Bringing into focus: SPANISH WATER DOGS by richard L. reynoLds Judges’ Education Coordinator, Spanish Water Dog Club of America
J anuary 1, 2015 brought a new year and new challenges for Spanish Water Dogs. On that date the breed became eligible to compete at AKC shows in the regular classes. Like most breeds achieving full recognition, there was a rush to show our dogs and to compete in the big ring. It didn’t take long before we had our first majors, our first confor- mation champion and some very nice group placements for the breed. With a whole nine months of ring experi- ence under our belts, it is time to look at where the breed has been and where it needs to go. This article is based on our own observations combined with the very valuable commentary received from those who have judged the breed. That experience and valuable input may serve to help us better visualize and evaluate the Spanish Water Dog. In preparing the standard for the Spanish Water Dog that has been adopted by the AKC, the parent club attempted to avoid some of the pitfalls contained in the FCI standard. Mea- surements were converted, translation difficulties rectified and an attempt to clarify the word picture that we use for judging was made by the committee. Most of it is pretty good but, as antici- pated, many judges superimpose their vast experience and individual priori- ties in their judging. This is as it should be and it gives us the opportunity to share these “early returns”—let’s call it focusing on the issues. Coat One of the most controversial issues in SWDs centers on the coat. The standard clearly describes the coat as: “...the recommended length of the coat is between 1" and 5" to demonstrate the quality of the curl or cord.” We have encountered some problems in
ProPortion For most of us, e=mc ² is a concept, for a few others it is provable fact. One might well take that into consider- ation when reading the SWD standard where it states, “Measured from point of shoulder to buttocks and withers to the ground 9:8.” Being realistic, one will have to admit that this is a con- cept; although it may actually be harder prove than Einstein’s theory. It is diffi- cult to determine this close a ratio from across the ring and close to impossible under a corded coat. Given our very limited time to examine and evaluate an exhibit, 9:8 is apt to remain a concept of more likely, in the future to disap- pear from the standard. A significant problem arises when we mentally substitute the phrase “slightly longer than tall”. The very word “slight- ly’ encourages individual perception and variation. How much longer than tall should they be? A “tad,” a “scosh,” a “smidgen?” It all leaves us back where we started. In one of our early seminars the inevitable question of length was answered with the response that SWDs might be closer to square than not. That’s close, but it really isn’t correct. So far, every SWD that I have seen is longer than tall. The only problem is “How much?” SLIGHTLY. Very, very slightly. Without a measuring device you cannot determine 9:8 or even 11:8. You need to rely on good judgment (and later experience). Most seasoned judges will be easily able to do this. Excessive body length manifests itself in the rise over the loin and the excessive tuck- up discussed elsewhere. Many of the exhibits being shown are (or appear) longer than the standard intended. If the dog (or bitch) in front of you appears to be well balanced, then the body proportion is probably okay. You still have to make your best effort
translating this word picture into real- ity. First, like the Puli, the Komondor and of course the Poodle, the SWD is a corded breed. At work, the cords serve as insulation from both heat and cold. This is as true in the cold waters of Chesapeake Bay as it is in the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. Nonetheless we are told by those who work their dogs in open water retrieving that cords that are too long can absorb water, impede working ability and cause the dog to tire prematurely. The same may be true of dogs herding in a very warm environment. There is no question that cords hanging to the ground, or even exceeding five inches or so in length could impede the herding or retrieving functions of the breed. Many breeders and exhibitors are struggling to discover an acceptable way to present mature cords in the show ring. The mature coat, like that of a hard-coated terrier, takes a certain amount of nurturing and care. While breeders and judges of other corded breeds have been most willing and able to help us in this quest, the fact that the SWD has a single coat that forms cords a bit differently and perhaps needs its own management protocol. Untended, the cords become matted and the hair within the cord turns color necessitat- ing that the coat be cut down. Many breeders have learned to separate the cords as they grow to prevent matting and, of course a certain amount of regu- lar bathing is required. The mature cord on an SWD has a small curly and wispy tip. The end is neither flat nor pointed but somewhat ragged leading up to the wispy curl. Anything else would lead to question about grooming techniques. That, of course brings us to other parts of the standard which are cause for even greater concern.
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& 4 &15&.#&3
Powered by FlippingBook