the working group Q&A
1. Give an overview of the Working breeds. Working dogs should have a bold presence with a majestic carriage no matter what size. Their expression exudes confidence and strength. Most of the Working breeds should have an intensity that shines through their eyes and is to be respected. I allow handlers to use bait to showcase alertness, which I feel is essential in breeds whose main function is to guard and protect. When kept in proper condition the working breeds can be relied upon to perform whatever duties desired of them. Working breeds should possess a body structure that has a balanced front and rear complete with ample bone and muscles to fulfill the “type” required by the breed standards. Lastly, I place a lot of emphasis on effortless movement that should serve as a large measure of how well the dog is put together. 2. What is the current overall quality of the Group? In my travels as a judge I would say that the Working Group is the strongest of all the Groups at the shows. 3. What changes have you seen during your tenure as guardians of these breeds? I would have to say that over-grooming is perhaps the thing that has bothered me the most over the years. It really challenges you to assess bone structure. I feel the art of dog handling has improved immensely and it is such a pleasure to watch a person show a dog with grace and style. It can give you goose pimples. But, it’s also important to know and understand the standards so that you won’t be fooled by great showmanship. 4. Have there been any shifts in the balance of popu- larity among breeds? The Doberman Pinscher use to be quite popular, but their popularity has waned due to several factors: some insurance companies will not sell insurance to home- owners with Dobermans and other protection-dog types, and cropping of the ears have been a challenge due to the public outcry of those don’t really understand what cropping is about and how it is not an act of cruelty. Education is key to helping people comprehend what and why we do what we do. Social media can do more to cre- ate a forum for educating the public. This where National breed clubs can affect change. 5. Anything else you’d like to share? I love the sport of showing dogs and breeding. I call it my great escape and over the years I have made many life long friends that I can count on through thick and thin. I have three grown up offspring and I can honestly say that my Dobermans have helped me raise them to be caring, loving, and nurturing adults. I would not change a thing about my life in the dog world.
“service dog.” For people who are working hard to sup- port a special, money is a factor and many of them will not “cheat” and call their large Working dog a service dog. I do not have the answers, but I wish for a more level playing field for people with a great dog that has more difficulty getting to enough shows to compete.
6. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve experienced at a dog show?
I always tell obviously new exhibitors in my ring to relax because it will get better! Why do I say this? My very, very first time showing a dog was with a harl bitch. I had gone to 16 weeks of handling class and I felt that I was ready. On the go around, I tripped over a sprinkler head, landed flat on my face and she completed the circle back to the judge and then came and stood over me! Luckily my dress did not come up too far. To further my humiliation, was the fact that my husband and Ric and Nancy Byrd were outside the ring to support my inaugu- ral adventure. It was really funny, but it made me realize how important it is to be kind and supportive to new exhibitors.
ADRIAN WOODFORK
I live is Sacramento, California. I am married and the father of three and grandfather to Master Elijah and Miss Emma Rose. I have participated in the sport of showing dogs for over fifty years. I started showing dogs 56 years ago at the age of 12. I have paid a lot of dues in the dog world, going from a junior showman to breeder/exhibitor, and now an AKC licensed judge. I have judged numerous Doberman Pin- scher Specialties including the DPCA, Australian, Argentine, Brazilian, Canadian, and Philippine Nationals. I am licensed to judge the Working Group as well as Dachshunds and Junior Showmanship. In addition to Doberman Pinschers, I breed Dachshunds and exhibit both breeds under the kennel name of Addox. I have been a member of the DPCA for 25 years. Outside of dogs, I began working in the media right out of college. I worked at a NBC affiliate for nearly twenty years. After leaving the news business, I freelanced as a feature reporter/producer for television magazine shows—America’s Most Wanted, Current Affairs, Inside Edition and California Heartland. I have appeared in national television commer- cials and print ads. Currently, I work as a Public Informa- tion Officer II for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. I specialize in video production. My work can be viewed at the bottom of the CDFA webpage under the Growing California series.
196 • S how S ight M agazine , F ebruary 2017
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