Showsight Spring Edition, February/March 2021

JUDGING THE

BY MARJORIE MARTORELLA Pointer

T he Pointer is one of the first breeds exhibited in the United States. It is also a breed that has been depicted through the centuries by artists. Many of the dogs immortalized by the masters such as George Earl, his daughter, Maud Earl, Thomas Blinks, Leon Danchin, Richard Fath, and Marguerite Kirmse, just to name a few, are not very different from the modern-day Pointer. When you enter the ring, you will see a class of Point- ers of different colors and coat patterns. This is the icing on the cake, for it is what lies underneath that makes a good Pointer. Thus, color and markings should have no bearing on your decision. In the General Appearance section of the Pointer Standard, phrases such as “bred primarily for sport afield,” “impression of compact power and agile grace,” and “hard-driving hunt- ing dog” are used. In evaluating the Pointer, one must keep in mind the purpose of the breed. These dogs should have outgo- ing temperaments and be in excellent muscular condition so they can perform the duties for which they are bred. For many years, the Pointer has been described as a head breed. There is no doubt that the correct Pointer head is the hallmark of the breed and distinguishes it from other breeds. I do feel that, as a judge or a breeder, to put all of your emphasis on the head and neglect the traits that make our dogs capable

Ch. Truewithem A Taste of Triumph was my foundation bitch; a Number One Pointer in 1976 and the dam of 29 Champions as well as four BIS winners, including the 1986 Westminster BIS winner, Ch. Marjetta National Acclaim.

Ch. Cookieland’s Life of Leisure, bred by Cheryl LaDuc. “Daisy” was the winner of 21 All-Breed Bests in Show and is also the dam of Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry. Pictured here winning the Group under me at the Lexington KC show, handled by co-breeder Anthony Cantor. Breeders of Hollyberry: Cheryl LaDuc and A&A Cantor.

Ch. Marjetta Diamond Lil JH, owned by Dave & Linda McCurley.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SPRING EDITION | 277

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