TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
about Toy type. I agree with this wholeheartedly. Not so long ago, I had a woman approach me after judging some really nice Pekes. She’d beaten all the good ones that moved with the correct rolling gait and put up what she felt was the best mover. This dog had an exaggerated nose roll obstructing the nostrils, but it did move well, though with no roll at all, a breed characteristic. I am not saying to ignore movement, but if it is all you can see, perhaps stay with a breed that requires absolute soundness and ability to run all day. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Aside from some of the heav- ily coated dogs, I do not find that Toys require special care outside of simple things that we should all know innately. Do not drop them, they may break. Do not allow them to overheat or freeze, their size comes into play with both extremes of weather. And, do not overfeed them as you will dramatically shorten their lives. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I have been in and around Toy rings for my whole adult life and they have always been tough. Breed win records still stand from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s in several Toy Breeds. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? A Toy Dog with spirit can be the very best of Show Dogs, but Toys can be dramatic, and push their handlers to the limit. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? I have shared my life at home with wonderful Griffons, and hopefully this love for the breed will continue for years. I have been fortunate to have judged many of the very best Toys that this country and Europe have exhibited for the last 30 years, and I have special memories of each of them; dogs that dripped with breed type and the details that make a Toy Dog a great one. ARLENE CZECH
In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? Overall, they have made vast improvements in faults, with corrections in breeding. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Toys are, first of all, SHOW dogs and it’s natural for them to become outstanding. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Papillons… and that’s obvious. DR. TROY CLIFFORD DARGIN Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? Due to the Pandemic, I live all over; I fled NYC to take care of parents in Iowa. Now I live between the Omaha area (when I’m vis- iting parents); Nashville, Miami, NYC, and Philadelphia. What is my original breed? What is/ was my kennel name? My original breed is the Shih Tzu. Falling Star is my kennel name. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? I have had numerous ROM titles. I actually don’t apply for them anymore because I can’t keep track. The titles are not why I show. I had 10 ROM as of 10 years ago, I probably would have double that now. In 1996, I got my first Group One, Am./Can./Int’l. Ch. Munchkintown O’ Falling Star ROM. That year, I bred 10 champions. I bred another 10 champions in 1998- 1999. In 2000-2001, I bred 9 homebred champions; 12 in 2004; 11 in 2006; 8 in 2010, to name a few. At present, I have bred close to 100 homebred champions. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire their ability to make you smile. They are all so sweet and willing to please, and they love you… and, their sweet faces. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? Don’t pick the dog up by the tail or by the throat, it hurts them and throws off their performance. Relax and realize it’s a table; they are dogs, and they are not supposed to be completely still. A good judge will be able to analyze what they need to see efficiently to make it a quality experience for both the dog, handler, and judge. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? No, but recently I sold two dogs to a French Bulldog breeder. They are very nice dogs. She’s having a learning curve with grooming. This is to be expected. We need to help these people, even the competition. I think it’s easy to look and judge. Instead, we need to help and encourage. Grooming is hard and is a skill you don’t learn overnight. Let’s be considerate and helpful. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Love—lots of love. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? It’s always easy to say that it was much better yesterday. That could be, but even in the past 10 years I see my own breed’s transition. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Well, not all dogs should be Show Dogs and not all dogs can be outstanding Show Dogs. In fact, some of the most mediocre-quality
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I have 62 years in dogs, judging for more than 50 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Papillon. My kennel name is Coquina, appropriately named after the butterfly sea shell.
Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? No performance titles, but five sequential Dams of Merit and two Dogs of Merit. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire the attitude of “I’m here… I’m the best.” Then, I look for the details. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I’ve judged many Toy Breed Specialties. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? Yes, practice at home first. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? Quality does not depend on size. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? I have only one suggestion: Judges, approach the table to examine with hands down, and chuck under the chin. Don’t spook them. This next comment isn’t “special care,” but become familiar with the Standard; refer to it if needed.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022 | 143
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