7. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? AC: My handling experience is awful. That is why I had hired handlers in conformation. Many times I heard a judge point to me in the ring and comment, “In spite of the handler…” But I did excel in Obedience rings. Most amusing was the time I did the whole Basic Obedience performance while my dog went over and sat with the judge in the center. OG: There was a Mastiff puppy in the Working adult group being judged. He decided to lay down--sprawling over the matting and cement floor. No coaxing or pulling on the leash would make him get up. Each of the breeds took their turn at the individuals. He just laid and watched. Finally, when the group was going around all together, he decided to join them and got up! Thank goodness! Otherwise, the Toy dogs coming in next would have had a bark attack! MH: As a judge, being on the receiving end of something I’ve read of as embarrassing to an exhibitor. Gaiting around the ring and back to me, a lady exhibitor with a large breed had a longer style dress that was buttoned all the way down the front. With every several steps, but- tons came undone, so that by the time she arrived back to me there were precious few holding it together. What could we do? The exhibitor, the ring steward and I had a good chuckle. JN: I guess the funniest thing I ever witnessed at a dog show is a judge actually losing her drawers (pants) and not knowing it until she couldn’t walk any further. She did a great job of making light of it by bending over and pulling them up and then threw her arms in the air as if to say, ‘Voila!’ She went right on and finished a great job of judging. AP: As dog show people can attest, if there is a show within driving distance the weekend warriors will day trip. Dog people define “within driving distance” very liberally. We wake up in the middle of the night to arrive at the dog show at o’dark thirty! On one of these day trips, I hastily grabbed my clothes and shoes. I arrived at the show to find that I had my shoes of two styles and two different colors. If you can’t laugh at yourself, it will be a long day at the dog show! JS: I was at a National for Judges Education; I will not say the breed. The judge was walking along the line-up in the center of the ring and their pants fell down to their knees before they realized it. You could only imagine…! They recovered gracefully but it truly was funny, I am sorry, but it was. Watch that happen to me now—eek! SW: My CH/OTCH attempting to retrieve the mat as well as her glove. She was not successful, but has a great time trying.
inches. Fault over 11 inches. DQ over 12 inches. You can call for a wicket. It is up to the judge to find the Papillon that meets the requirements and best exhibits the AKC Standard. Please understand the importance when judg- ing the head of the Papillon. There are a lot of details to tune into such as the importance of ears, shape of eyes and black pigment. SW: The Swedish influence on the breed has improved many things, including teeth, but the standards are quite differ- ent as are the looks. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? JH: I compete in AKC performance events with my Papillons and Cockers so efficient and unhindered movement with speed, grace and agility are very important in this breed. Papillons are alert and friendly and should not be shy or aggressive. Tails should be carried up, typically over the back and never down or tucked between the legs. A defined white blaze and nose band and symmetrical markings are icing on the cake. Black, well-pigmented nose, eye rims and lips, color covering both ears, back and front and over both eyes is a must. OG: This breed is very active and willing to please. They learn very quickly and are very dependable, making them great candidates for all sorts of sport, performance and obedience events. Their happiness is contagious! MH: Starting in the breed in 1970, I had the good fortune to mix with and learn from many of North America’s great breeders of the time, plus several of the important UK breeders. Having had the opportunity of viewing dogs from that time and forward to the present day is a trea- sure. I would like to mention one trait that I have noticed creeping in that is sad to see, incorrect temperament. A Papillon with a sharp temperament is totally foreign; they are friendly Toy dogs, not working Terriers. AP: Papillons are a wonderful breed! They love to play and just be dogs. They are not hyper dogs, but outgoing dogs with a fun loving personality. They want to be the life of the party and will work the crowd if given the opportu- nity. Papillons are also very intelligent dogs, excelling in obedience, tracking and agility. They are big dogs in a little package: the “do it all” Toy dog. JS: Papillons have an unconditional devotion to their own- ers and are generally owner-handled. They are more captivated by their owners than anyone else. So cut them some slack, if they do not look at you when judging. This is an elegant Toy dog with a beautiful profile. A Toy dog that can move around the ring with good movement that is free, quick easy, graceful, not paddle footed, or stiff in hip movement. SW: The breed should imply a lightness overall, as the but- terfly it is named after.
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