*
BRIARD
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
NIGEL “PRESENCE AND PERFORMANCE”
A bout 13 years ago, after 20 years in the breed, we found ourselves with only one lonely Shar-Pei. I told my husband, John, that I was going to look for a pup and he asked when he would get his dog. I asked what he wanted, and his answer was “A buddy.” A dog to hunt with, go to the office with him, and be by his side. Researching breeds, I stumbled onto the Bracco Italiano. Small world, Shar-Pei friends in Ireland had their first Bracco litter. Primo Pacifico (Max) arrived in Arizona in January of 2010. He was ev- erything we wanted.
From 32 years in the US Navy and Vietnam, my husband has severe PTSD and TBI. Max has made life not only bearable, but fun for John. His pride in Max currently being the only Master Hunter Advanced and Lifetime MHA14 is beautiful. Enjoying the breed so much and their unique hunting abilities, we imported a female a few years later (Mia Amante Di-Ala-D’Oro) and we acquired her Senior Hunter Advance Title. Soon after, we bred our first litter. In the litter of 12, we gravitated toward a favorite male, but kept a female. This favorite male (Nigel) has found his way to the home he belongs in with Lisa and Dale Moller. Nigel came to us at nearly one year of age. He hadn’t had any hunt training nor did we know how to hunt with a pointing breed! We worked through a slow start in the beginning and this allowed me to learn how to train and build a relationship with this pointing dog. Never having any experience in AKC Hunt Tests, I found some mentors to help me learn, and ended up putting a Junior Hunter and Junior Hunter Advanced titles on Nigel. My familiarity was stronger in the Confirmation ring, having bred and shown Chinese Shar-Pei for the last 30-plus years; so I started showing Nigel in the FSS and MISC shows for our first four years together. Our opening day of being fully recognized with AKC was an amazing day, hitting so many “firsts.” When deciding which show we were going to enter for the breed’s debut at the end of June, Marilyn suggested we meet half-way in Oklahoma City. All of Nigel’s “firsts,” as well as being the first male Bracco to complete his championship, were all done for Marilyn and John who have been in the breed more than three-times longer than my husband and I. Watching Ni- gel’s breeder smile and cry with such devotion to this breed, as she witnessed our wins, couldn’t have made the special first weekend out any better! It has been a long struggle to move the breed forward, but worth every minute. Now, as that long struggle ends, we look forward to our beginning in the AKC Sporting Group.
June 29, 2022 - Opening Day Nicolas Debedout – FIRST BIS/OH
Robert Vandiver – FIRST 5-pt major/BOB Gary Andersen – FIRST Sporting Group 1 June 30, 2022 Gary Andersen - 5-pt major/BOB
by Marilyn Vinson and Lisa Moller
BRACCO ITALIANO
Moller.indd 1
CH CHINAFLEET’S MR BIG AT SENTRY, JHA, CGC Multiple BIS MISC in the last 4 years
Thanks to all the judges for recognizing Nigel’s qualities.
Owner Handled by Lisa & Dale Moller, Sentry Kennels – Portage, WI
Bred by Marilyn & John Vinson
July 2, 2022 David Haddock – 3-pt major/BOS Robert Vandiver – RBIS/OH July 3, 2022 Gloria Kerr – 4-pt major/BOS and finishes the FIRST Male Bracco!!! Celebrating the FIRSTS and looking at more to follow!
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#1 IWS BREED & ALL BREED *
#3 SPORTING GROUP *
#18 ALL BREEDS *
Judge Ms. Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart Westminster Kennel Club
Judge Mr. Frank Kane National Specialty
Judge Mr. Frank Kane North Shore Kennel Club
Presented by Joanne Thibault
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SPANIEL (IRISH WATER)
MBIS MRBIS NBISS MBISS GCHS CH POOLE’S IDE
SARGEANT SLOANE CD RN MX MXJ MXF
2022 IRISH WATER SPANIEL NATIONAL SPECIALTY WINNER 2022 WESTMINSTER BREED WINNER
S loane Owned by Stephanie O’Reilly and Gregory M. Siner Bred by Poole’s Ide - Gregory M. Siner and Samuel A. Jenio *AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
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Group Winning Multiple Best in Specialties Multiple Supported Shows Multiple Group Placings
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SPANIEL (ENGLISH COCKER)
Thank You Judges Carolyn Herbel, Joy Brewster and Dr. Jill Warren
OWNED BY Lynda & Robert Gall & Pamela Morgan BRED BY Lynda & Robert Gall & Debra Pitchford VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO HANDLERS Laura King & Robin Novack ASSISTED BY Sam Hanle & Trey Behm
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RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK
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*
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*AKC BREED STATS AS OF 5/31/22
RETRIEVER (GOLDEN)
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RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK
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BRIARD
*
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*AKC ALL BREED STATS AS OF 5/31/22
*
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IRISH TERRIER
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
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“Thai” was only shown at a few shows in January and February of 2020 when he finished his championship and at the end of the year at the AKC National Championship where he received an Award of Excellence. We are looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring us!
From the standard - “Ideally, height at withers is 9 to 10-1/2 inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16 pounds.”
