Q&A ˃QZGT
10. Name a dog not currently being shown that exemplifies your ideal type. CH Kieblas Tradition of TuRo, aka “Tiggin”. I only had the opportunity to see her on a couple occasions, but this top-winning Boxer bitch made a lasting impression on me as she exhibited the very
on the boards and as show chairman. I also am a Life Member of the American Boxer Club, currently serving as Secretary. Outside of dogs, I volunteer at St. Paul Lutheran School that is an elementary school associated with the church I attend. I am on the school board serving as treasurer and I volunteer in the library as a helper. I love “digging in the dirt” so I enjoy taking care of my flower beds and hope to plant a small garden next year. I enjoy time with my dogs and we foster for the local Boxer rescue when they need our help. 2. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Boxers? What do you consider the ultimate hallmark of the breed? Overall balance, square; headpiece structure and bal- ance; topline; movement; proper reach and drive (com- ing and going as well as around the ring). The headpiece on a Boxer is definitely the hallmark of the breed along with the overall balance of head and body. 3. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? Shortcomings I forgive to some degree: more undershot than they should be as long as the teeth are not show- ing with the mouth closed Faults I find hard to overlook: a dip in the topline, long loin/length of body, unstable temperament (shy or aggressive). 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? Boxers have gotten taller and more refined, although I think that is trending back a little. As in many breeds, front-end structure is a problem and it is not easy or quick to fix. I don’t see any traits becoming exaggerated. 5. How do you feel about uncropped ears? Undocked tails? Uncropped ears don’t bother me at all as long as the ear set and the lay of the ear is correct. It gives the Boxer a softer look, not as regal as a cropped ear. I really don’t like undocked tails and, while they are not a disqualifica- tion in our breed, they are to be highly penalized. 6. Is there anything Boxer handlers do you wish they would not? Handlers who throw bait. I have seen spectators and other exhibitors get hit with the bait that is slung around the ring. 7. Name a dog not currently being shown that exemplifies your ideal type. If possible, please include a photo and/or explanation. Since the “perfect” Boxer has not yet been born, I hesitate to name a specific dog although I have judged dogs that have come close to the ideal in my mind’s eye.
essence of breed type, elegance and movement!
SANDY ORR
1. Please tell us about your background in Boxers, including kennel name, high- lights, judging experience. We’d also like to know where you live and what you do outside of dogs. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and I have lived in this area all of my life. We purchased our first Box- er in 1973, a plain brindle bitch. With help from our mentor, we
bred her in 1976 which was the beginning of Orrkid Box- ers. Two bitches out of the first litter were sent to show homes on the coast. Both became champions, one was an American Boxer Club Dam of Merit (DOM) and one was the dam of two BIS dogs. We didn’t really jump into showing until we purchased our second Boxer in 1981. She was shown by a local handler and finished quickly. She was bred twice and produced four champions mak- ing her a DOM. With limited breeding over the next 15 years, we bred and/or owned 12 champions. Five of those were breeder-owner-handled to their championship. One of those was a bitch I got back at the age of five because her owner passed away. We finished her at the age of seven with three majors and time out to have a litter. In 1988, we specialed a bitch who won several group place- ments including a couple of Group ones—all breeder/ owner/handled. We bred our last litter in 2001. I applied to judge in 2004 and was approved for Boxers and junior showmanship. I since have applied for and am approved for Dobermans, Siberian Husky and Samoyed. I enjoy judging and have judged throughout the US as well as Canada and Mexico. The highlight of my judging career has to be the honor of judging dogs at the Ameri- can Boxer Club Specialty in 2007. I was also honored to judge the Top Twenty in 2004. I belong to two local all-breed clubs as well as a local specialty club—serving
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