Showsight - February 2022 Edition

WORKING GROUP JUDGES Q&A

nel name is Cerri’s Bernese Mountain Dogs. The name was created by combining the names of my first two dogs. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? My most notable dog that I bred was Ch. Cer- ri’s Just Push Play. She was my heart dog and did well at specialties as well as at the all-breed level. What are the qualities I most admire in the Working breeds? The best quality in the Working Dogs is their ability to learn and their devotion to their families. Have I judged any Working Group Specialties? I have judged many Regional Specialties for my breed and for several other Working breeds. Do I find that size, proportion and substance are correct in most Working breeds? I do find that the size and substance are within the standards for each breed. Not to say that I don’t see dogs that are out of the range from time to time. Is breed-specific presentation important to me as a judge? Can I offer some examples? I do like breed-specific presentation. One example is seeing a Leonberger that is in a natural coat and not over-groomed. What are my thoughts on cropping/docking the Working breeds? My view on cropping and docking is as follows: I believe that we have docked and cropped our dogs in order to protect those animals from harm while doing their jobs. I will follow each breed’s standard and parent club’s view on that subject. If the parent club finds it to be no fault, a minor fault, or a major fault, I will use that as a guide for judging that breed. Are the Working breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns? Today, I find the Working breeds to be in fair-to-good shape. There are a few breeds that have improved from years ago. However, some breeds have remained the same while others need improvement. I do believe that in the past few years (with the world being in lock- down) breeding stock has been limited. It was very hard to import or travel to those dogs that would have helped to improve an indi- vidual’s breeding program. I believe, as travel begins to open up more, we will continue to see improvements in certain breeds. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Work- ing Dogs of the past? I believe that the degree of sportsmanship is the same as in past years. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I see good sportsmanship alive and well in our rings. Why do I think the Working breeds are so admired as family companions? That is easy. They are a handsome group of dogs, and they love their families. Once you experience that, you can see why people want Working Dogs. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story I can share about my experiences judging the Working Group? I don’t really have any one stand-out experience in the ring. Every time I judge, I have some type of amusement in the ring. I try to encourage all exhibitors who enter my ring to relax and enjoy it. JAN SIGLER

uncropped/undocked exhibit. For Americans, this practice has become the norm and what we are accustomed to seeing. I have used both, but, not wanting to sound the hypocrite, I hope we never change. Are the Working breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns? Again, other than falling victim to trends, the breeds remain in good shape overall. I am very elated to see the progress that Mastiffs have made, from near extinction to “sound” top contenders in a Group ring. I recall the days when they could hardly stand. Concerns? The Neo. Today we are seeing more and more of the breed (though maybe not too many), which thrills me. However, I was always instructed that we look upon this breed in awe. In the past, I recall so much more wrinkle on the head, elbows, the body… everywhere. I see them losing this. Movement? Again, what is hap- ping to their lumbering movement? Their standard clearly describes their lumbering gait. This is another thing they are losing—in the hopes of being more competitive. They are starting to move like generic animals; a clear lacking of essence and type. I want to be in AWE when a Mastino comes lumbering towards me. Saints appear to be losing too much leg, and have too much focus on the head. There must be balance. Also, there is way too much “paddling.” It would be difficult to make much progress in snow or anywhere else. They should stand like stallions, and like- wise, be structured to move with power, reach, and drive. There are other breeds I would like to mention and give MY concerns. I mention these three since I have watched them with appreciation and concern for a very long time. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Work- ing Dogs of the past? In my breed, I long reminisce of the past greats, starting with Titan, Ursula, The Diva, Ben, Frederick, Cas- par, Arie, Bullseye, If Only, Going My Way… all beautiful Group competitors. None were seriously exaggerated. Then there was a dry spell when seldom a Saint was even seen as being competitive in Group competition. The times, they are a-changin’. Several worthy exhibits are com- ing out of the woodwork. I have heard them referred to as “old-fash- ioned,” but many of the Smooths are blessed with leg, athletic bod- ies, and proper balance and proportion, with good reach and drive, no paddling, and no overly exaggerated features. Kudos to those breeders on the resurgence of competitive examples of this breed. Other breeds (with the loss of the great kennels, breeders, and mentors of the past—in all breeds) have gone through changes (FADS) and it sometimes becomes apparent that last year’s dogs differ from the current ones. Preservation breeders, where are you? We must work within the confines of the original standards, not adapt them to today’s whims, changes, and fashions. Why do I think the Working breeds are so admired as family companions? The nobleness of the Dane, the lovingness of the St. Bernard or Newfoundland, the gentleness of the Mastiff. What’s not to admire? Every breed in the Working Group has always been admired as a companion, whether in the field or on rocky terrain. But with all that put aside, they end up at home with family. ANDY RITTER

I began showing my pet German Shepherd in Junior Showmanship in the 1960s. Me and three other Juniors formed the Heart of America Junior Kennel Club. Three of the original organizers have remained active in the sport of dogs. I became involved in Siberian Huskies in the late 1960s. I’m a char- ter member of the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Kansas City, and have

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. I have been in dogs for over 30 years. I have been a judge for over 11 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is Bernese Mountain Dogs, which I still own to this day. My ken-

served in numerous positions in the Siberian Husky Club of Amer- ica. Most recently, I served as a team leader on the development of

166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 2022

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