q3 2015 inside this issue - dog judge › images › uploads › cdja_newsletter_q3_2015_i… ·...
TRANSCRIPT
I am still in summer mode so I will
try to keep my report short!
Summer in BC was hot and dry with
too many forest fires and too little
rain. Fortunately in the last week
the rains came and everyone who
lives in rural BC breathed a sigh of
relief. Certainly we experienced ex-
treme weather conditions and with
it the worries of showing dogs at
outside shows. Australia set some
guidelines a few years ago for ex-
treme heat. Will Canada head in the
same direction? As a Judge at an
outdoor show how to you cope with
high temperatures?
As we head toward the end of Sep-
tember and CDJA Elections I again
encourage people to consider their
involvement with our organization.
All nominations must be sent to
Heather Langfeld Secretary CDJA
by September 21st. All information
can be found on the CDJA website.
The Annual conference and AGM
will be held in Moncton NB October
31st and November 1st. If you
have not had the opportunity to
listen to our keynote speaker,
Michael Canalizo, this is a confer-
ence you should not miss! All infor-
mation is available on the CDJA
website. Mr Canalizo will give
seminars on the Afghan and Grey-
hound breeds as well as an over-
view of Sight Hounds. There will
also be presentations on the Rat
Terrier and Beauceron. These
breeds were added to the CKC
breed groups July 1st 2015. I trust
every-one has written the Judges
exam?
In August 2015 CKC received approval
from Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-
food Canada for the CKC Bylaw
Amendments voted on in the 2014
Referendum. Important changes for
judges to note are:
1. Name changes for the following
breeds.
a. ‘Dutch Sheepdog’ to ‘Schapendoes ‘
b. ‘Japanese Spaniel’ to ‘Japanese
Chin’
c. ‘St. Bernard’ to ‘Saint Bernard’
Small but important changes for us to
remember!
2. Rules of Eligibility were approved
for:
a. The four Setters
b. The Flat coat Retriever
c. Curly coat Retriever.
At the June 2015 Board meeting the
Board approved amendments to the
Sealyham terrier, the Papillon and the
Pug. Please ensure you received the
breed updates from CKC.
Wishing you Interesting assignments!
CDJA Executive:
President—Margaret Jones [email protected]
Past President—Thora Brown
VP Programs—Carmen Haller
VP Administration—Barbara
Heal
Treasurer—Phil Wendling
Secretary—Heather Langfeld
Presidents Report 1
VP Report 2
Treasurer Report 2
2015 CKC/CDJA
Conference
3
Membership 3
Regional Reps 4
Regional Reports 5
Election 5
Spanish Water Dog 6
Inside this issue:
President’s Report—Margaret Jones
CDJA News & Views
Q3 2015
PLEASE TAKE THE
TIME TO VOTE!!!
2015 was a very busy year. The can-cellation of the 2014 conference re-sulted in the formation of an ad hoc committee to review the format and make recommendations for future direction. The committee consisted of myself, Bob Whitney, Thora Brown, Ainslie Mills and Nancy Popovich. Recommendations included continu-ing our ties with the CKC, review ex-panding the roles the various judges groups have in participating in these conferences and ensure flexibility of dates where needed. Because of the demographics of our country, it was recommended to continue with year-ly conferences but rotate east to west. East is Ontario to the Atlantic, West is Manitoba to the Pacific. The
2015 conference is the last one in the traditional rotation. In 2016 the conference will move to the Greater Victoria area of Vancouver Island and the Vancouver Island Dog Judg-es Study Group will take the reins. Exact dates and location will be an-nounced later by the new VP Pro-grams. See the 2015 conference flyer in this newsletter and on the CDJA web site. It also includes ses-sions on measuring, DQ’s, social media, judging situations, FCI and helpful hints. No doubt it will be a very busy and informative weekend.
