TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
wiggly “happy to see you” puppy or sensitive adult. Exhibitors can assist by having their dogs trained to stand and have their mouths examined, whether it is a thumb exam by the judge or where the lips are opened to check the bite by either the judge or exhibitor. Again, mouth exams on a Toy Dog should be done quickly. Having your Toy Dog prepared for this ahead of time will be a great asset in the ring for both the exhibitor and the judge. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? Positive changes! While we once had certain less popular breeds like Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, and English Toy Spaniels, just to name a few, that were not well-represented with a lot of quality, that has now changed for the better, thanks to dedicated breeders who have spent so much of their lives improving these breeds. That, in addition to the continued dedication of breeders of the other Toys in the Group, is what has made this Group so competitive. We welcome experienced breeders from other Groups who are interested in putting in the time, experience, and effort needed to breed good Toy Dogs. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? One thing that I think all Toy breeders and exhibitors would like for Toy judges to under- stand is that you have to be considerate of the smaller breeds dur- ing examination. It is not necessary to apply undue pressure on the dogs, squeeze parts of their bodies, or mess up the hair that took the exhibitor hours to prepare for you to look at! There are ways to go over these little ones, and it behooves every potential Toy judge to learn this at seminars or from mentors. This would include how to approach the dog, go over bites, heads, tails, and coats in a way that is appropriate for the breed. You will be much appreciated for your attention to this detail. These diminutive dogs have made for loving companions since they were first bred centuries ago. There is much variety in this Group from breed to breed. Some are of ancient lapdog types, and some are small versions of hunting dogs, Spitz, or Terrier types, bred down in size for a particular kind of work or to create a pet of conve- nient size. Because of this variety, the most important consideration when judging this Group is type. My best advice to breeders and/or exhibitors is to please study your standard! You would be surprised how many times, in speak- ing with an exhibitor after judging, I have asked if they have read their standard—and the answer is no, or not lately! You cannot understand how to improve your breeding program or know why your dog probably did not win on the day if you don’t know what your standard requires. Good books on your breed, and breeding in general, are a good idea to have and keep as references. Also, find someone whose breeding program you respect and learn everything you can from them. A good mentor is priceless and will steer you in the right direction, even if it is not with them. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? Well, I’m a little biased, having competed in this Group for so many years, but my opinion is that the Toy Group is, and has been for a very long time, one of the strongest Groups, with great overall quality. Toy Groups are most always deep, and it is such a joy to judge any National Toy Dog Specialty where you can actually see the quality of the breeding programs. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Toy Dogs were bred to be companion animals, and therefore, are very excited about being near, and pleasing, their owners. Toy Dogs will do just about anything you ask of them, just as long as they can be by your side. Their attentiveness and eagerness to please are what make them not only good show dogs, but sometimes clowns in the ring. They are very entertaining and creative. It is always a fun day to judge the Toy Breeds!
If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Obviously, this would be a Maltese. I enjoyed handling many of the Toy breeds and have owned quite a few, but there is nothing like the little silky white dog with the black eyes and nose! Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? One time, in the early 1990s, I was showing the Maltese, “Henry,” at a local all-breed show where the Best in Show judge asked that I take the dog on an “L” pattern on a loose lead. I headed down and then across, turned around, and the dog took off by himself, putting every foot down right, all the way back to the judge on the mats. He stopped and baited, then turned around and barked at me while I was catching up to him. He was very proud of himself. As I arrived back at the judge and picked up the lead, all I could say was, “Well, at least it was on a loose lead!” Needless to say, we ended up with the red, white, and blue ribbon. Since then, I have seen this attitude from all the Toy Breeds from time to time in my ring, and it is always quite entertaining and reminds me why I love this Group so much. For anyone who would question it, Toy Dogs are indeed very smart; there’s always a clown in the bunch, and humor can always be found at the Toy rings! JANET ALLEN
Since 1975, I have been involved in the sport as a breeder, owner, handler, and since 1990, a judge. I was successful in Chow Chows under the Tai Yang prefix, with multiple champions, including BIS and BISS winners. I became involved with other Oriental breeds; Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Japanese Chins. As partner in Sing Lee Pekingese, I made up over fifty champions
with numerous BIS and BISS (including two National BISS) winners. In addition, I handled (and owned) Pugs, Papillons, Yorkshire Ter- riers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Tibetan Spaniels, and a BIS Nor- wegian Elkhound. Licensed for the Toy and Non-Sporting Groups, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show, I have enjoyed judging in the United States, Canada, and Sweden, awarding CCs in England, Australia, and New Zealand, and judging all breeds in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I have judged Regional and National Special- ties in Chow Chows, Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs, Bostons, Chinese Shar- Pei, Shiba Inu, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Papillons, Pugs, English Toy Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Cresteds, Miniature Pinschers, Japanese Chins, Yorkshire Terriers, and Silky Terriers. I was honored to judge at Westminster in 2014. Retired after a career as an academic medi- cal center administrator, I am active in local all-breed and specialty clubs, and with judges education. I am always happy to make new friends—with dogs as well as people. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in a rural community north of San Francisco. I have been “in dogs” for 45-plus years, judging for 30 years (Toy and Non-Sporting Groups). What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed was the Chow Chow (Tai Yang), but I quickly added Pekingese to my home. I was in partnership for over 20 years with J. Robert Jacobsen (Sing Lee). I owner-handled many Toy and Non- Sporting breeds; besides Pekingese and Chows, notably Japanese Chins, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Some of the Pekingese I have produced include Ch. California Gold Sing, Ch. Raffles Jubilation Sing Lee, and Ch. Windemeres Gold Fever Sing Lee. These are among 12 BISA Pekingese and 20-plus BISS winners. I am recognized by the Pekingese Club of America as a Breeder of Merit, with multiple
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022 | 137
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