NON-SPORTING JUDGES Q&A
“A Non-Sporting breed can be, and is, an outstanding and competitive show dog. They stand out with their unique attributes, style, and temperament.”
Can I speak to the overall quality of the more popular Non- Sporting Breeds/Varieties; Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Standard & Miniature Poodles? The overall quality of the Bulldog is excel- lent due to the number of Speciality Shows. Miniature Poodles are improving. I don’t find the depth of quality in the classes with Standard Poodles. What about the overall quality of the more “vulnerable” breeds; Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen? I am seeing some very good Chows across the country. They are getting leg under them again. The breed that I find lacking in quality is the Bichon Frise. Would I have any advice to impart to newer judges of the Non- Sporting Breeds who come from other Groups? I would tell new judges to make an effort to attend as many Speciality Shows as pos- sible and to talk to longtime breeders and handlers of the Non- Sporting Breeds. Many of these people have dedicated their lives to these breeds. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Non- Sporting Dogs of the past? Some of the Dalmatians could come back today and win. Lhasas today are better. Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such outstand- ing Show Dogs? The Non-Sporting Group has so many breeds that have the flash and desire to please. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? The Tibetan Spaniel. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? None that can be told. DANIEL J. SMYTH, ESQ
gotten better. Breeders have to continue to make good decisions and remove their blinders. Many preservation breeders are unable to have more than 1-2 litters per year. However, do not forget to pay things forward when you find someone you can trust to do the right thing and to keep the breed moving ahead. It is the only way we will continue to see great dogs in the ring. Thank you, breeders, for all you do! Why do I think Non-Sporting Dogs can become such out- standing Show Dogs? A Non-Sporting breed can be, and is, an outstanding and competitive show dog. They stand out with their unique attributes, style, and temperament. However, it must start with good conditioning, diet, and exercise if they want to look their very best. If I could share my life with only one Non-Sporting Breed, which would it be and why? Well, the French Bulldog, of course. They play hard and sleep hard. They are silly. They are clowns. They are lovers and are great to cuddle with. The next pick would have to be a Standard Poodle. I am convinced there is a human inside them. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Non-Sporting Group? Recently, I had a line-up of Bulldogs and I kept backing up to get the best view of them. Well, I backed up right onto the ramp, abruptly sat down (or fell down), and jumped up quickly as if the 50 people sitting ring- side didn’t see. Who knows? Maybe I meant to do that. POLLY SMITH
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live at St. Stephens Church, Virginia. I have been in dogs all my life. I have been judging for 43 years. What is my original breed? What is/ was my kennel name? We started with German Shepherd Dogs, but then got America Foxhounds. Our kennel name
I have owned show dogs since 1978 and began judging Hound breeds in 1995. My first Group was the Hound Group, followed by the Non-Sporting Group. I am currently almost done with the Toy Group, and I judge 11 Sporting breeds and one Terrier breed. I was the original Delegate for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of
was Hazira. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? We showed the first American Foxhound to win Best in Show outside the South. We also bred and showed four generations of Best in Show American Foxhounds. Also bred the first American Foxhound to win a UDT in Obedience. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Non-Sport- ing Breeds? The qualities in the Non-Sporting Group are that many among them make excellent pets. They fit both those living in the country and smaller breeds for city living. Have I judged any Non-Sporting Breed/Group Specialties? I have judged a number of Regional Specialties for Boston Terriers, Poodles, and Dalmatians.
America for six years and moved on to the Burlington County Ken- nel Club of New Jersey where I currently remain as their Delegate. This totals 30 years as a Delegate. In 2019, I was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club, serving my first term. My husband, Rob, and I recently relocated to the Palm Springs area of California where I was accepted as a member of the Palm Springs Kennel Club. I have a daughter, Mandy, a former Junior Handler, her husband, Brian, and a wonderful granddaughter, Elle Rose, and their rescue Greyhound, Emmett, all residing in Boston.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022 | 185
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