Although I have enjoyed my years on the executive as VP Admin & more recently VP Programs, I have decided not to run for election this
Sub total $3,648.81
Expenses for Sept. 2015
Plan fee 15.00
statement fee 2.00
Total expenses 17.00
Closing balance for Sept, 2015
3,631.81
Accounts as of Sept 1, 2015
Manulife Investments, Jun 25, 2016
- $32,843.58
Variable rate GIC purchased on Mar
3, 2014, $15,771.53
BMO investment $7,884.18
Total GIC’s $56,499.29
Opening bank balance for Sept
1, 2015 $3,648.81
Income for Sept 2015
$0.0
Outstanding debits
Mercuri Teleconferencing 14.85
Thora Brown, Sept 2015 CKC board
meeting 669.08
Total outstanding debits
683.93
Closing balance for Sept 30,
2015 2,947.88
VP Programs—Carmen Haller
Treasurer Report—Phil Wendling
Whether CC should be involved in Top Dog Stats at all was referred back to its committee.
Approved polling the membership for approval to add the Russell Terrier to Listed breeds.
With approval of 2014 Referen-dum items, Directors can no long-er attend CDJA/CKC Conference at no charge.
The question of the timing of the availability of judging schedules prior to shows was referred to Conformation Council.
The section on Emeritus Judges was referred to EOC for review. T
The matter of the removal or suspension of judging privi-leges for cause was referred to the EOC for review.
Work of Ear Cropping, Tail Docking Committee is on-going.
CKC Synopsis available on line
There is a survey on the CKC site to get opinion on possible CKC actions. HAVE YOU TAKEN ONE??
Work of Ear Cropping, Tail Docking Committee is on-going.
Amendments to the standards for the Giant Schnauzer & Schipperke were tabled till De-cember for clarification.
Much discussion regarding Re-serve Best in Show. Referred back to Conformation Council.
CKC UPDATE courtesy of Thora Brown
Page 2 CDJA News & Views
term. Thanks to everyone for all your support over the years. I look forward to continuing to support our organization in a less formal capacity. Hope you are planning to attend the confer-ence in Moncton.
SEE FLYER ON THE 2015 CKC/CDJA CONFERENCE ON PAGE 3.
Membership fees submitted us-
ing PayPal can be sent to
Please check the web site for
changes to member contact
information.
CDJA ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
OCTOBER 31, 2015
Held in conjunction with
the conference in Monc-
ton New Brunswick at
the end of the day
~ 5 pm
Membership Report—Allan Brown
Page 3 CDJA News & Views
CDJA Committee Chairs
Membership – Allan Brown
Newsletter -Heather Langfeld
Education Coordinator – Pam Bruce
Sponsor Liaison & Public Relations– Barbara Heal
On Line Seminars – Barbara Arndt
BC Vancouver Island - Doreen Marsh
BC Mid Vancouver Is. - Mavis McClintock
BC Langley - Brent Wright
BC Okanagan - Dianne Ivey
Alberta North - Nancy Popovich
Alberta South - Sharon Derrick
Saskatchewan - Marg Moran-McQuinn
Manitoba - Corinne Walker
Newfoundland - Wendy Anderson
Ontario East - Joy Hodgkinson
Ontario Southeast - Heather Langfeld
Ontario Thousand Islands—Leta Bett
Ontario/Quebec St. Lawrence Region—Mike Lanctot
Ontario Greater Toronto Area—Pam Bruce
Atlantic Canada - Cheryl Myers-Egerton
Regional Representatives
Feature Breed Article
Spanish Water Dog
Read on and enjoy in the attachment...Read on and enjoy in the attachment...Read on and enjoy in the attachment...
Page 4 CDJA News & Views
Regional Reports
Ont/Quebec—St. Lawrence region
The Saint Lawrence Region Dog Judges Association continue with their regular study sessions on the first Wednesday of every month. On 3 June we enjoyed a presentation on the compari-son of the Cardigan & Pembroke Welsh Corgis by Barbara DuPree and Barbara Huffman, July 1st was the Gordon Setter presented by Alastair Sutherland and on September 2nd a compari-son of the Setter breeds by Allan & Thora Brown. We have two more presentations planned to wrap up our year.
