NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? Besides the Shar-Pei, to select only one other breed would be difficult—but it would be the Tibetan Spaniel. This breed is fabulous and one of the best-kept secrets. The breed is a good size to travel with because it will fit in a Sherpa bag under the seat on an airplane. It is easy to maintain and has longev- ity; plus they are cute. They have a great temperament, get along with other Tibbies, and are fairly easy to train. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? There was this one time while judging Shar-Pei, the handler’s lead of a Specials dog broke while going around the ring. The dog kept the exact gait, never missing a step, followed the ring pattern, and stepped up onto the ramp, setting himself up perfectly. The dog looked over his shoulder toward his owner as if to say, “What’s taking you so long to catch up?” We all had a good chuckle! DR. TROY CLIFFORD DARGIN
However, I have not seen any that lack coat color and texture, head type, and their familiar bark! The Löwchen is another breed for which I do not understand why they aren’t more popular because they are a lovely breed that is an easy keeper. Perhaps people are frightened of the show clip? They make a lovely companion. The class animals I see exhibited are not consistent; however, the specials dogs are normally of good quality, sound, balanced, good coat, trim and texture. Gait is clean, with balanced reach and drive. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Do not overlook any breed in this Group. Read the standards and learn the essence of each breed. The Bulldog, Frenchie, and Boston are similar but have many very distinct features important to each breed. The Chow and Shar-Pei, the only recognized breeds that possess the solid blue-black tongues, come from China but are very different from each other. The Mini and Standard Poodles are similar, but temperament is different. You will like this Group for its diversity, though it requires some thought before you gets your hands on each exhibit. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? The breeds that have a sizable gene pool are flourishing. Overall, I have to think they are stronger than before. The Bulldog, Frenchie, and Boston are very strong and I feel they have improved over the years. These breeds have a num- ber of experienced, longtime breeders. I am happy to see that Poo- dle breeders have introduced the Mini Poodle to the line-up and, although still not many are being exhibited, I have been pleased with their quality. That excites me. I wish there was an entry and interest in the Norwegian Lun- dehund. It is such a nice, interesting breed that I hope will not be lost. I had a wonderful mentor who always brought me an entry. She has passed away and I think the breed has really suffered. It reflects my earlier comment about a breed not having a sound foundation before they are recognized by AKC. The Shar-Pei has its own problems and characteristics that are lacking. Shar-Pei means “sand skin” or “sand coat” in Chinese. This refers to the texture of the coat. Most all dogs coming into the US had a consistently needle-harsh coat. They were also “horse coats.” Many “brush coats” in the past had a bristly, off-standing coat. Both coats were produced from a horse coat to horse coat breeding. There are some brush coats that are not harsh, even in the begin- ning. Some horse coats, even though they are the correct length, are “bunny soft.” I believe the introduction of more colors has also brought real soft coats into the breed. Judges, this is not correct breed type. The topline is another issue. Historically, the horse coat variety possessed the correct topline, with the required slight dip behind the shoulders and with a slight rise over the loin (similar to a muscling over the loin), leading to a high tailset and an up-tilted anus with a “butt shelf.” The brush coat variety possessed the more level topline. However, because the brush coat had the better, more stable temperament, boning, and a larger head that breeders liked, we almost lost the required topline. Breeders are trying to recap- ture the correct topline in their breeding programs. Fronts of the breed are much better, but many rears still lack the proper bend of stifle and length of hock. Temperament, on the other hand, is 100% improved. It is much more stable and to the point of not being aloof with strangers. I think most breeders will agree that this is for the better. As a breeder, you are always looking to improve something with the next generation. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? I think it has to do with attitude, attitude, attitude. The Group has the very showy Standard Poodle which also pos- sesses that beautiful coat and trim. The Frenchie is always on top of its game and is excited to have the attention of people. Bulldogs, for all their uniqueness, just make you grin and are very clever.
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live between New York City, the Philadel- phia area, and Nashville, Tennessee. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Shih Tzu; Falling Star is my kennel name. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent
club titles? I have many homebred champions; over 80. I have won the American Shih Tzu Club Lainee Award for Top-Producing Bitch several times. I have also won Group One on several of my dogs, but I do not special much. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? I admire the variety of different breeds. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? Yes. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? Well, in NYC, take a stroll outside anywhere in the city and every dog you will see is a Frenchie. This breed is popular and I feel type is all over the place in the breed. Poodles are fun to judge—square and “Poodly” is what you are looking for! What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? I love a good Coton— but the cotton hair! I feel sorry for the groomers because this mats so easily. I was at one of the first Löwchen Nationals when they were first accepted into AKC and they are a lovely, lion-like breed. (I’m a Leo, so I have always loved this breed.) Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Each breed is so very different, so take your time to really go through each breed to understand it—it might take more time than with other breeds. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? I don’t think dogs today compare to any dogs of the past. There were so many great kennels and great dogs. In my own breed, we went from having 300 dogs at our National to, some years, under 50. Still, there are some very nice dogs today. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? I think this Group has lovely companion animals in every size. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? Lhasa—I seem to love this breed, if you look at my Group One history. Maybe it’s because they are similar
176 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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