It’s truly amazing that some breeds manage to surmount the hurdles along their path to recognition. DNA analysis confirms that the Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier, and Lhasa Apso rank among the world’s most ancient breeds. Their histories have been entwined for centuries in the East. Unfortunately, that also became the case when they arrived in the West – thanks to possibly the biggest train wreck in kennel club history.
Some of you may be considering applying to the American Kennel Club to become a licensed judge of your breed. The American Kennel Club has certain requirements for initial applicants. The requirements include: complete six stewarding assignments and six judging assignments at sanctioned or specialty matches, sweepstakes, futurities or open shows. You must meet the AKC’s occupational eligibility requirements and attend a Basic Judging Institute. You must also successfully complete the Anatomy, Procedural and Junior Showmanship “open book” written exams.
One of the virtues of getting old is that you get to sit back, put your feet up on your desk and pontificate. Sometimes the folks in your vicinity are even polite enough to listen to what you have to say. In this pontification, I’m going to offer some advice to those of you who are new to field work on how to not waste your entry fees and when you should. Since you get what you pay for and this advice is free, you can attach whatever value to it that you choose. However, I do have some credentials to support this advice.
When dog owners and handlers leave an unsatisfactory exhibiting partnership with each other they often feel either anger or relief about the termination. Common reasons for termination are:
• The handler was not meeting expectations
• The owner was not paying the agreed-upon fees
• Individually, either were too demanding
It is no wonder that purebred dog fanciers have been under assault from animal rights activists and humanitarians. Truly, the extent of abuse and exploitation in recent abuse cases is shocking and nearly inexpressible. One such new case involved the Houston SPCA raiding a Texas property and over 140 animals, including over 70 Irish Wolfhounds, were rescued from hell. Yes, you read that correctly, over 70 Irish Wolfhounds.
Tinsel exemplifies all that a Chinese Shar-Pei should be. A once in a lifetime dog, she continues to make us proud and proves to be the ultimate ambassador for our breed. When one looks at Tinsel, they see the illustrated standard for our breed.
While enjoying dinner with some doggie friends the other night, the topic of judging found its way into our conversation. (surprise, surprise!) However, this wasn’t the typical discussion about how the merits, or lack thereof, of today’s judges. This conversation was about the reasons people choose to judge dogs.
Brussels Griffon lovers had ample reason to celebrate in 1940 when Rosalind Layte’s owner/handled bitch, Ch. Burlingame Hellzapoppin, triumphed in the Westminster group. A few weeks earlier AKC had awarded her Best American Bred Toy of 1939. After decades of uncertain fortune in America, this double victory confirmed that Griffons had beaten the odds.
The Chihuahua is the smallest AKC breed, not to exceed six pounds. It is twenty-second most popular, based on the last year’s registration statistics, the fifth most popular toy breed. It has two coats types, smooth and long, and the dogs are shown as separate varieties based on coat. The Chihuahua is certainly one of the best-known breeds, the star of film and commercials.
When talking about a breed, fanciers usually have a purebred dog in mind. However, most of our modern breeds share their history with other breeds of the same type. In the past, they belonged to a general group of dogs – like terriers or spaniels – with more or less the same characteristics. It was not until the 19th century that people became more interested in dogs as purebreds and the different types were separated and named, and their appearances recorded in breed standards. Unfortunately, some types disappeared, either because their number was too small, or through human selection.
