feet. This is easily seen on the down, back and seeing the front when the dog stops. HP: We seem to have lost the connection to the old estab- lished bloodline that are now gone. The traits and strengths of those bloodlines which were a foundation of the breed, to some degree, have now been lost in the mists of time. I guess it is just a reflection of the instant society and culture we live in. Instant results are not always possible when planning, time and slowly getting the desired result is what it takes. Just ask successful long time breeders with quality in their bloodlines what it took to get there. Instant, unless extremely fortunate or lucky is not really possible. I only hope that those who currently get it can be influential enough to pass it on to a new generation that will get it too and going forward there are enough of them to strengthen and guide the breed so quality will not be further eroded. SNS: This breed continues to be a primarily owner-handled breed. Basset hound owner/exhibitors are very social, just like their pack hounds and enjoy the camaraderie at conformation/performance events. Some Basset exhibitors participate to support their club event. Although this can make for challenging judging, many of these exhibitors are very dedicated club workers. If asked to explain your placements, please be kind and make this a positive educational experience instead of only focusing on negatives. Basset Hound owners, just like the sweet demeanor of our hounds, are friendly and welcom- ing. We encourage anyone interested in our hounds to join a regional Basset hound club. You do not need to own a Basset to be welcomed as a member. DCT: It is a funny, loving and demanding breed, not for the super neat. You discuss things with a Basset, not order. 7. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? JG: During Junior Handling judging, I asked a young man to show me his dog’s bite. His reply, “Oh, he doesn’t do that anymore!” CG: The one that is most prominent in my mind and which cracks me up to this day, is the first time I walked in the ring with a Basset (“Jolly” in 1975, Greater Miami Dog Club, then held at the old Dinner Key Auditorium in Coconut Grove, Florida, under Edith Nash Hellerman). I didn’t have a show lead, so I bought an inexpensive white toy lead at one of the on-site vendors. I proceeded as the sole entry in a 6-9 month puppy dog class and walked in the ring with the lead in my right hand and my dog’s nose on the ground. Mrs. Hellerman was so kind. She stopped me as I walked in, put the lead in my left hand, and proceeded to guide me through the rest of the exam and gaiting. What did I know? Horses were shown in halter classes with the handler on the horse’s left and the lead in the right hand! At least someone told me to put my dog on my left before walking into the ring! SM: When I was pretty new to showing, I attended a show where Bassets were being judged by Peg Walton of Lyn-Mar Acres. She was a legend to me, having read about her dogs and her career breeding beautiful
Bassets who appeared in many pedigrees. Including the pedigree of the dog I owned—a few generations back. This was before I really understood how many dogs are related through pedigree as you move back through the generations. You can see where this is going, I’m sure. She handed me the first place ribbon in our class and I immediately gushed forth with my gratitude and excitement at meeting her, including how exciting it was to show her a dog that came down from her very own lines. In my novice enthusiasm I completely forgot that the judging wasn’t done! She ushered me out of the ring, and of course in the pause before I had to come back in for winners, I realized my error. After she handed me the Winner’s Dog ribbon, I started to apologize, but she cut me off saying, “My dear, if by now I don’t know what I like and don’t in a Basset, I never will.” I still laugh at my own faux pas! HP: Over the years there are many humorous incidents. There are far too many for just one to be the funniest, but I do remember this one and it was on me. Funny and embarrassing, I guess, is the best way to describe it. I was showing one of our beautiful multi Best in Show and Specialty winning bitches at an outdoor show. When the judge pointed to us for Best in Show, there seemed to be as much laughter as cheering and for good reason. I soon realized that at some point when I knelt down and got up that I must have blown the backend seam out of my trousers. Running around the ring must have been quite a sight to see. Fortunately, my tighty whities that hung out were just that. JR: I guess I have to laugh at myself, I tell this story to new exhibitors who are nervous. At my first show, I had asked those who had encouraged me to enter what should I wear. Someone said dress, “Dress like you are going to church!” With heels on my feet, I tried to keep up with an untrained bitch—and I am still here! SNS: I was judging at a national specialty and was particu- larly focused in judging a large class. A friend slipped into the ring with a large stuffed dog and proceeded to stack it to be examined! Everyone inside and outside the ring was laughing. I did a quick examination and directed her to move on the diagonal. We all clapped and laughed; her antics eased the tension felt at a national where many of the entries were outstanding examples of the breed! DCT: My Basset, when running in an outdoor Agility Trial, discovered a gopher hole and spent the rest of her time baying and digging for the gopher instead of finishing the course. Or at a show I was exhibiting at, a Basset bitch being shown by a female exhibitor, at the end of the down and back she reached up under her mistress’s skirt and pulled down her half-slip to the floor. The woman stepped out of it, leaving it on the matting and continued to the end of the line. The judge,
with as much dignity as possible, picked it up, walked across the ring, handed it back to her and gave her first place.
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , O CTOBER 2018 • 259
Powered by FlippingBook