7. What, if any, are the traits breeders should focus on preserving? I have and always will worry about the breed losing basic correct size and substance to the desire for elegance and fancy. First and foremost they are a useful gun dog and family companion. I also worry about correct head prop- erties and the need for breeders to not lose sight of the importance of the subtle details. 8. Has the breed improved from when you started judging? Yes! I feel there has been a real effort to clean up tem- peraments, health issues and an openness to explore and except various styles of dogs that are correct within the breed standard. 9. Are there aspects of the breed not in the standard that you nonetheless take into consideration because breeders consider them important? Of all the standards within the Sporting Group, the English Springer Spaniel standard is without doubt, the most descriptive and detailed. When judging, I am always mindful of breed history and the distinct breed characteristics among all the flushing spaniels, to make sure I award strong type and outline that is typical for the breed and not of a close ancestor. One must remember in the 19th century, Spaniels were divided into two groups. Dogs weighing up to 25 lbs. were called Cockers (used for woodcock) and the larger dogs, weighing around 45 lbs were called Field Spaniels or English Spaniels. Having the discriminating eye to distinguish the subtle details of each of the Flushing Spaniels takes dedication on the part of the judge and it is what separates the great judges from the generic. 10. Can Judges Education on this breed be improved? There should be a clear understanding of breed history. I find that all too often judges do not have a clue of breed origin and function. For a deep understanding of the English Springer Spaniel, and the other flushing Span- iels—breed histories are paramount. Also, I would like participation at a field trial to be mandatory for all judges. There is nothing more valuable that watching a working
3. Describe your breed in three words: My original breed was American Cocker Spaniels; they are happy, beautiful and loving. 4. What traits, if any, are becoming exaggerated? In English Springer Spaniels the dogs are being moved too fast. This really doesn’t hide bad movement, it creates improper movement. 5. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? What shortcomings are you willing to forgive? I MUST have a good bite, balance overall and proper gait. I will forgive quantity of coat but not quality. 6. While judging, do you see any trends you’d like to see continued or stopped? I would like to see grooming to the standard continue and stop the coloring of coats whether dyeing or “enhancing”. 7. What, if any, are the traits breeders should focus on preserving? I am finding too many Springers and some other sporting dogs with short legs. I don’t know if the breeders are pay- ing enough attention to this leg length but it is happening way too often. 8. Has the breed improved from when you started judging? A lot of credit goes to the past breeders for soundness of the early dogs; however, I do think the health problems have greatly improved over the years. 9. Are there aspects of the breed not in the standard
that you nonetheless take into consideration because breeders consider them important?
Things not in the standard of course are the health issues again. True breeders have used all available testing for eyes and hips and have improved the life and health of the breed. 10. Can Judges Education on this breed be improved? Students of the breed need to know and remember the purpose of the breed, the whole dog, when evaluat- ing the dogs including the condition of a natural coat and undercoat. 11. Do you have anything else to share? Dogs that meet the standard and have ticking are some- times over looked in favor of clean clear markings with a blanket. The whole dog must be assessed. LINDA RIEDEL 1. Where do you live? What do you do outside of dogs? I live in Pasco, WA near the Columbia River. I am a retired educator so my time is now devoted to traveling, grand- kids, gardening, reading and other fun things retirees get to do. 2. Number of years owning, showing and/or judging dogs? I’ve been in dogs over 50 years. I started as a junior han- dler and showed many large working breeds and horses before starting in ESS. I’ve been showing since 1964 and started judging my breed in 1980. 3. Describe your breed in three words: Athletic, multi-purpose Spaniel. 4. What traits, if any, are becoming exaggerated?
gun dog do the task they were bred for. 11. Do you have anything else to share?
Although, I am primarily known for breeding Golden Retrievers, I had the pleasure, along with my late partner David E. White, to breed and exhibit numerous English Springer Spaniels under the Woodspoint prefix. Our first Springer was Ch. Jahil’s Woodspoint Gypsy bred in 1976. GLORIA GERINGER 1. Where do you live? What do you do outside of dogs? I live in southern Louisiana, just outside Baton Rouge. In any spare time I am continually upgrading my home and four acres of landscaping. 2. Number of years owning, showing and/or judging dogs? I have been in dogs since 1963, showed for 27 years and been judging 27 years.
284 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A UGUST 2015
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