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SHIH TZU
INTERNATIONAL & AMERICAN CH HEARTY’S WONDER BOY
Award of Merit from the February 2020 Metropolitan NY Shih Tzu Fanciers specialty under judge Johnny Shoemaker. Owners: Leslie LeFave & L Sarah Lawrence Breeder: Papitchaya Sukonoi
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BEST IN SHOW | RESERVE BEST IN SHOW | MULTIPLE GROUP WINNING GCH R&B’S EVERY MILE A MEMORY
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LOLA RBIS GCHS FELICIA GLORIA YABLUNEVI TSVIT
BREEDER IRINA YABLONKA (UKRAINE)
GROOMER TUESDAY HANNA
OWNERS ALEXEI MIKERIN & MARGARITA GALPERINA
HANDLERS JASON STARR & LAURA COOMES
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BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW & MULTIPLE GROUP WINNING
NUmber 1 she is a SHOW GIRL BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER ALL BREED *
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
THANK YOU JUDGES ROBERT HUTTON, DANA CLINE, JOSEPH SMITH, CATHLEEN RUBENS, AND JEAN PERO Lola has earned 12 Group Ones and 2 Reserve Best in Shows. Cha-cha-cha.
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RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK MALABO APD
BREEDER OWNER ANA PAOLA DINIZ MALABOAPD.COM.BR
ROBERT REDFORD
RAQUEL WELCH
© Johnny
JODIE FOSTER
© Johnny
© JC Photography
© JC Photography
INA
EVA
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RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK
OUR FUTURE ROBERT REDFORD II
Redford II photos by Desirée Fagundes Photography
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*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22 BORDER COLLIE
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Flash: Montague and Amethyst just had a Beautiful and Healthy Litter of Seven, One Boy and Six Girls!
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BERGER PICARD
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BERGER PICARD
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*
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*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
GIANT SCHNAUZER, MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
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*
*AKC ST
Millner Briard FC.indd 2
SHOWSIGHT Magazine is published monthly by Aramedia Group, Inc., 501 Congress Ave, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78701. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Publisher, which makes reasonable efforts to verify content. SHOWSIGHT articles are selected for their general inter- est and educational value. Some of the articles in SHOWSIGHT are adapted from articles originally appearing as part of another organization’s content. Authors’ views do not necessarily represent the policies of Aramedia Group, Inc., nor does their publication con- stitute an endorsement by Aramedia. All contents of SHOWSIGHT Magazine are the intellectual prop- erty of Aramedia Group Inc. (“Publisher”) and/or the respective photographers, writers, artists, advertisers, and advertising agencies and are protected by intellectual property laws; and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast or oth- erwise exploited in whole or in part in any manner without express written permission of the intellectual property owners. For permis- sions and reprint requests, please contact us at 512-686-3466 or hello@showsightmagazine.com. SHOWSIGHT Magazine takes no responsibility for statements or claims made in advertisements and reserves the right to edit and/or refuse all copy. Publisher expressly disclaims and does not assume responsibility for the validity of any claims or statements made, including rating systems, content errors, omissions, or infringing content. Any reliance placed on such content is strictly at reader’s own risk. Commercial advertisements and offers are the responsibility of the individual advertising entities, and do not constitute an offer by the Publisher. Publisher is not responsible for retail price fluctuations. Prices are based on those accurate at press time. Please consult with all commercial advertisers for current prices. SHOWSIGHT Magazine is the property of Aramedia Group, Inc. SHOWSIGHT is a registered trademark used under license. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2022 Aramedia Group, Inc., SHOWSIGHT Magazine, SHOWSIGHT Express, and RING-READY. All rights reserved.
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Multiple Group Winning & Multiple BISS Winning GCHP Topsfield-Sanchu Poppycock x GCH Coverhill-Topsfield All In The Family of Sanchu
Our appreciation to Judge Mrs. R. Kramer
d
*AKC Breed stats as of 5/31/22 Basset Bitch *
Handled by Candy Carswell | Bred by Judith L. Tuck Owned by Claudia Orlandi, Guillermo Gonzalez (4706 Monkton Road, New Haven, VT, 802-238-2370) & Judy Tuck (28 Preble Road, Bowdoinham, ME, 207-522-6358)
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 37
BASSET HOUND
contents
CONTRIBUTORS
42 60 90
140 146 148
Breeder Interview with Cyndi Skinner ALLAN REZNIK
Mirrored Personalities: Human & Canine MICHAEL NELINSON
On The Road Again WALTER SOMMERFELT
Show Chairs Never Sit NANCY CLENDENEN
Lines From Linda: Happy Birthday, Svend Jensen LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR
Candids: Bryn Mawr JEAN EDWARDS
106 110 120 136
The Problem With Protection BARBARA (BJ) ANDREWS
RING-READY
Lines From Linda: Devastating Fire LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR
237 239 241 243
Considering a New Breed LEE WHITTIER
Shout It From the Rooftops! SHEILA GOFFE
Drop-In or Drop-Out? DAN SAYERS
Removing the Mystery of Judges Education Seminars SUSAN THIBODEAUX
The Owner Handler Survey JAMIE RILEY
The Breeder/Owner Handler Survey DEBORAH AHERN-RIDLON
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BRACCO ITALIANO
contents
FEATURES
72 80
The Bernese Mountain Dog VARIOUS GUESTS
The Brittany VARIOUS GUESTS
WESTMINSTER
152 245 249 252 262
The Lakeland Terrier VARIOUS GUESTS
162
Westminster Coverage VARIOUS GUESTS
The Chow Chow VARIOUS GUESTS
The Havanese VARIOUS GUESTS
The Old English Sheepdog VARIOUS GUESTS
286 288
Upcoming Features
The Alaskan Malamute VARIOUS GUESTS
Index to Advertisers
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MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
CYNDI SKINNER
BREEDER INTERVIEW BY ALLAN REZNIK RUMPLES CHINESE SHAR-PEI
Where did you grow up? As a military/Boeing brat, I grew up a little bit of everywhere. I was born in South- ern California, but spent quite a bit of time in Louisville, Kentucky, and Weaubleau, Missouri (along with some short-term postings in the South and Midwest), before finally settling in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, in Washington state. Do you come from a doggy family? And if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin? My parents weren’t particularly doggy. For them, a dog was to be a working part of the farm. My father’s family was very active in the horse-racing industry. My grandfa- ther was a jockey turned jockey’s agent. My uncle was a jockey. My grandmother ran the concessions at Churchill Downs. My parents ran horses at both Churchill and Santa Anita. The first horse I ever sat upon was as a toddler, in the winner’s circle at Santa Anita. I rode in Western gaming events into my 20s, primarily as a barrel racer. Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence. My maternal grandparents instilled in me a huge love of dogs and introduced me to dog shows and breeding at a young age. My first introduction to dog breeding was through them with Rat Terriers. My grandfather bought me a beautiful Ameri- can Cocker puppy when I was 8 years old, to learn to groom and show, and the dog show bug bit me—HARD. My grandfather researched until he found the right pedigree and the right breeder: Dorothy Christiansen of My-Ida-Ho. “Corky” was from a breeding that Dorothy and Gloria Geringer put together. They, along with my grandfather, are solely responsible for making me a dog show junkie! We’ve been very blessed to have had champions in all seven Groups.