CDJA thanks Eukanuba for their support
Nominations for positions on the CDJA Executive closed on September 21st in accordance
with the Constitution/By-Laws.
The following positions were acclaimed:
PRESIDENT Margaret Jones (BC)
VICE PRESIDENT ADMIN Barbara Heal (ON)
VICE PRESIDENT PROGRAMS Grant Townsend (BC)
SECRETARY Heather Langfeld (ON)
DIRECTOR WEST Corinne Walker (MB)
DIRECTOR WEST Brent Wright (BC)
The following positions require a ballot vote. The ballots will be mailed by October 15th in
accordance with the Constitution/By-Laws. Ballots MUST be returned no later than
December 1st to the Returning Officer Bud Milsom.
All CDJA members are eligible to vote for the following position:
TREASURER with 2 Nominees - Lynda Saranchuk (BC) and Phil Wendling (ON)
CDJA members in the East Zone (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince
Edward Island and Newfoundland/Labrador) are eligible to vote for the following positions:
DIRECTOR EAST (2) with four nominees—Kathrine Grant, Joy Huntley, Michael Lanctot,
David Swartwood.
Note that the nominee with the third highest number of votes will also take a Director–at-
large position.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VOTE
Judging the Spanish Water Dog
By Marnie Harrison Despite the relatively recent appearance of these dogs in the U.S. and Canada, the Spanish Water Dog is an ancient breed of the Iberian
Peninsula, and has a long history of working as a herding dog, and assisting fishermen and hunters. Known also as the Turco Andaluz or Perro de Agua Español (PDAE) this breed is being seen in increasing numbers at dog shows throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Key to judging the appearance and structure of the Spanish Water Dog,
is an understanding of its historic tasks, and the need for a robust, energetic and practical working dog. The breed is known by its rustic appearance, distinctive coat, correct head and expression, medium but not fine-boned size, and slightly longer that tall proportions. This breed should appear moderate in all respects. In Canada, the SWD is still classified as a Miscellaneous breed with the CKC, and the Standard in use is an English translation of the FCI Standard. Some elements of this translation lack detail and/or may vary from the original Spanish intent (no one can explain why the word “dolichocephalic” appears in this version). It is hoped that this article can add clarity to what the Standard offers. Judges taking assignments in the U.S. should also be aware that the Standard in use by the AKC was written by the American breed club, and there are a small number of significant differences between that version and the FCI Standard. The FCI placement of this breed in Group 8, Section 3 has resulted in the Spanish Water Dog being placed in the Sporting Dog Group in Canada. The American Kennel Club, at the request of the U.S. parent club, has
placed them in the Herding Group, which is more in keeping with the breed’s history. The distinctive coat of the Spanish Water Dog will demonstrate significant curl even when short, and will form rustic cords as it grows. The word
"rustic” cannot be over emphasized when describing this breed, and the coat is never to be brushed or otherwise aesthetically groomed. With the exception of appropriate trimming for hygiene purposes, this breed is always to be presented clipped to the same length over the entire dog, and cords are never to be trimmed or sculpted. At a maximum length of 15 cm when extended, the ends of
the cords should show a natural taper, never a blunt cut. Because of the considerable variation in coat length in the presentation of the SWD, judging the breed requires careful and thorough use of the hands for accurate appraisal of each dog. The pictures below are of the same dog in two very different stages of coat.
