HERDING GROUP JUDGES Q&A
“The important factor is that the dog be as close to the standard as possible and fit into a well thought-out breeding plan that will meet the expectations of the required size, proportion, and substance.”
SHARON REDMER
and owned five Top 10 GSD... American and Canadian BIS and multiple BISS winners. What are the qualities I most admire in the Herding breeds? Probably, the intelligence and the “desire” to work... and the natural instinct to herd. They are breeds that require little in the way of grooming and upkeep. Each has a distinct way of herding; from the long, ground-covering gait of the German Shepherd to the speed and agility of the Corgis and Shelties... to the wonderful ability and
I entered the sport of dogs in 1969, training an “All- American” shelter rescue. My first Belgian Tervuren earned a UDT with multiple High in Trials. I went on to become an Obedience Judge (almost 40 years), and a Conformation Judge (30 years). I judge the Herding, Work- ing, and Sporting Groups,
willingness to work at a distance of the Border Collie Have I judged any Herding Group Specialties? No.
Do you find that size, proportion, and substance are correct in most Herding breeds? I find that almost all are recognizable as to those breed-specific traits; most that are champions are deserving of the title. However, not all have futures in the show ring. As with any breed, only a few are so well-built and trained to go on to become Group and BIS winners. The important factor is that the dog be as close to the standard as possible and fit into a well thought-out breeding plan that will meet the expectations of the required size, proportion, and substance. Is breed-specific presentation important to me as a judge? Can I offer some examples? YES. I expect any dog that enters the ring to be able to stand for a proper, breed-related examination and to be shown on a loose lead so as to show proper movement. What about breed-specific movement? Do I demand this from Herding Dogs? YES. Coming from German Shepherds, there are two important factors that I look for: Dogs that have strong tem- perament and the ability to do the job they were created for. This includes not only movement but also proper coat, feet, tail length and carriage, and a solid topline that can carry the power of the rear to the reach of the front. Are the Herding breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns? I think so; almost all present with adequate type. It is the respon- sibility of the breeder to choose carefully and to bring their best specimens for exhibition... and it is the judges’ responsibility to completely understand the standard and the reasoning behind it. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Herd- ing Dogs of the past? Well, there certainly are differences. Unfor- tunately, people are swayed by the current “big” winners without knowing what is behind that animal. This may cause some changes in the breed. Know your dog or bitch and what might be needed to maintain the standard. Why do I think Herding Dogs can often become outstanding Show Dogs? Certainly, the [outstanding show dog is the] dog that is shown to optimize its best features and is the closest to its standard. A top specimen will often make its handler become “invisible.” Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Herding Group? One comes to mind: I was judging an entry of Shelties where a gentleman had a young female on the table for examination. When he was trying to lift her off the table, she took a leap and landed on the floor with a thud. Later, when picking Winners Bitch, I gave her the Reserve win. Her owner smiled sheepishly and asked, “If she had properly completed her ‘dive’ would she have been the WINNER?”
five Non-Sporting Breeds and one Terrier, plus Obedience, Rally, and Juniors. During the pandemic, I became one of AKC’s Vir- tual Obedience and Rally Judges. I have judged conformation on four continents, plus many National Specialties for my own Belgian breeds and other Herding breeds. In 2016, I became the first judge of the Westminster Kennel Club Masters Obedience Champion- ship. AKC honored me with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. I currently chair Judges Education for the American Belgian Tervuren Club and I am an Honorary Life Member of the Ann Arbor Kennel Club and Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. My husband, Ed, and I have bred Tervuren for over 40 years; 150-plus StarBright Tervuren have earned CHs and GR CHs, OTCHs, MACHs, HTCHs, and CTs, Obedience/Rally/Tracking/ Herding titles, All-Breed Bests in Show and National wins, and Group Placements. We currently share our home with three Terv bitches and one boss kitty named “Hana the Horrible.” Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, just north of Ann Arbor on 11 acres in the countryside. I obtained my first dog, a Poodle/ Schnauzer cross, from the local Humane Society as a 9-week-old puppy in 1969. I took her to Obedience classes at the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club and saw my first Belgian Tervuren there, owned by my instructors, David and Kay Maves, Sunfire Tervuren. I was absolutely hooked. My first Terv came into our home in 1972. It is the only breed we have ever owned/bred. We currently share our home with three Tervuren bitches, two ten-year-olds and a rather spoiled 7-month-old. I have been a judge for nearly 40 years (OMG!) as an Obedience Judge; and 30 as a Breed Judge What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Belgian Tervuren. StarBright is our kennel name. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? We have focused on breeding for versatility—dogs that can pretty much do anything their owners ask of them. As a result, we have produced: • More than 150 Champion Tervs, many also titled with Obedience, Agility, Herding, Tracking, and Rally Championships. • Multiple BISS/BOSS winners at the Terv National Spe- cialty, multiple All-Breed BIS and Group Winners, Perfect
176 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2022
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