chinese crested Q&A
WITH PAT FRANKLIN, SUE KLINCKHARDT-GARDNER, DR. SOPHIA KALUZNIACKI, HEATHER LINDBERG & DEIRDRE PETRIE
straight, of moderate density and length.” I think we are loosing this in the breed because of the desire for a “neat and detailed” appearance. SKG: Sometimes new judges obsess on looking for the shaved down Puffs, like exhibitors will try to fool them. First of all, it’s way too much work to shave down a Puff. Secondly, we breed them and show them together, but really wouldn’t make a difference if you had a shaved down Puff. It’s just not that important. Plus if you’re wrong, you just look silly and you won’t get many entries! SK: Mostly judges do not understand dentition. Most judges do not check for full dentition on the Puffs as the standard calls for. They only check the bite. It is quite important to have good teeth and dentition on the Puffs because if they do not, there will be even fewer teeth on the Hairless where lack of teeth should not be penalized as stated in the standard. Also judges need to understand that the Chinese Crested gait is smooth and agile, with- out being stilted or hackneyed. The prancy type of gait is sometimes visually cute; however, it is not correct. HL: I find that new judges are often drawn to a square dog. Chinese Cresteds are meant to be rectangular. Body length from the withers to the base of the tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers. DP: I don’t think enough emphasis is put on movement and unfortunately I see too many Cresteds winning that are flying around the ring at high speeds looking stylish but not showing proper movement. I also see far too many square dogs winning. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? PF: I love living with these little characters despite their idio- syncrasies. They never fail to make me smile, even when I’ve had a bad day. SKG: Cresteds are a delightful breed. Enjoy them. Young- sters sometimes go through some strange stages. Fear periods. Adolescence can be difficult. Remember the han- dlers are doing the best they can. Try to be patient. SK: This is a Toy breed, but it should never be frail looking. It should be a well built little dog that is an companion capable of many tasks, including jumping onto and off of the couch without breaking a leg, as well as more ardu- ous things such as competing in agility. HL: Chinese Cresteds are an incredible small breed that is quickly gaining recognition and popularity. They are quite versatile and willing to please. They are excellent “CHINESE CRESTEDS ARE MEANT TO BE RECTANGULAR.”
pets and excel in performance events as well. I feel it is important to remember that there are two distinct variet- ies, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. Also, the Hairless has varying amounts of furnishings. Our standard gives no preference to either variety or amount of furnishing in the Hairless. Therefore, I believe “breed type” must be defined by other traits such as outline, movement and coat (and skin) texture and placement. DP: In judging the Chinese Crested, seek out a balanced dog with all the pieces flowing smoothly. Look for a dog that is lively, happy and stable. The Chinese Crested should be a rectangular dog exhibiting good reach and drive carry- ing a level topline. 7. And, for a bit of humor: what’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? SKG: Our club gives its specialty as a concurrent event with the wonderful all breed club Angeles Canyon Dog Club. This last year after our specialty was over I went back to the motor home to change into comfortable shoes before the breed judging for the all breed club. My feet hurt and I was happily exhausted. Successful specialty over for another year—sigh of relief. After the breed judging was over and I finished my little true Hairless boy, one of the handlers came up and asked me what was going on. Puzzled I asked what she meant. Then I noticed she was looking at my feet. When I too looked down I discovered that my shoes didn’t match! I had put on one black tennis shoe and one blue and gray one! Everyone had a good laugh. In fact months later a few are still giggling when they see me at the ring. SK: There have been many amusing incidents, most not fit for publishing! HL: Several years ago, at the Palm Springs shows, I was out late one night walking a dog. The polo grounds were dimly lit and I heard a lot of giggling coming for the other side of the field. A few moments later, much to my sur- prise, I saw several assistants streaking their way across the polo field. I couldn’t help but to giggle myself. I bet they never knew they were actually sighted. DP: While sitting ringside with a friend from another Toy breed at an all breed show we overheard a conversation of two Crested exhibitors discussing what dogs they should bring to the Chinese Crested National specialty and discussing what they heard the judge likes and doesn’t like. One heard the judge likes bigger dogs and had a multiple specialty winning top ranked Crested back in the early 90s that was 12½" tall while the other exhibitor heard that the judge likes smaller dogs because she heard the judge had a top-winning male that was just 11½". Both being newer to the breed they had no clue who I was. I tried to remove myself from the conversa- tion, but really wanted to watch the breed being shown in the ring we were sitting at. Finally my friend turned and said, “You are both correct and the judge is sitting in front of you, so no disrespect, but please take your con- versation elsewhere.” Their expressions were priceless.
264 • S how S ight M agazine , M ay 2017
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