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BRED AND OWNED BY: NICOLA HIGGINS & CAROL ONSTAD PROUDLY PRESENTED BY: LUTRA KENNELS: LUIZ ABREU, AND TRACY SZARAS
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 43
CAIRN TERRIER
MULTIPLE BEST IN OPEN SHOW MULTIPLE BEST IN MISC SHOW
FROM THE STANDARD “An extended and fast trot, with strong drive from the rear quarters. Head carriage is raised, and the nose is held so that it is higher than the topline. The graceful, effortless ‘Bracco trot’ is the breed hallmark, with the dog appearing to float on a cloud.”
© DEAN LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY
OWNED & HANDLED BY AMY BRICKER CRANDALL SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA | BRACCO ITALIANO | 580-483-1839 LOCATED APACHE, OK | IMPORT PORTUGAL
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BRACCO ITALIANO
© GABBY SCHURR PHOTOGRAPHY
CM2 RAKI’S PLACE KEEP AN EYE
© GABBY SCHURR PHOTOGRAPHY
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Limited showing
#1 PWD BITCH *
OWNED & BRED BY MARILU NOVY & CJ FAVRE, COLUMBUS, GA & CUMMING, GA PRESENTED BY ANGELA CHASE CHALANCO KENNELS
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PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
unwritten BUT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH OUR STORY IS
-ELIZABETH NEWTON
©HAPPY MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY PET PHOTOGRAPHY
GCHB OVERLOOK LISIJI EVERYTHING WILL BEE ALRIGHT SMOLDER X HONEY
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BONZO
GCHB AKUABA N ELDORADO MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
© James Pence
Bonzo is a BISOH Winning & Multi-Group Placing sweet boy with a superstar pedigree. Bonzo is sired by the Multi-BIS producing GCHG Akuaba N Eldorado Bungle in the Jungle, “Jethro.” Jethro is the sire of Bazinga and grandpa to Juggy.
OWNED BY KIM BROWN, PAMELA A. GEOFFROY, SUSAN COE BRED BY PAMELA A GEOFFROY & SHEILA LUND & SUSAN COE
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BASENJI
GCH DAGOBA’S UNSTOPPABLE MOMENTUM THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUES... JUGGY
Earned his GCH and a Group 4 under Nat Horn at the Lebanon County Kennel Club show. Puppy Group 2 under Carol Comerford and Owner-Handled Group 2 under Sylvie McGhee.
OWNED AND BRED BY KIM BROWN
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setting the gold standard
THANK YOU JUDGE MR. WILLIAM G. DAUGHERTY
BRED BY NANCY LOVELADY
OWNED & LOVED BY KIM BROWN AND NANCY LOVELADY
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SLOUGHI
AAFIQ CHAMPION ALMABOUBIN AAFIQ INT. CH AND AM. CH QALB ELASSAD BAGIR EL QAMAR X CH KAMEA MAHANAJIM #1 ALL BREED * #2 BREED * CURRENTLY
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
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BELEV ITORNOT
Multiple Group Placing, NOHS BIS, Multiple NOHS Group Winning
2021 Westminster AOM
Royal Canin AKC National NOHS BOS BOS District 2 Specialty Royal Canin
NOHS Lifetime Gold
Breeders Arvind & Joyce DeBraganca
Ryder MANCHESTER TERRIER (TOY), MANCHESTER TERRIER (STANDARD)
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WENDY SCHOBER belev@aol.com | 508.843.2606
THE 146TH WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB BEST OF OPPOSITE WINNER
THANK YOU JUDGE MRS. CINDY VOGELS
GCH CH PASSPORT SEA CAPTAIN CGC TKI
Gordie x Clover
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*
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22
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VIZSLA
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INTERVIEW: CYNDI SKINNER, RUMPLES CHINESE SHAR-PEI
left: Cyndi, back in her handling days with Scottie ‘Elspeth’ (CH Kelso’s Lady Elspeth); middle: Savanna, with ‘Trapper’ (BIS CH Tramac’s Trapped In Mystic) and ‘Rhumba’ (CH Rumples Just Room To Rhumba); right: ‘ Dancer’ (CH Rumples Dancer Dude... don’t judge, named by the 2-year-old in the photo!) and Savanna. This dog was from Cyndi’s first solely owned and bred litter. His dam was a single generation out of ‘China’ (FantaSeas Whisper Candy’s). His sire (CH A-Capella’s All The Hubba Bubba) was influential in his time—mid-1980s. Both were lovely black/silver sables, as was Dancer.
left: ‘Legion’ (CH Margem’s Let’s Do It Again With Rumples); middle: ‘Gibson’ (CH Rumples The Brave Just Do It), the pride of Cindi’s heart; right: Just a fun puppy photo of a previous litter from a dozen or so years ago.
