By Lee Canalizo
Handlers like Richard didn’t just do a fast “Show n’ Go”… they were immersed in their associated breeds. They developed an ongoing relationship with many different breeds and breeders. Of course, many of the top breeders of the day were wealthy patrons that made a major breeding operation possible.
At a recent conformation training class, I was sitting with one of my mentors discussing coat color genetics. One of the ladies new to the class (and fairly new to the sport) was working with her American Eskimo Dog when she stopped and asked a question. She wondered if we could suggest something to improve pigmentation. Now, I doubt if anyone, least of all myself, considers themself an oracle and an infallible source of information, but sometimes we are all able to come up with helpful advice and alternatives.
The late Tom Horner was a legendary figure in England and beyond as a judge, author, and all-around dogman. Through his musings in England’s brilliant Our Dogs newspaper, and in his book Take Them Around Please, he left some memorable words of wisdom.
We received the sad news that Joe Gregory of Simpsonville, Kentucky has passed away at 94 years old.
How often do you read The Canine Chronicle editorials? These aren’t just space savers in the magazine. Often they are steeped in the history of our sport, and you are doing yourself a great injustice if you don’t read them. Every month I read one or two editorials that make me wonder, where have all the mentors gone? You know, the great ones–the breeders, judges, and handlers that have done it all. The people that would give you, like it or not, unsolicited advice in the ring, or while you were grooming your dog. The ones with no filter. The ones that made you shake in your shoes. If you did something wrong, they would say, “Hey, what are you doing? You know better than that!” and explain to you why it’s wrong and what to change. If you got it right, they would give you a compliment, but usually in a much more subtle way.
I had a conversation with a good friend I greatly respect when it comes to knowledge of dogs. Although the background of this person is sporting and hounds, I really think he is one of the more well-rounded dog men I have known, whether still living or dead. He’s someone I would let pick a dog for me to start a breeding program.
Multiple Best in Show · Multiple Reserve Best in Show · Multiple Best in Specialty Show · 2021 National Specialty Winner
GCHG Southport’s Ares God Of War
#1 Mastiff* – All-Breed & Breed and #6 Working Dog*
Have you ever stood at ringside and felt the hair on your arms stand on end as you watched an unknown dog move around the ring? Has a certain dog literally taken your breath away, as its superb breed type oozed from its every pore while gaiting past you? Have you ever watched a dog and felt the present slip away, replaced by the very history of its breed–so effortlessly illustrated in both body and soul?
President Harry S. Truman had a sign on his desk during his administration. It said, “The buck stops here.” He meant it as a reminder to himself and the world that there was no one else to whom responsibility could be passed for decisions, large and small. While something might circulate around the government for awhile, when it finally reached the Oval Office, the president, whoever he was, had to decide.
So, here’s a “Real-life Lassie” story, to quote a New Hampshire State Trooper who was on the scene the night of Monday, January 3 when the drama unfolded.
