SPORTING GROUP Q&A
Judging ‘new’ breeds is always a great learning experience. I only wish those with ‘new’ breeds to the Group would take the time to seek out the judges and let us go over them. Since there are no more fun matches and very few rare breed shows, we often do not get to physically examine the new breeds until they appear in our ring.
KARENWILSON
I suppose I prioritize breed characteristics by what each breed lists in its standard for general characteristics. I believe the follow- ing are necessary: balance, proper movement for the breed, sound- ness, outline, condition of coat, and proper feet! Are there any trends (positive or negative) that I’ve noticed in the Group ring? As far as trends go—which vary from year to year and will always be around—as judges, we need to know the stan- dard and judge by it always. Conditioning of coats has often been overdone and sculpting the coat is a negative, in my opinion. I do not approve of overuse of chalk and spray. (This is not the dog’s fault, but the handler’s fault.) One other thing that stands out is the speed at which some handlers move their dog around the ring… racing around the ring is not in any breed standard. Do some breeds have an advantage or disadvantage in the Group? As far as breeds having advantages/disadvantages in the Group ring is concerned, I believe all dogs come in the ring with equal status. However, the handling of the dog is where the advan- tage comes into play. Since Gary and I showed our own dogs, we made it a point to watch the “professionals” and learn the tricks of the trade from them. Have you had an opportunity to judge the “new” breeds: Bar- bet, Lagotto Romagnolo, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Wirehaired Vizsla? I have been able to judge all of the newest breeds in the Sporting Group. Judging “new” breeds is always a great learning experience. I only wish those with “new” breeds to the Group would take the time to seek out the judges and let us go over them. Since there are no more fun matches and very few rare breed shows, we often do not get to physically examine the new breeds until they appear in our ring. Which Sporting dogs from the past have had the greatest impact on their breeds, the Group, and the Sport? There are so many great dogs from the past that have impacted the Sporting Group that I hate to single out any particular one of them. There are many dogs that have had an impact on us over these past 56 years in the won- derful sport of dogs—and it has been a grand experience. The most amusing experience I’ve ever witnessed in the Sport- ing Group? Many years ago, when the Irish Setter Club used to have a Specialty in New York, prior to the Garden, we were in the Penn Hotel in a ballroom. It was a crowded affair with lovely Irish around and many people. The judge asked the exhibitors to gait around the ring. Well, Dale fell, her wig flew off, and every Irish went charging after the wig. Needless to say, after much laughter and trying to get the wig out of three dogs’ mouths, it was so torn and slobbery that it became useless. Dale, however, did not seem to care; she put it on and finished the class. Those of us who were there have never forgotten it.
I live in Sperryville, Virginia. We got our first “show dog” in 1966, and I have been approved to judge since 1992. (Wow, that’s 30 years!) My original breed is Irish Setters and my husband, Gary, had Aire- dales. Our kennel name was Karengary. We also owned, bred, and showed Cairn Terriers. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred?
Most of our “notable dogs” were from years ago when we were actively showing Irish Setters, Airedales, and then Cairn Terriers. We have not shown dogs since I received approval to judge my first Group, which was perhaps 25+ years ago. I was inspired to become a judge after doing a few “fun matches” and sweepstakes. I was also a judge for high school gymnastics up until 1984, and I found this to be a rewarding experience and also fun. Switching to the dog show world became easier than having “parents” question the score you gave their child! My mentors in the Sporting breeds were the well-known Michele Billings and Anne Clark. Having exhibited under both of these ladies for many years, I felt they had great knowledge to pass on to an owner-handler who had some success in showing our own dogs. What makes judging the Sporting Group a unique experience? Is there nothing more pleasurable than to see the Sporting dogs gaiting around the grass on a mild, sunny day? This is a won- derful sight to observe. Other Groups also have this thrilling joy to experience. How do I prioritize breed characteristics in a Sporting dog? The Sporting dog has to be able to move. This is a definite require- ment in my evaluation of each breed; that they move according to their written standard. How can they get their prey without proper movement? I was once ring stewarding for Ellsworth Gamble and watched him walk each dog down and back. After doing this for a few breeds, he turned to me and asked, “Now, miss, if they can’t walk correctly, how do we think they can gait correctly?” I have never forgotten this bit of sound advice.
162 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2021
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