Your Shar-Pei are widely known, highly successful and well respected. What breeding philosophies do you adhere to? My breeding philosophy is very simple: Breed the very best type to the very best structure with the very best health and longevity. This may sound trite to many, but that is it, in a nutshell. Study pedigrees. Be very diligent in exploring not only the immediate generations, but the littermates to those dogs and bitches. You’ll learn a lot about what the true pedigree contains—not just the dogs you “see.” “My breeding philosophy is very simple: Breed the very best type to the very best structure with the very best health and longevity.”
How many Shar-Pei do you typically house? Tell us about your current facilities and how the dogs are maintained. Right now, I have two Chinese Shar-Pei in residence—“Legion” and “Shimmy.” They free-range our home and protect us from all the squir- rels, raccoons, and birds. They are my granddaughter’s best friends. We still have a nice kennel building on the property, but all it houses now are a lot of dog crates, x-pens, and woodworking equipment. My husband had some very significant health issues a few years back that curtailed expanding our breeding program further. Who were/are some of your most significant dogs, both in the whelping box and in the show ring? I have had some terrific Chinese Shar-Pei over the years… but the ones with the most impact have been “Gibson” (Rumples The Brave Just Do It), “Skylar” (Rumples The Skye’s The Limit), “Rhumba” (Rumples Just Room To Rhumba) and “Encore” (Prunehill’s Encore). Encore set the structure, while Skylar (an Encore daughter) and Gibson set the type. If you go back through many of today’s pedigrees, even on an interna- tional basis, you will find Gibson in those pedigrees, often several times. All were multiple Group and multiple SBIS winners. Gibson and his offspring produced multiple BIS winners. His legacy has been incredible.
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INTERVIEW: CYNDI SKINNER, RUMPLES CHINESE SHAR-PEI
Please comment positively on your breed’s present condition and what trends might bear watching. I’m seeing the same trends in Chinese Shar-Pei that we’re seeing in far too many breeds; forgetting the value of keeping a great dog, instead concentrating on the bitch. Don’t get me wrong, bitches are obviously very important to a breeding program. But so many breeders have become entrenched in placing good males and forget- ting that they are truly going to need them. So you end up with everyone breeding to the same few dogs, tying up pedigrees, mak- ing it more difficult to bring in and mesh lines together. I think, in my personal opinion, that the dogs of 15 years ago were sounder and more consistent. I know the tightening of dog laws and limits on dogs being housed on properties has had an impact on those decisions, as well. We need to be much more proactive on that front. The sport has changed greatly since you first began as a breeder- exhibitor. What are your thoughts on the state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport? It’s true that we’re seeing some declining numbers in the sport itself, but it doesn’t seem to be impacting the number of dog shows we have—they seem to be increasing, greatly. Encouraging and keeping new folks in the fancy has become more difficult, simply because people have much more demanding schedules than they
‘VooDoo’ & Rosie, Cyndi’s granddaughter and the future of our sport and the family’s breeding program.
did a couple of decades ago. It amazes me the “schedules” parents put their children through; between multiple sports, school, etc., it doesn’t seem to leave much room for caring for animals. I’m not completely sure what the answer is, to be honest. We need to do a much better job educating the public that showing and breeding a dog is not a bad thing. My granddaughter has been showing her Japanese Chin (McQueen), that she co-owns with Luke and Row- an Baggenstos, in UKC and UKC Juniors. She qualified, at only age 8, for UKC Premier. She will begin showing in AKC Juniors at the end of July, once she is 9. She is determined, much like her mother was at the same age, to continue on… so she gives me hope, especially since she has great mentors besides me, that the sport will continue and encourage more young people. Where do you see your breeding program in the next decade or two? I’m definitely in my “golden years” as a dog breeder. I am ten- tatively planning one more litter, once Shimmy has finished her championship and passed her health clearances. My daughter, Savanna, has been my co-breeder, co-owner, and partner for many years now, and that torch will be hers to carry in the future. After a particularly bad case of COVID, I no longer have the lung capacity to show my own dogs and I truly miss that part of my life. We still have a menagerie of dogs at home: VooDoo the Pug; McQueen the Chin; Legion and Shimmy the Shar-Pei; and Cowboy and Jane, the Basenjis. Jane is currently the No. 1 Basenji, being shown for me by Luke and Rowan. I still live vicariously watching my dogs in the ring! And I love watching my son and daughter-in-law (Shea and Tiffany Skinner) do well in and out of the ring. Finally, tell us a little about Cyndi outside of dogs… your occupa- tion, your hobbies. Besides reading, crafts, and my granddaughter, I’m semi-retired today. I help my daughter run her grooming salon, and we have a lovely dog show supplies “boutique” trailer that we operate in our tri-state area, called Savvy+Rose (formerly the Savvy Dog). My granddaughter insisted that we had to change the name “because I help, too.” So, in honor of my daughter and granddaughter, the name was changed. We are very active in several all-breed clubs in the area. Those endeavors keep me pretty busy.
