TOY GROUP Q&A
breed, they command the ring—often demanding their recogni- tion. A challenge that I always welcome is making certain that their experience in my ring is a very positive one. Which Toy dogs from the past have had the greatest influence on the sport? There are many Toy dogs from the past that have had an enormous influence on the sport. As I look back over the past 50-plus years, breeds that were rarely even considered for a Group placement now dominate Toy Groups around the country; a true testament to the dedication of devoted breeders. How has my knowledge of Toys influenced my understanding of dogs in general? My knowledge of Toys sparked an ongoing thirst for knowledge about all breeds. What can non-Toy fanciers learn from exhibitors of the Toy breeds? Non-Toy fanciers learn quickly that exhibitors of the Toy breeds can and do compete with the same tenacity as exhibitors of the other Groups. Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? Always a joy to judge, the Toy breeds never disap- point in the “fun and games” department. Does “SIZE MAT- TER?” Ask any Toy fancier! RICHARDW. POWELL I live just outside of
Our Regatta Classic shows in July 2019 soon followed. Who do I see at our shows but, indeed, Andy Chen and Allen. During the first day at the cluster event, Allen was awarded BOB over specials, Group First and Best in Show. I was incredibly astonished. Here is a dog handled by an individual virtually unknown by many, receiv- ing this award that people have only dreamed of. To make a long story short, Allen finished his American Championship the next day, and was awarded another BIS. The third day, he won a Group placement. Finally, the last day, he was awarded Reserve BIS. This was incredible. Allen was shown at Westminster the following year (2020) and won BOB. He later went to the Pomeranian National in March and was awarded BOB. People may criticize dog shows in general, but seeing Allen’s suc- cess transpire before my very eyes rekindles my faith in our sport. If you have a great specimen at the end of your lead, you are bound to be successful. GEORGEMILUTINOVICH I live in Fresno, Cali-
fornia. I have had purebred dogs for 54 years and have been a judge for 22 years. Do I have any hob- bies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I’m retired from a 40-plus-year career in the restaurant business. My hobbies revolve around my wife, four grown chil- dren, and 12 grandchildren. I serve on several charity boards. I am also a Director
Hershey, Pennsylvania. I have been involved with dogs since I was very young, which is a very long time! I have been judging for twenty years; first Ter- riers, then Sporting, and then Toys, plus a few other breeds. I haven’t hurried. There’s always something new to learn. Do I have any hob- bies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Oh, yes. I
for The Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno. My introduction into the Toy breeds was at age 16 when I pur- chased my first Pug, George’s Black Bart (interestingly enough, a fawn Pug) that later became a Champion CD dog. This started my love affair with purebred dogs. Have I bred or shown any influential Toys or any other breeds? Our breeding programs have been very limited. We have owned and exhibited Pugs, Italian Greyhounds, an English Toy Spaniel, a Boxer, a Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Russell Terriers! We have bred Group winners in Pugs, and Group and Best in Show winners in Bichon Frise. What are some breed-specific details that are a “must” in the Toy breeds? Breed-specific details are a must in every breed. It is what defines them and makes each breed unique. Temperament and type are key factors. What was the original purpose of the breed? Yes, even in Toys, this is an important consideration. How important is the breed-specific presentation/handling of Toys? Proper breed-specific presentation/handling of Toys is always appreciated, but is certainly not a significant criterion in my judg- ing. Judges are entrusted with the responsibility of judging breeding stock. Incorrect presentation/handling in Toys is usually the result of a novice or an uninformed exhibitor. I believe it is appropriate for a judge to offer help and suggestions, and often to ask the novice to return after judging for a chat! Can I speak to “breed character” among the Toy breeds? Breed character among the Toys is what puts a smile on everyone’s face. Perhaps it’s the alertness, the confidence, the inquisitiveness, the fearlessness, the self-importance, the intelligence, and the willing- ness to please its owner. Why are Toys a pleasure to judge and how are they a challenge? Toy breeds are always a pleasure to judge. No matter what the
am very busy since we retired from our boarding kennel. We have an old farmhouse and one and a half acres, so there’s always some- thing to do. I love being outside, keeping the place nice; love gar- dening. I have several old Saab cars, which always need something. And I breed and show chickens. Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? I worked for a veterinarian in London who had the top Min Pin kennel. She also had Brussels Griffons. I owned a lovely Chin that went on to be too big. We had Pekes too, which we adored. Have I bred or shown any influential Toys or any other breeds? Well, I don’t know how influential, but we bred Welsh Terriers for 30 years, and there were specialty and Best in Show winners. We did breed a specialty-winning Peke with Knolland Farms. What are some breed-specific details that are a “must” in the Toy breeds? It’s all about the details. Just like the Terriers, there’s nothing generic about them. I think it takes a lot to understand the nuances of the heads, i.e., Griffons, Chins, Pekes, and Charlies, and I am so grateful for the help I’ve received. I have been fortunate to have been able to be mentored by many great Toy breeders/fanci- ers, past and present. Sandra Goose Allen once said to me, “Do the Toys, there’s a lot to learn, but you will love them.” And, I do! How important is the breed-specific presentation/handling of Toys? Every breed is handled and presented differently. You need good hands and, of the many handlers, owners, and breeders, most are good—and a few are exceptional. Can I speak to “breed character” among the Toy breeds? First, they all have this Napoleon complex where they think they are big!
190 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SPRING EDITION
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