Showsight - May 2022

NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A

Once Upon a Time. Cagney was also a multiple Group and all- breed Best in Show winner. French Bulldogs: “Ben” is GCH Iron- ton Ben There Done That. This major clown has literally stolen hearts all over the globe. He is a Top 20 dog, multiple Group win- ner, and reserve Best in Show winner. “Ellen” is GCHG Ironton Just Keep Swimming. Ellen has always been owner-handled and is a Best in Specialty, Reserve Best in Show and Multiple Group winner, and a Best in Sweeps National Specialty Veteran winner. But most of all, she is just our very special girl. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non- Sporting Breeds? I admire and appreciate the diversity of the Non- Sporting Group. I am happy to have started my study in this Group as it has taught me to focus on all the unique qualities of a breed and not worry about comparing one to the other. Each breed is uniquely special on many levels. Words that describe temperaments of this Group include: Slightly conservative; cheerful; high degrees of intelligence; courageous; dignified; aloofness; happy; outgoing; lively; alert; regal; affectionate; energetic; air of distinction; curious; spirited; gay; sensitive; and tranquil. With the Non-Sporting Group you can describe temperament and never repeat a word twice. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I have had the privilege to judge a number of breed specialties. That list currently includes the Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Tibetan Spaniel. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, Standard & Miniature Poodles? There is deep quality in all of these breeds today. However, at a typical all-breed show, they may be found in various regions. I have had the opportunity to judge outstanding representatives of these breeds. This would be my opportunity to call-out the popularity of the French Bulldog. The number of “pet breeders” and “color breeders” is of great concern. Please make sure you can identify highly respected breeders and refer inquiries to them. Together, we can ensure that prospective buyers meet preser- vation breeders before getting into the hands of the fad color/coat puppy producers. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? I don’t know that I would use the word “vulnerable.” I have also seen outstanding qual- ity in these breeds, coming from preservation breeders. My hope is that they continue to pay things forward in order for us to admire their breeds for decades to come. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? To newer Non- Sporting judges, my first hope is that they already have mentors whom we would all call experts and someone they can continue to learn from. Judges, please stop saying that some Non-Sporting breeds are so hard to understand because they are so different from other breeds that you judge. To me, this may suggest that you haven’t spent enough time learning the unique qualities of these breeds. No, they are not the same as breeds coming from the Sport- ing or Herding Groups. This is what makes them unique. However, they are still a dog that must be sound and functional. Peculiar movement does not mean unsound. Make sure you know the dif- ference. Education should never be about obtaining the minimal needed credits in order to apply for breeds—and then stop. The learning should never stop. Judge these breeds and go right back to your mentors frequently to discuss the entry. When it comes to hallmarks, know them and do not compromise. When I am torn between a few dogs that may not check all the boxes, I always ask myself: “Which dog, who has a compelling feature, would I first invite into a breeding program?” In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? Over the last 25 years I would say that the dogs are comparable in some cases, and in other cases they have

male in the 9-12 Puppy Class. I managed to purchase him eight months later, and that was the foundation of Storm Kloud Kennel. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? That male became BIS BISS Am. Can. Mex. Intn’l CH Glaciers Storm Kloud CD ROM ROM-OB ROM-WD and is still the Top-Producing Sire in the Breed. Malamutes I have bred have won 145 Bests in Show on six continents, 237 AKC Championships, 61 Obedience titles, and 254 AMCA Working Titles. In 1989, I imported two Shiba Inu from Japan. This was before they were AKC recognized. Of the 38 puppies bred at Storm Kloud Kennel, 20 are AKC Champions and four are Group Win- ners. I later handled the first Black and Tan Shiba to take BOS at a National Specialty, and I’ve handled another Shiba to BIS. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I have judged Boston Terrier Specialties and Chows. Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? Changes in the popular breeds? There has been a huge improvement in the Bulldog with their health. Particu- larly noticeable is better breathing as well as overall conformation. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? In the rare breeds, the Shar-Pei has also had a tremendous improvement in the coat and temperament. They had many skin conditions and were quite sharp when I handled them before they were AKC recognized. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? Advice to new judg- es: This Group has so much diversity in purpose. There is nothing similar from one breed to another. This will require an excellent mentor in each breed. You have retrievers for water and land, those that climb walls with unique feet and front assembly, hunters that bark, bull baiters, fighting dogs, circus performers, coach dogs, guard dogs, and some that are strictly companions. There is also a huge diversity in coats, from those dogs in Arctic climates to the Xolo with no coat, and all kinds of trims in the companion dogs. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? Which Non-Sporting Dog would I chose to spend my life with and why? I would get another Shiba. They are so clean; almost like a cat. They are excellent housedogs and will alert you to anything strange. And their bark sounds like a larger dog. They can tolerate hot or cold, so they can be out in any weather. They are generally very healthy and require very little grooming. GUS SINIBALDI Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Matthews, North Carolina, and have been showing dogs for nearly 25 years. I started riding and showing hunters and jumpers as an early teen, which really helped to develop my eye for structure, balance, and sound- ness—which I’ve carried forward. I have been judging for four years and am privileged to judge the Non-Sporting and Toy Groups. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Bulldog. In 2010, I “downsized” to French Bulldogs while continuing to show a number of Bulldogs. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? I would call out four very special dogs. Bull- dogs: “Gino” was CH Ironton Well Red. With local showing only and owner-handled, Gino won three all-breed Bests in Show and maintained a Top 5 national ranking. “Cagney” was CH Ironton

184 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022

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