left: Rowan Baggenstos and ‘Jane’ the Basenji (CH Khani’s Pride And Prejudice) right: ‘ Jane’ with Luke Baggenstos
Savvy+Rose Dog Show Boutique
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GCh White Oaks Snowplow’s Shadow
Handled by Laura Meisels Brown Thank you Judge Bergit Coady-Kabel for choosing him Select Dog at the Roving National Specialty of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America Breeder-Owners Sylvia & Dr. Gerry Meisels | Thonotosassa, FL 33592 | 813-986-1591 WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 59
Judging the Sinatra Way ON THE ROAD AGAIN
BY WALTER SOMMERFELT
FROM AM RADIO TO BLUETOOTH Entertainment systems in our vehicles have come a long way since the first car radio was introduced in 1930 when Paul and Joseph Galvin developed a vacuum tube radio which they named “Motorola” and was powered by a single battery. The new system was a luxury for an automo- bile and cost about $130.00; equivalent to about $1,500 in today’s dollars. That sys- tem only offered AM radio, but it was the start of what is now standard equipment on all of our vehicles. The car radio had improvements, and in 1953, the first AM/FM radio was intro- duced. Of course, the reception was lim- ited to the area you were driving in, but it was an advancement that provided more options to the family car. Believe it or not, in 1956, Chrysler had the first and only in-car phonograph which played 7-inch vinyl records. As you can imagine, it did not last as the records would jump and skip while going over bumps and curves. In the early 1960s, there was a brief 4-track system followed by an 8-track sys- tem which allowed drivers to bring their music along to listen to. It was in 1964 that Phillips developed the first compact cas- sette tape system which would be the hot option through the 1970s and ‘80s. I’m sure many of you remember those mixed tapes you might have made for a road trip or as a romantic gesture for that special someone.
During the 1980s, the compact disc was the new wave in music and domi- nated the scene well into the 2000s when the MP3 player came along. Now we have Bluetooth and commercial-free satellite radio for our karaoke singing while we are on the road. LIFE’S JOURNEY THROUGH SONG The relationship between man and music is well-documented throughout his- tory, and I am truly amazed at the many talented songwriters who use music to tell a story. Great writers and musicians tell stories about all facets of life through song. Songs are out there which tell many sto- ries of man’s journey through life from the cradle to the grave. While driving down the road, an old favorite of mine came on the radio and it got me listening closely to the words and thoughts that went into its story. The song “My Way” was written by Paul Anka and was recorded by Frank Sinatra. The song, of course, is a reflection of a man as he ponders the ultimate end of his life. As I listened to the words, I began to think not only about my future but also of the many friends and mentors I have lost over the past several years. To me, it seems like we are living in a world where someone or some group is telling us how we must do everything. The media tries to intimidate us with their opinions. The government is more involved
T his crazy journey that we call life is filled with many memo- ries as well as numerous defin- ing moments. For those of us who are involved in the sport of purebred dogs, we have traveled many roads and miles to and from the many events we have attended over the years. As Willie Nelson once wrote in a song, we are “on the road again.” For some, it is weekly, but for oth- ers it varies. For all of us, we have spent many hours traveling down the road again. I am sure most of you on more than one occasion have found yourself, and your friends and family traveling with you, doing “Car Karaoke,” singing along with those wonderful tunes on your radio. It sure makes the time go faster and makes for happy moments traveling to and from your destination. The drive home after a great weekend is even better when you sing along with your favorites.
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AZAWAKH
DUKE
RBIS GCHG JBK THE BATTALION OF A&M AT BALETKA
R E S E R V E TOP FIVE BORDER COLLIE BREED * AND ALL BREED * * BEST IN SHOW M U L T I P L E GROUP WINNING
EXCLUSIVELY PRESENTED BY: DAVID AND JENNIFER HARPER ASSISTED BY: CAMERON HARPER
OWNED AND LOVED BY: DAWN MARIE
BALETKA BRED AND
CO-OWNED BY: JODIE KEENER
*AKC STATS AS OF 5/31/22 **DOG NEWS STATS AS OF 5/31/22
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BORDER COLLIE
MBISS GCHS KALLMEE THE AERIALIST
2021 #1 TOY FOX TERRIER BREED & ALL BREED *
*AKC STATS 2021
2021 NATIONAL SPECIALTY BEST OF BREED 2020 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOB 2021 BOB MORRIS AND ESSEX 2022 NATIONAL SPECIALTY BOS FIVE GROUP 1’S, MANY GROUP PLACEMENTS! MULTIPLE SPECIALTY BESTS
4 day cluster in West Virginia and we got the complete rosette set! Thank you Mrs. Lydia Hutchinson, Mrs. Alice Watkins, Mr. Mark Kennedy and Mrs. Terry Berrios!
SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX KALLMEE—HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978, COCOA, FL
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 63
TOY FOX TERRIER
FINNICKYSKYE CAVALIERS OWNED & SHOWN BY: JIM & SHARON UTYCH Catcher PLATINUM LEVEL NOHS CAVALIER RBIS CKCSC USA & GROUP PLACING MBISOH MRBISOH AKC GCHS CH LEGENDCREST FINNICKYSKYE DREAM CATCHER, JW AW CGC
SELECT DOG TUSCALOOSA KC – APRIL 7 UNDER JUDGE NANCY SMITH HAFNER
BIRMINGHAM KC – APRIL 8 UNDER JUDGE JON COLE T USCALOOSA KC – APRIL 9 UNDER JUDGE BARBARA DEMPSEY ALDERMAN
BIRMINGHAM KC – APRIL 10 UNDER JUDGE DEBORAH BARRETT
CLARKSVILLE KC – APRIL 23 UNDER JUDGE MOLLY MARTIN
CLARKSVILLE KC – APRIL 24 UNDER JUDGE ANDREA BRADFORD MD
©SKUNK WORX CUSTOMS PHOTOGRAPHY
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CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
Edgar Both father and son are invited to westminster
CLOSING IN ON HIS GOLD GRAND CHAMPION TITLE - ALL OH MBIS CKCSC USA & GROUP PLACING RBISOH MBISS AKC GCHS CH BROOKHAVEN THE DREAM LIVES ON, AW CGCA
OUR SINCEREST APPRECIATION AND THANK YOU TO ALL JUDGES WHO HAVE AWARDED OUR TWO BOYS. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE AT WESTMINSTER. 5 POINT MAJOR SELECT MAURY KC – APRIL 30 UNDER JUDGE CAROLYN HERBEL SELECT DOG BIRMINGHAM KC – APRIL 10 UNDER JUDGE DEBORAH BARRETT BEST OF BREED CLARKSVILLE TN – APRIL 23 UNDER JUDGE MOLLY MARTIN OWNER HANDLED GROUP ONE CLARKSVILLE TN – APRIL 23 UNDER JUDGE JAY RICHARDSON BEST OF BREED CLARKSVILLE TN – APRIL 24 UNDER JUDGE ANDREA BRADFORD MD
© 2022 TOM WEIGAND PHOTOGRAPHY
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 65
©SKUNK WORX CUSTOMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Our sincerest appreciation and thank you to all judges who have awarded Pearl. We are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring us.
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RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK
A D W E R A ’ S
Sire: GCHB Shabani’s Ringwraith Dam: Adwera’s Sage of RidgeKrest JC
DOB 5/27/21
Owned, bred, and exclusively handled by Deborah Ahern-Ridlon
Adwera Rhodesian Ridgebacks lionhounds@adweraridgebacks.com
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022 | 67
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: JUDGING THE SINATRA WAY
For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels And not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows
Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way. All of us have had regrets, not only in judging but also in life. We are, after all, human. I have never met anyone who is perfect in either category, though I have met a few individuals who would like for you to think they are always right and never make mistakes. In our lives and our careers in the sport, we chart a course that could be a breeding program, or possibly, a path toward accu- mulating various breeds and achieving various levels of judging. It is a long road and takes many years to achieve success. Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all, and I stood tall And did it my way This journey is never easy. We make mistakes along the way. Breedings that, although carefully thought out and planned, for some reason just don’t “click.” We acquire new breeds, and in those early assignments we may struggle with what we’ve learned and what we see standing in front of us—and we hope to get it right until we are comfortable with that breed.
than ever in telling us what we can and can- not do. Healthcare professionals are always telling us what is best for us. Plus, there are those who are constantly trying to be sure that we are all “politically correct” in every facet of our speech and our actions. Even in this crazy sport we love called showing dogs, the AKC sets procedures to be followed, and rules and guidelines regarding behavior for judges and exhibi- tors alike. A person’s individuality to do things differently can often be a topic of judgment among the fancy. When I began in this sport, we had many different people who could only be described as “colorful.” You never knew what they would do or say. There were very few magazines, and the advertising of dogs and show wins was minimal. Many of the judges in those days had their own individual procedures and processes. Some were known as “tooth fairies” while others would not tolerate a dog soiling their ring. Still others had reputations for liking “the ladies” or “the boys,” and some were well- known to “spread the wealth.” Although very different from each other, what they all had in common was a deep background in our sport, and they were well-respected. I think they earned their monikers because they all did it their way. THE JUDGE’S STORY—’MY WAY’ Let’s take a look at how the song “My Way” can tell the story of many of the judges of the past as well as a few of those who are current. And now the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I’ll say it clear I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain I’ve lived a life that’s full
And did it my way Yes, it was my way.
Although this song was originally thought of as sharing the sentiments expressed by an individual who is looking back on his life, I also view it as a way to look at our journey through the sport of dogs and especially the journey of a judge. INTERPRETATION & PRIORITIES You have heard the phrases “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Both of these phrases can be applied to the judging of dogs. Each judge has his interpretation of the Standard and may also have his or her own set of priorities. All too often in our sport, some critics find fault with our judges. Field Reps who don’t agree with their choice may give them a poor report. Handlers and exhibitors who lose can often be heard being critical of the outcome of the day. When the top-ranked or rated dog does not win, the cries go out even when the winner was an extremely deserving winner that was owner-handled or simply not being actively campaigned. It is very easy for any of us sitting ring- side to find ourselves judging the dogs. What you may not understand is that while you have dismissed in your mind those exhibits that you have eliminated ringside (as you focus on those that you see as the competition), the judge in the ring can only focus on each exhibit as it is presented to him or her. Good judges have that true self-confi- dence which allows them to block out the outside influences and focus on the exhibits in front of them—on that day and at that moment. More often than not, they are get- ting it right even if you don’t agree. I ask you, would you rather have a judge who always puts up the most adver- tised dog or the top handlers? Or maybe, you would like to see capable judges just do it THEIR WAY. I know I can always look into a mir- ror at the end of the day because “I did it my way.”
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried I’ve had my fill, my share of losing And now, as tears subside I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say, not in a shy way Oh, no, oh, no, not me I did it my way
I traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this I did it my way
As someone who has been involved with dogs for half a century, I know I have lived a full life. And like many others in the sport, exhibitor, breeder, and judge, I have traveled each and every highway. Most of us who have achieved any success did it our way thanks to the great friends and mentors who allowed us to develop our thoughts and interpretations and apply them as we saw fit.
We all have loved, laughed, and cried with our many friends and family. Our dog family is filled with so many people who have touched our lives. We enjoy their special moments together and we support them and cry with them when they suffer tragedy. We all have had our share of wins and losses in the ring and the amusement of observing all the dra- ma along the way.
