Herding Group Hall of Fame 2020
Click here to read the complete article 302 – November, 2021 Click here to read the complete article 302 – November, 2021
“Author Archive”
Dog Show Tips 10 Questions in 60 Seconds. Ep. #3
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! This week Will gives us 10 Questions in 60 Seconds. Ep. #3. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
A Good Name Is A Second Inheritance
An anthropologist might suggest that there is a link between what is named in a society (and how it is named) greatly illustrates the way members of the community think of themselves in relation to what is being named. Simply put, I believe the names our dogs are given sometimes hold great meaning for the breeder or the owner. Some breeders and owners have had just the right name picked out for just the right puppy for many years. Often, the perfect name is a reflection of the owner’s or the dog’s personality.
Lights! Cameras! Action! It’s the National Dog Show!
When the lights went out at the conclusion of Best in Show judging at the 2021 Morris & Essex Kennel Club show, show chairman Wayne Ferguson could take a moment to breathe and enjoy the show’s success. But not more than a moment—there are four years before the next Morris & Essex, but only a bit more than a month until the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s “National Dog Show Presented by Purina.”
Field Judges That Drove Owners, Trainers and Handlers Batty
Looking at the number of entries in AKC, HRC/UKC, NSTRA, NAVHDA et. al. tests, it is clear that a considerable number of sporting dog owners participate in these events. If you are one of these participants, sooner or later, it’s a good bet that you will run into judging that, at best, will leave you shaking your head in bewilderment and, at worst, leave you furious. For folks with show dogs, this state of affairs is nothing new but at least in the show ring, where all judging is subjective, owners and handlers know what they’re getting into when they plunk down the entry fee.
The Sadly Elusive Front End
Listen to conversations that include serious students of dogs–generally long-time, successful breeders, handlers and judges–and it won’t take long before they start talking about the sadly elusive front assembly. Somewhere between many and most show dogs have front ends that are lacking, and it shows on sidegait as well as on the down and back. Since it’s so sadly elusive, it’s time for a short reminder of what makes a front end great. Brush up on the basics in this article, go look for it in your own dogs, and then look to improve it in your breeding program.
Breeds of Antiquity
Generally, I do the happy dance when I see dogs in the news. However, I’ve gotten to the point where I need to calm down before I read anything related to this topic in The New York Times. They tend to be anti-purebred to say the least. On the other hand, Science Times is usually an excellent, trustworthy source of mainstream insights into science and research.
IMHO – The Path to Success for Judges Completing their 1st Group
We all begin somewhere. For some, that place is standing in the ring judging dogs. It is not appealing to everyone, but for those of whom it is, the desire is undeniable. To satisfy that need requires every new judge to meet the requirements and face the challenges. Acquiring that first group can be the most daunting to those working through it. IMHO asked fellow judges to share some tips and offer their suggestions for judges who are taking those steps toward judging their first group. Whether their experiences are from long ago, more currently, or very new, you will be able to appreciate their advice.
The Big E – Element of Surprise
I am just not good with public surprises. Perhaps, I am just one of those people who is made uncomfortable by them? It does not seem to matter whether it is going out for dinner only to show up at your own unexpected birthday celebration, or opening the door to find unexpected guests at dinnertime. I know how to be gracious. You would never see me any other way, but inside I go into a tizzy.
In Their Own Words – Morris & Essex
After the conclusion of judging, we asked the seven group judges and Desmond Murphy, the Best In Show judge, to talk about their assignments and placements.
