TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
CATHY GISH Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Henderson, Kentucky. I got my first show dog in 1969. He was an Afghan Hound. I started judging in 2005. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, under the affix of Flying Colors. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Ch. Flying Colors Maxima is a notable dog, but really there are so many special notable dogs over all the years. I am the first person to finish all four colors in AKC and the first and only person to breed champions in all four colors, in the original parent club. No performance titles, but many Best in Show wins at the old club. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? The qualities that I most admire are size and cuteness. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged special- ties in Cavaliers, Poms, and Chihuahuas. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? Train your dogs to free-stack so that you don’t have to get on your knees. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? I’m not sure about large dog breeders in Toys now, but I do see a lot of changes in the Cava- liers—and it is not for the better. They are not supposed to have a huge, heavy coat. And the heads are so extreme now, with domed heads and low set ears. Ear-set is supposed to be high to make the slightly domed head appear flat. Ears are to fan forward and frame the face. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think breeders have worked on structure and movement, and these have improved, but it can be different from coast to coast. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? With proper breed type, structure, movement, and attitude, any dog can be an outstanding show dog. It’s hard to get it all right. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? I love the Cavalier. They are so laidback and are not yappy. I have also shown and bred Chinese Cresteds and they are very affectionate and funny dogs. They have the ability to make their handler look absolutely stupid by not doing what they should do. Sometimes, they absolutely have a mind of their own and are very stubborn. NANCY SMITHHAFNER Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? My late husband and I moved to the small town of Tuscumbia, Alabama, in May 1987. I sold my boarding and grooming kennel in Nashville, Tennessee, as my husband took a job as Chief Engineer of Heat Pumps to design. I applied to judge my one breed, Poodles, in 1997 and I judged my first assignment in January 1998. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Miniature Poodle in brown, black, and apricot colors. My kennel name is Apogee, in a partnership with Monroe McIntyre of Daktari Miniature Poodles. So, our kennel names were Daktari Apogee Poodles. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? In Miniature Poodles: Ch. Daktari Apo- gee Halston, Ch. Daktari Apogee Jarvas, Ch. Daktari Apogee
dogs (according to breeders) are the top winners. A special Show Dog has that special something that says, “Come, look at me.” We all know it when we see it. It’s breathtaking. This can’t be taught and usually can’t be trained out. It’s unusual to see, and when we do, we forgive the overall little parts because, in the end, judging is about the overall dog compared to the Standard. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Shih Tzu, the best breed. I will just have a pool boy to do the grooming. I’m done with that! Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I have many funny stories. If they are in the Toy Group or not, I can’t remember. Come find me at a show and I’ll share some with you! TED EUBANK
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Dallas, Texas. I have owned Cavaliers for 30 years and have judged at point shows for 23 years. What is my original breed? What is/ was my kennel name? My original breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My
kennel name is Pinecrest Cavaliers. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include CH Pinecrest Rock The Boat, who won BOB at Westminster KC in 2007 at age 20 months, and again in 2008. That year, “Rocky” was Best in Show at two National Specialties, won eight all-breed BIS and 75 Group Ones, BOB at the National Dog Show and a Group One, and Best in Owner-Handled Group at the AKC National Championship. He was No. 1 Cavalier and No. 7 Toy in AKC in 2007, and Breed Win- ner and Group Two at the AKC National Championship in 2009. CH Pinecrest Kiss Me Kate was the No. 1 Cavalier Bitch and No. 4 Cavalier in 1996 when AKC first recognized the breed; moth- er of 12 AKC children and many grands. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? Most of the breeds are tremendous family pets. They love being with their people. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes, Cavaliers, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chinese Cresteds. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? Presentation is so different from breed to breed. My advice is to get a good mentor in each breed and follow the advice from someone who knows proper presentation. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? Not that I can see. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Because care differs from breed to breed (coats significantly differ in many), my answer about getting a good mentor and learning what is proper is the same here. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think they compare well, especially in my breed, Cavaliers. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Because most Toys bond strongly to their people, they tend to have a good time in the ring and enjoy the time with their person. This is so important to success in the show ring. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? No question, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? Better leave my stories out of print!
146 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022
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