NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are unique and the learning curve is more challenging than in other Groups. One-on-one with reputable breeders can bring great insight into the nuances of these breeds. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? I appreciate the consistency, past and present, in the Non-Sporting breeds, which coincides with the jobs they were bred to do, such as the Dalmatian and Keeshond, to name a few. I go back to the dedicated breeders who have produced some outstanding show dogs in this Group. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? I could not pick one breed to take home out of these dogs as there are so many I really am drawn to. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? One time, I was rushing to my ring when I almost tripped over a bottle of hair spray that fell off a grooming table. I picked it up and turned to hand it to the Poodle lady who said, “That’s not mine.” I just smiled and put it in a nearby garbage can. There is an owner-handler of one of the Non-Sporting breeds whom I have awarded to quite often. I really like the quality of his dogs. It got back to me that several exhibitors said I had a “mad crush” on him. I came home and told my husband, and we had a good laugh. When he asked me if he was good-looking, I said, “Well, yes,” and we laughed some more. JANICE MCCLARY
Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Take your time. Each breed is so unique and is deserving of your attention to the hallmarks that make these breeds their breed. I think judges com- ing from the Sporting, Working, and Herding Groups will perhaps have their judging tested because nothing is the same, whereas in those other three Groups, a lot of the breeds have the same struc- ture. Just my opinion. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? Hard to say because many breeds have evolved, and what once was is not what is today. Yes, there are past dogs that could stand the test of time today. I hate looking back- wards, but there are certainly lessons to be learned from the past that need to be implemented again today. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? I don’t think this is an issue with just the Non- Sporting Group. It pertains to all Groups. There are breeds in each Group that excel and just make great show dogs. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? I’m not going to settle for one. Löw- chen, for sure, which I’ve explained previously, and Tibetan Span- iels. I became enamored, say, 20 years ago, when I was deciding between Affens and Tibbies. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? Nothing comes to mind quickly, though I’m sure I will think of something down the road. CHRISTIE MARTINEZ
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? My husband, Ron, and I live in Southern California. We have been breeders and exhibitors of Old English Sheepdogs for over 50 years. We have been judges for about 40 years. I am currently approved for all Herding, all Non-Sporting, nine Working, three Toy, Miscellaneous,
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Port Ludlow, Washington, overlook- ing the Puget Sound. I have been in dogs since I was a baby, literally. I have been an AKC Judge for 20 years. After being granted the Working Group, it was natural for me to pursue the Non-Sporting breeds. My mother
Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? Old English Sheepdogs are our original breed and we continue to breed and exhibit them; nearing 100 AKC champions and over 150 for- eign titles with our Dandalion prefix. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Two of our very special OES include multi- champion Dandalions Dream Weaver Patty Rom, a Best in Show winner in many countries with nearly 30 titles and Champion Dan- dalions Lord Tanker ROM, who received his first Best of Breed over an entry of 108 from the classes at Santa Barbara. Our Dandalions have been awarded over 25 Register of Merits from the Old English Sheepdog Club of America. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? The qualities I admire in the Non-Sporting Group are too numerous to mention. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I feel honored to have been invited to judges the following specialties: Chinese Shar-Pei, Keeshonden, Löwchen, Poodles (all varieties), Schipperkes, and Shiba Inu (including their national specialty). Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, Standard & Miniature Poodles? Overall, the quality of the dogs in the Non- Sporting Group ranges from good to excellent, such as the French Bulldog, Bulldog, Keeshond, Dalmatian, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Ter- rier, and more.
had Toy and Miniature Poodles and my aunt had Chow Chows. My friend and neighbor bred American Eskimos, which I was involved with in my 20s. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Samoyed, which I bred and exhibited under the name d’Keta. Keta being the Samoyed I most loved as a child. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? It’s difficult to say which of my Samoyeds was my favorite, but probably Multi-BISS Ch. d’Keta Strikes Gold, aka Riley, who won the SCA National Specialty in 2011 in Utah. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? In all parts of the country, the quality of many of the Non-Sporting breeds, such as Bulldogs, French Bull- dogs, and Boston Terriers, is amazing, with beautiful heads, correct outlines, and movement. Behind the Poodles are some exceptional breeders who have produced some of the top dogs in the country. We can see their dedication and commitment from the puppy classes on up. I have, of late, seen some phenomenal Poodles in the NOHS rings. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? I was lucky to have ben- efited from some wonderful breed mentors in some of the low-entry breeds; breeds we don’t get an opportunity to see that often. I have enjoyed judging some really nice Löwchen lately as well as Coton de Tulear.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022 | 181
Powered by FlippingBook