NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? These breeds are not usually seen in quantity, such as Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, and Löwchen, although I did judge a Löwchen Specialty and had plenty of depth and quality. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? I love judging the Non-Sporting Group. Fourteen breeds of the 21 breeds are coated, with various textures, thicknesses, and lengths. Judges must know the correct coat and trimming for each breed, along with the struc- ture and movement. Judges must use their hands to go through the coat. Don’t be afraid to mess up the grooming—you won’t. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? Grooming would be the main difference between the dogs of today and yesterday. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? Non-Sporting Breeds have been outstanding show dogs for many years. Currently, there are multiple Best in Show dogs in Bichon Frise, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, all varieties of Poodles, Shiba Inu, and Tibetan Terriers. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? I enjoy judging all of my breeds. How- ever, I don’t think I could own any other breed besides my Old English Sheepdogs. MARY ELLEN MEYER
the Löwchen and Finnish Spitz (when you have them in the ring) of late, the ones I have judged have been of exceptional quality. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? Many of the breeds have changed while other breeds are still identical to the dogs shown 20 years ago. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Yes. Remember, the Non-Sporting Group is comprised of many different types of dogs. There will be deviations in movement, carriage, and type within this particular Group. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? The Non-Sporting Group includes a wide variety of dogs in breed type, versatility, and structure. This allows this Group to be one of the most versatile Groups to judge. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? My choice would be the Keeshond. I have owned and bred this breed for 40-plus years. Their tempera- ment is perfect for many different venues, including performance, conformation, obedience, and rally. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? The funniest experience that I have had was a Bulldog that apparently thought the ramp was a bed, and proceeded to lay down on his back when I attempted to examine him. It is hard to keep your professionalism when this type of thing happens, as it is so humorous—yet so nice to see the enjoyment the dog is having. NANCY RUSSELL
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I was born and raised in Milwaukee Wiscon- sin and currently live in Oostburg, Wis- consin, having begun exhibiting dogs in 1964. I currently have been judging for 20 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original
My occupations for the past 50 years have been mostly dog-related. I was a veterinary hospital assistant, a humane officer for the town of Lisbon and Vil- lage of Sussex for 23 years, a professional handler of 25 years, and I have been an AKC judge for 22 years. I have had the privilege of judging in Canada, 11 coun- tries in Europe, Israel, Japan, Indonesia,
breeds were the Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle. The kennel name I established to identify my dogs is Markwright. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? I began my career in dogs by exhibiting in obe- dience, then moving into the conformation arena showing Schnau- zers, Poodles, and then Keeshonden. My first big winner was Ch Markwright’s Square Rigger HOF. I have bred over 150 champi- ons of record, including Best in Show, multiple Group placements, Futurity winners, Sweepstake winners, Specialty winners, and Hall of Fame dogs, including obedience title winners. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? Non-Sporting is represented by such a wide range of breed types. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I have judged two Keeshond National Specialties, along with many local Specialties, and I have judged many various breed Specialties within the Non-Sporting Group. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, Standard & Miniature Poodles? It is difficult to speak to the overall qualities of the popular breeds within the Non-Sporting Group, as quality presented to you as a judge can vary depending on what is exhibited to you on any given day. I look for form and function of each breed, with an emphasis on structure, soundness, and correct movement. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? Having judged the Cot- ton de Tulear National Specialty, which I felt was a great honor, I found some very exceptionally nice dogs. Being low-entry breeds,
New Zealand, and Australia. As owner of Storm Kloud Kennel, the Alaskan Malamutes I have bred have obtained 145 Bests in Show on six continents, 237 AKC Championships, and 254 AMCA Working Titles. From 1985 to 2001, Malamutes I’ve bred were in the Top 10; for six of those years, I was the breeder/owner of the No. 1 Alaskan Malamute, which was always handled by myself or my daughter, Jeri El-Dissi. I was the breeder, owner, and driver of an International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA)-ranked freight racing team in 1984 and 1985. All six Malamutes were champions; three became BIS dogs and five were Group Winners. The AMCA National Specialty Weight Pull competition has been won 16 times by dogs owned or bred by me. As a research project to see if my show dogs could still survive in the Arctic, I had a team of 15 Malamutes run in the 1994 Iditarod Race in Alaska by professional musher, Jamie Nelson. I feel very strongly that breed function should never be lost in the show dog. In 1989, I imported two Shiba Inu from Japan. From the 39 puppies bred at Storm Kloud Kennel, 20 are AKC champions and four are Group winners. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live near Walsenburg, Colorado. I purchased my first purebred dog in 1964. I started judging in 2000. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My first purebred was an Alaskan Malamute female costing $35. I took her to my very first dog show in 1966 and saw the most beautiful
182 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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