Remembering: Ric Chashoudian
Remembering One Of The Great Dog Men of Our Time: Ric Chashoudian
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Returning from the Chaos of COVID
There has been plenty of conversation about what the return of dog shows and other events will look like in the post-quarantine age of COVID-19. Opinions run the gamut from “I am never coming back” to “Wherever it is, I will be at the first show that sticks”. As we begin to try to imagine what shows and trials will look like, suggestions range from measured thoughts and concerns to the ludicrous.
Alva Rosenberg – Dean of American Dog Judges
The moment the first loser stalked out of the first dog show judging qualifications became the central controversy of this sport. Not only has it defied resolution for well over a century, the surrounding furor has never dropped one decibel.
Looking Back With Lee…Remembering Bea Godsol
Many of the keenest minds whose opinions you prize will freely admit much of what they learned (and more importantly…carry into their judgments on a regular basis) were gifts from this great sportswoman. Bea started in dogs in the early 1930s with her “Coastwise” Newfoundlands. She also had success in other breeds which included German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and both Sealyham and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. When I say “success” in these chosen breeds, I say it as humbly as Bea would have; she won National Specialties in each of those breeds over her years of her involvement.
The history of the Rottweiler – As Fit as a Butcher’s Dog
Germany is quite rightly famous for its Autobahn, beer, wurst and of course its automobile industry. However, something that never quite seems to make the ‘Top Ten Things Germany is Famous For’ list, and in my opinion a contribution that is far more important (than cars, beer or sausage) for bringing joy to millions all around the world, are the numerous dog breeds that have also come from this country.
Excuses…Excuses
We’ve all done it, myself included. Back in the mid-to-late seventies I placed a handsome young dog with a family willing to have him shown. In fact, the husband was open to the idea of handling the dog himself. The pup had a rather strong personality and I soon found myself regretting the placement. I became acutely aware that the pup was getting away with murder, the owners giggling over his stubborn and rather headstrong demeanor.
Looking Back With Lee_ Remembering Chic Ceccarini
From the archives of The Canine Chronicle, April 2011 By Lee Canalizo Chic showing in 1960 Look at the rings made of string and the big brown heavy tents. Once again it’s another “Look Back” to a family in our sport that left an indelible mark. In Boxers if you were a handler with a […]
Sharing Lessons Learned The Need for Explosive Detection Dogs and The American Kennel Club Dog Detection Task Force
The worldwide need for explosive detection and parole dogs continues to grow despite the fact that there are more than 80 million dog owners in the US. The shortage quickly followed the events of 9/11, Brussels, Boston, Las Vegas, New York and London. According to government sources, the U.S. has historically been buying about 90 percent of its detection and patrol dogs from European breeders. Other countries have also relied on these European breeders for the same dogs, and European vendors have become the middleman who brings dogs to several locations for the convenience of the buyers. Most of the dogs are sold without pedigrees because most buyers have no interest in breeding. This system works, but not without some fault. There are issues involving the quality of the dogs, the cost and time required to train them and the fact that only about 35% of those purchased successfully complete their training and ultimately become working dogs (3). Guide dogs have a somewhat better success rate at about 50% (4).
One Man’s Opinion
It seems to me that I have seen breeds come and go then come back again, and some seem to have lost it forever. In order for a breed to prosper there have to be some ‘keepers’ of these breeds. These people are usually very keen judges and/or breeders who really care about a breed, and do not mind a little controversy along the way. These keepers of the breeds are very dedicated people, usually, who do not mind sounding off and fighting for the right way. If they are not fighters, they usually get trampled and ridiculed enough so that they give up in disgust and say to hell with it.
Breed Priorities – Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees was named for the Pyrenees mountain range, which forms a natural border between France and Spain, where they have been used as flock guardians for millennia. In Europe, the breed is called Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Their ancestors were likely the primarily white mountain flock guardian dogs from thousands of years ago in Asia Minor. They are renowned for their devotion to their flocks and their shepherds and their families. Many people recognize some breeds as dual dogs, succeeding in their original function as well as the show ring. The same can be said for flock guardian dogs. Many of these breeds we see in the show ring also work to protect livestock and other animals.
