TOY GROUP Q&A
DEBBIE CAMPBELL-FREEMAN
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Not really, nor is there any purpose to do so. How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation, conditioning and expression are all very important (as the Toys’ function is to be decorative and amus- ing). Mental as well as structural soundness is important. They are small, but self-assured dogs. Their interactive personalities are befit- ting a companion. They should make you smile. Conditioning goes beyond being well groomed/coated to include muscle tone/fitness. Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? In reference to bite, Toy breed standards are all over the board. Consider func- tion; most importantly, how the jaw structure defines the outward expression. Alignment is more important than missing teeth. Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? Overall quality is quite good. I’m concerned about Chihuahua bites, and size in Havanese. I’m pleased to see more Chins, but disappointed to see fewer Shih Tzu and Yorkies. There’s strong competition in Cavaliers and Pugs. Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? As delightful companions, small size is conducive to today’s living situ- ations. Drawbacks being the perceived coat care (most often misun- derstood), difficulty breeding/whelping, and small litters. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? Some breeds, once very popular, have become low entry. At times, an entry is made up by one exhibitor with some dogs there just to make a major; [they’re] not shown because they are show quality exhibits. Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? Soft and gentle, please, please; light hands, no sudden move- ments. Also, please respect the Toys’ space on the floor—do not hover over them. Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? As long as the surface, be it a hard surface or grass, is smooth and the climate pleasant (no wind, rain, extreme cold/heat), indoors or outside should not matter. When raised correctly and trained, they can be good show dogs, for the most part (there’s always that stub- born individual). What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? I’m rewarded by the interaction with the dogs; challenged by dogs that are not happy being shown, and owners who make excuses for this behavior. Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? The York- shire Terrier Ch. Cede Higgins, with stunning coat, flawless struc- ture, always wanting to please; owner-handled by Marlene Switzer. Toy Poodle Ch Rain Songs Destinys Dance (better known as Macarena), presented by Timothy Brazier who let this delightfully self-possessed black Toy show herself. Her attitude said, “Dare me.” [She possessed] wonderful breed type. She is why I love Poodles. I would be remiss not to include the center of my life, the Peking- ese. Ch. St. Aubrey Bees Wing of Elsdon (Luc Boileau/Ed Jenner); superbly structured, compact, correct coat, assured air, captivat- ing expression with those melting eyes—Peter is the epitome of Pekingese type. Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Definitely, but realize that very often the Toy dog wants to do things its own way—and will play games with you. Many enjoy the challenge of Companion events, and this strength- ens the bond between dog and owner. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? More of a memory that always makes me smile; at my first Poodle specialty, in the Puppy Bitch Class with beauti- ful black Toys, each handler coaxing, “Here, Sophia,” knowing full well my heartthrob was a black Toy, “Montec Sophia.”
Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman resides in Ventura, California, with husband Ron. Her mother had Poo- dles and she bred English Cocker Spaniels for over 20 years. Debbie was born and raised in the San Fran- cisco Bay area and showed Miniature Poodles in Conformation, Obedience, and Jr. Showmanship as a child. She attained a Masters Degree
from the University of California Berkeley. In 1981, she purchased her first English Cocker Spaniel, and over 20 years she bred 88 Champions, several multiple Best in Show and Specialty Winners, including Best of Breed at the National Specialty twice, and mul- tiple Pedigree Award Winners. She currently holds the record for the youngest English Cocker to ever win an All-Breed Best in Show (Beverly Hills KC 1989). The dog was 14 months old! She also had the oldest EC to ever win a Specialty Best of Breed, the dog was 12-1/2 years old. She had several number one ECS in the country, spanning from 1983-2005. Mrs. Campbell-Freeman currently judges the Sporting, Hound, Toy, Terrier, and Non-Sporting Groups, several Working breeds, plus Best in Show and Juniors. She judged several Sporting and Toy Breeds at the Westminster KC show in February, 2013. The Affenpinscher she awarded Best of Breed went on to win Best in Show at Westminster! Ron and I enjoy overseas travel. Of course, with the Covid situ- ation, those trips have been postponed—who knows for how long! We enjoy working in the yard and other outdoor activities. As a child we had Mini Poodles. So, of course, I was around many Toy Poodles and, consequently, watched many Toy Groups. Apart from size, how would I define the Toy Group? Like all Groups, the Toy Group is made up of long and short coats, wiry coats, and double coats; different head types, movement, etc. It is important to understand and interpret each breed standard for the exhibits presented to you. Do I personally divide the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” I do not personally divide the Toy Group into “subgroups.” I try to judge to each breed’s AKC standard to the best of my ability. How important are presentation and conditioning in the Toy breeds? Presentation is important in all judging. A dog that is clean, presented properly (meaning not racing around the ring) is impor- tant. Condition should always be a top priority for a breeder/owner- handler. An overweight, dirty dog is not what putting your best dog forward is all about! Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? I do not reward a bite that does not adhere to that breed’s standard. Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Toy Group? I think the current quality in our Toy Groups is outstanding. Whenever I judge the Toy Group, I never have enough ribbons! ! Obviously, some breeds are better in different areas of the country than others, as depends on where good breeders live and attend dog shows. Overall, the quality is wonderful. Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? Toy breeds have always been popular for their obvious small size. A good breeder doesn’t need acres of land to breed quality Toy dogs! ! There is such variation among the Toy breeds; there is something for everyone. Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? I don’t find specific challenges in judging low entry breeds. Sometimes as a judge you may only have an entry of three, but they are all quite nice and look their part according to the AKC breed standard.
148 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020
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