and thoroughly enjoyed her company and dog trivia and visited her regularly. On one occasion when I came by she announced that in a few days she was expecting visitors for lunch that she was not particularly fond of with most “unfortunate” personalities. She was such a lady and what a great way to disparage her pro- spective visitors. I believe she cancelled the visit with them. I use the term “unfortunate” personalities now on many occasions! WALTER SOMMERFELT I am from Lenoir City, Tennessee (suburban Knoxville). I am a full service agent specializing in financial planning with Nationwide Insurance. I have been involved in the sport of purebred dogs since acquiring my first Old English Sheepdog in 1972. I am a former professional handler, as well as a breeder and exhibitor of breeds in all seven Groups, most notably Vizslas, OES, Pointers, Bearded Collies and Weimaraners. I have been judging since 1985 and I am approved for all Sporting, Working and Herding breeds and Groups, Junior Showmanship and Best in Show. Along with my wife, Carol, I have bred more than 75 AKC champions, including Group, Best in Show and specialty winners, dual champions and multiple performance-titled dogs. 1. Give an overview of the Working breeds. As with all of the groups the working group has many breeds that are in very good shape and others that have some work to do. 2. What is the current overall quality of the Group? I think the current overall quality with the top exhibits in each breed are very good, however I do think there is a larger difference between the top and the bottom. I feel there are more of the mediocre to average specimens than in the past. 3. What changes have you seen during your tenure as guardians of these breeds? Other than the overall decline in numbers of exhibits I think the biggest change is the lack of true attention to breed specific type in many breeds. There is more of tendency toward a showy, sound animal at the expense of breed type. 4. Have there been any shifts in the balance of popu- larity among breeds? I think the more popular breeds continue to be the Dobermans, Boxers and Rottweilers, but I see a rise in the number of exhibits and quality in some of the working group Q&A
the previous lower entry breeds such as the Tibetan Mas- tiffs, Black Russian Terriers, Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs.
5. Are there any particular challenges Working Dog breeders face in our current economic/ social climate? All breeders in today’s climate face numerous challenges due to regulations, higher cost, and the ability to house large numbers of breeding stock. On the other hand, with the improvements in many of the reproduc- tive tools and processes available today breeders have a better chance at success and fewer excuses for not breeding to the best available stud dogs than ever before. The various genetic and health testing tools available now as opposed to many years ago give breeders a better opportunity to eliminate health issues that at one time effected many breeds. 6. What attributes make these breeds suitable as household companions despite their size and original breed purpose? All breeds have a place in our society. While some of the larger breeds may be more difficult for the apartment dweller all of these breeds have breeders and owners that truly love and appreciate them no matter what their size and their original purpose. Each has a unique tempera- ment and other characteristics that endear the breed to their owners. These differences are part of what is so great about there being a breed out there to fit the life- style and preferences of their owners. 7. Anything else you’d like to share? I wish that more exhibitors and breeders would find a way to work together to educate and share ideas. Many of today’s exhibitors are looking for instant success both in the ring and in the whelping box. While on occasion some enjoy quick results the truly consistent and success- ful ones are those that continue to study and understand the strengths and weaknesses in their dogs and their breeding programs and work tirelessly to improve them. I also would love to see a return to a more sportsmanlike behavior at all of our competitive events. Everyone loves to win but there is a proper way to both win and lose and we do not see the high level of sportsmanship that one would expect. At shows and trials, we must all remem- ber we are the face of our sport and someone is always watching, poor behavior may just be the reason the new person does not continue on in our sport. 8. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve experienced at a dog show? I have always enjoyed this sport and have had so many great and funny experiences that I can’t just single out one.
192 • S how S ight M agazine , F ebruary 2017
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