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BOXER
CARSON WHEN THE PAST CATCHES UP TO THE FUTURE GCH SWISS STAR’S SNOWING OVER THE PASS FROM THE PAST... COMES THE FUTURE
SIRE: GCHB SWISS STAR’S AMERICAN IDOL “SIMON” – TOP 20, 2018 DAM: SWISS STAR’S IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS CGCA, RN, NSW, ASW
With limited showing, Carson finished his Championship and Grand Championship easily. This year he was in the Top 20. He remains in the top 20 for 2022 to date. The first time Carson’s sire Simon took BOB and went into the group ring he placed 3rd. The first time Carson took BOB and went into the Group he also placed 3rd. JUST THE SERENDIPITY OF DEJA VU
SIRE “SIMON”
GCHB SWISS STAR’S AMERICAN IDOL
© COOK, 2017 MYDOGPHOTO.COM
BRED BY: BOBBIE HEFNER OWNED BY TINA & CHRIS BUTLER FINISHED HIS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SIDNEY STONE
AND HAS CONTINUED HIS SHOW CAREER WITH JEAN GAUCHAT-HARGIS & JOSHUA HARGIS
© COOK, 2021 MYDOGPHOTO.COM
70 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
THE DOG WHO MADE BREED HISTORY AM-CAN- MEX INT CH DALLYBECKS ECHO JACKSON, CD, NDD, REG. THERAPY DOG
JACKSON BORN IN 1986 AND LIVED TO BE OVER 11 When I purchased Jackson as a two-year-old for a $4.00 transfer fee, a glass of ice tea and a roast beef sandwich, I had no idea the road I was about to travel for the next 36 years. Jackson finished his championship easily and went on take 34 Group Placements—including many Group One—in less than two years. He is the number one producer of Champions in the history of the breed in any country (71). He’s also the top producer of Obedience Titled dogs (34), including HIT and the first CHOTCH Bernese named Stormy, owned by Thisha Kotter. Four of the seven pups in the first litter bred to my first female, Ch Vombreiterwegs Swiss Lace went on to become Champions, and Ch Swiss Star’s Blue Baron won the Bernese Nationals not once, but twice. I sent Jackson to Canada for a short period were he was a multiple BIS winner and became Canada’s #1 Bernese in 1990. In 1991, he was ranked #2 All-Breed in the USA. He was also a four-time winner of the Stud Dog class at Nationals. He has been gone now for many years, yet so many of the Top 20 dogs each year go back to this dog. I did not start out to be a breeder... I just wanted to show my first dog, Lacey. Little did I know back then that 36 years later I would still stand ringside watching the past become the future. Thank you to all the judges who saw the merit in this dog and to my many friends who have cheered us on through the years. SWISS STAR FARMS 530-268-3838 Bobbie Hefner
© SMITH, ‘90
BRED BY: MARGE REHO OWNED BY BOBBIE HEFNER SHOWN IN USA BY JEFF HEIM
SHOWN IN CANADA AND EVERY BMDA NATIONALS BY JOE LOBB
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THE HISTORY OF THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
SUBMITTED BY BMDCA FROM THE ILLUSTRATED STANDARD
T he Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four breeds of Sennenhunde working dogs, having their origins in farming areas of Switzerland. All of the Sennenhunde (the other three are the Appenzeller, the Entlebucher, and the Greater Swiss Moun- tain Dog) are tri-colored dogs sharing similar markings, but only the Bernese is characterized by a long coat. “Sennenhunde” is what English speakers call the Bernese Mountain Dog. The name has three distinct parts: “Berner” refers to the Canton of Bern in west-central Switzerland, both alpine and farmlands where most of this breed were concentrated during the last part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. Swiss dog fanciers first became attract- ed to these native dogs. A “Senn” or “Senner” is the cowherd who accompanies the cattle herds to the Alps in the summer, and “hund” is the dog accompanying the master and herds. The old records show that Bernese were developed as general-purpose farm dogs. Their work involved driving cattle, for which a large, calm-natured dog was required. They pulled carts laden with dairy product and other items to market, the work requiring a sturdy constitution and the self-confidence to be independent. They were watchdogs around the farms and with the herds, alert and instinctively aware of the things happening around the farm. They lived with their people, whether on the farm or in the alpine huts, and were devoted to them.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are hardy and not bothered by cold weather, rain or snow. On the other hand, their heavy coat means they do not do their best in hot weather. They are natural dogs, in the sense that they are not altered by docking, cropping or trimming. They are honest working dogs, not changed in ways more suitable to the show ring than to the farm. At the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, when Swiss dog fanci- ers turned to the search for old native breeds, the great geologist and dog fancier Dr. Albert Heim was a leader in his admiration for the Ber- ner. He was instrumental in preserving the Berner Sennenhund as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s introduction to America began in 1936 with the import of two dogs from Switzerland, a male and female, brought here by Glen Shadow of Ruston, Louisiana. On April 13, 1937, Mr. Shadow received a letter from the American Kennel Club, declaring official recognition of the Bernese as a new breed to the Working Group. From just a few early dogs, the breed’s numbers have climbed steadily. Their population has spread from the dog’s original home in Switzerland to many nations, their capabilities and adaptation a study in utility. Seeking a balance of beauty, function in form, and solid character has been a constant in breed management from the early days to the present. These dogs were and are now bred for purpose, to serve as companions and working dogs. We continue to cherish the breed’s distinctive quali- ties of utility and dependability. It is today’s breeder’s role to ensure the breed’s future place as a solidly built, stable working companion—the beautiful and capable Bernese Mountain Dog.
