AFGHAN HOUND Q&A
“Judges should base their decisions on the quality of the dog and how well they represent the standard and not be influenced by the coat pattern”
the breed. So many breeders have retired from breeding and exhib- iting or they have become involved in other breeds that require less maintenance. The number of Afghans being shown has greatly fall- en so much so that in many areas, especially in the West, it is hard to get majors. The number of Afghans currently being shown seems to be more concentrated on the East coast than anywhere else in the country. My thoughts on patterned coats vs full coats? It doesn’t matter to me what type of coat pattern they have. Judges should base their decisions on the quality of the dog and how well they represent the standard and not be influenced by the coat pattern. I know that many breeder-judges will put up a patterned Afghan whereas all rounders rarely put up patterned dogs. My thoughts on the impact of structure on movement and the effect it is having in the show ring? To me structure and its effect on movement is very important. The Afghan is a square breed. They should appear balanced when standing and moving. Today you see dogs that have much more kick in their rears than they do reach. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dis- pel? Afghans do have a very independent nature. However, aside from being show dogs they can be trained for obedience, rally, agil- ity, Canine Good Citizen, Barnhunt, Nosework, therapy dog and trick dog. What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? Afghans aren’t for everyone. They are a high maintenance, large breed that requires a lot of care and expense whether you are a breeder or an owner. It has been much harder for people to find a puppy since fewer litters are being bred. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Of course we look at them when they first come out of the sac. We begin evaluating them at six, eight and 12 weeks of age through table training and video and watching them moving around on their own and playing with them. By 12 weeks we have made our evaluation as to which one we decide to keep and which ones will either be going to a show home or pet home. The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? They are a balanced breed when standing and mov- ing. They should not be over exaggerated in anyway. The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Through education when you are inquired about the breed and the different things they can do with their dog if they choose to own one. My ultimate goal for the breed? That the breed is preserved. My favorite dog show memory? The show that our bitch Multi BIS and SBIS Ch. Stormhill’s Who’s Zoomin Who broke the record for the most BIS wins by an Afghan Hound bitch in the history of the breed. She retired with 20 BIS. I’d also like to share about the breed that even though they are high maintenance, they make wonderful companions. SUSAN HAMLIN
at the National Warplane Museum (flying on a restored B-17, the Fuddy Duddy, every weekend), wrote a book Welcome to the With- erill about my family’s hotel in Plattsburgh, New York where I grew up, and am presently a board member of the Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, and currently working with another board member on a book about Elmira’s role in the Civil War. I got involved with dogs as a kid (Cocker Spaniels), won the Gaines Girl Show Dog award in 1953, former member of the Elmira Kennel Club—past board member and show chairman; member— Afghan Hound Club of America (past recording secretary, board member, trophy chairman, compiled and edited “Afghan Hounds in America” in early 70s, former “TopKnot News” editor, imple- mented the AHCA’s iconic logo); founding member of the Finger Lakes Afghan Hound Club. Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I’d like it better if the breed ranked under 100 (between 90 and 100). Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? Smaller entries either means that dogs aren’t being shown and/or that fewer are being bred and/or registered. We’ll probably never again see the entries of the 70s and 80s, but it would be nice to see larger entries at all- breed shows and really good numbers at our showcase specialties. So, I think the low numbers hurt, but on the other hand, maybe we can hope that fewer breeders are concentrating on more quality and adherence to the standard. But as numbers go down, quality can be jeopardized. My thoughts on patterned coats vs full coats? The standard says that either is acceptable. However, full coat on legs and feet are pleasing and show off large, broad feet. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? That Afghan Hounds are dumb. My experience is that they stay way ahead of most of their owners. They just don’t do things the way some of the so-called “smart” breeds do them. I put a C.D. on my first champion, and learned that it had to be done her way. Once I learned that, the “training” went smoothly. What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? Having to deal with animal rights people, who pass themselves off as animal welfare advocates (big difference between them). Breeding/exhibiting is not an inexpensive sport, so dedication and continual learning has to be there. Be humble—and always know that there is more to learn. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? It’s good to start looking as soon as pups are up on their feet. They can change of course, but you can start to see structure, tempera- ment and attitude. The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? An elegant, squarely structured breed, that should carry himself proudly like the “king” of dogs he is. Learn about the structure under the coat. The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Be kind and be open to newcomers who are curious about the breed and want to learn more. My favorite dog show memory? Ch. Ninth Turn Argus was being handled by Jane Forsyth at the Westchester show circa 1973/1974. Argus had won the breed and was sitting on the grooming table under the tent awaiting Jane’s return from another Group ring in order for her to take him into the Hound Group. I guess he got tired of waiting, jumped off the table and just circled the ring (where another Group was being judged) with that lovely long-reaching trot that he was known for, head and tail up like he owned the place. Someone hollered, “Loose dog!” and people scrambled to catch
I live in Elmira (New York’s south- ern tier). I retired as the administrative manager (handled all non-academic functions) of Cornell’s College of Vet- erinary Medicine’s Baker Institute, an off-campus unit (where the canine dis- temper and parvovirus vaccines were developed). I now volunteer in my community—worked on the restora- tion of an antique carousel, volunteered
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020 | 251
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