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.
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.
Pure and simple; the state of affairs for what appears to be a majority of AKC Judges is grim and frustrating. For many, it is reminiscent of the Len Brumby days of patronage advancements, a time that many judges are familiar with or were on the periphery — all because of the judges pool central tendency for advanced age. I do not wish to be disrespectful or scornful, but just restating a fact.
For those of you reading this article, raise your hand if you are able to do one thing at a time to completion? Impossible? I am not so sure, but we believe we must multi-task to get everything done in a day. However, it does take commitment to remain completely focused on a project from start to finish.
The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2014 AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals (NOHS), held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) events. Breed and Group judging will be held Friday, December 12th, 2014, with Best In Show decided in the main ring on Saturday evening, December 13th.
