ThoUghTs on a BrEEd: AMERICAN ESKIMO DOGS
BARBARA BEYNON
conformation in 1955. I was not success- ful, so I tried obedience competition. That Collie did very well, topping off her Utility Dog degree with a 200+ score. Years later she was followed by a Min- iature Poodle and several Keeshonden, each putting in memorable performanc- es. I then started breeding Keeshonden
I live in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am a geologist, hold a BA and MS in Geology and am a licensed Texas Professional Geoscientist. I have owned American Eskimo Dogs since 1978. I started showing 32 years ago and have been approved to judge for 19 years. I am a charter member of the American Eskimo Dog Club of America and currently serve as President. I am the author of the book The Complete American Eskimo. HELEN DORRANCE I live in Leander, Texas. I guess there is no outside of dogs for me since I own a boarding kennel on my 8-acre back- yard. We do also have goats, chickens, sheep, Irish Dexter cows and an Icelandic horse. In my spare time I make goat’s milk soap and travel. I started showing Golden Retrievers in conformation and obedience in 1977 and started showing American Eskimo Dogs in conformation and agility in 1995. I started judging Goldens and Eskies in 2002. KEKE KAHN
and in 1985, at the urging of a friend, I studied and applied for approval to judge Keeshonden and Juniors. In the early 90s, I was introduced to the UKC and applied in 1993 for a license to judge to the Non-Sporting (Northern breeds) group. It was here that I became familiar with the American Eskimo Dog. LUIS SOSA
We live in Madisonville, Louisiana, just north of New Orleans. Outside of dogs I am a Civil Engineer and a Professional Photographer. I have been showing since 1972, photographing since 1974 and judging since 2005.
1. Describe the breed in three words. BB: Loving, intelligent, Nordic.
HD: It is almost impossible to describe the breed in just three words. Well-kept secret immediately comes to mind. However, I guess I could summarize the breed as balanced, agile and devoted. AG: White, long-haired Spitz. LS: 9" to 19" Nordic dog, friendly, alert and intelligent. (I exceeded my 3-word limit). 2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? BB: Correct proportion, effortless movement and loving expression. HD: Whenever I say I have a must have trait in a breed I seem to find myself putting up a dog missing that trait at the very next show I judge. Even though AEDs are not Labrador Retrievers I guess I’d have to go with head, coat and tail. They must have erect ears, stop and a broad muzzle. A stand-off coat is important and their tail has to be up at least once (even if it is only fleetingly) while moving. Black points are icing on the cake, but not a deal breaker if they don’t have them. AG: My must haves, when I find it, include some width of head and body, a smaller ear size, good bone, correct body proportions and balance as well as arched neck (when possible).
I have been in dogs my whole life. I have been a breeder for over a half- century. I come from Virginia, then Pennsylvania most of my life and also Florida for the past twenty years. I was a technician by trade and worked for my Doctor husband and then a stay-at-home Mom of three while breeding Lhasas at the same time. I started judging in the
70s and became All-Breed in 1996—very proudly. I’ve met wonderful people and have had an amazingly wonderful life. ARLENE GRIMES I’ve live in Martinez since 1977; it is a small waterfront town in northern California. Outside of dogs, I tend a small vegetable patch and 14 fruit trees. I enjoy baking, canning, cooking and traveling. I showed by first purebred dog in
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