NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
AOMs at Specialties. I have bred dogs obtaining certified therapy and service titles and obedience titles as well, but none owned by us. I was always an owner-handler, never campaigned, perhaps should have; and I showed Sams owned by others to their cham- pionships. That was all prior to me damaging my knee and having surgery! Not being a breeder of many litters (one every two or three years), we bred to keep one for ourselves and the remainder went to companion homes. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? Diversity at its best… all over the place. You have active watchdogs, very agile… alert, Nordic types, similar to Samoyeds, with double coats; dogs originating in China with keen intelligence; larger dogs with great endurance and speed. They are very differ- ent in type structure, toplines, coats (or lack thereof), and heads. There are table dogs to ramp and ground dogs, with totally dif- ferent gaits. And not to forget the tongue colors!!! All are gentle breeds, though. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I have been fortunate to judge a Bulldog, a Chinese Shar-Pei, and a Schipperke Specialty. I would love more. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? Important to know is the Bulldog mouth and head, and its topline and shape from above. Frenchies have become very popular and the topline is important, but a square head is also so important, with bat ears and good set. I’m seeing a bit too much roach as well. My personal opinion is that some are getting too large and the weight DQ needs to be followed. Poodles are so elegant, with impeccable grooming. Running with head high and a light, springy action is beautiful. They must have good feet and, I believe, tail sets have improved… and they are square! What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? The Coton is a beautiful, small dog with white, soft and cotton-like coat. Topline is better than 15 years ago, with a slight arch over the loin. Löwchen breed type and the Finnish Spitz are both good, again, better now than years ago. I find the foxy-like appearance and the nice, square body of the Finnish Spitz lovely. My personal feeling is that these breeds should be showcased more in “meet the breeds” or special events highlighting their affectionate and faithful personalities. Families should not be bashful to visit these breeds at shows and talk with the breeders, because we just don’t see very many. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Study and be pre- pared for the extreme diversity… DQs, weights, heights, all colors, and gait elements. It is a fun group… all very different, including their personalities. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non-Sporting Dogs of the past? Today’s exhibitors and breeders are more educated and informed with advanced health directives, more genetic testing for breed-specific health concerns as well as programs developed for inbreeding and outcrossing co-efficients. New protocols and breed selection is not limited to one area of the country. AKC Standards take a great length of time from parent clubs, members, and AKC’s help prior to final approval, and so they should be honored until the time that parent clubs feel the need for change and/or an update of a specific point of the Standard. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such out- standing Show Dogs? First of all, they are loved by their owners and want to please, and regardless of that particular day, they continue to be loved and they show well. Novice exhibitors have an opportunity to watch AKC handlers, in the Group and Breed rings, to learn handling skills. Focus wholly on the dog and judge, not on others in the ring, and your dog will see your attention and want to please you more. Now, with more shows being filmed, it
each standard in detail to fully understand what constitutes cor- rect breed type and how it affects correct movement for that breed. Generic judging (which I totally do not approve of) will never get by with this Group. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? Over the years, there have been many Non- Sporting breeds that have become Best in Show winners as well as top-winning dogs. I find that when I judge the Non-Sporting Group today, I will often find a plethora of quality within the Group. Of the more popular breeds, I admire the quality of the Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and the Standard Poodle. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? Some of the more “vul- nerable” breeds with overall quality include the Coton de Tulear, Lhasa Apso, Schipperke, and the Tibetan Terrier. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? I would advise any- one who is considering an application to judge the Non-Sporting Group to be prepared for the diversity of this Group. Not only do you need to understand what correct breed type is for every breed, you must also totally recognize correct movement. You will under- stand what I mean when you apply for the Bulldog or Chow Chow, or most certainly, the Norwegian Lundehund, all which have unique, correct movement. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? I do feel that the breeders of today’s Non-Sporting breeds have achieved much in improving their exhib- its over those of yesteryear. One must only look back at top win- ners of the past to recognize the differences in breed type as well as presentation. Most noticeable would be the Poodles, which are now square and artistically groomed! I could also mention the Bichon Frise whose grooming has beautifully evolved. These changes (or improvements, if you wish) do add to the glamor that sometimes makes the difference in the show ring. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? Since I have lived most of my life with Toy Manchester Terriers and Doberman Pinschers, both very intel- ligent breeds, I would choose the Standard Poodle. Also, I have been a professional groomer for over 60 years and have had many Poodles as customers. DIANE LANDSTROM
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I reside in Litchfield Park, Arizona, about 20 miles west of Phoenix. I’ve been showing since 1989, with my first National in 1991. The judging endeav- or began in 2004, on the old one-for- one system. What is my original breed? What is/
was my kennel name? My original breed, and still remaining breed, is the the Samoyed. Landmark Samoyeds is our kennel name, which my husband chose. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? One of my favorites was BISS Landmark’s Magic Sambuca, owned by Pam and Jack Hofmann, sired by “Bud Light,” a multiple BIS dog. My “heart dog” was “Libby,” Sweepstakes Win- ner at a huge specialty at eight months of age and BOW in the cold and rain by a breeder-judge. Landmark’s Miss Liberty was a Group Winner shown by me. Unfortunately, when she passed, I lost five generations; BOS Veteran Sweeps with a bitch and some
178 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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