capability of effecting the breed’s job description. We always keep in mind that the show ring is no test of hardiness even as we select for those that appear competent. 7. Do you feel Hounds in the show ring have moved away from being able to function in the field as compared to those in years past? Why or why not and what can we do about it? GB: Actually, I think our Hounds remain more functional than many of the Sporting breeds, in which there is a tremendous difference between the field dogs and the conformation dogs. The Brittany people should be com- mended for being the best, I think, in maintaining type in both areas of competition. Probably the Saluki remains most functional in the field and in the show ring, while maintaining type over more years than any other breed. Many of our performance events are clearly so artificial that, while fun for both dogs and their owners, really don’t test true function. As an Irish Wolfhound breeder, I applaud those who do lure coursing and open field coursing with their dogs, because it is a wonderful way to exercise both dogs and owners and gives the dogs an enjoyable outing. But chasing a plastic lure or even coursing jackrabbits is not their true calling and cannot determine which dogs are “fast enough to catch a wolf, once caught, strong enough to kill it.” It is our responsi- bility in all Hounds, both working and non-working, to determine what characteristics were or still are required to do the job and strive to preserve those qualities. This is where research into the past can really pay off, but may, God forbid, actually require reading a book or two! EB: When judging, I don’t feel it is fair to penalize any dog because you think it cannot function in the field, you can only judge a dog against the AKC breed standard. Breed type is always the cornerstone of judging any breed of dog, then balance and movement. MC: I actually think more emphasis is being placed on form and function than ever before. I also think exhibi- tors are more informed by who gets it about their breed. PS: There has always been a difference between the Hounds in the show ring and the hunting Hounds. Not as much in Sighthounds as Scenthounds. First of all, the Hounds must be given the chance to develop their abilities to hunt. No Hound without training will just go out and hunt. At least I can not drop a Foxhound in a field and have him find a fox and trail the fox. You can keep the hunting ability within your stock by outcrossing to good hunting Hounds. Their are Hounds in a number of the breeds that hold dual titles. Always remember: every
Hound is born with a nose but he must learn to use it.
RS: No. Lure coursing is probably more popular than ever. Field Trials, Hunts, Tracking and, even, Nosework are very popular competitions. PT: To some extent Hounds in the show ring have moved away from functionality for a variety of reasons. Stand up show dogs are often enabled by incorrect upright front assemblies that, unfortunately, requires excess expenditure of energy when at work. Although the show ring doesn’t test that situation much, working in the field certainly does. Since this structure is wide spread throughout all breeds, exactly what we can do about it is guesswork. However, better understanding of basic structure and how it impacts working ability by the fancy would be in order. Dogs built to waste energy rather than conserve it are not in any breed’s best interest. 8. What Hounds of the past have most impressed or influenced you? GB: I wish I could remember the names of the dogs that so impressed me. There was a Standard Wirehaired Dachs- hund shown by Lorraine Heickel in the mid-70s that remains in my mind’s eye to this day. And not so long ago, the Basset Ch. Topsfield Bumper Cars, was being shown before I was judging the breed. Seeing him sort of ruined Bassets for me, beause I’m always looking for something that good. And so many great Irish Wolf- hounds in England: Sanctuary Brave Knight, Petasmeade Chieftain of Brabyns, Marumac Barbarella, all of the Sulhamstead and Eaglescrag dogs when the breed was at its best. EB: Through the years many great Hounds have graced our lives, I would like to name a few, but I am sure I will not to be able to include all of the ones I have admired. Afghans: Ch. Kabik’s The Challenger, Ch. Khayam’s Apol- lo, Ch. Tryst of Grandeur and Ch. Cani Summer Breeze; Basenji: Ch. Reveille Re-Up; Borzoi: Ch. Kishniga’s Desert Song; 13” Beagle: Ch. Lanbur Miss Fleetwood; Ibizan Hound: Ch. Luxor’s Playmate Of The Year; Norwegian Elkhound: Ch. Vin-Melca’s Vagabon, Salukis, Ch. Jen Araby Muntaz Mahal, Ch. Sundown Alabaster Treasure, Ch. Karim Zahab Al Bokay (of course!) and Whippets: Ch. Courtney Fleetwood of Pennyworth and Ch. Star- line’s Claim To Fame. I would also like to point out that there have been dogs who have not been the finest exam- ple of their breed, but who have been a powerhouse of a producer for their breed. Therefore, while I agree that the dogs being shown, some will become breeding stock, I do not judge dogs with that in mind. Again, I feel my job
202 • S how S ight M agazine , J uly 2017
Powered by FlippingBook