SPORTING GROUP Q&A
When did I know I wanted to become an AKC judge? When I married Lester Mapes! We had so many great conversations about judging and dogs on the way home from judging assignments. Who inspired me to become a judge? I would have to say that over my years of exhibiting as an owner-handler and as a profession- al handler, and judging sweepstakes, I was inspired by judges whom I thought did a good job of properly judging the breeds they were approved to judge. I was also inspired to judge the DOGS [thanks to] those who were approved, but judged poorly or politically. My mentors were the many breeders whom I handled for in various Groups, who took the time to discuss their breeds and breeding programs over [our] longstanding client relationships. What makes judging the Sporting Group a unique experience? I’m not certain I would say it is a unique experience. It is a wonder- ful Group to judge, in the attitude and purpose of the breeds work- ing well together. How do I prioritize breed characteristics in a Sporting dog? Beyond the qualities of correct breed head type and proportion, I want a Sporting dog that is fit for its purpose. Fancy, flashy, and fast is seldom what I see in a correct exhibit! Are there any trends (positive or negative) that I’ve noticed in the Group ring? Negative comes to mind first with this question. The trend for “flying” around the ring is #1. The other negative I see is the grooming of several Setters and Spaniels that have outlines that are so scissored they look like cookie cutters. This will most likely not change, but I much prefer somewhat of a natural line— not a razor-sharp line. Do some breeds have an advantage or disadvantage in the Group? I would have to say that the only disadvantage a Sporting dog would have in the Group (given the outstanding specimens in all breeds) would be a judge who doesn’t appreciate the rarer breeds. Have I had an opportunity to judge the “new” breeds: Barbet, Lagotto Romagnolo, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Wirehaired Vizsla? Yes, all of them. A very enjoyable assignment was the Ned- erlandse Kooikerhondje in Georgia when first approved. There were 24 entries and educators from the Netherlands ringside. Which Sporting dogs from the past have had the greatest impact on their breeds, Group, and the Sport? I will name one here. CH Lydemoor Leslie, Field Spaniel. He was an English import, when seeing even one Field Spaniel at a show was an event. He is in many of the pedigrees of this now well-recognized breed. The most amusing experience I’ve ever witnessed in the Sport- ing Group? Here’s a memory from a past show in New Hampshire. (Not as much amusing as it was enjoyable to see.) A Pointer, being shown to Anne Rogers Clark a few rings down, was gaiting around the ring when a butterfly flew into the ring. It wasn’t the best con- formation exhibit and didn’t win the class, but it froze on point and would not move from pointing the butterfly. I loved it! KENMURRAY I live in the North-
strived to become a judge whom she would have been proud to have mentored. What makes judging the Sporting Group a unique experience? Seeing the quality and the best of the breeds in the Group ring is thrilling. Some breeds simply sparkle when they have the big space to open up when they move. How do I prioritize breed characteristics in a Sporting dog? My priorities are always those factors that tell me they are able to do the job they were originally bred to do; coat quality, muzzle length, soundness, underjaw, agility, substance, etc. Are there any trends (positive or negative) that I’ve noticed in the Group ring? The quality of every breed goes up and down con- stantly over the years. Part of the problem is breeding to winners instead of knowing or looking to improve a bitch. Do some breeds have an advantage or disadvantage in the Group? Yes, it’s hard to get past the flashy, perfectly groomed, coat- ed breeds. The short-coated breeds have to be built correctly; what you see is what you get! No hiding any faults! Have I had an opportunity to judge the “new” breeds: Barbet, Lagotto Romagnolo, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Wirehaired Vizsla? Yes, to all, but not so much for the Barbet. I’m a mentor for the Kooikerhondje and the Wirehaired Vizsla. Which Sporting dogs from the past have had the greatest impact on their breeds, Group, and the Sport? There have been quite a few Pointers that have made an impact on the quality of the breed as well as [the same with] some Irish Water Spaniels. I think there have been dogs in every breed, shown in the Group, that have made inroads in their breed. The most amusing experience I’ve ever witnessed in the Sporting Group? My favorite memories are when I can select owner-handled dogs for placements, and the owners tear up. Of course, I always cry when others do! JUDY HARRINGTON I live in Monson,
Massachusetts. I’ve been in dogs for 50 years; 20 years judging. My original breed was Great Danes, bred under the Justamere pre- fix, and will always be like “going home” when I judge them and spend time with those still involved in the breed. My current and longtime breed is now Australian Shepherds. I fell in love
with this breed through a Dane friend who introduced me to Les- lie Frank, and I haven’t looked back. The Propwash prefix with established breeder, Leslie, led to a co-breeding partnership under that prefix. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Great Dane, CH Justamere Lovett, a top producer and in many pedigrees of today’s Great Danes, and his brother, CH Justamere Christian Amber, a top-winning Dane. Three notable Australian Shepherds early on were #1 All-Systems CH Propwash Indicate Precisely and GCH Propwash 12 O’Clock High, both multiple BIS winners. And, of course, GCH Propwash Reckon, BIS and World Challenge Winner at the AKC Eukanuba Show in 2010 and 2011 respectively. (Full disclosure: I did not breed these three, although they were my early dogs that Leslie and I shared.)
west suburbs of Chi- cago in a small town, Island Lake. I have been involved with purebred dogs for over 62 years and have been judging for 14 years. What is my original breed? My first dog that I bought to show was an Irish Setter. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? I have not personally bred
154 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2021
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