NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? It’s tempting to look longingly back at the Good Olde Days—as breeders “fix” one thing they might “set in” something less desirable, and this has always been true. It’s always been an ongoing effort to preserve and improve what you have, and throughout all the breeds, various traits cycle, waxing and waning in popularity. It appears, for instance, that it was harder to find a square example of some of the breeds back in the day, although they were celebrated at the time and did lots of winning. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? Look no further than the glamorous Poodles that will stop you in your tracks! At the other end of the grooming spec- trum there are some great, jolly Frenchies and Bulldogs out there that have stolen the hearts of many. When they show off their par- ticular personalities, they are hard to resist in the ring. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? I have discovered that once I learn about a breed for which I might originally have had a neutral atti- tude, I love them for what they are! I have lived with lots of Chows, so I would pick them if you are “forcing” me to choose just one— they are so clean and they are practically born housebroken, non- destructive, and if they bark they usually have a good reason. How- ever, I am going toward some smaller, “old-lady” breeds by necessity, and we had a Löwchen that was so athletic, clever, and intuitive. I can easily imagine myself living with many of the Non-Sporting breeds, actually. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? I’m not sure if anybody else thinks it’s funny! But every so often, if I use a valiant veteran with some superior qualities that I wish current exhibits in the breed still had, or maybe if I find a dog in a Group that I think is super but has been overlooked, or even if I pick a huge winner with obvious appeal, when I pull these dogs out, sometimes I can hear kind of an intake of breath from the person on the lead. (And sometimes from the people in the ring and at ringside as well.) MARGE CALLTHARP
received a CD title, but again prior to the breed’s full recognition by AKC. Just as a side note, the SP was not admitted into the Miscel- laneous Class until May 4, 1988 and was not fully recognized until August 1, 1992. The breed took years to receive full recognition, but all along the way our parent club and shows were conducted under AKC rules and required that AKC judges preside over our specialties. When the breed became part of the AKC family, mem- bers were fully aware of AKC rules and procedures. The CSPCA had a very sound foundation. I wish many of the newly recognized breeds had that foundation, but I digress. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? I admire its diversity. Many look at this Group as a col- lection of “leftovers.” But if you start judging the dogs in the Non- Sporting Group, it is the precursor to all other breeds and Groups. In this Group you have the snub-nosed breeds that can relate to the Boxer and the Bullmastiff, etc. Dalmatians can relate to breeds in the Sporting Group, and so on. When judging the Group, one has to know and pay more attention to the essence of each breed. The Bulldog, for one, has many different pieces that are important, and I love judging them as well because of their enthusiasm and antics. Bulldoggers are all so very dedicated to the breed, no matter who you are. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? Yes. I have judged a number of SP specialties, including our National Spe- cialty. I have also judged SP specialties in Slovenia, Italy, and in Mos- cow, Russia. In addition to the Shar-Pei, I have judged French Bull- dog, Dalmatian, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Finnish Spitz, Lhasa Apso, Bichon, Chow Chow, Tibetan Terrier, and Keeshond Specialties. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? First, I have been interested in watching Mini Poodles since I had one as a kid. It is such a great breed and is overshadowed by the Standard. I understand what led to its down- fall, but now they are gaining strength and popularity. I saw many, many good ones when I judged in Sweden. It is always a problem when a breed has a limited gene pool, but I think many breeders now are working through that. The Bulldog has improved and is much more consistent in quality. There are a number of very top- quality Bullies being campaigned today—and by their owner and/ or breeder. Frenchies? WOW! I can’t say more about their overall quality. I love this breed and have owned one in the past when they would have been considered a low-entry breed! It was difficult to balance breeding, exhibiting, traveling with the SP to our special- ties and attending AKC shows to put a championship title on my Frenchie. Like the Bulldog, there are many important pieces to con- sider when judging this breed. You again have to keep in mind the essence of the breed. The head has many important parts; the wide up-sweep of the jaw, nose placement, eyes, head shape, bat ears and their set. There is the square body, rise over the loin, low set tail, and the “cube” that you can place between the front legs, establishing the proper shoulder and placement of front legs. All of these parts are what you also look for in the Bulldog (with the exception of the bat ears!). The Standard Poodles are consistent in quality. I have noticed that there are more exhibits lacking in depth of chest and the light, airy gait. Overall size, head, topline, feet, and coat type and texture are all consistently good. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? Unfortunately, there is never a substantial entry to judge the breeds’ overall quality. I would say that the Coton has a better overall quality. Their cottony white coat and unique topline are evident. Finnish Spitz shown in the Northwest are of outstanding quality, with proper height, and are square, with the desired length of leg. The ones I have exam- ined in the East tend to be square, but need more leg under them.
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I was born and raised in Connecticut. After graduating high school, I left for college, got married, and lived in the Panama Canal Zone and then for a number of years in Kansas City, Missouri. While growing up, I was always around dogs but never had a person as a breeder or
training mentor. I never came to a place in my life where I could further my knowledge and interest in showing, training, and breed- ing dogs until 1978. I was licensed by AKC to judge my first breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei, in 2000, but had judged sweepstakes and at matches a number of years prior. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is my “kid dog” given to me by my grandmother... a Miniature Poodle. I trained her and showed her at 4-H obedience. My grandmother had Miniature Pinschers and I also owned Dachs- hunds. However, my first breed that started me on this journey was the Shar-Pei. Our kennel name is registered and is a combination of my name and my husband’s—Marbo Kennel. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? CH Marbo’s Toby was a top-winning dog in the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America prior to the breed being fully recognized by AKC. CH Mar-Bo’s Shu Fang Chang was also a top- winning dog and he produced many notable dogs in early pedigrees. CH Marbo’s Sailing Into the Blue, “Azul,” was Best of Breed at the 2016 Westminster Show. My first Shar-Pei, Shir-Du’s Mr. Maku,
174 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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