A BREED SURVEY: BRITTANYS
ANNE KATONA I live in the land of wild horses—Reno, Nevada. I like to read, snow shoe, hike and play Bunco. I even still enjoy a road trip. I also enjoy having lunch with friends and visiting with our daughter and family, including one 15-year-old granddaughter! I purchased my first show Kerry Blue Terrier in 1973 (she was also my foundation bitch); the Kerry Blue will ALWAYS be my heart dog. I loved show- ing my own dogs (wish the NOHS had been available then!) from 1974 until 1988. I did use a handler at times, but usually I was a breeder/owner/handler. My judging career started in October 1985 with one breed—Kerry Blue Terrier. LINDA MORE
left by the front foot which, in my opinion, makes the foot timing for this breed very important. I hope to have a large enough ring for the breed to have a straightaway; a small circle never works for this breed. LM: I like to see the dogs go around the entire ring, some- times in groups and in breeds where side gait assumes more importance, one at a time. Dogs may move dif- ferently when they are following another, or leading a group, than they do on their own. AY: My procedure in judging movement is the same as in any other dog I judge—down and back and around. My final decision is usually based on around again. They must be balanced and moderate, but side movement is paramount with proper reach and drive. 3. Do you prefer to evaluate proportions while the dog is free stacked or handler with hands on? AK: With the exception of a few breeds, I want to see the breed free stacked at least one time. This tells me how the breeder made him! On the down and back, please do not turn the dog to the side in front of me; bring him straight into me and stop far enough away I can see the position of the front feet when they stop. LM: I look at proportion in both situations to make sure what I see in each instance is what is really there. Some exhibitors don’t stack their dogs well, and some even harm the dog’s appearance in trying to set them up. And of course some exhibitors are very good at stacking and minimizing problem areas. I think it’s important to see how a dog balances itself when allowed to stand freely. I really don’t like to see handlers free showing their dogs by ordering them to “step step step” until the poor dog is all stretched out like a show horse! AY: I think it is always a good idea to have the handler free stack this breed. That being said, you should be able to determine proportion either stacked or just standing there. 4. What are your feelings about grooming the Brittany breed? AK: Tidying up is no problem, but should I see scissor marks on the topcoat, I will say something to the handler— owner or professional! If the topcoat is groomed, it should be with a stripping knife, in my opinion. LM: The Brittany coat should be a basic, functional wash and wear coat with “slipping through the briars” texture. The standard is quite clear about excessive coat. Now and then I see dogs in the show ring that have evidently been cut down for the field; the Brittany remains a dual breed and I believe that should be respected. Hair grows back, while structure doesn’t change.
I live in Cary, North Carolina. As for my life outside of dogs—is there one outside of dogs? I do scent detection work with my dog, and I also read, hike and enjoy friends’ company. I first stepped into the ring at age 12. I’ve been judging since 1991.
ANN YUHASZ
I am lucky enough to live summer in the beautiful Chagrin Valley (east side of Cleve- land) on 40 acres on property owned by our daughter and her husband. They now raise our beloved English Setters and Per- cheron draft horses. In the winter we travel to Key Largo to a tiny home by the sea. My hobbies are gardening and painting—in
both places. I have been in dogs for over 50 years, having shown, bred and now judge. I followed my parents who were both involved in the sport as well. 1. What are the first three visuals that represent Brit- tany type to you? AK: Leggy, square and athlete. LM: Square, up on leg, athletic looking dog. AY: Size, leggy and sound. 2. What is your ring procedure for judging side gate and why? AK: Side gait should be smooth, efficient and ground cover- ing, with the hind foot stepping into or beyond the print
188 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2017
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