TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
generalized. If an exhibitor has had success through hard work in their original breed, they will strive to achieve the same in their new Toy Breed. If they downsize because they think the Toys will be “easy,” their chance of success is less. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Learn what is correct in your breed from experts and mentors. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think that overall quality in many breeds has improved over the years. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Many of them are flashy, with coats that draw attention. Also, most Toys want to please their owners/handlers, so they perform well in the ring because of this. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? It would be—and has been—Min Pins. They are the King of Toys and are truly a big dog in a small package. They know no fear, sometimes to their detriment. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I was judging a Min Pin Spe- cialty for the first time and I had nail art; flowers that matched my dress. The dogs were fascinated and kept trying to eat the flowers! DR. ROGER PRITCHARD
If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Properly, the Toy Poodle; I was able to produce many champions of the breed. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? My best enjoyment in judging the Toy Group is to learn that the winner was bred by the exhibitor. P.S. I thoroughly enjoy all Toy Breeds. BENSON RAY
I grew up on a farm in South Caro- lina and I had my first Pom at 11 years old. I have bred many Pomeranian champions as well as Pekingese, Toy Fox Terriers, Shiba Inu, Chihuahua, and Japanese Chin champions. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in South Carolina on a small hobby farm. I have been judging for 11 years.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Pomeranian. My kennel name is BenRay. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include Ch. BenRay’s Sundanc- ing Simon, Ch. BenRay’s Emmy Timstopper ROMX, Ch. BenRay’s Golden Josh and Envy ROM, Grand Ch. Ben Aires Moonchipper, and Pekingese BIS BISS Grand Ch. Ben Aires Razzmataz. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire small size (as they are Toys), pretty fronts and heads, breed type, and sound movement. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes, I have judged Specialties for Chinese Crested, Pekingese, APC National for Pom- eranians and a Summer National for Pomeranians. Also, I’ve judges several Toy club shows. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? Be sure the dog is trained to stand for exam- ination on the table prior to showing. Practice makes perfect. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? No. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? In coated breeds, keep up with the required coat work. Always present a clean and well-groomed dog. From a judging standpoint, I still exhibit and I am shocked at the improper examination of Toys on the table. Judges, learn to pick up the Pekingese correctly. Know which breeds you check the front, front and side, and “thumb.” Brussels Griffons, English Toy Span- iels, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, and Pugs require the judge’s thumb being swept across the teeth to check the bite; the other Toy breeds have to have the mouth/lips opened to check detention. The breeds listed for thumb exam are undershot breeds and the thumb exam would show that easily. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? In coated breeds, there is lots more sculpting done of the coat. Excessive trimming is often done. There is a lack of cor- rect grooming of some of the Toy breeds. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? They are small, less expensive to maintain, can live in the house with you or on the road, requiring little space. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? I would share my life with the Pomeranian because I have owned at least one since age 11. They are intelligent, easy to train, vivacious, great watch dogs, and loyal to their people. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I was doing the Group recently
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Midwest City, Oklahoma. I have been in dogs for 55 years, judging for 50 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breeds are Dachshunds and Boston Terriers. My kennel name is Rojes. Can I list a few of the notable dogs
I’ve bred? Any performance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include Beltor, Too Hot To Hold, Rojes, John Henry, I Am, Bibe- lot, Joker Is Wild. Clubs I have formed are Central Oklahoma Toy Dog Club, Poodle Club of Oklahoma City, and Mid-Del Tinker Kennel Club. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? The qualities I most admire are soundness and breed type. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged many of the Toy clubs. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presentation of these “table” breeds? The dogs must be trained to stand on the table for examination. If there is a DQ on height, they must be familiar with the examination. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? No, not if the exhibitor has knowledge of breeding programs and is able to adjust to the Toy Standards. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? First of all, understand the purpose of why the breed was bred. Stay within the limits of the Standard, with no deviation. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? There is no comparison as to the requirements to follow the Breed Standards. They must be held to the same Standard. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Only if properly bred to their Standard and followed to the des- ignated Standard can Toy Dogs become outstanding Show Dogs.
164 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022
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