While the quality and natural presentation of the coat are an essential element of this breed, the length of coat (provided it is within the parameters of the Standard) should not significantly impact the success of a dog in the conformation ring. Excessively thick or soft coats are more likely to form thick mats and are therefore less desirable than a coarser texture with a strong curl that will form a natural cord on the body of the
dog. Unless the dog is still a puppy, wavy or smooth coats that lack a definite curl should be severely penalized. The Standard is quite clear in describing the acceptable coat colors of any solid color, or bi-color where one color is always white. Tri-color, black and tan, or hazelnut and tan (as seen in the picture to the right) are not permitted. The description of spotted and flecked coats being a disqualification however, could be quite misleading to North American judges, and requires further explanation. In Europe, one will see many dogs in the show ring with flecking/ticking in their coats. In her commentary on the breed, Norwegian Judge, Maija Heinila describes differentiating between acceptable and unacceptable flecks/spots as follows, “The white and black, and white and brown individuals may develop ticking in the coat but as long as these have been born with fields of black (or brown), they are to be treated equally with the other accepted colors…The individuals which are born white, but develop spots like Dalmatian with age must be disqualified; these dogs do not have big fields of black or brown, only ticking. Do not mix this up with white/black and white/brown individual with ticking – as long as the dog has big brown or white fields (+ the ticking) this color is just as accepted as the others are.”
The dog pictured to the left is a fine example of a white and black dog with ticking. He holds championships in several European countries, as well as being a past European Show winner. Because the gene causing colors to fade is very prevalent in the breed, considerable variation in brown and black
coloring will be seen, and all are equally acceptable. Judges will also want to be aware that the AKC Standard has removed all reference to spotting as a fault in its description of coat color. The FCI Standard describes the rectilinear appearance of this breed as “of rather elongated harmonious shape.” The proportions given for the breed are 9/8, with the length being considered from the point of shoulder
in the front to the point of pelvis in the rear. Height is from the top of the withers to the surface on which the dog is standing. Given that the breed is described as longer than tall, these dogs should never appear leggy or rangy, and it may be appropriate for judges to be more forgiving of a slightly long dog than one that is square or taller than long. However, it is also important to be vigilant regarding dogs having significantly long bodies, often the result of too much length of loin. This is a common fault in the breed. The rectilinear appearance of a preferred Spanish Water Dog is further reinforced with a correct topline, which remains level from a barely noticeable rise at the withers to where it meets a slightly sloped croup. On the bottom of this “rectangle” the judge should see a broad and well let down chest, descending to half the height of the dog at the withers, and a belly that is
slightly tucked up. Excessive tuck up is incorrect, and the ribs should be well arched to indicate the ample lung capacity of an active, athletic dog. The resulting overall impression should be one of a sturdy working companion. Note the level topline on the dog to the left, and excellent proportions. The dog below lacks substance for her height. She is long in the
neck and body, and her topline is not level. Her croup shows too much slope, and the rise to her withers is incorrect. There is considerable height variation described in the Standard, and it should be noted that the maximum weight given for males would not be adequate for a male of maximum height. It is more important for judges to determine that the weight carried by a given
dog is appropriate for its overall size, and that the height is within the limits described by the standard. The head and expression of this breed should suggest strength and intelligence. With a ratio of approximately 2:3, the length of the muzzle should be noticeably less than that of the skull. The axes of the skull and muzzle are parallel, and the resulting profile of the face is rectilinear. The skull is broad and flat on top, descending to the muzzle with a fairly slight stop. Ideally the muzzle tapers only slightly to the front. The preferred eye is almond shaped rather than round. Eye color will vary, but a darker eye is expected in dogs with a primarily darker brown or black coat. A scissor bite is preferred; level is acceptable. The adult dog should have strong teeth with full dentition and well developed canine teeth. The lips should be close fitting and pigmented as the nose. Judges will need to be able to “see past” the coat differences in their appraisal of the heads in this breed. Again, one can see two pictures of the same dog with two different coat lengths.
These pictures show a dog with a correct head having good proportions between the muzzle and skull. The axes are aligned nicely, and this dog has an appropriately moderate stop.
This picture shows a dog whose head is incorrect in several respects. The plane of the muzzle slopes away from the plane of the top of the skull, the ear set is low and the ears too long for the size of the dog, and the length of the muzzle is proportionally too long relative to that of the skull.
