…“The only thing I could do was put the tip of her tail between my teeth and smile as the judge approached. He tried to be so serious, but his smile and giggle could not be contained…”
What’s worse than serving on a Breed Standard committee? How about an Illustrated Standard committee? This has become an essential plank of the purebred education package over the past few decades and many clubs are currently into their second or third revision of this delightful task.
Teddy was part of the local dog establishment and he was also, many times, a dinner companion or house guest to many of us during or after the shows.
We met regularly at shows we judged, and our friendship remained a close one. Maybe too close at times! We were gal pals, and both felt the need for someone to bounce things off.
I judged this dog, shown by Harry, in Ireland at the ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHOW. When I got back from Ireland…
Now that I have taken Emeritus status from the dog show judges ranks having survived hundreds of shows, twenty three of them overseas, I thought it a good time to survey where we have been and where, perhaps, we are going.
I entered the fray when Ch. Rock Falls Colonel, the English Setter, and Bang Away of Sirrah Crest, the Boxer, were at the top of their form. For many that seems like a long time ago. For me, it seems only yesterday.
The years pass and many changes occur in our world of purebred dogs. Among them the cast of characters of the participants, which is particularly notable where some of our best-loved and most esteemed all breed judges are concerned! Who would have believed, twenty years ago, that the day might come when the once magic name “Alva Rosenberg” might bring forth a puzzled look and the question “who’s that” from the exhibitor or breeder or just casual fancier
This was way before air travel with dogs was prevalent. Air travel with dogs was done on old, two engine prop planes. For us, it was the old Flying Tiger Line that we went on. It was a nineteen-hour trip from Burbank, California, to Newark, through Salt Lake City and Detroit. The dogs, tack, handlers, and helpers were weighed in as freight.
The Akita is designated a national monument in Japan. The breed originated in the snowy mountainous region of Japan, dating back as far as 500 B.C. It was used for large game hunting and guarding property. Originally, ownership of Akitas was restricted to royalty, and the breed was seldom allowed out of the country. The first Akita in the United States came as a gift to Helen Keller.
Don’t bitch when a good one beats you. Try harder next time, or get a better dog. Do not show under judges you feel are incompetent.
