Table Talk • Wednesday, October 21, 2026
When I began showing dogs in conformation many years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I had been competing in obedience and agility with a breed (Chinese Shar-Pei) that did not have a reputation for their performance ability. I have never been one to take the easy road! I was approached by a Shar-pei breeder at a show (The International Kennel Club of Chicago back when it was THE show to attend) about taking on a dog to train and show in conformation. And so, it began.
My vet and his wife were primarily obedience enthusiasts, who dabbled in conformation. They were my first mentors in the sport. With their assistance, I found a conformation class, attended weekly in preparation for my first show which, ironically, was also at the International Kennel Club of Chicago. Back then, IKC was benched. I was now benched on the “other side” with the conformation folks as opposed to hanging out with the obedience competitors. I felt as if I was in another country! I showed up with my dog, some food, water, bowls, his crate with bedding, and that was it! While the Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed that does not require excessive grooming, there were other breeds benched around me that had all these tables, boxes full of “stuff”, dryers, etc. “What in the world,” I thought to myself.
That day, my first time exhibiting in the conformation ring, the judge was Bob Forsyth. While I knew how to stack and move my dog, I realized quickly that I did not have a clue what I was doing. When I won my class, I took my blue ribbon, and I was about to leave when the other exhibitors told me to wait. They said I had to go in the ring again. “Wow! I get to do it again!” I thought. I got Winners Dog, and I was about to take my pretty purple ribbon and go when I was again told I had to wait and go in the ring again! I ended up with Best of Winners, and Bob leaned toward me and said, “You are new, aren’t you?” My answer was, “Is it that obvious?” He laughed!
Fast-forward to a couple years later: I had a new vehicle that could accommodate all of my stuff, and my three conformation dogs! My table, my tack box, my dryer, etc. I began following professional handlers and watching them from morning until the conclusion of Best In Show. I wanted to perfect my craft and exhibit my dogs to their maximum potential. The days of showing up with just my dog were over for me. Now, keep in mind, prior to changing my approach, I was doing well, prevailing in the Winners class, and sometimes going breed over specials (which took a minute for me to understand).
I tell this story because I think it ties in to both Wayne Cavanaugh’s article https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/running-with-scissors/ and Omar Gonzales’ recent article https://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?i=871321&p=212&view=issueViewer . Omar does a great job of illustrating how rewarding style over substance can negatively affect the future of a breed. I believe there is a compromise: In order for a dog to look its best, a bit of “Spit and Shine” does not hurt, as long as we do not get carried away. Getting a dog trained and groomed so it stands out is not a bad thing, as long as the dog’s well-being is not compromised, or it doesn’t deviate too much from the breed standard. It is the judge’s job to find the substance over style, and hopefully our judges will judge to the breed standard and not put up style over substance. We as fanciers have a right to question if that does not occur.
The team at The Canine Chronicle is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of one of our cherished writers, Amy Fernandez. Amy’s respect in the sport went well beyond the written word. She bred lovely Chinese Cresteds under the Razzmatazz kennel name and was instrumental in the AKC recognition of the Xoloitzcuintli while serving as the National Club president. Amy was never afraid to speak up for the underdog, and she never backed down from writing about a tough topic. Her legacy will live on through the knowledge she shared. Rest well, my friend. You will be sorely missed, but your memory will live on with your written words.
Entries for the Old Fort Cluster in Ft Wayne, Indiana have closed. With an entry of nearly 900 on the weekdays to 1100-plus on Saturday, the cluster is going strong! RV spots with electricity are sold out, but there are still a few dry lot spaces available. I look forward to seeing everyone in Fort Wayne!
Heads up to those planning to bring their RV to the Kentuckiana Cluster in Louisville in March. While the lot with hook-ups will be in the same place as previous years, it will be much smaller due to construction. There will be a larger dry lot in a different location. As in previous years, the Kentuckiana Cluster team is not responsible for the RV reservations – it is handled by the Expo center. Get your reservations in sooner rather than later!! https://kyvenues.jotform.com/251885871910971
Happy Anniversary to Tim and Lisa Thomas and Tammy and Greg Bohlke! Best wishes for great things as you enjoy another great year of love and happiness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Kathy Hritzo Heimann, Brad Jenkins, Johnny Roe, Rob Hall, Ethan Coye, Jill Bell, Betty-Anne Stenmark, Gary Andersen, and Diane Fike McGarvey. May your next trip around the sun be filled with joy and adventure.
Remember this my friends: No matter how weary you may be, try to remember that kind people exist, good things still happen, and this world can be heart-achingly beautiful. Keep hope alive, and keep going!
Be safe out there! I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…
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