Described as “short” in the Standard, the neck should be strong, of moderate length with a slight arch, and set well into the shoulders. A dog with the appearance of a short neck may in fact be found to have poor shoulder structure. Proper structure in the forequarters is essential to the success of this breed in its work. The forechest should be well developed with the tip of the sternum easily discernible. Shoulders should be well muscled with proper angulation. Upright shoulder blades and upper arms are common faults in the breed, affecting length of stride and depending on the shoulder placement, may also decrease the prominence of the sternum and cause the neck to appear short. The legs are straight and sturdy with elbows close to the chest and parallel. The front feet are ideally parallel and forward with rounded, tight toes and sturdy, resistant pads; toes should not turn inwards or outwards. Front dewclaws may or may not be present. The hindquarters are to be moderately angulated, but need to be in balance with the forequarters for properly synchronized and coordinated movement. The upper thigh is well muscled, and one should see good bend in the stifle. The hock is well let down to a short and perpendicular rear pastern. With the expectation of athleticism necessary for energetic impulsion and ease of
jumping, cow hocks or significantly narrow hind- quarters are noteworthy faults. Typically in North America, the majority of Spanish Water Dogs are seen with docked tails, but an increasing number of undocked dogs are being seen depending on regulations in the country or region of origin. The breed also carries brachyouria, or the “bob-tail gene” which can
result in offspring of varying tail lengths. Preference should not be given to dogs based on tail length.
While the Standard described a medium tail set and a slightly sloping croup, the Spanish have declined to describe correct tail carriage. In keeping with the correct set and croup, one would expect the tail to be carried level with the topline or slightly curved over the back. Because this has traditionally been a dock-tailed breed, tails with curls and kinks may be seen, and with no mention of this in the Standard, it would not be appropriate to penalize these dogs. The Standard could not be more brief in its description of movement, “The preferred gait is a trot.” Given the structure and historical work of this breed however, the trot should suggest efficiency and ease of movement,
as well as strength and endurance. Dogs should be allowed to move at an appropriate speed, preferably on a loose leash; handlers should avoid the temptation to gait them too quickly. When moving, the topline of the dog should appear straight and stable. As speed increases, there will be some
convergence coming and going. The head typically is held forward, not high as the dog moves. As a breed that served many purposes in rural Spain, Spanish Water Dogs have historically been valued for their intelligence and alert and protective nature, as well as an enthusiastic work ethic. These dogs are exceptionally loyal and devoted to their owners/families to the point where it has been said that if one wants to borrow the dog, he or she must also borrow the shepherd. The transition from that role to the conformation ring has at times been challenging for these dogs who would really prefer to not be touched by persons unknown. Judges should be aware of this wariness of strangers in their manner with this breed. A calm, confident approach from the front is suggested, and if possible a brief pause for a hand sniff prior to examining the dog. Excessive shyness in dogs (other than inexperienced puppies) and any sign of aggressive behaviour however, should not be tolerated. As a brief addendum, the question is often asked, “What is the difference between the Spanish Water Dog and the Lagotto Romagnolo?” With extremely limited knowledge of this Italian truffle hunter, my quick answer would be profile, substance and head. Profile: The Lagotto is essentially a square dog with the topline rising gently from the top of the square (set at the high point of the croup) to high set withers. Substance: While the height range given for male Lagotto is 43 – 49 cm with a weight range of 13 to 16 kg, a male Spanish Water Dog is
essentially the same height (44 – 50 cm), but the weight range is 18 – 22 kg, making it a much sturdier and more substantial dog. Head: The Lagotto head is domed rather than flat on top, and the muzzle to skull ratio is skull 56% to muzzle 44% compared to the Spanish Water Dog’s 2/3 (67%) skull to 1/3 (33%) muzzle. For an excellent resource detailing the Morphological Standard of the Lagotto Romagnolo, I would refer interested individuals to the Hesiodos Kennel website: http://www.hesiodos.se/rasstandardeng.htm