HERDING GROUP JUDGES Q&A
have tremendous heart. A Collie’s expression is the hallmark char- acteristic of the breed and is essential for correct breed type. True Collie expression should be a window to the dog’s soul and there is nothing more genuine and pure than the love and devotion of a Collie’s heart and soul. Have I judged any Herding Group Specialties? I have been hon- ored to judge multiple National and Regional Specialties in the Herding Group. I judged the 2021 Old English Sheepdog Club of America National Specialty, the 2019 Collie Club of America National Specialty, the 2018 American Bouvier des Flandres Club Regional Specialty, the 2017 Canaan Dog Club of America Nation- al Specialty, the 2017 Berger Picard Club of America National Spe- cialty, the 2013 Collie Club of Japan National Specialty, the 2013 Shetland Sheepdog Club of Japan National Specialty, and many other independent specialty shows for an array of Herding breeds from coast to coast. Recently, I was selected to judge the 2023 Puli Club of America National Specialty. It was a real thrill for me to live to see the young bitch, Ch. Tokyo Jazz JP Champagne Show- ers, that I selected to win the Breed equivalent at the Collie Club of Japan National Specialty, become the first Japanese-bred dog to also win the Breed at the Collie Club of America National Specialty three years later. Do I find that size, proportion, and substance are correct in most Herding breeds? Size, proportion, and substance are correct in most Herding breeds; however, I would like to see more consistency in size within the standard for the Miniature American Shepherd. Is breed-specific presentation important to me as a judge? Can I offer some examples? It depends upon how you define “breed- specific presentation.” The German Shepherd Dog presents in a three-point stance for balance and it should be an anatomically natural stance for that breed. In fact, the German Shepherd Dog should walk into his stance no differently than a Collie should stop four-square. Some breeds are sculpted far too much, which detracts from a breed-specific presentation, but the hands and the eye do not lie; so a good judge can distinguish between the structure and the artistry. I like to see my Old English Sheepdogs walk, to watch them amble before I assess their down and back and go-around in a free, powerful, and seemingly effortless trot. The definition of a breed-specific presentation may vary from judge to judge, but it should always convey correct breed type immediately at first sight. What about breed-specific movement? Do I demand this from Herding Dogs? Absolutely, I demand breed-specific movement from our Herding Dogs. For example, a Briard must have quick- silver movement that allows him to turn on a dime, be the first out of the starting gate, so to speak, and come to a sudden stop. His leg construction is of utmost importance because it facilitates his abil- ity to work and his resistance to fatigue. Sufficient leg length also enables him to see over the invisible fence line around the flock. Likewise, the Australian Shepherd must be agile enough to change direction and alter his gait instantly in order to do his job. To me, there is not anything more breathtaking in the canine world than a German Shepherd Dog with an exquisite flying trot moving in “the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine.” I value the virtue of exceptional movement in our Herding Dogs, but in the Collie there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that should take precedence over detail of head and a stunning expression. As the standard clearly states, “The Collie cannot be judged properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated.” Collies do need to have correct bal- ance and structure to do the job they were bred to do, but the head and expression sets the Collie apart from the other Herding breeds, and movement should not be the primary determination. Are the Herding breeds in good shape overall? Any concerns? I fervently believe the Herding Group is typically one of the most competitive Groups at any dog show. I have seen wonderful quality in multiple Herding breeds lately, specifically some of the breeds
One incident occurred when I was judging my own Terv National in 1996. A lovely young bitch was gaited down and back, beautifully shown by her owner. However, upon returning to the judge, the bitch turned her rump to me. The handler stood back with a loose lead, trying to get her bitch to turn and give me an ear lift or two. When bait failed, she repeatedly chanted, “Where’s the cow? Where’s the cow?” Trying to get her bitch to turn, SHE WAS POINTING DIRECTLY AT ME with each “COW!” I couldn’t resist… I said (with a smile) to the handler: “Madam, are you refer- ring to me as a cow?” whereupon the handler, without missing a beat, pointed in the exact opposite direction, repeating, “Where’s the cow?” Never did get to see any ears on that youngster. Judging at a National Specialty where a full bite/tooth exam was required, one gentleman, who clearly spoke limited English, showed a lovely male with soft eyes and a very correct expression. After examining the dog and coming back to the head, I requested that the handler “show me the bite” whereupon the handler appeared horrified and stated repeatedly, “NO BITE, NO BITE, NO BITE,” each time louder and more vehement than the previous. Then he said, “GOOD DOG, GOOD DOG, GOOD DOG,” trying to convince me that this was a Good Dog who DID NOT BITE! A ringside observer finally intervened with a quick translation and, indeed, I got to see the dog’s bite/teeth, all the while the handler chanted, “GOOD DOG, GOOD DOG, GOOD DOG.” Gotta love this sport! HARRY “BUTCH” SCHULMAN Where do I live? How many
years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, with my wife, Robin, and Golden Retriever, “Maui.” I am a third-generation dog man. My mother was an AKC licensed judge. I have been involved in the sport of purebred dogs for 53 years. I started handling in Junior Showmanship and in the breed ring
when I was nine years old. I handled my parents’ Collie bitch to Best of Opposite Sex at the 1972 Collie Club of America National Specialty when I was 12 years old. That is when I was bitten by the Dog Show Bug. I have been a judge since 2006. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Collie and my second breed is the Doberman Pinscher, which I also dearly love. I have bred, and continue to occasionally breed, Collies under the Strathmoor prefix. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Ch. Strathmoor Sir William Wallace (Nation- al Specialty winner), Ch. Strathmoor Sacred Ground, and Ch. Strathmoor A Fantasy Shared are a few of my notable Collies. Two of my favorite Collie bitches, the incomparable Strathmoor Stand On A Star and Strathmoor Madame Butterfly, took a back seat to funding my children’s education and never finished, but in my view they exuded true breed type and were the best dogs I ever bred. Now as a judge, I co-breed litters on occasion with my dear friend, Sue Wyglendowski of Karachristo Collies, who has my Strathmoor lineage entrenched in her breeding program. What are the qualities I most admire in the Herding breeds? Herding breeds are instinctive, athletic, industrious, agile, and intelligent. When my kids were little, I would love to sit on the deck and watch my Collies herd them around the back of my property. Most of all, Herding breeds are loyal to their family members and
180 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2022
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