From The Publisher
It seems the older I get, the more friends I lose. I am now in my mid-50s and many of the people I knew, loved and respected so much are gone.
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The Policy
While often misattributed to Mark Twain, it was Charles Dudley Warner who made the famous remark, “Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it”. Well, in our sport, everyone complains about the Judging Approval Process. Unlike the weather, however, much has been done about it over many years.
Breed Priorities – Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed in the United States in the middle of the 20th century. The breed’s popularity may well have been spurred by a dog named Ch. My Own Brucie winning Best in Show twice at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, or possibly another named Checkers owned by Vice President Nixon, and another starring in the popular movie “Lady and the Tramp.” The most recent AKC list ranks Cockers as 28th overall, the fifth most popular sporting breed.
The Problem with Judges
The majority of owners and exhibitors, including professional handlers, fail I think, to give any consideration to the many problems faced by judges today. Nor do they consider how judges strive to solve these problems. Moreover, many novice judges–having little experience with any of a hundred puzzling problems which might come up–do not know how to respond in certain situations or answer the questions when put to them.
Forged Health Papers Are Big Business
There’s nothing new about dogs entering this country from Eastern Europe with questionable documentation. We’ve had rabies scares, among other things. But this is not a rabies-free country to start with. So, aside from a few fatal disease outbreaks, what’s the harm…right? NOT! But that’s another story.
Breed Priorities – German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers were developed in Germany in the late 1800s. It is a rugged, versatile hunting dog that can work in different terrains. This medium sized breed is known for his distinctive protective wire coat with facial furnishings.
IMHO – Is Social Media a Positive or Negative Influence?
We asked 3 experienced AKC judges 2 questions about current issues affecting our sport. Here’s what they had to say…
Hacking The Illustrated Standard – with Darle Heck
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.
Top Secret – A Dog’s Handbook to Human Interaction
Security, are the doors locked, the area swept for listening devices and a guard on every exit? All secure? All right then, at ease. Be seated and we can begin this briefing.
