AFGHAN HOUND Q&A
They can be aloof, but they are intelligent, albeit they can be catlike and work on their own terms. What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? I think every purebred dog breed faces the same predicament—we need proper exposure and the breeders and caretakers of this breed need to educate the public of their value as companions. As far as showing, there are too many dog shows and they are costly, so many have to pick and choose which to attend. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Watching attitude develop at about six weeks of age. A good dog becomes a great one if it believes in itself! I feel you can recognize that “IT” factor early on. We have had dogs with amazing structure that decide the shows bore them—so they were not campaigned, but finished and placed as companions. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? They are a moderate, aloof athlete in a silk suit. Approach them from the front and to the side. Exam- ine them quietly and efficiently—never stare them down nor manhandle them. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Exposure and education—Meet the Breeds in NYC and Orlando provide phenomenal public education and exposure! My ultimate goal for the breed? For the breed to look like the breed and to not become caricatures and that the true caretakers of the breed stay the course. My favorite dog show memory? Watching my big brother, Michael Canalizo, and our Ch. Tryst of Grandeur at the Garden from the floor of MSG—teamwork and poetry in motion! They inspired so many with their passion and dedication. There are still great examples of the breed to be found and rewarded from longtime dedicated preservation breeders. CONNIE & DUANE BUTHERUS
trot with high head and tail carriage, all that is expected of “The King Of Dogs”. A warrior, an athlete; strong with no effort. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Absolutely! Although the Afghan Hound is not so willing to please, it learns very quickly and cooperates as it feels suited. In all fairness to these dogs, they had more important things on their minds for 4,000 years, like self preservation. Having said this, and after a seemingly relentless puppyhood, the adult Afghan Hound makes an awesome pet. In the end, the Afghan Hound really is a domesticated animal. What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? Although I think we all face the same chal- lenges, the challenge that affects a breed like the Afghan Hound moreso is that diligence has been replaced by laziness, lack of imagi- nation, oh yeah, only one free hand. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I personally am confident making a decision at 10 to 12 weeks. I daresay I’ve not been wrong yet. The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The Afghan Hound is complicated, so much can be right, and so much can go wrong. The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Oh My G-d, if the dogs can’t do it, what can we do? I expect the same things that attracted me to the Afghan Hound 50 years ago; Piercing (black almond-shaped eyed) expression, the demeanor of Zeus, and heart-stopping Afghan Hound movement. PAMELA BRUCE Pamela is a fourth generation ‘dog person’. She finished her first champion Maltese at age four alongside her parents who bred Mal- tese and Lhasa Apsos. Pam has handled and appreciates all breeds. Her expertise: coat- ed breeds, conditioning and presenting numerous Top Hounds, Ter- riers, Toys. all varieties of Poodles, Giant Schnauzers, and Bearded Collies. She has also bred and exhibited top winning Weimaraners. For over 40 years, Pam specialized in the breed she is best known for co-piloting numerous record breaking hounds under the Afghans of ‘Grandeur’ prefix with her mentor, Michael Canalizo. Pam has bred top winning Airedale Terriers under the ‘Acco- lade’ prefix for the past 20+ years. She is a retired investigator with the Toronto Police Service— an expert, specializing in DNA “cold cases”, Dangerous Offenders, Sexual Assault /Child Abuse investigations. Pam is an all-breed judge, and has traveled the world. I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Outside of dogs, I like traveling, horses, sports and wine. Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I think the Afghan Hound is not for every person and their upkeep in more than an average breed, if being shown. I am not sure the ranking would affect the breed as dedi- cated breeders are the caregivers to this hound. My thoughts on patterned coats vs full coats? I can appreciate both coat types, but wish more all-rounders would understand and appreciate that more is not necessarily more. My thoughts on the impact of structure on movement and the effect it is having in the show ring? It is no secret my opinion on this subject. I have judged this breed all over the world. The breed standard has not changed since the approval September 14, 1948. This breed is to be a moderate athlete in a silk suit. Stick straight fronts, sloping toplines, over-angulated rears, Bor- zoi headed specimens are not an Afghan Hound—they are carica- tures—that should never be rewarded let alone bred to and from! Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dis- pel? That they are not an intelligent breed and that all are spooky.
Connie and Duane have been involved with Afghan Hounds since the late 1960s. Their limited breeding program has produced over 45 AKC title holders, multiple Group and Spe- cialty Show winners and International Champions. Several of their dogs have been incorporated into other successful breeding programs. In addition to being heavily involved in several local breed, Group and all- breed clubs, both Connie and Duane have been on the Afghan Hound Club of America Board of Directors and both have served as President. Current- ly Connie is the Club’s Delegate to the AKC. Duane holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry and teaches at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is a past Chairman of the Board of the AKC
Canine Health Foundation. He is an AKC approved judge of the breed and has judged the AHCA National Specialty, the Canadian National Specialty, in Australia, New Zealand, England and Bel- gium. He is also a Delegate for an All-Breed Club. Connie is a retired Heathcare Administrator for the State of New Jersey. She holds the title of Certified Public Manager in addi- tion to academic degrees and professional licensure. The Butherus household is shared with several Afghan Hounds, a Whippet and one very independent cat.
246 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020
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