The Judge/Breeder/Exhibitor Conundrum – Part 2

Dog Show Judges, “Obviously some ethical rules are clear”

Dog Show Judges, “Obviously some ethical rules are clear”

The Peach Blossom Cluster committee is not a whining group of people. Within hours of the Governor’s announcement that the Georgia National Fairgrounds, host venue for the Peach Blossom Cluster, would be closed through the end of June

During this time of quarantine, Zoom can place you anywhere in the world. But, let’s face it, where do most of us want to be right now?

Having bred over 500 champions, I decided I would try to become a judge; to see dogs from the other side of the fence so to speak. Last year I requested my first four breeds: Giant and Standard Schnauzers, as well as Doberman Pinschers and Greyhounds. My first year as a judge, as a provisional, is almost over and it’s been a very interesting experience.

Also, please understand that proper “work” clothes for the position are important. No one wants (or needs) to see your panty lines, cleavage, or other unmentionables. (And these things apply to you men, too!). If I have to see one more handler (and this, sadly, includes Juniors) reach into their bra strap (or some other area under their blouse) and pull out bait, I am going to throw up! Whoever started that trend, please identify yourself! You have some explaining to do.

Closet Confidential with Elaine Lessig : Know Your Knits – Episode 4
Your clothing questions answered. It’s all about putting the power back in your hands by letting you ask questions. Should you wear this or that? What should you donate? How do you mix and match? How do you ensure your clothing isn’t wearing you? Elaine answers all these style questions and so much more…
Ask Elaine – Send your 1 minute video to Amy.Grabe@caninechronicle.com and Elaine will view and answer your questions in her next episode.

In the immediately preceding issue of this magazine, the subject of breed standards and their central purpose was revisited and broached from various perspectives. Some discussion was offered as to how, and to what extent, we go about interpreting what is meant by the written word and the role which these descriptions play.

In our divisive world, it’s no surprise that the inferno of national politics has jumped across the chasm and landed square in the middle of our sport. For more than a century, we managed to keep our disagreements in the context of the sport with no basis in national politics. Seemingly eternal issues like too many shows, judging approval processes, poor judging, grooming space, and parking had nothing to do with our presumed political affiliation. Opinions were based on our views of the sport itself. Not so much anymore. With COVID-19, one of the sport’s biggest challenges in history, the question of when to resume dog shows has become the core argument.

In these dark and quite frightening times, what we need to hear, more than ever before, are stories of resilience, perseverance and eventual triumph. It is of no surprise that the popular fairy tales, which we were all brought up on, were often also written in times of great fear, challenge and hardship.

by Mary C. Lamphier From the archives of The Canine Chronicle, November, 1993 Many people believe that reality is a black and white thing, and that it never changes. Reality, however, is as much a matter of perception as anything and reality changes in relation to the perceptions through which it is filtered. The Belmont […]