Q&A ˃QZGT a combination of SAR for Sarge and KEL for Kelly. These two dogs were our beginning and the ones who led us into the future with great passion. We have had many show dogs since the day Herb drove me home to the mountains with Sarge (at 8 weeks) wiggling in my arms. Over 30 champions had their beginnings with SARKEL and we are proud of all of them. To date there have been three Dams of Merit wearing the Sarkel name: Ch. Sarkel’s Promise of Cross Bars, CD, Ch. Sarkel’s Promising Future and Ch. Sarkel’s Setum Up Again At Nantess. 2. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Boxers? What do you consider the ultimate hallmark of the breed? What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? When judging Boxers I look first for a medium-sized, square dog. I begin my examination with the head; it must be in balance with the rest of the dog. It is often said that the head is the hallmark of our breed and that is true to some extent but I also know that this breed does not go around the ring on their heads. A too large head, or not enough head can throw the balance off. Expres- sion is important, I want to look into those eyes and know there is somebody home. Good shoulders, a short back, good tail set and movement always come into play. Feet are also important to me, a dog with bad feet or flat feet will not move as they should. Lastly, but very impor- tantly, is temperament! A Boxer is a stand your ground dog and should be fearless in any situation. There is no room for a dog that is frightened of their own shadow. I will forgive a longer back, especially in a bitch, as long as the rest of the dog is balanced. Sometimes the tail set is a little lower than I would like but again that does not create problems in movement. The one thing I will not forgive is temperament. 4. How has the breed changed since you became involved with it? Do you see any trends you think are moving the breed in the wrong direction? Any traits becoming exaggerated? The breed has evolved a great deal since the early begin- nings yet there are still some Boxer greats from the past that I feel would still be very competitive today. I would hope we can return to creating some of the sparkle seen in dogs gone by. I find today there are too many trying to make the Boxer taller in order to compete in the very competitive group ring. When they get taller every- thing changes--they are no longer square, the shoulders become too steep, the rear angulation is compromised and overall they are not what I look for. The Boxer is a
cropped ear look is their crown. However, that being said, I have no problem with an uncropped dog as long as the ears stand erect and pitch forward as they should. What we, as breeders and owners, decide to do about ears is not something the dog is responsible for and they should not be penalized for the human’s decisions. To me its always the overall package and balance. 6. Is there anything Boxer handlers do you wish they would not? For years the Boxer has been considered a handler’s dog and there are many good Boxer handlers today and in days gone by. A good handler is invisible to me in the ring as my focus is always on the dogs. In recent years I have come to appreciate the owner handlers too, some do a remarkable job and it is always good to see the teamwork between them and their special dog. 7. Name a dog not
currently being shown that exemplifies your ideal type. There have been many great Boxers in years gone by, but one who comes to mind almost immediately is Ch. Salgray’s Fashion Plate, Sire of Merit. I would love to see him walk into my ring today. 8. Anything else you’d like to add? I have been judging since 2008 and have done many specialty shows through-
Ch. salgray's Fashion Plate
out the United States. One of the highlights was being given the privilege to judge dogs at the 2013 American Boxer Club Specialty. I have also judged in New Zealand and Ireland and have an upcoming assignment in Mexico. To me I carry a great responsibility every time I enter the ring to judge but I am pleased to say I have always found the right dog on the right day, at least that’s my opinion. Over the years I have always worked in some form of law enforcement. I currently work for the Department of Cor- rections in Oklahoma. Herb and I raised three children, two sons and a daughter. My daughter, Doris, is my dog child and she and I always have fun traveling together to dog shows. Boxers remain a big part of my life. Right now five of them share my home with me. I also enjoy reading, traveling and writing, about my favorite breed of course. To date I have written two fictional books about our breed and also was a regular contributor to the Boxer Review and now the Boxer Daily magazine. I try hard to keep my finger on the pulse of our breed and will con- tinue to mentor and talk Boxers with anyone who wishes to do so.
medium-sized dog, not large or extra large. 5. How do you feel about uncropped ears? Undocked tails?
Personally I prefer the cropped ear. I consider Boxers as one of the aristocrats of the breeds and to me the
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