TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
top Toy Dog approached me and asked if they could keep back in the Group line in hopes that the dog’s regular agent would be able to get to the ring in time. Naturally, I allowed this and, eventually, only the Pekingese and this dog with its cover handler were left for me to judge. It was agreed the Pekingese would go ahead. After the table exam, I jokingly told the Pekingese handler to go all the way out and back and to please take their time, which caused a big laugh and which the Pekingese handler graciously did, obliging the cover handler. Turning to the last dog standing, I said, “I’m sorry, the waiting is over. There’s no one left at all, not even the Pekingese. You’re up!” Happily, the dog moved perfectly for the cover handler and we all had a good laugh. In conclusion, you know it’s time to face the music if you’ve waited to go after the Pekingese! TERRI LYDDON
Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? The short answer is yes, I think there has been an overall favorable impact on our Toys from breeders downsizing. I think many of these breeders bring a keener focus on structure and movement from the other Groups, especially from the Working or Sporting Breeds. Whereas I com- pletely agree with a traditional view that Toy Breeds are essentially non-functional and must look as close to an ideal as possible, it is most wonderful when the Toy Dog is not only beautiful to see but also beautiful to watch in motion because they embody a structural ideal. A naughty puppy or a dropped tail is a temporary moment in time for a dog, but it’s impossible to forgive lack of soundness. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? I think the most important suggestion I could offer and which applies to all of the Toy Breeds is to urge socialization for our dogs. I realize it has been very chal- lenging to get dogs out into the noisy world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the interruption of routine life; however, it is a criti- cal element of showing a dog and winning. They must be relatively happy and secure. It’s hard to know for sure if your dog is com- pletely ready, but please don’t force your dog to show if you see signs of fear. Luckily, I’ve only had one dog suffer a meltdown. Take time to gradually socialize the pandemic puppies. It’s true that some of them could be nearly two years old now. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think, generally, that the Toy Breeds are appre- ciably better, overall; not on every day or at every show, but overall, unquestionably better. We always saw outstanding, unforgettable examples in the past, but I certainly remember larger classes of mediocrities. It’s become very expensive to raise and show dogs, and it’s easier to learn whelping, grooming, and presentation techniques on the Internet. Serious and dedicated dog people can accomplish much, but the casual hobbyist with mediocre dogs has a hard time hanging on without recognition from judges. At a good show, I see smaller but more evenly competitive classes. The challenges over the past few decades have weeded out most of the dabblers, and so, I believe, we have a higher percentage of serious breeders who are breeding more carefully. I’m very optimistic about the quality curve, it’s going up at the shows on the whole. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? An exceptional Toy Dog must be considered as equal to an excep- tional dog of any breed in the other Group classifications. You must have an outstanding Toy Dog and a judge who will actually rec- ognize this excellence. Each Toy Breed is unique and the best dog must embody the essence of its distinct breed in order to be an outstanding Show Dog. I don’t believe there are judges today who would disregard the value of an excellent Toy Dog, although in the past there were judges who considered diminutiveness an amusing sideshow for ladies and disdained the Toy Breeds. I wouldn’t expect to encounter any judges with a dismissive attitude toward the Toy Breeds nowadays. Breeding beautiful, healthy dogs in any breed is an extremely challenging endeavor. No matter the breed, big or small, we all come from the same school of dedication, hard work, sometimes hard luck, and sometimes glory. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? The answer must be obvious. If only one breed, it would be the English Toy Spaniel, a devoted and gentle companion. The breed is sensitive, friendly, typically quiet, and easily trained. They are robust and can be athletic, but they are never hyper-active or busy. Centuries ago, they were known as the “Comforter Span- iels” because life was hard and their companionship was comfort- ing. This still holds true, in my opinion! Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I had a beautiful Toy Group come into the ring one afternoon. A nervous “cover handler” for a
Our family began breeding and show- ing AKC registered Basenjis in 1967. In 1969, we joined the Columbia Missouri Kennel Club. But our success turned out to be in Chihuahuas, which we started showing in 1970. My first Chihuahua was a Long Coat, and she came to me via Santa Claus. My parents wanted to get a dog specifically for me and would ask at
shows which breed I liked most. This had my parents frustrated, I am sure, because I picked out a Yorkshire Terrier and a Bernese Mountain Dog. My mother quickly nixed the Berner because of size. She asked me again about a pet of my own and I told her it was between a Yorkie and a white bunny rabbit with a pink nose. I giggle about their sense of humor when what I got for Christmas was a cream Chihuahua with a pink nose. Our family showed in AKC conformation, and my brother and I also showed in Junior Showmanship. I trained and showed a Long Coat Chihuahua and a Smooth Fox Terrier to their AKC Compan- ion Dog titles. I was also a member of 4-H for 10 years, participat- ing in the Dog Care program. I became a full-time handler in 1988 and a member of the Pro- fessional Handlers Association. I finished a dog in most of the Toy Breeds and some of the Non-Sporting Breeds. I finished well over 100 championship titles on Chihuahuas and 70 Shih Tzu champi- ons. I traveled with fellow handlers who showed breeds other than I did. I believe that being exposed to many other breeds gave me a balanced education in dogs. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? Currently, I live in Rocheport, Missouri. It is a very small town west of Columbia, Missouri, by 12 miles. I have been involved with dogs for 55 years now. Granted, some of those were when I was a child. Breeding, training, and showing the dogs was a family activity. Belonging to a 4-H club and FFA, I had my dogs as a club project for both. At the end of 1999, I applied to judge. I was approved by AKC to judge in the spring of 2000. During my 22 years of judging, I have traveled all over the United States and to four foreign countries. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? Cur- rently, I breed Miniature Dachshunds (Long and Smooth). I have had Dachshunds since January 1, 2005, and my kennel name is Kurzbeinig Kennels (although they are all in my house). Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? My highest honors were with two Smooth Coat Chihuahuas. One was winning the National with Ch. Dar- tan’s Pirate Blackbeard, and the other was winning the National the following year with his son, Ch. Jo-El’s Drummer Boy. I also won several all-breed Bests in Show with “Drummer.”
158 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022
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