HONORING THE LINEAGE
for showing, and as they send proper examples of the breed for judges to assess to this end. However, we often see how whelping box selections are contrary to breed type. Playing “follow the leader” is pointless in the area of pre- sentation. It’s essential to understand why so-and-so top han- dler (breeder/owner or professional) is using a different mode of presentation. Are they trying to make a statement or are they veering away from classic presentation to enhance virtues or hide faults? Or are they just plain ignorant of what true, classic presentation is for your breed? You should boldly defend your breed’s mode of presentation, even if doing so could potentially damage your current standing in the short term. Breed preserva- tion is more important than just one dog winning points or best in show. As an owner handler or breeder handler, it is your responsi- bility to make sure that the dogs you are breeding and showing are not just shown with a higher level of presentation. Once your dogs are presented correctly, they will provide the breed with quality for years to come. With such foresight, the goal is not limited to merely finish another champion or to create majors for that purpose. Classic presentation is the element that shows whether the dog itself is of “classic type.” If you know in your heart that your dog couldn’t win in tough competition, it should not be in the ring at all. We must each reflect on the question: “Am I supporting a drive for change or to preserve the classic heritage? Fundamen- tally, we must ask: “How does my dog embody the breed stan- dard? How does he embody the classic presentation in his physi- cality, movement, character—even take the study to a deeper level; what is his silhouette—standing and moving? Study your breed’s ancestry and support the preservation of the lineage. Take on the responsibility. How are you contributing to the mis- sion of maintaining the classic lineage?
something about her presentation. She always (or nearly so) made the dogs look square, with a straight back, and move with the characteris- tic cadence of the breed. However, when she passed the class dogs off in Breed, the lack of classic presentation by the assistant changed the overall look and movement of the dogs. This pro handler was able to mold the dogs into the best Doberman it could be. So, from this, my takeaway is: Sometimes classic, hard-stacked presentation can change the breed, enhancing dogs to such a degree that it changes the trajec- tory of the breed itself. IN WHAT OTHER WAYS DOES CLASSIC PRESENTATION COME INTO PLAY IN SUPPORTING BREED CULTURE? The Preservation Breeder’s responsibility is to preserve hallmarks as they relate to the original function of the breed. Preservation Breeders talk about how a classic head style that is presented as such relates to how the breed functions. For example, a Cocker Spaniel needs to have a muzzle that can handle a Woodcock. Some muzzles in the breed are so small, they couldn’t carry a Parakeet. They understand that the Setters are presented as they are to bring attention to the unique similarities and differences among them. The heads are slightly different; the bone and substance are distinct because of the various origins. Each of these small differences are showcased in the ring for the purpose of reminding the judges and other attendees how these relate to how the dogs were used to hunt. The same ideals apply to the Spaniels. They are almost all pre- sented in a similar manner, calling attention to the “roundness,” with the unique combinations of the heads and the tails. You need to thor- oughly study and understand your breed to know the specific history of your own breed at a deeper level of comprehension. The Sussex Spaniel was used to beat down the bush to retrieve game; thus, their short, stout legs and heavy-set body. A leggy, spindly dog would not I have noticed in the last ten years that the Boxer has all but lost the classic elasticity of its gait. I have begun to wonder if ignorant breeders have intentionally bred it out of their lines because, firstly, they have never seen it, and secondly, they believe their breed should have the reach and drive of a Doberman. As such, we can see that without an understanding of classic breed presentation, breeders and exhibitors can change the trajectory of a breed. function properly under those conditions. WHAT ABOUT WORKING BREEDS? Going back to the Great Pyrenees, it is a dog of moderate, not heavy, bone. Presentation of the breed to enhance bone assessment by using mousse and blowing dry is incorrect breed presentation that creates an outline that is just wrong. The same with blowing out a Pumi. They should be presented with its correct curl of coat. The standard describes it in detail. Presentation must stick precisely with the clearly defined coat. UNDERSTANDING CLASSIC PRESENTATION AS A RESPONSIBILITY As time goes by, you tend to understand and appreciate who came before you. With this comprehension comes the realization of how little you know and how much you still have to learn. It is with such a drive that you will continue to develop as a handler. First you copy what others are doing in their presentation, and then you learn why they’re doing it. WHELPING BOX SELECTIONS Now think of the breeder/owner/handler who makes whelp- ing box selections based on whether they think the puppy will be a “showstopper” rather than a dog that can be classically presented according to the standard, showing off the hallmarks of the breed. In fact, the breeder holds a great responsibility as they choose the stock
BIOGRAPHY Ms. Lee Whittier has been
involved in the sport of purebred dogs for over three decades. Her involvement began as owner, exhibitor, and subsequently, a breeder of Rottweilers. She has also owned and exhibited numerous breeds in three Groups, currently Tibetan Terriers.
Lee began judging in 2000, and then took a hiatus for several years to work for The American Kennel Club as an Executive Field Representative. She returned to judging in 2011, and currently judges the Working, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting Groups, eleven Hounds breeds, six Sporting breeds, Bouvier des Flandres, and Best In Show. She has judged throughout the US as well as internationally. Lee is a standing member of Dog Fanciers of Oregon, the American Rottweiler Club, and the Tibetan Terrier Club of America. She is Show Chair for Vancouver Kennel Club and the Terrier Association of Oregon’s January show with Rose City Classic. In addition to judging, Lee Whittier has developed the Dog Show Mentor program, exclusively for owner handlers. This is an online program where owner handlers of all stages and levels learn to develop an individual, strategic approach to showing dogs. She also travels to speak to owner handlers all over the world.
166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
Powered by FlippingBook