72 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022
BIS BISS GCHS JAZZMAN ARMOURED VEHICLE BLACK AND TAN BREED * # 1
THANK YOU JUDGE MRS. SULIE GREENDALE-PAVEZA BREEDER/OWNER/HANDLER ZOE BOLIN
*AKC stats as of 5/31/22
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BLACK AND TAN COONHOUND
MULTIPLE BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW WINNER • MULTIPLE GROUP WINNING • MULTIPLE GROUP PLACING
GCHS HALESTORM-SUMA THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE CGC FDC ATT CA BCAT TKN
Thank you judge Ms. Joy S. Brewster
“THE MORE FLUID YOU ARE THE MORE YOU ARE ALIVE” ARNAUD DESJARDINS
74 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022
POINTER (GERMAN SHORTHAIRED)
SUBMITTED BY THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA WRITTEN BY THE LATE FRAN BROWN JUDGING THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
FIRST IMPRESSION Striking, large, tri-colored dog of strong character and beauty. Appearing square, but slightly longer than tall, sturdy (well) boned. Before taking the center of the ring, one must have the ideal Bernese Mountain Dog in mind. The essence of the breed is balance, outline, character, coat, head, and correct carriage. Keep in mind, any dog can gait soundly or correctly, but if he lacks the essence of the breed he is not an ideal Bernese Mountain Dog. No single feature should overpower the impres- sion of the whole dog. Note that a dog measuring 25 inches, as compared to a dog measuring 27-1/2 inches, can be quite dif- ferent in size; however, both can be correct as they are within the Standard. The quality of the dog takes precedence in your evaluation. The same with bitches. APPROACHING THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG FOR EXAMINATION When approaching the dog or bitch, you should feel a sense of strong character. Shy or aggressive behavior is not tolerated. Puppies will greet you with enthusiasm, and some with a look of concern. Work with the handler to make it a good experience for the puppy even though it will interrupt a routine examina- tion. Examining the head will reveal important breed details. Markings are sometimes deceiving. Darker faces, less white, and more brown will imply a stern expression. Expression is influenced by markings; however, the stop, ear size and place- ment, eye shape, and eye color contribute to expression. A pro- file will allow you to compare the length and depth of muzzle, the skull, and backskull. Dark pigment (lips and mouth) is also considered good breed detail. Take note of bite and dentition. Continuing the examination will require a judge to deter- mine depth and breadth of chest and formation of shoulders, upper arm, elbow, length of neck, and transition into the with- ers and back. Pasterns have a slight slope. Confirm that the front legs are well under the body and well behind the post ster- num—an important element of a correct outline. A hands-on evaluation of the topline includes slope of croup to set-on of tail, then continuing down the tail checking for kinks and length.
“THE ESSENCE OF THE BREED IS BALANCE, OUTLINE, CHARACTER, COAT, HEAD, AND CORRECT CARRIAGE.”
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JUDGING THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
“THE PROPER BALANCE AND BREED DETAILS ARE ESSENTIAL, AND THE DOG MUST BE CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE RATHER THAN SEPARATE PARTS IN THE FINAL EVALUATION.”
The tail bone must reach to the hocks. Check body for depth, rib cage, and strong loin. Be aware of slab sides and too narrow between the front legs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not a nar- row-made dog nor does he have an extreme tuck-up as a hound or setter. Underline is important and should be felt with the hands. Hindquarter evaluation is accomplished by examination of the well-developed thigh and upper thigh, stifle, and hock. Hindquar- ters are strong and powerful, and your judgement should not be fooled by artistry of grooming in hocks or stifles. Conditioning is apparent in well-developed thighs. The hands-on evaluation includes the coat. The coat is thick and moderately long or slightly wavy. The Bernese Mountain Dog is to be shown in a natural coat. Excessive grooming should be discouraged. We put much emphasis on handling and condition in the show ring in America. Even though we like to see dogs pre- sented well and in good condition, grooming and handling skills do not change a mediocre dog. lt is your responsibility to observe the virtues of the dog. Absence of white on the feet or tail does not take away from the quality of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Do not place undue emphasis on markings other than what is mentioned in the Standard as a fault. JUDGING MOVEMENT In judging the gait, the structure of the dog is the primary influence of gait. Carriage is an element that draws the eye when viewing the side gait, and thus, relates to structure and balance.
One element of good carriage is a firm topline and lack of roll. A slow trot is preferred in a draft dog; however, when viewing at a faster trot, the dog converges to a center line of gravity and one can better assess reach and drive. Absence of good reach and drive is non-conforming to the breed and its purpose as a good working dog. A dog that moves rapidly around the ring is not necessarily the correct Bernese Mountain Dog. Do not hesitate to ask a handler to slow down. Take note of the tail carriage. In judging the Bernese Mountain Dog, as with any other breed, remember that no dog is perfect. The proper balance and breed details are essential, and the dog must be considered as a whole rather than separate parts in the final evaluation. Lastly, the tem- perament is self-confident, alert, and good-natured, never sharp or shy. A tail flattened against the belly area is a telltale sign of a dog lacking confidence. Dogs that stand steady, but aloof, are not to be faulted. RULES OF THE RING Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually very uncomfortable in direct sun. Judges are urged to avoid undue exposure whenever possible. Be kind to our dogs. Be kind to the exhibitors. The novice exhibitors must be encouraged. Become familiar with the BMDCA Standard. If you are uneasy with the breed, pursue opportunities to observe and discuss the breed for a better under- standing. Most Bernese Mountain Dog mentors will gladly devote their time and share their knowledge.
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