Showsight - March 2022

HERDING GROUP JUDGES Q&A

What are the qualities I most admire in the Herding breeds? I admire their drive to move stock and their compatibility with their families. Have I judged any Herding Group Specialties? Yes, I have judged several regional specialties, including Old English Sheepdogs, Shel- ties, and Cardigans. I was privileged to judge the Icelandic Sheep- dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd National Specialties. Do I find that size, proportion, and substance are correct in most Herding breeds? Yes, I do, especially considering that there is a wide variety between drovers and herders. Is breed-specific presentation important to me as a judge? Can I offer some examples? Yes. The most memorable breed presenta- tion for me is for the Briard. The parent club has an outstanding video that shows an inexperienced herder demonstrating an overuse of energy, while the seasoned herder is able to complete the job, expending hardly any energy at all. The German Shepherd club also has an excellent video that shows correct movement. My husband, David, worked with the Cardigan club on their video that shows, in slow motion, the correct movement showing reach and drive. What about breed-specific movement? Do I demand this from Herding Dogs? Absolutely, I demand this. An incorrectly moving Herding Dog would be unable to work all day. Are the Herding breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns? Yes, they are in good shape, but there are some nuances that are lacking in some breeds. However, I think breeders are working to correct these. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Herd- ing Dogs of the past? I see more of what I consider a “glamor coat” in Herding breeds that is not conducive to moving stock. Herding Dogs need a double coat to protect them from the elements. Why do I think Herding Dogs can often become outstanding Show Dogs? I think it is due to their drive to be busy and to work for their owners. They are always willing to please. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Herding Group? Years ago, I went to the Netherlands to visit and to bring back a puppy from a dog I’d bred. It just so happened that a dog show was going on that weekend, and I was excited to go and observe the exhibits. To my surprise, Steve and Mariann Gladstone were on the judging panel. I saw Steve out- side of his ring and wanted to say, “Hello,” as he was a fellow Cardi- gan enthusiast. He looked at me and said, “What the heck are you doing here?” I replied, “Oh, Steve, you know me. I’ll follow a good judge anywhere.” We had a good laugh about that many times. It is sad that both Steve and Marianne are no longer with us. DR. ALBERT BIANCHI Where do I live? How many

quality since I have been involved. In the early days, I would look at the entry and feel bad for the judge. Good dogs are easy to judge, poor examples are difficult to separate out, as you have to decide what you are willing to “give on” within the standard. Why do I think Herding Dogs can often become outstanding Show Dogs? When you combine grace, beauty, and intelligence with a strong desire to please while doing a job, it would be difficult to not think of a Herding Dog. A well-bred and properly exhibited German Shepherd is truly a thing of beauty, as is a Swedish Vall- hund from the other end of the Herding Group. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Herding Group? This wasn’t in the Group ring, but while doing an (in-ring) observation for German Shepherds with George Hietzman, he had Jimmy Moses exhibit- ing. Those who remember George know that he had a great sense of humor. As Jimmy stacked his dog, George whispered to me, “Watch this.” After the hands-on exam, he asked for a down and back. Upon the return, George said, “Oh my, sir, your dog is mov- ing oddly. Could you do that again?” Jimmy obliged with another down and back. George shook his head and remarked that some- thing was amiss with this dog. Jimmy looked at him and said, “Well if the dog’s that bad, excuse him.” George said, “If I excuse him there’s no way I can give him a piece of the Group now, is there?” He continued, “If you can get him around to the end of the line, perhaps I’ll consider leaving him in.” Needless to say, the dog took Group One that day, and Jimmy and George had a good laugh at the photographers stand. I learned that day that a good sense of humor helps to make the job of judging that much more enjoyable. DEBORAH ANTHONY My love of dogs started as a

little girl on a farm in Western Pennsylvania that always had a dog around the property. Later in life, I admired a cousin who bred and exhibited Irish Setters. This fasci- nated me and I hoped to someday do the same, but only with a Cardi- gan Welsh Corgi. I wanted a smaller Herding Dog and they seemed per-

fect to me. (Then again, all dogs are perfect.) After a long search, I purchased my first show dog and thus began my journey. I still breed and exhibit, and I enjoy the competition. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Northwest Pennsylvania. I got my first show dog in 1983 and started judging in 2001. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? The Cardigan is my original breed. Dragonpatch in our kennel, a name that came out of my husband’s childhood. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Many years ago we saw our breeding stock changing and we were not happy with what we were seeing, even though we had bred numerous champions from our original line. We imported three dogs of New Zealand breeding and started anew to ensure better temperaments, structure, etc. From two imports we produced the outstanding bitch GCH Dragonpatch Amoretta Joliette, “Jolie,” and her littermate, Dragonpatch Big Papa Foster, “Foster,” whom we exported and became a champion in ten Euro- pean countries and Best of Breed at the World Dog Show several years in a row. Jolie went on to produce Group-winning champions for us. Foster has sired offspring around the world that carry his traits today.

years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have been in dog for 48 years, 31 as a judge. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed in the Shet- land Sheepdog. Chelsea is our kennel name. Can I list a few of the notable

dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include CH Chelsea Lynmark Love Affair (National Specialty Win- ner), CH Chelsea Sunebank Trader (National Specialty AOM), and CH Sunebank Summer Secrets (Multi-Group and Veterans Win- ner). We did obedience in the early years, earning a couple CDs. What are the qualities I most admire in the Herding breeds? I admire the desired expression that exhibits intelligence and interest in doing their jobs; physical condition and the “build” to do their jobs.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2022 | 159

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