The Vizsla evolved in Hungary, the favorite hunting dog of Magyar tribes and a valued and protected hunting and companion dog of early nobility. It is one of the smallest pointing retrieving breeds. Its golden rust short coat, moderate size, and robust but light build are among its trademarks. The Vizsla community is justifiably proud of the many “dual dogs” in their breed.
Dogs were judged in three groups – puppy, adult, and veteran – by a panel of over 130 world-class judges.
While stewarding for a friend and breed colleague, she said to me, “I believe I am going to breed Martha (not the bitch’s real name) when she comes into season.” I am well acquainted with her bitch’s pedigree and accomplishments in conformation, so, all I had to ask was “To what dog?” and “What is his pedigree?” There was some beating around the bush and then she responded, “My only real requirement for using any stud dog on one of my bitches is that he must have won at least two Bests in Show.” I have to admit, I could not believe what I had just heard. It was breeding practice blasphemy. It was diametrically opposed to everything I had ever read or had been told by my mentors and highly successful breeders, whom I most respect.
by Ric Chashoudian, From the archives of The Canine Chronicle, April, 1998 In one of my last articles, I talked about professionalism. I want to carry this on because it covers a lot of ground. I have been a professional dog handler ever since the age of 16. That was when I first charged to […]
While the dog show world went eerily quiet, judges were busy learning more about breeds they judge and introducing themselves to others which they wanted to explore. How did they manage while we have been at home? Fortunately, judges were able to access a wide variety of educational opportunities on a variety of virtual platforms, and they did. In force, judges used the time well. Read about their experiences as they share their thoughts for IMHO this month.
It has been my experience over more than forty years of presenting seminars and clinics on canine anatomy and movement, meeting breeders and exhibitors, and judging dogs that most of us involved in the sport conscientiously strive to improve our chosen breeds, exhibit them well and judge them to the best of our ability. It is little wonder then that all of the participants are eager for information that gives them a more subtle and complete understanding of their animals.
The Laekenois, which entered Miscellaneous in 2011, has become our 196th recognized breed.
I have been actively handling dogs for 16 years, and for the last 3½ months I, amongst others, have not been able to work at or do what we love. Due to the fear of the CoVid-19, a lot of shows have been canceled or rescheduled for future dates which has caused so many in our sport significant hardship.
When this year began, what were your plans for it? Did you plan to lose weight? Get in shape? Finish your promising youngsters? Get your special into the Top 20?
Those are things you were for–ideas for improvement, plans for progress in life and in dog sports.
When this year began, no one could have predicted what actually happened, and how it would impact your plans. How have you handled the series of monkey wrenches hurled into your life?
The Beauceron is the largest French herding breed and is closely related to the Briard. Recognized by AKC in 2007, it currently ranks 141st (as of 2017 statistics) among AKC’s 190 breeds. The Beauceron is a very smart, willing, and versatile breed and has been used for military and police work as well as protection and herding. With a strong personality, the breed is better suited to experienced dog owners.
