis involved with international search and rescuedogs. We were having dinner one night at thehotel when he got a phone call and said, “I have

to leave. They’re sending search and rescue dogsto Japan and I need to prepare a press release.”After he returned to the table, he reported thatthey were deploying teams from Japan, Hawaiiand California. When the Japanese competitor inJunior Handling entered the ring on Sunday night,the applause was deafening.

Last group up was the Utility Group,which we call Nonsporting. Terry Neth-ercott did the honors. He has ownedchampions in Pekes, Whippets and Ti-betan Terriers, and has been involvedin dogs for 40 years. He found his #1dog in the Standard Poodle CH Vic-mars Rave on JW, owned by Mrs. Sha-

ron Pine-Haynes. He is top poodle, all sizes, andwas BIS at the national specialty. I was overjoyedto see the Lhasa bitchCH Zentarr Elizabeth, ownedby Mrs. M. Anderson, take the Reserve spot, as

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dfs CRUFTS 2011


she was sent forward by my friend Geoff Corish, whojudged an entry of 167 earlier in the day. Third went tothe Akita CH Ruthdales Candy From A Baby, ownedby the Bostock, Armstrong & Stark team, and handledby Akita/Shiba/Rottie specialist Liz Dunhill. SantoshaThunderbolt, the Shih Tzu owned by the Crossley’s,took the fourth place spot.

I was amazed to learn that Group competitors aretold that they are not to kneel down with their dogswhile the other dogs in the Group are being judged.Apparently the Kennel Club feels that it looks “untidy”!While we all admire the dog who free baits endlesslywith no outside assistance, I know from a lifetime interriers that it’s often necessary to get down to “doglevel” to get the most out of your dog in the ring. Ap-parently one very successful toy exhibitor was told,during Group judging, to get up off the floor, and shetold the Group steward in no uncertain terms to mindhis own business!

Crufts’ slogans over the years have been “TheBest of the Very Best” or “The World’s Ultimate DogShow.” After the very damaging television show Pedi-gree Dogs Exposed, in which purebred dogs weredescribed as “mutants” suffering from an endless va-riety of health problems, the Kennel Club has beenin damage-control mode. For the past several years,the slogan has been “Celebrating healthy, happydogs.” While the repetitive “these dogs are fit for func-tion, fit for life” was so excessive in past years that itwas almost embarrassing, this year it seemed to havemoderated somewhat. Prominently featured in Hall 3

was a large sign that said “Breeding For The FutureZone” staffed by vets, geneticists and “breeder spe-cialists.” Also offered was the Mate Selection Toolbox,with which breeders could obtain information on in-breeding coefficients for dogs and their offspring. Themating of close relatives was prohibited by the KennelClub sometime after the offensive TV show referred toabove.

Also included in Ronnie Irving’s opening address tothe press was the request that we all refer to the showby its new name, dfs Crufts. The company known asdfs is the largest purveyor of sofas in the UK and hasprovided major sponsorship for Crufts for two years,a necessity after Pedigree pulled out. With apolo-gies to Mr. Irving, I just can’t wrap my mind aroundit. I’m grateful that their sponsorship has allowed theshow to continue as the iconic event that it’s been formany years. I just wish that they had been content tosponsor the event, not change a name that’s been inplace since 1891.

While I sat with fingers crossed for my friends’Bichon, Mr. Dondina, as you’ve already read, ulti-mately chose the Flatcoat for his Best In Show, withReserve going to the winner of the Hound Group, theyoung PBGV.

After Best In Show judging was over, Mr. Dondinastood at ringside chatting with Peter Green, his armsaround his grandson who was clutching a stuffedbeagle. One look at the boy’s face told you that hewas captivated by the excitement of Crufts. Fifteenyears after my first Crufts, I still feel that way too.

80 Dog News

Dog News 81

dog news, march 25, 2011

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